Effect of supplemental vitamin E in breeder diet on hatching egg quality during the period of storage

In a completely randomized design, effect of supplemental vitamin E (VE) in Arian broiler breeder diet on hatching egg quality in the time of storing, were evaluated. Two hundred and eighty breeder hens and twenty eight males were allocated at random to one of seven experimental diets containing graded levels of supplementary VE (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 IU/kg diet) from 26 to 35 weeks of age. Egg quality indices were measured in 31 and 35 weeks of age and until 14 days after storing at those weeks. Experimental diets had no significant effect (P≥0.05) on fresh and stored egg quality in 31 week. In week 35 only, hens receiving supplemental VE higher than 40 IU/kg diet, had greater (P≤0.05) Haugh unit of their fresh eggs than control group (92.21, 93.89, 93.25, 94.61 and 93.09 vs. 87.06 respectively). One week after storing (week 35), hens receiving 60 and 120 IU of VE/kg diet had greater (P≤0.05). Haugh unit of their eggs than control group (84.81 and 85.23 vs. 75.39 respectively). Two weeks after storing (week 35), hens receiving 60 IU of VE/kg diet had greater (P≤0.05). Haugh unit of their eggs than control group, only (74.52 vs. 67.50 respectively). Based on the results of this study, it seems that high levels of VE in older broiler breeder diet can improve hatching egg internal quality at the time of storing.