The occurrence of coccidiosis and OPG (oocyst per gram of faeces) in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) under two different housing systems

Japanese quail farm is one of the developing poultry industries that is reared as a protein source in Malaysia. Most common housing systems applied in Malaysia for this farm management is cage housing system and floor housing system included with pros and cons. However, coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria spp., is likely to cause infection to these birds that can lead to mortality. Thus, coccidiosis is one of the most important diseases worldwide, in poultry industry. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and oocyst per gram (OPG) from faecal samples of Japanese quails (Cortunix japonica) from two different housing systems, floor housing system and cage housing system. This study was conducted upon quails aged day-old until 14 days, as it is more susceptible to coccidiosis. Total of 140 faecal samples were collected from both housing systems, 70 samples from each type of housing. These quails have not been applied on any vaccination, coccidiostats or anticoccidial drugs. Eimeria oocysts were observed and the OPG of faeces were counted by floatation method. A total of 66.43% occurrence of coccidiosis was recorded, 78.57% from floor housing system and 54.29% from cage housing system. As for OPG, oocyst counted from faecal samples collected from cage housing system significantly lower than the ones in floor housing system. In conclusion, Japanese quails is better to be reared in cage housing system compared to the floor housing system to minimize the risk of Eimeria infection and coccidiosis disease.