Effects of dry plant extract (Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim.) on the quality of eggs laying hens Hisex Braun

The application of plant extracts into the feed of different farm animals has an importance in the health prevention of animals, in the aspect of immunostimulant effects and in the production of biofood, which is an important component of the food chain [1, 2].

In the model experiment a dry extract of Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim. was applied to the layers of Hisex braun breed. The layers were divided into three groups, a control group (CG, n=10), 1st experimental group (EGI, n=10) with the addition of the extract in the concentration of 0.1%, the 2. experimental group (EGII, n=10) with the addition of the extract in the concentration of 0.5%. The layers were bred in a three-storey terraced cage battery; feed and water were at disposal ad libitum. The dry extract contained Eleutheroside B (0.71%), Eleutheroside E (1.14%), and 30% ethanol was used as an extraction medium. The weight of the eggs and the layers was sampled weekly. The quality of the eggs was assessed on the basis of the weight and shape of the eggs, the strength and thickness of the eggshells. In the 2nd experimental group, statistically significant changes (P<0.05) in the strength (EGII=30.93±5.00) and thickness (EGII=0.41±0.03) were detected in comparison with the control group (CG=26.71±4.42 strength, CG=0.39±0.02 thickness of the eggshells).

Keywords: Hisex braun, Eleutheroside, Eleutherococcus senticosus, egg

Acknowledgement: This research is supported by the Agency of Ministry of Education SR for the Structural Funds of the EU, the project: ITMS 26220120023, ITMS 26220120041, ITMS 26220220013.

References: [1] Davydov M, Krikorian AD (2000)J Ethnopharmacol 72(3): 345–349.

[2] Siwicki AK et al. (2004) Bull Vet Inst Pullawy 48: 489–492.