Subsequent Effect of Lysine Regimens on Egg Characteristics of Native Aseel Chicken

ABSTRACT

This study was planned to evaluate subsequent effects of rearing under various lysine regimens on egg quality traits in Peshawari, Mushki, Mianwali and Lakha varieties of native Aseel. Ninety six pullets and 12 cockerels (24♀ and 3♂) from each variety were randomly chosen, placed in three-tiered cage units of equal space and standard conditions were followed for their maintenance. These birds were reared on three lysine regimens (L1, L2 and L3), wherein L1 containing 1.3% lysine was given in one phase from week 1-6 of age, L2 regimens entailing 1.4 and 1.2% lysine was smeared in two phases from week 1-3 and 4-6 of age, while in L3 regimen, lysine @ 1.5, 1.3 and 1.1% in diet was fed in three phases from week 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6 of age, respectively. Data were analyzed using two-way factorial ANOVA technique in SAS 9.1under randomized complete block design and significant means were compared through Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Statistical analysis showed that weight of egg and shell, albumen weight, diameter and index, yolk weight and Haugh units (p≤0.05) improved significantly in L3 in Peshawari Aseel depicting the better egg quality traits. It was concluded that L3 regimen has positive impact on egg characteristics of Aseel chicken.

Keywords:
Aseel; egg quality; Lysine regimens

INTRODUCTION

Poultry eggs are a cheaper source to meet the nutritive requirements of the increasing human population (Hussain et al., 2013). Chicken eggs contain approximately all the essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals as well as a rich source of energy (Ahsan-ul-Haq & Akhtar, 2002). The financial success of poultry farmer depends upon the number of eggs sold, while preference and acceptability of consumer highly depends upon egg quality parameters including egg weight, size, shell thickness, albumen height, yolk consistency and Haugh unit scores (Tumova & Gous, 2012). The egg quality characteristics are of prime importance in poultry breeding businesses (Bain, 2005) and egg quality has several aspects based on heredities, age and strains or breeds variations (Silversides et al., 2006; Onagbesan et al., 2007). The spoilage of egg is caused by deterioration of internal egg contents and their quality (Kul & Seeker, 2004), which is mainly instigated by poor and improper storage conditions (Adeogun & Amole, 2004). However, the physical configuration and chemical composition of egg reveals its stability and plays a key role during storage (Seidler, 2003).The egg size, albumen and yolk deposition, internal egg contents and quality are influenced by nutritional aspects including the levels of essential amino acids. Lysine is an important amino acid being supplemented in poultry feed and has great impact on body protein as well as egg deposition (Valerio et al., 2003). In Pakistan the eggs are mainly obtained either through commercial layer or backyard indigenous poultry farms. Among backyard chicken, Aseel is the most famous breed due to the possession of strong physical structure, stamina and resistance against diseases and is equally adjustable in all environments (Batool, 2017). Breast meat accretion in broilers has a positive role and has been well established in past studies (Sibbald & Wolynetz, 1986; Holsheimer & Ruesink, 1993; Kidd et al., 1998). Later on, Leeson & Zubair (1997) showed a decline in growth rate when feeding extra dietary lysine after feeding a deficient diet from 6 to 12 days of age. A well-defined level of dietary lysine seems necessary to be identified.

Despite of great genetic potential, Aseel is mostly kept for rooster fighting since long and its rearing, proliferation and commercialization is not preferred due to poor growth at early ages, egg production, distorted clutches and broodiness, yet it could be more economical and profitable with respect to quality egg production by adopting better house management, feed and feeding strategies (Usman et al., 2014). Keeping in view the eminence of lysine and the prominence of Aseel, the current research project was, therefore designed to improve egg quality features by applying lysine regimens during early ages in the varieties of indigenous Aseel, namely Lakha, Mianwali, Mushki and Peshawari.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This experiment was conducted at the Indigenous Chicken Genetic Resource Center (ICGRC), Ravi campus, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore to estimate the subsequent impacts of rearing with three different lysine feeding regimens on egg quality characteristics among four varieties of indigenous Aseel chicken, namely Lakha, Mianwali, Mushki and Peshawari. Initially 1 day-old chicks (n=240), including 60 birds of each variety were selected at random, tagged and subdivided into three groups A, B and C and offered three various lysine regimens i.e., L1 (1.3% lysine), L2 (1.4, 1.2% lysine) and L3 (1.5, 1.3, 1.1% lysine), respectively. L1 constituting 1.3% lysine was offered in one phase from week 1-6, 1.4 and 1.2% lysine in L2 was offered in two phases from week 1-3 and 4-6, while 1.5, 1.3 and 1.1% lysine in L3 was offered in three phases from week 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6, respectively. Lysine regimens and their composition are mentioned in Table 1 (A and B) and the feed was prepared from Hi-Tech Industries (Pvt) Pakistan. The study was based on the hypothesis that phase-vise supplementation of lysine and other nutrients as per growth needs of birds will enhance initial growth performance which might sustain the improved egg production and quality traits as subsequent impact. These Aseel birds after brooding under various lysine regimens were equally offered normal broiler-grower (7-16 weeks), layer-developer (17-20), pre-breeder/layer (21-24 weeks) and breeder/layer (25-43 weeks) feed with 20.02, 15.46, 16.50, 17.50% and 3020, 2913, 2850, 2750kcal/kg CP and ME, respectively, formulated and prepared as per standards of NRC (1994) and recommendations as provided by Leeson & Summers (2005). For estimation of egg quality traits, 96 Aseel birds, including 24 pullets and 12 cockerels including 3 of each variety were randomly chosen and placed in three tiered equally spaced cage units, equipped with easily removable and slanted trays for collecting fecal wastes and eggs, respectively. The factorial arrangement according to randomized complete block design (RCBD) was applied to 4 (varieties) × 3 (treatments/lysine regimens) × 8 [replicate/pullet (1 bird in each replicate)], where in each bird was given a status of an individual experimental unit and 1 cockerel was available for mating with 8 pullets of respective variety under coops. During the whole egg laying period, limited feed and duration for feeding was practiced and most priority was given to the care and welfare of experimental birds by following the instructions as provided by the Institutional Animal Ethic Committee. The egg quality was defined as the an egg that showed acceptability toward the consumer. Seventy two eggs (fresh collection) including 18 from each variety, comprising 6 eggs/treatment group/4 weeks (72×4=288 eggs in total/4 phases) were selected and used for egg quality traits analysis. Egg weight was measured by using an electrical weighing balance capable of measuring up to 0.1g and shell thickness was recorded by using micrometer screw gauge. Digital Vernier caliper was used to measure yolk height and width, and single observation was based on average of three measurements. The pH of albumen and yolk of the eggs was determined by digital pH meter, while albumen and yolk indices and Haugh unit scores were calculated by using the following formulae:

$Albumenindex\left(\%\right)=\left(albumenheight/albumenwidth\right)\times 100$

$Yolkindex\left(\%\right)=\left(yolkheight/yolkwidth\right)\times 100$

$HaughUnit=100\left[@Log\{\left(H+7.57\right)–\left(1.7\right)\left(W^{0.37}\right)\}\right]$

Where;

H = Observed height of the albumen in mm

W = Weight of egg (g)

Table 1A
Chemical composition of experimental diets.

Ingredients	Dietary lysine levels (%)
	1.1	1.2	1.3	1.4	1.5
Corn	59.08	59.08	59.08	59.08	59.08
Sunflower Meal (24%)	18.9	18.9	18.9	18.9	18.9
Soya bean Meal (44%)	7.04	7.04	7.04	7.04	7.04
Rapeseed Meal	3.00	3.00	3.00	3.00	3.00
Fish Meal (52%)	3.00	3.00	3.00	3.00	3.00
Poultry by-product Meal	3.00	3.00	3.00	3.00	3.00
Molasses	3.00	3.00	3.00	3.00	3.00
Limestone	1.14	1.14	1.14	1.14	1.14
Lysine Sulphate	0.7	0.9	1.1	1.3	1.5
Mono Calcium Phosphate	0.45	0.45	0.45	0.45	0.45
Vitamin-Mineral Premix*	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2
Sodium Chloride	0.18	0.18	0.18	0.18	0.18
Alimet (Novus)	0.17	0.17	0.17	0.17	0.17
Betaine HCl	0.05	0.05	0.05	0.05	0.05
Threonine	0.04	0.04	0.04	0.04	0.04

• *Vit-Min premix supplied per 1 kg of diet: Vit. A 12000 IU; Vit. D3 2200 ICU; Vit. E 10 mg; Vit. K 32 mg; Vit. B1 1 mg; Vit. B2 4 mg; Vit. B6 1.5 mg; Vit. B12 10 µg; nicotinic acid 20 mg; folic acid 1 mg; pantothenic acid 10 mg; biotin 50 µg; choline chloride 500 mg; copper 10 iron 30 mg; manganese 55 mg; zinc 50 mg; iodine 1 mg; selenium 0.1 mg.

Table 1B
Calculated nutritional composition of experimental diets.

Nutrients (%)	Dietary lysine level %
	1.1	1.2	1.3	1.4	1.5
Metabolize Energy (k calories/kg)	2746.99	2753.69	2760.39	2767.09	2773.79
Dry Matter	87.17	87.36	87.56	87.76	87.96
Crude Protein	17.06	17.18	17.29	17.40	17.51
Crude Fiber	6.93	6.93	6.93	6.93	6.93
Ash	4.09	4.09	4.09	4.09	4.09
Either Extract	3.59	3.59	3.59	3.59	3.59
Calcium	0.84	0.84	0.84	0.84	0.84
Chloride	0.22	0.22	0.22	0.22	0.22
Sodium	0.16	0.16	0.16	0.16	0.16
Total phosphorus	0.68	0.68	0.68	0.68	0.68
Potassium	0.71	0.71	0.71	0.71	0.71
Digestible phosphorus	0.36	0.36	0.36	0.36	0.36
Linoleic Acid	1.42	1.42	1.42	1.42	1.42
Lysine	1.1	1.2	1.3	1.4	1.5
Methionine	0.45	0.45	0.45	0.45	0.45
Methionine+Cystine	0.78	0.78	0.78	0.78	0.78
Digestible Arginine	0.98	0.98	0.98	0.98	0.98
Digestible Tryptophan	0.14	0.14	0.14	0.14	0.14
Digestible Threonine	0.57	0.57	0.57	0.57	0.57
Digestible Lysine	0.99	1.09	1.20	1.31	1.41
Digestible methionine	0.42	0.42	0.42	0.42	0.42
Digestible Methionine + Cystine	0.67	0.67	0.67	0.67	0.67
Threonine	0.67	0.67	0.67	0.67	0.67
Tryptophan	0.19	0.19	0.19	0.19	0.19
Arginine	1.10	1.10	1.10	1.10	1.10
Cystine	0.32	0.32	0.32	0.32	0.32
Digestible Cystine	0.26	0.26	0.26	0.26	0.26
Valine	0.82	0.82	0.82	0.82	0.82
Digestible Valine	0.71	0.71	0.71	0.71	0.71
Histidine	0.43	0.43	0.43	0.43	0.43
Digestible Histidine	0.37	0.37	0.37	0.37	0.37
Phenylalanine	0.78	0.78	0.78	0.78	0.78
Digestible Phenylalanine	0.67	0.67	0.67	0.67	0.67
Leucine	1.44	1.44	1.44	1.44	1.44
Digestible Leucine	1.21	1.21	1.21	1.21	1.21
Isoleucine	0.66	0.66	0.66	0.66	0.66
Digestible Isoleucine	0.58	0.58	0.58	0.58	0.58

The collected data was analyzed by SAS (Statistical Analysis System, version 9.1) software through facto-rial ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) technique (Steel et al., 1997) and results were mentioned as means and their standard errors. The comparison of treatment means was done through Duncan’s Multiple Range test (Duncan, 1955) and results were considered as significant at p≤0.05. Following statistical model was employed:

$Y_{ijk}=\mu +B_i+T_j+B_i\times T_j+{\epsilon }_{ijk}$

Where,

Y_ijk = Dependent Variable

µ = Population Mean

B_i = Effect of i^th Block (i =1, 2, 3, 4; Lakha, Mushki, Mianwali, Peshawari)

T_j = Effect of j^th Treatment (j = 1, 2, 3; dietary lysine regimens L1, L2, L3)

B_i × T_j = Interaction Effect

Ԑ_ijk = Residual effect associated with k^th observation of j^th treatment in i^th block NID ~ 0, s²

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The impact of lysine regimens, Aseel varieties and the interactions of both on various egg quality traits have been presented in Table 2-4. Significant (p≤0.05) variations were found in egg weight and length both in lysine regimens and Aseel varieties, and interactions among them. The birds reared in L3 and L2 showed egg weight and length 45.58±0.37, 45.35±0.34g and 51.00±0.21, 50.97±0.28 mm, respectively compared to L1 lysine regimen. Among Aseel varieties, Peshawari led in egg weight and length than other varieties. These differences can be attributed to yolk protein contents most of which is considered to consist of lysine (Murphy, 1994). Like our study, phase feeding regimen for lysine amino acid was employed during phase I (week 20-43) and phase II (week 44-63) of Dekalb Delta hens by Novak et al. (2004), wherein, significantly (p≤0.02) increased egg weights (59.02 to 60.21g) were observed during phase II when lysine intake was increased. Our findings of egg weights are in close agreement with the results of Batool et al. (2017), where three lysine phase feeding regimensL1 (1.3), L2 (1.4,1.2), L3 (1.5,1.3,1.1% lysine) were implemented to Aseel varieties during rearing phase and significantly (p≤0.05) higher average egg weight was subsequently observed during production in Aseel birds reared under three phased lysine regimen i.e., L3.

Table 2
Impact of various lysine regimens, Aseel varieties and their interactions on egg quality traits in native Aseel pullets.

Variables		Egg weight (g)	Egg length (mm)	Egg width (mm)	Shell weight (g)	Shell Thickness (mm)	Albumen weight (g)	Albumen height (mm)
Lysine Levels (%)/Regimens (LR)
1.3 (L1)		44.36±0.25b	50.31±0.21b	38.98±0.27	5.62±0.08	0.31±0.00b	24.21±0.17b	6.52±0.12
1.4-1.2 (L2)		45.35±0.34a	50.97±0.28a	39.09±0.29	5.70±0.12	0.33±0.00a	24.91±0.28b	7.14±0.21
1.5-1.3-1.1 (L3)		45.58±0.37a	51.00±0.21a	39.28±0.18	5.86±0.10	0.34±0.01a	25.03±0.37a	7.53±0.12
Aseel Varieties (AV)
Lakha		44.67±0.26b	50.51±0.18b	38.98±0.15	5.52±0.06b	0.32±0.01b	24.31±0.21b	6.76±0.18
Mianwali		45.25±0.41ab	50.79±0.35ab	38.91±0.27	5.82±0.13a	0.32±0.01b	25.16±0.37a	6.97±0.18
Mushki		44.41±0.29b	50.29±0.25b	39.23±0.46	5.55±0.10b	0.32±0.01b	24.05±0.25b	7.00±0.25
Peshawari		46.06±0.45a	51.46±0.18a	39.34±0.19	6.03±0.08a	0.34±0.01a	25.34±0.36a	7.53±0.23
Lysine Levels (%)/Regimens × Aseel Varieties (LR × AV)
1.3 (L1)	Lakha	43.98±0.37c	50.59±0.25bcd	38.90±0.27	5.38±0.07c	0.30±0.00e	24.23±0.47cde	6.30±0.17
	Mianwali	43.90±0.15c	49.58±0.15d	38.31±0.07	5.59±0.09bc	0.33±0.01bcd	24.02±0.13de	6.63±0.15
	Mushki	44.96±0.68c	49.94±0.35d	39.81±0.92	5.64±0.10bc	0.33±0.01bcde	24.27±0.11cde	7.35±0.23
	Peshawari	44.62±0.62c	51.16±0.22abc	38.87±0.32	5.87±0.21abc	0.31±0.01de	24.32±0.58cde	6.43±0.25
1.4-1.2 (L2)	Lakha	45.06±0.28bc	50.24±0.33cd	38.92±0.34	5.48±0.07c	0.34±0.01b	24.25±0.38cde	7.02±0.23
	Mianwali	45.41±0.48abc	51.21±0.33abc	38.91±0.70	5.84±0.32abc	0.31±0.00de	25.87±0.40ab	7.45±0.12
	Mushki	44.20±0.48c	50.48±0.72bcd	39.27±1.05	5.46±0.25c	0.31±0.01de	24.02±0.27de	6.55±0.30
	Peshawari	46.75±0.59a	51.96±0.23a	39.24±0.22	6.04±0.08ab	0.32±0.01bcde	25.51±0.35abcd	7.23±0.71
1.5-1.3-1.1 (L3)	Lakha	44.98±0.50bc	50.70±0.41bcd	39.11±0.25	5.69±0.08abc	0.34±0.01bc	24.47±0.39cde	7.22±0.13
	Mianwali	46.44±0.37ab	51.58±0.47ab	39.51±0.14	6.03±0.20ab	0.32±0.00bcde	25.59±0.67abc	6.82±0.29
	Mushki	44.09±0.35c	50.45±0.19bcd	38.60±0.40	5.55±0.16bc	0.34±0.01b	23.86±0.79e	7.69±0.32
	Peshawari	46.81±0.37a	51.26±0.32abc	39.90±0.16	6.18±0.06a	0.36±0.02a	26.20±0.40a	8.08±0.18
Source of Variation			P-value
LR		0.0023	0.0212	0.6908	0.1223	0.0003	0.0367	0.3512
AV		0.0010	0.0037	0.6955	0.0020	0.0039	0.0041	0.3005
LR × AV		0.0159	0.0040	0.3389	0.7413	0.0877	0.0071	0.8715

• Values and standard units of all parameters have been mentioned as M±SE, superscripted alphabets represent significant (p≤0.05) variations, wherein a>b>c…

Table 3
Impact of various lysine regimens, Aseel varieties and their interactions on egg quality traits in native Aseel pullets.

Variables		Albumen width (mm)	Albumen pH	Albumen index (%)	Yolk weight (g)	Yolk height (mm)	Yolk color	Yolk pH
Lysine Levels (%)/Regimens (LR)
1.3 (L1)		52.69±0.26	7.65±0.02	13.30±0.29	14.19±0.16	16.65±0.22b	5.38±0.11	6.47±0.03
1.4-1.2 (L2)		52.79±0.37	7.61±0.03	13.53±0.37	14.46±0.27	16.98±0.21ab	5.52±0.09	6.43±0.02
1.5-1.3-1.1 (L3)		53.09±0.41	7.66±0.04	14.19±0.15	14.41±0.14	17.22±0.15a	5.44±0.15	6.46±0.03
Aseel Varieties (AV)
Lakha		52.54±0.24b	7.68±0.03	13.25±0.30	14.61±0.18	16.55±0.17b	5.39±0.17	6.45±0.02
Mianwali		52.47±0.32b	7.66±0.04	13.49±0.23	14.00±0.26	16.91±0.20b	5.56±0.13	6.39±0.03
Mushki		52.08±0.28b	7.62±0.04	13.84±0.42	14.45±0.21	16.65±0.25b	5.33±0.17	6.49±0.02
Peshawari		54.33±0.30a	7.58±0.03	14.10±0.39	14.35±0.23	17.68±0.12a	5.50±0.06	6.48±0.03
Lysine Levels (%)/Regimens × Aseel Varieties (LR × AV)
1.3 (L1)	Lakha	52.91±0.14cd	7.66±0.05	13.35±0.46	14.13±0.23	16.28±0.14de	5.08±0.17	6.46±0.07
	Mianwali	51.84±0.37d	7.67±0.03	12.58±0.36	13.95±0.21	16.90±0.14abcd	5.58±0.36	6.47±0.08
	Mushki	52.60±0.73cd	7.60±0.06	14.13±0.36	14.62±0.43	15.81±0.17e	5.25±0.14	6.47±0.04
	Peshawari	53.40±0.40c	7.66±0.04	13.09±049	14.04±0.42	17.60±0.35ab	5.58±0.08	6.49±0.04
1.4-1.2 (L2)	Lakha	52.74±0.36cd	7.67±0.07	13.48±0.45	15.11±0.07	16.21±0.15de	5.67±0.22	6.42±0.02
	Mianwali	51.90±0.09d	7.63±0.08	13.91±0.18	13.51±0.67	16.68±0.50bcd	5.50±0.14	6.38±0.05
	Mushki	51.82±0.28d	7.58±0.07	13.58±0.49	14.35±0.35	17.32±0.20abc	5.58±0.30	6.49±0.02
	Peshawari	54.70±0.33ab	7.54±0.03	13.98±1.33	14.86±0.49	17.69±0.18a	5.33±0.08	6.42±0.07
1.5-1.3-1.1 (L3)	Lakha	51.98±0.53d	7.70±0.07	13.96±0.14	14.59±0.29	17.15±0.20abc	5.42±0.42	6.47±0.03
	Mianwali	53.67±0.18bc	7.68±0.09	13.51±1.03	14.54±0.24	17.15±0.39abc	5.58±0.22	6.34±0.03
	Mushki	51.82±0.35d	7.69±0.11	14.06±0.55	14.37±0.45	16.80±0.25bcd	5.17±0.44	6.51±0.04
	Peshawari	54.88±0.36a	7.56±0.02	14.74±0.35	14.15±0.12	17.76±0.15a	5.58±0.08	6.53±0.07
Source of Variation		P-value
LR		0.3169	0.5220	0.4726	0.5476	0.0177	0.7219	0.4559
AV		<.0001	0.3577	0.6811	0.2520	<.0001	0.7018	0.1330
LR × AV		0.0029	0.8580	0.8718	0.1993	0.0274	0.6527	0.5942

• Values and standard units of all parameters have been mentioned as M±SE, superscripted alphabets represent significant (p≤0.05) variations, wherein a>b>c…

Table 4
Impact of various lysine regimens, Aseel varieties and their interactions on egg quality traits in native Aseel pullets.

Variables		Yolk diameter (mm)	Yolk index (%)	Haugh unit score	Shell (%)	Albumen (%)	Yolk (%)
Lysine Levels (%)/Regimens (LR)
1.3 (L1)		39.52±0.18	42.24±0.67b	99.76±0.53	12.62±0.14	54.54±0.35	32.01±0.29
1.4-1.2 (L2)		39.26±0.13	43.27±0.53ab	102.09±0.87	12.58±0.21	54.81±0.58	32.00±0.53
1.5-1.3-1.1 (L3)		39.47±0.33	43.73±0.51a	103.79±0.48	12.83±0.16	54.76±0.47	31.79±0.44
Aseel Varieties (AV)
Lakha		39.25±0.20	42.27±0.49b	100.68±0.74	12.31±0.12c	54.37±0.34	32.80±0.32a
Mianwali		39.31±0.17	43.06±0.59ab	101.5±0.74	12.85±0.25ab	55.47±0.63	31.08±0.53b
Mushki		39.32±0.40	42.50±0.96b	101.69±1.07	12.49±0.17bc	54.08±0.55	32.59±0.41a
Peshawari		39.78±0.20	44.48±0.33a	103.65±0.90	13.08±0.13a	54.89±0.53	31.27±0.42b
Lysine Levels (%)/Regimens × Aseel Varieties (LR × AV)
1.3 (L1)	Lakha	39.54±0.12	41.35±0.46bc	98.88±0.80	12.18±0.13	55.12±0.57	32.18±0.73
	Mianwali	39.05±0.36	43.34±0.77ab	100.05±0.67	12.71±0.13	54.62±0.46	31.89±0.45
	Mushki	40.07±0.52	39.61±0.95c	103.10±0.90	12.54±0.11	54.03±0.58	32.44±0.47
	Peshawari	39.42±0.27	44.64±0.82a	99.33±0.92	13.14±0.35	54.40±0.35	31.54±0.85
1.4-1.2 (L2)	Lakha	38.98±0.16	41.63±0.55abc	101.74±1.11	12.14±0.21	53.77±0.58	33.61±0.16
	Mianwali	39.18±0.24	42.59±1.48abc	103.43±0.50	12.88±0.67	56.85±1.46	29.89±1.25
	Mushki	39.36±0.29	44.06±0.51ab	99.84±1.44	12.35±0.47	54.28±1.08	32.56±0.44
	Peshawari	39.50±0.36	44.78±0.59a	102.52±2.97	12.95±0.17	54.36±0.91	31.93±0.80
1.5-1.3-1.1 (L3)	Lakha	39.24±0.59	43.82±0.72ab	102.70±0.92	12.62±0.20	54.23±0.47	32.61±0.38
	Mianwali	39.71±0.20	43.26±1.12ab	100.98±1.13	12.97±0.53	54.95±1.00	31.46±0.75
	Mushki	38.53±1.01	43.83±1.90ab	104.06±1.34	12.57±0.30	53.93±1.46	32.77±1.25
	Peshawari	40.40±0.05	44.01±0.37ab	105.92±0.69	13.16±0.21	55.92±0.50	30.33±0.19
Source of Variation	P-value
LR		0.6559	0.0997	0.3210	0.5621	0.9111	0.8916
AV		0.4226	0.0409	0.4553	0.0419	0.3005	0.0130
LR × AV		0.1272	0.0267	0.8674	0.9896	0.4397	0.2385

• Values and standard units of all parameters have been mentioned as M±SE, superscripted alphabets represent significant (p≤0.05) variations, wherein a>b>c…

Regarding egg shell quality parameters shell weight (5.86±0.10g) and thickness (0.34±0.01mm) was also significantly greater in birds of L3 lysine regimen and Peshawari variety than those of other regimens and varieties, respectively. Differences in egg weight values in L1, L2 and L3 might be due to differences in ovulation and oviposition time (Gilbert, 1969; Etches, 1990; Alzenbarakji, 2011). Novak et al. (2004), in their study on Dekalb Delta laying hens also found that the percentage weight of wet shell was not affected by lysine and total sulfur amino acid (TSAA), while dry weight decreased when concentrations of lysine and TSAA were increased. According to them the decreased shell quality was associated with the increased synthesis of shell membranes rather than shell with less shell availability per unit area. However, another study proved that shell weight and percentage would not be affected when TSAA level was increased from 624 to 822mg/hen/day (Shafer et al., 1996). The same effect of increasing TSAA on shell weight was also observed by Scheideler & Elliot (1998). Albumen weight (25.03±0.37g), height (7.53±0.12mm), diameter (53.09±0.41mm) and index (14.19±0.15%) of birds reared on L3 was also significantly higher than those of L2 and L1 (Table 2 and 3). Albumen quality is inter-dependent upon many factors where temperature and storage time are the most crucial one (Samli et al., 2005). Significantly improved albumen weight was also reported by Garcia et al. (2005) in their study on Japanese quails fed with different levels of protein and lysine. As albumen height is the measure of egg quality and according to Khajali et al. (2008) the albumen height was not significantly (p≤0.05) influenced when Hy-Line W36 hens were fed with reduced CP at constant TSAA to lysine ratio. Albumen height was found to decrease when kept stored for longer periods of time (Jones & Musgroove, 2005). Significantly higher albumen height in L3 regimen is an indicator of good quality protein which was supplied through diet, while decrease in albumen height occurred as the eggs were aged (Silversides & Scott, 2001). As albumen index is a measure of the quality or freshness of an egg, and like our study, significant (p≤0.05) outcomes of albumen height, diameter, and index were reported by Muhammad et al. (2016) when Japanese quails were fed with 15, 20 and 25% CP levels. Similarly, significant variations were depicted in birds of L2 and L3 for yolk weight which was 14.46±0.27 and 14.41±0.14g (both L2 and L3 were statistically non-significant), while yolk height was higher (p≤0.05) in L3 than L2 and L1 lysine regimens. The varieties among yolk weight (14.61±0.18g) and height (17.68±0.12mm) was shown by Lakha and Peshawari, respectively (Table 3). Contrarily, non-significant impact of various lysine levels was observed in Japanese quails with respect to yolk weight, height, color and index by Muhammad et al. (2016), while significant influence was reported by Garcia et al. (2005) on yolk percentage and even increase in yolk percentage with decreased level of protein was reported by Novak et al. (2008).

However, contrary to our findings significant influence of protein levels with respect to yolk color was described by Gunawardana et al. (2008). Significant (p≤0.05) variations were also found in Haugh unit score among lysine regimens and Aseel varieties, among lysine regimens wherein highest score value of Haugh unit, 103.79±0.48 was found in birds reared on L3 followed by L2 (102.09±0.87) and L1 (99.76±0.53). Among varieties of Aseel, Peshawari showed the highest Haugh unit score than other varieties (Table 4). Haugh unit score is a measure of egg protein quality based on the height of its egg white (albumen). This test was introduced by Raymond Haugh in 1937 and is considered as an important industry measure of egg quality next to other measures such as shell thickness and strength (Chang & Chen, 2000). Sá et al. (2007) reported that there is no influence of varying lysine (digestible) concentrations on Haugh units. Non-significant differences were observed in lysine regimens and Aseel varieties with respect to albumen and yolk pH, yolk color, diameter as well as percent shell, albumen and yolk weight (Table 4). Gunawardana et al. (2008) demonstrated a positive impact of various dietary lysine regimens on egg composition, solids and quality of commercial brown pullets and these results were contradictory with those of Karunajeewa et al. (1987). Jardim-Filho et al. (2010) suggested a level of 600mg/kg lysine and 15.8% CP during 24-48 weeks of age for light laying hens to produce eggs of good quality. However, a level of at least 759 mg/hen/day on an average of digestible lysine or 14mg lysine/egg gram was recommended by Rocha et al. (2009) for light laying hens during 24-40 weeks of age. According to Ding et al. (2016), the change in protein source and quantity had potential effect on albumen, yolk weight and color.

The yolk percentage is a linear measure of dietary CP at each phase indicating the interrelated association with albumen synthesis at lower levels of CP. The yolk synthesis occurs in liver and is stored in ovum till ovulation and is least affected by decreasing dietary CP levels (Novak et al., 2006). Our findings of Haugh units are in close agreement with those of Shim et al. (2013) where they also reported the significant (p≤0.05) impact of balanced dietary protein levels on Haugh units in commercial layers during 47-54 and 63-70^th week of age.

CONCLUSION

Based upon the findings of the current study, it can be concluded that provision of1.5, 1.3, 1.1% dietary lysine during early ages of life (1-2, 3-4 and 5-6 weeks, respectively) in Aseel birds has a positive effect on their subsequent egg traits. Additionally, the above mentioned lysine regimen (L3) interacted well with the Peshawari variety showing more pronounced improvement in egg quality. However, to achieve an improvement in persisting performance of Aseel, a detailed research work is still required.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akram (Late), Ex-Dean, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, UVAS, Lahore, is greatly acknowledged for his marvelous contribution during the planning of the present research project and also the cooperation extended by UVAS administration to provide the research facilities at Indigenous Chicken Genetic Resource Centre, Department of Poultry Production, Ravi Campus, Pattoki.

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Oct-Dec 2018

History

• Received
  21 Feb 2018
• Accepted
  16 July 2018