Effects of Expanding Feed Processing Technologies on Egg Characteristic and Nutrient Digestibility in Laying Hens

摘要

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of expanding feed processing technologies on the egg characteristics and nutrient digestibility in laying hens. A total of two hundred seventy laying hens were randomly allocated into three treatments with fifteen replications for six weeks. Dietary treatments include 1) MS(mash), 2) EC(expanded crumble) and 3) EP(expanded pellet). In the egg production, the EC and EP treatments were significantly higher than MS treatment(p<0.05). However, no significant difference was founded in egg weight(p>0.05). Egg shell breaking was increased in EC and EP treatments compared with MS treatment(p<0.05), however, egg shall thickness showed no significant difference(p>0.05). Egg production and egg shell breakingwere significantly higher in EC and EP treatments than MS treatment(p<0.05), but egg weight and egg shell thickness were no significantly difference among treatment(p<0.05). Yolk color was increased in EC treatment compared with other treatments(p<0.05).Also, yolk index was significantly improved in EC and EP treatments compared with MS treatment(p<0.05). Haugh unit was increased in EC treatment compared with MS treatment(p<0.05). EC treatment had improved DM, Ca and P digestibility. In conclusion, Expanded crumble and pellet processing could improve the egg characteristic and nutrient digestibility in laying hens.