Effect of Exogenous Enzymes on Egg Fertility Traits, Egg Production and Oviduct Micro-structure of Layer Birds

Abstract

The effect of two classes of exogenous enzymes on the egg fertility traits, egg production efficiency and oviduct micro-structure of laying hens was evaluated. Forty-five laying hens (30-weeks old, 1.32-1.40 kg) were randomly allotted into three dietary treatments with fifteen birds per treatment (five birds each in three replicates per treatment) in a completely randomized design. Diet one served as the control diet. Diet two (FS diet) contained a nutrient-targeted exogenous enzyme preparation (Fullzyme®) at 200 g/ton, while diet three (DS diet) contained a mycotoxin-targeted exogenous enzyme preparation (Detoxizyme®) at 500 g/ton. Data on fertility traits (egg volume, length and breadth, weight, yolk diameter, albumen height, air cell, shell thickness, Haugh’s unit, and egg-lay), and egg production (feed intake, egg lay, egg lay efficiency, and feed cost per egg laid) were collected for 42 days. At the end of the experiment, three randomly selected birds per group were euthanized, and their oviducts were harvested and processed for histopathology. Hens fed enzyme supplemented diets had significantly (p < 0.05) better egg fertility traits. Feed intake in the control group did not vary (p > 0.05)from feed intake in the DS or FS group. However, feed cost per egg laid and egg-lay efficiency was higher in the control diet group than in the FS group or DS diet group. No pathologies were observed in the oviduct of birds fed enzymes supplemented or control diet. Exogenous enzymes in diet improved egg fertility traits and production without altering the oviduct micro-structure of Layer hens.