Quail farming

Dr. Ghulam Abbas Hashmi

PhD Poultry Science
MSc (Hons) Poultry Science
MSc (Hons) Molecular Genetics
 Terminologies
Quails (bater) is a collective name for several genera of mid-sized
birds generally placed in the order Galliformes.
 Old World quail are placed in the family Phasianidae
 New World quail are placed in the family Odontophoridae.
Quail is known as poor man's chicken because they can be reared
by the poorest of the poor with very little resources.
Quail farming is the rearing and breeding of quails as a lucrative
and entertaining enterprise’.
Production is the process of efficient conversion of a farm’s basic
inputs like stock, feeds, labour and other related items into basic
outputs or products like meat, eggs and manure.
Japanese Quail
Classification.
Kingdom Animalia.
Phylum Chordata.
Sub Phylum Vertebrata.
Class Aves.
Sub- class Neo-ornithes.
Order Galliformes.
Family Phasianidae
Genus Coturmin
Species coturnix.
Full name Coturnix coturnix japonica.
 Species
Non- commercial
 Chinese Quail (not suitable for farming)
 Long tail Quail (not suitable for farming)
 Blue scaled Quail found in deserts (lower production )
 Barred Quail
 Layer Quail Breeds
Tuxedo
Pharaoh
British Range
English White
Manchurian Golden
Broiler Quail Breeds
Bobwhite (American)
White Breasted (Indian
Origin & Domestication.
Quails found in Egypt around 2000 BC.
 Birds also known to Greeks & Romans. Used them
for fighting but not for food.
The Japanese scientists first tamed the wild quails and
revealed the ways to raise them as domestic birds.
During 2nd world war quails disappeared. Then
quails were first exploited between 1945- 1955.
 Quails were introduced in India in 1974 from California
 At present, people throughout the world performing quail
farming business commercially for the purpose of meat
and egg production including Japan, USA, Italy, France,
Germany & in many other countries.
There are two species of quail in India:
 The black-breasted quail found in jungle
 The brown-coloured Japanese Quail
There are 45 species of quail although the Japanese quail is
the largest species
Significance of quail farming
 Quails are easy to handle
 Adopt to varied environment
 Very robust to diseases
 No vaccination is required
 Low space requirement (7-8 times less than chicken)
 Needs low investment
 Fast growing bird may gain 250 to 300 grams body weight
 Have short generation interval
 3-4 generations in a year and generally survive for 3 to 4
years.
 Pilot animal for genetic, nutritional and physiological studies.
 Good source of egg and meat production
 can produce one kg meat or eggs by consuming three kg food
 Can be marketed at an early age ie. five weeks
 Early sexual maturity  - starts laying eggs in about 42days of age
 High rate of egg laying -300 eggs per year
 Quail meat is tastier than chicken and has less fat content. It
promotes body and brain development in children.
 Nutritional value of eggs same to that of chicken eggs. Moreover,
quail eggs contain less cholesterol.
 Quail meat and eggs are a nutritious diet for pregnant and nursing
mothers.
 Quail offered an opportunity to alternative the chicken farming thus
may introduce new horizons in poultry industry.
Nutritional value of eggs
Eggs are laid between 3-5 pm. Eggs wt. is 10-12 g , 7-8% of the hens body weight. Egg are very
beautiful with multiple color (dark brown, white, buff, blue etc). It contains 2.47 % less fat than
chicken egg, hence very suitable for cardiovascular patients. Quail eggs contain comparatively
more protein, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, B1 and B2. Eggs are used in pickle formation
Composition of quail eggs
Total
Water Protein Fat Carbohydrate Energy
ash

74% 13% 11% 1% 1% 649 k J/100g

   Moisture Protein Fat Carbohydrate Minerals

Quail 73.93% 20.54% 3.85% 0.56% 1.12%

Chicken 73.87% 20.66% 3.61% 0.78% 1.08%

 Performance
Excellent growth rate. 100- 200 gm in just 3-4 weeks
using 350-500gm feed.
FCR= 2.5-3.0.
Dressing gpercentage70-75%
The average mortality from the start of the growing period
up to 35 days is 1-4%.
Low cholesterol and high phospholipds level makes it
suitable for cardiovascular patients, pregnant and nursing
mothers and for mental health. Demand of Quail meat is
progressively increasing in Pakistan.
DOC quail chicks usually weigh 8-10 g
Intensive system
The intensive system by its very term signifies intensive rearing both in terms of
space utilization, feeding and production. Intensive system comprises of two
ways:
 Deep litter System and
 Cage system. They are explained in detail here.
 Aviary system

Semi-intensive system
 Semi-intensive system is a combination of intensive and open system. It has a
deep litter system attached with an enclosed run. The run is enclosed from all sides
as well as from above with a strong wire mesh. The size of the run may be 4 to 10
times more than the deep litter area. The birds take night shelter in the deep litter
system and run around, during the day time. Feeding may be done inside the deep
litter or in .the run.
 Semi-intensive system is possible only for people who have ample space.
However, in this system the birds are more vulnerable to diseases and parasites
due to poor sanitation.
 To follow semi-intensive system in cages is too expensive
1. Aviary system
2. Floor system
a) Conventional litter system
b) Deep litter/ Floor
Six quails can be reared in 1 sq.ft. of floor space. After 2 weeks,
Quails can be reared in cages. This will help to gain good body
weight. Litter is not removed between batches and more is added.
Thus litter fermention produce enough heat to destroy pathogens.
Cheap but litter born problems
c) Deep pit system
pit below a wire floor. Dropping fall through the mash and
accumulate on the solid floor of the pit and are removed
through the side doors
Constructional details of a quail house depends on the system of
housing: whether deep litter or cage system. However certain
principles should be kept in mind. They are: 
1. Good aeration and ventilation should be ensured.
2. Various components should be arranged in such a way that
performance of various operations become easy.
3. The housing should ensure clean and healthy atmosphere.
4. The birds should be protected from inclement weather and predators.
5. Maximum utilization of space should be ensured while constructing
the house.
6. Proper roofing should be constructed.
In deep litter system, a small wall up to a height of one and half feet
to two and half feet is constructed all around and a wire mesh is fixed
for the rest of the wall up to the roof. However, if needed, facilities
should be provided to protect the quails from severe cold and hot
weather.
Floor Space / Bird.

 Cm2 Ft2

Brooding(1-3WK) 75 0.08

Growing(4-5WK) 100 0.11

Laying (6-60 WK) 150-180 0.16-0.20

 The feeder and waterers should be placed on the floor at proper
distance such a way that the movement for feeding, watering and
cleaning becomes easy.
3 Cage system
 Quail farming in cage system is very easy and is more suitable than
raising them in deep litter system. In cage system, diseases or other
problems are less. Ensure proper flow of air and light inside the
house.
 50 quails can be raised in a cage measuring 120 cm length, 60 cm
wide and 25 cm height.
 Use wire net for making their cages. Measurement of the wire net
would be 5 mm x 5 mm for adult quails. Plastic cages are most
convenient for quail farming business. The house must have to be
out of the reach of wild animals and predators.
Battery cages
cage units are stacked up to 5-6 decks with an overall height of
185cm b/w each section, dropping trays are placed to collect the
manure and water is supplied through nipple drinkers at the back of
the cage.
 Each unit is about 6 feet in length and 1 foot in width, and
subdivided into 6 subunits.
 The cages can be arranged up to 6 tiers high.
Long narrow feed troughs are placed in front of the cages.
Water troughs are placed at the back of the cages
 Bottom of the cage is fixed with removable wooden plates
 Commercial egg layers are usually housed in colonies of 10-12
birds per cage.
Feed trough
Nipple drinkers
Provide adequate fresh and clean water according to their
demand
Multi deck quail battery
Age Cage Siz No. of birds
First 2 weeks 3 x 2.5 x 1.5 ft. 100
3- 6 weeks 4 x 2 .5 x 1.5 ft. 50
In cage system, cages are constructed in standard size and with facilities
for feeding, watering, cleaning, and egg collection. The cage may be
constructed of wire mesh. The bottom wire mesh should be strong
enough to bear the weight of the birds. At the same time the quail
dropping should pass through the wire mesh.
 
The cage should be rat proof. The longitudinal axis of the cages should
be parallel to the North South axis to facilitate the maximum availability
of the sun rays into cages.
 
There should be proper drainage around the quail unit and ensure that
there is no water logging. The cages should be placed under a shed.
 
The materials used may be wood and wire mesh, angle iron and wire
mesh, bamboo splits, bricks and stone with cement or any other locally
available material.
 
Chicks need artificial heat and temperature management system
for 14 to 21 days from their birth. Quail chick become very
sensitive. They can be raised in both litter and battery system.
Keep in mind the following factors while raising quail chicks.
 Adequate temperature
 Sufficient light
 Proper air movement
 Density of quail chicks
 Supply of food and water
 Biosecurity
Brooding & Growing/Rearing Management.
Quails are very sensitive during first 2 wks of their life. Brooding
Temperature
Quails require slightly higher brooding temperature than chicken. They
are sensitive to high or low brooding temperatures.
 Day-old. 35-37 0C (95-98.6 oF) till end of 1st week, then reduce
5 oF /week
Gas lamp or electric bulb may be used to control the temperature inside
the brooder. The brooder box must be cat and rat proof. With proper
feeds, enough water and optimum temperature maintained.
Relative Humidity.
1st week 65 % & then 55-60% thereafter.
Use cotton cloth or jute over floor to avoid leg paralysis.
Room temprature
Age Temperature
1 Week 36
2nd Week 30
3rd Week 25
4th Week 22
5th Week 21
6th Week 21
7th Week 21
8th Week 21
9th Week 21
 Layer Quail (For Egg)
Nutrients Broiler Quails

Starter Finisher Starter Grower

(0-4 wks.) (4-6 wks.) (0-4 wks.) (4-5 wks.)

Energy
2800 2800 2750 2750
(Kcal /Kg)
Protein % 27 24 24 20
Calcium % 0.8 0.6 0.8 0.6
Phosphorus
0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
%
Feed consumption
 Feed material should be made of small particles
 A 5 weeks old quail consumes about 500 gms of feed
 Quails of 6 month old, consumes about 30-35 gms of feed
per day.
 Quails require about 400 gms feed for the production of
12 eggs.
 The particle size is reduced by grinding the feed for one
more time.
Feeding Space / Bird.
 Cm Inch

Brooding(1-3WK) 1.5 0.60

Growing(4-5WK) 2.0 0.80

Laying (6-60 WK) 2.5-3.0 1.0-1.2

Drinking Space/ bird.
Cm Inch

Brooding(1-3WK) 0.70 0.28

Growing(4-5WK) 1.0 0.40

Laying (6-60 WK) 1.2-1.5 0.48-0.60

Lighting System

 Presence of adequate light is highly recommended for

desired egg production from your quails.
 Demand of light and heat varies depending on the season.
 Continuous 24 H light during first 2 weeks of brooding.
 Broiler quails 23 H light & 1 H darkness.
 During the growing stage, it is not advisable to expose
the birds to more than 12 hours of light.
 Layer quails. 16 H light.
Age Light Hours

1 Week 24

2nd Week 24

3rd Week 12

4th Week 12

5th Week 12

6th Week 13

7th Week 14

8th Week 15

9th Week 16

Other times 16
 Sexing
Only birds which are healthy and with uniform size should be
selected. The small ones should be culled.
On the 35th day, the male and female birds can be segregated
and transferred to the laying cages.
 Males have dark cinnamon color (rusty brown) feathers on upper
throat and cloacal gland.
 females feathers on the throat and upper breasts are long,
pointed and much light cinnamon in appearance.
 Male is smaller than female (200-250 g).
 Males have characteristic crowing sounds.
Breeding Management.
Male: female ratio is 1:5
Quails have preferential mating, to avoid it is better to keep them in
cages.
 About 75% of all chicken eggs are laid in the morning, whereas
quail lays 75 % of the eggs in the after noon
Fertile eggs from the female of age 10 to 20 weeks can be collected
Eggs should be collected very frequently and carefully
 Eggs should be stored at 550 F with 70% relative humidity before
incubation.
Eggs should be stored at 130C at 80% RH for 5-7 days
Fumigate (1X) the eggs for 20 minutes before storage.
Quails do not hatch their eggs. So incubator is required
for hatching their eggs.
Eggs of 9 to 11 grams weight with smooth and hard
eggshell are perfect for hatching and producing chicks.
Incubation period. 17 days.
Hatchability %. 80- 90.
Incubators that are used for hatching chicken eggs can be
used
 A wire mesh or grid of 1.5 x 1 inch should be fitted on
the setter trays
 Incubation and hatching
o Incubators that are used for hatching chicken eggs can be used
o A wire mesh or grid of 1.5 x 1 inch should be fitted on the setter
trays
o Incubation requirement are as follows:

Duration (Days) Temperature (°F) Humidity (%) Turning of Eggs

0-14 99.5 60 45° for5-6 times a day.

15 to 18 98.5 70 Not required

Biosecurity
 To keep your quails healthy and productive, follow the hygienic quail farming
method which are mentioned below.
 Always try to keep their house dry and clean.
 Ensure proper movement of light and air inside their house.
 Keep different aged quails separated from each other.
 Separate the disease affected quails from the healthy one.
 Burn the dead bird or put under soil.
 Don’t allow other birds, animals or unknown persons enter inside your farm quail
house.
 Ensure hygienic and balanced feed supply.
Sanitation
Daily removal of droppings.
Weekly removal of caked litter.
Flies control.
Rats & mice control.
Regular cleaning & disinfection of drinkers & feeders.
Record keeping

An effective method of monitoring production is maintenance of

record
all sorts of record should be maintained
Production Monitoring Chart (performance record)
Line and source
Vaccination, medication and supplementation.
Feeding programme.
Feed consumption by days, weeks and during whole rearing
period.
Body weight by weeks.
Mortality by days and weeks.
Common Diseases.
Pullorum
White diarrhea, sluggish, birds sit togeher under brooder.
Treatment: Tribressin 1cc/gallon in water for 7 days
Omphalitis
Moist Inflamed naval, unabsorbed yolk with foul smell
Disinfection of all equipments, fumigation of eggs,
incubator and brooder
Treatment: Tribressin 1cc/gallon in water for 7 days.
 Infectious Coryza
swelling all around the face, foul, thick, smelly discharge
from the eyes and nostrils...labored breathing...rattles
from the lungs and breathing tubes...and the eye lids
can even stick together from being irritated and gummy.
Sulfadimethoxine: 1 teaspoon per gallon of wate for 5 days

Brooder pneumonia
Treatmet calcium propionate@2kg/tonnes feed.
Ulcerative enteritis
Sterptomycin, bacitricin, and neomycin @50-100g/tonnes
of feed for 5 days.
Bronchitis.
rattles while breathing and coughing. There can also be
conjunctivitis, (inflammation of the eye)
Tylan: 1 teaspoon per gallon of water for 5 days
Coccidiosis.
standing in the corner with fluffed up feathers, eyes closed,
droopiness, blood and sometimes mucus in the poop, loss of
appetite, not drinking and have usually lost enough weight .
Corid or coaxial 20 in the powder form: 1 1/2 teaspoons
per gallon of for 5-7 days
 Problems

No bank loan for quail farming

Marketing
Sensitive birds
Solutions
Good management including planning, implementation and control
There must be deliberate efforts to obtain good market for quail
eggs and meat.
Awareness about nutritional benefits of quails meat/eggs and value
addition products like egg pickles, brined quail eggs, attractive
snacks or salad ingredients etc may be helpful to increase the
space for quail farming in the country
Initially high-income earner and/or cardiovascular patients should
be recommended to utilize quails meat/egg.