Abstract
Lactobionic acid (Lba), an oligosaccharide aldonic acid, has demonstrated various health-promoting benefits and applications in diverse areas. Lba has been recognized for its multifunctional properties, such as metal ion chelation and calcium sequestration. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing the diet of early-laying hens with Lba (EXP group) on their performance and the physical-chemical properties, and nutritional quality of eggs. The 12-week study involved 700 Sonja breed hens per group, with the EXP group's diet enriched with 2% of biotechnologically produced Lba, while the control group (CON) received no Lba supplementation. Lba supplementation influenced both the hen's performance and egg quality, particularly in terms of egg production and fatty acid accumulation. Performance in the EXP group was significantly improved (p < 0.05), showing a 4.6-8.9% increase compared to the CON group at all experiment stages. Lba also promoted an increase in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content, particularly palmitoleic and vaccenic acids. Overall, Lba supplementation enhanced both the productivity of laying hens and the nutritional value of eggs during the early laying period.