The Effect of different levels of copper and cichorium intybus on egg yolk cholesterol content and performance of laying hens

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of various levels of cichorium intybus and copper on performance and egg yolk cholesterol. Total of 324 layer hens (Hy-Line W-36) were used in a randomized complete blocks with nine treatments، three replications of 12 birds in each from 38 to 50 weeks of age. Experimental diets include control، four levels of copper (150، 200، 250 and 300 mg/kg) and four levels of cichorium intybus (15، 20، 25 and 30 percent of diet). Different levels of cichorium intybus and copper significantly decreased serum and yolk cholesterol than control. The level of 300 mg/kg copper significantly reduced serum and yolk cholesterol but significantly decreased egg weight، egg production and increased feed conversion ratio compared to control. Levels of 25 and 30 percent of cichorium intybus significantly decreased egg production than control treatment. Yolk color improved by different levels of cichorium intybus than control and copper levels. In conclusion، the best result for lower yolk cholesterol were achieved by those laying hens fed a diet with 150 mg/kg copper of diet or 15 percent of cichorium intybus.