Production, Management and the Environment: Poultry 2

Enrichment diets high in ground flax may cause irritation to the gut, which may affect absorption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) from flax as well as other dietary enrichment ingredients. This study assessed the egg enrichment with ω-3 PUFA and Lutein when provided alone in the diet, in combination, or when fed in alternate day patterns. A total of 144 individually caged Lohman White Leghorn layers (56 wk) were fed 1 of 6 diets balanced for energy and protein for 60d as follows: Control (C) = Standard hen ration; Lutein (L) = 500 ppm lutein; Flax (F) = 10% flaxseed; Lutein/Flax mix (LF); Alternating L and F diets every day (Alt1) or second day (Alt2). Egg traits were determined and yolks collected at 0d, 14d, 28d and 56d. Eggs from 57d were stored at 4 C for 30d for assessment of oxidative stability through TBARS analysis. Data were analyzed using proc Mixed of SAS. Hen diet did not affect egg production, egg weight, albumin height or shell thickness. Although, absolute yolk weight was higher in birds on C diet as compare to other diets, but % yolk weights were similar. Total ω-3 PUFA in LF and F eggs averaged 13.9 mg/g yolk compared to 11.6 mg/g yolk in Alt1 and Alt 2 eggs and 8.8 mg/g in L and C diets. Lutein followed a similar enrichment pattern, with birds fed L or LF having the highest egg content (25.7 μg/g yolk). While L and LF eggs had 3-fold more lutein than C or F eggs (8.4 μg/g), those from alternate day fed hens had 2-fold more lutein. Including both flax and lutein in the hen ration did not reduce egg lutein enrichment. Inclusion of lutein generated the lowest TBARS values (0.60 mg/MDA in L and LF) compared to diets without lutein (0.75 mg/MDA in C and F), demonstrating a potential antioxidant role in the egg. Yolk lutein concentration was positively correlated to canthaxanthin (r= 0.65, P=<.0001) and β-carotene (r= 0.40, P<.0001). Egg storage did not affect yolk lutein and β-carotene amount, whereas canthaxanthin was reduced. Lutein enrichment improves the overall carotenoid profile and also enhances stability during storage of egg, and was not negatively affected by ω-3 PUFA enrichment using flaxseed.