The Effect Of Partial Replacement Of Maize With Full Fat Palm Kernel On The Performance Of Laying Hens

Abstract

Full fat palm kernel (FFPK) was incorporated into layers diet to replace 0, 11, 22 and 33 percent of maize respectively. Dietary treatments had no influence on feed intake, average egg weight, hen-day production, body weight gain, protein and fibre retention, (P>0.05) but fat retention was significantly (P<0.05) affected by dietary treatments. It was concluded that laying hens could effectively utilize FFPK in place of maize at such times when maize is scarce and the price FFPK is lower.

Key words: Whole palm kernel, performance, laying hens.

Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol.2(2) 2004: 89-94