An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of graded levels of Chromolaena odorata leaf meal (COLM) on production performance, egg quality characteristics, and serum biochemical parameters on Brahma laying hens. A total of forty-five local laying hens aged 4 to 5 months were weighed and assigned to three treatment groups in a completely randomized design. COLM was used as a supplement and incorporated into the diets at 0, 1, and 2% in diets T0, T1, and T2 respectively. Data were collected on production performance, egg quality characteristics, and serum biochemistry. Results from the study indicate that body weight gain, average weight, and egg volume were low (p<0.05) with treatment T2 compared to control (T0) and the best was obtained with treatment T1. The Haugh unit and percentage hen day production were not negatively affected by the treatment levels of COLM. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in triglyceride, total cholesterol, and urea. Results obtained from this study revealed that the inclusion of 1% of COLM improved the egg quality as well as the health status of the birds without having any detrimental effect on the birds.
Effects of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) powder on laying performance, egg quality, and serum biochemical parameters of Japanese quails
