Grape by-products represent outstanding alternatives to replace conventional and unsustainable feed sources, given the substantial quantities generated annually by the winery industry. Regrettably, the majority of these by-products are wasted, resulting in significant environmental and economic repercussions. This study was conducted to assess the growth performance, feed efficiency, egg production and quality, lipid peroxidation, fertility and hatchability of reproductive laying hens during their early production stage. A total of 720 golden laying hens, all approximately 25 weeks old and with similar body weights, were randomly assigned to four experimental treatments (six replicates) as follows: control group receiving only the standard diet, (2) a group receiving the standard diet supplemented with grape seed extract at a rate of 250 g/kg (GSE1), (3) a group receiving the standarddiet supplemented with grape seed extract at a rate of 500 g/kg (GSE2), and (4) a group receiving the standarddiet supplemented with grape seed extract at a rate of 750 g/kg (GSE3). There were no significant change (p > 0.05) in feed intak, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio between the control and the experimental groups. Egg weight, egg shell thickness and egg shell weight were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in GSE250 GSE500 and GSE750 compared to the control. The results showed that hen day egg production was also significantly higher (p < 0.05) in GSE500 and GSE 750 compared to the control. Fertility level of GSE 500 and GSE750 was significantly (p < 0.5) higher compared to the control. The MDA level decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the GSE supplemented birds compared to the control. From these findings, we concluded that GSE 750 had positive impact on egg production, reducing lipid peroxidation and improving fertility in golden laying hens.
Keywords: Growth; egg production; egg quality; grape seed extract; layers; reproduction.