Performance, Blood Parameters and Egg Qualities of Laying Hens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary enzyme (Allzyme SSF®) supplementation in diets containing cassava root meal on performance, blood parameters and egg qualities of laying hens. One hundred and eight, 19 weeks old Oba Black strain point-of-lay pullets were allotted to twelve dietary treatments in a 2 x 3 x 2 factorial arrangement, made up of processed cassava root meal (peeled and unpeeled), three levels of cassava inclusion (0, 10 and 20%) and two levels of enzyme supplementation (0 and 200g/tonne) for a period of five months. Data were collected on performance, internal and external qualities of egg, haematological and serum biochemical indices, cholesterol status of blood, egg, kidney and liver, and nutrient digestibility of laying hens. Data obtained were analysed using Minitab Analytical Computer Package while means were separated using Duncan¿s Multiple Range Test.Performance parameters measured were not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. Feed intake ranged from 102 to 114 g/d for birds fed 20% unpeeled cassava root meal with enzyme supplementation and control diet without enzyme supplementation respectively.