The Effects of Different Levels of Rosehip Fruit Added in the Rations of Laying Hens Raised Under High Altitude and Cold Stress on Some Blood Parameters, Rectal Temperature, Fertility Rate and Chick Quality

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of different doses (5g/kg, 10g/kg, 15g/kg) of rosehip fruit, which is a source of ascorbic acid (vitamine C), on fertility rate, chick quality and some blood parameters in the feed of breeder hens and roosters raised under high altitude and cold stress. It was applied during 12-week trial. While the fertility rate was not significantly affected by the treatments, the plasma vitamine C content of the laying hens was significantly affected by the treatments (P < 0.0001). While the lowest plasma vitamine C content was determined as 34.54 µg/ml in the control group, it was determined as 53.23, 133.40 and 214.69 µg/ml in the groups receiving rosehip fruit, respectively. When the blood plasma values were examined, the difference among the groups was found to be significant only in terms of triglyceride values in laying hens and uric acid values in roosters (P < 0.05). Likewise, the difference among the groups in terms of hatching body weight values of chicks was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). As a result, it can be said that 5 g/kg rosehip fruit can be added to the diets of breeder hens and roosters exposed to high altitude and cold stress.