The Efficiency of Urtica dioica Extract in Feeding of Laying Hens

Abstract

Currently, poultry specialists are working hard to find feed additives of natural origin. Medicinal plants are a source of a wide range of biologically active compounds with multifunctional effects, including antimicrobial ones. To understand the potential use of various medicinal plants and their extracts in poultry farming, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding different doses of water-ethanol extract of Urtica dioica (Urtica dioica L.) on the egg productivity of laying hens. A total of 300 laying hens were divided to control and five experimental groups of chickens, each with 5 replicates. During the entire experiment, the laying hens of the control group were fed complete compound feeds according to the egg-laying phase, and the chickens of the experimental groups were additionally fed Urtica dioica extract in different doses. The results indicated that feeding laying hens with Urtica dioica extract in doses of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/kg of body weight had a positive effect on their egg productivity. An increase in egg production per average laying hen in the experimental groups was 2.6-6.1%, and the intensity of egg production was 2.1-5.4%, compared to the control. However, the feed consumption in all experimental groups decreased. When introducing Urtica dioica extract into full-fledged compound feeds for laying hens, there was an increase in the relative egg white content, egg white/egg yolk ratio, and a decrease in relative yolk and shell content. Accordingly, it is suggested to include Urtica dioica extract at a dose of 15 mg/kg in the diet of laying hens which can improve economic efficiency and egg parameters. Keywords: Chemical composition, Egg morphology, Egg production, Feed conversion, Medicinal plant