Beta-carotene supplementation of laying hen diets.

The possibility of beta-carotene affecting production of hens or hatchability of eggs was studied over 252 d with diets based on white maize containing 0, 1.5, 6.75 or 15 mg added beta-carotene/kg. Egg production, food intake, food utilisation, egg weight, and egg specific gravity were not affected significantly by beta-carotene. Egg fertility, hatchability and final body weights of hens were also not significantly influenced. Reflectance measurements showed that dietary beta-carotene resulted in increased deposition and more intense pigmentation in the egg yolk.