The effects of limestone sources as calcium source on the performance and eggshell quality of laying chickens

Authors

  • M. A. Tion University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
  • P. C. Njoku University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v36i2.1371

Keywords:

Limestone sources, laying hen performance, eggshell quality

Abstract

Two hundred and twenty four pullets of shaver Star Cross 579 x Hubbard Golden Comet, that were 30 weeks of age and laying at 50% hen day production, were utilized in a completely randomized design to assess the suitability of limestone sources (procured from different cement factories) for laying hen performance and eggshell quality. Oystershell and bone meal were used in the control diet. Results showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences between the treatment mean values for initial body weight of chicken, egg production. Feed per dozen eggs. Eggshell thickness and eggshell percentage. However. Feed intake. Final body weight and egg weight varied significantly (P<0.05) among diets. Generally, diets that produced numerically higher rate of egg production resulted in significantly (P<0.05) smaller egg weights.

Author Biographies

M. A. Tion, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Production

P. C. Njoku, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Production

Downloads

Published

2020-12-29

How to Cite

Tion, M. A., & Njoku, P. C. (2020). The effects of limestone sources as calcium source on the performance and eggshell quality of laying chickens. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 36(2), 256–263. https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v36i2.1371

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 2 (2009)

Section

Articles

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Obs.: This plugin requires at least one statistics/report plugin to be enabled. If your statistics plugins provide more than one metric then please also select a main metric on the admin's site settings page and/or on the journal manager's settings pages.