EFFECTS OF GARLIC, AMARANTHUS, BAOBAB AND TIGER NUTS AS NUTRACEATICALS IN NERA BLACK HENS’ RATION ON PRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS AND EGG QUALITY

Bioactive efficacies and functional phytochemical components of garlic bulbs, amaranthus leaves, baobab leaves and tiger nuts have been reported in livestock and human health yet, little is known about their utilisation as mixed additives in laying hens to improve performance. Hence, this study was targeted at evaluating the effects of incorporating processed garlic bulbs, amaranthus leaves, baobab leaves and tiger nuts in formulated layers ration offered to Nera Black hens on production characteristics and egg quality. To achieve this, processed garlic bulbs, amaranthus leaves, baobab leaves and tiger nuts were included proportionally in formulated layers ration and offered to 240 Nera Black hens at 22 weeks old weighing between 1.3kg and 1.6kg. During the 6 weeks study, weight gain, feed utilisation, hen day production and egg quality were monitored in five experimental groups consisting of 48 hens each. The experimental groups were designated as T1 (control): without nutraceaticals; T2: garlic bulbs (0.5%) and amaranthus leaves (2.0%); T3: garlic bulbs (0.5%) and baobab leaves (2.0%); T4: garlic bulbs (0.5%) and tiger nuts (2.0%) and T5: garlic bulbs (0.5%), amaranthus leaves (0.67%), baobab leaves (0.67%) and tiger nuts (0.67%). Results showed that the weight gain was highest (1.9kg) in T5, followed by 1.82kg in control but the feed was better utilised in control (1.23), T3 (1.24) and T2 (1.25). The egg weight was best (47.68 – 49.87g) among the treated hens compared to 43.98g recorded in control hens. Hen day production was superior in T5 (20.76%) compared to 17.15% recorded in control. Eggshell weight was seemingly enhanced in the treated hens with values ranging from 4.58–5.08g, compared to 4.39g recorded in control. The yolk height (0.89cm), albumen pH (9.22), yolk pH (6.75) and Haugh unit (135.92HU) were highest in T5. Values of all the parameters across the treatments, somewhat compared favourably well with reference values reported so, garlic bulbs, amaranthus leaves, baobab leaves and tiger nuts in layers ration, may enhance performance with little or no deleterious effects.