Effect of different levels of Lavandula stoechas essence on production performance and egg quality of laying hens
2014
Salari, S. (Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Molasani (Iran Islamic Republic)) | Taki, A. (Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Molasani (Iran Islamic Republic)) | Bojarpour, M. (Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Molasani (Iran Islamic Republic)) | Sari, M. (Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Molasani (Iran Islamic Republic)) | Taghizadeh, M. (Medical University of Kashan, Isfahan (Iran Islamic Republic))
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of Lavander stoechas essence on performance and egg quality of laying hens for 8 weeks. This experiment was conducted with 160 Hy-Line (W36) laying hens (30 wks of age), randomly divided into 4 experimental groups, 5 replicates and 8 birds per each (2 cages for each replicate and 4 birds in each cage). Treatments were control (without Lavander essence), and levels of 200, 400, and 600 ppm Lavander essence. All hens were provided the layer diets (2870 kcal/kg ME and 15.5 % CP) ad- libitum and received 16 h of light/ 8 h of dark. Performance parameters including egg weight and egg production were recorded daily and feed intake, feed conversion ratio (grams of feed:grams of egg) and egg quality were measured weekly. The following characteristics were recorded for the individual eggs: weight, shape index, eggshell breaking strength, shell thickness, yolk color, and Haugh unit. Levels of 200 and 400 ppm of Lavander essence showed a significant increase in production percentage and egg weight but these parameters decreased at level of 600 ppm. Feed intake was highest for control, 200 and 400 ppm essence dietary levels but level of 600 ppm showed significant decrease. Addition of essence to the diet had no effect on FCR. Shape index and Haugh unit were not significantly affected by the treatments. Higher yolk color score was observed in treatments containing Lavander essence in comparison with control (p<0.05). Levels of 200 and 400 ppm essence increased significantly egg shell quality including thickness, weight and shell breaking strength. The results showed that the addition of essences of Lavender up to 400 ppm increased production performance and improved egg quality.
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