Laying and egg quality of populations of japanese quail (coturnixjaponica), temminck schlegel, 1848 nt) reared in southern Cote d'Ivoire

The Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) is a Galliformes and Phasianidae family domestic bird. It is a very interesting bird because of the nutritional quality of its meat and eggs. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive performance of the Japanese quail Coturnix japonica. This study was conducted at the Société Agropiscicole de la Mé in Adzopé, Côte d'Ivoire. A total of 72 female quails of white, black, and isabella phenotype aged 9 weeks were laid. The results showed that the Japanese quail had an acceptable egg-laying rate over the four weeks of the experiment (from 38.89% to 54.76% at 9 weeks, rising to 80% to 90% at 11 weeks). The black phenotype exhibits an interesting feed conversion index for egg production. The average egg weight was 12.37 g with an average shape index of 78.41 cm. The shell, white, and yolk weights were 1.18, 8.38, and 3.84 g, respectively, corresponding to proportions of 9.51%, 50.06, and 31.93%, respectively. Eggs of the isabelle phenotype exhibited higher yolk weights and proportions than those of the other phenotypes.