Effect of dietary supplementation of a phytogenic blend containing , , and on productivity, egg quality, and health parameters in laying hens

Abstract

Objective This study was conducted to investigate the supplementary effect of a phytogenic blend (SPA: a mixture containing fermented Schisandra chinensis pomace, fermented Pinus densiflora needle extract, and Allium tuberosum powder in the ratio of 2:2:1) on egg production, egg quality, blood constituents, and visceral organs in laying hens. Methods A total of 135 Hy-line brown laying hens (48-wk-old) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments with 5 replicates of 9 hens. The control group (CON) was fed a basal diet (no exogenous SPA addition) and the experimental groups were fed the basal diet containing SPA at the level of 0.1% and 0.3% for 6 weeks. Results The feed intake was significantly improved in SPA supplemented groups as compared with the control (p0.05). For egg quality traits, only Haugh unit (HU) was significantly improved in SPA (0.3%) (p0.05). Furthermore, SPA supplementation did not affect the blood biochemical constituents except for the phosphate content, which was significantly higher in SPA groups than the CON group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in visceral organ characteristics and immune indicators (immunoglobulin A [IgA], IgG, and IgM) in SPA or CON groups. Conclusion This study suggested that the supplementation of SPA may have beneficial effects on feed intake and egg quality in laying hens.

Keywords

• laying hens
• fermented pomace
• needle extract
• feed additive