Performance of Nicobari fowl on diets containing varying levels of coconut oil cake

An experiment was conducted on Nicobari hen (96) of 30-week-old to evaluate of coconut oil cake on their performance in layer for a period of 100 days. Four experimental diets were formulated using 0,5, I0 and 15 percent coconut oil cake. Initial body weight were similar in all the groups. Significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight gain was observed in 5 and 10% coconut oil cake (CNC) fed groups than that of the control. The egg production/bird was significantly higher (P<0.05) in 5% coconut incorporated diet (54±4) as compared to other dietary groups. Corresponding feed efficiency (kg feed/dozen egg)were 3.13±0.24, 2.43±0.24, 2.68±0.20 and 2.65±0.21, respectively. The net profit/bird was comparatively higher in the groups fed 5% coconut oil cake based diet than the other groups. The feed consumption of the groups fed with 5% coconut oil cake diet was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the other groups. The egg quality traits showed significant difference only for shell thickness. The results indicated that 5% coconut oil cake in Nicobari layer diet is profitable in hot and humid climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.