Effects of a commercial Bacillus subtilis supplementation on late lay hen performance, egg quality, and microbial communities

Abstract

SUMMARY: Egg production and quality decline as laying hens age. To mitigate performance decline, direct-fed microbials are commonly used as feed additives; however, results are not consistent. This study examined the effects of feeding Q-biotic 1DP, a Bacillus subtilis strain, to hens on egg production and egg quality during late lay (>60 wk of age). Data from this study revealed that dietary supplementation of Q-biotic 1DP increased hen-day egg production and egg weight but did not alter feed conversion ratio, hen body weight, mortality, or hen microbial communities. Egg quality was significantly declined; however, all values were found to be within line standards. Therefore, Q-biotic 1DP could be a viable method of maintaining production in late lay hens.

Keywords

• laying hens
• Bacillus subtilis
• late lay egg production
• probiotic