Anatomy & Physiology: Current Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0940
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 2161-0940
+44 1300 500008
Department of Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Zaria, Nigeria
Research Article
Hen-Day Egg Production and Qualitative Egg Indices in Laying Hens
Administered with Lycopene and Vitamin E during the Hot-Dry Season
Author(s): Joseph Ayodele Obidi*, Joseph Olusegun Ayo, Peter Ibrahim Rekwot and Barth Izuchukwu Onyeanusi
The aim of the study was to evaluate the ameliorative effects of lycopene and vitamin E, administered individually
and in combination on laying hens during the hot-dry season. Dry- and wet-bulb temperatures were recorded
daily from 06:00-18:00 h during the 5-week experimental period. Laying hens aged 41 weeks, divided into 4
groups of 100 hens each served as subjects: Group 1, lycopene+ vitamin E (30 mg/kg+250 mg/kg body weight,
respectively); Group 2, lycopene (30 mg/kg body weight); Group 3, vitamin E (250 mg/kg body weight); and Group
4, controls. All administrations were performed orally by gavage daily for five weeks. Daily and weekly hen-day egg
productions, egg weight, eggshell thickness and eggshell weight were determined using standard procedures. The
dry-bulb temperature (23.0°C-39.0°C) and temperature-humidity index (24.4°C-35.0°C) reco.. View More»
DOI:
10.35248/2161-0940.22.12.379