Evaluation of corn high protein dried distiller grains inclusion in laying hens' diets to enhance or maintain egg production and egg quality through extended storage time

This study evaluates a novel corn high-protein dried distillers' grains (HPDDG) as a partial replacement for corn and soybean meal in a complete diet for laying hens. We proposed this research to determine the optimal inclusion levels of HPDDG on laying hens’ performance, response, and egg quality, particularly after an extended storage period. For that, a total of 320 Hy-line W36 were randomly distributed across four dietary treatments containing 0%, 8%, 16% and 24% HPDDG, and the performance responses, internal egg quality, shell characteristics, fatty acid profile, and mineral content were measured. Additionally, eggs sampled from each experimental unit were stored for different periods. The results demonstrated that HPDDG can be successfully included at levels up to 24% without harming egg production. While higher inclusion levels increased feed intake, egg production remained stable. A significant benefit was the enhancement of yolk color in both fresh and stored eggs, due to the natural pigments in HPDDG. Furthermore, this study found that 16% HPDDG inclusion does not impair egg production, egg quality, or storage characteristics and can alter the yolk's fatty acid profile, especially some MUFAs profiles. Additionally, feeding HPDDG diets enhances yolk pigmentation, maintains oxidative stability for up to 30 days during storage, and improves yolk fatty acid composition. The research concludes that HPDDG is a viable substitute for soybean meal, with inclusion levels up to 16% optimal for performance and up to 24% feasible with careful diet formulation, supporting both production goals and egg quality during extended storage.