Abstract

IQBAL, M. A. et al. Effects of mannan-oligosaccharides' supplementation on hatching characteristics of four close-bred flocks of Japanese quail breeders. S. Afr. j. anim. sci. [online]. 2017, vol.47, n.5, pp.672-678. ISSN 2221-4062.  https://doi.org/10.4314/sajas.v47i5.10.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mannan-oligosaccharides' (MOS) supplementation on hatching characteristics of four close-bred flocks (CBFs) of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) breeders. A total of 960 Japanese quail breeders, aged 12 weeks old, were randomly selected and divided into four groups (n = 240) with twelve replicates (n = 20) in a completely randomized design (15 ♂ : 5 ♀). The birds were a fed corn-based basal diet (group D) or basal diet supplemented with MOS at the levels of 0.25 % (group A), 0.5 % (group B) and 1.0 % (group C) for 15 weeks. The collected data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA techniques using Statistical Analysis System. The fertility and hatchability of 0.50 % MOS-supplemented group was significantly higher than other treatment groups. Similarly, fertility and hatchability percent of fertile eggs of Kaleem flock was significantly higher than other flocks, while dead in-shells were significantly lower in Sadat flock. Conclusively, MOS supplementation positively influences the fertility and hatchability of quail breeders.

Keywords : Fertility; hatchability; Japanese quail breeders; mannan-oligosaccharides; poultry biotechnology.

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