Ferula eleaochytris powder effect in layer diet on laying performance and egg qualities

The present study was conducted to evaluate whether dietary Ferula eleaochytris powder would affect laying performance, egg quality and egg cholesterol level of Nick Brown layers. Thirty four weeks old layers were divided into 4 groups of similar mean weight, comprising 18 birds each. The birds were fed standard layer diets containing 0, 2, 4 or 8 g Ferula eleaochytris powder for 8 weeks period. The birds were housed in individual cages in a complete randomized design. A 16:8 hours light:dark photoperiod was employed. Feed and water were given ad libitum.The results showed that Ferula eleaochytris powder inclusion did not have significant (P>0.05) effects on body weight, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, egg yield (production), egg mass and egg weight. However, Ferula eleaochytris powder inclusion affected size index (P<0.05), increased plasma glucose concentration (P<0.05), decreased egg yolk cholesterol level (mg/g) (P<0.01). The results obtained in the experiment suggest that providing dietary Ferula eleaochytris powder, especially 3. , 4. and 5. weeks have decreased egg yolk cholesterol level to produce functional egg production (P<0.01), on the other hand Ferula eleaochytris powder, inclusion 4 g/kg have decreased egg yolk cholesterol level (P<0.01). During the experiment, Ferula eleaochytris powder decreased egg yolk cholesterol level each week. However, Ferula eleaochytris powder inclusion did not have any significant effects on calcium level (P>0.05).Key Words: Ferula eleaochytris powder, Egg Production and Quality, Blood Parameters, Egg Cholesterol, Calcium