Evaluation of Phytogenic Feed Additive on Egg Production, Egg Quality and Feed Intake in Layer Chicken

Abstract

The commercial layer production in chicken farms has usually been exposed to wide range of stress stimulants, which adversely affect the feed intake and body weight that in-turn depress the egg production and quality. Hence, it’s a major area of concern to reduce the stress and increase the production benefiting the farmer and health of the bird. The present study was designed to evaluate the impact of phytogenic feed additive (PGC) on egg production, egg quality and feed intake in layer chicken. A total of 320 birds of age 65 weeks of BV300 layers were randomly assigned to 2 groups (Control and PGC groups) with 10 replicates comprising 16 birds each (n = 160). The control group was provided with standard commercial feed as recommended by NRC specifications. In PGC group PhytoceeTM was supplemented at 200 g/ton with standard commercial feed. The study period was 6 weeks (65 weeks to 70 weeks) and data was collected on 7 days interval. The data on egg production, feed intake and egg quality parameters (egg weight and shell parameters) were collected during the study. The group fed with PGC had showed numerical improvement in egg production and decreased egg defects during the study period when compared to control group. The feed intake was not much altered in both the groups. The egg density, egg strength, shell weight, shell thickness and shell percentage were numerically improved in PGC supplemented group when compared with control. The supplementation of PGC had considerably improved the egg quality and production parameters in layer birds by helping them in reducing the harmful effects of stress.