Substitution Value of Maize Offal for Maize in Diets of Laying Hens

Abstract

Two hundred and sixteen Golden Hubbard strain of laying hens, aged 32 weeks, were used to investigate the optimal level of maize offal (MO) that could replace maize witb no detrimental effects on the performance of the hens. Graded levels of MO (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%) replaced equal levels or maize in six dietary treatments (1 to 6 respectively). There were no significant (P> 0.05) differences between diets in egg production and weight gain of the hens. Eggs weight was highly influenced (P< 0.01) by the dietary treatments, with 30% MO producing the heaviest eggs. Increasing dietary levels of MO significantly (P < 0.01) increased feed consumption. Feed conversion efficiency differed (P < 0.05) only at 50% levels of dietary MO. or the egg quality parameters investigated, albumen, yolk and shell percentages were not affected (P> 0.05) by the MO, while the Haugh Units were (P<0.05).

Keywords: Maize Offal, Laying Hens, Performance, Egg Quality