Yolk Cholesterol Content Research Articles

Supplementation with green tea extract affects lipid metabolism and egg yolk lipid composition in laying hens

SUMMARY Green tea extract (GTE) was fed to laying hens to determine its effects on lipid metabolism and egg production in the hens and the fatty acid composition in the egg yolk. Laying hens (288; 30-wk-old) were subjected to dietary treatments of GTE at a dose of 0%, 0.1%, or 0.3% (w/w) for 8 wk. In the hens, dietary GTE significantly decreased the levels of serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mitigated the over deposition of abdominal fat, and increased the excretion of total fecal lipid and fecal cholesterol. GTE treatment did not alter the laying performance or the egg physical traits. In the egg yolk, a low dose of GTE (0.1%) significantly increased the concentrations of arachidonic acid (22.6%), docosahexaenoic acid (34.3%), and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (23.5%) after 8 wk of treatment. Supplementation with 0.1% GTE for 4 and 8 wk decreased the yolk cholesterol content by 16.6% and 19.1%, respectively. And 2 doses of GTE had the same effects in altering egg yolk fatty acid composition. Our data demonstrated that GTE supplementation in the diets of laying hens improved the egg yolk lipid composition without altering production performance.

Effects of Ginger Extract on Laying Performance, Egg Quality, and Antioxidant Status of Laying Hens.

Simple SummaryThe application of in-feed antibiotic growth promoters was banned in many countries due to their negative effects, and several kinds of feed additives were widely investigated as antibiotic alternatives, in which natural plant-derived products received much attention due to their environmentally friendly properties and numerous biological activities. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), a widely used herbal medicine and spice, was proven to have potential as an antibiotic alternative in poultry feed, but there is little literature on the efficacy of ginger extract (GE), which has concentrated bioactive compounds with high bioavailability. Our results showed that dietary GE supplementation increased egg weight, improved egg quality, and reduced the yolk cholesterol content of laying hens. Decreased serum activities of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase and improved antioxidant status were observed in the GE group. Our study demonstrated the potential benefits of GE in laying hens.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ginger extract (GE) as a dietary supplement for laying hens. A total of 40-week-old 288 Hyline Brown laying hens were randomly divided into two groups with six replicates, and fed a basal diet with or without 100 g/t GE for eight weeks. Dietary GE supplementation increased egg weight, albumin height, and Haugh unit of eggs, and decreased yolk cholesterol content and activities of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase in serum at eight weeks. Moreover, GE resulted in higher total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content in yolk at four and eight weeks and in serum. It was concluded that GE was effective in increasing egg weight and improving the egg quality and antioxidant status of laying hens.

Genetic Parameters for Yolk Cholesterol and Transcriptional Evidence Indicate a Role of Lipoprotein Lipase in the Cholesterol Metabolism of the Chinese Wenchang Chicken.

The yolk cholesterol has been reported to affect egg quality and breeding performance in chickens. However, the genetic parameters and molecular mechanisms regulating yolk cholesterol remain largely unknown. Here, we used the Wenchang chicken, a Chinese indigenous breed with a complete pedigree, as an experimental model, and we examined 24 sire families (24 males and 240 females) and their 362 daughters. First, egg quality and yolk cholesterol content were determined in 40-week-old chickens of two consecutive generations, and the heritability of these parameters was analyzed using the half-sib correlation method. Among first-generation individuals, the egg weight, egg shape index, shell strength, shell thickness, yolk weight, egg white height, Haugh unit, and cholesterol content were 45.36 ± 4.44 g, 0.81 ± 0.12, 3.07 ± 0.92 kg/cm2, 0.340 ± 0.032 mm, 15.57 ± 1.64 g, 3.36 ± 1.15 mm, 58.70 ± 12.33, and 274.3 ± 36.73 mg/egg, respectively. When these indexes were compared to those of the following generation, no statistically significant difference was detected. Although yolk cholesterol content was not associated with egg quality in females, an increase in yolk cholesterol content was correlated with increased yolk weight and albumin height in sire families (p < 0.05). Moreover, the heritability estimates for the yolk cholesterol content were 0.328 and 0.530 in female and sire families, respectively. Therefore, the yolk cholesterol content was more strongly associated with the sire family. Next, chickens with low and high yolk cholesterol contents were selected for follicular membrane collection. Total RNA was extracted from these samples and used as a template for transcriptional sequencing. In total, 375 down- and 578 upregulated genes were identified by comparing the RNA sequencing data of chickens with high and low yolk cholesterol contents. Furthermore, Gene Ontology term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses indicated the involvement of energy metabolism and immune-related pathways in yolk cholesterol deposition. Several genes participating in the regulation of the yolk cholesterol content were located on the sex chromosome Z, among which lipoprotein lipase (LPL) was associated with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway and the Gene Ontology term cellular component. Collectively, our data suggested that the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway and the downregulation of LPL played critical roles in the regulation of yolk cholesterol content.

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.

Effect of dietary inclusion of cumin seed oil on the performance, egg quality, immune response and ovarian development in laying hens under high ambient temperature.

The objective of the present study was to find the effect of cumin seed oil (CSO, Cuminum cyminum L.) on the laying performance, ovarian follicular development and immune response in laying hens under high ambient temperature. A total of 162 Boven hens were randomly divided into three treatments and were fed, ad libitum, diets containing 0 (control), 250 or 500g CSO per ton from 24 to 30weeks of age. The experiment was done during summer season where the average temperate was 30 to 36°C. Feed intake and egg mass were recorded. Egg quality characteristics and egg-yolk cholesterol content were evaluated. Ovary and oviduct samples were immediately weighted, and ovarian follicles were classified. Plasma total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) were measured. Yolk width, yolk weight, yolk colour, shell weight and shell thickness were increased by feeding CSO. Egg production rate was not affected. However, dietary 500g CSO per ton had a significantly positive impact on egg weight in comparison with control. The FCR was improved by feeding 500g CSO per ton; however, feed intake and egg mass were not affected by CSO treatments. Plasma GOT, GPT and triglycerides were significantly decreased, while, plasma HDL-cholesterol was significantly (p<.05) increased due to CSO treatments. Yolk cholesterol content was significantly decreased; however, liver malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was insignificantly decreased due to dietary treatments. Interestingly, the inclusion of CSO in laying hens' diets improved the antibody titres against Newcastle disease (ND, p<.05) and against avian influenza H9N1 (p>.05) when compared with the control diet. It could be concluded that dietary inclusion of CSO improved egg weight, FCR, yolk and shell quality characteristics and did not have a negative effect on the reproductive morphology parameters in laying hens.

Rubber seed oil supplementation enriches n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and reduces cholesterol contents of egg yolks in laying hens

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of five rubber seed oil (RSO) levels (0, 1%, 2%, 4%, and 6%) on hens laying performance, egg quality, and yolks fatty acid composition and cholesterol contents. Three hundred and sixty 30-week-old Lohmann Brown laying hens were allotted to 5 groups. The results showed that the egg production was increased in 4% RSO group (P < 0.05), but egg quality parameters and the contents of dry matter, lipid, and protein in yolks were not influenced among treatments (P > 0.05). Yolk cholesterol contents were reduced in RSO supplemental groups (P < 0.05). The concentration of total n-3 PUFA in yolks increased gradually while the ratio of n-6/n-3 decreased gradually with increasing dietary RSO levels (P < 0.001). In conclusion, dietary RSO supplementation increased yolk n-3 PUFA levels, improved yolk color, and reduced yolk cholesterol contents without negative influence on laying performance parameters.

Reproductive Characteristics of Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) Maintained in Captivityand Receiving Madagascar Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) Meal.

Simple SummaryThis research article describes the effects of including a Madagascar cockroach meal in the feed of cockatiels on their reproductive characteristics. The cockatiel is one of the most common species of the Psittaciformes order adopted as a pet and, despite this, information on the reproductive characteristics of this species and how nutrition can influence these characteristics is still scarce. However, the evaluation of this ingredient in the feed of cockatiels has not yet been performed. We observed that the inclusion of a cockroach meal in the feeds of cockatiels increased the number of viable chicks with 1 day of life, decreased the number of days for new laying, increased egg width and shape index, and influenced its lipid composition. Therefore, the present study provides important information about an alternative protein ingredient that can assist researchers and breeders in the management of these birds, ensuring better health for the animals as well as gains in productivity.The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a Madagascar cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) meal in the feed of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) in captivity and its influence on the reproductive characteristics of these birds. Twelve pairs of birds were used during two subsequent reproductive cycles of 130 days each, with time divided into four phases: laying, incubation, rearing of chicks until 30 days of age, and return to the new laying phase. The pairs were divided into two groups: a control group, which received a commercial diet for psittacines + a mixture of seeds, and a test group, which received the same diet as the control group except for the addition of a Madagascar cockroach meal in a ratio of 14 g of commercial food to 1 g of cockroach meal (6.6%). After hatching, chicks remained with their parents until 30 days of age. Subsequently, the chicks were transferred to another room and monitored until the 90th day of life. The inclusion of cockroach meal did not influence (p > 0.05) the intake of commercial food and mixture of seeds during the reproductive phases evaluated, except for feed intake, which was increased relative to control values (p = 0.02) in the return-to-laying phase. Yolk cholesterol content, egg width and egg shape index were increased with the inclusion of the cockroach meal, whereas the number of days to return to the new laying phase was reduced compared to the control (p = 0.02). The number of eggs laid decreased (p < 0.05) with the inclusion of the cockroach meal; however, the percentage of hatching was higher in the test group than in the control group (p < 0.05). No significant effect (p > 0.05) of dietary treatment was observed on the number of viable chicks at 1, 30 and 90 days of age or on the contents of most fatty acids present in the yolk. The findings of this study indicate that a Madagascar cockroach meal can be used as an alternative feedstuff in the diets for cockatiels and can lead to minor improvements in reproductive characteristics when replacing 6.6% of the commercial pelleted diet.

Effects of dietary supplementation of alfalfa meal on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat and egg quality, and intestinal microbiota in Beijing-you chicken

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of alfalfa meal supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat and egg quality, and intestinal microbiota in chickens. A total of 600 healthy 20-wk female Beijing-you chickens (a local Chinese chicken breed) were selected and randomly assigned into 4 dietary treatments: 0, 5, 8, and 10% alfalfa meal supplementation. Chickens were raised in a free-range system for 56 d. Microbiota inhabiting 3 different intestinal sections (duodenum, ileum, and cecum) was determined using high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that chickens given alfalfa meal had lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio, mortality, abdominal fat yield, and yolk cholesterol content, and higher (P < 0.05) breast muscle contents of inosine monophosphate, total amino acids, essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids, delicious amino acids, yolk protein, albumen protein, and yolk color compared to those given no alfalfa meal. The Lactobacillus was the dominant genus in both duodenum and ileum, while the microbiota in cecum was mainly composed of the Bacteroides. Although small changes in the dominant intestinal microbiota of chickens fed with or without alfalfa meal were observed, supplementation of alfalfa meal tended to stimulate the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, such as the Lactobacillus and Bacteroides, and inhibit potential pathogens, including the Clostridium. Therefore, dietary supplementation of alfalfa meal was feasible to Beijing-you chickens raised in a free-range system, and 10% was recommended as the relatively optimal level.

The impact of phytoestrogen source supplementation on reproductive performance, plasma profile, yolk fatty acids and antioxidative status in aged laying hens.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds as a source of phytoestrogens in laying feed on productive performance, egg quality, yolk fatty acids, plasma profile and antioxidative status in aged laying hens. A total of 120 Bovans Brown hens at 65weeks of age were housed individually in laying cages in an open-sided building under a 16-hr light: 8-hr dark lighting schedule. Hens were randomly divided into four experimental treatments (n=30 each): (a) control (basal diet without any supplementation); (b) 1g/kg of flaxseeds; (c) 1g/kg of fenugreek seeds; and (d) combination of 1g/kg flaxseeds and 1g/kg fenugreek seeds from 65 to 71weeks of age. Hen-day egg production and egg mass were significantly increased by dietary supplementation of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds, while feed intake was not affected; thus, feed conversion ratio was improved (p<0.05). Weights of egg, albumen, yolk and shell were increased by the dietary treatments. Shell thickness and yolk colour were improved by supplementation of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds. Yolk crude protein was not significantly affected by treatments; however, crude fat and calcium contents in yolk were increased and egg yolk cholesterol content was decreased. Interestingly, dietary supplementation of flaxseeds, fenugreek seeds and their combination had a significant positive effect on plasma luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, oestradiol-17β and triglycerides. Inclusion of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds in the diets enhanced the serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities and reduced the malondialdehyde and total cholesterol concentrations in plasma. Dietary supplementation of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds increased α-linolenic and linoleic acids in egg yolk. It could be concluded that inclusion of mixed sources of phytoestrogens in diets improved laying performance, egg quality, the antioxidative status, hormonal profile and steroidogenesis in aged laying hens.

EFFECTS OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION WITH GREEN AND BROWN SEAWEEDS ON LAYING PERFORMANCE, EGG QUALITY, AND BLOOD LIPID PROFILE AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY IN LAYING JAPANESE QUAIL

The effect of green and brown seaweeds supplementation on laying performance and egg quality, serum lipid profile and antioxidant capacity was evaluated using laying Japanese quails. Five groups of Japanese quails (total n= 180, 120 laying quail hens + 60 male, 10 wks old), each in 3 replicates were used. Birds were fed either a basal diet (control) or basal diet supplemented with green (GS) and brown (BS) seaweeds each at 1.5 and 3% for 14 weeks. Results indicated that GS and BS supplementation can significantly improve egg-laying rate (P < 0.05) and increase egg number, egg weight and egg mass and improve feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). However, feed consumption (FC) was insignificantly affected by the different treatments. The GS and BS supplemented groups lead to improve the eggshell thickness, also helped to improve egg yolk weight, index and color compared to the control. Supplementing dried GS and BS significantly decreased the value of Haugh unit, significantly decreased the total lipids and total cholesterol content of egg yolk (P<0.05) as well as displayed higher fertility and hatchability percentages (P<0.05) than that of the control group. Quails which had received dried GS and BS treatments had a higher slaughter percentage and a lesser percentage of abdominal fat as compared to the control group. Serum total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL and LDL values were significantly decreased as compared to the control group. There are significant effects (P<0.05) on enzymatic antioxidant activities of blood serum. It is concluded that green and brown seaweeds supplementation can improve egg-laying performance and had a positive effect on fertility and hatchability values and resulted in a significant reduction in total lipids and total cholesterol in the serum and yolk while enhancing total antioxidant capacity in blood serum as well as positively affecting economic parameters. Thus, these results suggested that green and brown seaweeds can be used safely as a non-feed additive in diets for laying Japanese quail.

Effect of layer genotype on physical characteristics and nutritive value of organic eggs

ABSTRACTThe aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of organic eggs from hens of different genotypes and ages. The study investigated the physical characteristics, nutritive value and foaming properties of egg whites from Hy-Line Brown commercial layers, native Greenleg Partridge hens included in the conservation program, and Araucana hens laying blue-shelled eggs. Genotype had an effect on egg weight, albumen height and Haugh units. The vitamin A content of egg yolks was greater for Greenleg Partridge compared to Hy-Line Brown hens (P < 0.05). The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in egg yolks from Greenleg Partridge hens was lower, while the EPA, DHA and PUFA n-3 content were higher than in egg yolks from Hy-Line Brown hens (P < 0.05). Egg yolk cholesterol concentration was similar for the studied hen breeds (P > 0.05). Layer age had a significant effect on egg weight, yolk weight and color, and the presence of meat and blood spots (P < 0.05).

Effect of single- and multi-strain probiotics on broiler breeder performance, immunity and intestinal toll-like receptors expression

ABSTRACT Effects of multi-strain (Lactofeed) and mono-strain (Pediguard) probiotics on broiler breeder performance and expression of toll-like receptors (TLR) were evaluated. Three hundred broiler breeder hens (Ross 308) at the age of 51 weeks were randomly allocated into 1 of 5 dietary treatments with 6 replicates in each in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments included (1) the basal diet (control), (2) control + 0.1 g/kg Lactofeed, (3) control + 0.1 g/kg Pediguard, (4) control + 0.1 g/kg Lactofeed + 0.1 g/kg Pediguard and (5) control + 0.5 g/kg oxytetracycline antibiotic. Compared to the control group, treatments had no effect on hen-day egg production and body weight of broiler breeders (P > .05). The egg yolk cholesterol concentration of broiler breeders fed probiotic-supplemented diet was decreased (P < .05). There were no differences in the immune response to PHA-P injection, serum glutathione peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde and cholesterol concentration and blood haematology of broiler breeder among different dietary treatments (P > .05) while TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression up-regulated (P < .05). It can be concluded Lactofeed and Pediguard did not improve broiler breeder performance and T-cell-mediated immune response and are not advisable for breeder nutrition.

The Effect of Grape Seed Extract and Yeast Culture on Both Cholesterol Content of Egg Yolk and Performance of Laying Hens

SUMMARY This study was conducted to investigate the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) and yeast culture (YC) on average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed/egg ratio (F/E), laying rate, average egg weight (AEW), and cholesterol content of egg yolk in laying hens. A total of 640 “Hy-Line Brown” laying hens aged 25 wk were assigned to 4 dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design. Each group consisted of 5 replicates with 32 layers. The preliminary test lasted for 6 d and the experiment lasted for 48 d. Laying hens in group 1 were fed with basal diet as a control group, and laying hens in groups 2–4 were fed with basal diet supplemented with GSE, YC, and GSE+YC, respectively. The results showed that cholesterol content of egg yolk was significantly reduced by diets supplemented with GSE and GSE+YC (P 0.05). This study demonstrated that GSE and YC had no obvious effect on ADFI and F/E of laying hens, but significantly influenced the laying rate, AEW, and cholesterol content of egg yolk.

Effects of Dietary Levels of Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa L.) Powder on Performance, Yolk Cholesterol Content and Egg Oxidative Stability in Laying Hens

Effects of Dietary Levels of Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa L.) Powder on Performance, Yolk Cholesterol Content and Egg Oxidative Stability in Laying Hens

Dietary crude palm oil supplementation improves egg quality and modulates tissue and yolk vitamin E concentrations of laying hen

Crude palm oil (CPO) is a valuable energy supplement for poultry diets and a rich source of vitamin A and E. Data on the effect of vitamin E tocotrienol in CPO on laying hen metabolism are limited. The present study examined the effects of dietary CPO supplementation on the performance and tissue distribution of vitamin E in laying hens and on egg quality. In total, 144 49-week old Hysex Brown hens were allocated randomly into four groups (36 per group), in single cages, and received corn–soybean basal diet supplemented with either lard at 20 g/kg (control), or CPO at 20 (CPO1), 30 (CPO2) or 40 g/kg (CPO3). Egg quality, hen performance, egg yolk cholesterol and hen tissue concentrations of vitamin E were examined. Dietary supplementation with CPO increased the egg yolk colour, egg and yolk weight compared with the control group, but not specific gravity, albumen quality, albumen weight and shell weight. Importantly, CPO supplementation significantly decreased egg yolk cholesterol concentrations (lowest level in the CPO3 group) and enhanced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the total vitamin E tocopherols in CPO1 and total tocotrienols in CPO2 and CPO3. Hens fed on CPO3 had the lowest total tocopherol concentrations in their egg yolk and adipose tissue, but the highest tocotrienol in their plasma, egg yolk and adipose tissue. In addition, dietary CPO supplementation resulted in the highest deposition of tocotrienol in the hen’s adipose tissue compared with in the egg yolk, or hen’s liver and plasma. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with CPO improved the egg yolk weight and yolk colour, while it reduced the total cholesterol concentration and resulted in more vitamin E in the egg and hen’s adipose tissue, with increased concentrations of α-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol and γ-tocotrienol.

Effect of housing system on egg quality and the concentration of cholesterol in egg yolk and blood of hens of native resources of the Czech Republic and Slovakia

SUMMARY The effect of the housing system on egg production, quality, and the concentration of egg yolk and blood serum cholesterol was studied in hens from the genetic resources available in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. A total of 132 pullets was divided according to breed (Czech hens x Oravka hens) and the housing system (36 hens per enriched cage and 30 hens per litter). The eggs for the laboratory evaluation were collected over 2 consecutive d during 4-week periods. Significant interactions between breed and housing system were found in some egg quality parameters (with the exception of egg weight). Higher albumen and yolk quality were found in Oravka hens on litter, but higher eggshell quality was detected in Czech hens on litter. The cholesterol concentration in egg yolk was significantly affected by the breed and housing system of hens. A significantly higher average concentration of cholesterol in egg yolk was in Oravka hens (11.22 mg/g) and in layers housed on litter (11.24 mg/g). The influence of the housing system and interaction between the breed and housing system on cholesterol concentration in blood serum were significantly different. The highest concentration of cholesterol in blood serum was in Oravka hens in cages (3.65 mmol/l). The results show that the selection of a suitable genotype and housing system can affect egg quality and the concentration of cholesterol in egg yolk.

Effect of Alternative Housing System and Hen Genotype on Egg Quality Characteristics

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of type of alternative housing system and layer genotype on the quality of table eggs. The investigated eggs came from native Greenleg Partridge hens (Z-11) and Rhode Island Red hens (R-11) covered by the gene-pool protection program, as well as from Hy-line Brown commercial hens from litter barn (LS), free range (FR), and organic systems (OS). Eggs for the study were collected from the hens at 56 wk of age. Egg quality assessment was based on the following values egg traits: weight, shape index, yolk, albumen, and shell percentage in the whole egg; eggshell traits: color intensity, weight, thickness, density, breaking strength, physical features of egg content: albumen height, value of Haugh units, yolk color; presence of meat/ blood spots and cholesterol, higher fatty acids, vitamin A and E in egg yolks. In the rearing systems under study, eggs with the highest weight were laid by commercial hens, and the type of alternative rearing system had no significant effect on this trait. Shell colour intensity depends on the breed of hen, whereas the rearing system has no significant effect on this trait. Hen genotype and housing system had an effect on egg shell weight, thickness, and density. The housing system influences the content of MUFA, PUFA, PUFAn-6 and PUFAn-3 as well as PUFA 6/3 in egg yolks. No effect of the housing system on egg yolk cholesterol content was observed.

Effect of supplementing layer hen diet with phytogenic feed additives on laying performance, egg quality, egg lipid peroxidation and blood biochemical constituents.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing laying hen diet with phytogenic additives on laying performance, egg quality, blood constituents and egg lipid peroxidation. Two hundred Lohmann Brown Lite laying hens were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments: control (without phytogenic additive), fennel seeds (5 g/kg), black cumin seeds (5 g/kg) and hot red pepper (5 g/kg). Each of the 4 diets was fed to 5 replicates of 10 hens for 8 weeks. No significant differences were observed in body weight or feed intake between the groups. Dietary inclusion of fennel followed by red pepper improved (P < 0.05) egg weight, egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio compared with control. Higher yolk shape index, shell and albumen weight percentages and Haugh unit (P < 0.05) were recorded in the fennel supplemented group compared with control. The egg yolk color score increased by the addition of fennel or hot red pepper in laying hen diets compared with control. The inclusion of black cumin or hot red pepper decreased serum and egg yolk cholesterol and malondialdehyde concentrations (P < 0.05) compared with control. Serum aspartate aminotransferase concentration was lower in black cumin group (P < 0.05) than in other treatments. In conclusion, the best laying performance and egg quality were obtained by dietary inclusion of fennel, followed by hot red pepper and black cumin. Dietary supplementation of black cumin or red pepper may lead to the development of low-cholesterol concentration and better antioxidant capacity of eggs.

Effects of fennel seed supplementation of ration on performance, egg quality, serum cholesterol, and total phenol content of egg yolk of laying quails

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) supplementation of ration on performance, egg quality, and serum cholesterol of laying quails during an eight-week period. For this purpose, 96 quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of 16 weeks of age were evenly separated into one control group and three treatment groups. Each group was divided into four replicates, each containing six quail. The fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare) were added to the diets of [...]

Effect of feeding broccoli floret residues on leghorn layer performance and egg quality and nutrient digestibility

ABSTRACT1. A study was conducted to determine the effects of dried broccoli floret (DBF) on egg production parameters, egg quality and apparent nutrient digestibility of laying hens. It was hypothesised that feeding DBF can improve egg quality without adversely affecting layer performance.2. Seventy-two White Leghorn layers aged 62 weeks were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments (6 cage replicates with 3 hens each) and fed diets containing 0, 40, 80 and 120 g/kg DBF in feed for 56 d.3. Inclusion of DBF had no effect on feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio or egg components. However, egg weight increased (linear effect, P < 0.05) as the level of DBF in the diet increased. Egg breakage strength, eggshell strength and Haugh unit were not influenced by dietary treatments. Egg yolk colour (quadratic effect, P = 0.002) and α-tocopherol concentration (quadratic effect, P < 0.0001) improved as a result of DBF inclusion. Egg yolk cholesterol concentration was not altered by DBF inclusion. Apparent total tract nutrient (dry matter, organic matter and crude protein) digestibility coefficients decreased (linear effect, P < 0.05) as the level of DBF increased.4. Feeding DBF to layers up to 120 g/kg of the diet had no negative effects on feed intake, egg production and feed efficiency and improved egg yolk colour and α-tocopherol concentration. However, total tract nutrient digestibility coefficients were negatively decreased as a result of DBF inclusion.