Protein Requirements of Coturnix Quail to Five Weeks of Age

FEW studies of the protein requirement of Coturnix quail have been reported; however, the protein requirements of other experimental birds have been determined. Results of studies on the protein requirement of Bobwhite quail by Norris (1935), Nestler et al. (1942), Nestler (1949), Baldini et al. (1950) and Scott et al. (1963) suggested that a protein level of approximately 28 percent in a practical-type diet gave maximum growth. Lower protein levels of 20 to 24% were adequate for the Bobwhite quail provided supplemental lysine and methionine were fed, Baldini et al. (1953). Studies with young Ringnecked pheasants by Callenbach and Hiller (1953), Norris et al. (1936), Scott and Reynolds (1949) and Scott et al. (1954, 1963) indicated a dietary protein requirement of approximately 27% for maximum growth. The following experiments were designed to determine the dietary protein and energy requirements of immature Coturnix quail to five weeks of age. EXPERIMENTAL Day . . .