Results showed that although subjecting hens to high stocking density had no effect on egg production percentage during 28–33 wk of age, it decreased (P ¼ 0.031) during the 33–38 wk of age, resulting in a marked reduction (P ¼ 0.038) in egg
mass. Dietary Cr supplementation (500 and 1000 μg/kg) increased (P o 0.01) egg produc-
tion and egg mass during both 35-d periods, and improved (P ¼ 0.005) feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the first 35-d period. There was a stocking density x vitamin C interaction (P ¼ 0.018) for FCR values during the first 35-d period, so that supplemental
vitamin C improved FCR to a greater extent in high stocking density-challenged hens