Effect of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) powder dietary supplementation on performance, egg quality, yolk cholesterol, serum parameters and antioxidant status of laying hens in the post-peak period

Abstract

Summary The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Maca powder on the performance, egg quality, serum parameters, hormones and antioxidant enzyme levels of laying hens in their post-peak period. A total of 150 hens, 56 week of age, were separated into three treatment groups (50 hens per group). Over 16 weeks, diets were supplemented with Maca powder at concentrations of 0 (control), 5 and 10Â g/kg respectively.