Influence of pre-breeder dietary energy and protein levels on subsequent laying performance of FUNAAB - alpha chickens

Abstract

The effects of pre-breeder dietary energy and protein on subsequent reproductive performance of FUNAAB - Alpha chickens were studied using a total of 120 (96 hens and 24 cocks) birds. The birds were fed standard exotic grower diet (2650 Kcal/kg, 14%CP; Control), high energy low protein (2800Kcal/kg, 12%CP; HELP), high energy high protein (2800Kcal/kg, 16%CP; HEHP) and low energy low protein (2500Kcal/kg, 16%CP; LEHP) diets during pre-breeder phase (10 – 22 weeks of age). During, lay all the birds were fed the same breeder diet (2600 Kcal/kg and 16%CP) for twelve weeks. The diets and water were allowed ad libitum throughout the experimental period. The response criteria include; feed intake, body weight, egg production, fertility and hatchability. Data obtained were analysed for variance as a Randomized Complete Block Design. Hen day egg production was significantly (P<0.01) influenced by dietary treatment. Egg weights of 42.85, 43.55, 42.85 and 43.05g for control, HELP, HEHP and LEHP respectively were similar. A significant (P<0.01) difference was observed among means of egg mass with HEHP being highest (17.31) and control lowest (11.40). Pre-breeder dietary treatment had a significant (P<0.05) influence on FCR. Pre-breeder HEHP diet supported the best hen day egg production (41.06%), fertility (86.67%) and hatchability (68.98%). It was concluded that feeding high energy high protein (HEHP) diet during pre-breeder phase subsequently supported high egg production, fertility and hatchability.

Keywords: Breeder chicken, fertility, hatchability, nutrition, reproduction