INFLUENCE OF FABABEAN FRACTIONS ON EGG WEIGHT AMONG LAYING HENS FED TEST DIETS FOR A SHORT TIME PERIOD

Abstract

A short-term bioassay test using Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) laying hens was developed to study various fractions of fababeans, to determine the location of the egg-weight-depressing factor (EWDF), and to determine the effect of heat treatment on EWDF activity. A second objective of the research was to develop an extraction method to facilitate studies on identification and mode of action of the factor(s). The 14-day period proved useful in confirming that EWDF activity was concentrated in the cotyledon portion of fababean seeds and associated with the protein rather than the starch component. Ethanol-water extraction was effective in concentrating the factor.