Title
A prebiotic diet based on dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) improves the productive performance and intestinal morphology of laying hens
Date Issued
01 September 2021
Access level
open access
Resource Type
Journal
Author(s)
Saenz F.M.C.
Zamora-Huamán S.J.
Abstract
The inclusion of Dandelion meal [DL] (Taraxacum officinale) in the diet of laying hens and its effect on productive performance, intestinal morphology and dry matter content in feces was evaluated. Ninety-six 35-week-old brown Hisex hens were distributed in 6 treatments. Gradual levels of DM meal (1%, 2%, 3% and 4%) were compared with a diet based on the mixture of antibiotics (CAB; 0.03% Zinc bacitracin + 0.03% colistin sulfate) and another based of 0.20% sodium butyrate (CPB). DM and CPB improved egg production (p < 0.05) compared to CAB, but feed consumption and egg weight decreased with the use of 4% DM (p < 0.05), without affecting the feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). In general, DM (1% - 4%) improved intestinal morphology parameters (p < 0.05). Higher quantity and content of dry matter in feces was observed in 4% DM compared to CAB. The incorporation of up to 3% DM improved the productive indexes on the feeding of laying hens and managed to have the best prebiotic effect, as it was evidenced in the intestinal morphology and goblet cells.
Start page
403
End page
410
Volume
12
Issue
3
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85114431063
Source
Scientia Agropecuaria
Resource of which it is part
Scientia Agropecuaria
ISSN of the container
20779917
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus