Effect of Dietary Casein Phosphopeptide Addition on the Egg Production Performance, Egg Quality, and Eggshell Ultrastructure of Late Laying Hens

Abstract

(1) Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary casein phosphopeptide (CPP) supplementation on the egg production performance of late laying hens and the resulting egg quality and eggshell ultrastructure. (2) Methods: A total of 800 laying hens aged 58 weeks were randomly assigned into 5 groups with 8 replicates of 20 hens each. The hens were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control, T1), 0.5 (T2), 1.0 (T3), 1.5 (T4), and 2.0 (T5) g/kg CPP for 9 weeks. (3) Results: Dietary CPP supplementation was found to be beneficial for improving eggshell quality. The spoiled egg rate of the experimental groups was lower than that of the control group (linear and quadratic effect, p p p p p p p p < 0.05). (4) Conclusion: In summary, 0.5–1.0 g/kg CPP supplementation reduced the spoiled egg rate, enhanced the yolk and eggshell colors, increased the thickness of the effective layer, and the calcium and iron contents in the eggshell.

Keywords

• casein phosphopeptide
• egg quality
• eggshell ultrastructure
• laying hen performance