Effect of supplementation of different boron and copper levels to layer diets on performance, Egg yolk and plasma cholesterol

Procedure: This study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementation of different levels boron and copper on performance, lipids in yolk and plasma contains in layer diets. In this trial a total of 320 layer chicken (26 weeks old age) was randomly distributed in 16 experimental groups. In each experiment group were consist at 5 replicates, and in each replicates there were 4 birds. During the 16 weeks experiment period, birds were fed with 16 experimental diets. Experimental diets were consisting of all possible combination of 4 levels of added boron (0, 60, 120 and 240. mg/kg) and 4 levels of added copper (0, 75, 150 and 300. mg/kg) to the basal ration. Results: Effect of treatments on body weight change and plasma glucose levels were not significant. However, added boron and copper had a significant effect on plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol fraction. While added boron had a significant adverse effect on performance parameters, added copper had a significant positive effect on the same parameters. Yolk lipid contents were increased by addition of boron to the ration. However, yolk lipid contents were decreased by addition of copper to the ration. Plasma lipid contents were also decreased by addition of copper and boron in the ration. Conclusion: Results of the present study showed that laying hens from 26 to 42 weeks of age should be fed with 60. mg/kg boron and 150. mg/kg copper supplementation in the diet. © 2012 Elsevier GmbH.