Effect of Ambient Temperature on the Performance of Shaver Brown Hens in Hot Humid Environment

Abstract

The effect of temperature on the performance of Shaver brown hens in the hot humid environment was investigated using seventy-five Shaver brown hens in their 14th week of lay. Each hen was housed in individual battery cage and fed daily with 125 g of commercial layers mash containing 16.5% crude protein, 2650 kcal/kg metabolizable energy, 4% crude fat, 6.5% crude fibre, 3.6% calcium and 0.4% phosphorus for 10 weeks. Water was supplied ad libitum to the birds. Eggs were collected daily and recorded for each hen. Data were collected on average daily feed intake(ADFI), egg weight, eggshell weight, egg shell thickness, egg shape index, albumin height, yolk height, albumin index, yolk index, haugh unit and hen day egg production. Results showed that ADFI, hen day egg production, egg shape index, albumin height, yolk height, yolk index and Haugh units were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with increase in ambient temperature. However, high ambient temperature did not have significant (P > 0.05) effect on egg weight, eggshell thickness and albumin index. Based on the results obtained in the study, it was concluded that ambient temperature had an effect on the performance of Shaver brown hens in the humid tropics.