Performance, Egg and Serum Biochemical Constituents of Four Commercial Pullet Strains in Nigeria

The aim of this research was to evaluate the performance and biochemical constituents of egg and blood of four commercial pullet strains in Nigeria with specific reference to Isa Brown, Bovan Nera, Goldline Nera and Dominant Black. Pullet chicks of foreign origin whose parents were raised in Nigeria were used for this study. A total of 300 pullet chicks were used, comprising seventy-five (75) Bovans Nera, Seventy-five (75) Bovans Goldline, Seventy-five (75) Dominant Black and Seventy-five (75) Isa Brown from day old. The birds in each treatment were randomly grouped into three replicates per treatment. Replication was done to equalize the mean initial live weight. Analyzed result showed that Isa Brown and Dominant Black values were significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of Bovans Goldline, Bovans Nera for the pre-production performance characteristics of the strains of birds, however, the final live weight was highest (P<0.05) in Bovans Nera, (1272.00g) while that of the rest three strains were similar (P>0.05) (1245.67 g – 1248.33 g). Bovans Nera had the best live weight at 18 weeks, Bovans Nera and Bovans Goldline recorded the best FCE at 18 weeks, these may be an advantage to producers of point of lay, Mortality to point of lay was lowest in Dominant Black, Egg production to 30 weeks of age was best in Isa Brown and Dominant Black, Shell thickness and Egg shape index which is very important in egg sales and transportation is also best in Isa Brown, Cholesterol was lowest in Isa Brown. The study revealed differences in performance production characteristics and egg and serum biochemical indices, hence the best strain regards to the indices is Isa Brown, then Bovans Nera, Dominant Black and Bovans Goldline respectively.