Journal of Applied Poultry Research (Sep 2023)

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

  • C. DeLeon,
  • M.L. Wiersema,
  • M. Araba,
  • T. Lohrmann,
  • D.A. Koltes

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 32, no. 3
p. 100361

Abstract

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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.

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