Layer Diets Research Articles

Effect of Dietary Fortification With Hibiscus sabdariffa Calyces Meal on Egg Production and Egg Quality of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Use of synthetic feed additives in poultry production is associated with negative consumer health outcomes hence the need to make use of natural alternatives. We investigated the effect of fortifying Japanese quail pullet diets with Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces meal (HSCM) on egg production and egg quality. A standard Japanese quail layer diet was supplemented with HSCM at 0%, 5% and 10% (w/w) in Diets 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Ninety 5-week-old Japanese quail hens were randomly allocated to and fed the layer diets for 56days. Feed intake, egg production, egg quality and the egg albumen and yolk proximate content and fatty acid profiles were determined. Dietary fortification with HSCM reduced feed intake (p<0.001) but did not affect feed conversion ratio of the quail (p>0.05). The meal reduced (p<0.0001) the number of eggs laid but did not affect external and internal egg quality (p>0.05). Dietary fortification with HSCM at 10% significantly reduced the egg fat content but increased linoleic acid and arachidonic acid (p<0.05) content. Although H. sabdariffa calyces meal increased egg nutritional value, its use as a dietary supplement in laying hens may result in reduced productivity affecting profitability.

Evaluation of Apparent Metabolizable Energy and Apparent Ileal Amino Acid Digestibility of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) in Broiler Chickens and Laying Hens.

Our study objective was to determine the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility (AIAAD) of spirulina fed to broiler chickens and laying hens using the difference method. In both experiments, birds were either fed corn-soybean meal basal diets, containing no spirulina and formulated to provide the nutrient requirements of either broilers or layers, or fed test diets consisting of 25% spirulina and 75% of the appropriate basal diet. Titanium dioxide was added to all diets as an indigestible marker. The diets were fed to 10 replicate cages/treatment of broilers and 15 replicate cages/treatment of laying hens. The AME of spirulina for broilers was significantly lower (p < 0.05) (2368 ± 104 kcal/kg, as fed) than for laying hens (3144 ± 173 kcal/kg, as fed), suggesting bird type and age may influence energy utilization. The AIAAD of spirulina fed to broiler chickens did not differ from that of laying hens (p > 0.05), except for valine, alanine, and glycine, which were all significantly higher in laying hens (p < 0.05). Overall, the AIAAD for nonessential amino acids averaged 81.1%, with no significant difference between essential and nonessential amino acids. Differences in spirulina nutrient content cited in the literature support further research to determine the optimal inclusion of this alternative ingredient in broiler and layer diets.

Barriers to the Implementation of Max-Profit and Stochastic Feed Formulation Strategies: A Survey of the Australian Poultry Industry.

A survey of industry groups including nutritionists, producers, feed manufacturers, and technical personnel in broiler and layer operations within the Australian poultry industry was completed to determine the industry's present views of max-profit and stochastic feed formulation and the barriers they see to implementing these techniques. A total of 32 responses were collected, made up of 17 nutritionists, 4 feed manufacturers, 5 producers, and 6 technical personnel. The survey revealed interest and need to implement stochastic and max-profit feed formulation techniques and identified the key barriers to the implementation of these feed formulation techniques. Barriers identified included limited software to assist nutritionists in using these feed formulation techniques, less data collection than in other animal industries, insufficient training, and possible restrictions on nutritionists via KPIs to minimise diet cost. It was identified that layer farms did not routinely use near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate the nutrient content of feed ingredients and so mostly relied on book values and historical data. Thus, stochastic feed formulation may be particularly useful to buffer the uncertainty and ensure the minimum nutrient requirements of flocks are met. Recommendations were drawn to improve the adoption of max-profit and stochastic feed formulations of Australian layer diets.

The Beneficial Application of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on Health and Egg Production, in Layers: A Review.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a widely recognized spice and medicinal plant that has gained significant attention for its potential health benefits. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the beneficial applications of turmeric in improving health and egg production in layers. The objective of this review is to assess the current scientific literature on the effects of turmeric supplementation in layer diets and evaluate its impact on layer health and egg production. A systematic search was conducted in Google Scholar database to identify relevant studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Studies investigating the effects of turmeric or its bioactive compound curcumin on layer health and egg production were included. Data on various parameters, including immune function, reproductive performance, egg quality and production parameters, were extracted and analysed. Turmeric contains a bioactive compound called curcumin, which possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. These properties have been extensively studied and have shown promising results in enhancing layer health and performance. Turmeric supplementation has been reported to improve the overall immune response in layers, reducing the incidence and severity of infectious diseases. It has also been shown to have positive effects on gut health by modulating the gut microbiota composition, improving nutrient absorption and reducing digestive disorders. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that turmeric supplementation in layer diets can improve egg weight, shell quality, yolk colour and egg production rates. The mechanisms underlying these effects involve the antioxidant properties of turmeric, which protect the reproductive organs, enhance ovarian function and improve reproductive performance. The findings underscore the potential of turmeric as a natural, cost-effective and sustainable intervention for improving layer well-being, egg quality and productivity. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action, optimize dosage regimens and evaluate the long-term effects of turmeric supplementation in layer diets.

Use of corn germ meal and bile acids in laying quail diets: effect on production, reproduction, health and economics

In the present study, the effects of corn germ meal (CGM) and bile acids (BA) inclusion in Japanese quail diet on the productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, and serum biochemical parameters were evaluated. Six wk old, 480 Japanese quail birds were randomly divided into 6 groups (60 hens and 20 males / group) with 4 replicates / group. CGM was incorporated at 0, 10 and 20 % of diet for groups (G1, G2, and G3), while G4, G5 and G6 had the same levels of CGM with BA addition (500 g/ton feed). The egg production (EP), egg mass (EM) and feed intake (FI) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in response to CGM feeding which was clear with the 20 %. CGM at 10% inclusion enhanced the feed conversion ratio (FCR), while incorporation at 20% deteriorated (P < 0.05) it compared to the control group. Addition of BA to the CGM-containing diets reduced the FI, improved FCR, and ameliorated the negative effects on EP, EM and FCR in the CGM fed birds. Feeding on 10% CGM single or combined with BA increased fertility %, chick's weight after hatching and reduced embryonic death. Serum concentrations of triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) with CGM inclusion. Dietary CGM inclusion without or with BA was associated with higher levels of serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein when compared to their control groups. BA addition to the CGM containing diets significantly reduced the alanine transaminase (ALT) activity (P ˂ 0.05) compared to their corresponding groups fed BA free diets especially those received the 10% CGM. Birds fed on 10% CGM supplemented with BA showed the highest economic efficiency values. In conclusion, CGM inclusion at 10% with BA supplementation could be used as alternative ingredient in the Japanese quail layer diet without compromising their productive performance.

Xylanase and phytase supplementation of Moringa oleifera diets: effects on the performance, egg quality and blood profile of laying hens

Context Moringa oleifera leaves present enormous potential as an alternative feedstuff for laying hens. The utilisation of the leaves can be improved by exogenous enzymes owing to the presence of non-starch polysaccharides and phytate. Aims This study evaluated the influence of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOL) in diets supplemented with xylanase and phytase on laying hen performance and egg quality at peak production. Methods In total, 288 Dekalb White laying hens (32 weeks old) were distributed in a completely randomised design, following a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (with or without MOL × 4 enzyme supplementations). Each treatment comprised six repetitions, each containing six hens. The control diet was based on ground corn and soybean meal, and the treatment diets were supplemented with 5% MOL, followed by three enzyme additives (xylanase, phytase and a xylanase + phytase blend). Key results The enzyme supplementation in MOL diets positively influenced egg production (P = 0.012), egg weight (P = 0.021) and egg mass (P = 0.009). The birds offered xylanase-supplemented diets had higher feed intakes (P = 0.015) than did those fed other diets. Moringa oleifera increased the albumen height (P &lt; 0.001) and Haugh unit (P &lt; 0.001), whereas MOL and phytase improved eggshell thickness (P &lt; 0.001) and the candling score (P = 0.049), compared with treatments without phytase supplementation. MOL and enzyme supplementation improved yolk colour intensity (L, A and R parameters) and decreased plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations. The inclusion of 5% MOL in diets did not impair laying performance. However, when MOL diets were supplemented with exogenous enzymes, there was an increase in egg weight. Conclusions MOL can be included at 5% in layer diets without affecting performance. When used in combination with xylanase and phytase, they improve performance, intensify yolk colour, and improve shell thickness, candling score, as well as serum biochemical profile. Implications These findings suggest that the combination of dietary MOL + xylanase + phytase can improve performance and egg quality in laying hens at peak production.

Effects of substitution of crude palm oil with palm-pressed fibre oil on the laying hen's performance, egg production and egg quality traits.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of substituting a crude palm oil (CPO) diet with palm-pressed fibre oil (PPFO) on laying hens' performance, egg production, carcass characteristic and egg quality. A total of 150 Hisex Brown laying hens were randomly assigned to five treatments: a basal diet containing 4% CPO (T1-control) and basal diets in which CPO was substituted by 25% (T2), 50% (T3), 75% (T4) or 100% (T5) PPFO. These diets were fed to laying hens ad libitum for 16 weeks. Compared to the T1 diet, dietary treatments T2, T3 and T4 had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, egg number, egg production, egg weight and egg mass of the laying hens during the entire experimental period. Nonetheless, a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in feed intake, egg number, egg production and egg mass were observed in hens fed T5 compared to those fed the T1 (control) diet. Except for heart and spleen weights, other carcass characteristics were not affected by treatment (P < 0.05). Skin yellowness and breast meat redness increased significantly (linearly, P < 0.05) with increasing proportions of PPFO. Likewise, yolk colour scores increased in proportion to the dietary level of PPFO (linearly, P < 0.05). These findings suggest that PPFO can be used as a novel, cost-effective lipid source at a level of 3% in layer diets as a substitute for CPO to improve eggs' quality parameters without any harmful effects on laying performance.

Replacement of Soybean Meal with Rice Distiller’s Dried Grains with Soluble in Layer Diet on Chicken Egg Quality

The experiment was conducted on 144 layers of BV- 300 strain from age of 59th week and completed at 70th week for the period of 12 weeks to study the replacement of soybean meal with rice distiller’s dried grains with soluble (rDDGS) in layer diet on egg quality parameters. The egg weight, shape index, egg surface area, albumin index, yolk index, yolk color score, percent eggshell weight and eggshell thickness parameters were studied. The layer birds were randomly distributed into 4 equal treatments T1 (Control), T2, T3 and T4 with 36-layer birds in each group having 6 replicates of 6 layers each. The control group T1 fed basal layer ration as per the recommendation of BV-300-layer strain and treatment groups T2, T3 and T4 offered 5, 10 and 15% rDDGS inclusion levels replacing soybean meal in diet and recorded for egg quality parameters. It was observed that, the inclusion of rDDGS at 0, 5, 10 and 15% in treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively, in layer diets were non-significantly influenced on shape index, egg surface area, albumin index, yolk index, yolk colour score, percent eggshell weight and eggshell thickness. The egg weights were significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased in treatment group T4 receiving diet at 15% rDDGS as compared to control group T1 and treatment group T2. However, there was non-significant differences for egg weight in groups T1, T2 and T3. Thus, it was concluded that the rice distiller’s dried grains with soluble (rDDGS) can be included up to 10% in layer diet with replacing soybean meal without affecting the body weights, external and internal egg quality parameters like eggshell weight, shape index, egg surface area, albumin index, yolk index, yolk colour score, egg surface area and eggshell thickness.

Evaluation of Growth Performance and Economic Efficiency of Immature Lohmann Brown Layers Fed Graded Levels of Undeshelled Defatted Moringa oleifera Seed Cake

In a 22-weeks experiment, the impact and economic efficiency of feeding undeshelled defatted Moringa oleifera seed cake (UDMOSC) to Lohmann Brown layer chicks and pullets were investigated. The study had two phases, focusing on chicks (0-8 weeks) and pullets (9-22 weeks). A total of 150-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 15% with Burgazyme inclusion), each replicated three times, and each replicate containing ten (10) birds in a completely randomised design. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the GenStat statistical package (2008). In the initial phase, chicks fed dietary UDMOSC consumed less feed but had similar (p ˃ 0.05) final body weight compared to the control group. Chicks fed the control, and 5% UDMOSC gained more weight with better feed conversion. Chicks fed 10% UDMOSC had higher mortality. In the second phase, pullets fed the control diet and 15% UDMOSC with the enzyme (UDMOSC15E) showed significantly higher (p = 0.01) feed intake. Final body weight and body weight gain were notably higher (p = 0.001) in pullets fed the control diet. Feed conversion ratio and mortality rate did not significantly differ (P ˃ 0.05) among treatments. Dietary UDMOSC reduced feed cost per kilogram of body weight gain for starters and pullets. While dietary UDMOSC did not significantly affect starter growth, it lowered total feed cost per bird for starters and pullets except for UDMOSC15E, accruing 20.54 – 27.81%. and 25.39 – 40.19% percentage profit range, respectively. Dietary UDMOSC depressed the growth of starters and pullets, but it was economically advantageous by reducing the cost per kilogram of body weight gain for both groups. The negative impact of dietary UDMOSC on the growth of starters and pullets suggests that including UDMOSC in the immature layer diets should be cautiously approached for economic gain and, therefore, recommended for the pullet stage at an inclusion level not exceeding 10%.

Investigating the availability of omega-3 fatty acid from different sources and its effect on table eggs

The impact of three different commercial omega-3 fortifying agents on the growth performance, egg weight, egg production, and omega-3 fatty acid enrichment of white table eggs in layers was investigated. The experiment involved 12,000-layer birds randomly divided into four groups, with each group replicated three times and consisting of 1000 birds per replicate. The three groups, namely LP, AG, and DD, were supplemented with omega-3 fortifying agents LinPro, All-G-Rich, and DHA-gold, respectively, while the fourth group NC served as a negative control without omega-3 fortifying agent supplementation. The experiment commenced after the 25th week of age and lasted for a period of four weeks in a completely randomized design. Egg weight and egg production were recorded weekly, while the omega-3 fatty acid content of the white eggs was determined at the end of the 30-day trial after the 25th week of age. The supplementation of different omega-3 fortifying agents significantly impacted feed intake, with notable differences observed among weekly and overall means. Birds supplemented with LinPro consumed less feed during the 2nd and 4th week of the trial compared to the control, resulting in an overall reduction of 1.1 g/chick in feed intake. However, supplementation did not significantly affect the body weight of layers throughout the trial, nor did it impact egg weight or production. Nevertheless, the omega-3 fortifying agents had a significant effect on the omega-3 fatty acid content of the white table eggs in layers. LinPro supplementation notably increased α-linolenic acid (18:3; ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5; EPA) levels, while DHA-Gold resulted in the highest docosahexaenoic acid (22:6; DHA) content. Total fatty acid content was highest in eggs from layers supplemented with LinPro, followed by DHA-Gold and All-G-Rich, with the lowest levels observed in the control group. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation of LinPro in layer diets post the 25th week of age could effectively enhance the omega-3 fatty acid content of white table eggs without compromising feed intake, body weight, egg weight, or egg production.

449 Comparative study on performance, carcass traits and meat quality of different varieties of guinea fowl

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate productive, reproductive performance, carcass characteristics, chemical composition and meat quality of four varieties of guinea fowl. A total of 200 guinea fowls from White, Pearl, Lavender and Mixed varieties were reared in an intensive production system from 0 to 20 wk of age. Guinea fowl keets were reared provided with balanced recommended ration (Starter diet: ME 2,950 kcal/kg, CP 23% for initial 8 wk; Grower diet: ME 2,950 kcal/kg, CP 16% for 9 to 16 wk and Layer diet: ME 2,900 kcal/kg, CP 17% from 17 wk till the end of the laying period). There was no significant (P &amp;lt; 0.05) difference found in body weight (BW) from 0 to 20 wk old guinea fowl. However, BW of Pearl variety was greater than other varieties numerically (Table 1). At adult age, a total of 40 birds (10 from each variety) were slaughtered according to standard method and carcasses were cut into parts. Weights were taken for all carcass parts. Proximate analysis and meat quality were performed on breast and thigh meat, as well as on abdominal fat of the studied guinea fowls. Carcass weight (930.33 ± 27.37 g), dressing percentage (67.6 ± 0.013%), breast weight (228.33 ± 13.68 g) and thigh weight (166.33 ± 6.69 g) of Pearl variety was significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.001) greatest (Table 2). Measured abdominal fat (23 ± 0.13) was found to be significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.001) greatest in Pearl variety. Furthermore, there was no significant difference found in crude protein among breast and thigh meat of different varieties. The ether extract (EE) and crude fiber (CF) of breast (EE: 0.27, CF:0.33) and thigh meat (EE: 0.20, CF:0.33) of Lavender variety was significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) less than other varieties (Table 3). In case of reproductive parameters, Pearl variety exhibited better egg fertility (65.72 ± 6.10) numerically and significantly greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001) hatchability percentage (76.75 ± 3.88) than other varieties. Meat color values of all the varieties of guinea fowl found in this study are in line with the demands of poultry consumers (Table 4). Regarding water holding capacity (WHC) and drip loss (DL), there was no discernible difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Considering all the parameters especially cooking loss (CL) and pH, there was a noticeable difference (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in which the Lavender (CL: 24.81 ± 0.69, pH:6.12 ± 0.05) and White variety (CL: 25.35 ± 0.69, pH: 6.11 ± 0.05) performed better than the other varieties.

Production Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Mortality and Cost of Production of the Layer Chicken on Dietary Supplementation of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Background: A feeding trial was conducted to find out the effect of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) supplementation on production performance, nutrient digestibility, mortality and cost of production of the layer chicken. Methods: Two hundred and twenty five laying chickens of twenty two weeks of age were randomly divided in to five treatment groups having three replications of fifteen birds each i.e. T0 (basal diet without antibiotic growth promoter, AGP-negative control group), T1 (basal diet with AGP-control group), T2 (T0+1% aloe vera), T3 (T0+2% aloe vera) and T4 (T0+3% aloe vera). Result: There was significant (P less than 0.05) difference in the average feed consumption (g/hen/day), hen day egg production, hen housed egg production, egg mass production, dry matter metabolizability and nitrogen retention upon supplementation of aloe vera in the diet of layers. The feed conversion ratio in terms of feed intake (kg) per dozen of eggs was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in the control and 1% aloe vera supplemented groups as compared to the negative control group. Thus, it can be recommended that 1% aloe vera can be supplemented in the diet of layers as a herbal feed supplement.

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF BROWN EGG-TYPE LAYERS WITH OR WITHOUT VITAMIN-MINERAL PREMIX SUPPLEMENTATION

The inclusion of vitamins and mineral premix in the diet of egg-type layers can positively influence their overall health and egg production. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different inclusion levels of mineral and vitamin premix on performance characteristics of brown egg-type layers. One hundred and sixty-two (162) “1sa Brown” strain of layers at 16 weeks old were used for the experiment. They were randomly allocated into nine dietary treatments replicated three times with six birds per replicate to make a total of 18 birds per treatment. Nine isonitrogenous and isocaloric diet were formulated, each were supplemented appropriately at two inclusion levels of 0.20 - 0.25% of different Vitamin-Mineral Premix (VMP)1, 2, 3 and 4 to T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9 respectively while T1 was the control diet with no VMP. The experiment lasted for twelve (12) weeks. The results showed that the supplementation of different concentration of mineral and vitamin premix had significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on the performance of laying hens. The highest percentage of hen day egg production (56.45%) was observed in group fed VMP2 (0.25%), while the control (VMP0) gave the best result in-terms of gross profit and final weight. Different inclusion levels of dietary mineral and vitamin premix affect the final weight, daily feed intake and egg traits of the birds.

HEAMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF LAYING HENS FED GRADED LEVEL OF PALM BUNCH ASH AS A MINERAL SOURCE

In producing plant ash, the organic components of the material which ordinarily interact with the mineral molecule to reduce their bioavailability are completely eliminated. The end product may therefore successfully replace intact plant and rock mineral sources in animal and human diets when properly processed. Ash derived from the combustion of various parts of the palm tree such as trunk, inflorescence, bunch and leaves have been analyzed and shown to contain excellent levels of essential minerals, especially potassium, which also makes the ash highly alkaline. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate the hematology and serum biochemistry of laying hens fed graded levels of palm bunch ash as mineral source. Empty palm bunches were used for the study. It was cleaned, sundried and burnt to produce palm bunch ash (PBA). It was analyzed for mineral concentration using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Two hundred and forty Isa brown layer birds that were 16 weeks into lay were used to assess the hematological and serum biochemical indices when fed with graded levels of PBA that lasted for 12 weeks. They were divided into four groups of 60 birds each and further replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 20 birds per replicate. Four experimental layer diets were formulated such that the control diets had no PBA while the other three diets had graded levels of PBA supplementation in the diets at 0. 10, 0.15 and 0.2kg/100kg of feed respectively in replacement of common salt. Proximate and mineral analysis of the feeds were determined. Blood samples were collected to determine hematological and serum biochemical characteristics. The 0.1kg/100kg diet (T2) supplemented group recorded significantly higher Hb, and PCV values than the control, and the other supplementation groups. Lipid profile results obtained in the study showed that triglyceride, especially the high-density lipoprotein (HDL), decreased in values as the PBA supplementation level increased except at T4. These positive results were supported by superior hematological and serum biochemical indices of T2 and T3 birds.

Effect of organic and nano trace minerals at reduced levels in layer diets on egg quality characteristics and its trace mineral content

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of organic and nano trace minerals (copper, zinc, manganese and iron) at reduced levels in layer diets on various egg quality characteristics and its trace mineral content. 240 Hy- Line W80 layer birds of 29 weeks old were randomly distributed to five treatment groups with four replicates having twelve birds each. Basal diet was supplemented with inorganic trace minerals to meet 100 per cent requirement to form control diet or with organic trace minerals at 75 and 50% of requirement or with nano trace minerals at 50 and 25% of requirement to form four test diets. Each diet was offered to four replicate groups for 84 days which was conveniently divided into three phases of 28 days each. Egg quality parameters, viz. egg weight, egg shape index, albumen index, yolk index, yolk color score, Haugh unit score, egg shell weight, albumen weight and yolk weight among the treatment groups were not affected by source and level of trace minerals. However, egg shell thickness was significantly higher in 25% nano trace mineral group on 28th day. The trace minerals (Zn and Fe) in the yolk were significantly lower at reduced trace mineral levels (50% organic or nano and 25% nano form) when compared to 100% (inorganic) and 75% levels (organic form). It was concluded that the substitution of inorganic trace minerals with organic or nano trace minerals at reduced levels (50 or 25%, respectively) in layer diets does not affect the egg quality parameters, but reduces Zn and Fe content in egg yolk.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF EGG QUALITY TRAITS FROM CHICKENS AND GUINEA FOWLS

The study was carried out to determine the magnitude of the differences in egg quality traits from chickens and guinea fowls. For this purpose, a total of twenty egg laying birds, consisting of ten Guinea fowls and Rhode Island Red were used at the poultry section of the Teaching and Research farm of the Animal Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano. Formulated layers diets were fed to the birds for six weeks and egg samples were collected weekly to study the internal and external egg quality traits. The external quality traits were egg weight, shape index, egg circumference, egg diameter, egg length and shell surface area while the internal quality traits were the albumen weight, yolk weight, shell weight and shell thickness. Results showed that there was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in shape index of the two bird species. On the contrary, there were highly significant difference (P&lt;0.01) in egg weight, egg circumference, egg diameter, egg length, shell surface area, shell thickness, yolk weight, albumen eight and shell weight. Relationships between measured traits had positive and negative distribution within traits for both bird species. Hopefully, the result obtained from this study would serve as baseline information for more studies, most especially in Guinea fowl, for selection procedures and genetic improvement.

EFFECT OF DIETARY MAIZE SUBSTITUTION WITH SWEET POTATO MEAL ON PERFORMANCE OF LAYERS

Two experiments were conducted with two sets of layers to determine the suitability of SPM in layers diet and monitor its effect on birds' performance at different stages of laying period. One hundred and eighty 22-week or 35-week old Shika Brown layers were used for the two experiments. In each experiment, the birds were weighed in equal groups of 12 and randomly distributed over 15 pens after which they were placed on 5 dietary treatments consisting graded levels of sweet potato meal (SPM). Each treatment consisting of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% SPM was replicated 3 times. Diets were iso-nitrogenous for each experiment. The differences in the two experiments lie in the energy and protein contents of the control diets. The experimental setup was a complete randomized design (CRD). Parameters measured and calculated include feed intake, body weight gain, final body weight, feed conversion ratio, mortality, hen- day egg production, cumulative egg production, yolk index, Haugh unit, shell thickness and egg weight. The experiment lasted for 12 and 18 weeks respectively. The result did not show significant effect on final body weight of birds, egg weight, feed conversion, haugh unit, yolk index, shell thickness and mortality. However, cumulative weight, cumulative egg production and hen-day egg production decreased linearly (P&lt;0.05) with increase in dietary SPM, while feed intake, feed intake/egg, feed conversion ratio and feed cost/egg increased. In all cases except cumulative weight gain, similar results were produced by the control, 10, 20 and 30% SPM diets while the 40% SPM diet proved significantly inferior (P&lt;0.05). Similar weight gains were recorded for birds on control, 10 and 20% SPM, while the weight gains of birds on 30 and 40% SPM diets were significantly lower. The performance indices thus showed that SPM should not be incorporated beyond 30% level for layers.

EFFECT OF FEEDING WHOLE MILLET ON THE PERFORMANCE OF EGG PRODUCTION OF LAYER BIRDS

This research was conducted to determine the effect of feeding whole millet on the diet of Isa brown layers breed. Four hundred and twenty birds aged 43 weeks were randomly assigned to the following dietary treatments: Treatment 1 contained ground maize with 18% C.P (Control). Treatment 2, 3 and 4 contained ground millet with 16, 18 and 20% C.P. Treatment 5, 6 and 7 contained whole millet with 16, 18 and 20% C.P feed intake did not differ significantly between the treatments. Egg productions were generally better with millet based diets. Egg production was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) for birds fed ground millet with 18% C.P compared to those fed the maize based diets. It was concluded that birds fed with the millet based diets have better performance as indicated in the study results.

Effect of Feeding Unpeeled Cassava Mash as Substitute for Maize in Layers Diet on Egg Quality and Hematological Parameters

The effect of feeding unpeeled cassava mash on layers to evaluate egg quality and hematological indices was investigated with one hundred and fifty birds that were thirty-four weeks old which were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments of 30 birds and replicated twice with fifteen birds each. The experiment lasted for 10 weeks in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Treatment 1 (100% maize) serves as control, while treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 25% unpeeled cassava mash, 50% unpeeled cassava mash, 100% unpeeled cassava mash and 25% peeled cassava mash respectively. There was significant (P&lt;0.05) difference in shell surface area, Egg length, Egg breadth, Egg shape index, shell thickness and yolk colour score in all the treatments, while other parameters measured were not significantly different. As for Heamatological indices. There was no significant difference in all parameters measured. Haemoglobin (Hb) increased slightly with increased levels of unpeeled cassava mash inclusion. In conclusion replacement of unpeeled maize up to 100% inclusion level has no deleterious effect on the birds but the best result that can compete favourably with maize is 50% inclusion level. Therefore 50% inclusion level is recommended to farmers to maximize production and achieve desired result.

Effects of full-fat high-oleic soybean meal in layer diets on performance, egg quality and chemical composition

The utilization of full-fat high-oleic soybean meal in layer diets could lead to value-added poultry products. To test this idea, 336 hens were randomly assigned to 4 isonitrogenous (18.5% CP) and isocaloric (2,927 kcal/kg) formulated diets and fed the following diets for eight weeks: conventional control solvent-extracted defatted soybean meal (CON); extruded-expelled defatted soybean meal (EENO); full fat normal-oleic soybean meal (FFNO); or full fat high-oleic soybean meal (FFHO). Body weights (BW) were collected at week 0 and week 8. Eggs were collected daily, and the totals counted each week. Feed consumption was measured weekly, and egg quality was measured bi-weekly. Eggs were collected at wk 0 and wk 8 for fatty acid analysis. There were no significant treatment differences in any of the production parameters measured, BW, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio or egg production (P > 0.05). Eggshell strength was significantly greater in eggs produced from the EENO group as compared to the control (P < 0.01), while egg yolk color was significantly darker in eggs of the control and EENO treatment groups relative to the FFNO and FFHO treatments (P < 0.0001). Eggs produced by hens fed the FFHO diet had a 52% increase in monounsaturated n-9 oleic acid content (P < 0.0001) and reduced palmitic (P < 0.01) and stearic (P < 0.0001) saturated fatty acid levels as compared to the conventional controls. These results validate the utilization of FFHO as a value-added poultry feed ingredient to enrich the eggs and/or poultry meat produced.