The Influence of cassava peel meal on egg quality and reproductive characteristics of dominant Black Pullets in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

This work was designed to determine the effect of cassava peel meal on egg quality and reproductive characteristics of Dominant Black pullets. One hundred and twenty (120) dominant black layer breed, comprising 108 pullets at the point of lay and 12 cocks were used in this study. The birds were assigned to three dietary groups containing cassava peel meal at 0% (T1), 10% (T2) and 20% (T3), in a completely randomized design (CRD). The birds were given feed and water ad libitum. Ages of birds at first egg as well as weight of first egg were recorded. Data were collected on egg weight, egg length, egg width, shell weight, shell thickness, egg shape index and albumen height. Data were also collected on infertility and hatchability. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and significant means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test. The results of this study revealed that inclusion of cassava peel meal in the diets of pullets did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect the mean egg length, egg width, egg shape index, egg weight, shell weight, shell thickness and albumen height of eggs from the three dietary groups. However, a negative trend in egg weight could be observed as the level of inclusion of cassava peel meal increased in the diets. This suggests that increase in the inclusion level of cassava peel meal could result in a decline in egg weight. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in age at first egg (AFE), weight of first egg (WFE), hatchability and infertility of eggs of pullets on the three dietary groups. Pullets on the control diet had the lowest AFE, 138±0.80 days, which suggests that inclusion of cassava peel meal in the diet of pullets may have prolonged AFE.