Effects of Different Fermbiotic Diets on Laying Performance, Egg Quality and Pre and Post Hatch Performance in the Helmet Guinea Fowls (Numida Meleagris)

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of different fermbiotic diets on laying performance, egg quality, and reproductive traits of helmeted guinea fowl hens. Five dietary treatments were evaluated: a basal control (T0) and four fermented basal diets supplemented with probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus) plus prebiotics inulin (T1), fructo-oligosaccharide (T2), xylo-oligosaccharide (T3), or mannan oligosaccharide (T4). A total of 45 hens were allocated to these treatments with 3 hens per replicate. Results demonstrated significant improvements (P<0.05) in hen-day laying rate, egg uniformity, and feed conversion efficiency in T1, T3, and T4 compared to the control, with T1 achieving the highest laying rate (64.79%). Egg weight and dimensions were influenced by diet, though egg shape index remained unaffected. Internal egg quality traits varied significantly: T0, T1, and T4 supported higher yolk ratios, while T2 and T3 enhanced albumen ratios. Eggshell thickness was greatest in T0 and T3, whereas T1 produced thinner shells. Egg mass was significantly higher in T3 and T4, consistent with their superior feed-to-egg ratios. Fertility and hatchability rates were not significantly affected, but incubation duration and early embryonic mortality differed among treatments. T4 exhibited the longest incubation period (29 days) and zero late embryonic mortality, while T1 showed the highest early embryonic death (87.5%) and T3 the lowest (11.1%). Chick weight at hatch and survival rates were unaffected. Overall, fermbiotic diets, particularly those containing MOS and XOS, enhanced laying performance, egg quality, and feed efficiency, while also supporting embryo viability, underscoring their potential for sustainable guinea fowl egg production