The effects of dietary folic acid and zinc on yolk 5-methyltetrahydrofolate content, laying hens performance and egg quality

Micronutrients such as Folic acid (FA) and Zinc (Zn) have important role in enrichment of egg with 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF).
This study was performed to evaluate the effect of FA and Zn on performance, egg quality and egg 5-MTHF content of Hy-line W36 hens from 52 to 58 weeks of ages.
Experimental diets were formulated using three levels of Zn (100, 130 and 160 mg/kg of diet) and four levels of FA (0, 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg of diet). Study was conducted by employing a completely randomized design with 3×4 factorial arrangement.
Egg production percent, egg mass and feed conversion ratio was significantly improved by supplementation of FA and Zn (P In conclusion supplementation of laying hens diets with FA and Zn not only improves performance of laying poultry, but also increases the 5- MTHF content of egg.