Research On Animal Production

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of purslane seeds on the production performance, some egg characteristics and blood and yolk cholesterol and triglyceride levels, in different periods of laying hens. The experiment was done on hay-line strain (w36) from 32 to 42 weeks using a completely randomized design with 3 treatments, 4 replicate and 8 hens in each replicate. The experimental diets were, 1- basal diet (Control),
2-Treatment containing 1% purslane seed and 3-Treatment containing 2% purslane seed. The results showed that egg weights were significantly increased in the treatment having 1% purslane seed (P<0.05). Percent of the egg production in the hens fed 2% purslane seed was significantly increased compared to the control group (P<0.05). The egg mass in the groups receiving purslane seed showed a significant increase (P<0.05). The feed conversion ratio was also improved by consumption of purslane seeds (P<0.05). Egg characteristics were not significantly affected by dietary treatments. Consequently the level of 1% purslane seed have positive effect on egg weight and level of 2% purslane seed improves egg mass and feed conversion ratio in laying hens.