Metabolizable energy for European quails and their effects on performance, carcass characteristics and biochemical parameters in the period from 28 to 42 days

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES The metabolizable energy stands out for affecting the productive performance and the quality of the carcass of European quails, in addition to interfering in the costs of diets. Thus, the objective was to determine the metabolizable energy requirement (ME) for European quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) in the period from 28 to 42 days of age. For this, 420 quails were distributed in completely randomized design, within five treatments, seven replicates and 12 birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of levels of 2,950, 3,000, 3,050, 3,100 and 3,150 Kcal of ME/ kg in the diet. Were evaluated the performance, relative weights of viscera and organs, carcass characteristics, meat quality, body composition and blood parameters of the birds. There were no differences (P>0.05) for the weight and weight gain of the birds. However, the feed intake decreased linearly (P0.05), but viscera and liver relative weight showed quadratic effect (P0.05) by the levels of ME. However, there was quadratic effect (P0,05) para o peso e o ganho de peso das aves. No entanto, o consumo de ração reduziu linearmente (P0,05), porém o peso relativo das vísceras e o peso relativo do fígado apresentaram efeito quadrático (P0,05) pelos níveis de EM, assim como os valores séricos de triglicerídeos, colesterol e de proteínas totais. Entretanto, houve efeito quadrático (P