The effects of phytase and root hydroalcoholic extract ofWithania somniferaon productive performance and bone mineralisation of laying hens in the late phase of production

Abstract

1. A 6-week study was conducted to investigate the effects of phytase and hydroalcoholic extract of Withania somnifera root (WS) on productive performance and bone mineralisation of laying hens in the late phase of production. 2. Diets were arranged factorially (3 × 2 × 2) and consisted of a positive control with adequate Ca (4·37%) and nonphytate P (NPP; 0·39%) and a negative control diet with Ca (4·06%) and NPP (0·36 %); three concentrations of Withania somnifera (0, 65 and 130 mg/kg diet); and two concentrations of microbial phytase (0 and 300 U/kg diet). 3. A total of 144 72-week-old Hy-Line W36 laying hens were randomly assigned to the 12 treatment groups. Each treatment was replicated 4 times (4 x 3 hens). Egg production and egg weight were recorded daily, while feed intake and egg quality traits were recorded every two weeks. Bone quality traits were evaluated at the end of experiment. 4. Withania somnifera supplementation increased egg production and lowered egg weight only in the second two weeks of the experiment. Addition of phytase significantly depressed specific gravity of the eggs for the entire experiment period. No dietary treatment effects were observed on egg shell thickness and yolk weight. 5. Withania somnifera at 130 mg/kg did not affect feed intake. The hens fed on the positive control diet had higher albumen weight than the negative control diet in the second two-week period. Supplementation of the positive control diet with 65 mg/kg Withania somnifera in the absence of phytase significantly improved shell weight compared with the negative control (5·779 vs. 5·273 g respectively). 6. Supplementing Withania somnifera significantly improved Ca and P retention in tibia bone. In addition, an increase in tibia bone P was observed with phytase supplementation. There were significant interactions between Withania somnifera content and phytase for tibia bone Ca and P. 7. The results of this experiment indicated that dietary Withania somnifera has beneficial effects on tibia bone Ca and P content, and phytase improved tibia bone P retention without adverse effects on productive performance.

The effects of hydroalcoholic extracts ofWithania somniferaroot,Withania coagulansfruit and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on immune response and small intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

“…In another study conducted on laying hens in agreement with the findings of current study it was reported that a diet supplemented with 65 or 130 mg/kg of WS extract had no significant effects on FI and FCE (Tahmasbi et al 2012). In contrast to our results, Alba et al (2015) reported that supplementation of WC fruit powder into the diet at 2.5 and 5 g/kg affected FI and BWG.…”

Effects of Organic Acids Supplement on Performance, Egg Traits, Blood Serum Biochemical Parameters and Gut Microflora in Female Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

“…Eggshells were carefully washed with warm water and dried at 55°C for 48 hours in an oven and then weighted. The eggshell thickness was measured using a micrometer caliper with an accuracy of 1 ± µm (series 500, Mitutoyo, Tokyo, Japan) and the average was calculated (Tahmasbi et al, 2012). The surfaces of eggs were calculated as indicated by Ousterhout (1980).…”

In ovo injection of flavanone on bone quality characteristics, biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzyme status of blood in daily chicks

“…It is identified that flavonoids derivatives increased Ca and P retention in the tibia (Tahmasbi, Mirakzehi, Hosseini, Agah, & Kazemi, 2012). There was a significant increase in Ca retention, higher tibia Ca, tibia shear force and stiffness by supplementation of herbs with flavonoid component.…”

“…It has been specified that Naringin, flavanone‐7‐O‐glycoside (4′,5,7‐Trihydroxyflavanone 7‐rhamnoglucoside), in citrus fruits, stimulate the bone formation in vitro and in vivo conditions (Choudhary et al, ; Ma et al, ). It is identified that flavonoids derivatives increased Ca and P retention in the tibia (Tahmasbi, Mirakzehi, Hosseini, Agah, & Kazemi, ). There was a significant increase in Ca retention, higher tibia Ca, tibia shear force and stiffness by supplementation of herbs with flavonoid component.…”