Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Supplementation on Productive Performance, Egg Quality Traits, Serum Biochemical Parameters and Liver Fat Rate in Laying Hens

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root supplementation on performance, egg quality and some serum antioxidant enzymes capacity with increasing age, after the peak laying stage in hens. This study, also aimed to overcome diseases that occur due to lipid metabolism in layers in the late laying period. Methods: In total, one hundred and twenty 70-week-old Lohman LSL laying hens were randomly assigned to five groups equally (n = 24). Each treatment was replicated six times (6 replicates x 4 birds). The control group was fed basal diet (2650 kcal/kg ME) with no supplementation. The other groups were fed high-energy diets (2850 kcal/kg ME) to induce fatty liver and also 5, 10 and 15 g/kg dandelion (taraxacum officinale) root were supplemented. Result: The study revealed that the addition of 5 g/kg dandelion root to the high-energy feed positively changed the egg production, decreased lipid profiles (triglyceride and VLDL) and liver fat ratio and played a role in preventing lipid peroxidation.