Growth Performance and Nutrient Retention in Layer Pullets Fed Hemp Seed Supplemented Diet

This study examined the effects of hemp seed supplementation on body weight, body weight gain (BWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in layer pullets over an 18-week period. A total of 72-day-old commercial white leghorn birds were divided into three treatment groups—T1, T2, and T3—based on their body weight. Each group consisted of four replicates, with six birds per replicate, resulting in 24 birds per group. The T1 group received a basal diet of maize and soybean meal, while the T2 and T3 groups were supplemented with hemp seeds at 1.5% and 3%, respectively. During the initial 0-8 weeks, the layer pullets were fed starter feed, transitioning to grower feed from 9 to 16 weeks of age. Daily feed intake, weekly residual feed, and biweekly body weight were monitored throughout both the starter and grower periods. During the starter phase, hemp seed supplementation showed no significant effect on initial body weight, final body weight, BWG, orADFI. However, it significantly improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. Additionally, hemp supplementation improved the retention of crude fiber and calcium. In conclusion, the addition of hemp seed has the potential to enhance the growth performance of layer pullets during the growth phase of the experiment.