Supplementation of graded levels of toasted guar meal at different energy concentrationson performance of white leghorn layers

A biological trial was undertaken in a completely randomized design to study the effect of supplementation of toasted guar meal (TGM) at graded concentrations with two energy efficiencies of TGM on the performance of White Leghorn layers (BV 300). A total of 224 layer chickens were randomly distributed into 56 replicates with 4 birds per each colony cage in well ventilated platform 2 tier cage layer house. Seven experimental diets with graded levels of 0, 6, 12 and 18% and two energy efficiency (50 and 60% of GE as ME) of TGM were prepared having similar concentrations of protein and ME. Each diet was fed ad libitum to 8 replicates from 27 to 42 weeks of age. The results showed that the egg production, body weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, egg weight, egg mass and mortality were not affected by incorporating TGM up to 18% (180 g/kg diet). Whereas, the feed cost incurred per egg was significantly lower at 18% TGM compared to that of control. From the results of the above study, it was concluded that TGM can be included in WL layer diets up to 18% without affecting the egg production, feed intake, FCR and egg weight of white leghorn layer birds.