Organic Egg Production, Egg Quality, Calcium Utilization, and Digestibility in Laying Hens Fed with Mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) Stem Waste

Abstract

The possibility of using mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) stem waste (FVW) in layer diets was explored in this study. A total of 180, 40-weekold ISA Brown laying hens were randomly assigned to 5 groups, with 6 replications of 6 birds for each group. Layers were fed a standard basal diet as control; antibiotic (0.05% flavomycin); 2% FVW; 4%FVW; and 6% FVW. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed on hen daily egg production, egg weight, egg mass, unmarketable eggs, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and live weight among experimental groups. Haugh unit was found higher (p<0.05) in FVW fed groups than in antibiotic fed groups. Shape index, shell weight, shell thickness, yolk weight, yolk index, yolk weight and albumen weight were not affected (p>0.05) by feeding FVW in this study. Yolk color was found higher (p<0.05) in FVW fed groups than in control and antibiotic groups. The shell color was higher (p<0.05) both in 4% FVW and 6% FVW fed groups than in control and antibiotic groups. Calcium retention and calcium in egg shell deposition were higher (p<0.05) both in 4% FVW and 6% FVW fed groups than in control and antibiotic groups respectively. Apparent nutrient retention for dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and organic matter were higher (p<0.05) in FVW fed groups than in control and antibiotic groups. FVW at 6% level in layer ration can be used for organic eggs production which would be safe and sound for human consumption.

Application of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) as Natural Feed Supplement in Poultry Diets

“…Dietary inclusion of herbs and their extracts has growth-promoting roles in poultry [3]. Furthermore, different natural medicinal plants and their extracts as feed supplements have been used as a substitute for antibiotics in poultry production [4,5]. In addition, Mahfuz et al [6] reported that poultry scientists are now dedicated to applying unconventional natural feed supplement, which may play a role in possible therapies to improve the health as well as production performance of chickens.Thus, poultry researchers are searching for potential natural feed resources that will be both environmentally friendly and safe for human society [7,8].…”

Effects of Flammulinavelutipes Stem Base on Microflora and Volatile Fatty Acids In Caecum of Growing Layers under Heat Stress Condition

“…However, the overuse of antibiotics may lead to antibiotic-resistant genes which spread extensively by promoting the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in host animals (Zhou et al, 2016). In addition, the constant application of antibiotics in poultry feed with the purpose to improve production performance has led to human health hazards (Mahfuz et al, 2018). Therefore, it was urgent to find antibiotic substitutes, optimize the composition of intestinal flora, and promote the health of the birds.…”

Evaluation of Physicochemical Changes in Hard-Boiled Eggs Stored at Different Temperatures

“…Eggs continue to be a well-liked food in every nation, and the egg industry is a significant component of the global food economy. Egg-based products are equally important because they provide additional nutrients and tastes ( Mahfuz et al, 2018 ; Maslova et al, 2020 ; Swanson et al, 2011 ). Several preservation methods extend the shelf life during egg product processing.…”