Effects of supplementation of chitin and probiotic on the performance of commercial layers
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Date
2006
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
TANUVAS
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to find out the effect of chitin and L. acidophilus in the diet on performance
of layers. One hundred and forty-four commercial layers were weighed, wing banded and randomly allotted to
nine treatment groups with two replicates having eight layers for each replicate. These experiments were carried
out on 3 x 3 factorial arrangements with three levels of chitin (0, 2.5 and 5 g per Kg feed) and three levels of
Lactobacillus acidophilus (0, 1 and 2 g per kg feed) incorporated in basal diet of layers from 25 to 40 weeks of
age (data shown from 37-40 weeks of age). The supplementation of chitin did not influence the body weight gain,
feed consumption and egg qualities (shape index, albumen index, yolk index and yolk colour) whereas L.acidophilus
significantly (P < 0.01) increased the body weight gain but not the feed consumption and egg qualities (shape
index, albumen index, yolk index and yolk colour). The supplementation of chitin, L.acidophilus and their
combinations resulted in a significant improvement in feed efficiency. Chitin significantly decreased hen day egg
production, egg weight and shell thickness and L.acidophilus supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) increased
hen day egg production, egg weight and shell thickness.
Description
TNV_IJPS_2006_ 41(2)183-186
Keywords
Veterinary Science