Muhammad Askari Zakariah 1*, Alima Bachtiar Abdullahi 2, Nurul Amin 3, Failal Ulfi Mauliah 4, Ahmad Muhklis Ramdani 1, Edi Usman 4, Ikbal 4, Nurfaillah 4, Muh Fikriadi Darwis 4, Rifaldi 4, Pardawati , Andi Faisal 5 and Vill Janna Ningzi 5
1Department of Animal Science, Universitas Sains Islam Al Mawaddah Warrahmah Kolaka, Kolaka 93511, Indonesia; 2Department of Animal Science, Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Pangkajene Kepulauan, Pangkep 90671, Indonesia; 3Department of Animal Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Parepare, Parepare 91214, Indonesia; 4Department of Health, Universitas Sains Islam Al Mawaddah Warrahmah Kolaka, Kolaka 93511, Indonesia; 5Department of Agribusiness, Universitas Sains Islam Al Mawaddah Warrahmah Kolaka, Kolaka 93511, Indonesia; 5Department of Management Education, Islamic Universitas Sains Islam Al Mawaddah Warrahmah Kolaka, Kolaka 93511, Indonesia; 6Department of English, Universitas Sains Islam Al Mawaddah Warrahmah Kolaka, Kolaka 93511, Indonesia
*Corresponding author: askari@usimar.ac.id
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different commercial multivitamin supplements on feed intake and egg production performance of laying hens under tropical environmental conditions in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. A total of 1,300 Isa Brown hens were observed for 12 consecutive weeks in a commercial layer farm managed under a semi-intensive production system. Four commercial multivitamin formulations, namely Vita stress®, d, Kumavit®, and Fortevit®, were administered through drinking water according to the farm’s supplementation schedule. Weekly data on feed intake (g/bird/day) and egg production rate (%) were collected and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a significance level of P<0.05. The results showed that vitamin supplementation significantly influenced feed intake and egg production performance. Hens supplemented with Vita stress® showed the highest feed intake (111.57 ± 2.88 g/bird/day) and egg production rate (92.44 ± 0.35%) compared with the other supplementation groups (P<0.05). The improved performance observed in the Vita stress® group may be associated with its balanced vitamin–electrolyte composition, which supports nutrient utilization and physiological stability under tropical conditions. In contrast, the lower performance observed in the Fortevit® and Egg stimulant® groups may be related to differences in formulation composition and antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, commercial multivitamin supplementation can help maintain laying performance under hot and humid environmental conditions. Among the tested formulations, Vita stress® showed the most favorable effect on feed intake and egg production, suggesting its potential application for improving layer productivity in tropical farming systems.