April 22, 2008

Research finds high level of amino acids improve egg production

A recent research had studied on the effects of dietary sulfur amino acids and trace minerals on feather cover and egg production in laying hens.

Feather cover not only keeps a hen warm, it also offers protection from potential injury. Surveys have revealed that feather cover undergoes a rapid degradation after hens reach 40 weeks of age, with some recovery after molt but degrades again during the second cycle of egg production.

The research tested the level of cystine and methionine supplementation that are necessary to optimise feather cover during the first and second cycles of egg production. The research also probes the effects of supplemental selenium or zinc on feather cover during the two cycles.

The results of the research found that egg production was significantly affected by dietary amino acid treatment during all three phases of production.

Egg production was greatest for hens on the control diet of low methionine and basal cynstine or high cynstine diets in Phase 1.

Egg production and egg weight were greatest for hens fed on the highest level of methionine supplementation, while cystine supplementation provided no benefits in Phase 2.

In Phase 3, high levels of methionine or cystine supplementation showed clear positive effects for improved egg production.

The levels of both supplements used in the trial were unable to prevent age-related feather loss in hens. However, the practise of non-restriction molting did improve feather quality and was well maintained for sometime after the molt regime.