Impact of Boron on Reproductive Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, and Egg Quality in Laying Wanxi White Geese.

Boron (B) is a trace element that plays an important role in animal nutrition and health; however, its effects on the productive performance of Wanxi white geese remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary boron on reproductive performance, egg quality, and serum biochemical indices in Wanxi white geese during the laying period. A total of 126 one-year-old healthy geese were selected and randomly divided into three groups: 0 mg/kg B (control), 57 mg/kg B, and 114 mg/kg B supplementation in the diet. Each treatment included three replicates, with 14 geese (11 females and 3 males) in each replicate. Compared with the control group, boron supplementation at both 57 mg/kg and 114 mg/kg significantly reduced mating frequency and egg malformation rate, while increasing reproductive hormone levels and promoting follicular development. The 114 mg/kg B group showed significant improvements in egg qualification rate, hatchability, egg yolk ratio, and egg shape index. Additionally, it significantly enhanced yolk color (b* value). However, both boron-supplemented groups exhibited a significant reduction in eggshell thickness during the later laying period. Serum biochemical analysis revealed that 114 mg/kg B significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, suggesting a protective effect on liver function, whereas 57 mg/kg B significantly decreased the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, indicating reduced hepatic protein synthesis capacity. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 114 mg/kg boron enhances the egg qualification rate, hatchability, egg quality, follicular development, and serum biochemical indices in Wanxi white geese, supporting its potential as a beneficial feed additive during the laying period.