Effects of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) extract on performance, egg quality, immunity and ovary quantitative characteristics of laying hens

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of Purslane extract (PE) on performance, egg quality and ovary quantitative characteristics of laying hens. One hundred and twenty laying hens (Leghorn, Hy-Line W36) were used in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, 5 replicates and 6 hens per replicate. Four experimental treatments were, control (Corn-Soy basal diet) and 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 % of Purslane extract which added to basal diet. The results indicated that there were no significant differences on performance parameters of laying hens (P>0.05). Haugh unit traits, shell thickness and egg yolk percentage did not affected by different levels of PE (P>0.05). However, shell strength, shell percentage and yolk color, increased with inclusion of PE in diet rather than control group. Shell strength in 0.3 % of PE had highest value (2.02 kg/cm2). Primary antibody response did not affected by experimental diets (P>0.05), but, secondary antibody significantly (P