The effect of different levels of β-alanine on performance, egg quality, yolk cholesterol and blood parameters of laying hen

The aim of this research was to study the effect of β-alanine levels on performance, quality characteristics of eggs and blood parameters of laying hens. In this research, 180 laying hens of "Hy-Line -W36" at the age of 78 to 86 weeks were used in five treatments and six replication (six hen in each replication). Experimental treatments included 5 level of 0, 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 mg of β-alanine per kg of diet. The results of this experiment showed that the addition of β-alanine at any level of the diet caused an increase in feed consumption in the whole period (P˂0.05). The addition of 400 mg of β-alanine per kg of the diet had more shell weight per surface area in the whole period (P˂0.05). The β-alanine treatments at any level of the diet caused an increase in VLDL concentration at the age of 84-86 week compared to the control treatment. The concentration of cholesterol in the yolk at the age of 82-84 week was higher in hens feed with a diet containing 800 mg per kg β-alanine than control birds (P˂0.05). In general, the results of this research showed that 800 mg of β-alanine per kg of diet can increase feed consumption, VLDL concentrations and egg yolk cholesterol.