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Effects of light flash and vitamin d3 levels and their interaction on productive and reproductive performance of Dandrawi chickens

Research Authors
Farghly M. F. A., M. A. Metwally, R. M. Ali and Ghonime, M.E.
Research Abstract

The study was undertaken to determine the effect of dietary vitamin D supplementation in relation to light type on the productive and reproductive performance economic efficiency of Dandarawi chickens. Three hundred and sixty birds were randomly distributed into two main groups and received 0 and 50 ppm vitamin D. Each main group were divided into 3 equal groups (60 birds each) and housed in floor pens and reared under continues light for 12 hours per day, 6 h continues light +6 h flash light/day and 12 hours per day flash light, respectively from 4 wks till thirty six weeks of age. The obtained results showed that body weight, body weight gain and feed consumption were significantly increased at 50 ppm vitamin D level. However, No significant differences were observed in all carcass characteristic, genital organs percentages and all blood constitutes except cholesterol values under vitamin D levels. Egg laying rate and sperm concentrations increased significantly in birds fed diets added 50 ppm vitamin D level, while age at sexual maturity decreased significantly. No significant effect on average of egg weight, plumage condition, fertility, most semen quality (volume, color ,pH), egg quality traits except shell thickness due to main effect of vitamin D level and light program or the interaction between them. At 50 ppm vitamin D level improved significantly (P≤0.05) hatchability percentages and decreased body temperature. In addition, light type significantly affected body weight, daily weight gain, feed conversion and dressed carcass. However, it had insignificant effects on other carcass traits, genital organs percentages, egg laying rate, egg weight, body temperature, hatchability, plumage condition, mortality rate, quality traits except shell thickness and blood traits except cholesterol values. Flash lighting program decreased significantly age at sexual maturity and improved semen concentrations and fertility percentages. Economic efficiency of the chickens was precisely decreased at dietary vitamin D level and flash light treatments. Finally, the dietary vitamin D level and flash light treatments for Dandrawi chickens during growing and laying periods may be recommended

Research Department
Research Journal
The Seventeen Conference of Animal production on Sustainable Livestock Development: Challenges and Opportunities, October 10-13, 2016, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Research Member
Research Publisher
Egyptian Society of Animal Production
Research Rank
4
Research Vol
NULL
Research Website
www.esap1961.org
Research Year
2016
Research Pages
NULL