Energia metabolizável para codornas europeias e seus efeitos sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça e parâmetros bioquímicos no período de 28 a 42 dias

Abstract

The metabolizable energy stands out for affecting the productive performance and the quality of the carcass of European quails, in addition to interfering in the costs of diets. Thus, the objective was to determine the metabolizable energy requirement (ME) for European quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) in the period from 28 to 42 days of age. For this, 420 quails were distributed in completely randomized design, within five treatments, seven replicates and 12 birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of levels of 2,950, 3,000, 3,050, 3,100 and 3,150 Kcal of ME/ kg in the diet. Were evaluated the performance, relative weights of viscera and organs, carcass characteristics, meat quality, body composition and blood parameters of the birds. There were no differences (P>0.05) for the weight and weight gain of the birds. However, the feed intake decreased linearly (P<0.01) with the increase of ME in the diet, while feed efficiency showed a quadratic effect (P<0.01), estimating the requirement at 3,009.4 kcal ME/kg of diet. The relative weight of the heart and gizzard were not influenced by energy levels (P>0.05), but viscera and liver relative weight showed quadratic effect (P<0.01), estimating in 3,133.4 and 3,059.5 kcal ME/kg of diet, respectively. There was linear effect (P<0.01) for breast yield and color b* (P<0.05) with better results at the level of 2,950 kcal ME/kg of diet. The meat texture showed a linear reduction (P<0.01), with a better result in 3,150 kcal ME / kg of diet. The body chemical composition of quails, values of triglycerides, cholesterol and total proteins were not influenced (P>0.05) by the levels of ME. However, there was quadratic effect (P<0.01) for HDL and LDL, estimating the energy requirement at 3,111.6; 3,157.4 kcal of ME/kg of diet, respectively, and the VLDL increased linearly (P<0.01), with better results at the level of 2,950 kcal of ME/kg of diet. It is concluded that the metabolizable energy requirement for European quails in the period at 28 to 42 days of age is 3,009.4 kcal ME/kg of diet.