Original scientific paper

Impact of heat stress on egg quality in layer hens supplemented with l-ascorbic acid and dl-tocopherol acetate.

Joachim J. Ajakaiye ; Department of Zootechnics and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Central University
Alcides Perez-Bello ; Department of Zootechnics and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Central University
Angel Mollineda-Trujillo ; Department of Zootechnics and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Central University

Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effects of heat stress on egg quality profi le in layer hens supplemented with vitamins C and E. A total of 720 L33 layer hens at 39 weeks old, were divided into four groups of 180 birds. One group was fed a basal diet (control) and treatment groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 150 mg of l-ascorbic acid/kg of diet (Vit. C group), 150 mg of α-dl-tocopherol acetate/kg of diet (Vit. E group), while the last group was supplemented with 150 mg of l-ascorbic acid/kg of diet plus 150 mg of α-dl-tocopherol acetate/kg of diet (Vit C + E group). Egg, albumen and eggshell weights were higher (P<0.05) and (P<0.005) in vitamins E and C + E groups when compared to vitamin C and control groups. Egg yolk was higher (P<0.05), (P<0.005) and (P<0.0005) in the vitamin C + E group, compared to the vitamin E and vitamin C treated groups and control respectively. Egg shell thickness, egg resistance and specifi c gravity showed (P<0.05) and (P<0.005) in the vitamins C + E group, compared to the vitamin C and E groups, and control. Haugh Unit was higher (P<0.05) and (P<0.005) in the vitamins C + E treated group compared to vitamin C and E treated groups, and control. The results suggest that the supplementation of antioxidant vitamins had a benefi cial effect on egg quality in heat stressed layer hens.

Keywords

heat stress; vitamin C; vitamin E; egg quality; layer hens

Hrčak ID:

66707

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/66707

Publication date:

21.2.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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