EFFECT OF ORGANIC ACID AND PLANT EXTRACT ON PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY EGG OF LAYING HENS

Abstract

The trial was conducted to evaluate the best level of organic acid inclusion and effect of plant extracts on the performance parameters and quality of eggs of laying. Lohmann LSL laying hem strain (256) at 40 weeks of age were distributed in a blocks in factorial design 4 x 2 (four acid levels and two levels of plant extract) with two blocks, two replications for each treatment in the block with eight birds for experimental unit. The birds were distributed in the blocks based in their weight. The treatments were: control (without additive), 200g/t of acid, 400g/t acid, 600g/t acid, 150 g/t of plant extract, 200g/t of acid + 150g/t of plant extract, 400g/t of acid + 150g/t of plant extract and 600g/t acid + 150g/t of plant extract. The experimental period was 84 days divided in three cycles of 28 days each. The association of organic acids with vegetal extract promoted highest percentage of production and feed conversion/twelve eggs. However, these additives did not affect the feed intake, Haugh units and specific gravity of eggs of the commercial laying hens in the end of production cycle. The inclusion of 400 g/t of acids plus 150 g/t extract can improved egg production.

KEY - WORDS:

Additives. Eggs production. Laying hens.