Nickel induced alteration of hen body weight, egg production and egg quality after an experimental peroral administration

Abstract

In this study the effects of nickel (NiCl₂) administered in drinking water (0.02; 0.2 and 2.0 mg NiCl₂/L for 28 days) on laying hen body weight, egg production and egg quality is reported. Growth parameters during the experiment were significantly decreased mainly in the group with the highest nickel concentration. In total egg production dose–dependent decrease in all experimental groups was found. Egg weight was mainly affected in the group with the highest nickel concentration. Specific egg weight was not altered. Albumen weight and albumen content was significantly decreased in groups with the highest nickel concentration in comparison with the control group.

Egg yolk analysis detected significantly decreased yolk weight in the group with the highest nickel experimental level. In yolk color a significant difference was detected between the group receiving 0.02 and 0.2 mg NiCl₂/mL. Eggshell compactness was increased in all experimental groups what could be induced by altered mineralization of eggshell. Results of this study clearly report a negative effect of nickel as an environmental pollutant on laying hen body weight, egg production as well as egg quality.

Keywords:

• Nickel
• laying hens
• growth
• egg production
• egg quality

Acknowledgment

This study was supported by a project APVV (Slovak Research and Development Agency) 0299-06 and VEGA (Scientific Grant Agency) project 1/2417/05 from the Ministry of Education of Slovak Republic.

Notes

*p < 0.01 [P3 – K (Day 7); P3 – P2 (Day 14); P3 – P1 (Day 14)]; p < 0.001 [P3 – K (Day 14, 21, 28); P3 – P2 (Day 21, 28), P3 – P1 (Day 21, 28)].

*p < 0.01 (P1 – P2); p < 0.001 (P3 – K, P1, P2).

*p < 0.05 (P2 – K); p < 0.01 (P2 – P1); p < 0.001 (P3 – K, P1, P2).

*p < 0.05 (P1 – P3); p < 0.01 (P3 – P2); p < 0.001 (P3 – K).

*p < 0.01 (P1 – K); p < 0.001 (P3 – K, P2).