Potential of combining flaxseed oil and microalgal biomass in producing eggs-enriched with n − 3 fatty acids for meeting human needs

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to determine effects of supplementing flaxseed oil (FO) and microalgae alone or in combination in diets for hens (Shaver Leghorn) on enriching egg n−3 fatty acids. Experiment I was a 3×3 factorial arrangement of treatments (0, 3, and 5% FO and 0, 7.5, and 10% full-fatted Staurosira sp.). Experiment II consisted of a control diet and four experimental diets supplemented with 3% FO and 7.5% Staurosira sp., 7.5% defatted Desmodesmus sp., or 7.5 and 15% defatted Nannochloropsis oceanica. The combined supplementations elevated (P<0.05) α-linolenic acid from 11 to 19 to 499mg/egg and eicosapentanoic+docosahexanoic acids from 29 to 43 to 138mg/egg. While these enrichments were mainly derived from the FO inclusion, the microalgae supplementation offset adverse effects of 5% FO on hen body weights. Additionally, the fatty acid profile in eggs was improved by microalgal supplementation. However, diets of 3% FO appeared to saturate the enrichments of n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in eggs and to limit the role of microalgae inclusion. Consuming one fortified egg from the hens fed the FO and microalgae diets could meet 31 to 55% of daily recommendations of these n−3 fatty acids.