The effect of different levels of dietary lysine on growth and development of a random-bred population of Japanese quail (R1) and a subline of R1 selected for increased body weight (HW).

1. In two experiments, the dietary lysine concentration which supported maximal gain through 14 days of age in a subline of Japanese quail selected for 4-week body weight (HW) was higher than that needed by the random-bred population (R1) from which it was initially developed. 2. The lysine concentrations needed to minimize feather depigmentation and maximize breast and leg muscle development were higher in HW quail than in R1 quail.