[en] This experiment aimed to determine the effect of incorporating 10% (w/w) Alfalfa-based deshydrated Silage Pellets (ABSP) into a commercial control diet on the production performance of Novogen Brown light layers. Twenty-one-week-old hens were divided into two groups (control-C and treatment-T) using a randomized block design, and the experiment lasted for 4 weeks. Feed intake, live weight and egg parameters were measured weekly. Weight gain was slightly lower in the T group, whereas the feed conversion ratio was improved (p < 0.05). Laying rate was similar in both groups. Yolk colour intensity was significantly increased (p < 0.001), along with an improvement in the yolk's fatty acid profile, showing lower SFA, higher ω-3 PUFA and an increased ω-6 to ω-3 ratio (p < 0.001). Gut microbial communities were analysed through 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. The results indicated that bacterial diversity was significantly lower at the genus level (p < 0.01) in the T group. Positive effects were observed on beneficial bacteria abundance, especially Lactobacillus spp., and with a reduction in potentially pathogenic bacteria. These findings suggest that ABSP can replace at least 10% of feed in organic layer diet without compromising production parameters and with positive effects on yolk quality and gut microbial communities.
Research Center/Unit :
FARAH. Productions animales durables - ULiège
Disciplines :
Animal production & animal husbandry
Author, co-author :
Hamim, Abbas ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health (FARAH) ; School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, Nyagatare, Rwanda
Habimana, Sylvestre; School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Rwanda, Musanze, Rwanda
Hatungimana, Eric; School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, Nyagatare, Rwanda
Daube, Georges ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de sciences des denrées alimentaires (DDA) > Microbiologie des denrées alimentaires
Taminiau, Bernard ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health (FARAH) > FARAH: Santé publique vétérinaire
Douny, Caroline ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de sciences des denrées alimentaires (DDA) > Analyse des denrées alimentaires
Hornick, Jean-Luc ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de gestion vétérinaire des Ressources Animales (DRA)
Dufrasne, Isabelle ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de gestion vétérinaire des Ressources Animales (DRA) > Nutrition des animaux domestiques ; Center for Agronomic Technologies, Modave, Belgium
Language :
English
Title :
Alfalfa-Based Dehydrated Silage Pellet as a Source of Nutrients in Laying Hens: I. Effects on Animal Performance and Egg Quality.
Publication date :
March 2026
Journal title :
Veterinary Medicine and Science
eISSN :
2053-1095
Publisher :
John Wiley and Sons Inc, England
Volume :
12
Issue :
2
Pages :
e70758
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Development Goals :
13. Climate action 3. Good health and well-being 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
This work forms part of the corresponding author's doctoral research, which is supported by a PhD scholarship from the Government of Rwanda through the World Bank's Priority Skills for Growth Program (PSGP) and the Ministry of Education. The Center for Agronomic Technologies (CTA) and the University of Li\u00E8ge are thanked for their support in this research.
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