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ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL FED VARIOUS LEVELS OF RAPESEED MEAL (RSM) (Brassica napus).(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY, TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2024-02) GIRISH HEMANTH KOLATI; Susmita .T (MAJOR0; Narendra Nath .D; Kavitha .PA biological trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary incorporation of Rapeseed meal (RSM) in diets of Japanese quail on growth performance, serum biochemical profile, carcass traits, sensory parameters and cost economics of Japanese quail. Day old Japanese quails (n=150) were distributed randomly into five treatment samples each with three replicates containing ten birds each and were maintained under uniform management conditions. Experimental diets were prepared with incorporation of RSM at 0% (T1: control diet), 10% (T2), 15% (T3) 17.5% (T4) and 20% (T5) levels by marginal adjustment of other feed ingredients. All the rations were made iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The birds were housed in battery cages during the experiment period of 0-5 weeks. Chemical analysis indicated that RSM contained 93.78% DM, 91.61% OM, 41.80% CP, 1.14% EE, 13.31% CF, 35.79% NFE, 8.39% total ash and 1.97% AIA. The results of current study revealed that mean body weights, mean body weight gains, mean feed intake and FCR had no significant effect. Two birds per replicate and total of six birds per treatment were slaughtered at the end of fifth week and the blood samples were collected. Serum triglycerides and serum VLDL-C levels were significantly (p<0.01) decreased with increasing levels of RSM. But, serum total protein, serum albumin, globulin, albumin: globulin ratio, serum total cholesterol, serum HDL-C, serum LDL-C, SGOT, SGPT, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, serum glucose, BUN and creatinine levels were not affected by different levels of RSM. The carcass traits such as mean dressing percentage, mean carcass weight, mean per cent weights of heart, liver, gizzard and giblet of quails revealed that incorporation of RSM up to 20% level had no effect. The meat quality parameters such as pH, extract release volume (ERV) and water holding capacity (WHC) of meat of quails revealed that incorporation of RSM up to 20% level had no effect. In sensory evaluation of meat, mean scores for all the parameters like colour, juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability of meat revealed that incorporation of RSM up to 20% level had no effect. The percent retention of organic matter (OM), crude fiber (CF) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) were not significantly affected. Whereas the percent retention of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) were significantly (p<0.05) decreased with increasing levels of RSM up to 20% but did not show any significant effect up to 15%. The feed cost / kg gain was significantly lower (p<0.01) in quails fed with 20% RSM as compared with other treatment groups. The study indicated that the feed cost /kg gain were ₹ 126.31, 129.78, 122.94, 118.87 and 113.50 for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. It was concluded that RSM can safely be incorporated up to 20% level in the diet without any adverse effect on performance of quails.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF VARYING LEVELS OF PEPPERMINT LEAF POWDER ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAILS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2022-04) SWAPNIL ARJUN, SANGLE; Naga Raja Kumari, Kallam(MAJOR); Narendra Nath, D; Kavitha, PThe present study was carried out to study the effect of dietary incorporation of Peppermint Leaf Powder (PLP) on performance of quails. For this purpose, one day old Japanese quails (n=150) were distributed randomly to five dietary groups each with three replicates of 10 birds each and were maintained under uniform management conditions. Experiment diets were prepared with incorporation of Peppermint Leaf Powder at 0% (T1: control), 0.75% (T2), 1.5% (T3), 2.25% (T4) and 3.0% (T5) levels by marginal adjustment of other feed ingredients. All the rations were made iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. Feed and water were provided adlibitum. The birds were housed in battery cages during the experiment period of 0-5 weeks. Daily weighed quantity of feed was offered, end of every week feed residue and body weights were taken and body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) calculated Chemical analysis indicated that PLP contained 17.90% CP, 14.37% CF, 2.31 % EE, 0.04 % calcium and 0.32% total phosphorus. Significantly (p<0.05) higher body weights were observed in birds fed with PLP at the end of experiment. The body weight gain was significantly increased (p<0.05) with increasing levels of PLP. Lower feed intake was observed in birds fed with PLP with increasing levels of PLP. Whereas, significantly better (p<0.05) FCR was reported at 3.0% level of PLP inclusion. Two birds per replicate and total of six bird per treatment were slaughtered at the end of 5th week. Serum total protein, Serum albumin, globulin, albumin globulin ratio, serum SGOT, serum SGPT, serum calcium, serum phosphorus and serum BUN were not affected by level of PLP. But, serum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides (p<0.05) and serum creatinine (p<0.01) was significantly decreased with increasing levels of PLP. Serum HDL-C values were increased significantly (p<0.05) and serum LDL-C and serum VLDL-C values decrease significantly (p<0.01) with increase in PLP level in diet. The carcass traits like live weight, carcass weight and dressing percentage were significantly (p<0.05) increased with increasing levels of PLP. On other hand, incorporation of PLP from 0 to 3.0% in diet had no significant effect on liver, heart, gizzard and giblet weights. The meat quality parameter i.e., pH, extract release volume (ERV) and water holding capacity (WHC) of meat of quails revealed that incorporation of PLP up to 3.0% level had no effect. In sensory evaluation of meat, Mean scores of sensory evaluations for all the parameters (colour, flavour, juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability) of meat were increased significantly (p<0.05) at 3.0% PLP when compared with the other treatment groups. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), nitrogen free extract (NFE) and crude fiber (CF) were significantly (p<0.05) increased with increasing levels of PLP up to 3%. There was no significant difference in feed cost per kg gain in quails fed with PLP as compared with control group. The study indicated that the feed cost per kg gain was ₹ 121.57 (T1), 119.48 (T2), 120.58 (T3), 119.40 (T4) and 118.01 (T5). But numerically 3% level incorporation had Rs.3.56/- lower feed cost/kg body weight gain than control. It is concluded that PLP can safely be incorporated up to 3.0% level in the diet without any adverse effect on performance of quails.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF ANISE SEED POWDER AT VARYING LEVELS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2022-03) HARISH, K; NarendraNath, D (MAJOR); Susmita, T; Srinivas Kumar, DA biological trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.)seed powder in diets of Japanese quail on growth performance, serum biochemical profile, carcass traits, organoleptic characteristics and cost economics of Japanese quail. one-hundred-and-fifty day old Japanese quails were distributed randomly into five treatmentswith three replicates containing ten birds each and was fed with five experimental diets T1 (Basal diet), T2 (Basal diet with 0.5% Anise seed powder), T3 (Basal diet with 1.0% Anise seed powder), T4 (Basal diet with 1.5% Anise seed powder) and T5 (Basal diet with 2.0% Anise seed powder) from 0-5 weeks of age. The results of current study revealed that mean body weights were significantly (p<0.01) higher at 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th week in T3 (1.0% Anise seed powder) group compared to control group.The mean cumulative body weight gains were significantly (p<0.05) higher inT3 (1.0% Anise seed powder) when compared with the control. The serum total protein was significantly (p<0.01) increased in T3 (1.0%) when compared to control group and among treatment groups. Serum Albumin was significantly (p<0.01) increased in T3 (1.0%) and T4 (1.5%) compared to control group. Serum globulin was significantly (p<0.01) increased in T3 (1.0%) when compared with control group. Albumin globulin ratio was not influenced by supplementation of Anise seed powder. The serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentration were significantly (p<0.01) decreased in T3 (1.0%) compared to control group. The mean HDL concentration was significantly (p<0.05) increased in T3 (1.0%) compared to control group. No significant difference was observed in serum VLDL cholesterol, serum triglycerides, SGOT and SGPT among treatment groups. The carcass traits like dressingpercentage, weights of liver, heart and gizzard and giblet did not show any significant difference among the treatment groups. The organoleptic character scores for flavour, juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability were improved significantly (p<0.01) in Anise seed powder fed groups when compared to the control. The highest scores recorded in T3 (1.0%). The feed cost per Kg gain was increased from T1 to T5 groups. The values ranged from Rs.117 to 139.22 with lowest value recorded in control. Hence, the current study revealed that the dietary supplementation of Anise seed in diets may not be economically feasible for producing Japanese quail meat. But, supplementation of Anise seed at 1.0% can be recommended for the production of designer meat with low cholesterol, increased HDL and better organoleptic characters.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF MORINGA LEAF POWDER WITH AND WITHOUT ENZYME ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAILS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2022-03) ANUSHA, PYDI; Narendra Nath, D (MAJOR); Tirupathi Reddy, E; Srinivas Kumar, DThe present experiment was carried out to study the effect of dietary inclusion of Moringa leaf powder with and without enzyme on growth performance of Japanese quails. Day old Japanese quails (n=150) were distributed randomly into five dietary groups each with three replicates of 10 birds each and were maintained under uniform management conditions. Experimental diets were prepared with inclusion of Moringa leaf powder at 0% (T1: control), 3% without enzyme (T2), 3% with enzyme (T3), 6% without enzyme (T4) and 6% with enzyme (T5) levels by marginal adjustment of other feed ingredients. All the rations were made iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The birds were housed in battery cages during the experiment period of 0-5 weeks. Chemical analysis indicated that MLP contained 93.56% DM, 23.60% CP, 14.37% CF, 8.65 % EE,14.98 % total ash,1.43% AIA, 3.28 % calcium and 0.45% total phosphorus. Study showed that the body weights and body weight gains were significantly (p0.05) among the treatment groups supplemented with 0 to 6 % MLP with and without enzyme. The digestibility coefficients of OM, EE and NFE were not significantly different (p>0.05) among different treatments. On the other hand, significantly higher digestibility of DM (p<0.05) and CP (p<0.01) were observed in group supplemented with 3% MLP with enzyme (T3) and significantly higher (p<0.05) digestibility of CF was observed in groups supplemented with 3 and 6% MLP with enzyme (T3 and T5). The present study indicated that the feed cost per kg gain was 110.72, 105.68, 101.97, 104.13 and 102.13 ₹, respectively for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. The lowest feed cost per kg live weight gain was observed in 3 % MLP with enzyme supplemented group (T3). Hence, MLP at 6 % with enzyme may be recommended in Japanese quail diet for better overall performance.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF INCORPORATION OF RICE DDGS AT VARYING LEVELS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2021-04) KEERTHANA REDDY, TALSANI; Naga Raja Kumari, Kallam (MAJOR); Narendra Nath, D; Srinivas Kumar, DThe present study was carried out to study the effect of dietary incorporation of rice DDGS on performance of quails. Day old Japanese quails (n=180) were distributed randomly to five dietary groups each with three replicates of 12 birds each and were maintained under uniform management conditions. Experiment diets were prepared with incorporation of rice DDGS at 0% (T1: control), 5% (T2), 10% (T3), 15% (T4) and 20% (T5) levels by marginal adjustment of other feed ingredients. All the rations were made iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. Feed and water were provided adlibitum. The birds were housed in battery cages during the experiment period of 0-5 weeks. Chemical analysis indicated that rice DDGS contained 45% CP, 6.71% CF, 7.93% EE, 0.07% calcium and 0.7% total phosphorus. Significantly (p<0.05) higher body weights were observed in birds fed with rice DDGS. The body weight gain was significantly increased (p<0.01) with increasing levels of rice DDGS. The overall feed intake was not affected by level of rice DDGS. Whereas, significantly better (p<0.01) FCR was reported at 20% level of rice DDGS inclusion. Serum total protein was significantly (p<0.05) increased with increasing levels of rice DDGS. Whereas, Serum albumin, globulin and Albumin Globulin ratio were not affected by level of rice DDGS. But, serum total cholesterol was significantly decreased (p<0.05) with increasing levels of rice DDGS. The carcass traits like live weight and carcass weight were significantly (p<0.05) increased with increasing levels of rice DDGS. On other hand, incorporation of rice DDGS from 0 to 20% in diet had no significant effect on dressing percentage, liver, heart, gizzard and giblet weights. The meat quality parameter i.e., pH of meat of quails revealed that incorporation of rice DDGS up to 20% level had no effect. The feed cost per kg gain was significantly (p<0.01) lowest in quails fed with 20% rice DDGS as compared with other treatment groups. The study indicated that the feed cost per kg gain was ₹ 106.75 (T1), 98.10 (T2), 95.01 (T3), 93.92 (T4) and 86.12 (T5). It is concluded that rice DDGS can safely be incorporated up to 20% level in the diet without any adverse effect on performance of quails.ThesisItem Open Access “EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF TURMERIC, BLACK PEPPER AND THEIR COMBINATION AS PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVE ON PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL”(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2021-03) SANTHOSH KUMAR, V; Narendra Nath, D (MAJOR); Naga Raja Kumari, K; Srinivas Kumar, DA biological trial was conducted to study the effects of supplementation of turmeric, black pepper and their combinations (turmeric and black pepper) as phytogenic feed additive in Japanese quails on growth performance, carcass traits, serum biochemical profile, organoleptic characteristics and cost economics of Japanese quail. One-hundred-and-fifty-day old quail chicks were distributed randomly in to five treatments with three replicates containing ten birds each and fed with five experimental diets T1 (Basal diet), T2 (Basal diet supplemented with 0.75% turmeric), T3 (Basal diet supplemented with 1% black pepper), T4 (Basal diet supplemented with 0.25% turmeric and 0.5% black pepper) and T5 (Basal diet supplemented with 0.5% turmeric and 1% black pepper). The results of present study revealed no significant difference in 5th week mean body weights where the mean body weights ranged from 197.56 to 211.90 g. No significant difference was noticed pertaining to cumulative body weight gains. The mean feed intake ranged from 645.10 to 670.10 and feed efficiency ranged from 3.25 to 3.54 and were not significantly influenced by various levels of turmeric, black pepper and their combinations. The serum albumin was significantly (p<0.01) increased among the treatment groups from T1 to T5. Serum globulin was significantly (p<0.01) increased in T4 and T5 when compared with T1, T2 and T3. Serum total protein values were significantly (p<0.01) increased in T3, T4 and T5 when compared with control. Mean serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels showed significant (p<0.01) decrease and serum HDL cholesterol was significantly (p<0.01) increased among the treatment groups from T1 to T5. Carcass traits like mean dressing percentage, mean weights of liver, heart and gizzard did not show any significant difference among the treatment groups. The sensory evaluation scores were improved significantly (p<0.05) pertaining to juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability when compared with the control and the highest score for overall acceptability was observed in T4. The feed cost per Kg live weight gain was significantly (p<0.01) increased among the treatment groups where the values ranged from 104.01 to 146.23 rupees and the lowest value was recorded in control only.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF GINGER, GARLIC AND THEIR COMBINATION AS GROWTH PROMOTERS ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2021-03) RAJA SAMBA MURTHY, K; Narendra Nath, D (MAJOR); Naga Raja Kumari, K; Kavitha, PA biological trial was conducted to study the effect of supplementation of ginger, garlic and their combinations as growth promoters in Japanese quail diets on growth performance, serum biochemical profile, carcass traits, organoleptic characteristics and cost economics of Japanese quail. One-hundred-and-fifty-day old quail chicks were distributed randomly in to five treatments with three replicates containing ten birds each and fed with five experimental diets T1 (Basal diet), T2 (Basal diet supplemented with 1% ginger), T3 (Basal diet supplemented with 2% garlic), T4 (Basal diet supplemented with 0.25% ginger and 0.5% garlic) and T5 (Basal diet supplemented with 0.5% ginger and 1% garlic). Name of the author: KILLAMPALLI. RAJA SAMBA MURTHY Title of thesis : EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF GINGER, GARLIC AND THEIR COMBINATION AS GROWTH PROMOTERS ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL Degree to which it is submitted : Master of Veterinary Science Faculty : Veterinary Science Department : Poultry Science Major advisor : Dr. D. NARENDRA NATH M.V. Sc, Ph.D., Professor & University Head Department of Poultry Science N.T.R College of Veterinary Science Gannavaram – 521 102 University : Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University Tirupati – 517 502, (AP), India. Year of submission : 2021 The results of present study revealed no significant difference in 5th week mean body weights where the mean body weights ranged from 210.73 to 221.77g. The mean cumulative body weight gains were significantly (p<0.01) increased in treatment groups when compared with control except at T5, where the mean body weight gains ranged from 202.30 to 213.27g. The mean feed intake ranged from 626.80 to 648.23g and not significantly influenced by various treatments. The mean cumulative feed efficiency was not significantly differed among T1, T2, T3 and T4, where values ranged from 2.99 to 3.20. Whereas significantly (p<0.05) poor feed efficiency was observed in T5 when compared with all other groups. The serum total protein, serum albumin and serum globulin were not significantly influenced by various levels of ginger, garlic and their combinations. The mean serum total cholesterol values were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in T3 and T5 groups and a numerical reduction in serum total cholesterol was observed in all the treatment groups when compared with control. The mean serum HDL cholesterol values were significantly (p<0.05) increased in T5 group and a numerical increment in serum HDL cholesterol was observed in all the treatment groups when compared with control. The mean serum LDL cholesterol values were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in all the treatment groups when compared with control. Mean serum triglyceride values were significantly (p<0.05) decreased from T3 to T5 groups when compared with control. Carcass traits like mean dressing percentage, mean weights of liver, heart and gizzard did not show any significant difference among the treatment groups. The sensory evaluation scores were improved significantly (p<0.05) pertaining to colour, flavor, juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability when compared with the control and the highest score for overall acceptability was observed in T5. xxi The feed cost per Kg live weight gain was significantly (p<0.01) increased among the treatment groups where the values ranged from 97.08 to 124.20 rupees and the lowest value was recorded in control only. Thus, the present study indicated that the supplementation of either ginger, garlic and their combinations in diets may not be economically feasible for producing Japanese quail meat but, supplementation of either T4 (0.25% ginger and 0.5% garlic) or T5 (0.5% ginger and 1% garlic) can be recommended for the production of designer meat with low cholesterol, low triglycerides and improved meat quality.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF MEAL (MOLM) ON PERFORMANCE OF BROILERS IN HOT HUMID CLIMATE(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2019-12) MURALI, LAKHINANA; NAGA RAJA KUMARI, K (MAJOR); NARENDRA NATH, D; SRINIVAS KUMAR, DThe present study was carried out to study the effect of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on performance of broilers in hot humid climate. Ross broilers of 180 numbers at day old were distributed randomly to six dietary groups each with five replicates of 6 birds each and were maintained under uniform managemental conditions. During the experiment, Moringa oleifera leaf meal was included at 0% (T1; negative control), control + Vit-E,Se,Vit-C(T2;positive control), 1.5% (T3), 3%(T4), 4.5% (T5) and 6% (T6) levels by marginal adjustment of other feed ingredients. All the rations were made iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous as per BIS (2007) Chemical analysis indicated that MOLM contained 25.13% CP, 12.68% CF, 8.42% EE, 3.25% calcium and 0.49% phosphorus. Significantly (p<0.01) higher body weights were observed in birds fed with MOLM. The body weight gain was significantly higher (p<0.01) in 3.0% MOLM and lower in negative control. The overall feed intake decreased significantly (p<0.01) with increase in level of MOLM (0 to 6.0%) present in the diet compared with the control. While better (p<0.01) FCR was reported at 3.0% level of MOLM inclusion. Serum cholesterol was significantly decreased (p<0.01) and serum protein (p<0.05) and serum globulin were significantly (p<0.01) increased with increasing MOLM in diets whereas, albumin and A/G ratio were not affected by level of MOLM in diets. The haematological parameters of broilers revealed that inclusion of Moringa leaf meal from 0 to 6.0% in the diet had no effect (p>0.05) on PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC and H/L ratio and also on HI titers. The carcass traits like live weight, carcass weight and ready to cook yield were significantly (p<0.01) higher in birds fed with 3.0% MOLM group. On other hand, inclusion of MOLM from 0 to 6.0% in diet had no effect (p>0.05) on dressing percentage, liver heart, gizzard and giblet weights and proximate composition of meat The meat quality parameters of broilers revealed that inclusion of MOLM upto 6% level had no effect on pH, ERV, WHC and sensory evaluation of the meat, except colour of the meat. Colour of the meat significantly (p<0.01) decreased at 6.0% level of MOLM present in the diet. The feed cost / kg gain was lowest (p<0.01) in broilers fed with 3.0% MOLM as compared with other treatment groups. The study indicated that the feed cost /kg gain was Rs 58.13 (T1), 52.66 (T2), 51.17 (T3), 46.78 (T4), 49.75 (T5) and 50.05 (T6). It is concluded that MOLM can be safely incorporated up to 3% level in the diet without any adverse effect on performance of broilers.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF BORON ON THE PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix japonica)(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2019-11) SAI CHAITANYA, VADLAMUDI; Narendra Nath, D (MAJOR); Naga Raja Kumari, K; Srinivas Kumar, DJapanese quails are small domesticated poultry species having weak legs which are more prone to bone breakage and leg problems due to deficiencies of minerals and vitamins. Several studies suggested that mineral boron (B) plays a vital role in bone mineralization especially macro mineral Calcium (Ca) which leads to reduction in the vitamin D deficiency leg problems associated with vitamin D deficiency. A biological trial was conducted to study the effect of dietary supplementation of boron (B) in the form of boric acid (BA) in quail diets on growth performance, carcass traits, serum biochemistry, bone morphometry, bone mineralization and cost economics of Japanese quail. One hundred and fifty day old quail chicks were distributed randomly in to five treatments with three replicates containing ten birds each and fed with five experimental diets T1 (Basal diet), T2 (Basal diet supplemented with 15ppm boric acid), T3 (Basal diet supplemented with 30ppm boric acid), T4 (Basal diet supplemented with 45ppm boric acid) and T5 (Basal diet supplemented with 60ppm boric acid). Basal diets were formulated with locally available feed ingredients like maize, soybean meal, DORB and fish meal as per the nutrient requirements of poultry (NRC, 1994). The mean body weights of Japanese quail fed with boric acid at 0ppm (T1), 15ppm (T2), 30ppm (T3), 45ppm (T4) and 60ppm (T5) levels showed non-significant difference among the treatment groups. Japanese quail fed with diets containing boric acid at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60ppm levels showed non significant difference in mean cumulative body weight gain among the treatment groups. Mean feed consumption and mean feed efficiency were not affected by dietary supplementation of boric acid. Carcass traits like mean dressing percentage, mean weights of liver, heart and gizzard were not influenced by supplementation of boric acid in the Japanese quail diet. Mean serum calcium levels showed significant (p<0.05) increase among the treatment groups from 0 ppm boric acid (T1) to 60 ppm boric acid (T5). No significant difference was observed in mean serum phosphorus and mean serum alkaline phosphatase levels among the treatment groups. Mean tibia ash, mean tibia calcium and mean tibia phosphorus levels showed non significant difference among the treatment groups but numerical increase was noticed from T1 (0 ppm) to T5 (60 ppm). Mean tibia proximal width, mean tibia distal width, mean tibia mid shaft width, mean tibia weight and mean tibia length had no significant difference among the treatments. But numerical increase was noticed in mean tibia weight from 0 ppm boric acid (T1) to 60 ppm boric acid (T5). Mortality was low irrespective of the dietary treatments. In this study the cause of death in experimental birds was not related to effect of supplementation of boric acid in the diets. The feed cost per Kg live weight gain had no significant difference among the treatment groups. However the birds fed with diet supplemented with 60 ppm boric acid showed lower cost of production per Kg live weight gain.
