Effects of various feed forms on some gut bacteria and subsequent effects on productivity, egg quality, and intestinal morphology in Indigenous laying hens.

Abstract

Background: Local hen layers play a crucial role in egg production and the poultry industry. Optimizing their performance, egg quality, and overall health is of paramount importance.

Aim: This research aims to examine the effects of different feed forms on gut bacteria and subsequent effects on productivity, egg quality, and intestinal morphology in indigenous laying hens.

Methods: Forty-five hens aged 73 weeks were randomly distributed into three treatment groups, each with three replicates of 5 chickens in ground cages. The dietary treatments included a 100% mash diet (T1), 50% mash + 50% pellet diet (T2), and 100% pellet diet (T3).

Results: Compared to the mash-fed group (T1), birds in the pellet and mixed-diet groups (T2 and T3) exhibited significant improvements (p ≤ 0.05) in productive performance and egg quality. Furthermore, there were significant reductions (p < 0.05) in intestinal weight, intestinal length, and gizzard weight, accompanied by significant increases (p < 0.05) in lactic acid bacteria and Spore-forming bacteria, along with a decrease in Aerobic bacteria and Colibacilli bacteria. Increases seen in beneficial bacteria were accompanied by increases in egg quality, especially when pellet form was utilized by the layer hens.

Conclusion: These findings support the advantages of using pellet diets to enhance productive performance and intestinal health and morphology in local hen layers.