The influence of a plant extract on the quality of Hisex braun layers' eggs

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]. Phytogenic food additives and phytotherapeutic methods in veterinary medicine support the health and the production of farm animals [3, 4], that are often exposed to the influence of polluted environment, various supplements in feeding blends, heavy metals and residues of pesticides [5].

In the model experiment (8 weeks), 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), the first experimental group (EGI, n=10) with the addition of the extract in the concentration of 0.1%, the second 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 second 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).

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