EFFICACY OF XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA EXTRACT IN IMPROVING QUALITY INDICES OF LAYING HENS

Abstract

A study spanning twelve weeks aimed to assess the efficacy of Xylopia aethiopica extract on the egg quality indices of laying hens. The study utilized a total of 120 laying hens, six weeks in lay. Xylopia aethiopica extract was separately diluted in 4 liters of water at varying levels: 0 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml, and 300 ml. The laying hens were divided into four groups, each comprising 30 birds, in a completely randomized design. Each group was subdivided into three replicates, each consisting of 10 birds. Result on the external egg qualities of the laying hens indicated significant (p<0.05) differences on egg weight, shell thickness, shell weight, and egg breaking strength compared to the control. The group administered with 300 ml of Xylopia aethiopica extract recorded the highest significant values (P<0.05) across these four parameters. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in the internal egg qualities evaluated. It could be concluded that the administration of Xylopia aethiopica extract to laying hens enhances egg weight, shell thickness shell weight, and egg breaking strength of the birds.