EGG PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF THREE DIFFERENT LAYER STRAINS IN MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Data on egg production were analyzed to investigate the performance of three strains of layer chickens (Rhode Island Red, Isa Brown and Bovin Brown) from 2006-2011 at the University of Maiduguri Poultry Unit of the Livestock Teaching and Research Farm, Maiduguri, Nigeria. The birds were reared in open-sided building with a 2-tier battery cages, clean water and feed were provided ad libitum. Eggs were picked twice a day. Laying hens were observed daily and records on egg production, feed intake and mortality were kept adequately. Strict health management was observed. The means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. It was observed that strain, age, season and year vary significantly (P<0.001) in egg production and feed intake, where birds within the age group of 40-44 weeks had the highest egg production (58.76 ± 4.13%) and feed intake (134.86 ± 1.33g), respectively. The lowest production was recorded at 20-24 weeks (35.39 ± 1.99%). Rhode Island Red recorded the highest egg production (58.83 ± 0.29%) and feed intake (144.78 ± 1.30g),
while lowest production and feed intake (41.81 ± 0.89%), (101.22 ± 0.86g) were recorded for Isa Brown. Dry-cold season favoured egg production (57.47 ± 0.39%) and feed intake (130.68 ± 1.19g), while the lowest production was recorded in the wet season (46.36 ± 0.87%). However, lowest feed intake was observed in the Dry-hot season (115.55 ± 1.18g). Highest egg production (60.67 ± 2.02%) was recorded in 2009, which was not significantly different from 2007 (58.83 ± 0.29%).