Evaluation of Bacillus-based direct fed microbials on the performance and eggshell quality of first cycle laying hens from 55 to 75 weeks of age

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of various direct fed microbials (DFM) on 55-75 wk old laying hens on hen performance, egg quality, and hen abdominal fat pad weights. A total of 144 Hy-Line W-36 laying hens were fed experimental diets with no DFM (NC), Novela® ECL (ECL), Novela® (NOV), or Amnil® (AMN). No differences in hen day egg production were noted, but the inclusion of ECL resulted in the highest egg weight (EW), followed by AMN then NOV and the NC as the lowest (P ≤ 0.01). The increased EW of the ECL and AMN treated birds increased egg mass (P ≤ 0.01) and resulted in a 7- and 9-point improvement in FCR, respectively (P ≤ 0.01). Both the ECL and AMN increased egg production energy compared to the NC and NOV treated hens (P ≤ 0.05). Body weights increased in birds fed NOV (P ≤ 0.01), in comparison to the other treatments and the NC. Hens fed NOV resulted in a 26 % increase in abdominal fat pad weight compared to the NC and other treatments (P = 0.01). All DFM treatments were able to alter energy use as ECL and AMN improved FCR and increased egg production energy while NOV increased energy storage within the body.