ABSTRACT
The possibility of using mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) stem waste (FVW) in layer diets was explored in this study. A total of 180, 40-week-old ISA Brown laying hens were randomly assigned to 5 groups, with 6 replications of 6 birds for each group. Layers were fed a standard basal diet as control; antibiotic (0.05% flavomycin); 2% FVW; 4%FVW; and 6% FVW. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed on hen daily egg production, egg weight, egg mass, unmarketable eggs, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and live weight among experimental groups. Haugh unit was found higher (p<0.05) in FVW fed groups than in antibiotic fed groups. Shape index, shell weight, shell thickness, yolk weight, yolk index, yolk weight and albumen weight were not affected (p>0.05) by feeding FVW in this study. Yolk color was found higher (p<0.05) in FVW fed groups than in control and antibiotic groups. The shell color was higher (p<0.05) both in 4% FVW and 6% FVW fed groups than in control and antibiotic groups. Calcium retention and calcium in egg shell deposition were higher (p<0.05) both in 4% FVW and 6% FVW fed groups than in control and antibiotic groups respectively. Apparent nutrient retention for dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and organic matter were higher (p<0.05) in FVW fed groups than in control and antibiotic groups. FVW at 6% level in layer ration can be used for organic eggs production which would be safe and sound for human consumption.
Keywords:
Apparent nutrient retention; calcium utilization; egg quality; laying performance; mushroom waste