The Effects of Dietary Calcium Level and Particle Size on the Egg Production and Egg Shell Quality in Japanese Quail

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary calcium levels ( 2.5%,3.0%,3.5% and 4.0%;Exp1) a nd the particle s ize (powder,small(0.3-0.6mm),medium(0.6-1.0mm)and large(1.0-2.0mm) particles;Exp2) on egg shell quality and the rate of cracked egg production in Japanese quails during the late laying stage. The results suggested that 3.0%~3.5% of dietary calcium with medium particle size(0.6-1.0mm) could improve egg shell quality,and reduce the percentage of cracked eggs whithout depressing egg production.