Quails are not only cost effective but also have better flavour when compared to native chicken. | Photo Credit: M. Moorthy more-in The Veterinary University Training and Research Centre, Tiruchi, has been encouraging farmers to take up rearing of Japanese quail citing scope for higher revenue generation when compared to chicken rearing. While the shift in preference of meat consumers from chicken to quail is getting noticeable, the demand exceeds supply in Tiruchi district, according to faculties of VUTRC who impart training to farmers for rearing the bird. Quails are not only cost effective but also have better flavour when compared to native chicken. Moreover, all that farmers need to do is provide birds good feed. There is no need for vaccination since the domesticated bird is of wild descent, P.N.Richard Jagatheesan, Professor and Head, VUTRC, Tiruchi, said. The only problem the farmers face is in getting day-old chicks for rearing. Farmers are provided guidance on procuring the chicks from the Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, TANUVAS. The only hatchery for Japanese quail near Dalmiapuram is unable to fulfil the requirements of rearers. The day-old chicks are procured for ? 5 a bird and are sold after a few weeks for amounts ranging from ? 23 to ? 29. At the retail stalls, Japanese quail is sold for ? 35 to ? 40 a bird. Health-conscious meat consumers have started preferring Japanese quail to broiler chicken since it has high protein content and less cholesterol, Shibi Thomas, Assistant Professor, VUTRC, Tiruchi, said.

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