Effects of Coarsely Ground Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum Graecum) Seeds Supplementation on Fertility, Hatchability and Chick Quality in White Leghorn Hens

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of coarsely ground fenugreek seed (CGFS) on fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality and chick quality of White Leghorn (WL) layers over 12 weeks period at Haramaya University Poultry Farm. Five dietary treatments were formulated with CGFS inclusion levels of 0% (T1), 0.5% (T2), 1% (T3), 1.5% (T4), and 2% (T5). A total of 210 birds (180 layers and 30 cocks), aged 42 weeks with a uniform body weight (1123.9 ± 21.23 (mean±SE)) were randomly assigned to the five treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated three times, with 12 layers and two cocks per replicate, housed in a deep litter system. Data collected from the study includes fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, and chick quality. A total of 300 eggs were selected for incubation. Chick weight at day-old significantly increased (P<0.01) with CGFS inclusion levels, with values for T3 (33.78±0.383g), T4 (34.37±0.383g), and T5 (34.82±0.383g) exceeding those for T1 (32.44±0.383g) and T2 (32.96±0.383g). Similarly, chick length at day-old was significantly higher (P<0.001) in T4 (16.47.8±0.094cm) and T5 (16.98±0.094cm) compared to T1 (15.68±0.094cm), T2 (15.91±0.094cm) and T3 (15.96±0.09 cm). Fertility, hatchability and embryonic mortality were not significantly affected by treatments (P>0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of fenugreek seeds in the diets of WL layers had no adverse effects on fertility, hatchability, or embryonic mortality. Notably, it significantly improves chick weight and chick length, suggesting its potential as a beneficial dietary supplement for enhancing chick quality.