# Evaluation of Productivity and Egg Quality in Japanese Quails Reared Under Different LED Colors and Rearing Systems

## TL;DR

This study finds that red LED lighting and floor rearing systems improve Japanese quail productivity and profitability without affecting egg quality.

## Contribution

The study identifies red LED lighting and floor systems as optimal for early quail productivity and profitability.

## Key findings

- Red LED light significantly improved egg production, feed efficiency, and income-to-cost ratio.
- Floor rearing improved feed efficiency and income during the early laying phase.
- Egg quality remained consistent across all lighting and housing conditions.

## Abstract

Proper lighting and housing are key to success in poultry farming, yet the best combination for quail production is often debated. We conducted this study to see how different LED light colors, red, green, and white, alongside two rearing systems, cages and floor pens, affect how Japanese quails grow and lay eggs. Our results revealed that while the choice of housing showed similar long-term results, the floor system was more efficient during the early laying stage. The color of the light was very important. Quails raised under red LED lights performed better, laying more eggs and using their feed more efficiently, which ultimately led to higher earnings. Notably, the physical quality of the eggs stayed the same, no matter which light color or housing was used. These findings offer a simple, practical tip for farmers: switching to red LED lighting and considering floor rearing for the initial period can boost productivity and profit without requiring expensive equipment or complex changes. This approach provides a straightforward way to make quail farming more efficient and sustainable for the industry.

This study evaluated the productivity and egg quality of Japanese quails reared under different LED colors and rearing systems. A total of 720 female quails were assigned to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with three LED colors (red, green, and white) and two rearing systems (cage and floor) until 20 weeks of age. Production performance was evaluated across specific age intervals, while physical egg quality traits were analyzed using a Repeated-measures General Linear Model to assess temporal changes. No significant overall interactions between LED color and rearing system were observed (p > 0.05). However, significant interactions between treatment and time (p < 0.05) revealed that red LED light progressively enhanced productivity, while the floor system significantly improved feed efficiency and income during the early laying phase (weeks 6–12). Specifically, red LED light significantly improved hen-day production, egg mass, feed efficiency, and income-to-cost ratio compared to other colors (p < 0.05). Physical egg quality traits remained consistent across treatments (p > 0.05) but were significantly influenced by time (p < 0.05). In conclusion, red LED light optimizes long-term profitability, whereas the floor system offers distinct advantages during the onset of lay.