Effect of Limestone as Free Choice in the Performance of Laying Pullets

Abstract

A total of 96 birds were used in the experiment. Treatment 1 were fed with standard layer diet containing 2650kcal/kg of metabolizable energy. While birds for treatment 2 were fed the same diet and limestone as free-choice. Records were taken on feed intake, water intake, egg production, egg weight and mortality. Feed conversion was obtained from kilogram of feed and kilogram of egg produced. The statistical analysis shows that, there were no significant (p>0.05) difference between the two groups in terms of records taken. Although not significant, birds fed limestone as free choice performed better than the other group (1). Limestone fed as free choice for group 2, significantly increase the cost of production. Treatment 2 generate better revenue from the sales of eggs. Base on the difference obtained from this study, limestone fed as free choice improved the performance of the birds. It could be concluded that limestone has no detrimental effect on the birds and improve their performance.