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Use of Medicinal Mushrooms in Layer Ration

Summary

This research examines how adding medicinal mushrooms to chicken feed can improve egg production and chicken health naturally, without using antibiotics. The study found that certain mushrooms can help chickens produce better quality eggs while boosting their immune system. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides a natural alternative to antibiotics in poultry farming, leading to safer egg production • Helps produce healthier eggs with lower cholesterol levels for consumers • Offers sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices • Could lead to more affordable organic egg options in the market • Reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance in humans from consuming poultry products

Background

Traditionally, mushrooms have been used as highly valued food and pharmaceutical products due to their health benefits. They are good sources of protein, have low-fat content, are cholesterol free, and contain essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. Antibiotics as feed additives have been used as growth and health promoters in poultry production, but due to antibiotic resistance concerns, their use has been restricted in developed countries. This has led to increased interest in exploring natural alternatives like medicinal mushrooms.

Objective

This review aims to determine the effects of different levels of mushrooms and their extracts in poultry diets on laying performance and health status of laying hens. The study examines the experimental uses of medicinal fungi on growth performance, laying performance, egg quality, and health status based on previous research findings.

Results

The review found that dietary supplementation with medicinal mushrooms can improve laying performance, egg quality, and immune status in laying hens. Specific findings included increased marketable egg numbers, improved calcium retention, higher antibody titers, enhanced serum immunoglobulin levels, reduced egg yolk cholesterol, and improved antioxidant status. Different mushroom species showed varying benefits at different inclusion levels.

Conclusion

Medicinal mushrooms can be effectively used as natural growth promoters and immune-boosting agents in layer birds. They can serve as viable alternatives to antibiotics in poultry feed without negatively affecting optimal performance. However, further research is needed to determine optimal dosages and examine mushroom use in response to pathogen challenges.
  • Published in:Animals,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/ani9121014
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