Inclusion of solvent extracted Karanj (Pongamia glabra) cake in the diet and production performance of layer chicken

Abstract

A total of 160 White Leghorn laying chickens (Lohmann) of 50 weeks age were divided in to four treatment groups, each having 10 replicates of 4 chickens each. Solvent extracted karanj cake was included in diet at graded levels (0, 6, 9 and 12%) on iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric basis and fed to the treatment groups from 50 to 61 weeks (3 laying periods of 4 weeks each) ad libitum. The egg production, egg mass and feed intake decreased (P<0.01) in groups fed diet containing SKC at 9 and 12% during the 1st laying period. However, the adverse effect of SKC feeding on egg production was less pronounced as the duration of feeding prolonged and the pooled egg production of all the 3 periods was depressed (P<0.01) only at 12% level of SKC. Further, the egg mass produced and the overall feed intake of all the 3 periods was depressed (P<0.01) in the group fed diet containing 12% SKC, while at 9% SKC, the values were intermediate. However, feed conversion ratio and serum biochemical profile, except alkaline phosphatase activity (lower in SKC fed groups) were not different among the various dietary groups. Further, feeding SKC upto 12% in layer diet did not affect the quality and sensory attributes of eggs. It is concluded that solvent extracted karanj cake could be used up to 9% in the diet without any adverse effect, while further higher level of 12% depressed performance of laying chickens.