title: Replacement of maize by rumen filtrate fermented corn-cob in layer diets.
abstract: Laying hens (50 weeks in-lay) were fed for 8 weeks on diets containing corn-cobs fermented with rumen filtrate. The fermented corn-cob was included in the diets at 0%, 5.0%, 10.0%, 15.0% and 20.0% of the total diet at the expense of maize. Feed intake was not significantly (P>0.05) different, although birds on the control diet consumed slightly more feed than birds on the fermented corn-cob based diets. Hen day production and feed per dozen eggs decreased with increase in dietary level of corn-cob (P<0.05). Yolk colour was significantly (P<0.05) affected, rumen filtrate fermented corn-cob appear to promote better yolk coloration. Egg weight and shell thickness were not significantly influenced by dietary treatment. The overall results appear to suggest that rumen filtrate fermentated corn-cob could provide a material that holds promise as a good alternative to maize because of its enhanced crude protein value and reduced crude fibre content.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Production and Renewable Resources, Olabisi Onabanjo University, P.M.B. 2002 Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: O A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Adeyemi
authors.forename: F O
authors.initials: FO
authors.lastname: Familade
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D004530:Egg Yolk / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D005285:Fermentation; D005744:Gastric Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D009753:Nutritive Value; D010058:Oviposition / Q000502:physiology; D012417:Rumen / Q000378:metabolism; D003313:Zea mays / Q000378:metabolism*