Effect of artichoke (Cynara scolimus L.) on the egg productivity and biochemical parameters in laying hens

Desislava Abadjieva, Svetlana Grigorova, Vanya Mladenova, Almantas Shimkus, Elena Kistanova

Abstract: The objective of the research was to investigate the effects of artichoke (Cynara scolumus L.) on the egg productivity and some biochemical parameters in laying hens from ISA Brown and Lohman Brown breeds. Two experiments were carried out with different doses of artichoke in the diet (2.2 g/kg and 3 g/kg). The analysis of the egg productivity was done. The following some biochemical parameters were analyzed: total protein, albumin, urea, glucose, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartat amino transferase (AST), alanin amino transferase (ALT) and elements as potassium, sodium and calcium. Artichoke supplementation to the laying hens’ diet for a period about of 5 weeks had not significant effect on the final body weight and egg productivity during both experiments. However, the glucose level as well as ALP and AST contents significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Artichoke supplementation lead to an increase of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) in the blood serum of laying hens (P < 0.05).

Keywords: artichoke; biochemical parameters; Cynara scolumus; egg productivity; laying hens

Date published: 2021-02-17