Effect of Feeding Fungal Fermented and Toasted Guar Meal with or Without Enzyme Supplementation on Production Performance in Quail Layers

A biological experiment was undertaken in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 7 wk old layer quails (n=120) which was assigned to eight treatments (i.e. control + 7 test diets) in such a way that each treatment has 5 replicates of 3 layer quails each accommodating 15 layer quails per treatments for eight weeks (7–14 week of age). Eight experimental diets were prepared by incorporating TGM at 0, 7.5 and 15% levels (Diets - D1, D2, D3); enzyme supplemented TGM at 0, 7.5% and 15% level (D4, D5, D6) and fermented TGM at 7.5% and 15% levels (D7 and D8), respectively. All diets had been kept isocaloric and isonitrogenous in nature while CP was maintained 20% and ME 2700 Kcal/kg of feed in layer quail diet (NRC, 1994). Each of the eight diets was offered ad lib as mash to the corresponding quails from 7 to 14 weeks of ages. Observations on net feed intake and daily egg production were recorded and feed conversion ratio was calculated as feed consumed kg−1 egg mass production. Net feed efficiency was calculated as feed consumed/(egg mass+ change in body weight). Fungal fermented guar meal was prepared by incubating substrate containing TGM and water in a ratio of 50:50 for a period of 60 h at 37°C through solid substrate fermentation technique. Fermented TGM was dried, grinded and used in experimental diets. Result of egg production performance of layer quails, revealed that dietary supplementation of 15% TGM and FTGM significantly (P<0.05) decreased the hen day egg production as compared to control and other dietary groups. Inclusion of 7.5% TGM or FTGM and up to 15% TGM with enzyme supplementation was comparable in egg production with control. There was no significant difference was observed in cumulative average egg wt. Feed intake and egg mass was significantly (P<0.05) decreased in 15% TGM group as compared to control and other dietary treatments. Feed conversion ratio and net FCR was significantly (P<0.05) better in control, all TGM enzyme supplemented group and 7.5% FTGM group. The study envisaged that incorporation of 7.5% TGM without enzyme supplementation and 15% TGM with enzyme supplementation or 7.5% FTGM proved beneficial for egg production in laying quails.