An experiment was conducted to assess the requirements of critical amino acids of laying quails. For this purpose 312 laying quails were divided into 156 groups of two quails each at 6 th week of age. Six dietary treatments were formulated using three levels of amino acids (85, 100, 115% of NRC, 1994) with and without fishmeal (3 x 2 factorial design). Each dietary treatment was offered to 26 groups of quails (i.e. 52 per treatment) from first day of 6 th week of age. The data of feed intake, egg production, body weight changes and egg quality parameters were recorded and compiled from first day of 7 th week to the end of 14 th week of age. Hen-day or hen-housed egg production did not differ (P>0.05) due to amino acid (AA) levels, protein type or their interaction. Egg weight improved linearly (P< 0.01) with the increased AA levels, while egg mass was lower (P< 0.01) at 85% than in 100 or 115% AA level. Feed intake per kg egg mass remained similar in groups fed 100 and 115% AA levels while it was poorer (P< 0.01) at 85% level. Feed intake per dozen eggs was, however higher at 115% AA level. The gain in body weight during laying period was higher in 100 and 115% level than in 85% AA level. The feed cost of production of dozen eggs increased linearly (P< 0.01) with the increase in AA levels, and that for egg mass did not differ between 85 or 100% level, while it was higher (P< 0.01) at 115% AA level. The shape index, albumen index, yolk index and color did not differ statistically either due to AA level, protein type or their interaction. Shell thickness reduced at 85% level, while it improved and remained similar in 100 and 115% AA levels. IQU differed due to interaction of AA levels and protein type. Results indicated that the amino acid profile suggested by NRC (1994) was optimum for laying quails during 6-14 weeks of egg production.

Source : IPSACON-2005

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