Effect of Rearing System on Performance, Meat Quality and Welfare in Local Quails

Abstract

The intensification of animal production systems presents a potential influence on the welfare of animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different systems on performance, welfare of Japanese quail (Coturnixcoturnix japonica) and their meat quality. Battery cages (50×30×30 cm) represent (T1), and floor pen (60×60×30 cm) with saw-dust bedding (T2) and free range (200×200×140 cm) with sand-bathing area and nests. The experiment procedure involved seven birds per holding area and three replicates per treatment and overall of 63 quails. During five weeks of experimental period, behavioral activities were observed and recorded. Quails performance and meat quality were measured. Results showed that the behavioral activity indicators were higher welfare degree for quails in free range compared to floor pen and battery cage systems. Chemical composition and meat quality of breast meat were improved significantly (P<0.05) in free range compared with both other systems. This investigation has found that different rearing systems had a different behavior activity, and affect the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the breast meat of quails.

Keywords

• Quail
• Performance
• behavior activity
• Welfare and Meat Quality.