Search

The objective of this study was to determine whether supplementing the diets of laying hens with selenomethionine (SM, 1% selenium) improves performance and egg quality. We supplemented diets with SM as follows: T0 control (without SM); T5, T10, T15, and T20 were supplemented with 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg of SM/kg of feed, respectively (equal to 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 mg selenium/kg of feed). T5 and T10 hens showed better feed conversion per kg of egg, percentage of laying, higher daily feed intake, and higher average egg weight. The eggs of hens supplemented with SM had lower levels of lipoperoxidation (LPO) in fresh (T15 and T20) and stored eggs (T20). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as total antioxidant capacity were greater in egg yolks after storage (T10; T15; T20 compared to T0). Hens supplemented with SM had elevated GPx and SOD activities and decreased oxidative reactions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Selenium has several nutraceutical properties, with beneficial effects on the health of the animal and the food produced from them (eggs, in this case). Selenomethionine supplementation in the diet of laying hens improves productive efficiency, stimulates the antioxidant system and reduces lipid peroxidation in the egg yolk. Egg-laying hens that received selenomethionine showed minimized lipid peroxidation in stored eggs, possibly improving shelf life of the eggs., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The aim of this study was to investigate whether microalgae in Japanese quail feed alters performance, fatty acid profiles in the eggs and egg quality. One hundred quails were distributed in four groups and five replicates of five birds per experimental group. The treatments consisted of four levels of Spirulina platensis microalgae (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) in the diets. We evaluated the productive performance and chemical-physical characteristics of eggs, the oxidant/antioxidant status in egg yolks, and the fatty acid profile in the diet and egg yolks. Microalgae in the diet did not influence egg production; however, it increased the yolk index as well as the color intensity of the yolk. Saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid levels decreased in egg yolks, and monounsaturated fatty acid levels increased in the yolks. Lipid peroxidation levels were lower and total antioxidant capacity was higher in egg yolks of quails receiving microalgae in the diet. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Microalgae in quail diets improves egg quality and provides benefits to consumer health, acting as an antioxidant and immune-stimulant. Microalgae in quail diets had positive effects on egg quality. This is because it reduced levels of saturated fatty acids that are undesirable, and increased monounsaturated fatty acid levels that are beneficial to the health of consumers. Finally, antioxidants increased in egg yolks, consequently reducing lipid peroxidation., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)