EFFECTS OF DIETARY VITAMIN C AND VITAMIN E ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LAYING HENS IN THE HUMID TROPICS

📄 Project Abstract

Human diets in tropical countries such as Nigeria are most often protein-poor, both quantitatively and qualitatively (Okeke et al., 1985; Ojewola, et al., 2004). For instance, the contemporary average per capita protein consumption in Nigeria is estimated at 7-10g (Oluremi et al., 2008; Okuneye, 2002). This estimate falls far below the FAO (1997) recommendation of 35g/caput/day. Meanwhile, it should be borne in mind that the Nigerian population on the other hand, continues to rise. Current demographic figures show that the total head count overshoots 140 million at a 3.0% annual growth rate (BBC News, 2006; Nigerian News, 2006), without a corresponding livestock population to match (FAO, 2005). To stabilize this situation, no improvement could be made in this country without an increase in food crops, livestock and fish farming. Even then, from the point of view of quality protein consumed, animal proteins by far outweigh proteins from crop sources (Obioha, 1992). Regrettably, there is...