ISA Brown Research Articles

Performance, Egg Quality, and Composition in Isa Brown Laying Hens Fed with Different Levels of Desmodium tortuosum Leaf Flour.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects on laying performance, egg quality traits, color, and composition of supplementing a white corn-based diet with Desmodium tortuosum leaf flour. Three hundred 32-week-old hens were distributed to 30 pens of 10 hens each and allocated to six dietary treatments (five replicates per treatment) for 13 weeks. Two control groups of 50 hens received one of either diet Y, based on yellow corn, or diet W, based on white corn. The other groups received a diet based on white corn supplemented with Desmodium tortuosum leaf flour at 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, or 10% (diet D). Diet D improved laying performance and yolk color at a reduced feed cost per egg but had no effect on cholesterol content. In conclusion, the inclusion of Desmodium tortuosum leaf flour, in a white corn-based diet, is effective in lowering feed cost, increasing egg production, and improving yolk color.

The Influence of Dietary Supplementation with Dried Olive Pulp on Gut Microbiota, Production Performance, Egg Quality Traits, and Health of Laying Hens.

This study examines the dietary effect of dried olive pulp (OP) on the overall performance, egg quality, health, and gut microbiota of laying hens during a 36-week trial. A total of 180 Isa Brown layers, aged 23 weeks, were assigned to 15-floor pens and divided into three feeding groups (CON, OP4, and OP6) based on the dietary level of OP. Egg quality and biochemical parameters were assessed in 39- and 59-week-old hens. Fecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis. Data were analyzed with an Analysis of Variance. The percentage of broken eggshells was found to be 15-34% lower in the OP groups compared to the CON groups. At 59 weeks of age, a significant reduction in shell thickness was observed in the CON eggs compared to the OP eggs (p < 0.05). At 39 weeks of age, OP6 eggs had the darkest yolk color of all groups (p < 0.05). Fecal microbial diversity was affected only by hens' age. However, an enrichment in bacterial species belonging to the genera Megasphaera and Megamonas was found in the OP groups at 59 weeks of age. Our results demonstrate that OP feeding beneficially affects egg quality and promotes the proliferation of bacteria involved in the degradation of complex plant compounds, potentially contributing to the overall health of the gut microbiota.

Strategies to combat heat stress in Isa Brown layer hens: Unveiling the roles of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, selenium, folic acid, and in combination.

Due to their efficient insulation, lack of sweat glands, relatively quick metabolic rate, and heightened sensitivity to heat, the poultry industry faces a serious problem with heat stress. Combining vitamins has been demonstrated to be more effective than implementing a single vitamin in reducing the effects of heat stress. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the multivitamin combination in feed on the growth performance, egg quality, and antioxidant enzymes in laying hens exposed to heat stress. A total of 28 Isa Brown strains aged 18 weeks were randomly designated into seven groups with four replications, i.e., (C-) normal temperature group, (C+) heat stress group, and the others with the administration of vitamin A and E (AE), vitamin K and C (KC), vitamin C and E (CE), vitamin E and selenium (ESE), and vitamin C and folic acid (CAF). Feed intake, feed efficiency, eggshell thickness, shape index, haugh unit (HU), yolk, and albumen index were evaluated at 22, 23, 24, and 25 weeks. Meanwhile, antioxidant enzymes were quantified at 22 and 25 weeks. As a result, feed intake was reported a significant improvement in the AE and CE groups compared to the C+ group. Meanwhile, the feed efficiency was reported to be efficient in the CE and ESE groups. Based on egg quality evaluation, we reported significant shell thickness in the CE, ESE, and CAF groups compared to the C+; yolk index was reported slightly significant results in the AE and CAF groups; albumen index and HU were reported to increase significantly in the CAF group. Meanwhile, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and GPx activity were ameliorated significantly in the ESE and CAF groups. Combinations of multivitamins can thereby enhance feed intake, feed efficiency, egg quality, and antioxidant activity. The CE, ESE, and CAF groups were found to have made equivalent improvements in the eggshell thickness, shape index, HU, yolk, and albumen index.

Potency of green chiretta (Andrographis paniculata) leaf extract on antibody titers of laying chickens in the starter phase

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;Andrographolide, biological component, is present in Green chiretta (&lt;em&gt;Andrographis paniculata&lt;/em&gt;), as an immunomodulator and feed additive for laying hens, has been potential to be explored. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of green chiretta (&lt;em&gt;Andrographis paniculata&lt;/em&gt;) leaf extract on the levels of antibodies against Avian Influenza (AI) and Newcastle Disease (ND) in laying hens during the initial phase of egg production.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 100 Isa Brown strain laying hens were were used ini this study consisted of 20 box cages with 60x50x50 cm. The study employed a completely randomised design (CRD) with 5 treatments, i.e. T0 = Drinking water without EEGC, T1 = Drinking water + 0.5% EEGC, T3 = Drinking water + 1% EEGC, T4 = Drinking water + 1.5% EEGC, T5 = Drinking water + 2% EEGC. The study was replicated four times for each treatment.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The analysis of variance revealed that the treatment with green chiretta leaf extract did not show a significant impact on AI and ND antibody titers at 3, 4, and 5 weeks of age. However, this treatment significant affect on AI and ND antibody titers at 6 weeks of age.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;The addition of green chiretta (&lt;em&gt;Andrographis paniculata&lt;/em&gt;) leaf extract to drinking water boosts up the development of AI and ND antibody levels. It exhibited superior antibody levels in comparison to the control treatment. To clarify, applying green chiretta (&lt;em&gt;Andrographis paniculata&lt;/em&gt;) leaf extract to drinking water can maintain AI and ND antibody levels.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Potency of green chiretta (Andrographis paniculata) leaf extract on antibody titers of laying chickens in the starter phase

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;Andrographolide, biological component, is present in Green chiretta (&lt;em&gt;Andrographis paniculata&lt;/em&gt;), as an immunomodulator and feed additive for laying hens, has been potential to be explored. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of green chiretta (&lt;em&gt;Andrographis paniculata&lt;/em&gt;) leaf extract on the levels of antibodies against Avian Influenza (AI) and Newcastle Disease (ND) in laying hens during the initial phase of egg production.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 100 Isa Brown strain laying hens were were used ini this study consisted of 20 box cages with 60x50x50 cm. The study employed a completely randomised design (CRD) with 5 treatments, i.e. T0 = Drinking water without EEGC, T1 = Drinking water + 0.5% EEGC, T3 = Drinking water + 1% EEGC, T4 = Drinking water + 1.5% EEGC, T5 = Drinking water + 2% EEGC. The study was replicated four times for each treatment.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The analysis of variance revealed that the treatment with green chiretta leaf extract did not show a significant impact on AI and ND antibody titers at 3, 4, and 5 weeks of age. However, this treatment significant affect on AI and ND antibody titers at 6 weeks of age.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;The addition of green chiretta (&lt;em&gt;Andrographis paniculata&lt;/em&gt;) leaf extract to drinking water boosts up the development of AI and ND antibody levels. It exhibited superior antibody levels in comparison to the control treatment. To clarify, applying green chiretta (&lt;em&gt;Andrographis paniculata&lt;/em&gt;) leaf extract to drinking water can maintain AI and ND antibody levels.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Betaine and feed restriction as potential mitigation strategies against heat stress in two strains of laying hens

Climate change is increasingly manifesting in temperate regions. Laying hens are highly sensitive to heat stress and mitigation strategies should be implemented to reduce the negative effects. The goal of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of betaine in drinking water (0.55 g/L) and 4 h feed restriction during peak heat stress on laying performance, egg quality, blood gas parameters, body temperature (Tb), and oxidative stress in 2 different breeds of laying hens. Therefore, 448 ISA Brown hens (25 wk) and 448 Lohmann LSL classic laying hens (26 wk) were housed in 128 cages (7 hens/cage). Thermoneutral (TN) data was collected for 21 d before cyclic heat stress (HS) (21d; 32 ± 2°C; 6 h daily). During HS, hens were divided into 4 treatments: 1) feed restriction (FR), 2) betaine supplementation in drinking water (BET), 3) feed restriction and betaine supplementation in drinking water (FR-BET), or 4) control (CON). The effects were evaluated after 1 wk of HS (acute heat stress; AHS) and 3 wk of HS (chronic heat stress; CHS). Laying rate and egg mass (EM) diminished during CHS but decreased more in white than brown hens (2.78% and 1.94%; -1.57% and -0.81%, respectively; P = 0.004) and remained unaltered by BET or FR. During AHS, average daily feed intake (ADFI) increased compared to TN, but the increase was higher in white than brown hens (6.36% and 2.62%, respectively; P = 0.001). Egg shell quality deteriorated during AHS and CHS, but was most affected in white hens, FR or BET did not impact this. Blood pCO2, HCO3- and base excess significantly decreased during AHS and CHS, but pH and iCa were unaltered. Blood glucose increased in white hens during AHS compared to TN (P < 0.001), while plasma malondialdehyde increased in brown hens (P < 0.001). Results indicated that laying hens experienced HS, but breed differences were observed and white hens were generally most affected. FR affected feed conversion ratio negatively during CHS. However, FR and BET could not improve laying performance, egg quality, Tb, or blood parameters during HS.

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.

EFFECTS OF VARIOUS FAT SOURCES ADDED INTO THE DIETS OF LAYING HENS ON CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM

This research was conducted to determine the effects of different vegetable oils and animal fat added into laying hens' rations at different levels during the late laying period on serum calcium and phosphorus levels. A total of 54 sixty-seven weeks old Isa Brown hens were weighed and randomly distributed into nine dietary treatment groups as C (control fed with only basal diet), T2 (basal diet + 2% tallow), M2 basal diet + 2% tallow and linseed oil mixture (50/50), S2 (basal diet + 2% sunflower oil), L2 (basal diet + 2% linseed oil), T4 (basal diet + 4% tallow), M4 basal diet + 4% tallow and linseed oil mixture (50/50), S4 (basal diet + 4% sunflower oil) and L4 (basal diet + 4% linseed oil), respectively. Each treatment group consisted of 6 subgroups, comprising of 1 bird each. At the end of the study, serum calcium and phosphorus levels (mg/dl) of C T2, M2, S2, L2, T4, M4, S4, L4 groups were 18.63 and 5.85, 18.03 and 4.52, 18.60 and 5.00, 16.62 and 4.42, 17.55 and 4.33, 16.25 and 5.63, 17.48 and 3.95, 17.47 and 3.28, and 21.43 and 5.12, respectively. The highest calcium level was observed in L4 group (21.43 mg/dl), while the highest phosphorus level (5.85 mg/dl) was detected in the control (C) group. As a result of the research, no significant effect (p&gt;0.05) was found in terms of different fat sources and levels among the groups during the late laying period on the serum calcium and phosphorus levels of laying hens.

Effects of Inclusion of Mango Peel Waste in Diets of Layer Chickens on Performance and Egg Quality in Kenya

Alternative ingredients for the manufacture of poultry feeds need to be identified to meet the growing demand. A 42-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of the inclusion of mango peel waste in layer chicken diets on performance and egg quality. This study involved one hundred and fifty Isa Brown layer chickens aged 60 weeks. These chickens were assigned to five treatments with graded levels of mango peels: 0% (Treatment 1), 3.5% (Treatment 2), 7% (Treatment 3), 14% (Treatment 4) and 28% (Treatment 5), using a completely randomized design (CRD). Daily egg production was recorded, and weekly measurements included feed intake, specific gravity, egg weight, shell weight and shell thickness. Notably, Treatment 5 exhibited the highest feed conversion ratio (3.09) and Roche yolk color (RYC) fan score (14.3), which was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) different from Treatment 1, with values of 2.36 and 12.4, respectively. Layer chicken fed on T1 had the highest egg weight and egg thickness (6.6 g and 0.44 mm, respectively), differing significantly (p &lt; 0.05) from Treatment T5 eggs (6.3 g and 0.41 mm). It was concluded that mango peels could substitute maize in layer chicken diets up to 7% without affecting production and egg quality. Mango peels are recommended for partial substitution of maize in layer chicken diets and as natural egg yolk pigment to impart the yellow yolk desired by consumers.

Performance and carcass characteristics of Isa Brown cockerels fed graded levels of dried neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf and bark meal

Performance and carcass characteristics of Isa Brown cockerels fed graded levels of dried neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf and bark meal

Reproductive and Physiological Responses and Egg Quality Traits of Isa Brown Chickens fed Diets fed Ginger or Turmeric Powder under Tropical Hot Environments

The increasing demand for healthy and low-fat poultry products by consumers has necessitated the use of natural growth promoters to enhance hens’ laying performance. This study investigated the reproductive response and egg quality traits of pullet chickens fed dietary turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) powder. Four hundred and twenty egg-type chicks of Isa Brown at three weeks old were assigned to 5 treatments: basal diet (G0); basal diet supplemented with 1.5 % (G1.5) or 3% (G3) ginger or 1.5(T1.5) or 3% (T3) turmeric during a 60 week trial period. A complete randomized design arrangement was applied. The results showed that the best (p&lt;0.05) hen-day production, hen-housed production, egg mass, feed conversion ratio (FCR), age at first lay and weight at first lay were obtained for birds receiving the 1.5% ginger ration. A higher mortality rate was experienced among the control groups (9.82%), while egg traits revealed significantly higher values of albumen height in hens placed on 1.5 and 3% turmeric powder compared to the other treatment groups. The study concluded that dietary ginger and turmeric enhanced the reproductive performance and egg quality of egg-type chickens over their commercial production lifespan without impairing their overall well-being.

Population Pharmacokinetics and Absolute Oral Bioavailability of Lasalocid after Single Intravenous and Intracrop Administration in Laying Hens.

Lasalocid sodium is a polyether carboxylic ionophore agent authorized by the EU for use as a coccidiostat in broilers, turkeys, and pullets up to 16 weeks of age, except for laying hens. However, laying hens are the most common nontarget species exposed to lasalocid sodium, mainly due to cross-contamination from feed mills. This exposure may result in potential drug residue deposition in eggs, which could potentially expose consumers to the drug. The breeds commonly used for commercial egg production in Poland are Isa Brown and Green-legged Partridge hens, which have been found to significantly differ in egg-laying performance. This variability may also affect the pharmacokinetics of lasalocid. Data on lasalocid plasma pharmacokinetics in laying hens are lacking. In this study, we aimed to determine typical population pharmacokinetic parameters, absolute oral bioavailability, and how breed may influence the pharmacokinetics of lasalocid. Twenty-layer hens of the two breeds were used in this study. Lasalocid was administered orally at a single dose of either 1 mg or 5 mg/kg body weight or intravenously at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight, in a crossover design with a three-week washout period between study periods. Blood samples were collected for 72 h, and lasalocid concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted using nonlinear mixed effects modeling. Standard numerical and graphical criteria were used to select the best model, and a stepwise covariate modeling approach was used to determine any influencing factors. The best model was a three-compartment mammillary model with first-order absorption, transit compartments, and linear elimination. The estimated absolute oral bioavailability was low (36%). It was found that breed significantly influenced not only absorption but also the elimination of lasalocid. This study revealed that lasalocid absorption and elimination varied between the two breeds. This variability in pharmacokinetics may result in breed-related differences in drug residue accumulation in eggs, and ultimately, the risk associated with consumer exposure to drug residues may also vary.

Performance, hormonal assay, folliculogenesis and reproductive tract morphometry of ISA Brown hens fed diets supplemented with Garlic-tropical leaf meals composite mix

Abstract The study investigates the effects of composites of selected tropical leaf meals and garlic on laying hens using performance, hormonal, reproductive tract morphometry, and folliculogenesis as response criteria. Fresh (bitter, moringa, scent, and neem) leaves were harvested, air-dried, and mixed with garlic powder in a ratio of 4:3:1:1:1, respectively to produce the garlic-composite leaf mix (G-CLM). A basal diet was prepared, divided into five equal portions and G-CLM was added at 0gkg-1, 5gkg-1, 10gkg-1, 15gkg-1, and 20gkg-1. Two hundred and seventy, 18 weeks old ISA Brown breed were randomly allotted to the five experimental diets and the trial lasted for 4 months. The results showed that hen-day production was highest at 5gkg-1 supplementation. All reproductive hormones measured were also significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments with the exception of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The result showed that significantly (p&lt;0.05) larger Preovu one (2.79 cm) and previtellogenic count (23.33) were observed in birds fed 5 gkg-1. In addition, the heaviest tract weight (46.67 g) and ovary weight (33.00 g) were observed in birds fed 20 gkg-1. It was concluded that the usage of G-CLM at 5 gkg-1 could be encouraged in layer nutrition with the aim to improve the clutch size.

Strain and age but not maternal feeding of n-3 fatty acids affect the performance of laying hen offspring in a series of associative learning tasks

Commercial poultry are typically fed diets with fatty acid compositions that differ considerably from wild-type diets in the omega-6 to omega-3 FA ratio (n-6: n-3). Maternal dietary n-3 FA have been shown to affect offspring brain development and cognition in various avian and mammalian species. This study explored the effects of feeding egg-type layer breeders with flaxseed on the performance of their female offspring in a three-stage discrimination task. Shaver White and ISA Brown breeders were fed either a control diet (n-6: n-3 = 14.7:1) or a flaxseed-enriched diet (n-6: n-3 = 5.3:1) throughout the rearing and laying phases. At 30 and 36 weeks of age, eggs were collected, incubated and hatched. Offspring were housed in enriched floor pens and received a control diet. At 12 (pullets) and 33 (hens) weeks of age, three learning tasks were conducted: behavioural shaping (N=437), discrimination test (N=350), and reversal learning (N=213). Food rewards (sweetcorn and raisins) were placed in the “reward” cup. Behavioural shaping consisted of five phases (P): P1 clear cup, P2 coloured cup, P3 coloured cup half-covered with a lid, P4 coloured cup three quarter covered with a lid, and P5 coloured cup covered with a lid. One cup, alternating between blue and green, was presented. Chickens had to eat the food reward from the cup in 4/5 trials to pass each phase. Two cups (green and blue) were presented during discrimination testing and reversal learning with food only in the predetermined “reward” cup. Learning criterion was choosing the correct cup in 4/5 trials for three consecutive days in discrimination testing and for two consecutive days in reversal learning. Data were analysed using survival class analyses. The hazard ratio (HR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) [LL, UL] and p-values to determine the probability of reaching learning criteria are reported. In P1 of behavioural shaping, Brown hens were likelier to reach criteria (HR=2.28, 95% CI [1.48, 3.55], p<0.001). For overall success in behavioural shaping (P1–5), hens were likelier to reach criteria than pullets (HR=2.42, 95% CI [1.50, 3.91], p<0.001). White chickens were likelier to reach criteria in the discrimination test than Brown chickens (HR=1.03, 95% CI [1.01, 1.75], p=0.04). Finally, pullets were likelier to reach criteria in reversal learning than hens (HR=0.44, 95% CI [0.23, 0.86], p=0.016). These results show that age, strain, and their interaction, but not maternal n-3 FA diet, affected the success of chickens in learning tasks.

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.

Evaluation and Analysis of the Effects of Feed Supplements, Including both Organic and Inorganic Selenium, on the Production of Layer Eggs

This research aims to evaluate and analyze the provision of additional feed in the form of selenium (Se) on the performance of egg production produced by layers. This research took the main object in the form of 60 weeks old laying hens with the Isa Brown strain. The research was carried out using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method with Duncan’s advanced test. The results of this study explain that providing additional feed in the form of selenium (Se) in several doses has a very real influence on egg production performance (egg weight, feed intake, mortality, daily egg production, and FCR). The best dose of selenium was shown in treatment three (commercial feed + organic selenium dose of 150 grams/ton of inorganic selenium feed + vitamin E dose of 1000 grams/ton of feed). The presence of selenium and vitamin E given as additional feed for laying hens can increase egg weight, egg production, minimize mortality rates, and increase appetite.

Enhancing quality of chicken egg by adding Moringa oleifera leaves extract in drinking water

Nowadays consumer are very concerned about food safety of chicken eggs. This condition makes researchers look for other ways to create solution on its feed to make safety feed. This study was designed to investigate Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract in drinking water on the performance and egg quality of laying hens. One hundred and twenty Isa Brown laying hens on twenty-two-week-old with homogenous body weight were used in this complete randomized design study with four treatments and six replications. Each replication consist of of five chickens on each cage. The laying hens were randomly divided into four treatment groups: T1: without Moringa oleifera leaves ethanol extract, T2: drinking water with 0.5% Moringa oleifera leaves ethanol extract, T3: drinking water with 1% Moringa oleifera leaves ethanol extract and T4: drinking water with 1.5% Moringa oleifera leaves ethanol extract. This study showed that supplementation of 0,5-1,5% Moringa oleifera leaves ethanol extract in drinking water increased increasead egg weight, eggshell thickness, haugh unit, albumen index, and yolk color in laying hens without increased of feed consumption, egg production, and yolk index.

The Ability of KUB Rooster to Produce Indonesian Super Native Chickens

The crossbreed originated from male native chicken x female commercial layers, currently in Indonesia called a Super Native Chicken (Ayam Kampung Super). This study aimed to evaluate the ability of a selected local KUB (Ayam Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan) rooster to cross female ISA Brown chickens to produce Indonesian super native chickens. In comparison, the ISA hen was crossed with an unselected local chicken of bangkok descent (Ayam Kampung Turunan Bangkok, KTB) rooster, and the same hen strain was crossed with a Rhode Island Red (RIR) rooster. The treatment was crossbreeding (CB): CB1= KUB x ISA, CB2= KTB x ISA, and CB3= RIR x ISA. The results of the study showed that there were no significant (P&gt;0.05) effects on fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, or chick abnormalities, but KUB x ISA resulted in significantly greater (P&lt;0.01) chick weight and chick yield than did KTB x ISA. In conclusion, the KUB rooster was able to cross with ISA Brown to produce Super Native Chicken without significant adverse effects on fertility or hatchability, resulting in better quality day-old chicks than those produced by the KTB rooster.

Antioxidant and phytochemical profiling of ethanol leaf extract of Ficus pachyneura and derived fractions

A total of 16, 18-weeks old chickens with mean weight 1.99±0.12 kg (1.85-2.30kg) were used to compare the serum biochemical characteristics of four chicken genotypes (breeds/strains) from south-eastern part of Nigeria. The chickens were grouped based on their genotypes (breeds/strain) in a Completely Randomized Design for the four-week study. The genotypes (breeds) considered were Black Australorp (BA), Isa Brown (IB), Noiler (NOI) and Local chicken (LC) at 4 chickens per genotype. At the end of the experiment, four (4) birds per genotype were drawn and their blood samples analysed for serum biochemical studies. The mean total cholesterol (TC), triaceylglycerol (TAG) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentrations of local chicken (LC) were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than the Isa brown (IB) values. Similarly, the mean blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations of LC was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than the Noiler value. The mean high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) of black Australorp (BA) was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than the value of Noiler but showed no significant (p &gt; 0.05) difference when compared to the values of IB and LC. There were however no significant (p &gt; 0.05) variations in the mean low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin and creatinine concentrations among all the breeds investigated. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study will be helpful in creating a baseline data on biochemical profiles of indigenous and exotic chicken breeds in Nigeria which in turn can be used for assessing the health status of these birds, improving desirable breeds/traits and designing appropriate breeding strategies for indigenous poultry birds in the country.

Effects of Body Condition, Anatomical Measurement, and Age on the Cumulative Number of Individual Egg Production and Laying Pattern in First Laying Hens

The individual egg production capacity of laying hens plays an outstanding role in achieving total production within a flock, which is affected by several internal and external factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of body condition, anatomical measurement, and age at the first laying (AFL) on the cumulative number of individual egg production (CNIEP) and laying pattern. Therefore, 172 Isa Brown laying chickens were investigated. Data on body condition and anatomical measurement were collected at the age of 16 weeks, while data on production was collected during 21 weeks of production (18-39 weeks). The obtained data were analyzed by Partial Least Square- Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using smartPLS. The findings revealed that CNIEP could be predicted by body condition, anatomical measurement, and AFL. Compared to body condition and anatomical measurements, AFL was the most prominent factor in CNIEP. Body condition, anatomical measurement, AFL, and CNIEP had weak effects on the Isa Brown laying chickens’ patterns. Keywords: Anatomical measurement, Individual egg production, Laying pattern