920|Int. J. of Multidisciplinary and Current research, Vol.3 (Sept/Oct 2015) International Journal of Multidisciplinary and Current Research Review Article ISSN: 2321-3124 Available at: http://ijmcr.com The Prospects and Limitations of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Production in Nigeria- A Review Balarabe Rabiu Mohammed †‡ and Charles Ejiofor † † Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja-Nigeria. ‡ School of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET), Abertay University, Dundee, DD1 1HF, United Kingdom Accepted 01 Sept 2015, Available online 08 Sept 2015, Vol.3 (Sept/Oct 2015 issue) Abstract The exponential increase in population size in the developing countries including Nigeria necessitates a corresponding demand in animal protein supply to sustain the availability of protein for the human populace. Quails characterised by small size are regarded as a cheap additional source of animal protein, due to their low feed requirements, rapid growth, short generation, and gestation periods. In this paper review, the prospects of quail production, management, diseases and control strategies have been extensively discussed. It further highlighted other unique qualities of quail over other species of poultry to include; requirement of less amount of floor space, feed and high fecundity rate. Limitations to quail production in Nigeria includes; infectious diseases (Bacteria, viral & protozoan) and noninfectious (Drowning, smothering & cannibalism) which require necessary skills for successful quail production. Adequate biosecurity measures employed in poultry disease control are applicable in quail diseases prevention and control strategies. The study has implication on the potentialities of quail production as an excellent and affordable source of animal protein in Nigeria. Keywords: Animal protein, Diseases, Gestation, Limitations, Nigeria, Productions, Prospects, Quail 1. Introduction The continued rise in human population in the developing countries necessitates the need to establish additional sources of animal protein [1]. Animal protein constitutes about 17% of the total protein consumption in the average Nigerian diet compared to other developed nations with 68% in New Zealand, 71% in United States of America, 67% in Denmark and 60% in the United Kingdom [2]. In Nigeria, with a population of over 170 million, there is deficiency of animal protein security with the consumption put at about less than 10g/head/day as against the minimum daily intake of 65 g recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) to be the minimum requirement for the growth and development of the body [1], [3], [4]. Boosting the poultry industry with a short generation interval is an alternative means of alleviating the deficiency of animal protein in Nigeria. Among these are the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japanica) raised primarily for their meat and eggs [5]. Generally quail production occupies a small but significant segment of the Nigerian poultry industry [6]. The Japanese quail have the advantage of small size, short life cycle, rapid growth rate, good reproductive potential, high fecundity rate, and shorter hatching periods when compared with the different species of poultry [1],[5]. The benefits of quail meat are known as high protein, essential fatty acids, and minerals such as sodium, potassium, and iron. Owing to high metabolic activity in this animal, the amount of glycogen stored in muscles increases and results in high quality meat [7]. Quail having carcasses made up of 76% of meat, 14% of skin, and 10% of bone, has the highest amount of meat and the least bone ratio among the other poultry products [7]. Japanese quail birds mature in about six weeks and are usually in full eggs production in 50 day of age [6]. The Japanese quails therefore have the potential to complement the obvious gap in the protein needs of Nigerians, necessitating means to improve their productivity and sustainability. One of the areas that need particular attention is common diseases and control of these diseases in the quail birds. Although, Japanese quails have been reported to be generally resistant to common diseases that may adversely affect other birds; they can however still be affected by several infectious and non-infectious diseases. Previous literature revealed that, little is known on the management, diseases and control of quail production in Nigeria. Few of the information available are unable to elucidate the major intricacies involved in quail production, diseases and control. This paper therefore presents first-hand information on the review of management procedures in