Effect of phytase supplementation on the performance of Babcock B-380 layer hens beyond 72 weeks of age

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of phytase supplementation in the diet of lying hen on the laying performance. A total of thirty 73-weeks old commercial Babcock-360 hens were randomly assigned into three groups, each group contain ten birds to study the effect of phytase supplementation to diets. Hens were fed on basal diet supplementation with phytase at level 2.5 kg, 1.5 kg, and 0kg/ton feed and were categorised into Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 (control) respectively. Hen house egg production (HHEP) per bird/day, egg weight (EW) and live weight of hens were recorded. It was seen that HHEP and EW differed significantly (p<0.05) between groups but there was no significantly (p<0.05) difference in the final body weight of hens in different groups. Hens fed with 2.5 kg phytase/tone feed exhibited highest (p<0.05) HHEP (0.85 ± 0.017) and EW(g) (63.10 ± 0.5028) and the control group had the lowest HHEP (0.69 ± 0.018) and EW(g) (59.95 ± 0.412). Hens fed with 1.5 kg phytase/ton feed performed intermediately.