Effect of different feed forms with or without Oyster mushroom inclusion (<i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i>) on egg production and egg quality of egg-type chicken

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of different feed forms with or without oyster mushroom inclusion (Pleurotus ostreatus) on egg production and egg quality of egg-type chicken. One hundred and sixty 16-week old pullets were purchased and acclimatized for 2 weeks. Afterwards, the birds were distributed on the basis of feed forms (mash and pellet) and oyster mushroom inclusion (with or without) into 4 treatments consisting of 40 birds per treatment. Each treatment was sub-divided into 5 replicates of 8 birds per replicate. External and internal egg qualities were investigated in three phases; early-lay (20-27 weeks of age), mid-lay (28-35 weeks of age) and late-lay (36-43 weeks of age). Data obtained were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a Completely Randomized Design. Result showed Total Egg Production (TEP) and Hen Day Egg Production (HDEP) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in birds fed pellet feed and lowest in birds fed mash feed during early and mid-lay phases. However, birds fed diets with oyster mushroom inclusion recorded significantly (p<0.05) lower TEP and HDEP (161.30 eggs and 36.00%, respectively) during the early-lay phase. Yolk colour score at mid-lay was significantly (p<0.05) higher (5.80) in birds fed pellet feed than 4.30 in birds fed mash feed. Shell thickness was significantly (p<0.05) higher (0.84 mm) in birds fed pellet feed than 0.66 mm in birds fed mash feed. Therefore, optimal egg production with darker yolk colour can be achieved at the mid-lay phase via feeding laying birds with pellet feed with oyster mushroom.