Effect of Supplementation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Powder on Body Weight Gain and Egg Quality in Layers

Abstract

Background: As the demand for natural and sustainable solutions in poultry production continues to rise, ashwagandha root powder presents itself as a promising avenue for improving egg quality while aligning with consumer preferences for wholesome and nutritious products. Therefore, research trial was conducted to study the effect of supplementation of ashwagandha root powder on body weight gain and egg quality in layers during a period of 10 weeks. Methodology: One hundred and twenty White Leghorn layers were randomly divided into four treatments and reared on standard managemental conditions. The Ashwagandha root powder was supplemented with the basal diet at 0.5% level (T1), 1% (T2), 1.5 % (T3) while T0 was kept as control i.e. basal diet without ashwagandha root powder. The feed and water were offered ad libitum to experimental birds. Design used: The design of the experiment was a completely randomized design. Duncans multiple range test was used to determine significant difference among means for different treatments. Results: The result noted that the body weight change was not affected by ashwagandha root powder supplementation. Egg quality parameters viz., egg shape index, shell weight, yolk weight, yolk height, albumen weight and albumen index were not influenced by the addition of ashwagandha root powder. However, a significant (p<0.05) effect was observed on yolk index.  No significant (p>0.05) difference was seen in the sensory attributes of the egg. It may be suggested that inclusion of ashwagandha root powder in the diets of layer can be improve yolk index without affecting sensory attributes of eggs in layer.