Evaluation of phytogenic feed additive on egg production performance in Hy-Line commercial brown layers

Abstract

The current study was carried out to evaluate the effect of phytogenic feed additive (PFA) on egg production performance in Hy-Line brown layer birds. A flock size of 14190 birds was selected in commercial poultry farm which was maintained with standard management practices at Spain. The baseline data (T1) was recorded for 20 days, thereafter, birds were fed with PFA (500 g/ton) (T2) supplemented feed for 11 days. The parameters viz. number of eggs, hen day egg production (HDEP) and egg size were recorded. Results revealed that PFA supplementation improved the production parameters viz. no. of eggs/day (204 eggs/day) and HDEP (3%) when compared to baseline. Additionally, the gap between standard HDEP and actual HDEP was reduced (-11.75 Vs. -15.80) in Hy-Line brown layer birds. Also, PFA supplementation augmented the medium sized egg production as compared to baseline (4223 Vs. 3700; Diff. +523). In conclusion, PFA can be used to improve the egg production performance and egg quality traits in Hy-Line commercial layer birds.