Abd-Elsamee, M. O. <br/><br/>
Effect of different levels of protein, methionine and folic acid on quail performance  [electronic resouce]. 
 تأثير المستويات المختلفة من البروتين، المثيوتين وحامض الفوليك على الأداء الإنتاجى للسمان.‪ 

 - p.979-991. 
<br/><br/>Includes references. 
<br/><br/> The present study was planned to determine the optimum levels of methionine and folic acid in low protein diets to achieve  their sparing effect to realize optimum quails performance and minimize the production cost. The experimental diets were formulated to  contain 2 levels of protein (22 and 20%). Each protein level contained either 0.40 or 0.50% methionine, within each methionine level  there were 2 folic acid levels (1.7 and 3.4mg/kg diet). The control diet contained 24% protein, 0.50% methionine and 1.7 mg folic acid/kg diet  and cover nutrient requirements. Diets were fed to 900 unsexed quail chicks at one day of age for 42 day of age.  Birds were distributed among 9 treatments of 100 birds each, in 5 replicates (20 birds / replicate). The results showed that diets  contain 22% CP significantly improved each of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, digestion coefficients, nitrogen balance values,  carcass percentage and economical efficiency. Methionine levels (0.40 and 0.50%) had no effect on final body weight, while 0.5% methionine  level decreased significantly (P<0.05) total feed consumption and improved feed conversion ratio compared to 0.40% methionine level. However, no significant effects in digestion coefficients of nutrients, nitrogen balance and carcass percentage with decreasing  dietary methionine level were noticed. Folic acid had no significant effects on performance, digestion coefficient of nutrients,  nitrogen balance and carcass percentage. The economical profit affected by different crude protein, methionine and folic acid levels.  It may be concluded that diet containing 22% crude protein, 0.5% methionine and 3.4mg folic acid/kg would be reason for achievement  of optimum performance, digestion coefficient of nutrients, nitrogen balance and carcass characteristics with positive impact on  profitability for quails.  Key Words: Protein, methionine, folic acid, quails, performance. 
<br/><br/><br/>Summary in Arabic. 
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Topical Terms: </label><br/>Quails--Nutrition.<br/>Quails--Feeding and feeds.<br/>Folic acid in animal nutrition.<br/>Proteins in animal nutrition.<br/>Methionine.