PERFORMANCE AND EGG QUALITY OF ISA-BROWN LAYING BIRDS UNDER DIFFERENT REARING SYSTEMS

Abstract

The importance of rearing system on the productivity and performance of poultry and the quality of the products derived cannot be overemphasized. This study evaluated general performance, production performance and egg quality of Isa-Brown laying birds reared under different rearing systems. Ninety (90) Isa-Brown laying birds of forty-seven (47) weeks were used for this study which lasted for twelve (12) weeks. The birds were randomly distributed into three (3) treatments (battery cage, deep litter and outdoor) of three (3) replicates and ten (10) birds per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. Each bird was given 115g of feed per day and fresh water was provided throughout the experimental period.The experimental period was divided into three phases of twenty-eight (28) days per phase. Eggs were collected three (3) times daily. All data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance using SPSS software package. Results showed that Daily Feed Intake, Egg Weight, Hen Day Production, Egg Mass Index and Feed Conversion Ratio were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the management system. External egg qualities were also influenced significantly (p<0.05) by the different management systems. Birds on battery cage showed highest significant (p<0.05) values (63.22±0.93g, 4.72±0.04mm and3.50±0.02mm) for egg weight, egg length and egg width, respectively. While the corresponding least values (56.71±1.11g, 4.53±0.05mm and 3.36±0.03mm) were found to be significantly (p<0.05) lower in outdoor system. Internal egg qualities were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the treatment. Birds on battery cage also displayed the highest significant values (38.80±1.07g, 15.68±0.40g, 8.71±0.24cm and 7.36±0.25cm) for albumen weight, yolk weight, albumen height, albumen width and yolk length respectively, while the birds on outdoor system displayed significantly lowest (p<0.05) corresponding values. The eggs were stored at room temperature. Storage effect revealed that the highest (9.95±0.34 g) significant (p<0.05) weight loss was observed in eggs stored for twenty-one (21) days. Apart from the heart weight all the parameters measured for carcass and organ characteristicswere not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by the rearing systems. Total bacteria count, was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by treatments, period of collection and the interaction between treatment and collection periods, while the fungi count was not significantly (P>0.05) influenced. Cost benefit analysis of Isa-Brown laying birds raised under battery cage, deep litter and outdoor were not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by the treatment. In conclusion, outdoor can be considered as an alternative to battery cage system in backyard poultry farming considering the highest profit recorded without infringing on animal welfare