Evaluate the Effect of African Melon Oil Seed on Lipid Metabolism and Protein Expression in Laying Hen

Abstract

Pathogenesis of liver steatosis in laying hen remains poorly understood. However, it has been suggested that liver steatosis could result from increased fatty acid synthesis in liver, impaired transport from liver and decreased oxidation of fatty acids. Nutritional approaches have been developed to prevent hepatic steatosis in laying hen. The efficacy of African Melon Oil Seed (AMOS) supplement with its high content of omega-3 fatty acids in altering lipid metabolism was evaluated in laying hens. Seventy-two white leghorn birds, placed in separate cages, were randomly assigned to two treatment diets containing: 1) standard layer diet without AMOS (control); or 2) standard layer diet plus 10% AMOS for 6 weeks. Fatty acids content in eggs were not different among treatments. Taste panel evaluation of egg yolk showed similar color, aroma, and texture. Livers from AMOS fed birds had normal color, whereas livers from control fed birds had distinctive pale yellow color that is typical for fatty liver. Histological examination revealed micro-vesicular steatosis in all control liver tissues. Western blots performed with antibody specific to chicken microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) showed distinct bands of large subunit and small subunit, but no difference in expression between treatments. This result is important for the understanding of AMOS in the regulation of genes involve in lipid biosynthesis.