EFFECTS OF SUNLIGHT INTENSITY ON CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTION, SAMARU, ZARIA, NIGERIA
EFFECTS OF SUNLIGHT INTENSITY ON CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTION, SAMARU, ZARIA, NIGERIA
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Date
2015-12
Authors
SHEHU, Hadiza Ahmad
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Abstract
An empirical analysis of the Effects of variations in sunlight intensity and chicken egg production was carried out in Samaru, Zaria in Nigeria. The aim of study was achieved by determining the effect of variations in sunlight intensity on the number of eggs, weight and amount of cracked eggs produced. It was carried out using data record on daily illumination obtained from three experimental units in a deep litter animal husbandry with sunlight intensity of low ranging 5 to < 20 lux, moderate ranging 20 to < 200 lux and high ranging 200 lux above. Data on daily record of eggs over a period of 20 weeks were collected and analyzed through a random selection of 60 laying hens of 35 weeks old. While data on poultry feed intake as well as mortality were collected.The results of the analysis using both descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean, multiple analysis of variance showed that variations in sunlight intensity had superiority over the low illumunance resulting in more eggs being laid in high illuminace. There was also relationship between sunlight intensity and number of eggs and weight of eggs produced when subjected to higher illuminance with no significance in the amount of cracked eggs produced. In order to improve poultry productivity in Samaru based on the findings in this research, it is recommended that, there is need for poultry farmers to increase the minimum illuminance to 200 lux and above. Poultry farmers need to establish appropriate housing and sanitation practices for continuous penetration of light. For existing husbandries, there is also need to improve the light intensity by adjusting the 0.9m to less than 0.3m wall with wire mesh not less than 2m height.
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A DISSERTATION SUBMITED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF A MASTER DEGREE IN GEOGRAPHY. DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY, FACULTY OF SCIENCE, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA.
Keywords
EFFECTS,, SUNLIGHT INTENSITY,, CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTION,, SAMARU,, ZARIA,, NIGERIA,