Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of Tithonia diversifolia meal (TDM) inclusion in rations for laying hens of the first cycle on productive variables. 192 white Bovans hens, 30 weeks of age and 11 weeks in production were randomized into 4 treatments (control, 5%, 10%, and 15% TDM inclusion) with 4 repetitions each. During 10 weeks of trial, the productive variables were evaluated. The results were analyzed by statistical design of repeated measurements over time and multiple regression analysis for the variables. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) for egg weight, feed conversion, percentage of a broken egg, in coltsfoot and dirty; percentage of egg-lying and egg mass groups with TDM presented values lower than the control (P<0.05). Food consumption in treatments 5 and 10% was greater than the control (P<0.05). According to the results obtained under the work conditions, it is concluded that Tithonia diversifolia meal can be considered an alternative for the feeding laying hens up to a 10% inclusion level without affecting the production variables.

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