PSIX-33 Effects of corn protein concentrate levels on egg production and egg quality parameters of commercial layers

Abstract

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of corn protein concentrate (CPC) levels in the diets on laying performance, and egg quality of laying hens. A total of 180 64-wk-old laying hens (2.05 kg ± 0.19 kg of live weight) were randomly assigned to 36 cages (5 birds/cage) with separate feeders, including 6 dietary treatments. Birds were fed 1 of 6 experimental diets containing CPC at different levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 or 2.5%) for 10 weeks. Diets were isocaloric (2850 Mcal/kg) and isonitrogenous (CP, 15.0%), having similar digestible amino acid profile. Hens were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the experiment to determine BW change. Egg production, feed consumption and egg weight were recorded daily, while egg quality variables were evaluated every 14 days. Data were analyzed using the general linear model procedure of SAS in a complete randomized design. The cage was considered the experimental unit. Linear and quadratic effects of treatment were used for mean separation and significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05. Hens fed CPC maintained BW and gain at an increased rate (Quadraic: P < 0.01). Feed intake increased as CPC increased in the diet (Lineal and quadratic: P < 0.01). Egg production, mass and weight were increased as CPC increased in the diet (Quadraic: P < 0.01). Feed conversion rate was improved as CPC increased in the diet (Lineal and Quadraic: P < 0.02). Shell thickness and breaking strength tended to linearly increased as CPC increased in the diet (P < 0.06). Albumen height and Haugh unit were not altered by dietary treatment (P > 0.25). Yolk color was increased as CPC increased in the diet (P < 0.01). Results from this experiment suggest addition of up to 2.5% CPC in the diet enhances egg production and some parameters of egg quality.