Effects of exogenous enzyme supplementation in wheat bran-based diets on production efficiency, egg quality, and nutrient utilization in dual-purpose hens reared under tropical conditions

A study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary supplementation with two exogenous enzymes - phytase, xylanase and their combinations on the performance and egg quality of Vanaraja (Indigenous dual-purpose) laying hens. A total of 280 hens were randomly allocated into seven groups (40 hens per group; five replicates of 8 hens each) and fed iso-nutritive diets: T0 (control), T1 (400 FTU/kg phytase), T2 (1200 FTU/kg phytase), T3 (1000 XU/kg xylanase), T4 (3000 XU/kg xylanase), T5 (400 FTU/kg phytase + 1000 XU/kg xylanase), and T6 (1200 FTU/kg phytase + 3000 XU/kg xylanase). A fixed feed quantity and ad libitum water were provided for 24 weeks. Growth performance, egg production, egg quality, and nutrient utilization were evaluated. Feed intake remained constant across groups due to the fixed feed allocation. Body weight gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in T4, followed by T5, T1, T6, T3, and T2 compared to control. Egg production was significantly higher in T6, followed by T3, T4, T2, T5, and T1. Egg weight was significantly higher in T3, followed by T4, T6, T2, T5, and T1. FCR was significantly improved in T3, followed by T6, T4, T2, T5, and T1. Hen-day egg production (%) was highest in T6, followed by T3, T4, T2, T5, and T1. Egg quality traits (egg weight, albumen height, yolk colour, yolk and albumen weight, shell weight and thickness, and Haugh unit index) showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) among groups. Crude protein and crude fibre retention were significantly improved in T6 (8.91% and 13.48%, respectively). Calcium and phosphorus retention also increased significantly in T6 (10.74% and 9.47%, respectively). It was concluded that phytase and xylanase supplementation, individually or combined, enhanced performance and nutrient utilization without affecting egg quality in Vanaraja laying hens.