Abstract
ABSTRACT This investigation was carried out to determine the effect of Essential Fatty Acids proportion (EFAs [n-6, n-3]) in feed through the mixture of soy, olive, canola or chia oil on EFA profile in eggs as well as productive and reproductive performance of Japanese quail. We used 120 quail from 7 to 22 weeks of age, in 15 cages in groups of 6 females and 2 males assigned according to the completely randomized design to 3 treatments with 5 replicates. The treatments were n-6:n-3 proportions 10:1 (control), 4:1 and 1:1. FA profile in yolk, feed intake, laying rate, egg weight, fertility, hatchability, and embryonic mortality were measured. In the egg yolk, n-6 content was similar in the proportions (p>0.05), while n-3 content increased (p 0.05). In 4:1 and 1:1 proportion laying percentage was greater, but egg weight was lower (p 0.68). Early and total embryonic mortality was lower in 10:1 and 4:1 proportion (p 0.30). The results of the experiment indicate that the mixture of soy, olive, canola or chia oil, to obtain n-6:n-3 proportion of 1:1, 4:1 and 10:1 does not modify feed consumption, laying rate, egg weight, fertility, and hatchability; but, 4:1 and 10:1 proportions favor a lower embryonic mortality.
Highlights
During the incubation process in birds, egg yolk lipids are the energy reserves and provide the embryo the essential fatty acids (Cherian, 2015), necessary for the formation of cell membranes (Cherian et al, 1997)
Chickens have the liver enzymes delta-6-desaturase and delta-5-desaturase that allows them to synthesize from linolenic acid (n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (BarcelóCoblijn & Murphy, 2009), and from linoleic acid (n-6) arachidonic acid (AA) (Spector, 2000); n-6 and n-3 compete for liver enzymes in the biochemical pathways of desaturation and elongation (Jing et al, 2013)
AA and DHA are important during the post-hatching period due to rapid cell proliferation and intense tissue accumulation of these during this time (Cherian & Sim, 1992), as well as favoring the maturation of lymphoid organs (Cherian et al, 1997), their function is likely important during incubation (Cherian & Sim, 1992)
Summary
During the incubation process in birds, egg yolk lipids are the energy reserves and provide the embryo the essential fatty acids (Cherian, 2015), necessary for the formation of cell membranes (Cherian et al, 1997). The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) linoleic acid (AL 18: 2n6) and α-linolenic acid (ALA; 18: 3n-3) are obtained by birds in feed. The ability to incorporate n-3 to the yolk can vary according to the source of PUFA and bird type: chicken, quail, turkey or geese (Nadia et al, 2012). Chickens have the liver enzymes delta-6-desaturase and delta-5-desaturase that allows them to synthesize from linolenic acid (n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (BarcelóCoblijn & Murphy, 2009), and from linoleic acid (n-6) arachidonic acid (AA) (Spector, 2000); n-6 and n-3 compete for liver enzymes in the biochemical pathways of desaturation and elongation (Jing et al, 2013). AA and DHA are important during the post-hatching period due to rapid cell proliferation and intense tissue accumulation of these during this time (Cherian & Sim, 1992), as well as favoring the maturation of lymphoid organs (Cherian et al, 1997), their function is likely important during incubation (Cherian & Sim, 1992).
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