Vitamins C and E can Alleviate Adverse Effects of Heat Stress on
Live Weight and Some Egg Quality Profiles of Layer Hens
J. J. Ajakaiye1*, M. Cuesta-Mazorraand J. R.
Garcia-Diaz
Department of Zootechnics and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of
Agricultural Sciences,
Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas, Km 5½ Carretera a
Camajuani, P. O. 54830, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba;
1College
of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University,
Mando Road Campus, Kaduna, Nigeria
*Corresponding
author:
joachim@uclv.edu.cu
Abstract
An
experiment was designed to investigate the effects of vitamins C and E on live
weight and egg quality profile of layer hens subjected
in situ to heat stress.Hybrid White Leghorn (L33) layer hens (n=720) and 39 weeks
old, were randomly allotted to 4 treatments containing 0, 150 mg vitamin C, 150
mg (150 IU) vitamin E, and 150 mg vitamin C plus 150 mg vitamin E/Kg of diet.
Final live weight in supplemented groups were significantly (P<0.05) higher than
control. Egg, egg yolk and egg albumen weight in groups administered with
vitamins E and C+E were very significantly higher compared with control,
meanwhile, the same indicators were only significantly (P<0.05) higher in
vitamin C group compared with control.
Similarly, eggshell weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in all treated
groups, with the highest value recorded in group supplemented with vitamins C+E
compared with control. By sustaining bird’s live weight and increasing egg
quality indicators, it
is concluded that both antioxidants offered protective effect against the
thermally stressful hot-humid condition.
Key words: Egg
quality,
Heat stress,
Layer hens,
Live weight,
Vitamins C and E