The effects of supplemental niacin in laying hen diet on performance and egg quality characteristics

This study was carried out to determine the effects of dietary niacin (0, 250, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg ration) on layer performance. A total of 120 commercial hens (28 weeks of age) were divided in five groups, each containing 24 hens. Feeding period lasted 13 weeks. Hens were fed in groups, with adlibitum access to feed and water. Egg production, feed conversion, egg breaking strength and shell thickness were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, by the treatments. In addition some interior egg quality parameters were affected positively with increased niacin level in the diet (P < 0.05). It was concluded that niacin in the diet may have a positive role in layer performance.