Egg qualities and haematological indices of laying birds fed chromium picolinate and vitamin C supplemented diets

Author: F.B. Adebayo, O.A. Adu, O.D. Oloruntola and C.A. Chineke
olugbenga.oloruntola@aaua.edu.ng
Abstract:
Two hundred and twenty-four Noiler pullets (20 weeks of age) were randomly distributed into 8 dietary groups to determine the effects of chromium picolinate (CrPic) and vitamin C supplementations in layers. A basal diet was sundered into eight like portions, supplemented and tagged diet 1: 0 mg/kg CrPic; diet 2: 0.4 mg/kg CrPic; diet 3: 0.8 mg/kg CrPic; diet 4: 1.2 mg/kg CrPic, diet 5: 200 mg/kg vitamin C; diet 6: 0.4 mg CrPic+200 mg vitamin C; diet 7: 0.8 mg CrPic+200 mg vitamin C and diet 8: 1.2 mg CrPic+200 mg vitamin C. General linear model procedure for complete randomized design with 4 CrPic levels (0 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg and 1.2 mg/kg) x 2 vitamin C levels (0 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) factorial treatments’ arrangement was used. The eggshell thickness was affected (P0.05) but higher (P<0.05) than those fed diet 1. The packed cell volume, red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin and white blood cell count were affected (P<0.05) by the CrPic and vitamin C supplementation. In conclusion, the external egg qualities were not affected by CrPic and vitamin C supplementation. The albumen height, albumen length and haught improved with CrPic and vitamin C in the laying birds.

Loading

Key Words: Ascorbic acid, antioxidant, stress, laying performance, poultry, supplements
To Cite this Article Copy and paste this in your writting:

Loading