Comparison of different levels of iron and zinc for enriched eggs in layers

Authors: ULLAH, ZOOHEB - Agricultural University Peshawar; KHAN, SARZAMIN - Agricultural University Peshawar; SHUAIB, MUHAMMAD - Central Arid Zone Research Institute; IQBAL, AAMIR - University Of Poonch Rawalakot; SIDDIQUI, SHAHROOD - Livestock And Fisheries Department Government Of Sindh; Pokoo-Aikins, Anthony; SWELUM, AYMAN - King Saud University

Submitted to: The Veterinary Quarterly
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/13/2024
Publication Date: 11/12/2024
Citation: Ullah, Z., Khan, S., Shuaib, M., Iqbal, A., Siddiqui, S.A., Pokoo-Aikins, A., Swelum, A.A. 2024. Comparison of different levels of iron and zinc for enriched eggs in layers. The Veterinary Quarterly. Volume 44, 2024 - Issue 1, pages 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1080/01652176.2024.2431035.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01652176.2024.2431035

Interpretive Summary: Zinc and iron help with bone and body functions. Some of the functions are the body’s defenses, growth, and reproductive functions. The lack of nutrients can lead to serious public health problems. Poor nutrition can lead to poor growth and health especially in children. Nutrient enriched foods can address this issue. This study compared the effect of different levels of iron and zinc on eggs. 80 commercial hens were divided into four groups with four replicates each. Diet without the additional zinc and iron was was provided to the control group. The other treatments had three different levels at 100, 200, and 300 mg per kg of diet per iron and zinc. The various treatment levels were added to FZ100, FZ200, and FZ300 groups respectively. At the end of the study, feed intake, egg production, and feed efficiency were not affected by the treatments. FZ300 iron and zinc group had increased iron and zinc content in their egg yolk. Egg value was not affected by the different levels of iron and zinc addition to their diets however, there was numerical increase in cost per egg in the FZ300 group. In conclusion, iron and zinc contents of eggs were enhanced. The treatments did not negatively affect feed intake, egg production, and feed of laying hens.

Technical Abstract: Zinc and iron are necessary for structural and metabolic functions of the body like, immune competence, physical growth, reproductive function, and neurobehavioral development. The deficiency of micronutrients is a severe public health distress in nearly all developing countries which leads to the syndrome of malnutrition mostly in children and women. The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effect of different levels of iron and zinc on the enriched eggs in layers. For this purpose, 80 commercial laying birds were divided into four groups having four replicates each (n=5). The basal ration was provided to the control group (C) while three different levels (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg diet/element) of iron and zinc (1:1) were provided to the FZ100, FZ200, and FZ300 groups accordingly. Overall feed intake, hen day egg production, and feed conversion ratio were not affected (P>0.05). FZ300 iron and zinc supplementation group increased iron and zinc content in egg yolk. The cost per egg produced in response to different levels of iron and zinc supplementation was not affected however numerical increase in cost per egg was found in the FZ300 group. In conclusion, iron and zinc supplementation significantly enhanced the egg iron and zinc contents without adversely affecting production parameters including feed intake, egg production, and feed conversion ratio of laying hens.