Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of NLM on the production performance and egg quality traits of laying hens. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain 0, 5, 10, and 15% NLM, designated as Diets A, B, C, and D respectively. A total of 144 point-of-lay Isa-Brown pullets (18 weeks old) were randomly allocated to the four dietary treatments, with 36 birds per treatment and three replicates of 12 birds each, following a completely randomized design. The feeding trial lasted for 16 weeks, during which data were collected on growth performance, and external and internal egg quality traits. Data were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. Results showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in growth performance. The initial and final weights ranged from 1,409.17 ± 9.92 to 1,413.02 ± 9.83 g and 1,553.64 ± 26.84 to 1,619.04 ± 18.53 g, respectively. Laying hens fed Diet C had the highest weight gain (208.65 ± 11.94 g), while those on Diet A had the highest daily feed intake (119.86 ± 0.14 g). There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in external and internal egg qualities except the egg yolk color score. Egg weight ranged from 57.79 ± 0.26 to 58.52 ± 0.75 g while yolk color score was highest (7.59) in eggs of birds fed Diet D. In conclusion, neem leaf meal can be incorporated into layer diets up to 15% without adverse effects on growth performance, external and internal egg qualities. Additionally, it enhanced yolk pigmentation, making it a promising feed ingredient for improving yolk quality in poultry production, and could be adopted particularly in tropical regions where neem tree is abundantly available.

Key words: Alternative feed, Chicken eggs, Internal egg quality, Yolk color