Quail farming in India: Comprehensive overview

Quail farming in India: Comprehensive overview

Dr. Jessy Bagh

Assistant Professor, Dept. of LPM, CVSc & AH, OUAT, Bhubaneswar

Quail is a small avian species belongs to Pheasant family and latest domesticated poultry species. About 131 species and 17 to 18 varieties are present worldwide out. Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) is the most reared species widely because of its low maintenance cost, shorter generation interval and higher egg production. According to Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), poultry sector has contributed significantly towards India’s agriculture GDP, among which quail farming has shown immense potential as a growing sub- segment. Quail meat is rich in protein and vitamins like B1, B2 and A.

Advantages of quail farming:

• Quail required low maintenance cost compared to chicken.
• They are sturdy bird.
• Short generation interval.
• Attains market weight at 5-6 weeks of age.
• Attains early sexual maturity at the age of 6 or 7 weeks and start laying eggs.
• Japanese quail adult weighs around 250 g and lays 250 -280 eggs per annum.
• Quail meat has low fat content, low cholesterol percentage and is of great medicinal value especially for respiratory ailments.
• Quail litter consist of higher fertilizer value.

Common breeds of quail used in India

The most common breeds of quail reared in India are:

1. Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)- popular breed.
2. White Breasted Quail (Coturnix coturnix)- indigenous breed with heavier body weight.
3. Black Breasted or Rain Quail- Rarely used for meat purpose, found mostly in wild.
4. Bobwhite Quail-  Used for research and special farm.

Housing:

Quail can be reared in both cage and deep litter system. Cage rearing is more common as it certain hygiene, better management and increased production efficiency. Cages are constructed of galvanized wire mesh. Around 50-60 birds can be stocked per square meter in cage system. Proper ventilation, lighting and temperature regulation (between 20˚ C to 30˚ C) are necessary.  In deep litter rearing, rice husk or saw dust can be used as litter material. To prevent disease outbreaks strict biosecurity measures like foot dips, restricted farm entry, regular monitoring and disinfection should be practiced.

Feeding 

Quails are efficient feed converters. They should be provided with well- balanced diet for optimal productivity. The feed requirement is different as per the age and production stage.

• Starter feed: (0-3 weeks), CP- 27%, ME- 2800- 2900 kcal/kg
• Grower Feed: (3-5 weeks), CP- 24%, ME- 2700- 2800 kcal/kg
• Layer feed: (5weeks onwards), CP- 22%, ME- 2600- 2700 kcal/kg along with 2-3% of calcium for shell formation.

Approximately an adult quail consumes around 25- 30 grams of feed. Many agro- companies in India, provides commercial quail feed. Clean and fresh water should be available perpetually. Vitamins, minerals and probiotics supplementation enhance overall productivity and immunity.

Health and disease management

Quails are robust birds, but are susceptible to specific diseases, if biosecurity is compromised. Proper and timely vaccination is required to reduced mortality. Regular deworming and anti –coccidian treatment must be integrated into health management protocol. Quails are prone to Ulcerative Enteritis (Quail disease). Disease control is ensuring with timely diagnosis and veterinary treatment.

Production performance

Japanese quail at the age of 6-7 weeks start laying eggs. Egg production ranges from 250- 300 eggs per bird annually. Average egg weight is around 10-11 grams. Adult body weight is approximately 250-280 grams. Market age is at 5-6 weeks. Dressing percentage ranges 70-75%. FCR for meat is 3:1.  

Economic feasibility and Government support

Quail farming is financially feasible with fairly low capital investment compared to chicken farming. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) furnishes financial support to quail farmers under various scheme. Small poultry entrepreneurs are also supported by the National Livestock Mission (NLM) with subsidy aid. Detailed technical guidelines on quail farming is published by ICAR- Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad to upgrade scientific practices among farmers.

Marketing

Quail meat and eggs are sold through markets nearby, restaurants, hotels and also through digital platform. Depending on the region and season, quail eggs price varies from Rs. 2 to Rs. 5. Quail meat ranges around Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 per Kg in retail markets. In urban arears processed quail products like pickled eggs, boiled eggs and ready to cook quail meat are rising in popularity. Farmers establish connections with cooperatives, aggregators or direct buyers to assure consistent marketing. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can play a crucial role in communal marketing of quail products.

 Conclusion

Quail farming possess enormous potential as a profitable, minimal risk and sustainable agribusiness in India. With suitable scientific knowledge, strategic management practices and government support, quail farming can serve as sustainable income for women, rural unemployment youth, and marginal farmers.  In order to expand the sector, awareness camps and training programs can be conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) with institutional support from NABARD and State Animal Husbandry Departments. As to fulfill consumer demand for alternative protein sources rises in India, quail farming will be best to make substantial contribution to food security, generating income for rural youth and agriculture sector.

Reference:

1. Bhatt, R. S., & Singh, U. (2016). Quail Farming: Prospects and Challenges in India. Indian Poultry Industry Journal, 12(4), 45–52.
2. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India. (2022). Annual Report 2021-22. New Delhi: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
3. ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research (2020). Technical Bulletin on Japanese Quail Farming. Hyderabad: ICAR-DPR.
4. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Hyderabad. (2021). Training Manual on Backyard Quail Farming. ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management.
5. Minvielle, F. (2004). The Future of Japanese Quail for Research and Production. World’s Poultry Science Journal, 60(4), 500–507.
6. (2019). Model Bankable Project on Quail Farming. Mumbai: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
7. National Livestock Mission (NLM). (2023). Guidelines for Poultry Development Schemes. New Delhi: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
8. Panda, B., & Singh, R. P. (1990). Development in Processing Quail Products. World’s Poultry Science Journal, 46(3), 219–234.
9. Priti M, Satish S. Quail farming: an introduction. International Journal of Life Sciences. 2014;2(2):190-3.
10. Rajkumar, U., Haunshi, S., Paswan, C., Raju, M. V. L. N., & Sharma, R. P. (2015). Characterization of Indian native Quail breeds. Poultry Science, 94(8), 1967–1975.
11. Redoy MR, Shuvo AA, Al-Mamun M. A review on present status, problems and prospects of quail farming in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science. 2017 Oct 27;46(2):109-20.
12. Shanawany, M. M. (1994). Quail Production Systems: A Review. FAO Animal Production and Health Paper 121. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Please follow and like us: