Mineral utilization in layers as influenced by dietary oligofructose and inulin

Abstract

Sixty White Leghorn hens (57 wk of age) were divided randomly into three groups with two birds per cage. One group received the basal diet, the second group received the basal diet supplemented with 1% (w/w) oligofructose and the third group received 1% (w/w) inulin in the form of 1.3% of a partially purified chicory root extract(Raftifeed®IPE).Birds were allowed free access to feed and water during the 4 wk observation period. Supplementing oligofructose and inulin increased (P<0.05) the layer's serum calcium levels at the end of experiment. Oligofructose and inulin dietary supplementation increased (P<0.05) eggshell weight percentage from the second week as compared with the control group; meanwhile overall eggshell weight showed 3.64 and 4.44% increases (P<0.05), respectively. Similarly, after 1 wk of supplementing diets with both prebiotics, eggshell strengths were increased (P<0.05) significantly. Supplementing with oligofructose or inulin increased (P<0.05) total ash, calcium, and phosphorus levels in the tibia. No effect (P>0.05) on the level of magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc or iron in the tibiae was observed among those treatments. In conclusion, dietary oligofructose and inulin can promote bird's health and improve eggshell quality. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2004.