Determination nutritional value of Purslane powder and evaluation of its effects in diet on laying hens performance

Two independent experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of Purslane powder and determinate its effects on performance, egg quality and reproductive system parameters of laying hens. One hundred and twenty laying hens (Leghorn, Hy-Line W-36) were used in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and five replicates. Hens received diet supplemented with different levels of Purslane powder (0, 1, 2 and 3 percent) for 8 weeks. The results of these expriments showed that gross energy, crude protein, ether extract and crude fiber contents of Purslane samples were 2921.67(Kcal/Kg DM), 22.28 (%), 3.99 (%) and 9.47 (%) of DM, respectively. The AME and TME values of Purslane powder were 1864.70 and 1956.08 Kcal/Kg DM, respectively. Performance parameters of the laying hens were not affected by inclusion different levels of dietary Purslane powder in the diet. Shell strength, shell thickness, egg yolk color, ovary and oviduct weights, the number of large yellow follicles and the weight of largest follicle showed significant increase (P