Performance and Nutrient Utilization in Laying Hens Fed Iodine Supplemented Diets

Abstract

A total of 135 layers of 55 weeks age were randomly distributed into 5 dietary treatments with 3 replicates having 9 birds each. Layers of group T1 (Control) were fed basal diet. Diets of layers in group T2, T3, T4 and T5 were same as T1 except that in these diets iodine was supplemented as calcium iodate in such a way that respective diets contained 3.25, 6.50, 9.75 and 13.0 mgI/kg feed. Total experimental period lasted for ten weeks. Weight gain (g/hen), feed intake (g/hen/day), cumulative feed intake (kg/hen) and hen-day egg production (%)
was comparable in groups T1, T2 and T3, however, lower (P<0.05) values were observed in group T5 followed by T4. The FCR was poorer in treatment T5 compared to rest of the groups. Percent retention of DM, CP and EE was
comparable in T1, T2 and T3 groups, however, it was lower (P<0.05) in treatment T5 followed by T4. Percent retention of NFE was lower (P<0.05) in treatment T5 as compared to other treatments whereas CF retention was
similar in all the groups. It was concluded that performance and nutrient retention in groups fed iodine @ 3.25 and 6.5 mg/kg diet was better which lowered down in the groups given 9.75 and 13.0 mg iodine/kg diet.