EFFECT OF ESCHERICHIA COLI VACCINATION ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAILS (COTURNIX JAPONICA)
Authors: Serupe Colokaze Shea, Philip Makama Dawuda, Posane Slyvester Lebata and Tlhobo Joseph Ntoanyane
Serupe Colokaze Shea: Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, National University of Lesotho, Roma 180, Maseru District, Lesotho.
Philip Makama Dawuda: Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, National University of Lesotho, Roma 180, Maseru District, Lesotho.
Posane Slyvester Lebata: Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, National University of Lesotho, Roma 180, Maseru District, Lesotho.
Tlhobo Joseph Ntoanyane: Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, National University of Lesotho, Roma 180, Maseru District, Lesotho.
ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the effects of heat-inactivated (HI) and proteinase K-inactivated (PK) Escherichia coli vaccines on productive parameters of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). Thirty-five female quails were randomly assigned to five groups (n=7 per group): HI E. coli ro071a, HI E. coli ro025, PK E. coli ro071a, PK E. coli ro025, and a phosphate-buffered saline control. Birds were vaccinated intramuscularly on days 0, 14, and 28. Data on feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg production (EP), body temperature (BT), and mortality rate (MR) were collected over eight weeks. One-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences in FI, BW, FCR, or BT among treatments. However, egg production differed significantly, with PK vaccine groups showing improved performance compared to HI ro071a. Mortality was 14.3% in PK ro025, while other groups recorded 0%. Results indicate that E. coli vaccination did not adversely affect growth or physiological stability and may enhance egg production under non-challenge conditions. These findings provide baseline data supporting the integration of E. coli vaccination into quail health management systems in Lesotho.
Keywords: Escherichia coli vaccine, Japanese quail, egg production, feed conversion ratio, vaccination, productive performance.