The effect of false yam (Icacina oliviformis) tuber meal on productive and reproductive performance of breeder layers

A 12-week study investigated the effects of processed false yam (Icacina oliviformis) tuber meals on the productive and reproductive performance of breeder layers. Unboiled-sundried (SDFYTM) and boiled-sundried (BSDFYTM) false yam tuber meals were incorporated as partial replacement of maize in the diet such that Diet 1 contained no false yam (control). BSDFYTM was incorporated at 3% and 6% for diets 2 and 3 respectively. SDFYTM was also incorporated at 3% (Diet 4) and 6% (Diet 5). A total of 120 local-exotic crossbreds (100 hens and 20 cocks) of age 43 weeks old were used in a completely randomized design. Each treatment had 4 replicates with a replicate made up of five hens and one cock. Parameters measured included feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), hen-day egg production, egg weight, fertility and hatchability of eggs. Results showed that false yam significantly reduced feed intake (P<0.0001) compared to the birds on the control diets, while 6% SDFYTM significantly increased feed conversion ratio. Both BSDFYTM and SDFYTM at 3% inclusion reduced feed cost per gain compared to the control diet. Hen-day egg production was significantly better for the birds receiving the 3% BSDFYTM (P<0.0001), while the addition of 6% SDFYTM gave the poorest results. The 6% inclusion level of SDFYTM significantly (P<0.05) decreased fertility rate, hatchability, and saleable chicks but increased the dead-inshell. It was concluded that BSDFYTM at 3% and 6% and SDFYTM at 3% level could be added to breeder layer diets without any adverse effect on productive and reproductive performance