Effects of Sumac and Ginger as Feed Additives on the Performance, Egg Traits and Blood Parameters of Atak-S Laying Hens

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of sumac (Rhus coriaria) seed powder (SSP) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) root powder (GRP) on the nutrient utilization, laying performance and blood parameters of Atak-S laying hens. Experimental laying hens (n=63) were assigned to seven dietary treatments, and fed a basal diet alone (control) or supplemented with SSP and GRP each at 1.0 (SSP-1 and GRP-1), 2.0 (SSP-2 and GRP-2), and 3.0 (SSP-3 and GRP-3) percent levels. Each treatment had nine replicates with one hen each and they were fed diets in mash form during the experimental period of 8 weeks (25–32 weeks of age). Dietary supplementation of GRP and SSP increased (P<0.05) egg production, egg weight, and egg mass over the 8-weeks period of study. Feed intake and FCR values were decreased (P<0.05) with increasing levels of GRP and SSP in laying hens diet. However, albumin height, yolk weight, yolk colour, yolk height and Haugh unit were significantly (P<0.05) affected in this study. Additionally, serum levels of LDL decreased in all treatment groups compared with the control group. It can be concluded that sumac seed-and ginger root-powder can be used as effective feed additives to improve egg traits and performance in Atak-S laying hens.