scholarly journals Effect of the Pellet and Mash Feed Forms on the Productive Performance, Egg Quality, Nutrient Metabolism, and Intestinal Morphology of Two Laying Hen Breeds

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 701
Author(s):  
Yi Wan ◽  
Ruiyu Ma ◽  
Anam Khalid ◽  
Lilong Chai ◽  
Renrong Qi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Villus Height ◽  
Nutrient Metabolism ◽  
Feed Form

One of the most important factors that determine feed utilization by chickens is the feed form. Although it is generally believed that pellet diets have a positive effect on chicken growth, there are some studies that have indicated no difference between pellet and mash on chickens performance. This study was conducted to assess the effects of feed form on production performance, egg quality, nutrient metabolism and intestinal morphology in two breed laying hens. Two hundred and sixteen 25-week-old Hy-Line brown (n = 108) and Hy-Line grey (n = 108) hens were selected. Each breed was randomly allocated into two treatments with 6 replications (9 birds in each replication), which were fed mash and pellet diets, respectively. Production performances were recorded daily and egg quality traits were measured every two weeks. At 42 weeks of age, one bird per replication from each experimental group was selected for metabolism determination and intestine morphology observation. Compared with mash diets, pellet diets improved laying rate (p < 0.05), ADFI (average daily feed intake, p < 0.05), egg weight, shell strength, yolk proportion and Haugh unit (p < 0.05) in both breeds and reduced the FCR (feed conversion ratio, p < 0.05) in Hy-Line grey. The apparent digestibility of DM% (dry matter) and CP% (crude protein) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in both breed laying hens fed pellet than those fed mash. The apparent digestibility of P% (phosphorus) and Ca% (calcium) was higher in Hy-Line grey fed pellet and was higher in Hy-Line brown fed mash. Compared to mash diets, pellet diets increased the VH (villus height), CD (crypt depth) and VCR (ratio of villus height to crypt depth) of the small intestine of Hy-Line grey, and increased the VH and CD of duodenum and ileum of Hy-Line brown. Overall, pellet diets improved production performance and nutrition metabolism through positive changes in the laying rate, feed intake, egg albumen quality and apparent digestibility of laying hens. The current findings provided support for the advantages of feeding pellets during the peak egg laying period for the two popular laying hen strains, Hy-Line brown and Hy-Line grey.

scholarly journals Effects of Different Non-Cage Housing Systems on the Production Performance, Serum Parameters and Intestinal Morphology of Laying Hens

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1673
Author(s):  
Yi Wan ◽  
Huan Yang ◽  
Hongyi Zhang ◽  
Ruiyu Ma ◽  
Renrong Qi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Morphological Observation ◽  
Villus Height ◽  
Serum Parameters ◽  
Antioxidative Status ◽  
Laying Performance

This study investigated the effects of plastic-net housing system (NRS) and floor-litter housing system (LRS) on the production performance, serum parameters and intestinal morphology of Shendan laying hens. A total of 1200 30-week-old hens were randomly allocated to the NRS and LRS groups, each of which included five replicates with 120 chickens in each replicate. The experiment was conducted from 32 to 40 weeks of age. Indoor airborne parameters were measured every 2 weeks, and indoor ground contamination was measured monthly. The laying rate and mortality of hens were recorded daily, and egg quality traits and serum parameters were measured every 2 weeks. At 40 weeks of age, four birds per replicate from each experimental group were selected for intestinal morphological observation. The results showed that the airborne bacteria number in the LRS was significantly higher than that in the NRS (p < 0.05) for most of the experimental period (except at 32 and 38 weeks of age), and the bacterial numbers on the surfaces of the floor and floor eggs in the LRS were approximately 10 times higher than those in the NRS (p < 0.05). Compared with the LRS, the NRS improved the laying rate (p < 0.05), reduced serum malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations and increased serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, indicating favourable effects on antioxidative status. The NRS was significantly associated with an increased villus height (VH), villus height to crypt depth ratio (VCR) in the small intestine (p < 0.05) and increased VCR in the caecum (p < 0.05). Overall, the lower rate of bacterial contamination in the NRS than in the LRS indicated better environmental hygiene. The NRS enhanced the laying performance and antioxidant capacity of hens and was superior to the LRS in improving intestinal health. The current findings support the advantages of the NRS for the health and welfare of Shendan chickens during the peak laying period.

scholarly journals Mitigation Effects of Bentonite and Yeast Cell Wall Binders on AFB1, DON, and OTA Induced Changes in Laying Hen Performance, Egg Quality, and Health

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 156
Author(s):  
Ling Zhao ◽  
Yue Feng ◽  
Jing-Tao Wei ◽  
Meng-Xiang Zhu ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Liver Weight ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Villus Height ◽  
Crypt Depth ◽  
Induced Changes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of mycotoxin binders in reducing the adverse effects of co-occurring dietary aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) on laying hens. Three hundred and sixty 26-week-old Roman laying hens were randomly allocated into four experimental groups with 10 replicates of nine birds each. The four groups received either a basal diet (BD; Control), a BD supplemented with 0.15 mg/kg AFB1 + 1.5 mg/kg DON + 0.12 mg/kg OTA (Toxins), a BD + Toxins with Toxo-HP binder (Toxins + HP), or a BD + Toxins with TOXO XL binder (Toxins + XL) for 12 weeks. Compared to the control, dietary supplementation of mycotoxins decreased (P < 0.10) total feed intake, total egg weight, and egg-laying rate, but increased feed/egg ratio by 2.5–6.1% and mortality during various experimental periods. These alterations induced by mycotoxins were alleviated by supplementation with both TOXO HP and XL binders (P < 0.10). Furthermore, dietary mycotoxins reduced (P < 0.05) eggshell strength by 12.3% and caused an accumulation of 249 μg/kg of DON in eggs at week 12, while dietary supplementation with TOXO HP or XL mitigated DON-induced changes on eggshell strength and prevented accumulation of DON in eggs (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary mycotoxins increased relative liver weight, but decreased spleen and proventriculus relative weights by 11.6–22.4% (P < 0.05). Mycotoxin exposure also increased alanine aminotransferase activity and reduced immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgM, and IgG concentrations in serum by 9.2–26.1% (P < 0.05). Additionally, mycotoxin exposure induced histopathological damage and reduced villus height, villus height/crypt depth, and crypt depth in duodenum, jejunum and (or) ileum (P < 0.05). Notably, most of these histological changes were mitigated by supplementation with both TOXO HP and XL (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the mycotoxin binders TOXO HP and XL can help to mitigate the combined effects of AFB1, DON, and OTA on laying hen performance, egg quality, and health.

scholarly journals Productivity and Egg Quality of Two Commercial Layer Hybrids Kept in Free-Range System

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
pp. 1444
Author(s):  
Muhittin Tutkun ◽  
Muzaffer Denli ◽  
Ramazan Demirel
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Poultry House ◽  
Free Range

The purpose of this study was to compare the performance and egg quality parameters of two layer hybrids (Lohmann Brown and Atak-S) which were reared in free-range system. The experiment was carried out with a total of 300 laying hens. From 18 to 50 weeks of age Lohmann Brown (LB) and Atak-S (AS) were housed in two groups of 150 hens in a poultry house with a stocking density of 7 hens/m2. The 2 trial groups were formed from 10 repetitions each consisting of 15 hens. At the 20, 30, 40 and 50 weeks of ages, the production performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated. Mean daily feed intake and feed efficiency through the trial were 111.2 g vs 124.3 g, and 2.46 vs 2.58 respectively for LB and AS hybrids (P

Supplementation of organic minerals and its effect on production performance and egg quality of laying hens

2020 ◽  
pp. 12-16
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Egg Shell ◽  
Organic Minerals

The present study was conducted to find the effect of different levels of organic minerals on egg production and egg quality of laying hens. A total of 45 laying hens were selected and divided into three groups with 3 replicates of 5 birds each. The control group was provided with commercial ration having inorganic minerals and the other two groups were supplemented with organic minerals at the rate of 7.5 (OM-50) and 15 mg/kg (OM-100). The experiment lasted for 5 weeks including 1 week of adaptation period. Overall feed intake was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the control. Significantly lower feed intake was recorded in group OM-100. Numerically lower (better) FCR was recorded in OM-100 at all recorded stages. Significantly (P<0.05) higher egg weight, egg shell weight and egg shell thickness was found in OM-100 compared to the control. Similarly, albumin height, Haugh unit and yolk weight were significantly (P<0.05) higher in M-100. It was concluded from the present results that organic minerals at the level of 50 and 100 mg/kg improved the performance and egg quality of laying hens. However, better results were found in OM-100.

scholarly journals The Effects of Supplementing Lysophosphatidylcholine in Diet on Production Performance, Egg Quality and Intestinal Morphology of Laying Hens

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 238-243
Author(s):  
Witchanun Juntanapum ◽  
Theerawit Poeikhamph ◽  
Kanokporn Poungpong ◽  
Choawit Rakangthon ◽  
Pudcharaporn Kromkhun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Production Performance

scholarly journals Dietary Soybean Oil Supplementation Affects Keel Bone Characters and Daily Feed Intake but Not Egg Production and Quality in Laying Hens Housed in Furnished Cages

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haidong Wei ◽  
Lei Pan ◽  
Chun Li ◽  
Peng Zhao ◽  
Jianhong Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Soybean Oil ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Bone Health ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Trabecular Thickness ◽  
Bone Length

To evaluate dietary soybean oil supplementation on production performance, egg quality, and keel bone health in laying hens. Two hundred and four laying hens at 20 weeks of age (WOA) were distributed into 12 cages containing 17 birds each. Birds were either fed a commercial diet (control group, CON) or a diet supplemented with 3% of soybean oil (SO group). Experiments lasted 17 weeks. Body weight, daily feed intake, production performance and egg quality were measured at 25, 29, 33, and 37 WOA. Birds were subsequently assessed for keel bone status by palpation, and keel was excised to measure bone length, microstructure, bone mineral density (BMD), elements contents, and the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), collagen type II alpha 1 (COL2α1), periostin (POSTN), and sclerostin (SOST). The results showed that dietary SO supplementation did not affect production performance and egg quality (P &gt; 0.05), but improved body weight of hens at 29 and 37 WOA (P &lt; 0.05), and decreased daily feed intake at 33 and 37 WOA (P &lt; 0.05). Incidence of keel bone damage (especially fracture) was higher in hens of SO group. Keel bone length in birds of SO group was significantly decreased compared to CON (P &lt; 0.05). Keel bone of supplemented hens showed increased trabecular separation at 29 WOA and higher levels of V, Mn, Fe, Se, and Ba at 33 WOA (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, decreased BMD, trabecular number and thickness were observed in keel bone of laying hens receiving supplementation at 29 and 37 WOA (P &lt; 0.05); decreased levels of Li, Ca, Hg, and TI at 33 WOA and trabecular thickness at 37 WOA (P &lt; 0.05) were also identified. mRNA levels of SOST and RANKL and the ratio of RANKL/OPG mRNA levels were increased in birds fed a SO-supplemented diet (P &lt; 0.05); COL2α1, OPG, and POSTN were downregulated at all sampling points (P &lt; 0.05). Taken together, results indicate that feeding laying hens a diet supplemented with soybean oil can decrease daily feed intake and impair keel bone health but not influence production performance and egg quality.

scholarly journals Effect of benzoic acid on production performance, egg quality, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbial community of laying hens

2021 ◽  
Vol 100 (1) ◽  
pp. 196-205
Author(s):  
Haojie Gong ◽  
Zengqiao Yang ◽  
Pietro Celi ◽  
Lei Yan ◽  
Xuemei Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Community ◽  
Benzoic Acid ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Production Performance

Effects of main cereal type and feed form on production performance, egg quality and egg sanitary indices of laying hens

2020 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-168
Author(s):  
Y. W. Zheng ◽  
L. H. Zhao ◽  
Y. M. Wei ◽  
Q. G. Ma ◽  
C. Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Feed Form
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