Authors : O.O. Eniolorunda , B.B.A. Taiwo , O.O. Oyewumi and O.A. Adeyemi
Abstract: An 8 week feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the use of Indomie® waste as a substitute for maize at levels of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. Seventy-five Nera black layers of commercial strain, aged 32 weeks were used for the experiment. Mean feed intake, mean body weight change, feed conversion ratio, percentage egg production, egg weight yolk colour shell thickness and the economy of production were investigated. Significant differences were observed in the mean daily feed intake (p<0.05). Mean daily feed intake was highest (125.06 g) for birds fed diet A, while the least value (115.11 g) was obtained from birds fed diets E. The mean body weight gain numerically improves as the percent Indomie® waste substitution increased from 0-100%. Birds fed diets E had the highest value (0.71 g), while birds fed diet A had the least value (0.21 g). The percentage egg production was highest (78.88%) for birds fed diet C, while birds fed diet E had the lowest value (71.13%). The mean egg weight was highest in birds fed diet A (64.25 g), while the least values (61.61 and 64.25 g) were obtained from birds fed diets D and E, respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in eggshell thickness. Birds fed diet E had the highest value (0.3150 mm) while birds fed diet A had the least value (0.3350 mm). Birds fed diet E had the highest (6.0) egg yolk color score while birds fed diet A had the least value (4.0). With regards to feed conversion ratio, there were significant differences among the 5 treatments (p<0.05). Birds fed diets A and B had the highest value (1.95) and differed significantly from birds fed diets C, D and E with the least values of 1.90, 1.90 and 1.8. Optimum result could be obtained by replacing maize with 50% dietary maize with Indomie® waste in a layers diet and is therefore recommended.
O.O. Eniolorunda , B.B.A. Taiwo , O.O. Oyewumi and O.A. Adeyemi , 2008. Performance of Laying Hens Fed Graded Levels of Indomie® Waste as Replacement for Maize in a Humid Tropical Environment. Research Journal of Animal Sciences, 2: 135-138.