Production performance, egg quality, blood biochemical constituents, egg yolk lipid profile and lipid peroxidation of laying hens fed sugar beet pulp

Abstract

The effect of including sugar beet pulp (SBP) in laying hen diets on performance, egg quality, blood chemistry and egg lipid peroxidation was studied. A total of 200 laying hens were randomly assigned into 4 groups and were offered diets containing SBP at the level of 0%, 3%, 5%, and 7%. The dietary inclusion of SBP linearly (P < 0.01) increased feed intake, egg production, egg weight and mass, and improved feed conversion ratio, yolk color core and Haugh unit. Eggs laid by hens receiving SBP had linearly (P < 0.01) greater protein and lower ether extract. Dietary inclusion of SBP linearly (P < 0.01) decreased egg yolk malondialdehyde, cholesterol, and triglyceride, while increased glutathione peroxidase. Laying hens fed SBP had lower (P < 0.01) serum total lipids, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatinine. Dietary inclusion of SBP could improve hen performance, health, egg quality, and egg shelf life.

Keywords: Blood biochemical; Egg quality; Laying hens; Lipid peroxidation; Performance; Sugar beet pulp.