Lithothamnium calcareum no desempenho produtivo de galinhas poedeiras e na qualidade de ovos

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate two sources of calcium in the diet of laying hens, one organic (Lithothamnium calcareum algae) and the other inorganic (Calcitic limestone), based on the quantity and quality of eggs. The experiment was carried out in the experimental aviary of the Federal University of Fronteira Sul - UFFS. There were 24 cages of 750 cm² each with adapted drinkers and feeders, containing three hens per cage. Four treatments were tested (T1, T2, T3 and T4) in 6 repetitions in a randomized block design, divided into two production cycles of 28 days each. The external calcium source for the diet in the control plot was calcitic limestone in its entirety and for treatment plots 2, 3 and 4, 2.5, 5 and 10% Lithothamnium algae were added. For productivity were analyzed the daily intake (grams per day) and egg production, and to determine the quality were analyzed the internal and external characteristics of the egg, as well as the levels of calcium deposited in the shells of the eggs. There was a linear effect (P <0.05) on the variable eggs/hen/day and a quadratic effect (P <0.05) on feed intake per dozen eggs. In terms of quality, the results showed no significant differences between the variables analyzed, with the exception of yolk color. The use of the organic source maintains the same standard of productivity and quality offered by the inorganic source, with the best inclusion percentage being 2.5% of algae.