Incorporation of sodium bicarbonate into laying rations. I. Effect on egg production and hatchability

Two experiments were carried out on Fayoumi (I) and Rhode Island Red (II) pullets to study the effect of substituting NaCl (0.67% of the ration) by NaHCO3 (1% of the ration) and the concentration of NaHCO3 (1% and 2% of the ration). Both breeds showed different reactions to the NaHCO3 additions: the laying increased in (I) by 5-6%, whereas it decreased in (II) by 7-14%. Fertility and hatchability increased significantly. The Ca content of the shells showed an increasing trend. The incorporation of 1% sodium bicarbonate into the laying rations is recommended under the conditions of the AR Egypt.