Effect of Supplementation with Various Sources of Antioxidants on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Laying Hen

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of various agents of antioxidants on productive and reproductive performance of local strain fed (corn-soybean diet) with low protein 14%, on the summer session. A total of 189 hens and 27 cocks, 35 wk of age were used. The birds were randomly divided into 9 treatments (T1: Cont1 16% CP, T2: Cont2 14% CP, T3, T4, T5, were fed Cont2 diet supplied with 1g Met/kg diet, 0.5g SeMet/kg diet or 75mg vit. E/kg diet, respectively, T6, T7 and T8 were fed Cont2 diet supplied with two from the previous agents at the same mentioned level, and T9 was fed Cont2 diet supplied with the combination of the three agents)., The experimental period lasted 12 weeks (till for 46 weeks of age). The obtained results showed that during the period 35-46 wks of age, there were no significant effects on BW, egg production and FI compared to the control group. However, the best FCR was recorded during the trial period for the birds of T1 and T6. Besides, there were no significant effects on egg quality, fertility and hatchability traits. In addition, serum glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity were not significantly different among all dietary treatments. However, MDA in yolk after 30 days storage was significantly decreased in T2. It could be concluded that layer hens fed diets supplied with methionine, selenomethionine, vitamin E and there combination with 14% CP did not complete improved the layer performance under the summer session.