EVALUASI PEMBERIAN BERBAGAI TINGKAT MINYAK ATSIRI SEREH WANGI TERHADAP KUALITAS KERABANG TELUR DAN WARNA KUNING TELUR AYAM RAS PETELUR

Citronella is a plant that produces essential oil which is obtained from the extraction process of fresh lemongrass leaves and stems. The contents of citronella essential oil can affect the quality of the shell and color of the egg. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of giving levels of citronella essential oil on shell quality and egg yolk color, as well as to determine the optimal dose of giving various levels of citronella essential oil on egg shell thickness and egg yolk color. The research was carried out from May to June 2022 in Mr. Priyono's cage in Wajak District, Malang Regency, East Java. The materials used in this research were 60 laying hens aged 48 weeks, and the feed ration consisted of 35% concentrate, 50% corn, 15% bran, as well as premix and citronella essential oil. The treatment given was P0: 0% citronella essential oil; P1: 1% Lemongrass essential oil; P2: 1.5% Lemongrass essential oil; P3: 2% Lemongrass essential oil; P4: 2.5% Lemongrass essential oil; P5: 3% Lemongrass essential oil. The results of this research are that the thickness of the egg shell has an average of 0.41-0.46 mm; The eggshell color has an average of 3.11-3.35 or is dull brown with spots; and egg yolk color produces an average color of 6.9-8.4. The level of citronella essential oil does not have a significant effect on the thickness and color of the eggshell. Essential oil has a significant effect on the color of the egg yolk. Providing the best level of citronella essential oil to laying hens is a 1,5% citronella essential oil.