The total lysine requirements for EV2 meat-type quails during the growing phase were evaluated in a completely randomized experimental design, using 312 quails of both genders, with six levels of total lysine (1.4; 1.5; 1.6; 1.7; 1.8; and 1.9%), four replicates of thirteen quails per experimental unit. Body weight (g), weight gain (g), feed intake (g), and feed:weight gain ratio were recorded for all the experiment and growing period (initial - from birth to 21 days and total - from birth to 42 days of age). Significant effects of total lysine level on body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed:weight gain ratio were observed from birth to 21 days of age, with maximum performance for quails fed 1.66; 1.66; 1.40; and 1.59% of total lysine in the diets, respectively. Quadratic effects of total lysine level on body weight at 42 days of age and weight gain, feed intake, and feed:weight gain ratio, were observed with estimated maximum performance for quails fed 1,62; 1.62; 1.60; and 1.61% of total lysine in the diets, respectively. The total lysine requirement for maximum weight gains for males and females from birth to 21 days of age was estimated in 1.66% and from birth to 42 days of age in 1.62% of the diet.
quail; nutritional requirement; weight gain; feed intake; feed: weight gain ratio; total lysine
