Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXIII, Issue 2
Written by Alexander DARYIN, Nikolai KERSHOV, Tatyana SHISHKINA, Tatyana GUSEVA
The main factor in obtaining high-quality hatching eggs is the full balanced feeding of laying hens of the parent flock. In order to study the effect of Echinacea purpurea on the morphological qualities of hatching eggs, a scientific and economic experiment was carried out on laying hens of the parent flock of broilers (it was named as Kobb-500). The birds of the experimental groups were additionally introduced into the feed mixture 1% dry weight of Echinacea purpurea. Evaluation of Kobb-500 chicken eggs at various age periods showed that all morphological indicators of the eggs corresponded to optimal values: protein index - from 7.6 to 8.4%, yolk index - from 39.0 to 42.0%, form index - from 74.9 to 75.3, Howe units - from 82.5 to 84.4 conventional units. In the experiment, a positive effect of Echinacea purpurea on egg mass, shell thickness, and protein index was noted. In general, studies have shown a positive significant effect of Echinacea purpurea on egg morphology and chicken productivity.
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