Effect of different levels of purslane seed on blood parameters, plasma minerals, liver enzymes and some egg characteristics in laying hens

This study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of purslane seed on some egg characteristics, serum metabolites, plasma minerals and serum enzymes activity in leghorn laying hens, strain hy-line (W36) in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments, 4 replicates and 8 hens in each replicate at the age of 32 to 42 weeks. The experimental treatments were; 1- Control treatment, 2- Treatment containing 1% purslane seed and 3- Treatment containing 2% purslane seed. Egg characteristics for 4 week periods and blood metabolites were measured at the end of the experimental period. The results showed that among of egg characteristics, average egg weight and albumin percent were significantly increased by consumption of 1% purslane seed (P<0.05). Concentration of calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium in blood as well as concentrations of cholesterol and triglyceride in blood and egg yolk were not significantly affected by purslane seed (P>0.05). Blood glucose level was significantly decreased by consumption of purslane seed (P<0.05). HDL concentrations significantly increased by consumption of 2% purslane seed (P<0.05). Concentrations of liver enzymes AST, ALT, ALK, LDH wer not affected by different levels of purslane seed (P>0.05). The results of this study showed that level of 1% purslane seed can have positive effects on laying hens.