Quails are one of many egg-producing birds and poultry we know; a quail is small and reared for its egg-producing capabilities primarily because it has a less competitive meat quality.
The shells of their eggs are highly coveted owing to the nutritional content as well as the decorative quality they possess. Eggs from quails have a high market value, although they are easy to care for and need little food preparation and attention.
Furthermore, a quail can lay an egg every day, which is the same as the common hen though requiring less feed and care. This article will delve into the basics of quail eggs and narrow it down to the 6 best egg-producing quail breeds.
Approximately 1.4 billion quail are farmed annually worldwide, primarily for their meat and eggs, with over 80% of production occurring in China. The Japanese quail is the most commonly farmed species, reflecting its popularity in both commercial settings and among hobbyists.
As a quail breeder, sorting and choosing the best breeds for your production or supply line can be a hassle. Listed below are the six best species for egg production.
1. Bobwhite Quail
These species are dual-purpose quail species. They are especially recommended for egg-laying but are also a great game- birds. The only problem with the bobwhite quails is that they can prove difficult to raise if they are raised for meat. The bobwhite quail is projected to lay all year round under good feeding and environmental conditions.
2. Coturnix Quail
These species are easy to raise and fully grown at six to seven weeks old. They also start laying eggs around the same time frame. The Coturnix quail are also widely known to be dual-purpose birds.
The hens of this species begin laying eggs earlier than most other quail, and the species don’t need much space and are quiet and calm. This makes them stay in high demand, and they can also lay 300 eggs a year, which makes the common hen’s 100 a year seem pale.
Quail farming contributes significantly to global egg production, with quails producing about 1.3 million tons of eggs annually, which accounts for nearly 10% of all table egg numbers worldwide. This production is particularly concentrated in Asia, where countries like China dominate the market.
3. Pharaoh Quail
These species have a tripartite use, can be used ornamentally due to their luxurious plumage, and are good game birds. Also, they’re bred for their egg-laying functionality.
It would also do them good because they are as prolific in egg-laying as the Coturnix. Falling shy by a hundred to lay 200 eggs a year puts them in competition with none other than the Coturnix quail. They are the joy of any quail breeder due to their profit diversity.
4. Eastern Common Quail
These quails are mostly the face of posters about quails and the subject of praise among quail breeders because of their calmly colored plumage and cute look. In egg-laying, they lay between 100-200 eggs in a year, putting them on the table as prolific egg layers.
Female Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) are prolific layers, beginning to lay eggs at around 6 weeks of age and producing between 250 to 300 eggs per year. This high production rate makes them a popular choice for both commercial and small-scale farming.
5. King Quail
These species get the name because of their extravagantly luxurious plumage and the fact that they’re like miniature versions of peacocks. They lay about 100-200 eggs a year on the egg-laying scale. In retrospect, they also have two uses, ornamental and egg-laying.
6. Gambel’s Quail
This is one of the smallest and most popular egg-laying species amongst quail breeders, but do not be deceived by their size.
Their egg-laying quota sits at a high 200 per year, and it’s also worth mentioning that their eggs are primarily used in preparing sushi quail eggs—a well-sought-after delicacy among the high and mighty of the exquisite and exclusive cuisine society.
Conclusion
Quail egg production is a profitable and low-risk business line, especially if the eggs are organic quail eggs. It is popular because they require less care, yet some produce more eggs than the standard hens and the turkey, among other poultry.
They are low maintenance, and their eggs contain healthy amounts of choline, riboflavin, iron, and vitamin B12. It is best said at this point, “A quail egg a day keeps the doctor away.”
References
The quail genome: insights into social behaviour, seasonal biology, and infectious disease response
The Behavioral and Productive Characteristics of Japanese Quails
Research articles in QUAIL – ResearchGate
Establishment of Wild-Derived Strains of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)
Growth performance and egg production of Japanese quail
Disclaimer
This content on Bagrica is for informational purposes only. Consult a professional for pet care or farming advice. Bagrica is not liable for any actions taken based on this information.
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