Views: 125 Downloads: 33

Abstract

This experiment was designed and implemented to investigate the effect of different levels of pomegranate kernel and kernel oil on the egg quality traits and performance of 144 laying hens from commercial mixed white Leghorn breed (Hy-Line W-80) in nine treatments, four replicates, and four pieces of hens distributed in each replicate. This experiment with a completely random design of pomegranate kernels at four levels (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4%), four levels of pomegranate kernel oil (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4%), and a control treatment was conducted for 10 weeks from the age of 25-35 weeks. The energy and protein levels were identical in the diets and were adjusted based on the NRC nutritional requirements for poultry (1994). The results showed that egg weight, egg mass weight, egg production percentage, feed conversion ratio, the Haugh unit, shell weight, and eggshell strength and thickness were not significantly affected by different levels of pomegranate kernel and kernel oil. However, the egg white index, yolk index, and egg specific weight were significantly affected by the treatments (P < 0.05). According to our findings and no reduction of production, it is recommended to use pomegranate kernels and kernel oil in the feed of laying hens to improve the health of human society, reduce production costs, and reduce environmental pollution.