EFFECT OF RHINOCEROS BEETLE (ORYCTES RHINOCEROS L.) LARVA MEAL ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF LAYING QUAILS (COTURNIX COTURNIX JAPONICA)
A three-month study was conducted at Surigao del Sur State University – Tagbina Campus, Poblacion, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur to evaluate the production performance of laying quails fed with commercial ration added with Rhinoceros Beetle larva meal. A total of 150 fifteen-week old laying Japanese Quails were randomly distributed into five treatments (T1 - 100% commercial feeds + 0% RBLM, T2 - 99% commercial feeds + 1% RBLM, T3 - 98% commercial feeds + 2% RBLM, T4 - 97% commercial feeds + 3% RBLM and T5 - 96% commercial feeds + 4% RBLM) with three replications following the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each replication was composed of 10 quails. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used in analyzing all pertinent data. Significant differences between treatment means were compared using Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) Test. Results revealed that 1 to 4% RBLM inclusion rates in ration have no significant effect on total and average feed consumption, percentage and total egg production, average egg weight, and feed conversion efficiency (Kg feed to Kg egg and feed to 1 egg) but significantly depressed final bodyweights of laying quails. Moreover, a further study with >4% RBLM inclusion rates in the ration is recommended.
Oryctes rhinoceros, Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle larva, laying quails.