Effect of sunflower meal levels and protease enzyme on performance and intestinal morphology in laying hens

This experiment was conducted to consider of sunflower meal (SFM) levels and protease enzyme on performance, egg quality traits and intestinal morphology of laying hens from 78 to 86 weeks of age. In total, one hundred and twenty white Bovans laying hens were used in 6 treatments, 5 replicates and 4 hens in each in a factorial arrangement 3×2 by completely randomized design (CRD). The experimental treatments contain 3 levels (0, 6.78 and 13.56% SFM) and 2 levels of protease enzyme (0 and 200 g/ton). Results have shown that second level of SFM (6.78%) in the diet increased egg production than control treatment (P