The effect of cadmium on reproductive performance of laying hens and egg quality.
1996
Pribilincova J. | Marettova E.
The effect of cadmium with and without selenium on the production of eggs, fertility, hatchability, and egg properties were studied during a two month period. Cadmium and selenium was added to feed at dosages of 3 ppm, 20 ppm, 30 ppm + 4 ppm Se, respectively. After a two month exposure to cadmium the egg laying performance decreased in hens fed 3 and 20 ppm cadmium by 3.7 % and 4.2 %, respectively. The addition of selenium resulted in a decrease by 0.7 %. Egg weight after the complete experiment showed an increase by 4.4 % when hens were fed 3 ppm Cd, while in the other groups, the results were close to the control group. Egg shape and colour of yolk were not affected but the thickness of egg white decreases with the increase of cadmium applied. Supplementation of selenium had no protective effect on egg white and yolk qualities. Egg-shell characteristics were best in hens fed 3 ppm Cd, followed by hens fed 30 ppm Cd supplemented with selenium. The fertilization rate and hatchability were not affected by cadmium administration being the best in hens fed 3 ppm Cd. During the eight weeks of the experiment the cadmium level in the eggs was not remarkably increased and did not show any statistically significant changes between the groups. Structurally no noticeable changes were observed on the ovary.
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