Effect of Tier Level, Exposure and Period on Egg Production and Grade of Eggs
Adekola Omololu Atanda
Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria.
Okeke Rufina Obioma
Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria.
Balami Samuel Paul
Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria.
Louis Ugwu
Department of Biology, School of Science, Federal College of Education, Katsina, Nigeria.
Louis Ugwu
Department of Biology, School of Science, Federal College of Education, Katsina, Nigeria.
Abdullahi Idris
National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria.
Oludayo Michael Akinsola *
Department of Theriogenology and Production, University of Jos, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A total of 230 Nera birds were studied in an open and close-ended layer house for 6 weeks to determine the effect of cage location, tier level, and exposure of bird on egg production. Birds were supplied ad Libitumwith feed and water. Eggs were collected twice daily at 11.00 am, and 4.00 p.m. counted, weighed and classified into sizes. The production of the egg was found to be significantly influenced by the location of laying hen. The upper tier recorded 29.17% superiority over the lower tier. This showed that birds laid more eggs in the upper tier. Besides, tier did not significantly (P < 0.05) affect the sizes of the egg laid. In this study, the birds used were exposed to light and dark conditions. The result obtained showed that more eggs were produced at the better lit area than the more shaded area. It is therefore economically viable to have more light in the laying house for increased egg production. Furthermore, it was observed from the result of the experiment that more medium-sized eggs were produced in the better lit area than the darker parts of the house.
Keywords: Nera birds, egg grade, tier level, cage location, laying performance.