Effects Of Sepiolite Supplement To Feeds Of Laying Breeder Hens Containing Low CalciumLevels On Performance, Egg Quality, Some Blood And Digestivesystem

In this study, it is aimed to determine effects of use of sepiolite in feeds of laying breeder hens containing low calcium levels on performance of hens and quality of eggs. In the study, 50 weeks old, total 108 Barred Rock layer hens were used. Three different levels of sepiolite (0, 1 and 2 %) were added to the feeds being in three different calcium levels (4.2, 3.5 and 2.8 %). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of egg production, weight and mass, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and final live weight. There was a significant interaction between calcium and sepiolite levels in terms of broken-cracked and hatching egg rates (P<0.01). Sepiolite addition to the feeds that include low level calcium significantly increased the hatching egg rate (P<0.01). While no significant differences have been found in terms of shape index, eggshell weight and thickness, albumen height and haugh unit from egg quality characteristics, interaction between calcium and sepiolite levels in terms of eggshell breaking strength has been found as significant (P<0.01)