Average Egg Production Research Articles

Effects of broussonetia papyrifera-fermented feed on production performance, egg quality, and caecal microbiota of laying hens during the late laying period

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different proportions of Broussonetia papyrifera (BP)-fermented feed in the diet to replace part of soybean meal on the production performance, egg quality and caecal microbiota of laying hens in the late laying period. In the experiment, 360 Hy-line brown laying hens (67-week-old) were randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 replicates in each group and 15 chickens in each replicate. The control group was fed with basic diets, and EG1, EG2 and EG3 groups were used in 1.5%, 3% and 4.5% BP-fermented feed to replace corn and soybean meal in the basic diet, respectively. The pre-feeding period was 7 days, and the experiment period was 56 days. In terms of production performance, the average daily egg production in the EG3 decreased significantly compared with that in the control group (p < .05). In terms of caecal microorganisms, the abundance indices of Sobs, Chao, and ACE community distribution in EG2 significantly increased compared with those in the control group (p < .05). At the phylum level, the abundance of WPS-2 in all experimental groups significantly increased (p < .05). The abundance of Actinobacteria in EG1 increased significantly, and that of Campilobacterota and Elusimicrobiota in EG2 significantly increased (p < .05). At the genus level, Olsenella in EG1 increased significantly (p<.05) and UCG-008 in EG3 increased significantly (p < .05) with increasing replacement ratio of BP-fermented feed compared with the control group. The results suggest that based on the production performance, the recommended replacement amount is 3%. Highlights BP-fermented feed can be used as a new protein feed in layers diet at late laying stages. BP-fermented feed had no significant impact on improved egg production performance and egg quality. Replacing part of soybean meal with BP-fermented feed can significantly increase the WPS-2 and Actinobacteria and other phyla, resulting in changes in the intestinal microbes of laying hens.

Characterization of duck germplasm of eastern hill and plateau region of Jharkhand

Information about phenotypic characteristics is a basic need in animal genetic resource conservation and improvement. Phenotypic characteristics of Jharkhand ducks from six districts (Palamu, Gadhwa, Latehar, Lohardaga, Khuti, and Simdega) were studied. Data on morphological and morphometric traits were analyzed. The results revealed that the predominant plumage colours of the head, neck, breast, wings and tails were black (56.25%) in drake, and black and white mix (65.33%) in duck; white and black/brown mix (62.50%) in drake, and white (79.33%) in duck; brown (41.25%) in drake, and white and black/brown mix (52.67%) in duck; black/brown and white mix (43.75%) in drake and duck (74.67%); black in drake (75%) and duck (90%) respectively. The dominant bill colour in drake was greenish black (56.25%) followed by orange (25%) and duck bill colour was black (58.67%) followed by orange (22%), whereas dominant eye colour was brown in both the sexes. The predominant shank and web colour were orange (65.0%) in drake and duck (68.0%) respectively. The Jharkhand ducks are unique in their morphological features with attractive black and white plumage colour pattern. The ducks are well acclimatised to local agro-climatic conditions with less input from duck farmers. The hatching and brooding process are natural. The average egg production was 66.92±2.00 eggs. The average adult body weights of drake and ducks were 1.64±23.19 and 1.51±30.09 kg, respectively. Variations were observed in qualitative traits. The observed phenotypic diversity in Jharkhand local ducks could be useful in designing breeding programs and selection.

FALL ARMYWORM OUTBREAKS IN ASIA: ANALYZING THE STRATEGIES TO CONTROL

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a Lepidopteran moth of Noctuidae family. Due to its polyphagous characteristic with a large host range, strong migration ability, high fecundity (average egg production per female is about 1500) and lack of diapause has already contributed to its invasiveness in America and Africa. Recently it has been introduced in Asia in the year 2018. Though it has been only around three years of Fall armyworm (FAW) introduction, it has already spread into many Asian countries and on the way to cause havoc. Though it can infest many crops, its main target and maximum yield loss has occurred in case of Maize. In America and Africa, farmers are already well known to this pest and have adapted themselves to reduce crop loss to some extent by undertaking several management options. As this pest is completely new to Asia, farmers do not know much about its biology, nature of damage and control measures. And their misdiagnosis of the pest leads to panic and increased crop loss. Therefore, it is very important to increase awareness among the farmers to identify its attack on the right time to take suitable control measures as well as preventive measures for upcoming cropping seasons. Some of the cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical control measures those were effective in reducing its infestation outside Asia, has also found to be effective inside Asia. Collaboration of these control measures according to the field condition is main concern for the cultivators. But the integrated pest management option alone can also help to keep FAW population much below economic injury level and prevent its invasiveness as a tool of sustainable management for ensuring food security.

Evaluation of Mewari, a native chicken breed vis-à-vis Pratapdhan, an improved chicken variety under an intensive system of rearing

Mewari is an indigenous chicken breed and Pratapdhan is a dual purpose chicken variety developed using Mewari, coloured broiler and Rhode Island Red. Pratapdhan birds were well accepted by the farmers of Rajasthan and adjoining areas. The study was undertaken for comparative evaluation of Mewari and Pratapdhan chicken under intensive system. The data were analyzed using factorial design with genotype, sex and generation (2 × 2 × 3) as main effects. The body weights differed significantly at all ages with significant higher weights in Pratapdhan as compared to Mewari chicken. Sex had significant effect on body weights at all ages except at 2nd week. Males had significantly higher body weights across the genotypes and generations. The interaction effects were significant between the genotypes, sex and generations, except at 2nd week of age. The body weights showed an increasing trend over the generations with few exceptions. ASM and egg weights significantly varied between the genotypes and across the generations with significant interaction effects. The average annual egg production and egg weight (72 weeks) in Mewari and Pratapdhan chicken were 92.02±0.52 and 158.25±1.20 and 46.85±0.22 and 55.74±0.28, respectively. The fertility per cent was 80.39±1.45 and 83.28±0.64 in Mewari and Pratapdhan, respectively. The results suggest that Pratapdhan could be one of the potential improved germplasm for backyard poultry production.

Gryllus testaceus walker (crickets) farming management, chemical composition, nutritive profile, and their effect on animal digestibility

AbstractCommonly, the life span of the cricket is very short, reaching from 60 to 70 days and the average egg production lies within the range of 200–1,500 eggs/female. The female can mate with many males and can produce more fertile eggs. The body composition of an adult cricket on analysis showed that it contains dry matter 33.30%, crude protein 63.30%, crude fat 5.20%, ash 5.60%, calcium 10.10%, phosphorous 7.90%, zinc 215.0 mg/kg, and copper 15.00 mg/kg on dry matter basis, respectively. The dry matter digestibility diet was highest for whole cricket (WC, with legs) and the digestibility of ash, crude fiber, and crude fat was higher than form body cricket (BC, removal of legs). The WC and BC diets had lower feed conversion rates than control diets, and higher nitrogen retention (digestion). It was concluded that crickets are potential feed ingredients for ruminants and non‐ruminants, especially as protein supplements methane emissions are low in vitro and high ash digestibility indicates the ability to reduce mineral deficiencies.

Egg production parameters of quails receiving dietary betaine supplementation with different floor space in a tropical environment

This study investigated the effect of dietary betaine supplementation and floor space on quail egg production parameters. With six replicates, four hundred fifty-six quails (21-day-old) were randomly assigned to a 2×2 factorial arrangement. The first factor was floor space of 225 cm2 (F1) and 164 cm2 (F2) by allocating 16 and 22 birds per cage (size: 3600 cm2). The second factor was dietary betaine supplementation at 0% (CON) and 0.15% (BET). Egg production was collected in 2 periods (2×28 days) starting from 43 days old. The age of the first production, 10%, 50%, and peak production, was also recorded. There is an interaction between dietary betaine supplementation and floor space on the age of productive parameters, where quails receiving betaine supplementation reached faster 50% production and peak production (p<0.05). Furthermore, the F1 group had a higher average egg production than F2 (p<0.05). BET group had a higher average egg production than CON (p<0.05). Thus, floor space 225 cm2 can be applied in the tropics provided the quails received dietary betaine supplementation.

Effects of Different Methionine Levels in Low Protein Diets on Production Performance, Reproductive System, Metabolism, and Gut Microbiota in Laying Hens.

This study investigated the effects of different levels of methionine (Met) in a low protein diet on the production performance, reproductive system, metabolism, and gut microbial composition of laying hens to reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of Met in a low protein diet on the host metabolism and gut microbial composition and function of hens. A total of 360 healthy 38-week-old Peking Pink laying hens with similar body conditions and egg production (EP) were randomly divided into four groups with nine replicates per treatment and 10 hens per replicate. The hens in each treatment group were fed low protein diets containing different levels of Met (0.25, 0.31, 0.38, and 0.47%, respectively) for 12 weeks. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the trial period. The results showed that, compared with the 0.25% Met group, the final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), EP, egg weight (EW), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in the other groups were significantly increased and feed egg ratio (FER) was decreased. Meanwhile, the EW and yield of abdominal fat (AFY) in the 0.47% Met group were higher than those in other groups. The triglyceride (TG), estradiol (E2), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the 0.38 and 0.47% Met groups were higher than those in other groups. In addition, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that there was no difference in the Sobs index, ACE index, and Shannon index among all groups. However, it is worth noting that feeding low protein diets with Met changed the gut microbial composition (e.g., the supplementation of Met increased the level of Lactobacillus and decreased the proportion of Faecalibacterium). Also, our results showed that the changes in gut microbial composition induced by the diets with different levels of Met were closely related to the changes of key parameters: ADFI, EW, FBW, TG, EM, EP, ADG, FER, and uric acid (UA). Our results highlight the role of adding an appropriate amount of Met to the low protein diet in laying hens, which could improve the gut microbial composition, production performance, reproductive system, and nutrient metabolism of laying hens. In conclusion, this study suggested that when the Met level was 0.38%, the production performance of the laying hens was pretty good.

ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY OF LAYING DUCK FARM WITH INTENSIVE SYSTEM

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This study aims to determine the management, production performance, financial feasibility, break-even point and sensitivity of business. The study began from December 2019 until January 2020 at UD. Sari Utama, located in Cepaka Village, Kediri District, Tabanan Regency. This research uses primary data. The variables observed in this study are livestock management, production performance, cost, financial feasibility, and sensitivity. The fe- asibility of laying duck business is analyzed using investment criteria analysis, PBP, BEP and sensitivity analysis. The results of this study indicate that the UD Sari Utama laying duck business has paid attention to several aspects of management including the selection of pra-layer ducks, cages, feed, labor, prevention and treatment of disease. The average egg production is 65%/day and the average number of eggs produced is consumption eggs 62,4% and 37,6% hatching eggs with a maintenance ratio of male and female ducks 1:10. The results of financial analysis show that this farm produces NPV 246.749.932, IRR 26,16%, Net B / C 2,2, PBP in 1,17 years, BEP in 5,96 years, BEP egg production 217.935 / year, BEP egg price Rp 1.649,84 / item. The results of the sensitivity analysis show that the business is sensitive to decreasing egg prices and increasing feed prices, with sensitivity values of 10,52% and 16,87%, respectively. Based on these results it can be concluded that the business of laying duck UD. Sari Utama is financially feasible.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Current Status of Indigenous and Highly Productive Chicken Breeds in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, chicken production plays an important role in providing human food consumption, growth of domestic products, and creating employment opportunities. Despite their importance, the production and reproduction performance of chickens in the country is under expectation owing to the gap between low productive indigenous and low adaptive ability of highly productive chicken breeds. By considering this, the present paper aims to deliver, synthesize, and summarize the compiled information on the current status of indigenous and highly productive chicken breeds. Currently, there are several highly productive chicken breeds available in Ethiopia. Among these, Rhode Island Red, Fayoumi, Potchefstroom Koekoek, Sasso, Bovan Brown, Issa Brown, and Leghorn are being kept under various husbandry systems. Besides, indigenous chicken ecotypes such as barley plumage color, red plumage color, white plumage color, and black plumage color have been characterized in the country. However, the average annual egg production of indigenous and highly productive chicken breeds did not exceed 60 and 250 eggs, respectively. On the other hand, the meat production ability of indigenous chickens is limited as cockerels and pullets may reach 1.5 and 1.05 kilogram live weight at 6 months of age, respectively. Concerning the husbandry system, a majority of owners supplied feed to chickens on the ground and water in plastic containers while scavenging is being the common feeding system in most parts of the country. Furthermore, the majority of the owners are using no separate housing system and treat their chickens traditionally. Thus, awareness should be emphasized on enhancing the improvement of chicken husbandry systems for better production and reproduction performance.

PRESENT STATUS OF FREE-RANGE DUCK FARMING SYSTEM OF TULSIPUR DANG, NEPAL

The survey was conducted in Malwar and Kwangi villages of Tulsipur sub-metropolitan city of Dang district to study the present status of the free-range duck farming system. The data were collected from 50 farmers of each village by interviewing the close-ended questionnaire. The majority of the farmers (74%) reared both duck and chicken while the remaining farmers reared duck only. About 40% of the farmers used maize as feeding materials. The percentage of farmers keeping ducks in their living house and not using any bedding materials was 50 and 32 respectively. The average sexual maturity days, adult weight, egg production, and egg weight were 189.83 days, 1.99 kg, 104.91 and 60.95 g, respectively. Most of the farmers (61%) reported no disease problem but sometimes duck cholera was a major problem. Out of total farmers, about 98% did not vaccinate and 82% did not provide vitamin and mineral supplements. The average mortality rate was 14.64% per year. Thus, it can be concluded that the rearing method of duck is traditional and lack of appropriate housing and inadequate supply of vaccines, medicines, vitamins and minerals are the major problems. Programs related to training and budget should be introduced to overcome these problems.

Performance evaluation of the parents of the improved backyard poultry germplasm in sub-tropical condition of North Eastern Hill Region of India.

Productivity of traditional backyard poultry in developing countries can be enhanced by introduction of improved germplasm of backyard chicken which is adaptable to diverse ago-climatic condition. The growth and reproductive performance of parents of improved backyard chicken (Vanaraja and Srinidhi) were evaluated under intensive production system in humid sub-tropical region of North East India. We also evaluated the growth performance and mortality in terminal crosses of above parents until 6 weeks of age. At day 0 and at 25 weeks of age, body weight of Srinidhi male parent was significantly (P<0.05) higher than Vanaraja male parent. During brooding stage, mortality was 15.7% in Srinidhi male parent, 14.5% in Vanaraja male parent, 13.9% in Srinidhi female parent, and 8% in Vanaraja female parent. Hen-day egg production (HDEP) of Vanaraja female parent varied from 0.2 at 25 weeks to 54.9% at 54th weeks of age. In Srinidhi female parent, HDEP reached 60% at 35 weeks and peaked 63.9% at 39 weeks of age. Srinidhi female parent has significantly (P<0.05) lower age at first lay. Average annual egg production was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Srinidhi female parent (202 eggs vs. 137 eggs). Egg weight at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 week of age was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Vanaraja female parent. Egg shape index and yolk index at 40 weeks of age were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Srinidhi female parent. Fertility of Vanaraja female parent was significantly (P<0.05) lower in winter. In case of Srinidhi female parent, fertility was significantly higher (P<0.05) in winter as compared to summer. In case of terminal crosses, body weight at 6 weeks of age was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Vanaraja as compared to Srinidhi. Cumulative mortality during brooding phase was 9.2 per cent in Vanaraja and 9.6 per cent in Srinidhi. In conclusion, parents of Vanaraja and Srinidhi are suitable and well-adapted birds in humid sub-tropical condition of North East India. These birds could be introduced in the region on large scale for up-scaling of traditional backyard poultry.

Response Of Laying Hens To Dietary Full-fat Soybeans Steamed For Different Time Periods

Laying hens (56 weeks old) were fed for 8 weeks on diets containing 15.5% of full-fat soybeans steamed for 0, 5, 10 or 20 minutes. Average feed intake and egg production increased, with increase in length of steaming. Feed per dozen eggs decreased with the increase of time of steaming dietary full-fat soybeans (P&lt;0.05). However, there was no significant effect of the dietary treatments on egg weight. Increasing the time of steaming dietary soybeans improved the retention of both protein and fat. It is concluded that steaming of soybeans did alleviate the problems associated with the feeding of raw soybeans.

EVALUATION OF THE PRODUCTIVE AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCIES OF COWPEA HULL AND MAIZE OFFAL INCLUSION IN LAYERS' RATION

Two types of agricultural wastes (cowpea hul and maize offal) were used as substitutes for maize as energy sources in layers' ration. Their productive and economic values were evaluated in a completely randomised designed experiment, with a view to curtailing the escalating cost of poultry feed production in Nigeria. The layers' rations were made cheaper by the partial replacement of the expensive maize component of the diet with maize offal and cowpea hull up to 30% level of inclusion. Egg weights (g) per bird were significantly improved (P&lt;0.05), while average egg production per bird and percent day production were also improved, though not significantly (P&gt;0.05). Addition of a 5% level of palm oil to some of the rations to boost their energy content proved economically disadvantageous. Since the 30% level of inclusion of the test ingredients reduced the cost per dozen eggs (N) and showed relatively no adverse effects on the birds' performance indices, both cowpea hull and maize offal are, therefore, highly recommended as replacements for maize, as energy sources in layers' ration

Strategy of innovative development of animal husbandry in the Bryansk region

The article substantiates the strategy of innovative development of animal husbandry in the Bryansk region. The main indicators of animal husbandry development are studied. The dynamics of the population of animals, poultry, rabbits and bee colonies is analyzed. The structure and dynamics of livestock products manufacturing, including the production of cattle and poultry in carcass weight, milk, eggs and honey, are calculated. The productivity of animals is estimated, including the average daily weight gain of cattle and pigs, the average annual milk yield per cow, and the average annual egg production of laying hens. The best practices of animal husbandry effective development on an innovative basis are considered. Major investment projects implemented in the livestock industry are considered. The scenario forecast of production of the most important types of animal products (milk and meat of cattle and poultry) is presented. The directions of the strategic development of the industry are justified.

Assessment of Chicken Production and Productive Performance in Pawe District, Beneshangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was conducted with the overall objective to assess of chicken production systems and identify the productivity performance related to chicken production under village/traditional production system in pawe district of Beneshangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 80 respondents were purposively selected from four purposively selected kebeles in the study areas based on the accessibility and the potential in chicken production. All the collected data were analyzed using SPSS version of 20. Results of the study revealed that the average flock size of local chickens was (13.8 ± 0.20) per household in the study areas. The average age at first egg laying for the local chickens was (6.18 ± 0.024 month). The survey indicated that the average egg production of the local chicken breeds was (60 ± 0.123 eggs per hen per year). The study also revealed that the average number of eggs set for brooding/incubation was 10.65 ± 0.03 per hen, from which relatively fair percentage of chicks (81.50%) was hatched from local chickens. High proportion of chicken mortality up to age of 8 weeks was reported which might indicate high prevalence of chickens diseases and predators. The study revealed that majority of the respondents practice traditional scavenging system of chicken production. The major diseases of chicken in the study areas were New castle disease, Fowl typhoid, Infectious bronchitis, Gumboro and Marek’s diseases in order of their importance. Thus, the major constraints related to poultry production should be alleviated to scale out through improve overall management chicken with the distribution of improved chicken breeds for producers to better the productivity of chickens in the study areas.

Economics of smallholder chicken egg production among KAFACI project farmers in Southwest Nigeria

Deficiency in managerial capabilities, shortage of investible capital and high feed cost are major constraints limiting the growth and profitability of smallholder chicken production in Southwest Nigeria. Consequently, empowerment programmes was initiated to train and empower farmers in chicken egg production. Sustainability of the effort depends on the ability of the farmers to generate enough returns for reinvestment into the enterprise. This study evaluates the profitability of chicken egg production under the Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI) project. Weekly data were collected during 2017 and 2018 production cycle on input quantity and cost, and quantity and prices of eggs produced. Analysis was by farm budget analysis. The results showed a decline in mortality rate in farms from 42.74% in 2017 to 7.76% in 2018. Similarly, average egg production per farm increased from 3,977 eggs in 2017 to 18,254 eggs in 2018. Average total income per farm also increased from N225,599.58 in 2017 to N638,758.25 in 2018, whereas gross margin increased from a net loss of N157,097.73 in 2017 to a net benefit of N281,025.93. Loss of revenue in 2017 was attributed to high mortality among laying birds. Cost of feed accounted for 59.34% of the average variable cost of producing table eggs. The study therefore recommended capacity building for farmers on farm-level formulation of cost-effective feeding, as well as improving access of farmers to quality feed at subsidized cost, as an interim measure.

Characterization of Maithili duck in middle Gangetic plain of Bihar

A study was conducted in middle Gangetic plain of Bihar to evaluate the smallholder duck production systems in the regions. A total of 70 duck farmers in Bihar were selected for this study. The information were collected by using standard questionnaire and an interview. The majority of the farmers (60%) belonged to middle-aged category. Majority of duck rearers in Bihar rears the duck more than 20 years. The average flock size was 6.1±0.33. Ducks were raised under semi-intensive management system and mostly depend on scavenging for their nutritional needs in the study area. About 88.6% farmers provided some kind of housing for their ducks, usually constructed mainly from simple and locally available materials in their backyard. Farmers did not possess any permanent shelter. Majority of the farmers (94.29%) did not vaccinate against the diseases of ducks due to unavailability. In both drake and duck, body carriage was slightly upright and Bill shape was horizontal. The ducks are raised both for meat and eggs. The average annual egg production per duck was ranged to be 30–60 eggs per annum. The average body weight of drake and duck were 1.40±0.07 and 1.37±0.08 kg, respectively. The predominant plumage colours of the Head, neck, breast, wing, and tail were brown (43.75%), brown and white mix with or without white ring (53.75%), brown (80.00%), brown, black and white mix (57.50%) and brown (40.00%) respectively. The dominant bill colour were yellow (43.75%) and web colour were orange (56.25%) respectively in Maithili duck. Mosaic plumage colour pattern was predominant in Maithili duck of Middle gangetic plain.

Effect of Bacillus velezensis to substitute in-feed antibiotics on the production, blood biochemistry and egg quality indices of laying hens

BackgroundThe excessive use of antibiotics in the livestock feed industry caused inevitable side effects of microbial resistance. Besides this residual antibiotics in animal-derived foodstuff imposed serious health problems for humans. So this study aimed to investigate the potential use of Bacillus velezensis to substitute antibiotics for poultry production. A total of 468, 49-week-old Hy-Line Brown chickens, were randomly divided into four groups the control group (regular diet), experiment group I (0.1% B. veleznesis), experiment group II (0.2% B. veleznesis), and antibiotic group (50 mg/kg flavomycin), with three replicates per group and trial period consisted on 42 days.ResultsThe results showed that, compared with the control group, the average egg production rate and daily feed intake of experimental groups I and II increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the average egg weight was increased in experimental group II as compared to (I) (P < 0.01). The feed conversion ratio was decreased (P > 0.05) in group (II) Egg quality parameters such as yolk weight of the experimental group II was increased, but that of the antibiotic group and experiment group I was decreased, neither significant (P > 0.05). Moreover, the eggshell strength, yolk color, albumen height, and Haugh unit were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, probiotic groups can increase the progesterone and motilin (P > 0.05) but decrease the secretin and cholecystokinin in the blood plasma (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThis study suggested that B. velezensis can substitute in-feed-antibiotics and improved most of the study parameters significantly. Which suggested that B. velezensis has potential future application value to replace the feed antibiotics.

Effect of the level and source of supplementary dietary zinc on egg production, quality, and zinc content and on serum antioxidant parameters and zinc concentration in laying hens.

Zinc is vital for proper functioning of an animal. Two sources of zinc are commonly supplemented in animal feed, organic and inorganic zinc, and there are reports that the former is absorbed to a greater extent than the latter. We hypothesized that supplementary zinc would increase zinc content in eggs of laying hens and that organic zinc would be more effective than inorganic zinc. To test these hypotheses, we examined the effect of levels and sources of supplemental dietary zinc on average daily feed intake (ADFI), egg production, and zinc content in eggs and on serum antioxidant capacity and zinc concentration in laying hens. A total of 720 Roman laying hens (21-week-old) were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups with 6 replicates, with 24 hens in each replicate. Two sources of zinc, organic (zinc amino acid complex) and inorganic (zinc sulfate), each with 2 levels, low (35 mg/kg) and high (70 mg/kg), comprised 4 treatment groups, and a control group without supplementary zinc was the fifth group. Seven days were allowed for adjustment to the conditions, and then measurements were taken over 42 D. There was no difference in ADFI, average egg weight (EW), ADFI-to-EW ratio, and egg quality (P > 0.05) among the 5 treatment groups; supplemental zinc increased serum concentrations of Zn2+ and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase and tended to increase superoxide dismutase content (P = 0.065). Zinc content in eggs increased linearly with supplementary organic zinc (N = 18, R2 = 0.363, P = 0.008) and with supplementary inorganic zinc (N = 18, R2 = 0.366, P = 0.008) treatment, but there was no difference between the source treatments of zinc. Therefore, our first hypothesis was supported, but our second one was not supported. We concluded that zinc supplementation is effective in enhancing zinc content in eggs and in improving antioxidant capacity in laying hens.

On-farm Evaluation and Demonstration of Koekoek chicken under farmers condition in North western Tigray, Ethiopia

The demonstration trail was conducted at Tselemti district northwestern zone of Tigray. Main objective of the study was to compare production performance of the Koekoek chicken. A total of 60 female headed households were included in the study. Twenty Koekoek chicks forty-five days old were delivered to each participant farmers. Quantitative data such as age at first laying, average weight of male and female chicken, average weight of eggs, average number of egg laying per year of the chicken and qualitative data farmers point of view was collected. The collected data was analyzed using the descriptive statistics such as mean and percentage. Based on the result, the average weight for male and female Koekoek were recorded 2.65 kg and 1.82 kg, respectively. While the local chickens were gave an average weight of 2.01kg and 1.3 kg both male and female, at twelve months age, respectively. The breeds produce an average egg production of 176.03 and 81.4 hen-1year-1, respectively both the Koekoek and local. The result from farmers response shows, the breeds are promising in most of the attributes such as, age to egg laying and slaughter, egg laying capacity, hatchability and market price of the egg as compared to the local. But farmers raised that the breeds are poor in brooding, resistant to diseases, in escaping from predators and low market preference of the chicken than the local. By giving strong emphasis on the management aspect like housing, vaccination and feeding, the breed is promising to the area.