The potential of morning and afternoon supplementation of scavenging chickens on diets with varying energy and protein levels
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Date
2009Author
Okitoi, L O
Kabuage, L W
Muinga, R W
Badamana, M S
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
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The effects of supplementing different diets with varying levels of energy and protein either in the morning or
afternoon were assessed. 384 scavenging indigenous chickens aged 14 weeks were allocated to four treatment
diets: 1: Positive control (commercial diet); 2: High energy (3062 kcal/kg DM), high protein (224 g/kg DM)
(HEHP); 3: Low energy (2378 kcal/kg DM), high protein (218 g/kgDM) (LEHP); 4: Low energy, Low protein
(LELP). The supplements were offered in the morning and afternoon. Results showed that both pre-lay
scavenging pullets and adult hens that received supplemental diets with high protein levels (HEHP and LEHP)
both in the morning and afternoon ate more supplemental feed during the afternoon hours. Supplemental energy
intake by scavenging pullets was higher in the morning than in afternoon while the reverse was true for adult
scavenging hens. The mean supplemental crude protein intake was higher for both pullets and hens in the
afternoon. Scavenging indigenous pullets consumed 11.7% more supplemental crude protein in the afternoon
while hens consumed 12.4% more supplemental crude protein in the afternoon. Supplemental lysine, tryptophan
and methionine + cystine intakes were higher for scavenging pullets in the afternoon and the same case for adult
scavenging hens in the morning and afternoon. Egg production and weights were higher for hens supplemented
with HEHP and LEHP compared to those receiving commercial diet (CD), and those supplemented with LELP
diets both in the morning and afternoon. Feed cost was higher in pre-lay pullets supplemented with commercial
diets (same levels of energy and protein in morning and afternoon) than with HEHP and LEHP diets mainly due
to the higher price of commercial feed compared to that of ingredients found locally. The study suggests that
offering a supplement of commercial diet (same level of energy and protein) for growing scavenging pullets
followed by a high energy and high protein supplement during the laying period may increase feed intake,
nutrient intake, egg production and egg weights
Citation
Okitoi, L.O et al(2009).The potential of morning and afternoon supplementation of scavenging chickens on diets with varying energy and protein levels. Livestock Research for Rural Development; 21(10)Publisher
Department of Animal Production, University of Nairobi
Description
Journal article