ABSTRACT
The present study examined the effect of supplementing the diets of laying hens with Pistacia terebinthus seed meal on egg quality during different storage intervals. A total of 192 laying hens (Babcock) were divided into six groups, and each group was further divided into four subgroups with eight hens each. Pistacia terebinthus seed meal was added to the diets of laying hens in the experimental groups at a rate of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g kg−1 of feed. At the end of the study (56 days), a total of 288 eggs (48 eggs from each group) were collected randomly. Seventy-two eggs were analyzed on day zero of storage, while the other eggs were stored at a temperature of 4 °C. The remaining eggs were analyzed after 10, 20, and 30 days of storage. The result revealed that, at 30 days of storage, the supplementation of terebinthus had a significant effect on the Haugh unit on inclusion levels of 20 and 40 g kg−1. Likewise, the inclusion level of 30 g kg−1 manifested a significant impact on yolk color at 20 days of storage. Eggshell breaking strength and egg weight remained unaffected. Terebinthus seed could be used to extend the storage time of eggs without any adverse effect on egg quality.
Key Words
egg; laying hen; yolk pigmentation