engleski

Effects of supplementing microalgae in laying hen diets on productive performance, color and content of carotenoids and fatty acid profile of yolks

Hens egg is an excellent source of nutrients and use of various additives in feed mixtures can affect nutrient content of eggs, including proportion of omega-3 fatty acids in total fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their positive influence on the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Various authors state that algae are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids due to the similar fatty acid composition of fish. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 0.5 and 1% algae (Schyzochytrium limacinum) supplementation in hens diet on the production indicators, color, carotenoid content and the fatty acid profile of the yolk. In total, 36 TETRA - SL brown hens 35 to 43 weeks old were randomly allocated to one of three treatments. Each treatment was assigned to 12 hens, individually caged on wire-mesh floor. All hens were fed with the same feed mixtures 0.5% (treatment B) and 1% (treatment C) of algae was added to basic diet (control, A). During eight weeks of trial period, inclusion of algae in hens diet resulted in an increase (P <0.05) of average egg weight (B: 67.83 and C: 65.75 g) compared to the control (A: 64.46 g). Furthermore, hens fed experimental treatments obtained greater egg production over the trial period (B: 94.50 and C: 95.09%) compared to the control (A: 93.46%). Addition of 0.5% and 1% of the algae increased (P < 0.05) ω-3 fatty acids content in the eggs (B: 1.23 and C: 1.56% vs. A: 0.82%) and contents of EPA (A: 0.07 and C: 0.25%) and DHA (A: 0.45 ; B: 0.92 ; C: 1.19%) in total fatty acids. The omega 6/omega 3 ratio was lower (P <0.05) in eggs from experimental treatments (B: 14.89 and C: 11.45) compared to the control (A: 22.29). Increasing proportion of algae in hens diet increase carotenoid content in egg yolk and consequently its color. The largest difference was observed between control without algae supplementation and the treatment containing 1% algae. The obtained results indicate the justification of 1% algae supplementation in hens diet due to the improved hens production indicators and the quality of eggs.

laying hens ; laying performance ; eggs quality ; omega-3 fatty acids

nije evidentirano