Effects of supplementing layer hen diets with selenium and vitamin E on egg quality, lipid oxidation and fatty acid composition during storage

Abstract

A 7-wk trial was carried out to investigate the effect of vitamin E and inorganic and organic selenium added to hens' diet on quality and lipid stability of eggs during storage. One hundred forty-four Hy-Line W-36 hens (63-wk of age) were divided into six equal groups. Five groups received a basal diet supplemented with 0.4 mg kg-1 sodium selenite or selenium yeast, 200 mg kg-1 vitamin E or a combination of selenium and vitamin E; whereas the control group received no supplementation. Hen production was assessed daily and fresh egg quality parameters were determined every 2 wk. Eggs were stored under different conditions (4°C, 23–27°C or 31°C) for 14 d. Eggs were analyzed for quality characteristics, egg component weight, Malondialdehyde values as a secondary oxidation product and yolk fatty acid (FA) composition. The performance of the hens and egg weights were not affected either by the source of the selenium or by the vitamin E. The inclusion of selenium or vitamin E in the diet significantly increased their concentrations in the egg. The supplemented diets also improved egg quality, oxidative stability and fatty acid composition during storage. Key words: Vitamin E, selenium, lipid peroxidation, egg fatty acid composition, storage