African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6854

Full Length Research Paper

Implications of diet and quality consistence of feed on poultry layers egg quality

S. Kodani
  • S. Kodani
  • Department of Chemical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe, P.O. Box AC 939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
  • Google Scholar
D. Msamala
  • D. Msamala
  • Fertilizers, Farm Feeds and Remedies Institute, Department of Research and Specialist Services, Fifth Street Extension, P.O. Box CY550, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Google Scholar
R. Chigumira
  • R. Chigumira
  • Fertilizers, Farm Feeds and Remedies Institute, Department of Research and Specialist Services, Fifth Street Extension, P.O. Box CY550, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Google Scholar
T. Shumba
  • T. Shumba
  • Henderson Research Institute, Department of Research and Specialist Services, Fifth Street Extension, P.O Box CY550, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Google Scholar
P. Muzofa
  • P. Muzofa
  • Biometrics and Computer Services Research Institute, Department of Research and Specialist Services, Fifth Street Extension, P.O. Box CY550, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 26 January 2022
  •  Accepted: 13 May 2022
  •  Published: 31 August 2022

Abstract

Impaction of different brands of commercial layers feeds on egg quality was assessed in a complete block design with five treatments in three blocks replicated with twenty birds each. Hyline birds and the deep litter system were used. Feed constituents from proximate analysis were linearly correlated to quality parameters measured on the eggs. Results showed that nutrition impacts on most egg quality parameters except for size, mass and numbers. Fat, calcium and copper impacted linearly as determinants in feed intake whereas fat, calcium manganese and copper correlated to egg white protein with reasonable linearity. Feed protein, fat, phosphate and zinc impacted directly on the yolk whereas fat, copper and zinc were linearly correlated to shell strength. Mathematical models from this data can be formulated for precise optimization of targeted traits in egg quality. It was concluded that fluctuations in feed quality has a toll on the hen and hence on egg quality.

Key words: Egg quality, diet, correlations.

Abbreviation

AF, Abdominal fat; Ca, calcium; CaPO4, calcium phosphate; CI, confidence Interval; Cu, copper; CW, carcass weight; DC, diet cost; FAO, Food and Agricultural Organization; FCR, food conversion ratio; FE, feed Efficiency; FI, feed intake; Mn, manganese; NaCl, sodium chloride; NAP, National Academic Press; P, phosphorus; PUFA, poly unsaturated fatty acids; RCBD, random complete block display.