The effects of crude oil contaminated feeds on the yield and quality of eggs of poultry birds (Gallus domesticus)

Abstract

The effects of the ingestion of oil-contaminated feeds an egg production of poultry birds (Gallus domesticus) were investigated. The results indicated that those birds which ingested the treated feeds laid means of 5.0, 2.7 and 1.9 eggs for the 0.75ml/300g, 15ml/300g and 3.0ml/300g treatment levels, while the control laid 8.0 eggs per ten (10) birds per day. The weights of the eggs of the control (52.19+1.73g) were significantly higher than the treated cases, which were 56.29g; 61.83; and 64.57g for treatments 1, 2 and 3 respectively (P<=0.05). The mean albumen height also varied significantly with 6.06cm for the control and 5.49,5.68 and 5.30cm for T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Also the Haugh Unit ranged from 83.96 for the control to 71.52, 70.01 and 69.01 for T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The egg shell thickness for the control (0.34cm) was significantly higher than the treatment values of 0.23cm,0.20cm and 0.19cm for T1, T2 and T3, yolk index analysis showed significantly higher value for the control 1.18 compared to 1.0, 0.99 and 1.0 for T1, T2 andT3. These effects would collectively affect the quality of the egg, survival of the embryo and their hatchability. It would also increase the chances of egg spoilage and reduce their market value. The speedy clean up of oil polluted areas is suggested as a means of reducing the overall impact an birds.