Efficacy of Feed Additives on the Basis of Wheat Germ in Hens Feeding
The article considers an innovative method of feeding laying hens with the introduction of wheat germ flour in their diet in the amount of 2 kg per 1 ton of feed stuff starting from the 390th day of egg laying and until the end of its period. The studied feed additive is chemically rich in protein (up to 32%), contains a small amount of fiber (no more than 3%) and has high levels of vitamin enrichment. Wheat germ is a valuable resource of macro- and microelements, amino acids, and other components. High accessibility of the additive components is achieved by dry three-stage mixing of a feed additive based on wheat germ with feed stuff of binding species. The aim of the study was to experimentally prove that it is possible to extend the period of economic use of egg-laying hens by introducing a feed additive based on wheat germ on the example of Lohmann White cross. The material for the research were Lohmann White cross egg-laying hens starting from the 390th day of egg laying. We formed two groups of 50 heads; the experimental group has been receiving an organic feed additive based on wheat germ (OOO “Russian field”, Yekaterinburg) during one month. The results show an increase in the percentage of egg production and the mass of eggs laid with high fidelity. It should be noted that due to the use of a feed additive based on wheat germ, the quality of eggs obtained from experimental hens also improved. Using feed additives based on wheat germ will increase the period of laying hens’ industrial use and ensure high quality and safety of products