title: A combination of zinc and pyridoxine supplementation to the diet of laying hens improves performance and egg quality.
abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate whether zinc, along with pyridoxine, is effective in improving performance and egg quality of laying hens. One hundred and twenty, 28-week-old Hy-Line laying hens were assigned to four treatment groups, 30 hens each. The birds were fed a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 30 mg of zinc/kg of diet, 8 mg of pyridoxine/kg of diet, or 30 mg of zinc plus 8 mg of pyridoxine/kg of diet. Feed conversion (P < 0.01) and egg production (P < 0.01) improved most when both zinc and pyridoxine were supplemented to the diet. Eggshell weights were also greatest (P < 0.01) when the diet was supplemented with both pyridoxine and zinc. Egg-shape index was, however, greatest with zinc-supplemented diet (P < 0.004). Haugh unit was greatest in eggs of hens fed a diet supplemented with both zinc and pyridoxine (P < 0.01). Dietary zinc and pyridoxine supplementations together increased plasma calcium and phosphorous concentrations (P < 0.002). The results of the present study suggested that zinc (30 ppm) and pyridoxine (8 ppm) supplements, when used together, are recommended in terms of a better performance and egg quality in laying hens.
authors: Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Erciyes University School of Veterinary Medicine, Kayseri 38090, Turkey. osmankucukwy@yahoo.com
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Kucuk
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Kahraman
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Kurt
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Yildiz
authors: A C
authors: AC
authors: Onmaz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004531:Eggs / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D010058:Oviposition / Q000187:drug effects*; D011736:Pyridoxine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D015032:Zinc; D011736:Pyridoxine