Dietary Zinc Oxide and 6-Phytase Effects on Fertili ty Rate in Old Broiler Breeder Hens

Abstract

The effects of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and E. Coli -derived 6-phytase supplemented-diet on the reproductive performance in aged broiler breede r hens and on immune responses of their progeny chicks were studied. In a 2×4 factori al arrangement, 2 inclusion levels (0 or 300 U kg -1 diet) of E. coli -derived phytase and 4 inclusion levels (30, 60, 90 , and 120 mg kg- 1 diet) of ZnO were provided from 62 throughout 72 w eeks of age. A total of 128 hens were randomly assigned into 8 dietary treatments wi th 4 replicates of 4 hens each. During 66 to 71 weeks of age, egg production and egg weigh ts were daily recorded. Results showed that ZnO and ZnO×phytase interaction affecte d the egg weight and fertility rate (P< 0.01). Adding ZnO and phytase to diet increased the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and liver in the hatchlings. Also, the in teractive effect of ZnO and phytase on the relative weight of heart was significantly affe cted by the hatchlings (P< 0.01). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of ZnO and E. coli -derived 6-phytase profoundly improved the fertility rate in aged broilers breede r hens, although the effects on immunity of their progeny were negligible. Keywords: Aging, Dietary supplementation, Hatchability, Late production, Reproduction.