The production and quality of the eggs that a layer can produce is determined by the quantity and quality of the nutrients provided and the ability of the animal to absorb them.

Even if we provide high-quality nutrients in enough quantity, if the animal is not able to absorb them, those nutrients will be lost with the feces and productive parameters will get worse. Therefore, it is essential to guarantee the status of the intestinal mucosa, ensuring good vitamin, mineral and other nutrient absorption.

Intestinal conditioner pronutrients are active molecules of a botanical origin that optimize gut physiology, improving nutrient digestion and intestinal absorption. These molecules increase the absorption of minerals, vitamins and aminoacids at the intestinal level and increase the utilization of the nutrients present in the feed.

1. Objective

Evaluate the effect of intestinal conditioner pronutrients on egg production and quality.

2. Material and methods

The trial lasted for 2 months and a half (from August 1^st to October 16^th) and intestinal conditioner pronutrients were administrated for 47 days. The trial was conducted with 85-week-old layers of the Boris Brown line.

The trial was carried out with a total of 40 animals divided into the following experimental groups:

• Control group: standard diet without any production enhancer
• Pronutrient group: standard diet + intestinal conditioner pronutrients at a dosage of 25 ml/l continuously for 47 days (from 11^th August to 28 September)

The egg production and weight were evaluated in both experimental groups, as well as the eggshell thickness and resistance.

3. Results

At the beginning of the trial, the egg production was higher in the control group (75%) than in the group with pronutrients (74%). Once the administration of the pronutrients started, the percentage of egg production increased in the experimental group (79.8%), while it decreased in the control group (74.8%). This trend continued during the trial, with a marked difference between the two groups. In the group with pronutrients, production increased during the trial (+6.20%), while it decreased in the control group (-0.60%).

Egg weight remained stable in the control group throughout the trial (61.6 g). Differently, the group supplemented with intestinal conditioner pronutrients began the trial with an average weight of 60.2 g and reached a final weight of 62.1 g after the period of pronutrients administration, exceeding the average weight obtained by the control group, with a difference of 0.5 grams per egg between the two treatments.

The thickness and strength of the eggshell in both experimental groups were evaluated. The thickness of the shell was reduced in both groups throughout the test, however, this reduction did not affect to the resistance of the eggs, as both groups showed an increase in egg resistance around 6%.

4. Conclusion

The administration of intestinal conditioner pronutrients in layers allowed to improve egg production (6.2%) and egg size (0.5 grams per egg). Greater egg size and egg production often lead to lower egg resistance because the nutritional demand is higher. However, the administration of intestinal conditioner pronutrients improves intestinal integrity, enhances nutrient absorption, which leads to an increase in the production and size of the eggs and, at the same time, maintains the resistance of the eggshell.

Intestinal conditioner pronutrients are marketed under the name Alquernat Nebsui of Biovet S.A.