Effect of dietary inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation-derived postbiotic (Original XPCTM) and stocking density on production performance and egg quality in brown egg strain laying hens

Management strategies that promote hen welfare and performance remain relevant topics for table egg producers, with feed additives and stocking density being of primary interest. The current trial investigated the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation-derived postbiotic (SCFP) and stocking density on hen production and egg quality. Seven commercial brown egg layer strains were fed either a control diet ( CN ) or one supplemented with SCFP (Original XPC TM included at 0.68 kg/T, SC ) from 17 to 41 weeks on a commercially relevant scale (a total of 3690 hens). Hens were equally allocated to density treatment cages at either a high (471 cm 2 per bird, HD ) or low (497 cm 2 per bird, LD ) stocking density. Data were collected every four weeks and analyzed in a 2 × 2 factorial design, with diet and stocking density being the main effects. Interactions between treatments were not significant. Egg production was improved for both SC and LD treatments, along with increased feed intake and days to 50 % production for the LD hens. Improved egg weight from a greater proportion of extra-large eggs was also observed for the SC group, concurrent with improved shell strength and increased percentage of solids. The increase in egg production, size, and quality observed for the SC hens may have economic benefits for producers in both the shell and liquid egg markets. Increased feed intake was balanced by improved production for the LD hens and may allow producers to balance hen welfare and operational efficiency.