EFFECT OF PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTATION ON SERUM YOLK CHOLESTEROL AND ON EGG-SHELL THICKNESS IN LAYERS

1. The effect of probiotic supplementation on egg production, on serum and yolk cholesterol and on egg shell thickness in 24 White Leghorn l ayers was studied from 28-38 weeks of age. 2. In 3 treatments the diet was supplemented with 0, 100 and 150 mg probiotic/kg food. 3. In the 100 mg probiotic group, egg production improved by 5%, and shell thick ness improved slightly, with fewer thin-shelled eggs than in the contr ol (8.6% compared to 18.6%). 4. The initial serum cholesterol concentr ation of 170.2 mg/dl in control birds remained similar throughout the 10-week experimental period, whereas in the 150 mg group the initial v alue of 176.5 mg/dl decreased to 114.3 mg by week 10.5. Yolk cholester ol concentration was 14.69 mg in the control group and 11.28 and 11.37 mg/g in the 100 and 150 mg probiotic groups respectively. Overall mea n total egg cholesterol was thus reduced by probiotic supplementation.