Effect of ginger root (Zingiber officinale) on egg yolk cholesterol, antioxidant status and performance of laying hens

To investigate the effect of ginger root powder on egg production, cholesterol, antioxidant and hen performance, 100 30-week-old laying hens (Hy-Line W36) were equally and randomly assigned to four diets for 8 weeks. The diets included a control diet (0.0% ginger) and diets with 0.25, 0.5 or 0.75% ginger root powder. Although, the egg weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not (P < 0.05) influenced by ginger root supplementation, the egg production was higher and cholesterol lower (P < 0.05) in birds fed diet with 0.5 or 0.75% ginger root compared to control birds. Ginger powder concentrations of 0.5 or 0.75% g (P < 0.05) increased activities of glutathione peroxidase but reduced malondialdehyde content in the plasma. It is concluded that the use of 0.5% ginger root in diet may positively increase egg production and lower egg cholesterol without any adverse effect on egg weight and feed conversion ratio