Assessing bone mineral density, eggshell characteristics and their relationship at peak egg production of laying hens in response to various levels of vitamin C

Abstract

In this study, the effects of the inclusion of different vitamin C levels in the diet on bone mineral density (BMD) and eggshell quality was determined. Four experimental diets with four levels of vitamin C (0, 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg) were used. During the experiment, environmental temperature and humidity were 19±1°C and 55±5% respectively. Correlation coefficients of BMD index and shell characteristics with production parameters were also determined. Egg weight, egg mass, hen-day egg production and eggshell quality were not significantly influenced by vitamin C levels. BMD was not affected by vitamin C utilization. A positive correlation was observed between BMD and egg weight and hen-day egg production. A significant positive correlation between specific gravity and eggshell traits was also found. In conclusion, the results of this study have shown that vitamin C does not affect bone mineral density and eggshell quality under lower critical temperature.