Authors : A.R. Safameher and A. Nobakht
Abstract: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Dietary Electrolyte Balance (DEB = Na+ + K+- Cl-) on the performance and eggshell quality of layers in their late laying period. Two hundred fifty six Hy-Line strain laying hens, 55-65 of age, were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments. The DEB levels were 0, 120, 240 and 360 mEq kg 1 and were obtained by addition of NaCl, NaHCO3, KHCO3 and NH4CL as needed. Egg production, feed intake, egg mass and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were not significantly affected by any of the treatments, whereas eggshell quality was significantly affected (p< 0.05). The shell thickness were increased with increasing DEB from 120-360 mEq kg 1 relative to the control diet. It was concluded that high rate DEB (360 mEq kg 1) can improve eggshell quality in the late laying period.
A.R. Safameher and A. Nobakht , 2007. The Effects of Dietary Electrolyte Balance on the Performance and Eggshell Quality in the Late Laying Period . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 6: 912-916.