Effects of Different Levels of Dietary Energy and Nutrient Density during the Pre-Peak and Peak Periods on Egg Quality in Hy-Line Brown Laying Hens

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effects of feeding diets with different levels of energy and nutrient density on the egg quality of laying hens during the pre-peak and peak periods. A total of 192 (Hy-line brown) laying hens were used in a 15-week trial. The hens were randomly allotted to one of four treatments, each with four replicates (12 hens per replication). We assessed the effects of four level of dietary energy (2,710, 2,850, 2,870 and 2,890 kcal/kg) and three levels of nutrient density (Methionine + Cysteine: 0.56%, 0.85%, 0.80% and Crude Protein: 14.5%, 19%, 18%). Differences in the energy and nutrient density contents of diets showed no significant effect (<i>P</i>&gt;0.05) on the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, or egg production of hens during the pre-peak and peak periods. However, hens subjected to 2,890 kcal/kg during the pre-peak period were found to lay eggs with significantly thicker shells, and yolk color was found to be significant enhanced in hens fed this diet during the pre-and peak periods. In contrast, we detected no significant effects of dietary energy or nutrient density on the Haugh unit or eggshell strength. In summary, increasing the energy level of diets from 2,710 to 2,890 kcal/kg was found to have positive effects on the shell thickness and yolk color of eggs produced by laying hens.