African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (11), pp. 1348-1350, November 2005          
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2005 Academic Journals

Short Communication

The effect of dietary inclusion of Mansonia altissima on egg  production and fertility of laying hens

K. O. Ogbamgba¹* and S. N. Wekhe²

¹Rivers Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Onne, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt.

²Department of Animal Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: yeabuan@yahoo.com. Tel: 2348033130978.

Accepted 8 August, 2005

An experiment was conducted in Port Harcourt to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of Mansonia altissima on egg production and fertility of laying hens, using a total of 45 birds consisting of 36 layers and 9 cocks in a randomized block of groups A, B, C of 15 birds each. Each treatment group was replicated thrice each containing 5 birds of both sexes (4 females and 1 male).  Birds in group A were used as control while those in treatments B, C were fed M. altissima powder at the rate of 30 and 50 g per kg feed daily, respectively, for eight weeks.  Results showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in egg production with group C showing the highest egg production but decreased fertility. It was therefore concluded that M. altissima can be used to increase egg production in layers at the level of 50 g/kg feed but the reduced fertility, which it causes should be borne in mind while doing so.

Key words: Mansonia altissima, egg, production, fertility, hens, cocks.