Effect of cage space allowance on egg production, egg quality, immune responses and anti-oxidant variables in White Leghorn layers

A comprehensive study was conducted to optimise cage space allowance (CSA) for White Leghorn (WL) layers (65-80 weeks of age). For the purpose, a total 900 were housed in California colony cages an open sided poultry house at three different CSA (422, 563, 844 cm2/bird). Each studied with 20 replicates. The daily egg production (EP), feed intake (FI), efficiency (FE, FI/egg mass) and quality traits recorded end each 28d interval. Anti-oxidant responses like lipid peroxidation (LP) glutathione peroxidase, reductase superoxide dismutase blood measured 80 age. Similarly, antibody titres against ND vaccine cell mediated immune response (CMI) PHA- P variation did not influence EP, mass, weight gain shell thickness. FI reduced FE improved reduction CSA. However, density percentage increased increase LP higher activities anti-oxidant enzymes lower 422 cm2/bird as compared allowances. No effect on titre observed, while CMI cm2/ bird than other two It could be concluded that, though better cm2/b, trends antioxidant variables indicated 546 requirement WL under tropical regions.