Effects of different dietary oils superimposed on different dietary protein levels on the laying performance, egg weights, fertility and hatchability in the tropical environment.

Abstract

AbstractThe effects of different dietary oils superimposed on different levels of dietary protein on the rate of egg production, egg weight and egg hatchability and fertility in the tropics have been studied, using 405 layers and 81 breeding cocks all of the single comb White Leghorn x White Plymouth Rock breeds, over a period of 6 months. The oils were plam oil, groundnut oil and lard, and the three dietary protein levels were 14.4, 16.0 and 18.0%. Egg production rate was highest on the 3% palm oil diet superimposed on 18.0% protein diet and lowest on the 3% lard diet superimposed on 14.0% protein diet. There were significant increases in egg production rate as dietary protein levels increased and the differences due to oil types were also significant, being best for palm oil and poorest for lard diets. Feed/dozen eggs, the fertility and hatchability of the eggs laid, and the egg weights were also significantly influenced by oil types, and they all generally favoured palm oil diets, closely followed by groundnut oil diets. Lard significantly depressed egg production rate, egg weight, and egg hatchability and fertility. Protein levels significantly affected egg production rates, egg weight, feed/dozen eggs and egg fertility and hatchability.