The use of Anacardium occidentale as nutraceutical in hypoprotein diets for laying hens

Resumen

One hundred sixty White Leghorn hens (Hybrid L-33) of 30 weeks of age in their full laying peak were utilized for 91 d to assess the use
of Anacardium occidentale as nutraceutical in hypoprotein diets for laying hens. A completely randomized design, with four treatments of foliage and sprouts powder of Anacardium occidentale (0; 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5%) were applied as nutraceutical additive. There was no morbidity or mortality with the inclusion of this powder in the diets. The addition of up to 1.5% of A. occidentale powder increased the production (75.50 to 80.00%), egg weight (61.20 to 62.37 g), the height of the dense white (6.72 to 7.78 mm), the thickness (0.36 to 0.41 mm) and eggshell surface (75.90 to 78.24 cm2). The intensity of the yolk?s color (10) was marked by the addition of 0.5% of powder. The addition of this medicinal powder did not decrease the sensory albumen quality and the egg yolk. There were no alterations in the hematological examination to the hens at 30 and 43 weeks. However, hypoprotein diets affected total plasma proteins (44.70 to 47.00 g/L). The use of 1.5% of foliage and sprouts powder of Anacardium occidentale is recommended for hypoprotein diets for laying hens for increasing egg production and quality, without affecting the sensory quality or the health indicators of the birds.
Key words: Anacardium occidentale, quality, hypoprotein, laying hen, production