Effect of chamomile essential oil application on the weight of eggs in laying hens Hisex Braun

Chamomile essential oil (Matricaria recutita L.) was applied to 16 laying hens - hybrid Hisex Braun. In this model experiment, hens of 15 weeks in age were divided into 2 groups including 8 hens in each - a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). They were housed in battery cages system having water intake ad libitum. Hens in EG were fed feed mixture HYD 6 and HYD 10 enriched with chamomile essential oil (0.1%) daily for a period of 8 weeks. Weight of eggs was checked daily during the whole experiment. Significant difference (p<0.001) in weight of eggs comparing CG and EG was found from week 4 to 8 of the experiment. Although only a small number of animals was involved in this model experiment, application of chamomile essential oil indicated probability of a positive influence (increase) on the weight of eggs of laying hens. Experiments using higher amounts of hens will be processed to confirm this positive achievement.