A 2026 research study found that quails fed a diet containing 150 grams of DDGS (a corn processing byproduct) per kilogram of feed produced just as many eggs of equal quality as quails eating regular expensive feed, while reducing feed costs by approximately R$10 per 100 kilograms. According to Gram Research analysis, this means farmers can safely switch to cheaper DDGS-based feed without sacrificing egg production or quality.
Researchers tested whether a cheaper ingredient called DDGS (a byproduct from making corn ethanol) could replace regular feed for laying quails without hurting egg production or quality. They fed different groups of quails either regular feed or feed containing DDGS, with some groups also getting special additives to help digestion. After tracking the birds for 63 days, they found that the cheaper DDGS feed worked just as well as expensive feed—the quails laid the same number of eggs of the same quality, but farmers saved about $10 per 100 kilograms of feed. This discovery could help farmers reduce costs while maintaining healthy egg production.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article published in Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias found that 168 laying Japanese quails fed a diet containing 150 grams of DDGS per kilogram of feed showed no significant differences in egg production or quality compared to quails eating regular feed.
Research on 168 laying quails showed that diets containing DDGS reduced feed production costs by approximately R$10 per 100 kilograms while maintaining identical egg production and quality metrics across all treatment groups.
A 2026 study of laying quails demonstrated that adding digestive enzyme additives or clay-algae metabolizability enhancers to DDGS-based feed provided no additional benefits beyond the DDGS alone, suggesting these costly additives are unnecessary.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a cheap leftover ingredient from corn processing (called DDGS) could be used in quail feed without reducing egg production or quality
- Who participated: 168 laying Japanese quails divided into 4 groups, with each group eating different types of feed for 63 days total
- Key finding: Quails eating the cheaper DDGS feed laid just as many eggs of the same quality as quails eating regular expensive feed, while saving farmers about $10 per 100 kilograms of feed
- What it means for you: If you raise quails for eggs, using DDGS in their feed could cut your costs significantly without hurting your egg production—though results may vary based on your specific situation and quail breed
The Research Details
Scientists divided 168 laying quails into four equal groups. One group ate regular feed (the control group), one group ate feed containing 150 grams of DDGS per kilogram of feed, and two other groups ate DDGS feed plus special additives designed to help the birds digest food better. The researchers tracked how many eggs each group produced and measured egg quality every three weeks for nine weeks total. They recorded information like how much feed the birds ate, how many eggs they laid, and how heavy the eggs were.
This type of study is called a ‘completely randomized design,’ which means each group had an equal chance of getting any type of feed. The researchers used 7 separate batches of birds per treatment group, with 6 birds in each batch, to make sure their results were reliable and not just due to chance.
The study measured both how well the birds performed (eggs laid, feed eaten) and the quality of the eggs produced (size, shell strength, and other characteristics). This two-part approach helped the researchers understand whether the cheaper feed affected both production and quality.
This research matters because quail farming is a growing industry, and feed costs are one of the biggest expenses farmers face. DDGS is a waste product from making ethanol fuel from corn, so using it in animal feed is both economical and environmentally friendly—it keeps waste out of landfills. By testing whether this cheap ingredient works just as well as expensive feed, researchers can help small farmers stay profitable while reducing waste.
The study used a solid experimental design with multiple replications (7 batches per group), which makes the results more trustworthy. However, the study only lasted 63 days, so we don’t know if the results would hold up over longer periods. The researchers didn’t specify the exact sample size in their abstract, which makes it harder to assess statistical power. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, which means other experts reviewed it before publication. The fact that they measured multiple outcomes (production and egg quality) strengthens the findings.
What the Results Show
The main finding was that quails eating DDGS feed performed identically to quails eating regular feed. There were no significant differences in how many eggs the birds laid, how much feed they ate, or how well they converted feed into eggs. The egg quality measurements—including shell thickness, yolk color, and other characteristics—were also the same across all groups.
The most important practical finding was the cost savings. Diets containing DDGS cost about R$10 less per 100 kilograms of feed compared to the regular diet. This might not sound like much, but for a farmer raising hundreds or thousands of quails, this savings adds up quickly over months and years.
The two special additives (xylanase enzyme and the clay-algae metabolizability enhancer) didn’t provide any additional benefits beyond what the DDGS alone provided. This suggests that DDGS is already digestible enough for quails without needing extra help from these additives.
The study found that adding special digestive enzymes or clay-based additives to the DDGS feed didn’t improve results compared to DDGS alone. This is actually good news for farmers because it means they don’t need to spend extra money on these additives—the basic DDGS feed works fine. The consistency of results across all three 21-day measurement periods suggests that the DDGS feed remained effective throughout the entire study, with no problems developing over time.
This research aligns with previous studies showing that DDGS can be used in poultry diets without harming production. However, most previous research focused on chickens rather than quails, so this study fills an important gap by confirming that quails also tolerate DDGS well. The finding that additives don’t improve DDGS performance in quails differs from some chicken studies, suggesting that different bird species may have different nutritional needs.
The study only lasted 63 days, which is relatively short for assessing long-term effects on bird health and productivity. The researchers didn’t measure some important factors like bird health, disease resistance, or how the birds’ bodies changed over time. The study was conducted in a controlled research setting, so results might differ on actual farms with different conditions. The study didn’t test different amounts of DDGS (only 150 grams per kilogram), so we don’t know if higher or lower amounts would work as well. Finally, the study used only one breed of quail (Japanese quails), so results might not apply to other quail species.
The Bottom Line
According to Gram Research analysis, farmers can confidently include DDGS at 150 grams per kilogram of quail feed as a cost-saving measure with high confidence. The evidence strongly supports this because the study found no negative effects on egg production or quality. Farmers should not spend extra money on digestive enzyme additives, as they provided no additional benefit in this study. Start by replacing 15% of regular feed with DDGS and monitor your birds’ performance for a few weeks to ensure they’re adjusting well.
This research is most relevant to people who raise laying quails for egg production, whether as a hobby or small business. It’s particularly valuable for farmers in regions where DDGS is readily available and affordable. Larger commercial poultry operations might also benefit, though they may want to conduct their own trials first. This research is less relevant to people raising quails for meat rather than eggs, or to those raising other types of birds like chickens or ducks.
You should see cost savings immediately when you switch to DDGS feed, since the savings come from the lower ingredient cost. However, you should monitor your birds for at least 2-3 weeks to ensure they’re adjusting well to the new feed before concluding that it’s working for your specific situation. Egg production and quality should remain stable within the first week of switching feeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use DDGS in quail feed without affecting egg production?
Yes, research shows quails fed 150 grams of DDGS per kilogram of feed produced identical egg quantities and quality compared to regular feed. A 2026 study of 168 quails found no significant differences in production metrics across all treatment groups.
How much money can I save by switching to DDGS feed for quails?
According to a 2026 study, DDGS-based feed costs approximately R$10 less per 100 kilograms compared to regular quail feed. For a farmer raising hundreds of quails, this translates to substantial annual savings while maintaining identical egg production.
Do I need to add special enzymes to DDGS feed for quails?
No, research shows that adding xylanase enzymes or clay-algae additives to DDGS feed provided no additional benefits for laying quails. The DDGS alone was fully digestible and effective without costly supplements.
How long does it take to see results after switching quails to DDGS feed?
Cost savings appear immediately upon switching feeds. Egg production and quality should remain stable within the first week, though monitoring for 2-3 weeks confirms the feed is working well for your specific birds.
Will DDGS feed work for all types of quails?
This study tested only Japanese laying quails, so results may vary for other quail species. Start with a small percentage of DDGS and monitor your birds’ performance before fully switching, as different breeds may have varying nutritional needs.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily egg production count and average egg weight weekly. Compare these metrics before and after switching to DDGS feed to verify that production remains stable. Record feed costs per kilogram to quantify your savings.
- If you raise quails, gradually replace 15% of your current feed with DDGS over one week, then monitor production for three weeks. If production stays the same, you can confidently continue using DDGS as a regular part of your feed mix.
- Set weekly reminders to weigh eggs and count production. Create a simple spreadsheet tracking eggs per bird per week, average egg weight, and feed costs. Compare these metrics monthly to ensure DDGS feed continues performing as well as your previous feed.
This research applies specifically to laying Japanese quails and may not apply to other quail species, chicken breeds, or other poultry. Results were obtained in a controlled research setting and may differ on commercial farms with different environmental conditions. Before making significant changes to your quail feed, consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist familiar with your specific birds and local conditions. This study lasted only 63 days, so long-term effects beyond this period are unknown. Individual results may vary based on factors like bird age, health status, housing conditions, and local feed ingredient availability. Always introduce new feed gradually to allow birds to adjust.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.