The effects of different levels of calcium, phosphorus and soybean oil on performance and egg quality of laying hens K. Khezri, A. Nobakhat and F. Mazloum

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Abstract

      This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of calcium, phosphorus and soybean oil on performance and egg quality in laying hens. Experiment was conducted as a factorial (3×2) (0 and 4% soybean oil) and (NRC calcium and phosphorus recommendation and 15, 30% more than NRC recommendation) in a completely randomized design with 216 Hi-line (W36) laying hens in 6 treatments and 3 replicates (with 12 hen in each replicate) for 12 weeks from 25-37 weeks of ages. Results showed that different levels of calcium, phosphorus and soybean oil have significant effects on performance and egg traits of laying hens (P<0.05). The Highest egg production percent and daily feed intake were resulted by using 4% soybean oil. Using 4% soybean oil, 30% calcium and phosphorus more than NRC recommendation and interaction between them, significantly increased the egg yolk color index. However different levels of calcium, phosphorus and soybean oil and interaction between them could not significantly affect the eggshell quality. 

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