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Effects of Ecological Sea Buckthorn Powder Supplementation on Egg Production and Quality in Free-Range Moravia Black Hens

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  • Alexandru Usturoi

    (Department of Control, Expertise and Services, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Marius-Gheorghe Doliș

    (Department of Animal Resources and Technologies, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Roxana-Nicoleta Rațu

    (Department of Food Technologies, Faculty of Agriculture, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Cristina Simeanu

    (Department of Animal Resources and Technologies, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Florin Baltag

    (Department of Control, Expertise and Services, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Cătălin-Emilian Nistor

    (Department of Animal Resources and Technologies, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Claudia Pânzaru

    (Department of Animal Resources and Technologies, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Răzvan-Mihail Radu-Rusu

    (Department of Animal Resources and Technologies, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Mădălina Alexandra Davidescu

    (Department of Control, Expertise and Services, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Marius-Giorgi Usturoi

    (Department of Animal Resources and Technologies, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable and healthier egg production systems, combined with the need to reduce the use of synthetic additives in poultry feed, has led to an increased interest in natural feed supplements. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with ecological sea buckthorn ( Hippophae rhamnoides ) powder on the performance and egg quality of 600 laying hens of the Moravia Black breed, raised in a free-range system. Three groups were included: one control group with standard feed and two experimental groups supplemented with 1% and 2% sea buckthorn powder. Over 11 weeks, parameters such as egg production, feed consumption, and egg quality, including egg weight, volume, shell thickness, and yolk color, were monitored. The 2% supplementation significantly improved egg production, egg weight, shell strength, and yolk carotenoid content, with stable feed consumption and negligible mortality, confirming the additive’s safety. These results highlight the potential of sea buckthorn powder as a natural feed additive to enhance poultry productivity and product quality, supporting sustainable and healthier egg production.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandru Usturoi & Marius-Gheorghe Doliș & Roxana-Nicoleta Rațu & Cristina Simeanu & Florin Baltag & Cătălin-Emilian Nistor & Claudia Pânzaru & Răzvan-Mihail Radu-Rusu & Mădălina Alexandra Davidescu , 2025. "Effects of Ecological Sea Buckthorn Powder Supplementation on Egg Production and Quality in Free-Range Moravia Black Hens," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:1:p:104-:d:1560473
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Qiongli Song & Zhiheng Zou & Xiaolian Chen & Gaoxiang Ai & Pingwen Xiong & Wenjing Song & Guohua Liu & Aijuan Zheng & Jiang Chen, 2024. "Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder Supplementation on Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Meat Quality, and Cecum Microbiota of Ningdu Yellow Chickens," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Marius Giorgi Usturoi & Răzvan-Mihail Radu-Rusu & Alexandru Usturoi & Cristina Simeanu & Marius Gheorghe Doliș & Roxana Nicoleta Rațu & Daniel Simeanu, 2023. "Impact of Different Levels of Crude Protein on Production Performance and Meat Quality in Broiler Selected for Slow Growth," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-16, February.
    3. Mădălina-Alexandra Davidescu & Claudia Pânzaru & Alexandru Usturoi & Răzvan-Mihail Radu-Rusu & Șteofil Creangă, 2023. "An Appropriate Genetic Approach to Endangered Podolian Grey Cattle in the Context of Preserving Biodiversity and Sustainable Conservation of Genetic Resources," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-24, December.
    4. Petru Alexandru Vlaicu & Arabela Elena Untea & Alexandra Gabriela Oancea, 2024. "Sustainable Poultry Feeding Strategies for Achieving Zero Hunger and Enhancing Food Quality," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-57, October.
    5. José Felipe Orzuna-Orzuna & Alejandro Lara-Bueno, 2023. "Essential Oils as a Dietary Additive for Laying Hens: Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant Status, and Intestinal Morphology: A Meta-Analysis," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-15, June.
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