The effect of diet containing arsenic (III) oxide on the traits of eggs

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of different arsenic concentration in feed on the physical traits of eggs. Twenty-four Rhode Island Red laying hens were divided into four equal groups. Three groups received feed mixture with additional arsenic in the form of arsenic (III) oxide in the following concentrations: 7.5 mg kg^–1 (group 1), 15.0 mg kg^–1 (group 2) and 30.0 mg kg^–1 (group 3). The control group was fed on diet without additional arsenic. From the third to the seventh day eggs were collected and measured for physical traits. It has been established that during the trial period arsenic concentration in diet had a highly significant effect (P = 0.0001) on shell colour, egg mass, height of dense albumen, as well as on the number of Haugh units. The effect on shell mass and shell thickness was significant (P £ 0.01), while there was no significant influence on the colour of yolk. Changes in physical traits of eggs were not significant during this period. The only exception was the change in yolk colour, yet it was not due to arsenic, but to feeding mixture with added colouring the hens had been fed on prior to trial.