Quail is a type of small game bird that is a popular food source and farming industry in the Philippines. There are several species of quail found in the Philippines, but the main type raised domestically is the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Quail is known locally as “pugo” in Tagalog and other Philippine languages.
Origins and History of Quail Farming in the Philippines
Quail farming first began in the Philippines in the 1970s as a small-scale business mainly for egg production. In the 1980s, the quail industry began to grow as a means of producing meat as well. The Philippines Bureau of Animal Industry and Department of Agriculture worked to promote quail production as an efficient and profitable business for small-scale farmers throughout the country.
By the 1990s, the quail industry really took off in the Philippines. Quail eggs and meat were touted as nutritious alternatives to chicken and duck. Quail farming required less space, cost and labor compared to raising other poultry. Thus, it was seen as an excellent source of food and livelihood for smallhold family farms.
The increased demand for quail eggs and meat outstripped the local supply, so the Philippines began importing Japanese quail from the United States for breeding stock. Today there are an estimated 400-500 quail breeders across the Philippines, producing eggs and birds for smallholder raisers nationwide. The quail industry continues to grow at a rate of 10-30% annually.
Benefits of Quail Farming in the Philippines
There are many good reasons why quail farming took off and remains popular in the Philippines:
- Quail are small birds that require little space. Around 100-200 quail can be raised in a 1 sq meter cage.
- They attain market weight (200-250g) very rapidly in just 5-6 weeks.
- Quail start laying eggs at 6 weeks old and are very productive egg layers.
- The meat and eggs are very nutritious and considered delicacies.
- Quail housing and equipment requires lower capital investment than other poultry.
- Quail are hardy birds that are resistant to poultry diseases.
- There is growing demand for quail products in the Philippines and for export.
For these reasons, quail farming is practical and profitable even for smallhold family farms and backyards in the Philippines. Raising quail provides a good source of food and extra income from the sale of eggs and meat.
Species of Quail Raised in the Philippines
The main species of quail raised commercially in the Philippines is the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Other species found include:
- Common quail (Coturnix coturnix) – native to Europe and Asia, migratory
- Blue-breasted quail (Coturnix chinensis) – native to Asia, introduced for hunting
- Brown or Indian quail (Coturnix coromandelica) – native to India and southeast Asia
- King quail (Excalfactoria chinensis) – native to east Asia
- Stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) – native to Australia, introduced for hunting
However, most quail farming and production is centered on Japanese quail which are the most suitable for domestication and commercial rearing. They have high egg and meat yields and adapt well to cage rearing. All commercial quail breeders in the Philippines work exclusively with Japanese quail.
Quail Production Systems
There are three main production systems used for raising quail in the Philippines:
- Backyard – small scale with less than 500 birds, often using family labor and homemade equipment.
- Semi-commercial – medium scale with 500-5,000 birds, using partial mechanization.
- Commercial – large scale with over 5,000 birds, fully mechanized with automated equipment.
Backyard quail raising is the most common, representing over 90% of quail raisers in the Philippines. Families may raise 50-100 birds in their backyard for supplemental income and food. Semi-commercial farms supply local egg and meat markets.
Large commercial quail farms are clustered mainly in Batangas and Cavite. They have fully automated cages, feeders, waterers and egg collection. Most supply major dealers, processors and export markets.
Housing Systems
Different housing systems are utilized for raising quail based on scale:
- Cage/hutch system – wire cages stacked into racks, used for small to large scale production.
- Litter system – quail raised on floor with rice hull litter, used only for backyard raising.
- Aviary system – special enclosed quail houses with litter floor, used for backyard and semi-commercial flocks.
The cage system is the most common because it is efficient, requires less space and labor. Each cage holds 25-30 mature quail. Manure and eggs fall through wire floor for easy cleaning and collection.
Feeds and Nutrition
Proper nutrition is crucial for productive quail. Commercial and semi-commercial farms use manufactured pelleted feeds formulated specifically for quail. Backyard raisers may use farm-produced grains and supplements.
The basic nutrition requirements for quail are:
- Protein: 24-28%
- Calcium: 2-3%
- Phosphorus: 0.8%
- Fiber: 5-7%
- Metabolizable Energy: 2900 kcal/kg
Vitamins A, D3, E, K and B-complex and minerals like iodine and selenium are also added to balance the diet. Good quality drinking water must be available at all times.
Breeding and Rearing
Quail reach sexual maturity very quickly. Egg-laying starts at 6 weeks old and peak production is achieved by 8 weeks of age. The breeding stock must be carefully selected and paired at the proper ratio.
- Male to female ratio: 1:2 to 1:3
- 90-95% hen-day production
- 250-300 eggs per hen annually
Incubation is done artificially using electric incubators for maximum efficiency. The eggs take just 14-16 days to hatch with good hatchability of 80-85%.
Day old chicks are housed in brooder cages with controlled heating and lighting. After 2 weeks, they are transferred to grower cages until they reach 5-6 weeks and 200-250g liveweight for marketting.
Health Management
Quail are fairly hardy birds but proper health management is still needed. Vaccines, deworming, vitamins and biosecurity measures should be implemented to prevent disease outbreaks. Hygiene and sanitation must be practiced in housing and equipment.
Common quail diseases in the Philippines include:
- Bacterial infections – E. coli, Salmonella
- Parasitic infections – roundworms, tapeworms
- Viral infections – Newcastle disease, quail bronchitis
These are prevented and controlled through proper nutrition, vaccines, medications, disinfection routines and stress management.
Processing and Marketing Quail Products
Once quail reach market size, they are deprived of feed for 24 hours before slaughter. Commercial processors use automated equipment for slaughter, de-feathering, evisceration and cleaning. Carcasses are chilled in ice slurry and packed for distribution to markets.
Quail eggs for human consumption are washed, sanitized, graded by weight class, packaged and refrigerated. Eggs for hatching are handled more carefully without washing or refrigeration.
The main quail products sold from Philippine farms are:
- Live quail – for restocking or home slaughter
- Fresh dressed quail – whole or parts like breast, thigh, drumstick
- Salted/dried quail eggs
- Frozen quail meat and eggs
- Processed/canned quail meat – sausages, nuggets etc
There is increasing export of fresh and processed quail eggs and meat. Major export markets include Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Middle East.
Economics of Quail Production
Quail farming can be very profitable if properly managed. Economic studies show that backyard quail raisers can earn ₱15-25 per bird. For commercial farms, estimated production costs and returns per bird are:
Particulars | Cost |
---|---|
Day old chick | ₱ 25.00 |
Feeds | ₱ 60.00 |
Labor | ₱ 5.00 |
Housing, equip, electricity | ₱ 10.00 |
Total Cost per Bird | ₱ 100.00 |
Gross Revenue per Bird | ₱ 300 |
Net Profit per Bird | ₱ 200 |
With efficient production, a well-managed quail farm can achieve excellent income. Quail eggs and meat continue to be in high demand.
Future Prospects for Quail Industry
The quail industry has bright prospects for continued growth and contribution to Philippine agriculture and economy. Here are some positive indications:
- Growing demand for quail eggs and meat locally and internationally.
- Backyard and smallholder farmers are interested in quail as an income source.
- Government and private sector support for quail production.
- Emerging technologies to further improve efficiency and productivity.
- Quail products remain affordable options for Filipino consumers.
Quail farming can provide food and livelihood for smallscale raisers with minimal land and capital. With sustained research and development, the future looks bright for quail to play an increasing role in Philippine agriculture.
Conclusion
Quail production has become an established farming industry in the Philippines. Japanese quail is the most commonly raised species, known locally as pugo. Quail farming started in the 1970s and has flourished due to the high demand for eggs and meat.
Quail are excellent for smallholder farmers due to modest capital requirements and ability to thrive in backyard conditions. They have a high rate of egg and meat production making them an efficient livestock. Quail eggs and meat are prized delicacies with the additional benefit of being highly nutritious.
The quail industry looks poised for continued expansion in the Philippines. With adequate research, government support, and marketing, quail farming can elevate nutrition and incomes for Filipino farmers.