Nannochloropsis oceanica as a Sustainable Source of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids for Enrichment of Hen Eggs

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of marine microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica as a sustainable source n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) for hen eggs enrichment. During 4 weeks, hens were fed with 3% (w/w) supplemented diet. Throughout assay, analyzed according several nutritional and physical parameters, namely: (i) protein, fat, ash content; (ii) acid profile; (iii) thickness colour shell; (iv) total egg weight; (v) protein quality (HU) (vi) yolk colour. A remarkable increase in eicosapentaenoic (EPA), from 2.1 ± 0.1 5.2 1.2 mg/100 g, docosahexaenoic (DHA), 50.3 4.0 105 18 was observed. Yolk also changed significantly La Roche scale, 9.6 0.8 11.4 (more orange). Feed supplementation did not lead changes remaining parameters. shelf life study, carried out 28 days at room temperature, showed decrease quality. In conclusion, had more appealing consumers higher levels EPA DHA, allowing its classification high PUFA (CE nº 1924/2006).