Effect of humic preparations on productivity and quality traits of eggs from greenleg partridge hens

Zbigniew Dobrzański , Tadeusz Trziszka , Eugeniusz Herbut , Józefa Krawczyk , Przemysław Tronina

Abstract

Greenleg Partridge (Z-11) laying hens were simultaneously offered Humokarbowit and Humobentofet humic preparations (HuP) in an amount of about 4.5 g/hen/day during the entire production cycle. Production parameters and quality traits of eggs, including shell, were evaluated. Giving HuP had no effect on productivity, egg production, feed consumption and egg weight. In experiment I (layers without cockerels), shell percentage, shell thickness and shell strength were significantly higher in the experimental compared to the control group, which caused a significant decrease in the proportion of cracked and broken eggs. The other parameters of these eggs such as weight, height, pH of albumen and yolk, shell colour, yolk colour and Haugh units did not differ between the groups. In experiment II (layers with cockerels) no significant differences were found between the egg quality parameters studied, and only in the experimental group was there a tendency towards lighter shell colour, increased shell thickness and strength, and higher Haugh units in relation to the control group.