# Role of a Precision Biotic Fed to Dekalb White Laying Hens at Peak Production

## TL;DR

This study tested a new feed additive in laying hens to see if it improves egg production and health during peak laying age.

## Contribution

The study introduces a precision biotic feed additive and evaluates its effects on performance and digestibility in laying hens.

## Key findings

- Supplementing with precision biotic improved egg production compared to a low-protein diet.
- Feed cost was lower with reduced protein diets, but digestibility was affected by the additive.
- Blood uric acid levels increased, suggesting improved protein metabolism efficiency.

## Abstract

In peaking age laying hens, performance, digestibility and egg quality parameters were studied. The objective was to compare the new feed additive, precision biotics in laying hens feed and observe how it can help in egg production and overall animal performance. A low protein diet and a standard protein diet with two levels of the feed additive were fed to the hens for 18 weeks. Research like this is important where the value of gut health and animal performance comes into the role of supporting overall animal health. While more research is needed on PB, this research suggests that supplementation with PB in laying hens could potentially improve performance parameters.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of two levels of a precision biotic (PB) within a reduced CP diet for performance, digestibility, and blood biomarkers in Dekalb White laying hens from 24 to 42 weeks of age. A total of four diets were fed: (1) an industry-standard positive control (PC) diet with a formulated CP level of 17.5%; (2) a negative control (NC) diet with a formulated CP level of 15.5%; (3) NC with 0.5 kg/ton PB (NC+PB1); (4) NC with 0.7 kg/ton PB (NC+PB2). The NC diet decreased hen–day egg production compared to the PC diet, and supplementation with both levels of PB led to intermediate levels of production. There was a similar trend for the feed conversion ratio (FCR), measured in kilograms of feed per dozen eggs. Feed cost was lower in the reduced CP diets compared to the PC. Apparent total tract digestibility was decreased with PB supplementation without differences in apparent ileal digestibility. The increased plasma uric acid levels in the NC+PB2 group suggest a shift in protein metabolism toward higher efficiency in ammonia detoxification. While more research is needed on PB, this research suggests that supplementation with PB in laying hens could potentially improve performance parameters.