Quails could reduce protein deficiency in poor countries
In
developing countries it is not uncommon that many go to bed hungry. To develop
an effective strategy for eradication of malnutrition and protein deficiency, it
is important to understand the root of the problem. Poultry products have proven
to be relatively cheap providers of proteins, but what about quail?
In the last three and a half decades there has been phenomenal growth in the
production capacity of the Indian poultry industry. It attained an annual growth
rate of 7 to 10% in layer production and 15 to 20 % in broiler production. There
are now 35 billion eggs and 4 million broilers at marketable age available
annually. The alleviation of protein deficiency among the population to a large
extent is due to the per annum availability of 33 eggs and 770 grams of poultry
meat per person.
From exclusive to common food
In the last two decades, the little known Japanese quail [Coturnix Coturnix
Japanica] has been introduced to the Indian sub-continent as an alternative
avian species in the progressing poultry industry to mitigate chronic protein
deficiency among the Indian population. The Japanese quails are now contributing
to broiler and layer type commercial quails.
An exclusive quail market segment has lately been growing within the poultry
meat sector to cater to the quality conscious meat consumers. Now, quail meat is
not only regarded as a restaurant delicacy but is also consumed in quantity by
the public due to its affordable prices. Approxima tely, one out of every ten
broiler consumers opt for quail.
Domesticated quails differ from wild Coturnix Coturnix Japanica, which are
protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in India. The introduction
of the Japanese quail has opened a new path and an alternative for poultry
farmers. Quail has also been identified worldwide as a laboratory animal because
of its salient characteristics that include rapid growth, early sex maturity,
short generation interval and prolificacy in egg production.
Features of quail meat and eggs
Quail meat is an ideal food as authenticated in the Holy Bible and the Holy
Koran and has no religious taboos. Japanese quails provide highly versatile
muscle food. They are quickly replacing the chicken broiler due to high
nutritive value and medicinal properties. Quail meat has less fat and fewer
calories, forming and ideal food for health conscious consumers. Quail eggs and
meat are renowned for being rich in vitamins, essential amino acids, unsaturated
fatty acids and phospholipids, which are vital for human physical and mental
develop-
ment. Quail meat and eggs can be included in the diets of children, pregnant
mothers and geriatric and convalescent patients. They are an essential part of
the diet of socially and economically weaker sections of the society.
Preservation methods
The shelf life of quail eggs and meat can be enhanced by preserving the products
as egg and meat khuruma and packed in plastic pouches. Quail meat and eggs are
easily perishable due to their high water content and bacteria, moulds or yeasts
cause spoilage, supported by enzymes. The underlying principle of all food
preservation methods is the creation of conditions unfavourable to the growth or
survival of spoilage organisms. The methods employed include deprivation of
water and sometimes oxygen, excess of salt, increased acidity or extreme cold or
heat.
The modern quail
Quail meat will be welcomed as a meat variety of superior quality, tenderness
and flavour. Diverse types of avian meat will be meeting the ever-changing
awareness and taste of consumers. Considering the changing demands of avian meat
consumers, the industry is striving to produce quails weighing 200 grams at
marketing age. This modern variety of quail can be used for the production of
cutlets, fingers, noodles, soup powder and egg puff. It is not an exaggeration
to state that quails will occupy a considerable portion of the poultry market in
the new millennium.
By Sri.Haji.A.M.A.Wahab,
M/S. Avm Hatcheries & Poultry Breeding Research Centre, Tamil Nadu, India
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