The Effect of Layer Diets Supplemented with Fructo‐Oligosaccharide on Production Performance During Peak Laying Period in Hens

This research was conducted to determine the effect of layer diets supplemented with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on commercial egg ratio, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight and mortality in layer hens. In trial, a total of 40.000 27‐week‐old Lohmann LSLX layers were used. The first group was given normal diets to the laying hens in the first henhouse (control group: 20,000 hens), and it was also given diets added 0.10% FOS to the laying hens in the second henhouse (trial group: 20,000 hens). The experiment lasted for 52 days of which the first 12 days were planned as pre‐experimental period while the remaining period served as research purpose. While the commercial egg ratio was increased, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and damaged egg rates were numerically reduced. It was found that the egg weights were similar in both groups. Moreover, the group of FOS‐containing feed increased the live weight at the end of the experiment. It was determined that the layer diets supplemented with fructo‐oligosaccharides increased the commercial egg ratio and decreased the damage on egg rates, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Therefore, a more extensive research should be conducted on the effect of different rates of FOS upon the performance in layer hens.