Effect of dietary Artemisia argyi powder on egg production, egg quality and nutrients, serum biochemical indices in laying ducks

A total of 240 laying ducks at 24 wk of age were randomly assigned to 4 groups with 6 replicates of 10 layers each according to a completely randomized design. The control group were fed a basic diet, and three treatment groups were fed a basic diet supplemented with 2%, 4% and 6% Artemisia argyi powder (AAP). The adaption period was 7 d and the main experimental period was 35 d. The addition of 2% and 4% AAP increased ALR and PLR, while decreased FCR (P < 0.05) but did not affect (P > 0.05) ADFI compared to the control group. Supplementation with AAP enhanced (P < 0.05) the eggshell thickness but did not affect the egg shape index, yolk ratio, albumen height and Haugh unit (P > 0.05). Compared to the control, the concentrations of PUFA and DPA in the 4% AAP and 6% AAP groups were increased (P < 0.05). SFA were higher in 2% AAP while MUFA were decreased in three experimental groups (P < 0.05). Accordingly, GSH-Px, T-SOD in all experimental groups, IgG and IgM in the 4% APP group displayed higher levels, while MDA was not affected when feeding AAP diets. It can be concluded that Artemisia argyi powder positively affects egg production, enhances the antioxidant and immune capacity of laying ducks.