Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of milk thistle (MT) and purslane (P) seed into the diet of laying hens on egg characteristics, serum and egg yolk lipids, blood metabolites, plasma minerals, serum enzymes activity and performance of laying hens. This experiment carried out with 288 Hy-Line (W-36) laying hens in a completely randomized design with 3*3 factorial arrangement in 9 treatments 4 replicates and 8 hens in each replicate at the age of 32 to 42 weeks. Experimental diet consists of three levels of MT seed (0, 1 and 2%) and three levels of P seed (0, 1 and 2%). The results showed that egg production and egg mass significantly increased by consumption of 2% P seed (P<0.05). Egg weight significantly increased in treatment containing 2% MT seed and also in treatment containing 1% P seed (P<0.05). Haugh unit significantly increased by level of 2% MT (P<0.05). The concentration of blood albumin and globulin significantly increased by level of 2% MT (P<0.05). The use of 2% P significantly decreased blood glucose (P<0.05). Also blood HDL concentration significantly increased by level of 2% P (P<0.05). The activities of serum AST and ALT significantly decreased by 2% MT (P<0.05). The results obtained from this experiment showed that the level of 2% P improves performance and 2% MT improves blood metabolites and liver enzymes activity of laying hens
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