Pirarucu by-product acid silage meal in diets for commercial laying hens

Batalha, O. S.Alfaia, S. S.Cruz, F. G. G.Jesus, R. S.Rufino, J. P. F.Silva, A. F.

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of pirarucu by-product acid silage meal in diets for laying hens on performance and egg quality. One hundred sixty eight Hissex White laying hens 73-wk-old were distributed in completely randomized design with seven treatments (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%) and four replicates of six birds each. The experiment lasted 84 days divided into four periods of 21 days. Estimates of pirarucu by-product meal levels were determined by polynomial regression. Differences (p<0.05) were observed in all variables of performance, in egg weight, yolk height and yolk pigmentation, with pirarucu by-product meal inclusion in diets showed better results than control diet. The pirarucu by-product acid silage meal can be used as alternative food in diets for commercial laying hens. Up to the 2.5% inclusion level there wasn’t negative effect in performance and egg quality.(AU)

1. fish by-product
2. Alternative food
3. egg quality
4. flavor
5. performance