Abou Khashaba,, H., Mariey, Y., Sayed, M., Elgabry., H. (2008). NUTRITIONAL AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES ON THE PIGEON: ESTIMATE OF PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS.. Journal of Animal and Poultry Production, 33(12), 8447-8461. doi: 10.21608/jappmu.2008.218972
H. A. Abou Khashaba,; Y. A. Mariey; M. A. M. Sayed; Hoda E. Elgabry.. "NUTRITIONAL AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES ON THE PIGEON: ESTIMATE OF PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS.". Journal of Animal and Poultry Production, 33, 12, 2008, 8447-8461. doi: 10.21608/jappmu.2008.218972
Abou Khashaba,, H., Mariey, Y., Sayed, M., Elgabry., H. (2008). 'NUTRITIONAL AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES ON THE PIGEON: ESTIMATE OF PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS.', Journal of Animal and Poultry Production, 33(12), pp. 8447-8461. doi: 10.21608/jappmu.2008.218972
Abou Khashaba,, H., Mariey, Y., Sayed, M., Elgabry., H. NUTRITIONAL AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES ON THE PIGEON: ESTIMATE OF PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS.. Journal of Animal and Poultry Production, 2008; 33(12): 8447-8461. doi: 10.21608/jappmu.2008.218972
NUTRITIONAL AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES ON THE PIGEON: ESTIMATE OF PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS.
Animal Prod. Inst., Agric. Res..Center , Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt.
Abstract
ABSTRACT
An experiment was conducted to estimate requirements crude protein (CP) and its effects on productive and reproductive performance of Local Baladi squabs and Pigeons under Egyptian conditions. A total number of 60 pair of squabs Baladi pigeons ( 28 days – age at onset of egg production), were involved in the first experimental (Exp.1) growing period, While it was 32 pairs of Baladi pigeons (6 or 7 months old) were distributed according to its consistent mating systems (sex ratio of pigeons 1:1) in the second experimental (Exp.2) laying period. At the beginning of each experiment squabs and pigeons were divided randomly into equal four treatments containing 15 pairs (3 replicates of 5 pairs each) in the growing period (Exp.1) and 8 paris (4 replicates of 2 pairs each) each in the laying period (Exp.2).The dietary CP levels were 14, 16, 18 and 20%. The diets were isocloric (2700+31.2 ME Kcal/ kg diet). Diets were formulated in mash form and with vitamin and mineral premix. Birds were maintained on a 14 hours of lighting regimen along the experimental period. Feed and water were given ad libitum along the experiment. Results obtained are summarized as follows:
1- Exp. 1 (growing period). Differences in live body weight, and feed intake during 1and 2 months were not significant (P<0.05) affected when dietary CP levels increased. While, differences in weight with male and female and feed intake during 3, 4, 5 and 6 months were significantly (P<0.05) increased as the level of CP increased from 14 to 20%. Protein intake were significantly (P<0.05) increased as the level of protein increased during experimental period.
2- Exp. 2 (laying period). Final body weight, total egg number per pair, total fertility, total hatchability, hatchability in fertile eggs percentages and mortality rate were not significantly (P<0.05) affected when dietary CP levels increased. While, egg cycle significantly (P<0.05) decreased by the increase of dietary CP levels. Egg weight was significantly (P<0.05) increased as the level of CP increased from 14 to 20% CP of diet.
Feed intake and protein intake significantly (P<0.05) increased by the increase of dietary CP levels with or without squabs. Also, number of squabs per pair, weight of squabs in entire period and livability percentage were significantly (P<0.05) increased as dietary CP levels increased from 14 to 20%. Relative growth rate (RGR) recorded the highest values at the first days but RGR declined gradually to reach the minimum value at the last days of the experimental period. Body weight gain during 8 to 14 days of age was higher compared with other periods. While the weight gain from 21 to 28 days of age was very poor. BWG was significantly (P<0.05) increased as dietary CP levels increased from 14 to 20%.
In conclusion. The highest CP level of pigeon (20% CP) was the best s compared with other CP levels (18, 16 and 14% CP). The diet containing 14% CP levels were suggested to be suitable requirement and no adverse effects on productive and reproductive performance of Local Baladi squabs and Pigeons under Egyptian conditions