Qualidade dos ovos de galinhas poedeiras comerciais suplementadas com milho hidropônico

Abstract

Egg quality of commercial laying hens supplemented with hydroponic corn. Corrente: Universidade Estadual do Piauí, 2025. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroponic corn supplementation on the egg quality of comercial laying hens. The experiment was carried out at the State University of Piauí (UESPI), Corrente Campus, using 40 Bankiva Brown hens, 34 weeks old. The birds were divided into two groups: a control group, fed only a standard diet, and another group that received hydroponic corn as a supplement. The experimental design was a randomized block with two treatments and four evaluation periods. The egg traits analyzed included egg weight, shell proportion and thickness, yolk weight and percentage, and yolk color. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between treatments for any of the variables, showing that the supplementation did not noticeably change the physical characteristics of the eggs. Even so, the supplemented birds showed a slight tendency toward higher yolk color intensity and thicker shells. These observations suggest that the use of hydroponic corn may offer small qualitative improvements. Overall, the supplementation proved feasible, did not affect performance, and may contribute to better visual and nutritional aspects of the eggs, as well as to a more sustainable production system.