scholarly journals Effect of season and different dietary protein level on production and reproductive performance and egg characteristics of indigenous Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in the middle belt of Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 317-329
Author(s):  
Korankye Okyere ◽  
James Kwame Kagya-Agyemang ◽  
Annor Serekye Yaw ◽  
Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw ◽  
Clement Gyeabour Kyere
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Dietary Protein ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Guinea Fowl ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Numida Meleagris ◽  
The Impact

This study was undertaken to determine the impact of seasonal variations and different dietary protein levels on production traits, reproductive performance and egg characteristics of Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in the Middle belt of Ghana. Twelve (12) males and forty-eight (48) females Pearl Guinea fowls of 12 weeks of age were subjected to isocaloric diet containing 16%, 18%, 20% and 22% crude protein levels.Each group was replicated three times and reared in three seasons (Dry-December-March, Major rains-April-July and Minor rains-August-November) in a 3x4 factorial experiment. Data were analyzed using General Linear Model procedure of SAS.Hen day egg production (HDEP) and egg mass increased (p<0.05), but feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, fertility and hatchability of incubated eggs were not significantly different (p>0.05) with increasing dietary protein. Egg quality traits did not differ significantly (p>0.05) except egg yolk (p<0.05). Season showed positive (p<0.05) relationship with all production traits as well as fertility of incubated eggs, but not hatchability (p>0.05). Egg internal and external traits were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by season except yolk weight and shell weight (p>0.05).Results demonstrates that increasing dietary protein promoted egg production and reproductive traits in Guinea fowl, nevertheless, 16% crude protein diet is sufficient to support optimum egg production, fertility and hatchability, and egg characteristics. Rainy seasons countenance production traits, fertility and hatchability as well as egg characteristics, thus, breeding should be planned to take advantage of the major rainy season.

scholarly journals Influence of Season and Day Length on Production and Reproductive Traits and Egg Characteristics of the Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris)

2020 ◽  
pp. 26-34
Author(s):  
Korankye Okyere ◽  
James Kwame Kagya-Agyemang ◽  
Serekye Yaw Annor ◽  
Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw ◽  
Clement Gyeabour Kyere
Keyword(s):  
Rainy Season ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Animal Science ◽  
Numida Meleagris ◽  
Laying Performance

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the influence of season and day length on production traits, egg characteristics, fertility and hatchability of laying Guinea fowls (Numida meleagris). Study Design: Factorial design was used for the study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, Mampong campus from September, 2015 to December, 2016. Methodology: Four (4) hens and one (1) male per replicate and fifteen (15) per treatment were each subjected to 12 hours of artificial light and 12 hours of darkness (12L:12D), 14hours of artificial light and 10 hours of darkness (14L:10D), 16hours of artificial light and 8 hours of darkness (16L:8D) and 18hours of artificial light and 6 hours of darkness (18L:6D). Each group was replicated three times and reared in three seasons (Dry-December-March, Major rains-April-July and Minor rains-August-November) in a 3x4 factorial experiment. Data were analyzed using General Linear Model procedure of SAS. Results: Results showed that egg weight, hen-day egg production and egg mass increased (P= .05) with increasing day length. Similar results were observed for yolk height, yolk weight and albumin height. Most production traits, egg characteristics, fertility and hatchability attained the highest (P= .05) value in the major rainy season. Conclusion: It was concluded that day length of 14-16 hours is sufficient for improved laying performance and that breeding cycles should be planned to coincide with the major rainy season.

scholarly journals The Response of Layer Hen Productivity and Egg Quality to an Additional Limestone Source when Offered Diets Differing in Calcium Concentrations and the Inclusion of Phytase

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2991
Author(s):  
Isabelle Ruhnke ◽  
Yeasmin Akter ◽  
Terence Zimazile Sibanda ◽  
Aaron J. Cowieson ◽  
Stuart Wilkinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Shell Weight ◽  
Shell Quality ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Egg Shell ◽  
The Impact

Laying hens require substantial quantities of calcium (Ca) to maintain egg production. However, maintaining recommended dietary Ca through inclusion of limestone may impede nutrient digestibility, including that of other minerals. It was hypothesized that providing a separate source of dietary Ca in the form of limestone grit would preserve Ca intake of hens offered diets containing suboptimal Ca concentrations. Furthermore, the impact of dietary phytase at a “superdosing” inclusion rate on the voluntary consumption of limestone grit was evaluated. One hundred and forty-four laying hens (19 weeks of age) were assigned to one of six dietary treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement comprising three dietary Ca concentrations (40, 30, and 20 g/kg) and ±dietary phytase (3500 FYT/kg diet) on an ad libitum basis for six weeks. Limestone grit (3.4 ± 1.0 mm) was provided to all hens ad libitum. Hens offered diets containing phytase consumed significantly less limestone grit p = 0.024). Egg weight, rate of lay, and egg mass were unaffected by dietary treatment (p > 0.05). Egg shell weight % (p < 0.001), shell thickness (p < 0.001), and shell breaking strength (p < 0.01) decreased in line with dietary Ca levels. In summary, dietary superdosing with phytase reduced the consumption of a separate limestone source in individually housed, early lay ISA Brown hens. Egg shell quality variables but not egg production worsened in line with lower dietary Ca levels.

scholarly journals Impact of Ginger Root Powder Dietary Supplement on Productive Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant Status and Blood Parameters in Laying Japanese Quails

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2995
Author(s):  
Zabihollah Nemati ◽  
Zahra Moradi ◽  
Kazem Alirezalu ◽  
Maghsoud Besharati ◽  
António Raposo
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Productive Performance ◽  
Japanese Quails ◽  
The Impact

Medicinal plants with antibacterial effects have been used by humans for centuries. In the recent decade, due to the development of antibiotic resistant strains, many studies have focused on the use of natural compounds as feed additives in livestock. Ginger, among all, have repetitively shown numerous biological activities, antibacterial, and antibiotic properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ginger root powder (GP) on the performance, egg quality, and blood parameters of Japanese quail. A total of 240 10-weeks old female quails were used in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, 4 replicates, and 15 birds per replicate. Dietary treatment were basal diet (control) and basal diet containing 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/kg of ginger root powder. Growth performance and exterior and interior quality of egg were measured biweekly over eight-week period. At the end of experiment blood parameters were evaluated. The results showed that diet supplementation with different levels of GP had no significant effect on egg production, egg mass weight, and egg weight (p > 0.05). However, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly lower in the treatment group than the control in the whole period (p < 0.05). Egg Quality traits (shape index, albumen index, the percentage of albumen, yolk and shell, yolk pH, and shell thickness and strength) were not affected by the supplements in the whole trial period. Addition of GP significantly increased the albumen height, Haugh unit, and albumen pH in comparison with the control treatment (p < 0.05). GP reduced blood triglyceride level yet was ineffective on blood total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with GP, could improve productive performance and the egg quality of Japanese quails. Nonetheless a comprehensive study needs to be performed in order to evaluate the impact of quail dietary ginger supplementation on productive performance and egg quality and their stability during storage time for commercial use.

scholarly journals Influence of dietary protein levels and some cold pressed oil supplementations on productive and reproductive performance and egg quality of laying Japanese quail

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 3185
Author(s):  
MM EL-HINDAWY ◽  
M ALAGAWANY ◽  
LA MOHAMED ◽  
J SOOMRO ◽  
T AYASAN
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Dietary Protein ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Thyme Oil ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Egg Number ◽  
Cold Pressed

The present study was carried out to examine the effect of dietary protein levels (18, 20, and 22%) and addition of cold-pressed oils (no addition, 1 g thyme, 1 g oregano, and 0.5 g thyme + 0.5 g oregano /kg diet) on the productive and reproductive performance and egg quality of Japanese quail at the laying period. 324 mature ten-week-old Japanese quails (216 females and 108 males) were used. Quails were randomly distributed to 12 treatment groups, 27 in each group, with 3 replicates of 9 quails (6 females and 3 males) per group. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly improved in the layers fed with the diets containing 20 or 22% CP in all experimental periods, except in 3- to 4-month-old birds. The diets supplemented with thyme only or interaction with oregano improved FCR significantly compared to the control or oregano -administered group in all experimental periods, except in 2- to 3-month-old birds. Dietary supplementation with thyme oil caused the egg number and egg mass to increase significantly in all experimental periods compared to the other dietary groups. Fertility percentages were significantly higher in the groups which had oregano than in the control group. Dietary supplementation with thyme oil significantly increased the egg number (P<0.05) and egg mass (P<0.01) in all experimental periods compared to other dietary groups. Fertility and hatchability percentages were not significantly affected due to varying dietary protein levels throughout the experiment. In conclusion, the quails fed with a diet containing 20 to 22% CP or supplemented with oregano or thyme oil exhibited an improved productive and reproductive performance without any detrimental impacts on the other parameters studied.

scholarly journals Egg production and quality assessment of Nigerian indigenous chicken genotypes and their crosses with Marshall

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-36
Author(s):  
O. A Bassey ◽  
U Akpan ◽  
C. O. N. Ikeobi ◽  
O. A Adebambo ◽  
O.M.O Idowu
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Quality Trait ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Indigenous Chicken ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Better Than ◽  
Haugh Unit

This study focused on investigating the reproductive performance of Nigerian indigenous chickens and their crosses with Marshall. The genotypes were normal-feathered (Nn), frizzle-feathered (Ff) and naked neck (Na) chickens, while the crossbreds with Marshall (M) breed were MNn, MFf and MNa respectively (Marshall being the sire while the indigenous are dams). Data were taken on; weekly egg production, weight at first egg and age at first egg. Genotype significantly (P<0.05) influenced egg production traits. Egg weight ranged from 23.71±1.06g to 26.13±0.94g for indigenous purebreds and 39.75±0.75g to 48.06±0.57g for crossbreds. Age at first egg were 165.63±0.61 days (Nn), 170.60±0.75 days (Na) and 173.57±0.52 days (Ff), 188.71±1.67 days (MNn), 187.50±3.16 days (MNa) and 185.25±5.44 days (MFf). Also, genotype significantly (P<0.05) influenced egg quality traits. Heritability for first egg production traits were 0.37 (Nm), 0.16 (Na) and 0.66 (Fz) while heritability estimates for egg quality trait (haugh unit) were 0.14, 0.07 and 0.08 for Nm, Na and Fz birds, respectively The crossbreds performed better than the indigenous purebreds in egg production traits. The Nigerian indigenous chicken can therefore be improved upon for better egg production traits using the Marshall breed.

scholarly journals The Impact of Temperature and Humidity on the Performance and Physiology of Laying Hens

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Da-Hye Kim ◽  
Yoo-Kyung Lee ◽  
Sang-Ho Kim ◽  
Kyung-Woo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
The Impact

We investigated the effect of different ambient temperatures and relative humidity (RH) with the same temperature-humidity indices (THI) on laying performance, egg quality, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), corticosterone (CORT) concentration in blood, yolk, and albumen, and plasma biochemical parameters of laying hens. Commercial hens (Hy-Line Brown; n = 120), aged 60 weeks, were allocated to two environmental chambers. Laying hens were subjected to either one of two thermal treatments—26 °C and 70% RH (TLHH75) or 30 °C and 30% RH (THHL75) for 28 days—with the same THI of 75. Neither TLHH75 nor THHL75 affected laying performance, including egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). Plasma biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus were not altered by the environmental treatments (p > 0.05). As for stress indicators, both environmental regimes failed to affect blood H/L ratio and CORT levels in plasma, yolk, and albumen (p > 0.05), although albumen CORT levels were elevated (p < 0.05) in TLHH75 group at day 7. Hence, our study suggests that laying hens performed and responded similarly when exposed to either TLHH75 or THHL75 characterized by the same THI. These results can serve as a scientific basis for management decisions and handling laying hens under thermally challenging conditions.

scholarly journals Photostimulated changes in egg production and reproductive performance of the Guinea fowl in a sub-humid tropical environment.

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 315-320
Author(s):  
U. K. Oke ◽  
U. Herbert ◽  
K. Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Guinea Fowl ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Light Regimes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
Production Response

The effect of photo-induced changes on egg production and reproductive performance of female guinea fowl was studied by exposing the birds to three photo-regimens, namely natural daylight all day for 12 weeks (NDL), 8 hours of light per day for 8 weeks (8L-16D) plus supplementary light for 16 hours per day for 4 weeks (16L-8D) (RSL), and provided natural daylight all day for 8 weeks plus supplementary light at 16 hours per day for 4 weeks (SL). Weight gain during the pre-laying period was similar (P>0.05) in all the treatment groups between 20-36 weeks of age. The reverse was the case during the laying period between 36-52 weeks, which coincided with the age at sexual maturity. Feed intake was similar (P>0.05) for the NDL and SL groups during the pre-laying period but the RSL group had significantly lower (P<0.05) feed intake than the others. Overall laying mortality was lowest in the RSL birds. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in body weight for all the groups. Age at first egg was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the RSL (207 d) than in the NDL (249 d) and SL (235 d) birds which were similar (P>0.05). The guinea fowls which received 8 weeks of restricted light (RSL) responded more rapidly in terms of day-to-first-egg after exposure to 16 hours of light and achieved significantly higher (P<0.05) level of egg production than the other two groups. The overall economy of production, in terms of cost, revealed that RSL birds performed better than the NDL and SL, in that it cost N36.58 and 127.05 more to produce each NDL and SL guinea fowl at point of lay respectively. The results indicate that different light regimes altered the time during which egg production response took place and apparently affected the genetic potentials of the groups with regard to egg mass and total number of eggs laid during the period covered by this trial. 

scholarly journals Egg production and quality assessment of Nigerian indigenous chicken genotypes and their crosses with Marshall

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-36
Author(s):  
O. A. Bassey ◽  
U. Akpan ◽  
C. O. N. Ikeobi ◽  
O. A. Adebambo ◽  
O. M. O. Idowu
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Quality Trait ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Indigenous Chicken ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Better Than ◽  
Haugh Unit

This study focused on investigating the reproductive performance of Nigerian indigenous chickens and their crosses with Marshall. The genotypes were normal-feathered (Nn), frizzle-feathered (Ff) and naked neck (Na) chickens, while the crossbreds with Marshall (M) breed were MNn, Mf and MNa respectively (Marshall being the sire while the indigenous are dams). Data were taken on; weekly egg production, weight at first egg and age at first egg. Genotype significantly (P<0.05) influenced egg production traits. Egg weight ranged from 23.71±21.06g to 26.13±0.94g for indigenous purebreds and 39.75±0.75 to 48.06±0.579 for crossbreds. Age at first egg were 165.63±0.61 days (Nn), 170.60±0.75 days (Na) and 173.57±0.52 days (Ff) 188.77±1.67 days (MNn), 187.50±3.16 days (MNa) and 185.25±5.44 days (MF). Also, genotype significantly (P<0.05) influenced egg quality traits. Heritability for first egg production traits were 0.37 (Nm), 0.16 (Na) and 0.66 (Fz) while heritability estimates for egg quality trait (haugh unit) were 0.14, 0.07 and 0.08 for Nm, Na and Fz birds, respectively. The crossbreds performed better than the indigenous purebreds in egg production traits. The Nigerian indigenous chicken can therefore be improved upon for better egg production traits using the Marshall breed.

scholarly journals Reduction of the nutritional values of diets for hens through supplementation with phytase

2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 2207-2213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matheus Ramalho de Lima ◽  
Fernando Guilherme Perazzo Costa ◽  
Patrícia Emília Naves Givisiez ◽  
José Humberto Vilar da Silva ◽  
Nilva Kazue Sakomura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Health ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Nutritional Values ◽  
Bone Parameters ◽  
Density Reduction

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of the reduction on nutritional levels of diets for semi-heavy hens during the laying peak on performance, egg quality and bone parameters. A total of eight diets were evaluated, each one with five repetitions of eight birds: 1) control: formulated to supply requirements by the birds; 2) control + 0.03% or 600 FTU; 3) 15% crude protein; 2,800 kcal ME; 3.8% Ca and 0.28% aP; 4) diet 3 + 0.03% or 600 FTU; 5) 14% crude protein; 2,750 kcal ME; 3.4% Ca and 0.23% aP; 6) diet 5 + 0.03% or 600 FTU; 7) 13% crude protein; 2,700 kcal ME; 3.0% Ca and 0.18% aP; and 8) diet 7 + 600 FTU. The reduction of the nutritional levels harmed the performance of the birds, particularly egg production and egg mass, which improved by the inclusion of phytase in the diets. However, the parameters for egg quality did not change as the level was reduced down to 15% crude protein; 2,800 kcal ME/kg; 3.80% Ca and 0.280% aP, which was not repeated in the levels with lower nutritional density. Reduction of nutritional levels did not affect the evaluated bone parameters, except for resistance, which improved as phytase was added at the level 600 FTU. Reduction on the diet nutritional levels to 15% crude protein; 2,800 kcal ME/kg; 3.80% Ca and 0.280% aP with the addition of 600 FTU of phytase does not impair egg production neither egg mass and improve the bone health of birds.

scholarly journals The Impact of Bacillus subtilis PB6 and Chromium Propionate on the Performance, Egg Quality and Nutrient Metabolizability of Layer Breeders

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3084
Author(s):  
Otoniel Souza ◽  
Carine Adams ◽  
Beatriz Rodrigues ◽  
Alexandre Krause ◽  
Renata Bonamigo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Serum Biochemistry ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
Chromium Propionate ◽  
The Impact

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Bacillus subtillis PB6, chromium propionate or a combination of the two on the performance, egg and eggshell quality, nutrient metabolizability and serum biochemistry of layer breeders. White Plymouth Rock and Red Rhodes Island breeder hens at 55 weeks of age were allocated in individual cages using a completely randomized block design with 16 replicates. Hens were fed control, control + probiotic (500 g/ton of Bacillus subtilis PB6), control + CrProp (50 g/ton of chromium propionate) and control + probiotic + CrProp diets from 55 to 70 weeks of age. Productive parameters and eggshell quality as well as cortisol and blood biochemistry were grouped each 28 d as well as for the overall period. The metabolizability of nutrients and energy was determined at 70 weeks of age. In the overall period, hens fed the control + probiotic or control + probiotic + CrProp diets had significantly higher egg production, egg mass, shell percentage, thickness and shell strength. The metabolizability of dry matter, nitrogen and energy increased in hens that were fed the control + probiotic + CrProp diet. In conclusion, diets supplemented with Bacillus subtillis PB6 and chromium propionate resulted in improved productive performance, eggshell quality and nutrient metabolizability of layer breeders, without modifying serum cortisol, albumin and triglycerides.

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