Fatty Acid Composition Of Eggs Research Articles

Fatty Acids in the Eggs of Red King Crabs from the Barents Sea.

The red king crab, Paralithodes camtschaticus, was introduced into the Barents Sea where, after a period of 30 years of adaptation, it has established a new population. This population has been commercially exploited over the past two decades, supporting profitable fisheries in both Russia and Norway. Biochemical studies aimed at assessing fatty acid profiles have been conducted, focusing primarily on the edible parts of red king crabs. Only recently have by-products been included in this research. Capture of female red king crabs is prohibited in Russia but is allowed in Norway. The fatty acids of the egg masses carried by these females have not yet been studied. To fill this knowledge gap, we assayed the fatty acid composition of eggs using gas-liquid chromatography. Our results showed a predominance of polyunsaturated fatty acids, while the concentrations of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were similar. Multivariate comparisons showed no significant differences in fatty acid profiles in terms of egg developmental stage (nauplius vs. metanauplius), habitat conditions (soft vs. hard bottoms), female size class, or number of autotomized limbs. However, individual comparisons showed some differences in fatty acids, the most important being the lower content of docosahexaenoic acid in eggs at the metanauplius stage compared to eggs at the nauplius stage, which is likely due to its essential role in the development of red king crab embryos. The total fatty acid content (53.94 mg g-1) was 2-87 times higher in eggs than in other red king crab tissues, confirming the critical role that fatty acids play in maintaining physiological processes during vitellogenesis. The high content of essential fatty acids and an optimal omega-3-to-omega-6 ratio (4.9) suggest that red king crab eggs are a good product for a healthy diet and a valuable source for extracting essential fatty acids.

Comparison of fatty acid composition of the eggs of wild and farmed Coregonus maraena and the influence of feed

Abstract The fatty acid (FA) compositions of eggs from wild whitefish and captive broodstocks were investigated to estimate the FA requirements of Coregonus maraena. The aim of this study was to increase basic knowledge on the nutritional needs of broodstock. Whitefish eggs from two natural spawning grounds were compared with that of captive broodstocks that were fed three commercially available feeds used in fish farms in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. Wild fish eggs differed significantly in crude protein content and FA profiles from the eggs of experimentally farmed fish groups. The percentage of monounsaturated FAs (MUFA) were significantly lower in the wild fish eggs. The most common MUFA was oleic acid in all groups, although in the wild fish eggs the value of it was almost half of that in farmed fish eggs. Wild fish eggs had significantly higher values of total polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA), especially of n-3 PUFA, which was nearly double that of the eggs of the farmed fish groups. Additionally, it was shown that egg FA composition even differed between the wild fish stocks that were from the same area, whereas there were no differences in egg proximate composition or FA composition among the three feeding groups even though the compositions of the feeds fed to these fish differed significantly. The present study suggested that the proportions of essential FAs supplied in the dry feeds fed to the captive broodstocks were inappropriate for this species, and feeds must be adapted further to meet the nutritional requirements of this species to improve the quality of farmed whitefish eggs.

Immune Response and Fatty Acid Profile of Eggs from Laying Hens Fed Fermented Feed Rich in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Western diets are dominated by the consumption of chemically modified foods, characterized by a deficiency of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Lack of n-3 PUFAs is also present in livestock feed, which negatively affects livestock health, including immune response, and results in a low content of n-3 PUFAs in animal products. The goal of this experiment was to study the effect of the addition of feed containing PUFAs produced by the fungus Mortierella alpina on immune parameters (IgA, MUC-2, IGF-2, phagocytoses and selected lymphocyte subsets) and the composition of the intestinal microbiota of hens and egg fatty acids profile. Hens were divided into groups (control, F10—supplemented with 10% of fermented feed, F15—supplemented with 15% of fermented feed). The relative expression of all genes was markedly upregulated, mainly in the F15 group. Likewise, in F15, a significant increase in both phagocytes engulfing capacity and the level of oxidative burst was observed. Neither CD T cell subpopulations nor the CD4/CD8 ratio were significantly affected. A significant increase in small intestinal enterobacteria was observed in the F15. The fatty acid profile of eggs in both experimental groups showed an increased proportion of n-3 PUFAs and decreased n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio. The results of this work show that the addition of 15% omega-3 acids enriched fermented feed positively affected the immune response of laying hens and improved the fatty acid composition of eggs.

Incorporation of dietary lipids and fatty acids into red drum Sciaenops ocellatus eggs

Embryonic and early larval development and metabolism are fueled entirely by maternally derived nutritional resources (yolk and oil) before the onset of exogenous feeding. Composition of these maternally derived nutrients depends partly on maternal diet. Diet-egg relationships for fatty acids are well described for some species, but little is known about lipid transfer to eggs. To examine the effects of maternal diet on the egg composition, we fed adult red drum Sciaenops ocellatus six different diets, and measured lipid class and fatty acid composition of eggs they produced. Egg lipid class profiles remained relatively stable with only subtle differences in the concentrations of several lipid classes. Neutral lipid classes (wax ester/steryl ester (WE/SE), triglyceride (TG), sterol) varied more than polar lipid classes, with egg TG content being directly related to TG content of maternal diets. Dietary variations rapidly affected fatty acid composition of all major lipid classes in eggs (TG, WE/SE, phosphatidylcholine), with greater effects on neutral lipids than on the polar lipid. Results suggest a degree of maternal control over the provisioning of lipids as structural components (phospholipids) and energy substrates (neutral lipids), which may ensure proper development of larvae. But, egg fatty acid composition within lipid classes is more variable, and this may have consequences for larval survival and performance. This study also suggests that the pathways of maternal-offspring nutrient transfer are likely different for neutral and polar lipids.

Choline and methionine supplementation in layer hens fed flaxseed: effects on hen production performance, egg fatty acid composition, tocopherol content, and oxidative stability

Choline is an essential nutrient in laying hen diets and is needed for the formation of phosphatidylcholine (PC), that serves as a rich source of long chain (≥20 C) n-3 fatty acids (FA) in eggs. Methionine (Met) is the first limiting amino acid in layer hen diets and serves as a lipotropic agent with antioxidant properties. The objectives of the current study is based on the hypothesis that choline and Met supplementation will enhance egg PC and n-3 FA status, lipid stability, and production indices in layer hens fed flaxseed. Ninety-six, 40-wk-old laying hens (W-36 White Leghorns) were randomly allocated to 4 treatment groups, with 6 replicates containing four hens per cage. Hens were fed corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 0% flaxseed (Control), 15/100 g flaxseed (Flax), Flax+50% more methionine requirement for W-36 White Leghorns (Flax+Met), or Flax+0.15g/100g choline chloride (Cho) (Flax+Cho). All experimental diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and fed for a period of 120 d. Egg production and egg mass (g/hen/d) was higher for Flax+Met and Flax+Cho when compared to Flax and Control (P < 0.05). Egg weight was greater (P < 0.05) among hens fed the Control and Flax+Cho diets compared to Flax diet. Feeding flaxseed to hens led to over 6-fold increase in total n-3 FA. Choline supplementation increased egg α-tocopherol content (P < 0.05) while reducing lipid oxidation products measured as thiobarituric acid reactive substances in egg yolk (P < 0.05). Neither Met nor Cho had any impact on docosahexaenoic (22:6 n-3) acid concentration in eggs from hens fed flaxseed. However, addition of Met and Cho to layer diets increased docosapentaenoic acid (22:5 n-3) levels in eggs from hens fed flaxseed (P < 0.05). The PC content was lower in Control and Flax+Met (P < 0.05) when compared to Flax+Cho group. No difference was found in total lipid or phosphatidylethanolamine content of eggs (P > 0.05). The results from the current study suggest that n-3 FA content of egg yolk can be greatly increased by feeding flaxseed but reduced egg production. However, dietary Met and Cho can improve production performance in hens fed flaxseed-containing diets. Addition of Cho to flaxseed increased in egg weight, yolk α-tocopherol levels, PC content and oxidative stability of eggs when compared to hens fed flaxseed. Met and choline could be used in flaxseed (>15%) to increase egg production and egg mas.

Effects of Rapana venosa meal‐supplemented diets on reproduction, histopathology and some blood parameters of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) broodstock

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of partial replacement of fishmeal with Rapana venosa meal in diets for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) broodstock. The results were analysed on reproductive performance, egg fatty acid composition, serum biochemistry, antioxidant enzymes and histopathological and histomorphological changes of the experimental fish. For the trial, rainbow trout (331.04 ± 11.72 g) were fed diets incorporated with R. venosa (whelk) meal at 0 g/kg (CD), 50 g/kg (R5), 100 g/kg (R10) and 150 g/kg (R15) for 90 days. At the end, whelk meal did not have a significant effect on reproductive and blood serum parameters. However, it significantly affected the egg fatty acid composition, catalase activity and histological structure of the intestine, liver and muscle tissues of fish. Increased histopathological anomalies such as significant supranuclear lipid vacuolization, cytoplasmic vacuolization and fatty deposits were observed in tissues as whelk meal increased in the diet. A moderate lipidosis of the connective tissue between the muscle fibres was observed in group R15. Histomorphological measurements of the intestine, excluding the mean intestinal enterocyte length, were significantly affected by diets. To conclude, whelk meal can successfully replace fishmeal at 50 g/kg in young rainbow trout broodstock diets.

Yumurtacı Tavuk Rasyonlarına Spirulina platensis İlave Edilmesinin Yumurta Kolesterol Seviyesi ve Yağ Asit Kompozisyonuna Etkisi

Spirulina platensis tek hücreli, fotosentetik bir mikroalg türüdür. Hem insan hem de hayvan tüketimi için protein ve fonksiyonel gıda katkı maddesidir. Yapısında keşfedilen değerli fitonütrientler ve pigmentler sayesinde sağlıklı beslenme, nutrasötik ve farmasötik alanda yoğun ilgi görmüştür. %5-6 toplam lipit oranının, %1,5-2 oranında çoklu doymamış yağ asitleri içeren (PUFAs) Spirulina, toplam PUFAs değerinin %36‘sı kadar α-linoleik asit içermektedir. Ayrıca Linoleik Asit, Stearidonik Asit, Eikosapentaenoik Asit, Dodosaheksaenoik Asit, Araşidonik Asit gibi kıymetli yağ asitlerini de içermektedir. Bu çalışmada kahverengi yumurtacı tavuk (ATAK-S) yemlerine ilave edilen Spirulina ununun yumurta sarısı yağ asit kompozisyonu ve yumurta sarısı kolesterol seviyesine etkisi belirlenmiştir. 72 adet benzer canlı ağırlıkta 38 haftalık yumurtacı tavuk, her birinde 18 hayvan bulunacak şekilde 4 gruba rastgele dağıtılmıştır. Bireysel kafes sisteminde barındırılan tavuklar 8 hafta süreyle denemede tutulmuş ve %0 (Kontrol), %0,5, %1, %2 (%KM‘ de) Spirulina unu içeren standart yumurtacı tavuk yemleriyle beslenmiştir. Deneme süresince 16:8 saatlik aydınlık:karanlık aydınlatma periyodu uygulanmıştır. Yem ve su ad libitum verilmiştir. Deneme sonucunda kontrol grubu ile kıyaslandığında, muamele grupları yumurta sarısı kolesterol miktarları arasındaki fark istatistiki açıdan önemsiz bulunmuştur. Yağ asidi komposizyonuna ilişkin elde edilen bulgulara göre rasyona ilave edilen Spirulina unu gruplar arasında linolenik asit miktarları üzerine etkili olmuştur.

Egg quality depending on the diet with different sources of protein and age of the hens

Due to the planned limitations in the use of genetically modified soybean meal, the search for alternative sources of protein in animal nutrition is ongoing, which also supports the consumers’ expectations of good quality products, such as eggs. The aim of the study was to assess and compare morphological traits of eggs, fatty acid composition in yolk lipids, and the content and activity of lysozyme in thick and thin albumen in eggs from hens fed a diet based on legume seeds as a substitute for soybean meal depending on the hens age. Analyses were carried out for 300 eggs on dates I–V (19–39 weeks age of hens), obtained from Rosa 1 hens managed in the semi-intensive system. Quality analysis was performed for 30 eggs from each group at a time. The control group of hens (A) was fed a diet based on soybean meal (SBM) and the treatment group (B) was fed a diet based on seeds from narrow-leaved lupin (Boruta), yellow lupin (Mister), and pea (Muza). Eggs were analysed for morphological traits (egg weight, the weight and density of egg components, egg shape index and egg surface area), parameters of albumen (height, Haugh units), yolk colour (La Roche, colorimetry in the CIE Lab system), lysozyme content and activity in albumen, and fatty acids composition in yolk lipids. In group B the egg shape index was higher (p = 0.002), and the eggshell colour index was lower (p = 0.007), as well as the height of thick albumen, Haugh score, and yolk colour (La Roche) were higher in group B (p < 0.05), while redness of yolk was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in group A. Lower content of C15:0 and C18:1n9 and higher content of C18:2n6 and C18:3n3, (p < 0.05), as well as lower content of MUFA and OMEGA 9, but higher content of PUFA, OMEGA 3, OMEGA 6, PUFA/SFA, OMEGA 9/6 and OMEGA 9/3 were found in group B compared to group A (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in traits between age of hens (p < 0.05). Egg weight, yolk weight and its proportion in egg, as well as shell weight, its strength and thickness increased with the age of hens (p < 0.05). The content of lysozyme and its activity were also higher in eggs from older hens (p < 0.05). Fatty acids composition was beneficial at the beginning and end of the analysed egg production period. The proposed feed mixture based on legume seeds had no negative effect on the quality of eggs, and had a positive effect on yolk colour, the quality of albumen. There was no detrimental effect of diet and age of hens on fatty acid composition of eggs from both groups throughout the study period. To sum up, diet with legume seeds could be accepted as a substitute for soybean meal, due to the beneficial effects for some mentioned traits of eggs. Use of legumes could give a partial self-sufficient for producers from small farms, where is not possible to produce soybean meal. At the same time, the level of anti-nutrients in legumes should be considered.

Can Insect-Based Diets Affect Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Reproduction? A Multidisciplinary Study.

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) meal is considered an alternative, emerging, and sustainable ingredient for aquafeed formulation. However, results on fish physiological responses are still fragmentary and often controversial, and no data are available on the effect of insect meal-based diets on fish reproduction. On this regard, zebrafish, with its relatively short life cycle, represents an ideal experimental model to explore this topic. In this study, female zebrafish were fed for 12 months on a control diet based on fish meal (FM) and fish oil and two experimental diets with full-fat BSF (Hermetia illucens) prepupae meal inclusion, to replace 25% and 50% of FM (BSF25 and BSF50). All diets were isonitrogenous, isolipidic, and isoenergetic. The effects of these two experimental diets on female's reproduction were investigated through a multidisciplinary approach, including the evaluation of growth, gonadosomatic index, spawned/fertilized eggs and hatching rate, adult female carcass and fertilized egg fatty acid composition, histological analysis of the ovary, spectroscopic macromolecular composition of class IV oocytes, and expression of genes involved in fish lipid metabolism in the liver. Results showed that while fish were perfectly able to cope with a 25% insect meal dietary inclusion, a 50% inclusion level caused the overexpression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, a general reduction in the number of spawned eggs, and differences in the frequency rate of previtellogenic oocytes, class III, IV, oocytes and postovulatory follicles and atretic oocytes, in the macromolecular composition of class IV oocytes, and in the fatty acid composition of the fertilized eggs, respect to control and 25% group.

Intake of 3 Eggs Per Day for 4 Weeks Did Not Raise Plasma Cholesterol in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare equivalent amounts of two choline sources on plasma cholesterol and the parameters of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults aged 32 to 70 years. Methods Twenty-three subjects with MetS participated in this randomized, crossover clinical trial. Subjects underwent an initial period of 2 weeks without consuming any eggs, followed by a random allocation to consume either 3 eggs/day or a choline-bitartrate supplement for 4 weeks (choline equivalent of ∼400 mg/day for both interventions). After a 3 week washout period, participants were allocated to the alternate diet. We measured body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, plasma lipids and glucose at the beginning and end of each dietary intervention and after the washout period. Three-day dietary and exercise records were collected concurrently with these measurements. Compliance was assessed weekly by self-reported consumed product. Results There was a 90% compliance among subjects. No differences in physical activity were reported between periods. Dietary records indicated that subjects were consuming more fat (P &amp;lt; 0.001), more protein (P &amp;lt; 0.009) and fewer carbohydrates (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and more cholesterol (P &amp;lt; 0.001) during the egg period. When dietary fat was analyzed separately, there were no differences in intake of saturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids. In contrast, consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids, known to lower plasma cholesterol, was higher during the egg compared to the supplement period (31.2 ± 11.2 vs. 24.3 ± 10.9 g/d), reflecting the fatty acid composition of eggs. Surprisingly, although dietary cholesterol was higher during the egg period, plasma total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol were not different between treatments or when compared to baseline (P &amp;gt; 0.05). LDL cholesterol was 111.4 ± 20.5 mg/dL during the egg and 110.8 ± 21.4 during the supplement period. Percent changes in LDL from baseline were +2.4% for eggs (P = 0.375) and +6.7% for choline (P = 0.111). Similarly, blood pressure, plasma glucose and insulin did not differ between periods (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Body weight and waist circumference did not change. Conclusions This study indicates that in this population with MetS, consumption of 3 eggs/day for 4 weeks did not increase a select group of biomarkers associated with increased risk for heart disease. Funding Sources The Egg Nutrition Center.

Production Performance, Quality and Lipid Composition of Eggs from Laying Hens Fed Heated Flaxseed with Carbohydrase Enzymes

The current study investigated the effect of heat processing or carbohydrase enzyme addition on egg production, egg quality, egg fatty acid composition, tocopherol content, and lipid oxidation products in eggs from layer hens fed flaxseed. A total of ninety-six 23-wk-old white leghorn laying hens were kept in individual cages and were randomly allocated to 4 treatment groups, with 6 replicates containing 4 hens per each replicate. The hens were fed corn soybean meal-based diet containing 15 g/100 g raw flaxseed (Flax), 15 g/100 g heated (60°C for 8 h) flaxseed (HFlax), Flax+0.1% enzyme (Flax+E), and HFlax+0.1% enzyme (HFlax+E). The experimental diets were fed for a period of 120 d. Hen-day egg production and egg mass (g/hen/d) were highest for HFlax and HFlax+E and lowest for Flax+E ( P < 0.05). No difference was noted in egg, yolk or shell weight, or Haugh unit ( P > 0.05). Albumen weight as percentage of egg weight was lower in Flax when compared to HFlax, Flax+E, or HFlax+E ( P < 0.05). The yolk:albumen ratio was higher in Flax that in HFlax, Flax+E, and HFlax+E ( P < 0.05). Yolk color score was highest for HFlax+E and lowest for Flax+E ( P < 0.05). No effect of diet on egg total lipid, palmitic, stearic, α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, and arachidonic acid content as mg/egg or as percentage of fatty acid methyl esters was observed ( P > 0.05). Hens fed HFlax had lower concentration of linoleic acid (mg/egg) than Flax+E and HFlax+E ( P < 0.05). The concentrations of oleic acid and total monounsaturated fatty acids (mg/egg) were higher in Flax than those in other treatments ( P < 0.05). Eggs from hens fed HFlax+E had lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances than Flax+E ( P < 0.05) and was not different from Flax or HFlax ( P > 0.05). No difference was observed in the α-tocopherol content of the eggs ( P > 0.05). Enzyme supplementation and heating of flaxseed increased γ-tocopherol content in Flax+E and HFlax+E eggs ( P < 0.05). It is concluded that heating flaxseed prior to consumption increases egg production while reducing oleic acid and linoleic acid (mg/egg). Heating flaxseed or enzyme supplementation had no effect on egg weight, α-linolenic acid, total n-3 fatty acids, total lipid, or total tocopherol content of eggs.

Comparison of fatty acids profile of the gonads and eggs of Lutjanus guttatus (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) obtained from wild and captive broodstock

The proportions of fatty acids present in eggs and gonads of wild and captive Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner, 1869) were evaluated to assist in obtaining nutritional information necessary to improve the diets provided in aquaculture production centers of this species. Samples of eggs and gonads were obtained from broodstock (1.0±0.1 kg) kept in the Pacific Marine Park (PMP), Costa Rica, and from individuals caught by fishermen in their natural environment. The samples were taken in triplicate during the period spanning from August to September 2015. Captive snappers were fed a fresh diet. Spawns and gonads were obtained from two groups of 16 specimens each of captive and wild fish, both groups having a sex ratio of 1:1 male to female. Gonads from females were selected according to their maturity stage, and male gonads were sampled based on the quantity, viscosity and color of semen. There were no statistically significant differences (p≥0.05) between egg diameters and oil droplets size; viability rates, expressed as percentages, were considered to be high and appropriate for comparison (91.2% captive, 86.1% wild). There were also no statistically significant differences in the fatty acid composition of eggs obtained from wild and captive females (p=0.2188), or in gonads from males (p=0.6179) and wild and captive females (p=0.1153). The presence of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was observed in all of the samples analyzed, while arachidonic acid (ARA) was found in amounts ranging from 0.38 to 5.07% and was not present in the eggs of wild females or in the gonads of captive females.

Adequate n-3 LC-PUFA levels in broodstock diets optimize reproductive performance in GnRH injected greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) equaling to spontaneously spawning broodstock

Dietary lipids and fatty acids composition play an important role in the reproductive processes, embryo development and larval survival in marine fish. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) are especially important for egg and larval quality. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary n-3 LC-PUFA levels on spawning performance and egg quality of greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili). Sixteen mature broodfish were distributed in four 40 m3 circular tanks and fed four diets containing different levels of n-3 LC-PUFA: diet D1 with 1% of the dry weight basis (dw), diet D2 with 1.7% dw, diet D3 with 2.3% dw and diet D4 with 3% dw. The fecundity was significantly higher (P < .05) in broodstock fed D2. Moreover, a higher fertilization rate (P < .05) was obtained from broodstock fed D2 (91.8 ± 3.1%) and D1 (86.3 ± 1.7%) in comparison to those fed D3 (69.0 ± 7.4%) and D4 (52.4 ± 10.6%). The same trend was found in egg viability at 24 h, hatching and larval survival rates, where highest (P < .05) when broodstock were fed D1 and D2. In addition, fertilization, hatching rates and larval survival at 1- and 3-days post-hatching showed a negative correlation with dietary n-3 LC-PUFA. The fatty acid composition of eggs showed marked differences, reflecting the influence of fatty acid profiles in the broodstock diets. Based on the overall results the recommended dietary n-3 LC-PUFA level for greater amberjack broodstock suggested is between 1 and 1.7% dw.

The effect of zinc, iron, calcium, and copper from organic sources in pheasant diet on the performance, hatching, minerals, and fatty acid composition of eggs

The paper presents findings about how the substitution of calcium, iron, zinc, and copper salts with glycine chelates affects specific reproductive parameters of pheasants, the hatching potential and nutritional components of pheasant eggs, and the fatty acid profiles and cholesterol content in pheasant yolk. 4 groups were created for the experiment: the control, in which the birds received a feed containing standard calcium, iron, zinc, and copper salts, and 3 experimental groups in which chelates were used to replace 25, 50, and 75% of the mineral salts. The group with the 75% chelate share was not supplemented with the salts, and cholecalciferol was replaced with calcitriol. The groups included pheasant females (7 birds) and 1 male, respectively, and were maintained in outdoor aviaries. The birds were administered granulated feed mixes ad libitum, with free access to water. Their feed intake was recorded each day. The birds were weighed at the beginning and end of the egg-laying period. The eggs were collected throughout the egg-laying period, and the eggs gathered at the culmination of the egg-laying period were used for hatching. The eggs were morphometrically analyzed and the hatching process and subsequent hatchling survival rates were investigated. Nutritional components in the eggs were determined, and the fatty acid profiles and cholesterol content were assayed in the yolk. The results showed the use of Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu chelates in place of salts in the pheasant brood hen diet had contributed to enhancing the egg-laying performance, with a concurrent fall in the size and weight of the eggs. The highest egg-laying performance, with the lowest egg weight, was observed in the group that consumed the highest (75%) share of mineral chelates and received calcitriol supplementation. This corresponded with the highest incubation yield and hatchling survival. The thickest shells and highest crude ash percentages were identified in the eggs of the pheasant group that received a 50% by 50% proportion of salts and glycine chelates. In comparison with the control birds that received the mineral salts, the yolk of the pheasants that consumed the feed with the 75% share of calcitriol and Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu chelates had a higher percentage of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), with a far more advantageous n-6/n-3 proportion. No differences related to the source and levels of Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu in the feed were observed in the cholesterol content of the pheasant yolk.

Transgenerational effects of egg nutrients on the early development of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) across a thermal gradient

The transgenerational effect of maternal diet, expressed as variation in the composition and quantity of egg nutrients available to offspring during endogenous development (i.e., prior to free-feeding), has the potential to greatly influence the response of offspring phenotypes to varying environmental conditions. For this study, we examined how natural variation in the fatty acid and proximate composition of eggs from three Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) populations influenced early development across a thermal gradient using a common garden hatchery experiment. We found that the relative quantity of fat, lean mass, and water in the eggs was similar among populations. However, the fatty acid composition of the eggs differed among all populations. After controlling for egg mass, egg fatty acid and proximate composition influenced hatch length, swim-up length, and hatch to swim-up growth. Importantly, the magnitude and direction of these egg quality effects depended on the population of origin and temperature. Overall, our results demonstrate that natural variation in egg nutrient composition, likely driven by maternal diet, has transgenerational effects on offspring development under varying thermal conditions.

Maternally derived nutrients influence fatty acid composition and predator evasion behavior of larval southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma

Predation is the main source of mortality during the larval stage of marine fishes. Previous work has shown a correlation between measures of performance related to predator evasion and fatty acid (FA) composition of marine fish larvae, and that the latter can be influenced by both larval diet and maternally-derived nutrition (yolk). This study aimed to determine the relationships between FA composition of eggs, FA composition of the larval body, and predator evasion performance of southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma. Larvae hatched from eggs differing in FA composition were reared under common garden conditions to 15 and 35 days posthatching (dph) when measurements of routine swimming and responsiveness to a simulated looming predator were made. Larval responsiveness to the predatory stimulus was positively correlated with the FA ratios DHA: ARA and DHA: EPA in whole larvae at 15 and 35 dph, respectively. The amount of omega-3 docosapentaenoic acid (22:5(n-3)) in the egg was correlated, though not significantly, with the amount of DHA in the larval body at 15 dph (r = −0.51, P = 0.052), and was significantly correlated with the amount of DHA in the larval body at 35 dph (r = −0.62, P = 0.031). These results provide evidence of metabolic programming in southern flounder, and suggest that maternally derived nutrients indirectly influence larval mortality in the wild.

Effects of The Dietary Supplementation of Layer Diets with Natural and Synthetic Antioxidant Additives on Yolk Lipid Peroxidation and Fatty Acid Composition of Eggs Stored at Different Temperatures and Duration

ABSTRACT In this study, the effects of the supplementation of natural and synthetic antioxidant additives in layer diets on egg weight loss, yolk lipid peroxidation (TBARS values) and fatty acid composition of eggs stored at different temperatures and duration were evaluated. In total, 112 48- weeks-old Bovans White layers were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with four replicates of seven birds each. The treatments consisted of a control diet, containing no additives, and diets with the inclusion of 200 mg synthetic vitamin E/kg, 1000 mg thyme extract/kg and 1000 mg rosemary extract/kg. Dietary treatments did not influence (p>0.05) relative weight loss of eggs stored for 14, 28, and 56 days, except for those from rosemary-fed hens stored at room temperature on d 42, which were significantly lighter than the eggs from vitamin E- and thyme-fed hens (p 0.05) of dietary treatment on yolk TBARS values were detected in refrigerated eggs. The inclusion of the synthetic and both natural antioxidants in layer diets significantly reduced stearic acid (C18: 0) level in the egg yolk. In addition, only natural antioxidants significantly increased yolk levels of palmitoleic acid (C16: 1) and vaccenic acid (C18: 1n7). The results of the present study showed that adequate storage temperature was more effective in improving egg shelf life than feeding layers synthetic or natural antioxidant additives. However, the positive effects of the evaluated natural antioxidants on yolk fatty acid composition suggest their supplementation to layer diets may provide health benefits to the consumer.

Prirodni aditivi u proizvodnji funkcionalnih jaja

Table eggs can play an important role as functional food, especially if specially designed mixtures enriched with o-3 fatty acids, natural pigments and vitamins are used for their production. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inclusion of flax-corn meal co-extrudate (FCM) in combination with natural pigments in hens' diet on physical properties, yolk colour and fatty acid composition of eggs. One hundred and twenty Lohmann Brown laying hens were fed corn-soybean meal based diet with the addition of FCM at different levels: 0% (control C1 and C2), 13.50% experimental treatment (E1) and 22.50% experimental treatment (E2). The control treatment (C1) contained up to 3% fat, without added pigments while the control treatment (C2) contained up to 5% fat and synthetic pigments. Experimental treatments E1 and E2 (3% and 5% fat, respectively) had the same amount of natural pigments (1% carrot and 0.5% paprika). When compared with control eggs, no significant changes (p>0.05) in the egg quality characteristics were observed for E1 and E2 eggs. Desirable egg yolk colour of 12.78 RYCF (Roche Yolk Colour Fan scale) was achieved in the treatments E1 and E2. Eggs from hens fed FCM had significantly higher level (p<0.001) of a-linolenic (6.46% for E1 and 8.87% for E2), docosahexaenoic (2.01% for E1 and 2.08% for E2) and eicosapentaenoic (0.17% for E1 and 0.21% for E2) acids in comparison to eggs originated from hens fed control diets. The o-6/o-3 ratios of 1.43 and 1.01 in the treatments E1 and E2, respectively, were significantly lower (p<0.001) than o-6/o-3 ratios in the control treatments C1 and C2 (9.40 and 8.88, respectively). The content of tocopherol in eggs from the experimental treatments E1 and E2 were 6 and 8 times higher than in eggs from the control treatment C1 as well as 1.8 and 2.3 times higher than in eggs from the control treatment C2, respectively. By the addition of FCM and natural pigments in hens' diet, it is possible to produce functional egg with desirable colour and fatty acid composition.

The effect of fish and rapeseed oils on growth performance, egg fatty acid composition and offspring quality of sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus)

The effect of fish and rapeseed oils on growth performance, egg fatty acid composition and offspring quality of sterlet sturgeon (<i>Acipenser ruthenus</i>)

Egg boon fatty acids reveal effects of a climatic event on a marine food web

AbstractFlow of essential fatty acids (EFAs) through food webs is critical for the health of individual animals, populations, and communities. Planktonic eggs may play a central role in marine systems because they are highly concentrated in EFAs, superabundant, and consumed by a variety of species. Previous research suggests that egg fatty acid composition should not be useful for trophodynamic studies because it should be tightly regulated to meet the nutritional needs of embryos. Eight years of sampling the egg boon of the teleost fish red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) provided the opportunity to test the hypothesis that extreme climatic events differentially alter abundances of prey populations and, ultimately, egg fatty acid composition. Fatty acid composition of eggs varied significantly among years and three major patterns of interannual variation (principal components) paralleled trends in the Palmer Drought Severity Index. Each of the first three principal components was related to abundances of particular prey (blue crabs, filter‐feeding fishes, and brown shrimp, respectively) during the spring and summer. Summer abundances of blue crab and brown shrimp were most strongly correlated with bay salinity 12–14 months earlier. Summer abundances of filter‐feeding fishes were most strongly correlated with bay salinity 0–1 month earlier. The delayed responses of crustacean abundances to variations in bay salinity likely operate through variability in recruitment. The fast connection for filter‐feeding fishes suggests a behavioral response to changing environmental conditions. The analyses revealed changes in trophodynamic flow that were associated with the phases of the climatic event. EFA content of eggs increased during drought years then decreased in the recovery years, indicating the potential for downstream effects on reproductive output, offspring viability, and tissue composition of egg consumers. Generally, nutrients move from intermediate sized consumers to a larger, higher order consumer (adult red drum). Then, trophic flow reverses when the egg boon is exploited by smaller planktivores. The analysis also revealed climate‐related shifts in the degree of benthic‐pelagic coupling and pelagic recycling that were mediated by the egg boons. This study demonstrates that egg boons can be a useful subject for investigations of trophodynamics in marine ecosystems.