The effect of substituting corn with different levels of Pistacia atlantica seeds on laying hens performance in first phase of egg production

Abstract

Experiment was conducted over 12 weeks period with one hundred sixty 24 weeks old white-leghorn hens. Diets containing 0, 5, 10 and 15% Pistacia atlantica seeds were given to caged laying hens, In the first phase of egg production (weeks 24-36). Egg production rate, egg number, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, mortality rate and body weight were not significantly affected by the experimental diets. It could be concluded from this study for the first time that Pistacia atlantica seeds could be used up to 15% in the ration of laying hens during the first phase of egg production (weeks 24-36) with no serious adverse effects on performance.