Coarse corn particles cause a negative effect on eggshell quality of semi-heavy laying hens

Abstract

One of the possible ways to optimize the productive performance of poultry is through the physical processing of ingredients, which can improve the use of nutrients in these animals. In this context, this study was to evaluate the effects of different corn particle sizes in diets on the productive performance and egg quality of semi-heavy laying hens. Sixty naked neck laying hens were used from 24 weeks of age and distributed in a completely randomized design. Experimental diets in different treatments contained corn grain ground into sieves with a diameter of 2, 4, or 8 mm to provide corn particles with a geometric mean diameter (GMD) of 605 (fine), 1,030 (medium), and 2,280 μm (coarse), respectively. The feed and leftovers were weighed daily throughout the experimental period to determine the feed intake and feed conversion. Different corn particle sizes did not affect any aspect of the productive performance of hens, except for feed intake. Hens fed fine and medium corn particles exhibited higher values for egg yolk color, eggshell weight, and eggshell thickness. It is suggested that semi-heavy laying hens should be fed mash diets containing corn particles with GMD from 605 to 1,030 μm, because coarse corn particles cause a negative effect on eggshell quality.

Carotenoid content and deposition efficiency in yolks of laying hens fed with dent corn hybrids differing in grain hardness and processing

“…In the present study, the responses to grinding sieve size depended mainly on the interaction with drying temperature and not on the grinding sieve size itself. Although to our knowledge, there is limited data on the effects of grinding sieve size on yolk carotenoid content, Oliveira et al (2019) reported that hens fed fine and medium corn particles had higher yolk pigmentation than hens fed coarse particles. This is consistent with the results of the present study and suggests that the yolk content and deposition efficiency of some carotenoids, such as zeaxanthin ( Table 5A ), may increase in laying hens with the reduction in the grain particle size.…”

Carotenoid enrichment in eggs: From biochemistry perspective

“…Pulverization treatment of P. carotinifaciens powder increased the efficiency of carotenoid deposition in egg yolks ( Honda et al., 2020b ). Moreover, the smaller size of corn particles can increase surface contact with intestinal enzymes and carriers, favoring the enterohepatic absorption of carotenoids for the pigmentation of egg yolks, thereby allowing more effective absorption of carotenoids ( Oliveira et al., 2019 ). In addition, the saponification of natural paprika and marigold pigmentation products resulted in increased pigmentation quality of these products.…”