Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) has a high ecological value due to the long and
intensive flowering as well as its favorable impact on soil fertility. In addition, as a
typical catch crop, it provides the possibility of a second harvest on arable land in
moderate European regions. However, in Europe demand for buckwheat kernels as
food is low. Therefore, the question arises whether cultivation of this plant could be
promoted by using it as animal feed. In the current experiment, the extent to which
buckwheat is consumed by laying hens was tested in conjunction with potential effects
on egg yield and quality. Three groups of laying hens (n=13 per group) were fed a
layer diet containing either 40% wheat, 40% hulled buckwheat or 40% crude buckwheat.
Feeds were offered ad libitum in form of groats. Feed intake was measured and
eggs were sampled before and during the experiment. Feed intake was significantly
increased with crude buckwheat, as also were egg weights. Egg number was not
affected. The weight and stability of the eggshell were significantly higher with crude
buckwheat. The color of the yolk was slightly altered with hulled buckwheat. The
results demonstrate that buckwheat is an interesting option as an ecologically and
economically valuable feed source for layers, which at least does not cause negative
impacts on feed intake and egg yield, compared to wheat
