The effect of mineral substance addition to litter on yield performance and welfare parameters in layer chicken feeding

The objective of this study is to determine the effects of adding perlite and zeolite to litter in laying hens raised in a litter system on egg internal and external quality characteristics, litter moisture level, ammonia concentration inside the house, and certain animal welfare parameters. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative litter additives in improving both production performance and animal welfare. The research was carried out on three hundred Lohman Sandy genotype laying hens. In the study, twenty-six-week-old laying hens were divided into groups by mixing perlite and zeolite in the litter materials and welfare parameters such as egg internal and external quality characteristics; moisture and pH level in litter; air ammonia concentration and welfare parameters such as pododermatitis and breast pollution level were examined. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the study period, and a 12-hour light, 8-hour dark lighting cycle was applied. In the study, it was determined that the effect of perlite and zeolite mixed with litter on the ammonia level in the poultry house was significant in the Lohman Sandy genotype chickens raised in the litter system (p<0,05). The effects of perlite and zeolite on egg yield and egg quality characteristics such as egg white index, shell thickness, Haugh unit and egg weight were found to be significant (p<0,05); the effects of perlite and zeolite on yolk index, shape index and yolk color were found to be insignificant (p>0,05). The effects on pododermatitis and breast contamination level, which are animal welfare parameters, were found to be insignificant (p>0,05). It was concluded that there was no effect on pH and moisture level, which are litter quality parameters. As a result, it was determined that the addition of perlite and zeolite substances to the litter has a positive effect on egg production and egg quality characteristics such as egg white index, shell thickness, Haugh unit and egg weight and it is an important factor in reducing ammonia level. The findings of the study indicate that perlite and zeolite are potential materials for improving egg quality in poultry farming. The findings of the study suggest that the use of perlite and zeolite may provide air quality and performance benefits in poultry farming.