Effect of feeding Aloe Vera and propolis on egg production and egg size in commercial layers
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Date
2012
Authors
Mpandamwike, Mulenga Mundia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
Two studies involving Goldline/ Bovine Nera layers were conducted to investigate the effect
of Propolis and Aloe vera on egg size and production. In the first study 144 layers (36 weeks
old) were randomly allotted in equal numbers to four treatments in a completely randomized
design (CRD), which involved feeding commercial layers marsh in combination with
Propolis and Aloe vera administered in drinking water as follows: 1- layers fed commercial
layer's feed only (CONTl); 2- layers fed commercial layer's feed + Aloe vera (ALOEl); 3-
layers fed commercial layer's feed + Propolis (PROP) and 4- layers fed commercial layer's
feed + Aloe vera + Propolis (ALOEPROP). Both Propolis and Aloe vera were administered
at 2 mg/kg body weight, and 100 g of feed was given per bird on a daily basis. The study
lasted three weeks. The second study involved 144 Goldline/ Bovine Nera commercial layers
(40 weeks old) allotted to two treatments as follows: 1-layers fed commercial layer's feed
only (CONT2) and 2-layers fed commercial layer's feed + Aloe vera (ALOE2). The same
dosage of Aloe vera and quantity of feed were given as in the first study. The study lasted for
six weeks. In both studies eggs were collected on a daily basis, counted and weighed. Two
way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and T- test were respectively applied to determine the
effects of different treatments in study 1 and study 2 using Genstat. Separation of means was
analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range test. Study 1 showed that the ALOEPROP layers
laid more eggs (P<0.001) than the CONTl, ALOEl and PROP layers. Egg producfion was
also highest in the ALOEPROP layers (P<0.001). However no significant differences were
observed in relation to egg weight (P=0.730) in all the treatments. In study 2 results showed
significant differences (P=0.75) between the C0NT2 and AL0E2 layers in the number of
eggs collected and producfion. At (P<0.001) differences were also observed in the egg
weight between the CONT2 and ALOE2. It can be concluded that Aloe vera influenced the
increase in the number of eggs collected and egg production and little if any influence came
from Propolis. Study 2 recorded an increase in egg weight when the control was compared to
the Aloe vera group which was not so in the first study. This could have been because the
second study was done over a long period of time to see effects.
Description
Students Project Report
Keywords
Chickens-feeds and feeding , Poultry Industry