Effect of different concentrations of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone on performance, egg quality, serum biochemistry and intestinal morphology in laying hens

In recent years, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC), as a class of natural flavonoids, has received more and more attention in nutrition research. However, the research on the application of NHDC in the laying hens is rarely reported. This study was conducted to determine the effects that different concentrations of dietary NHDC have on the production performance, egg quality, serum biochemistry and intestinal morphology of laying hens. A total of 240 Lohmann commercial laying hens (66 wk old) were divided into 4 groups, with each group's diet containing a different concentration of NHDC (0, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg). Significant associations were found between NHDC consumption and both higher egg production (P = 0.050) and lower FCR (P = 0.028) after 12 wk NHDC feed. At 12 wk, eggs produced by hens consuming a 200 mg/kg NHDC diet had significantly thicker eggshells (P = 0.059) than those produced by hens consuming a 400 mg/kg diet. Dietary NHDC addition improved albumen height and Haugh unit after 15 d of storage (P < 0.01). However, no significant associations between NHDC consumption and these factors were identified after 12 wk. Dietary NHDC addition had no significant effects apparent of gel properties at 12 wk. In addition, NHDC can effectively reduce the content of total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.042) and Groups treated with 100 mg/kg NHDC supplementation showed significantly increased T-AOC concentrations compared to control (P = 0.013) in serum. Hens fed an NHDC-supplemented diet exhibited a longer villus height and a higher villus/crypt ratio in the ileum (P < 0.01) as compared to controls, as well as lower crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. These results indicate that, as compared to a control diet, an NHDC-supplemented diet results in higher egg production and quality, as well as improvement in egg gel properties, serum biochemistry and intestinal morphology.