Abstract
Brown marine algae (BMA; Sargassum dentifebium) were collected from Jeddah on the shores of the Red Sea and sun dried at an average daily temperature of 40°C until constant weight was obtained. Part of the sun dried brown marine algae was subsequently processed by boiling (BBMA; boiled brown marine algae) in water and by autoclaving (ABMA; autoclaved brown marine algae). The SBMA, BBMA and ABMA were included in laying hen diet during weeks 23-42 of age at concentrations of 0.0%, 3.0% and 6.0%. The diets were given with or without enzyme supplementation. This resulted in 3 (preparation methods) × 2 (concentrations of supplemented BMA, i.e. 3 and 6%) × 2 (with and without enzyme supplementation) diet programs plus two control groups (with and without enzyme supplementation) for a total of 14 treatments. Each treatment was represented by six replicates of five hens each. Sun dried or autocalved brown marine algae at 3% without enzyme supplementation in the laying hen diet could be fed to laying hens without any adverse effect on laying performance. However, enzyme supplementation to a diet containing 6% autocalved brown marine algae improved productive performance and eggshell quality.