Physiological responses and production performance of Shika brown layers fed honey and vitamin c via drinking water

Abstract

An experiment was carried out to investigate the physiological responses and production performance of Shika Brown layers fed honey and vitamin C via drinking water. A total of 120 Shika Brown laying birds was used for the study which were randomly divided into four treatment groups of 30 layers, having three replicates containing 10 layers per replicate, in a completely randomized design (CRD). The four treatments groups were served 0ml, 200mg/l of Vitamin C, 10ml honey and 20ml honey representing treatment 1,2,3,4 respectively for 84 days. Data were collected twice weekly on physiological parameters which includes heart rate and rectal temperature. Data were equally collected on production performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices. Results from the experiment showed that there were significant (p<0.05) differences on the heart rate and rectal temperature. Treatment groups on honey at all levels had reduced heart rate to normal range while the control group had high heart rate. Treatments 2, 3, and 4 had reduced (p<0.05) respiratory rate of 315bpm, 295bpm and 210bpm respectively compared to treatment 1 (355bpm). Administration of 20ml honey in the water of the birds reduced (p<0.05) the rectal temperature. The hen-day egg production (HDEP) was significantly influenced by the treatment where those on T4 had increased (p<0.05) HDEP (80.9%) compared to other treatment groups. T3 and T4 haematological and serum indices were equally improved by the treatments. It is therefore concluded that inclusion of honey in drinking water especially at 20ml level of inclusion improved the physiological status and production performance of laying birds