Evaluating by-products of the Atlantic shellfish industry as alternative feed ingredients for laying hens

Abstract

A full-cycle laying hen study was conducted to evaluate crab meal (CM) and lobster meal (LM) as feed ingredients for laying hens by assigning four hundred thirty-two 35-wk-old White Leghorns to 1 of 6 diets [control, 2.5% CM, 2.5% LM, 5% CM, 5% LM, and 2.5% CM + 2.5% LM (blend)]. Productive performance and egg parameters were evaluated every 28-d period. Eggs were collected at 67 wk of age from the 5% CM, 5% LM, and blend treatments for analysis of yolk fatty acid composition. At 55 and 67 wk of age, ulnas were collected to determine breaking strength, percent ash, and calcium. Body weights, feed consumption, hen-day production, feed efficiency, and egg quality were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatment. The L* scores of eggs from 5% CM, 5% LM, and blend were lower (P < 0.05) than eggs from the control by the end of the second 28-d period. The a* score of the eggs from 5% CM, 5% LM, and blend was higher (P < 0.05) than the control by the end of the first 28-d period. The content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in egg yolks was different (P < 0.05) among the control (0.17 g/100 g), 5% CM (0.46 g/100 g), 5% LM (0.32 g/100 g), and blend (0.38 g/100 g) treatments. Treatment did not affect (P > 0.05) any of the bone parameters measured at 55 and 67 wk of age. CM and LM supported similar egg production, feed efficiency, egg yolk color, adequate bone strength, and the incorporation of DHA into egg yolks.