The effect of a diet supplemented with L-carnitine on egg production in pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to assess the effect of a diet supplemented with L-carnitine on egg weight and laying rate in hens of pheasant (<I>Phasianus colchicus</I>). The experiment lasted 14 weeks and was performed with 210 experimental and 210 control laying hens. The birds were kept in cages; one cock and seven hens per cage. Both control and experimental hens were administered the complete feed mixture, with the only difference that the feed mixture administered to experimental hens was supplemented with L-carnitine at a level of 0.01%. During the experimental period, eggs were collected and weight of individual eggs was determined. Control and experimental groups provided 8 039 and 8 499 eggs, respectively. The results showed that L-carnitine increased egg weight (<I>P</I> < 0.01) and laying rate. The effect of L-carnitine on egg weight and laying rate manifested itself until weeks 11 and 13, respectively. The average weight of eggs laid during the experimental period was (mean ± SD) 32.22 ± 3.03 g in the control group and 32.51 ± 2.83 g in the experimental group, with the overall laying rate being 44.29% in the control group and 47.30% in the experimental group.