The effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on the egg quality and the performance of Isa brown layers were investigated. A total of forty-eight (48), Isa brown layers (16 weeks old) were used for the investigation. Each treatment had three replicates, with four birds per replicate and 12 birds per treatment in a 3×4 completely randomized design. The birds were housed in a 6x6x6 m improvised metabolic cage. Four experimental diets were formulated for the experiment. Treatment 1, which served as the control, had no Moringa leaf meal inclusion, treatments 2, 3, 4 contained 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5% levels of Moringa leaf meal inclusion respectively. The study lasted for seventeen weeks, during which measurements of external qualities (number of egg collected, egg weight, egg length, shell weight, shell thickness), and internal qualities (albumen length and weight, yolk height, width and weight) and the following production indices (egg shape index, egg shell index, egg surface, yolk ratio, and albumen ratio), were taken and later analyzed. The weights were taken using an ordinary weighing balance, as well as an electronic weighing balance, with an accuracy of 0.1g, and 0.001g respectively. The lengths and widths were taken using the vernier caliper with an accuracy of 0.01cm, while measurements involving thickness were carried out using the micrometer screwguage with an accuracy of 0.01mm.Results showed that birds on treatment 2, had the best egg laying (p<0.05), and egg quality parameters followed by those on treatments 3 and then 4. Treatment 2 had a significantly higher value for egg surface and yolk ratio respectively, treatment 4 for egg shape index, and albumen ratio, while treatment 3 had a significantly higher value for egg shell index. Treatment 4 had a significantly higher value for live body weight, treatment 3, for carcass, gizzard, lungs and heart weights, while treatment 2, had significantly higher values for the kidney and intestines. The weight of eggs was significantly (p<0.05) and positively correlated with egg length, egg width, shell weight, yolk width, and yolk weight. The results therefore suggest that Moringa leaf meal can be introduced in maize based formulated layers mash up to 2.5% only, for optimal output.
Bank: GTBank
Account Name: Prince Orafu
Account Number: 0109980866
Bank: Diamond Bank
Account Name: Prince Orafu
Account Number: 0065070861
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