Effects of Cichorium intybus L. on performance, egg traits, blood biochemical and cellular parameters of laying hens

In this experiment the effects of different parts of Cichorium intybus L. on performance, egg quality traits and blood parameters of laying hens were evaluated. A total of 199 Hy-line (W36) laying hens (from 52 to 63 weeks of age) were allocated to the experimental units in a completely randomized design in 4 treatments with 4 replicates of 12 hens in each. The experimental groups included: 1) control group, 2) group with 3% aerial parts of Cichorium intybus L, 3) group with 3% root of Cichorium intybus L., 4) group with 3% whole parts of Cichorium intybus L. The results showed that use of Cichorium intybus L, had significant effects on performance, egg quality and blood cells parameters (P<0.05). The highest values of egg production (62.19%), egg mass (38.23%), feed intake (110.68 g), the best feed conversion ratio (2.89), the highest egg yolk color index (4.00), the highest Haugh unit (74.50), the lowest heterophile percentage (9.33%), the highest lymphocyte percentage (90.67%) and the lowest heterophile to laymphocyte ratio (0.104) were observed with using 3% of whole Cichorium intybus L. Using 3% whole Cichorium intybus L caused the eggshell thickness decrease to 0.33 mm. Experimental groups had no effects on blood biochemical parameters. As overall results, in laying hens using 3% whole Cichorium intybus L in contrast to control group and groups contained other parts of Cichorium intybus caused the performance, egg yolk color index, Haugh unit and blood cell immune improve.