Hen-housed Egg Production Research Articles

Impact of Cordyline fruticosa leaf meal supplemented diet on growth performance, egg production, egg quality, and some heamatological indices of laying hen

At Sumitra Research Institute in Gujarat, India, research was carried out to ascertain the impact of Cordyline fruticosa on the growth performance, egg quality, production, and some heamatological indices of laying hens. 500 – 35 weeks Lohmann brown birds with an initial weight of 1717 grams were randomly distributed into five treatments with five replicates (20 hens per replicate). The basal diet was formulated according to the requirements of the birds. Hens in treatment 1 (control group) were fed basal diet only. The other experimental groups were fed the same diet with the addition of C. fruticosa meal at 10, 20, 30, and 40 g respectively in treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5. Birds were given free access to feed and clean water and a completely randomized design was adopted throughout the 90-day experimental period. Results showed that average weight gains and average daily feed intake followed a similar trend, birds fed C. fruticosa meal had higher body weight compared to the control in this order treatment 5 (T5) (1270.0 g), 4 (1263.0 g), 3 (1233.6 g), 2 (1230.0 g) and 1 (983.1 g) (p < 0.05) respectively. The treatment influenced the average daily feed intake, feed conversion, and mortality rate (p < 0.05). Hen day egg production and hen house egg production were higher in T5 (72.98%, 65.90%), T4 (72.72%, 69.85%), T3 (72.88%, 69.83%), intermediate in T2 (60.09%, 51.00%) and lower in T1 (51.19%, 41.85%). Eggshell strength, eggshell thickness, egg weight, albumen weight, yolk weight, yolk index, and haugh unit were significantly (p < 0.05) different among the treatments. Pack cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell, heterophil, and lymphocyte count were influenced by the treatment. However, values fall within the established range for healthy laying hen. It was concluded that Cordyline fruticosa meal can be fed to laying hens up to 40 g kg-1 diet without having any negative effect on their performance and health status.

Precision glycan supplementation: A strategy to improve performance and intestinal health of laying hens in high-stress commercial environments.

In the dynamic world of animal production, many challenges arise in disease control, animal welfareand the need to meet antibiotic-free demands. Emerging diseases have a significant impact on the poultry industry. Managing gut microbiota is an important determinant of poultry health and performance. Introducing precision glycans as feed additives adds another dimension to this complex environment. The glycans play pivotal roles in supporting gut health and immunological processes and are likely to limit antibiotic usage while enhancing intestinal well-being and overall poultry performance. This study explores precision glycan product as a feed additive supplemented at a continuous dose of 900 gper tonne of feed, in a free-range production system on a large commercial farm. Forty thousand 17-week-old pullets were randomly allocated to one of two separated sections of the production shed, with individual silos and egg-collecting belts. The flock performance, gut microbiota and its functionality were analysed throughout the laying cycle until 72 weeks of age. The results demonstrated that introducing precision glycans improved a range of performance indicators, including reduced cumulative mortality, especially during a major smothering event, where the birds pile up until they suffocate. There was also significantly increased hen-housed egg production, reduced gut dysbiosis score and undigested feed, increased number of goblet cells and improved feed conversion ratio. Additionally, microbiota analysis revealed significant changes in the composition of the gizzard, ileum content, ileum mucosa, and caecal and cloacal regions. Overall, the findings suggest that precision glycans have the potential to enhance poultry egg production in challenging farming environments.

Laying Performance and Hatchability Rate of True-To-Type Bolinao Native Chicken in ASIST Demo-Site Lagangilang, Abra

This study was conducted to evaluate the production performance between Abra and Bolinao, Pangasinan origin of True-to-type Bolinao native chicken under Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology ASIST (demo-site) in Lagangilang, Abra. The study was conducted for eight months from August 2022-March 2023. The average monthly egg production ranges from 7-14 with a mean of 10.27 from group A (Abra origin), while 5-12 eggs per hen in group B (Bolinao origin) with a mean of 8.93, hen-house egg production (HHEP) is higher in group A (34.13%) compared to group B with 29.65%. The average egg mass is quietly higher also in group A (14.54%), compared to group B with 13.10%, however, a significant T-test (0.05)higher egg weight is observed in group B (44.10 grams), compared to group A (42.46 grams), while in feed conversion ratio (FCR), better efficiency is observed in group B (2.72)which is significant at 0.05 level, compared to group A (2.83). In terms of hatchability rate, group A performed better (47.83%), compared to group B with 41.01%, while the weight of chicks upon hatching observed an insignificant result between the two groups with a mean of 27.49grams in group A and 27.09grams in group B respectively

Nutritional Values of Partially Replacing the Commercial Soybean Meal by Raw, Full-Fat Soybean in Diets of Layers

The aim of this study was to investigating the effects of partially replacing the commercial soybean meal (SBM) by locally produced raw, full-fat soybean (RFFSB) in diets of layers. After cleaning, the tested ingredient (RFFSB) was hammered to pass through a 0.2-mm sieve. Then, four experimental diets were formulated by replacing the SBM by RFFSB at 0, 15, 30 or 45% (equivalents to 0, 30, 60 or 90 g/kg of diet, respectively). Before the commencement of this feeding trial, birds were uniformly managed and fed as per their requirements (i.e., starter, grower and pullet diets). This feeding trial was started when birds’ age was 24 weeks. Every treatment was replicated 4 times and 17 laying birds per replicate. The results revealed that replacing the commercial SBM by raw soybean (up to 45%) in the layer diets had no negative effects on the final live BWT and also on the vital organ developments, such as pancreas, duodenum, intestines and gizzard. Hen-day egg production, hen-housed egg production and egg quality measuring parameters were not significant affected by that of partially replacing the commercially SBM by the raw soybean. It is concluded that without compromising the productivity and health, a hammered RFFSB can replace (up to 45%) the commercial SBM in diets of the laying hens.

Laying Performance of Native Chicken (Gallus gallus L.) Fed with Natural Egg Enhancers

Native chickens, inherent to sustainable agriculture, play a crucial role in diverse ecosystems and local economies. Recognizing their significance, this study, conducted at Lagangilang, Abra aimed to evaluate the impact of annatto seed, turmeric, and red-hot pepper as additives on the egg performance of native chickens over four months laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Focusing on laying performance in terms of average monthly egg laid, hen house egg production (HDEP), egg mass, egg weight, and mortality and morbidity rate. The research revealed no significant differences in various egg performance parameters, nevertheless, the T3 annatto seed had the highest mean among the treatments next with the commercial egg booster in terms of laid eggs, while unexpectedly contributing to a reduction in mortality and morbidity rates among native chickens. The study suggests that while these additives may not serve as direct egg promoters, they hold promise for improving specific aspects of native chicken eggs, warranting further investigation into their potential health benefits and optimization for market appeal. In terms of return above the feed, stock, and additive costs, utilizing annatto seed and turmeric as additives is 4-13%. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of these implications is vital for informed decision-making when considering additives and enhancers in native chicken production. Though all egg enhancers are acceptable, the prevailing price of the additives to be used should be considered.

Housing and dietary effects on production performance, quality index, and chemical composition of Japanese quail eggs

Quail housing and diet significantly impact egg yield and quality. This study assessed the impact of diets and housing arrangements on Japanese quail's egg production, egg index, and quality. In two trials, birds were reared in cages and on the floor with a commercial layer diet (CLD), and an experimental diet (ED) for 32 weeks. Compared to floor-reared birds, cage birds achieved 50% egg production and sexual maturity first. With dietary effects, the CLD diet showed similar results. Furthermore, their feed efficiency, hen house egg production (HHEP), and hen day egg production (HDEP) were significantly higher in cage birds that consumed CLD. Bird livability was unaffected by the housing system, while birds fed CLD had longer lifespans. The housing system had no discernible effects on egg dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), or ash percentage. Nevertheless, the egg albumen's DM, CP, ash%, yolk's DM, CP, and CF were greater in the birds fed CLD. Barring shell thickness, weight, and Haugh unit, birds raised in cages exhibited higher egg exterior index values. Besides the yolk ratio, yolk index, and albumen weight ratio, birds given CLD exhibited enhanced egg interior quality. Ultimately, the most optimal egg production performance, improved egg quality, and prolonged lifespan of Japanese quail were obtained with cage raising and feeding practices utilizing CLD.

Comparison of hen performance and mortality of commercial layer flocks by Strain and cage type

This study compared the egg production, defective egg rate, and mortality of commercial laying hens based on strain and cage type under commercial farm conditions. Two commercial white egg-laying strains (Hy-line and Super Nick) and two brown egg-laying strains( Nick Brown) were housed in conventional (32409 cm2) and enrichable (7200 cm2) cage systems. These layer flocks were visited weekly from 18 to 56 weeks of age, and data were collected on daily egg production, mortality, and the number of dirty and cracked eggs. Both the strain and cage type significantly affected hen-day and hen-housed egg production. Egg production was higher in conventional cages and for brown egg strains. The strain's impact on weekly mortality became insignificant after 32 weeks, while the highest mortality rates were observed in the enrichable cages. Significant differences were in the weekly dirty and cracked egg rates between layer strains and cage types. For enrichable cages and white-laying strains, the rate of dirty and cracked eggs was higher. The interaction of strain and cage type affected egg production, the rate of cracked and dirty eggs, and mortality. As a result, the brown egg-laying strain hens exhibited higher egg production than the white strain hens, and in overcrowded and enrichable that is non-enriched cages, lower egg production, higher mortality rates, and a higher rate of dirty and cracked eggs were observed.

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 & 0 g of Al), T2 (0 g of Ms &200 g of Al), T3 (0 g of Ms & 400 g of Al), T4 (200 g of Ms & 0 g of Al), T5 (200 g Ms & 200 g of Al), T6 (200 g Ms & 400 g of Al), T7 (400 g Ms & 0 g of Al), T8 (400 g of Ms & 200 g of Al) and T9 (400 g of Ms & 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<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>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 < 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.

Genetic Variance Estimation over Time in Broiler Breeding Programmes for Growth and Reproductive Traits.

Monitoring the genetic variance of traits is a key priority to ensure the sustainability of breeding programmes in populations under directional selection, since directional selection can decrease genetic variation over time. Studies monitoring changes in genetic variation have typically used long-term data from small experimental populations selected for a handful of traits. Here, we used a large dataset from a commercial breeding line spread over a period of twenty-three years. A total of 2,059,869 records and 2,062,112 animals in the pedigree were used for the estimations of variance components for the traits: body weight (BWT; 2,059,869 records) and hen-housed egg production (HHP; 45,939 records). Data were analysed with three estimation approaches: sliding overlapping windows, under frequentist (restricted maximum likelihood (REML)) and Bayesian (Gibbs sampling) methods; expected variances using coefficients of the full relationship matrix; and a "double trait covariances" analysis by computing correlations and covariances between the same trait in two distinct consecutive windows. The genetic variance showed marginal fluctuations in its estimation over time. Whereas genetic, maternal permanent environmental, and residual variances were similar for BWT in both the REML and Gibbs methods, variance components when using the Gibbs method for HHP were smaller than the variances estimated when using REML. Large data amounts were needed to estimate variance components and detect their changes. For Gibbs (REML), the changes in genetic variance from 1999-2001 to 2020-2022 were 82.29 to 93.75 (82.84 to 93.68) for BWT and 76.68 to 95.67 (98.42 to 109.04) for HHP. Heritability presented a similar pattern as the genetic variance estimation, changing from 0.32 to 0.36 (0.32 to 0.36) for BWT and 0.16 to 0.15 (0.21 to 0.18) for HHP. On the whole, genetic parameters tended slightly to increase over time. The expected variance estimates were lower than the estimates when using overlapping windows. That indicates the low effect of the drift-selection process on the genetic variance, or likely, the presence of genetic variation sources compensating for the loss. Double trait covariance analysis confirmed the maintenance of variances over time, presenting genetic correlations >0.86 for BWT and >0.82 for HHP. Monitoring genetic variance in broiler breeding programmes is important to sustain genetic progress. Although the genetic variances of both traits fluctuated over time, in some windows, particularly between 2003 and 2020, increasing trends were observed, which warrants further research on the impact of other factors, such as novel mutations, operating on the dynamics of genetic variance.

Effects of crossbreeding on growth, production and selected egg quality traits of Improved Horro crosses with Cosmopolitan chickens

The effect of crossbreeding aims to characterize heterosis, additive, and maternal values for growth, egg production and selected egg quality traits in Improved Horro (H), Cosmopolitan (C), ♂Improved Horro*Cosmopolitan♀(HC) and ♂Cosmopolitan*Improved Horro♀(CH) chickens. A completely randomized design was used in the study. A total of 1200 eggs and 300 eggs of each genotype were used for the hatchability and fertility trials. A total of 480 chickens were used for the growth, egg production and quality test. The results demonstrated that egg production traits like egg mass (7.74 ± 0.79%), hen day egg production (5.16 ± 0.24%), hen housed egg production (1.65 ± 0.29%), egg number (1.65 ± 0.06%), and hatchability from fertile eggs set (0.92 ± 0.02%) had positive heterosis. The egg production traits of egg fertility (-0.29 ± 0.01%), age at first egg (-1.77 ± 0.14%), age at peak egg production (-0.44 ± 0.06%), and hatchability from eggs set (-8.20 ± 0.76%) showed negative heterosis. The estimates of heterosis values for the examined egg quality traits were generally positive, with the exception of the yolk weight heterosis estimate value. The estimated direct additive values were positive for all selected egg quality traits except yolk weight, egg weight, and egg width. The estimated direct maternal values were significant and positive for all of the egg quality traits examined, with the exception of yolk weight and eggshell thickness. It was found that CH crossbred had the majority of the traits that were estimated to be associated with higher egg production and quality. HC crossbred was characterized for the majority of the traits linked to growth. Conclusively: the majority of egg traits favor CH crossbred chickens over HC crossbreds, whereas the majority of growth traits favor CH over HC crossbreds.

Production Performance and Serum Biochemical Indices as Influenced by Lysine and Methionine Supplementation to Low Protein Diet in Vanaraja Laying Hens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect lysine and methionine supplementation to low protein diet on production performance and serum biochemical parameters in Vanaraja laying hens. One hundred twenty (n=120), 30-weeks old Vanaraja laying hens were randomly distributed into four dietary treatments with three replicates in each group having 10 birds in each replicate. Four diets were formulated with 2600 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy (ME) and 13% crude protein (CP). The dietary treatments were: T1- diet contains 0.65% lysine and 0.28% methionine; T2- diet contains 0.70% lysine and 0.32% methionine; T3- diet contains 0.75% lysine and 0.36% methionine and T4- diet contains 0.80% lysine and 0.40% methionine. Body weight and its changes, Hen Housed Egg Production (HHEP), egg weight (g), egg mass (g/day), and feed conversion ratio and serum biochemical parameters found significantly (P<0.05) differed across the dietary treatments during different phases of the experimental period. There was significant (P<0.05) effect of lysine and methionine on the overall body weight gain. Serum biochemical parameters like albumin, globulin, creatinine, uric acid, triglycerides and AST activity varied due to supplementation of EAAs to low CP diet. So it was concluded that diet containing 0.65% lysine and 0.28% methionine (T1) is adequate for optimum production performance and serum biochemical indices in Vanaraja laying hens.

Estimating energy utilization in laying hens: what are the best response criteria?

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying dietary energy on the performance and energy storage in laying hens from 36 to 52 wk of age. A total of 252 Hy-Line W-36 laying hens were housed in cages with 3 birds per cage and 12 replicate cages per treatment. Birds were control fed 1 of 7 experimental diets ranging in dietary energy from 2,750 to 3,050 kcal/kg with a 50 kcal/kg difference among each of the diets. Egg production, energy intake, feed intake, egg weight, egg mass, and feed efficiency were calculated every 2 wk so that performance data could be analyzed every 2 wk using repeated measures analysis. Hens were weighed every 4 wk for repeated measures analysis and carcass total, lean, and fat mass were determined at 52 wk using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Correlations between dietary energy and energy intake with performance parameters, and body composition were generated. Dietary energy (kcal/kg) was significantly correlated with all performance parameters except hen housed egg production (HHEP; P = 0.07) and lean carcass mass (P = 0.60). For dietary energy, the highest correlations were total carcass mass (r = 0.60) and carcass fat mass (r = 0.54). Energy intake (kcal/d) was significantly correlated with all performance parameters except feed intake (P = 0.18). The highest correlations were between energy intake and total carcass mass (r = 0.63) or body weight (r = 0.51). These results suggest that dietary energy has a more pronounced effect on body mass and fatty tissue over the short run (16-wk period) before direct performance responses are observed. Therefore, hen body weight and composition can be used as a more sensitive measurement of shorter-term hen energy status than egg production or feed efficiency.

Nano phosphorus on egg production and quality in Japanese quail

Supplementation of nano form of mineral increases bio-availability and efficiency of utilization. In this regard, an experiment was performed to study the effects of calcium phosphate nano particle (NCP) supplementation with or without combination with DCP (Dicalcium Phosphate) on the performance of Japanese quail birds. NCP was synthesized in the laboratory and the particle size was determined by using scanning electron microscope. NCP size was found in the range of 51- 200 nm. For performance study, 192 Japanese Quail birds divided into 8 groups viz, T1-Control DCP 100%, T2- 25%NCP+ 75% DCP, T3- 25% NCP, T4-50% NCP, T5- 50% DCP + 50% NCP, T6- 75% NCP, T7- 75% NCP + 25% D.C.P., T8- 100% NCP. Performance of egg production was carried out for 100days after onset of laying. Total hen housed egg production percent ranges from 38.142±2.285 (T4) to 2.428±0.286 (T8). Shape index of the eggs ranges from 89.992±2.871 (T7) to 76.023±0.043 (T3). The average weight (g) of the eggs ranges from 11.982±0.185 (T4) to 6.022±0.123 (T8). Shell thickness of the eggs (mm) ranges from 0.172±0.007 (T4) to 0.12±0 (T8). The Haugh unit of the eggs ranges from 85.512±0.540 (T4) to 79.095±0.655 (T5).There are significant differences in the above mentioned egg quality parameters among different dietary treatment groups. Considering the above results of the present study, it may be concluded that dietary NCP at 50% level supplementation with 50% DCP have better bioavailability with higher production indices in Japanese quail birds. Significantly higher differences (p>o.o5) were achieved in case of egg production parameters and egg quality traits. In other wards supplementation of NCP at 100% level had adverse effects on growth, and seriously altering egg quality and other parameters.

Different processing methods of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) seed meal: Effect on nutritive value, growth and production performance of commercial layers

The experiment was conducted with 150 Bovans brown pullets to evaluate the performance of grower pullets and layers fed raw or processed pigeon pea seed meal diets from 18th week stage of life. Each treatment had three replicates and ten birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD) with pullets and layers fed comprised of 20% pigeon pea seed meal diets that were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. Live weight, feed intake, live weight gain, egg production and mortality parameters were measured. Pullets fed 20% boiled and soaked PPSM diets attained significantly higher (P<0.05) final body weight at point of lay and daily feed intake than those fed control, raw and toasted PPSM diets. Results revealed that non-significant (P>0.05) differences among the layers fed PPSM diets in hen-day egg production, average daily feed intake and average mortality parameters but significant differences (p<0.05) were observed on hen-housed egg production and age at first egg lay parameters. It was concluded that PPSM could be a good protein source for grower pullets and layers, which could be incorporated into the diets at 20% of the whole diet without any adverse effect on growth and egg production performance.

Genetic Improvement of Egg Production and Associated Traits in Egg Type Japanese Quail

Background: Demand for the Japanese quail eggs is increasing due to cheaper cost and alternative to chicken eggs. Development of a separate egg type of Japanese quail strains can fulfill the demand of egg production and nutritional security. With this background, genetic selection was carried out to improve egg production performances of egg type Japanese quail for six generations. Methods: Nandanam quail-3 was utilized as base population for the improvement of production performance in this study. Initially to strengthen the base population random breeding was carried out in Nandanam quail-3 followed by sire family selection for egg production in females and sib selection in males. The mating plan for producing replacement hatch was shift mating in individual cages. The day-old chick weight, body weight at different age, egg production and reproductive performance were recorded in all six generations. Result: The analysis of pooled data for fourth and sixth week body weight indicated a genetic gain of 0.60 g and 0.51 g per generation, respectively with an excellent coefficient of determination (0.92% and 0.93%). The per cent hen housed egg production from 6 to 46 weeks of age increased from 202 to 220 eggs during the course of selection. Linear regression analysis revealed that the increase was significant (P less than 0.01), with appreciable magnitude in positive direction (b=3.77) with excellent of goodness of fit (R2=0.97). Similarly, the hen day egg production during this period also showed significant (P less than 0.01) upward trend (b=3.17) over generations with the trend line showing excellent goodness of fit with observed values (R2= 0.96). The present study concluded that the multi stage selection can improve the body weight and egg production in Japanese quails despite the fact these traits are negatively correlated.

Dynamics of Growth and Egg Traits in Three Dietary Balanced Protein Scenarios Applied for Laying Hens.

Simple SummaryThis study aimed to investigate the impact of three dietary balanced protein levels on laying hens, during the rearing and laying phases. The performance and body composition were monitored at 7, 11, 15, and 18 weeks old, while for the laying phase the responses were monitored every 28 days, from 19–102 weeks of age. The dietary protein applied in this study did not affect the responses evaluated in the rearing phase, but it clearly affected the long-term egg production. Overall, the egg production of hens consuming a high protein diet was superior compared to hens in the lower protein group and similar results were observed for body weight and body composition. The benefits of this study were to demonstrate the dynamic traits of laying hens in the long-term egg production cycle in three dietary balanced protein scenarios as similar data could not be found elsewhere.The objective of this study was to evaluate laying hens from 8 to 102 weeks old, regarding their changes in performance, body composition, and egg components produced in three scenarios of nutrition. Three treatments designed to contain different levels of balanced protein (BP) were randomly assigned to the experimental units, performing ten replicates per treatment with 20 birds each. A standard feed was formulated to meet hen requirements and the ideal ratio between essential amino acids. Then, two experimental feeds were formulated to contain 20% above or below the dietary BP used in the standard feed. The responses evaluated were cumulated feed intake (g), daily feed intake (g/day), body weight (g), body composition (g of protein, fat, and ash), hen-housed egg production (%/hen-housed), egg production (%), egg weight (g), egg mass (g), and egg components (percentages of yolk, albumen, and eggshell). The dietary BP influenced the body composition, egg production, egg weight, and egg mass of white laying hens. The increase in dietary BP was related to an increase in body contents and egg weight, whereas hens consuming the low dietary balanced protein presented a lower body weight, leaner, and produced smaller eggs.

토종닭 종계 9개 조합의 체중 및 산란능력 비교 연구

The present study investigated production traits, including body weight, egg production, egg weight, and egg quality in Korean indigenous parent stocks. Parent stocks produced from a nine-combination association from five pure line strains (C, D, F, K, and Y) were used. The body weight analyses results showed that the CY combination had the highest body weight (1,604.9 g) and the DK combination had the lowest (1,424.4 g). The average age at first egg of the nine combinations was 118.6 days; however, that of the YD combination was 111.6 days, making it the fastest growing combination, whereas the DK combination was the slowest, at 126 days. Hen-day egg production was 74% or more for the CF, CK, and DK combinations. The DK combination hens showed excellent persistence in egg laying. Hen-housed egg production exhibited results similar to those of hen-day egg production. Egg weight was significantly higher in the DK combination than in the other combinations and was observed to increase from 20 (43.9 g) to 40 (58.1 g) weeks. The egg quality analyses results showed that the combinations based on the F and K strains had a bright eggshell color, with relatively high egg weights. Eggshell strength and thickness were the highest in the DK combination (3.8 kg/cm², 0.38 mm). In summary, the CF and DK combinations showed excellent egg production ability and egg quality, while the YC, YD, and YK combinations with the Y strain as the paternal strain exhibited poor performance.

Effect of Phytase Supplementation on the Performance of Babcock-380 Layer Hens

In order to examine the effect of phytase supplementation in the diet of laying hen this experiment was conducted with 30 commercial hybrid Babcock-380 layers of 73 weeks of age. The hens were grouped into 3 treatment groups and given microbial phytase (Rena Phytase 400) at levels 2.5, 1.5 and 0 (control) g/kg feed in addition to their basal diet (110 g commercial pellet/day). Records on egg production/group/day, egg mass weight/day, body weight of hens at the end of experimental period were taken and analysed. Results revealed that hen house egg production (HHEP) and egg weight (EW) varied (p<0.05) among the treatment groups but level of phytase did not affect (p<0.05) body weight of hens. Both HHEP and EW were in order of 2.5>1.5>0 g/kg feed phytase group and all the means were significantly (p<0.05) different from each other within treatment groups. Microbial phytase supplementation in layer ration proved to be beneficial in terms of egg production and egg size even after 72 weeks of age of hens. Layer farms in Malaysia can use this technology to earn more profit.

Effects of amino acid levels during rearing on Cobb 500 slow-feathering broiler breeders: 2. Reproductive performance

Crude protein and amino acid (AA) content in rearing diets affect body composition and reproductive performance. This study evaluated the effects of 4 dietary AA levels during rearing on BW, egg production and composition, fertility, hatchability, and embryo mortality up to 65 wk of age on Cobb 500 slow-feathering (SF) broiler breeders. The treatments consisted in 80% (low-AA), 90% (moderate-AA), 100% (standard-AA), and 110% (high-AA) of the AA recommendations for Cobb 500 SF pullets from 5 to 24 wk. AA was guided by an ideal protein profile based on digestible Lys. A total of 1,360 pullets and 288 Cobb MV cockerels were randomly placed in 16 pullets and 16 cockerel floor-pens. At 22 wk, 1,040 females and 112 males were transferred into 16-floor pens in a laying house. BW increased linearly (P < 0.01) as AA augmented at 25, 36, and 40 wk. No effects (P > 0.05) at the onset of lay were observed. Moderate-AA and standard-AA resulted in the best hen-housed egg production (HHEP) at 65 wk with 174.3 and 176.5 eggs, respectively. The optimum level of AA for HHEP at 65 wk was estimated (P < 0.001) in 96.7% and 94.7% by the quadratic and broken line models, respectively. Overall, the lightest egg weight (P = 0.022) was obtained with 89%AA during rearing, and the heaviest eggs (P < 0.001) were found at 54 wk. Response surface regression indicated linear effects on albumen and yolk percentages (P < 0.01) increasing and decreasing, respectively, as AA levels augmented; consequently, AA had a negative linear effect on Y:A ratio (P = 0.004) with quadratic effects (P < 0.01) of age (R2 = 0.92). No statistical effect of treatments was observed in fertility (P > 0.05), but AA had a quadratic effect (P = 0.046) on hatchability up to 50 wk of age with 97% as optimum, and decreased linearly (P = 0.004) from 51 to 65 wk. A few effects of treatments (P < 0.05) on embryo mortality were observed. In conclusion, AA levels during rearing affect broiler breeder reproductive performance.

Time-Restricted Feeding in Commercial Layer Chickens Improves Egg Quality in Old Age and Points to Lack of Adipostat Activity in Chickens.

In mammals, time-restricted feeding (TRF) with no caloric restriction provides health benefits and extends longevity, usually with a minor (∼3%) or no reduction in total food consumption. In the current study, a TRF regimen of 6 h free access to food (08:00–14:00 h) was applied to Leghorn chickens from 25 to 86 weeks of age; control birds ate freely during the light hours (06:00–20:00 h). Unexpectedly, the TRF-treated birds consumed, on average, 11.7% less food than the controls. This was manifested by an average reduction of 9.6% in body weight, 2.6-fold in visceral fat accumulation, and 6.5% in egg weight. Hen-housed egg production was reduced by 3.6% in the TRF group compared with the control, along the first 40 weeks of the follow-up (P < 0.05), and changed into a tendency of 0.7% higher egg production thereafter. Several parameters of egg quality showed significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the TRF group compared with the controls. A comparison of diurnal patterns of feed consumption revealed a higher rate of hourly consumption in the TRF group and increased consumption before dark in the control group. In conclusion, the reduced feed intake in response to the TRF treatment and loss in visceral fat accumulation supports the lack of a strong adipostat activity in chickens and different appetite regulation mechanisms compared with mammals. Therefore, future TRF studies in chickens should be adjusted by extending the ad libitum time window. The lower feed intake by the TRF-treated chickens compared with the ad libitum-fed controls seems to reduce the efficiency of egg production. Nevertheless, the improved egg quality and persistence of egg lay at the older age suggest that similarly to mammals, the TRF treatment delayed at least some of the negative impacts associated with advanced age.