The effects of origanum minutiflorum on yield and egg qualityin laying hens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Origanum minutiflorum powder (OMP) on egg production, egg quality, egg yolk lipid oxidation, and antioxidant activity in laying hens. A total of 36, 32-week-old laying hens were used in the study, divided into four groups of 9 birds each. The groups were composed as follows: (i) standard compound feed, (ii) standard compound feed + 2 g/kg OMP, (iii) standard compound feed + 4 g/kg OMP, and (iv) standard compound feed + 8 g/kg OMP. Feed intake, egg production, and feed conversion ratio in laying hens were unaffected (P>0.05), and no differences were found between the groups in terms of TBARS and DPPH analyses in egg yolks on days 7, 14, and 28 (P>0.05). In conclusion, it has been determined that further studies are needed on Origanum minutiflorum, which has a very rich content and the potential to serve as an alternative feed additive.