TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Effects of Dietary Electrolyte Balance on the Performance and Eggshell Quality in the Early Laying Period
AU - , A. Nobakht AU - , M. Shivazad AU - , M. Chamany AU - , A.R. Safameher 
JO  - Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances
VL  - 6
IS  - 8
SP  - 991
EP  - 995
PY  - 2007
DA  - 2001/08/19
SN  - 1680-5593
DO  - javaa.2007.991.995
UR  - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=javaa.2007.991.995
KW  - Electrolyte balance
KW  -eggshell
KW  -performance
KW  -laying hens
AB  - 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.
ER  -