Abstract
The experiments were conducted with White Leghorn hens to determine the effects of the wood vinegar compound (NEKKARICH(R), Miyazaki Midori Seiyaku Co., Ltd.) on laying performance and egg quality. The compound, prepared by adhering wood vinegar to amorphous carbon (1:4), was added to the diet: 0%, 1.5% or 2.0%. Hens were randomly allocated into two or three groups to receive each.
The trial groups showed an increase in hen-day egg production and an improvement in feed conversion ratio. Particularly, in the experiment 2 hen-day egg production was significantly (P<.01) higher in the trial groups than in the control group, and feed conversion ratio of the trial groups was improved significantly (P<.01) more than that of the control group.
In the experiment 1, although the shell thickness was not significantly different among the control and trial groups, the shell strength of trial group was improved significantly (P<.01) more than that of the control group. Albumen height, yolk height and haugh units were also significantly (P<.01) improved. Moreover egg quality of the control group declined with the length of storage more remarkably than that of the trial group.
Thus it is assumed that the wood vinegar compound serves for the improvement of egg performance and egg quality in laying hens.
