Hen Day Research Articles

Performance of Laying Chickens with Feed Additive Cinnamon Flour (Cinnamomum burmanni (Nees & T.Nees) Blume)

Chickens are important commodities due to human need eggs to meet animal protein. Increasing of resistance of bacteria to synthetic antibiotics and consumer understanding of health and food safety have stimulated use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in poultry industry. AGP applied sustainable feed management steps to improve gut health and poultry growth performance. Cinnamon, one of the spices as a natural product. This useful source due to antioxidants, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and hypo-cholesterolemic effects and its capability to activate digestion enzymes in intestine. This research aimed to analyze the performance of laying chicken eggs fed with cinnamon flour. The treatments used were cinnamon flour with levels R0 (basal ration, without cinnamon flour/CF, R1 (99.5% BR+ 0.5% CF), R2 (99% BR+ 1% CF), R3 (98% BR + 1.5 % CF), and R4 (98% BR + 2% CF). Data were analyzed with Completely Randomized Design and Duncan's test. Variables were ration consumption, Hen Day Production/HDP and ration conversion. Results showed that adding 2% cinnamon flour significant effect on feed consumption, HDP (P< 0,01) but insignificant on ration conversion (P>0.05). Cinnamon flour as feed additive source up to 2% level can increase the performance of laying hens.

Comparison of Bamboo and Wire Types of Battery Materials on the Welfare and Production Performance of Laying Hen

This research aimed to determine the comparison of types of battery materials for laying hens, specifically bamboo and wire, on the welfare and production performance of laying hens. The material for this research consisted of 100 laying hens of the ISA Brown strain aged 54 weeks. The variables observed included livestock welfare, which was assessed through behavioral aspects (eating, drinking, and resting), while the production performance variables observed included HDP (Hen Day Production), egg weight, egg mass, and FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio). The research method employed an experimental approach using the T-test (independent sample). Two treatments were used, each with 50 replications. The results of the research indicated that the difference in treatment using T1 (bamboo battery materials) and T2 (wire battery materials) affected livestock welfare and production performance. The research results demonstrated that the behavior of bamboo batteries was considered better in terms of livestock welfare because they were able to better prevent heat stress. In terms of production performance, wire batteries exhibited higher Hen Day Production (HDP) and were better at preventing disease than bamboo batteries. However, bamboo batteries had a higher egg weight due to the frequency of feeding chickens being higher than wire batteries. Improved sanitation management is necessary for batteries made from bamboo because they tend to more easily become a medium for the growth of germs, lice, and fungi, which can cause disease and result in decreased production performance.

Effect of Adding Date Palm Pollen and Physical Diet Form on Productive Performance and Egg Quality of Female Quail

This experiment was conducted to estimate the main effect of adding Data palm pollen (DPP) and the form of diet on the productive performance of female quail compliant with: Hen day egg production (HD), Egg weight (EW), Egg mass (EM), Feed intake (FI) and Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and eggs quality of quail compliant with: Shape index (ShI %), shell weight (%), yolk weight (%), albumen weight (%), Yolk index (YI%), Albumen Index (AI%) and Hough unit (HU). For eight weeks, from February 14 to April 13, 2023. Two hindered fifty-two female quail with age about forty-seven days were divided into six treatments, each including forty-two birds with three replicates (four ten quail of each). The treatments were T1: 0% DPP with mash feed form, T2: 0% DPP with pellet feed form, T3: 0.5% DPP with mash feed form, T4: 0.5% DPP with pellet feed form, T5: 1% DPP with mash feed form and T6: 1% DPP with pellet feed form. The quail were fed a productive diet with 2794 kcal/kg energy and 18.39% crude protein, and similar rearing conditions. Results showed there were significant effects in the percentage of HD, EW., EM, and (FCR) in treatments with DPP and pellet feed form when compared with the other treatments, as well as an improvement in egg quality in treatments with DPP and pellet feed form when compared with the other treatments.

Characteristics of Egg Production of Kampung Chickens, Red Kedu Chickens and Their Crossbred (Unsoed Chickens)

Abstract Chickens are a species that has very high genetic diversity and were the first species used to study the inheritance of traits, to have a genome sequence and to be used for genetic research. Indonesia has a high genetic diversity of local chickens, including kampung and Kedu chickens. This research aims to characterize egg production of kampung chickens, Red Kedu chickens, and their crossbreed (Unsoed chickens). This research was carried out experimentally using 120 female kampung chickens, 120 Red Kedu chickens, and 160 kampung-Kedu crossbred chickens. Measurement of egg production characteristics was carried out at 24-36 weeks of age. Egg production characteristics consist of hen day production and quality of eggs. Data analysis used Systat version 13 software, comparison of egg production characteristics was analyzed descriptively. The results of the study showed that the average egg production characteristics included hen day production, egg weight, shell weight, yolk weight, albumen weight, yolk color, specific gravity value, shell color, haugh unit (HU) value, egg index and shell thickness, in kampung chickens consecutive amounting to 36.79% eggs; 42.98 g; 5.98 g; 15.38 g; 24.99 g; 8.31; 1.11; 7.67; 87.31; 76.37% and 0.36 mm, in Red Kedu chickens 32.54%; 46.43 g; 6.40 g; 16.50 g; 25.43; 8.32; 1.09; 7.32; 83.56; 74.66% and 0.339 mm, and Unsoed chickens have a characteristic of 37.38%; 45.16 g; 6.03 g; 15.64 g; 24.85 g; 8.49; 1,11; 2.49; 85.59; 75.62% and 0.355 mm. The research concluded that Unsoed chickens (a crossing Red Kedu and kampung chickens) have higher egg production characteristics compared to their parents’ stock, with a heterosis effect on egg production. The egg quality of all chicken lines is relatively the same and is included in the AA category with a HU value of >72.

Performa Produksi Ayam Ras Petelur Isa Brown yang Diberi Pakan Jadi dan Campur

The study aims to determine the production performance of Isa Brown laying hens who are given finished feed and mixed feed. Research materials include finished feed for laying hens 524AX produced by PT. Charoen Pokphand Indonesia, and mixed feed consisting of a special layer concentrate super 36 SPR added yellow corn and bran. The study was conducted for 4 weeks in Suruhwadang Village, Kademangan District, Blitar Regency. The method used in the study was a survey and observation with the number of samples taken as many as 180 laying hens Isa Brown aged 44 weeks. The variables observed in the study were feed consumption, hen day production (HDP) and feed conversion (Feed Conversion Ratio). The data were analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis and the test conducted was a t-test of 2 samples using SPSS software version 2.6 to compare production performance given finished feed and mixed feed. The results showed the performance of finished feed production for feed consumption: 113gr/head/day; HDP: 86.50%; FCR: 2.09. While laying hens are given mixed feed as follows: feed consumption: 112.47gr / head / day; HDP: 83.80% FCR: 2.11. The variable results of feed consumption and FCR from finished feed and mixed feed did not differ markedly while HDP from finished feed and mixed feed differed markedly. The conclusion of the results of the study is that Isa Brown laying hens that are given finished feed have more advantages than nutritional content compared to mixed feed, such as amino acids. The finished feed has a crumble shape that is preferred by livestock compared to mixed feed l finer than crumble. This leads to a little more feed consumption than mixed feed.

Production Elasticity of Layer Farming During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Blitar District

The livestock sub-sector, an integral part of the agricultural sector, is the animal protein producing sub-sector which plays an important role in meeting people's nutritional needs. The development of the laying hen farming business has enormous potential, this is because purebred chicken eggs contribute quite a lot to animal protein self-sufficiency. The research aims to analyze the input factors of the production that affect the production of layer farming businesses and to assess the production elasticity of these businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Blitar District. Data collection took place between July and August 2020 in the Blitar Distrcit. Utilizing a sample random sampling method. The study involved 64 farmers as representative. The research variables used in this study were the population of laying hens, the price of chicken eggs, feed costs, vaccines and medicines expenses, seed prices, mortality, electricity costs, the price of culled chickens, Hen Day Production (HDP) and the number of workers. Quantitative analysis was employed to analyze production costs, revenues, and income, while qualitative analysis was used to analyze production elasticity through Cobb-Douglas regression analysis. The research data were processed using SPSS version 24. The results of the study indicate that 1) the population of laying hens and HDP significantly affected the production of layer farming businesses, along with the cost of vaccines and medications in the Blitar District. 2) The population of layers, mortality rates, electricity costs, HDP, and total labor demonstrated elasticity with respect to the production of layer farms. Conversely, egg prices, feed costs, vaccination and medication expenses, day-old chick (DOC) costs, and final chicken prices exhibited inelasticity concerning the production of layer farms in Blitar district.

Effects of the algae derivatives on performance, intestinal histomorphology, ileal microflora, and egg yolk biochemistry of laying Japanese quail

We examined the effect of the Persian Gulf algae derivates, phycocyanin (PC) and fucoidan (FUC), on production performance, egg quality, intestinal histomorphology, ileal microflora, and egg yolk biochemistry of laying Japanese quail. A total of 250 six-wk-old Japanese quails with an average body weight of 215 ± 10 g were allocated to 5 treatments, 5 replicates and 10 birds in each replicate in a completely randomized design. The treatment groups received PC (from Spirulina platensis) and FUC (from brown seaweed) in their drinking water while control groups did not. Treatment groups received PC and FUC at 20 or 40 mg/L levels (denoted as PC20, PC40, FUC20, and FUC40, respectively). All birds were fed the same diet. All treatments significantly improved the percentage of hen day egg production (HDEP) (P = 0.002), egg mass (P = 0.002), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P = 0.022) but no difference was noted in egg weight (EW) and feed intake (FI). Different levels of PC and FUC significantly increased the thickness of eggshells (P = 0.022); however, the weight of the digestive tract (liver, spleen, proventriculus, gizzard, and pancreas) and oviduct was not affected. Algal derivates improved the villus height (P = 0.007) and crypt depth (P = 0.007) of the duodenum, as well as, the villus height (P = 0.005) and crypt depth (P = 0.026) of the jejunum. Both algal derivates positively affected the intestinal microflora (populations of Lactobacillus (P = 0.017), Coliform (P = 0.005), and Clostridium (P = 0.000)) whereas aerobic bacteria were unaffected. Yolk cholesterol P = 0.012) and yolk malondialdehyde P = 0.050) content were significantly reduced in experimental treatments compared to the control group. In conclusion, our results showed that the treatment of laying Japanese quails with algal derivates positively affects quail performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal microflora, and yolk cholesterol and malondialdehyde. Additional studies exploring optimal dosages and mechanisms of action is warranted to fully understand the scope of the algae derivates in poultry production.

Evaluation of Mexican sunflower (Helianthus annus l) leaf meal as a feed ingredient in shaver brown pullets.

Abstract The use of alternative nutritional sources is an important topic for animal production such as poultry. This study examined the effect of replacing soybean meal with sunflower leaf meal in the diet of laying shaver brown pullets. A total of 30 laying birds were assigned to three treatments of 0% (as control group), 10% and 15% MSFLM inclusion. Four eggs per replicate were randomly taken for three consecutive days at two weeks interval for five times, and 18 weeks individuals were selected after 40 days of experimental time. External parameters of the eggs (egg weight, egg length, egg breadth and egg shape index, shell thickness), and body parameters (Final body weight, weight gain), feed intake and hen day production were measured. For egg length, egg breadth and shell thickness showed significant difference (p< 0.05) in from the control birds. Final body weight, weight gain, feed intake and hen day production showed comparable results with values from eggs of birds on control diet. The study revealed the ability of birds to easily utilize the nutrients in the protein sources. MSFLM utilization up to 15% in pullets’ diet revealed no detrimental effect on the performance of the laying birds and the external qualities of eggs produced.

Supplementation of lemon juice through drinking water on performance, egg quality, serum biochemical indices and combat heat stress in laying pullets

BACKGROUND: Numerous feed additives, such as probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, and enzymes, have the potential to optimize weight gain, feed efficiency and maintain the acid-base balance which eventually contributes to improve production performance. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the possible advantages of lemon juice (LJ) on laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemical properties, and layers' ability to recover from heat stress. METHODOLOGY: Ninety-six Hy-Line Brown layers all 29 weeks were randomly assigned to four treatments, each with six replications, and were given a six-hour daily drinking experiment. The birds were provided with 0% (control), 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% LJ respectively for 6 weeks. The temperature, humidity, hen day egg production (HDEP) and egg weight (EW) were recorded. Egg quality indices were measured bi-weekly. An analysis of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), packed cell volume (PCV), heterophil (H), lymphocyte (L) count, and heterophil-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio was performed on the blood sample collected at the end of the experiment. KEY FINDINGS: The studied parameters among the various treated groups showed that the egg weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg quality parameters, HDL, TG, AST, heterophil count, lymphocyte count and H/L ratio did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). HDEP, egg mass output (EMO) and FI differed significantly (P < 0.01) compared to the control group. The significant reduction in TC, LDL, glucose, ALT, increase in feed intake, HDEP and PCV showed that LJ had a positive effect in reducing the adverse effects of heat stress in laying pullets. CONCLUSION: Taken together, it may be concluded that LJ can be used to improve the laying performance and reduce the heat stress in layers.

Effect of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) fermented moist diet on the performance and egg quality at the early stage of laying ducks

Objectives: This research aimed to examine how yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) fermented layer moist diet (YFM-D) influencing egg production, its quality, and duck’s growth performance during the age range of 23–29 weeks. Materials and Methods: A total of 84 laying Jinding ducks were arbitrarily allotted into one of two dietary groups. Each group had 42 birds in 3 replicates and 14 birds per replication. Each duck was daily offered 140 gm dry matter (DM) from a layer diet (Crude Protein −17.83% and ME-2760 Kcal/kg DM) and a yeast-fermented layer moist diet (50% layer diet + 50% water) and reflected as control diet (CON-D) and yeast-fermented layer moist diet (YFM-D), respectively. The layer diet was fermented using yeast premix at a 1.0% level of feed. Results: Considerably elevated DM intake was obtained in ducks that received YFM-D (120 gm) than CON-D (112 gm). Subsequently, ducks fed YFM-D improved almost 5.24% and 4.26% higher egg mass and hen-day egg production than CON-D, respectively (p < 0.05). Though feed conversion ratio (egg basis) was unaffected (p > 0.05), ducks receiving YFM-D almost revealed 21%–22% higher body weight compared to CON-D (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher yolk weight, color, and Haugh unit were measured in ducks offered YFM-D than CON-D (p < 0.05), while YFM-D showed the propensity for better egg and albumen weight. However, shell weight and yield, albumen, and yolk yield were not varied between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It may be concluded that a YFM-D enhanced hen day egg production at the early stage of laying while boosting live weight gain and enhancing egg quality.

The Effect of the Addition of Turmeric Flour and Ginger Flour on The Performance of Laying Hens

This study aims to see the production performance of laying hens fed with turmeric flour and ginger flour. The laying hens used were 80 with Isa Brown strain aged 32 weeks. The maintenance of laying hens in this study was carried out intensively (caged). During the study, chickens were fed twice daily at 08.00 WIB and 15.00 WIB. Feed is given in a measured manner, namely 120 g/head / Day. Drinking water is given in ad libitum measured. The parameters observed in this study are feed intake, hen day production, egg weight and feed conversion ratio. This study used a complete randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and four replications. They were given treatment through feed ration with the following details: P0 (feed), P1 (feed + 0.75% turmeric flour + 0.25% Ginger flour), P2 (feed + 0.25% turmeric flour + 0.75% Ginger flour) and P3 (feed + 0.50% turmeric flour + 0.50% Ginger flour). Giving turmeric flour and ginger flour into the feed had a significant effect on hen day production and egg weight (P<0.05) and no significant effect on feed intake and feed conversion ratio. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that adding turmeric flour and ginger flour can produce hen day production and high egg weight.

Effects of Microorganism Supplementation on Egg Quality and Production

Effective microorganism (EM) is a combination of more than 80 different types of beneficial microorganisms contributing to a wide range of applications in medicine, environment, and agriculture (livestock sector, crop sector, and forestry). This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of EM supplementation on hen day egg production and egg quality traits of Bovans Brown laying hens. At the age of 16 weeks, 144 pullets were purchased from small-scale poultry farms in Debre Markos. The chickens were divided into four treatments, each of which was replicated three times and contained 12 chickens. The treatment groups were T1 (control, commercial ration only), T2 (supplemented 16 ml EM per liter of drinking water), T3 (supplemented 5% Bokashi in feed), and T4 (supplemented 16 ml EM per liter of drinking water and 5% Bokashi in feed). Prior to collecting the actual data, the layer chickens had 2 weeks of adaptation. The hen day egg production was evaluated, and laboratory analysis was conducted to detect the external and internal egg quality. The results showed no significant difference among treatments on hen day egg productions, which ranged from 74 to 80 percent. Among the external egg quality traits, T4 had the highest egg weight, compared to other treatment groups. The T3 and T4 treatments had the highest shell weight. The shell thickness ranged from 0.37 to 0.39 mm. The shape index ranged from 76.81 to 79.11%, with no difference among the groups. Moreover, T4 had a significantly higher egg mass than T1 and T2. The specific gravity of an egg ranged from 1.06 to 1.08 g/cm3. Among the internal egg quality traits, the albumin weights of T3 and T4 were significantly higher than those of T1. The highest and the lowest Hough units were observed in T4 and T1, respectively. The highest yolk weight was observed in T4 among the groups. The yolk index ranged from 0.45 to 0.49. The yolk color ranged from 5.27 to 7.33. Finally, overall egg quality parameters in T4 were better than in non-supplemented groups.

Improving performance, reproduction, and immunity in laying Japanese quail with algal derivatives

We investigated the effect of the Persian Gulf algae derivatives, namely phycocyanin (PC) and fucoidan (FUC), on the performance, reproductive traits, and immune responses of laying Japanese quails. A completely randomized design was used to distribute 250 six-wk-old Japanese quails with an average body weight of 215 ± 10 g into 5 treatments, 5 replicates, and 10 birds in each replicate over a 5-wk period. Unlike the control groups, the treatment groups received drinking water supplemented with PC and FUC at concentrations of 20 or 40 mg/L, denoted as PC20, PC40, FUC20, and FUC40, respectively, while all birds were provided with identical feed. Supplemental algal derivatives notably improved hen day egg production (HDEP), egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Incorporating PC and FUC had no significant effect on the weight of males' testes or the weight and length of hens' oviducts. Additionally, the experimental treatments had no impact on the chicks' hatching weight. The supplementation of PC and FUC resulted in increased fertility (P=0.038) and hatchability (P < 0.001) rates, with the exception of fertility in the PC40 group. The effect of the experimental treatments on immune responses was largely not statistically significant, except in the case of ND. Specifically, the experimental treatments resulted in increased (P=0.033) antibody titers against ND when compared to the control group, with the exception of FUC20. Supplemental algal derivatives significantly (P < 0.01) reduced total cholesterol, creatinine, and triglycerides (except in the case of PC20). Overall, these findings underscore the potential of algal derivatives to enhance quail performance, reproductive traits, and immune responses.

The Comparative Effects of Supplementing Protease Combined with Carbohydrase Enzymes on the Performance and Egg n-3 Deposition of Laying Hens Fed with Corn-Flaxseed or Wheat-Flaxseed Diets.

Flaxseed contains huge quantities of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), which reduce the performance of livestock. Three different protease and multi-carbohydrase enzymes were included in wheat-flaxseed diets (WFD) and corn-flaxseed diets (CFD) to compare their effects on performance, egg n-3 deposition, and fatty acid transporter genes in laying hens. A total of 540, twenty-week-old, Nongda-3 laying hens (DW brown × Hy-line white) were randomly assigned to six dietary groups, including 10% WFD or 10% CFD plus (i) supplemental enzyme A (alkaline protease 40,000 and neutral protease 10,000 (U/g)), (ii) enzyme B (alkaline protease 40,000, neutral protease 10,000, and cellulase 4000 (U/g)), or iii) enzyme C (neutral protease 10,000, xylanase 35,000, β-mannanase 1500, β-glucanase 2000, cellulose 500, amylase 100, and pectinase 10,000 (U/g)). An interaction (p < 0.05) was found for egg mass, hen day of egg production, and feed conversion ratio on the 9-10th week of the experiment. The WFD with enzyme B was associated with the highest egg weight in the 9-10th week. The deposition of total n-3 was superior with WFD (468.22 mg/egg) compared to CFD (397.90 mg/egg), while addition of enzyme C (464.90 mg/egg) resulted in the deposition of more total n-3 compared to enzymes A and B (411.89 and 422.42 mg/egg). The WFD and enzyme C significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and reduced the n-6:n-3 ratio in egg yolk compared to the CFD. The hepatic mRNA expression of liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) (p = 0.006), fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS-1) (p < 0.001), elongase-2 (ELOV-2) (p < 0.001), fatty acid transport protein-1 (FATP1) (p < 0.001), and the intestinal mRNA expression of FATP and FABP genes were increased with WFD compared to CFD. In conclusion, WFD with enzyme C is favorable for optimal performance, results in the deposition of more n-3 and DHA, and increases the expression of fatty acid transporter genes, which helps in n-3 transport.

Effects of Supplementing Layers, With Varying Levels of Alfalfa and Moringa Fresh Leaves on Egg Production and Quality

This feeding trial was conducted to evaluate and demonstrate the effects of supplementing intensively managed commercial layer chickens with varying levels of fresh leaves of Medicago sativa (Al) and Moringa stanophetela (Ms) on the characteristics of eggs. A 3x3 factorial arrangement was used Levels of Al fresh leaves were 0, 200, or 400 g, and levels of Ms fresh leaves were also 0, 200, or 400 g. Each treatment was replicated 4 times and 11 laying birds were allocated per replicate. Treatment arrangements/combinations were as follows, such as T1 (0 g of Ms &amp; 0 g of Al), T2 (0 g of Ms &amp;200 g of Al), T3 (0 g of Ms &amp; 400 g of Al), T4 (200 g of Ms &amp; 0 g of Al), T5 (200 g Ms &amp; 200 g of Al), T6 (200 g Ms &amp; 400 g of Al), T7 (400 g Ms &amp; 0 g of Al), T8 (400 g of Ms &amp; 200 g of Al) and T9 (400 g of Ms &amp; 400 g of Al). The actual investigation was started in the 30th week and then ended after 10 weeks. To evaluate egg quality traits, 9 eggs (3 eggs per pen per month), with a total of 36 eggs per treatment were randomly selected and analyzed. The result revealed that yolk color was strongly influenced (P&lt;0.05) by an interaction effect of that of the leveled Al and Ms supplementations. However, egg weight, shape index, shell thickness, albumen weight, Haugh unit, and yolk weight weren’t significantly (P&gt;0.05) influenced by such supplementations. The total egg production, egg production per pen, egg weight, egg mass, the hen-housed egg production, and a hen day egg production were not (P &lt; 0.05) influenced. The trend showed that the yellowness of the yolk color became deepened when increasing the amounts of either Al or Ms supplementation, as the main factors in the diets.

Pengaruh Pemberian Ekstrak Kunyit (Curcuma domestica) Dalam Air Minum Terhadap Performa Produksi Ayam Ras Petelur Fase Layer

This study aims to analyze the effect of giving turmeric extract as an additive in drinking water on the production performance of layer phase laying hens. The experimental design used in this study was a completely randomized design (CRD) carried out experimentally with 60 laying hens in the layer phase of the Isa Brown type with five treatments and four replications. The treatment used was P0 (without adding turmeric extract) as a control, P1 (1% turmeric extract), P2 (2% turmeric extract), P3 (3% turmeric extract), P4 (4% turmeric extract). The variables observed included Ration Consumption, Body Weight Growth (PBB), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Drinking Water Consumption, Hen Day Production (HDP). The research data were analyzed using analysis of variance and if they showed significant differences then they were further tested using Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that the addition of turmeric extract as an additive had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on the production performance of layer phase laying hens (P&lt;0.05) on Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Drinking Water Consumption and Hen Day production (HDP). For drinking water consumption, the highest yield was P0 = 7,132,50 ± 187,68a. At FCR the highest result was obtained P2 = 2,35 ± 0,26a, while at HDP the highest result was obtained P1 = 69,75 ± 11,58a. The conclusion from this study is that the addition of turmeric extract can be used as a feed additive to extend the shelf life of laying hens.

Graded levels of Eimeria infection linearly reduced the growth performance, altered the intestinal health, and delayed the onset of egg production of Hy-Line W-36 laying hens when infected at the prelay stage

The aim of this experiment was to investigate how different levels of Eimeria infection affect the performance, intestinal health, oxidative status, and egg production of Hy-Line W-36 pullets and laying hens. Three hundred and sixty Hy-Line W-36 pullets, aged 15 wk, were randomly distributed into 5 treatment groups, each comprising 6 replicates and a nonchallenged control. At 15 wk, pullets were inoculated with different levels of mixed Eimeria species as high-dose, medium-high, medium-low, and low-dose treatments. The growth performance and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were measured from 0- to 18-days postinoculation (DPI), whereas hen day egg production (HDEP) was recorded from wk 19. The markers of gastrointestinal health and oxidative status were measured at 6 DPI, 14 DPI, and 23 wk of age. The findings revealed a significant linear reduction in growth performance in response to increasedEimeriachallenge dosage on 6 and 14 DPI (P < 0.0001,P-L < 0.0001). An interaction between thegraded level of Eimeriainfection and DPI was observed for ADFI. The challenged pullets showed a reduction in ADFI starting at 4 DPI, which persisted until 14 DPI, when ADFI recovered back to normal. The most significant drop in feed intake was observed in 6 DPI in all the Eimeria-infected groups. The markers of gastrointestinal health (gastrointestinal permeability and tight junction proteins) were upregulated in challenged pullets because of infection, whereas the relative mRNA expression of key nutrient transporters was downregulated following infection on 6 and 14 DPI (P < 0.05). As a result of an infection on 6 DPI, the oxidative equilibrium was shifted toward the oxidative stress, and at the same time, upregulation of proinflammatory and inflammatory cytokines was observed (P < 0.05). An interaction between the Eimeria challenge dosage and bird age was observed for HDEP (P=0.0427). The pullets infected with Eimeria started to lay eggs later than the Control birds. However, the HDEP of the challenged groups became similar to Control only at wk 22, 3 wk after laying eggs. In conclusion, coccidiosis reduced growth performance, altered gastrointestinal health, induced oxidative stress, and delayed egg production when infected at the prelay stage of pullets and negatively impacted the laying hens' overall performance.

Influence of cage tiers height on cloaca temperature, performance, and egg quality of Isa-Brown laying hens reared in a humid tropical climate

Abstract This research was carried out to evaluate the influence of cage tiers height on cloaca temperature, performance and egg quality of Isa-Brown laying birds. A total of One hundred and eight (108) Isa-Brown laying birds were selected from a healthy stock. The poultry house contained conventional battery cages arranged in a three-tier design. One unit of the battery cage made up of three (3) tiers with three (3) cells per tier was setup to accommodate three (3) birds per cell and a total of 27 birds per unit cage. This setup was replicated for three additional cage units. The performance of the birds was evaluated in terms of the egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, hen day production, and total feed consumed. The results revealed no significant (P &gt;0.05) difference among cage tiers in terms of egg weight and feed conversion ratio but egg mass, hen day production and total feed consumed were significantly influenced. Highest egg mass (38.96g), highest Hen Day production (78.66%) and highest daily feed intake (99.01g) were recorded in birds raised in the upper tier of the cage. For the period of the study, cloaca temperature ranged between 36 °C and 41 °C. Cloaca temperature was not significantly (P &gt;0.05) affected by cage tiers height. In comparison to layers raised in low-tier cages, those raised in high-tier cages had higher egg production and better feed efficiency. These findings suggest that cage tier heights play an important role in the production performance of laying hens but cloaca temperature was not affected. However, further researches on the effect of cage tiers height on cloaca temperature should be carried out in a controlled setting

Impact of grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extract on egg production traits, nutrients digestability, lipid peroxidation and fertility of golden laying hens (Gallus gallus) during early stage of production

Grape by-products represent outstanding alternatives to replace conventional and unsustainable feed sources, given the substantial quantities generated annually by the winery industry. Regrettably, the majority of these by-products are wasted, resulting in significant environmental and economic repercussions. This study was conducted to assess the growth performance, feed efficiency, egg production and quality, lipid peroxidation, fertility and hatchability of reproductive laying hens during their early production stage. A total of 720 golden laying hens, all approximately 25 weeks old and with similar body weights, were randomly assigned to four experimental treatments (six replicates) as follows: control group receiving only the standard diet, (2) a group receiving the standard diet supplemented with grape seed extract at a rate of 250 g/kg (GSE1), (3) a group receiving the standarddiet supplemented with grape seed extract at a rate of 500 g/kg (GSE2), and (4) a group receiving the standarddiet supplemented with grape seed extract at a rate of 750 g/kg (GSE3). There were no significant change (p > 0.05) in feed intak, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio between the control and the experimental groups. Egg weight, egg shell thickness and egg shell weight were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in GSE250 GSE500 and GSE750 compared to the control. The results showed that hen day egg production was also significantly higher (p < 0.05) in GSE500 and GSE 750 compared to the control. Fertility level of GSE 500 and GSE750 was significantly (p < 0.5) higher compared to the control. The MDA level decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the GSE supplemented birds compared to the control. From these findings, we concluded that GSE 750 had positive impact on egg production, reducing lipid peroxidation and improving fertility in golden laying hens.

Identification of epidemiological risk factors for spotty liver disease in cage-free layer flocks in houses with fully slatted flooring in Australia

Spotty liver disease (SLD) is recognized to be caused by infection with Campylobacter hepaticus in adult layer hens farmed in cage-free environments. SLD is an emerging disease as cage-free egg production increases in popularity in response to desires for improved welfare of poultry. Outbreaks of SLD are frequently experienced around peak egg production in flocks, commonly between 25 and 40 wk of age. The disease becomes manifest with increased exposure and access of the birds to the feces of the flock. This study follows from a previous epidemiological survey of free-range and barn flocks in Australia which identified the presence of a scratch area within the laying house as a major risk factor for the occurrence of SLD. However, that survey also observed SLD occurrence in 45% of houses with a fully slatted floor (no scratch area). The present study describes a further analytical survey aimed at identification of risk factors for SLD in houses with fully slatted flooring. A comprehensive questionnaire was completed for 49 cage-free flocks from point of lay until 40 wk of age across Australia, retrieving information on house design, bird breed, flock size, stocking densities, bird growth, and performance and the occurrence of SLD. Multiple logistic regression model building was used to separate factors and identify important management factors that may be amenable to modify the occurrence of SLD in egg layers. Key determinants of SLD identified from the analyses were that houses with mechanical ventilation (such as tunnel ventilation) have some protection from SLD and an increase of an extra 1 bird/m2 of nest space increased odds of occurrence of SLD by 1.172 times. A recommendation to not exceed 112 brown egg layer hens/m2 of nest space in naturally ventilated houses with a full slat floor was suggested. A delay in birds reaching 60% hen day production (HD) by 1 wk is suggested as a possible predictor for a subsequent outbreak of SLD.