Effects of dietary supplementation of methylsulfonylmethane on performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters, and malondialdehyde levels in feed-restricted laying hens

This study investigated the effects of dietary methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) supplementation on performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in feed-restricted laying hens. Seventy-two hens were randomly assigned to three groups (control, M5, and M7), with six replicates per group, each consisting of four hens. All birds underwent a daily feed restriction of 5 h over a 56-day experimental period. The MSM supplementation significantly increased final body weight (p < 0.001) and feed intake (p = 0.021) but had no effect on egg production or feed conversion ratio. The 0.7% MSM group had a higher egg weight (p = 0.005), while the 0.5% MSM group had a lower dirty and cracked eggs (p = 0.049). Yolk color was improved with 0.7% MSM (p = 0.041), but the Haugh unit and yolk index decreased (p < 0.05). Alkaline phosphatase and glucose levels were increased in the 0.7% group (p < 0.05), with no other significant biochemical changes. MSM reduced MDA levels in both serum and egg yolk, particularly at 0.5% (p < 0.05). The results indicate that especially 0.5% MSM supplementation improved performance, egg quality, and malondialdehyde levels in feed-restricted hens.