Characterization of Quail (Coturnix japonica) Production in Benin Republic
Abstract
Background and Objective: Despite the health benefits associated with the consumption of meat and eggs of quails, the management of the birds is still in rudimentary state in Benin. The aim of this study was to characterize quail production in Benin. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted on thirty quail farmers through an interview supported by a structured questionnaire using the snowball method. The multiple correspondence factor analysis (MCFA) and ascending hierarchical classification (AHC) methods were used for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that quails were raised for profitability, prestige and medicinal uses of their eggs. Quail farmers were predominantly male (93.3%) and the birds were reared in urban and peri-urban areas. Three types of quail production were identified as types I, II and III, with average flock sizes of 1288.3±955.02, 947.4±537.55 and 13171±6931.6, respectively. The majority of type I and III farmers were educated (100 and 80%, respectively) and trained in quail production (88.89 and 80.00%, respectively) unlike type II (educated: 11.76% and trained: 17.65%). Conclusion: There are on-going efforts to improve the productivity of quails in Benin Republic. Formal training is needed and more women should be encouraged to participate.
Keywords:
Farmers' characterization, flock size, production system, quail egg, quail farmeres, quail meatArticle Metrics
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