Growth Performance and Nutrient Retention in Layer Pullets Fed Hemp Seed Supplemented Diet

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of hemp seed supplementation on body weight, body weight gain (BWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in layer pullets over a period of 18 weeks. A total of 72 day-old commercial white leghorn birds (n=72) were divided into three treatment groups, namely T1, T2, and T3, based on their body weight. Each group comprised four replicates, with each replicate including six birds, resulting in a total of twenty-four birds in each group. The T1 group received a basal diet based on maize and soybeans. The T2 group received hemp seed supplementation at a concentration of 1.5%, while the T3 group received hemp seed supplementation at a concentration of 3%. The layer pullets were provided with starter feed throughout the age of 0-8 weeks, and then transitioned to grower feed between 8-16 weeks of age. Daily feed provided, weekly residual feed, and biweekly body weight were monitored and documented during the starter and grower period. A non-significant impact of hemp seed on initial body weight, final body weight, body weight gain (BWG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) was noted during the starter period. However, the addition of hemp significantly improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. Significant impact of hemp seed on growth parameters was noted during the grower phase, where supplementation with hemp seed greatly enhanced ADFI at a 3% level. However, there was no significant difference seen in body weight, body weight gain (BWG), and body fat percentage (FCR) between the groups supplemented with hemp and the control group during grower phase. The BWG was quantitatively greater in the group supplemented with hemp at 3%, but the impact was not statistically significant per se. Thus, the addition of hemp enhanced the growth performance of layer pullets during the growth phase of the experiment.