Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH, cilt.53, sa.1, ss.1-12, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two herbal-based feed additives – medium- chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and tannins (TANs) – on the productive performance, egg quality, gut health, immune response, and liver enzyme activity of Lohmann White hens during the late laying period (57–81 weeks). A total of 351 hens were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: a control diet, a diet supplemented with MCFAs, and a diet supplemented with TAN. TAN supplementation significantly improved egg mass and the feed conversion ratio, while MCFAs supplementation reduced weight loss and increased eggshell breaking strength, likely due to improved calcium metabolism. Both additives positively influence gut health, as evidenced by increased villus height and, in the case of MCFAs, increased villus surface area and goblet cell numbers. Additionally, both MCFAs and TAN enhanced immune responses, as indicated by increased antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus. Notably, MCFAs improved the antioxidant defence system, maintaining or increasing the activi-ties of liver enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase. These findings suggest that MCFAs and TAN may enhance the health and productivity of hens during the late laying period, potentially offering sustainable solutions for extending egg production while maintaining egg quality and animal welfare.