@article{MAKHILLJAVA2007681157,
    title = {The Effects of Dietary Electrolyte Balance on the Performance and Eggshell Quality in the Early Laying Period},
    journal = {Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances},
    volume = {6},
    number = {8},
    pages = {991-995},
    year = {2007},
    issn = {1680-5593},
    doi = {javaa.2007.991.995},
    url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1680-5593&doi=javaa.2007.991.995},
    author = {A. Nobakht,M. Shivazad,M. Chamany and},
    keywords = {Electrolyte balance,eggshell,performance,laying hens},
    abstract = {This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Dietary Electrolyte Balance (DEB = Na<SUP>+ </SUP>+ K<SUP>+</SUP>-Cl<SUP>-</SUP>) on the performance and eggshell quality of layers in their early laying period. Two hundred fifty six Hy-Line strain laying hens, 24-34 weeks of age, were randomly assigned into four treatment. The DEB levels were 0, 120, 240 and 360 mEq kg <SUP>1</SUP> and were obtained by addition of NaCl, NaHCO<SUB>3</SUB>, KHCO<SUB>3</SUB> and NH<SUB>4</SUB>CL as needed. Egg production, feed intake, egg mass and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were not significantly affected by any of the treatments, whereas eggshell quality was significantly affected (p< 0.05). The shell specific gravity, shell weight, shell thickness, shell ash and shell weight/surface area were increased with increasing DEB from 120-360 mEq kg <SUP>1</SUP> relative to the control diet. It was concluded that high rate DEB (360 mEq kg <SUP>1</SUP>) can improve eggshell quality in the early laying period.}
    }