Effect of Four Different Formulated Rations on Production Performance and Egg Quality Traits of Fayoumi Chickens

Abstract

Four experimental rations were formulated from locally available protein and energy source feed to study its effect on the production performance, on some egg quality traits for fayoumi chickens and to know the financially feasibility of such locally formulated rations for fayoumi layer chickens. Ninety six fayoumi chickens of 24 weeks of age were subjected to four formulated rations. Each of the four treatments were replicated three times with 8 birds (1 male: 7 females) per replicate. Each replicate feed was fed in group in feeding pens. Feed intake and egg production data were collected daily for each replicate. Dry matter feed intake was not significantly different (P >0.05) between treatments 1 and 3, and between treatments 2 and 4. Significantly higher (P<0.05) egg production and egg weight were observed in treatment 2 with no significant difference (P>0.05) among the other three treatments. Egg shell weight (g), shell thickness (mm) and Yolk color did not differ (P>0.05) significantly among the treatments. In the current study net profit of 47.2, 39.4, 21.41 and 15.3 Ethiopian Birr were obtained per bird on treatments 2, 3, 4 and 1 respectively within six months of feeding period. Locally available protein and energy source feed can be used for the formulation of nutritionally balanced and economically feasible diet for fayoumi layers chickens. Ration formulated from 0.5% limestone, 0.5% salt, 1% layers premixes, 28% wheat bran, 3.5% fish meal, 11.5% soybean, 32% maize and 23% noug cake was found to be financially feasible and recommendable in areas with similar climatic conditions to Adami Tulu area and in area where these feed ingredients are available.