Vol. 14, Issue 11 (2025)

Author(s):
Sunidhi, Shivani Katoch, Varun Sankhyan and Krishanender Dinesh

Abstract:
The present study was conducted to analyse the effect of different levels of Developed Supplement Feed (DSF) on egg external and internal quality parameters in Low Input Technology (LIT) bird viz. Him-Samridhi (HS) under deep litter (DL) system of rearing. A total of 72 HS birds (23 weeks of age) were randomly divided into 3 dietary treatments with 3 replicates having 8-layer birds in each replicate. Birds were shifted from poultry house to deep litter system on start of egg production. Basal Feed (BF) served as positive control group and was given standard layer feed. Developed Supplemented Feed (DSF¹⁰) & Developed Supplemented Feed (DSF²⁰) served as treatment groups. DSF¹⁰ was given standard layer ration + developed supplemented feed @ 10g/bird, DSF²⁰ was given standard layer ration + developed supplemented feed @ 20g/bird, for a period of 42 weeks. Eggs were collected from 22 weeks of age up-to the completion of trial (64 weeks) and data was recorded on the same day of collection. A lighting schedule of 14-16 hours per day was applied during laying period. Standard procedures with respect to preventive vaccination and medication were followed during the study period. External egg quality parameters and internal egg quality parameters were recorded using standard methods. Results showed that external egg quality traits did not differ significantly by DSF supplementation. Internal egg quality trait i.e. Yolk weight was numerically (3.24%) increased in DSF²⁰ compared to BF and no effect of DSF supplementation was observed on all other internal parameters in deep litter system. Thus, it could be concluded that DSF supplementation has the potential to improve egg yolk weight in deep litter system of rearing.