Effects of ß-mannanase supplementation and soyhull inclusion on egg quality, blood biochemicals, nutrient digestibilty, and intestinal morphology in laying hens at late peak production

Authors: SHUAIB, MUHAMMAD - Agricultural University Peshawar; HAFEEZ, ABDUL - Agricultural University Peshawar; PANERU, DEEPENDRA - University Of Georgia; TAHIR, MUHAMMAD - Agricultural University Peshawar; Pokoo-Aikins, Anthony; KIM KYUN, WOO - University Of Georgia

Submitted to: Animals
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/2/2025
Publication Date: 1/4/2025
Citation: Shuaib, M., Hafeez, A., Paneru, D., Tahir, M., Pokoo-Aikins, A., Kim Kyun, W. 2025. Effects of ß-mannanase supplementation and soyhull inclusion on egg quality, blood biochemicals, nutrient digestibilty, and intestinal morphology in laying hens at late peak production. Animals. 15,1,18. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15010098.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15010098

Interpretive Summary: This study looked at the effects of enzyme and soyhulls (SH) on egg quality, blood quality, nutrient breakdown, and gut health in laying hens. The study examined these effects during late peak production phase. Golden Brown hens (RIR × Fayoumi; n =200) were fed a control diet with no SH or enzymes and diets containing four mixtures of 3% or 9% of SH with 20 or 30mg/kg enzyme. Most egg quality properties were unchanged after four weeks of feeding the hens with these diets. Hens fed 3% SH with 30mg/kg enzyme had increased egg weight and height. The blend of enzyme and SH lowered blood fat levels and enhanced gut health. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility were higher with 3% SH and 20 or 30mg/kg enzyme compared to the control. Gut health and other egg quality traits were unaffected. Inclusion of a mixture of 3% soyhulls and 30mg/kg enzyme may benefit laying hens by improving egg quality traits and lowering blood fat levels. These levels do not appear to affect nutrient breakdown.

Technical Abstract: This study investigated the effects of ß-mannanase enzyme and soyhulls on egg quality, hematology and serum biochemistry, nutrient digestibility, gut morphology, digesta viscosity, and excreta consistency in laying hens during late peak production phase (32 to 36 weeks of age). Golden Brown hens (RIR × Fayoumi; n =200) were fed a control diet (no soyhulls or enzymes) and diets containing four combinations of 3% or 9% soyhulls with 20 or 30mg/kg ß-mannanase for four weeks in four replicates of 10 birds each. Most egg quality parameters remained unchanged, but 3% soyhulls with 30mg/kg ß-mannanase numerically increased egg weight, albumen weight, and height. This combination also significantly lowered total cholesterol and LDL levels and enhanced gut morphology with greater villus width, height, crypt depth, and surface area across intestinal segments. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility were significantly higher with 3% soyhulls and 20 or 30mg/kg ß-mannanase compared to the control. Digesta viscosity, excreta consistency, and other egg quality parameters remained unaffected. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of a combination of 3% soyhulls and 30mg/kg ß-mannanase may have potential benefits for laying hens by improving some egg quality parameters and lowering blood cholesterol and LDL levels without affecting nutrient digestibility.