Effect of the Brown Coal-Based Feed Additive on Poultry Productivity Indicators

This study examined the effect of feed additives based on brown coal on the productivity indicators of laying hens. The Relict A® organo-mineral feed additive for livestock and poultry is a multi-component, gummatized product with a wide range of biological activity, accelerating the growth and development of the animal. Relict A® is an environmentally friendly supplement that does not contain hormones or synthetic compounds. The control group was fed complete feed without additives. The second, third and fourth groups were fed feed containing 0.04%, 0.06% and 0.10% of the studied additives, respectively. The amount of feed for each group of laying hens was strictly normalized in accordance with their age, according to the recommendations for this cross. The use of the Relict A® feed additive in the laying hens’ rations led to an increase in the average number of eggs per laying hen, a decrease in the cost of feed for producing 1 dozen eggs, and a reduction in the time when the poultry reached the peak egg laying intensity. Feeding the additive to laying hens reduced the cost of producing 1 dozen eggs in the experimental groups, and also increased the profitability of chicken eggs in comparison with the control. The best dose was to use 0.06% of Relict A® by weight of the feed. A 26.6% increase in laying hen egg production was found. Keywords: feed additives, laying hens, egg productivity, brown coal