Effects of Vitamin C and E Supplementation on Hen Day production, Egg Quality Characteristics and Ovarian Morphometry of Improved Fulani Ecotype Hens

This 12 weeks study examined effects of supplemental vitamins C and E on the hen day production (HDP), egg quality characteristics (EQCs) and ovarian morphometry (OM) of improved Fulani ecotype (IFE) hens. A total of 400 hens (17 weeks old) were divided into four groups, each had 100 birds and five replications of 20 birds. Hens in group 1 were fed a basal diet (control). Hens in groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed a diet with supplemental vitamin C (VC - 500 mg/kg), vitamin E (VE - 400mg/kg) and VC+VE (500+400mg/kg), respectively. The study applied a completely randomized design and HDP was calculated on teh basis of the treatment. The EQCs determined included egg weight (EWT), shell weight (SWT), yolk weight (YWT), yolk height (YH), albumen height (AH) and albumen weight (AWT), while Haugh unit (HU) was estimated using a standard formula. Four hens from each replicate were sacrificed and their reproductive organs harvested to determine oviduct length, oviduct weight, ovary weight and stroma weight. The number of follicles and diameter of large yellow (>10mm), small yellow (<5mm) and white follicles were determined, respectively. Data were subjected to an analysis of variance, and Tukey's HSD test was used to compare the difference between means. HDP (%) and OM were not influenced (p>0.05) by the antioxidants. A lower EWT (p<0.05) was observed in the control group (49.58g) compared to the VC (57.14g) and VE groups (58.03g). A pattern similar to that of EWT was observed in SWT, while a heavier YWT was observed in the VE group (19.54g). The AH of the VC (7.63mm), VE (7.55mm) and VC+VE (7.70mm) groups were better than the control (7.00mm). Alower AWT (p<.0.05) was recorded in the control group (27.90g) compared to the VC (32.08g) and VE (32.04g) groups. HU was higher (p<.0.05) in VC+VE group (88.95) compared to control (86.56) and VE (87.20) groups. This study concludes that supplemental VC and VE could enhance some internal and external EQC of IFE Hens.