Author :
Pourreza, J.,Keshavarz, K.
Title of Article :
use of cotton seed meal in the diet of laying hens
Title Of Periodical :
Iran Agricultural Research
Descriptors :
Gossypol,Yolk discoloration,White discoloration,Iron sulfate,discolored egg,Cotton seed meal,Laying hens,Egg production,Egg weight
Abstract :
An experiment was carried out to determine the maximum level of free gossypol which could be tolerated by laying hens without any adverse effects on their performance. The possibility of inactivating gossypol using iron sulfate was also investigated. The results showed that laying hens could tolerate up to 440 ppm free gossypol without any significant adverse effects on egg production egg weight, feed consumption, and feed conversion. Supplementation of diets containing free gossypol with ferrous sulfate did not improve egg production, egg weight, and feed conversion. When freshly laid eggs were examined, there was no effect of 140 ppm free gossypol on yolk and white color. However, this level of free gossypol caused egg discoloration when eggs were stored for one month or longer. Iron sulfate at the levels used (120 and 240 ppm) was effective in increasing the tolerance level of free gossypol by laying hens to 280 ppm. Iron sulfate partially decreased the percentage of discolored eggs produced by free gossypol during the period of storage.
