Effect of Fresh Forage Canola on Production Performance and Egg Quality of Laying Hens

Abstract

Feed shortage had become a major factor constraining the development of animal husbandry. Forage canola has been found to be a potential feed crop due to its high yield and good quality. Therefore, this study mixed different proportions of forage canola to the diet of laying hens and all eggs were collected for analysis. Laying hens were divided into four groups according to the feeding amount of canola: 0 kg, 3 kg, 6 kg, 9 kg, with 30 laying hens in each group. In the feeding trial, there was no negative effect on hen body weight, egg production, or overall egg quality. The results showed that Group B, C and D complete feed consumption is less than Group A. From the spectrum analysis, the trend of the Group A was different from that of the other three groups. After 35 days of rearing, the laying rate of the Group B and the Group C increased about 30% compared to 1 to 7 day. The weight of the Group B and Group C increased about 5% compared with the initial period, while the Group A increased 0.6% and the Group D increased by 3%. The eggshell strength of the Group B and Group C also increased significantly. The contents of phosphorus and potassium in the Group B and C were higher than those in the Group A and Group D. The effects of canola to poultry diets is therefore of practical interest. This study will provide us a potential forage substance in laying hens production performance. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers