The effect of feed rich in DHA on egg production, egg components and DHA content in yolk

Abstract

The effect of diets rich with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) on egg production, the influence on egg structural components and DHA deposition in egg yolk were investigated on Hisex Brown laying hens. The experimental groups were fed with diets rich with 792 mg DHA kg-1 and 1180 mg DHA kg-1. The control group received commercial diets with no content of DHA. Throughout the experiment there were no statistically significant differences in live weight of laying hens (g) and feed conversion ratio (FCR:g) between control and experimental groups (P>0.05). The structural components of eggs (egg weight, white weight, yolk weight and shell weight) were also not statistically significant (P>0.05), but only the egg yolk:white ratio was statistically different (P<0.01). The concentration of DHA in 100 g yolk was 818 mg and 974 mg in group 2 and 3, respectively. The transfer of DHA was significantly higher in the experimental groups fed with supplemented diet with higher amount of DHA (P<0.01). © 2016, National Centre for Agrarian Sciences. All rights reserved.