THE EFFECT OF Tribulus terrestris EXTRACT ON EGG YOLK LIPIDS AND SERUM CHOLESTEROL CONTENT IN GUINEA FOWLS

With the aim to establish the effect of the product Vemoherb-T (dry extract of Tribulus terrestris L) on egg yolk lipids and serum total cholesterol content, the trial was designed with 30 Pearl gray Guinea fowls, at the age of 32 weeks, randomly distributed in control and experimental groups, 12 female and 3 male each. All birds received the same mixture for breeder Guinea fowls. The tested product was added to the compound feed of the experimental group in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight for a period of 12 weeks. The total lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol content, fatty acids composition in the egg yolk and serum total cholesterol content were determined at the end of the trial. The results from this study indicate that Vemoherb-T does not have any influence on the total lipids and phospholipids content in the egg yolk. The addition of 10mg/kg body weight of the tested product to the forage of Guinea fowls decreased significantly the serum cholesterol level (P<0.01) and the cholesterol content in the egg yolk (P<0.05). It was observed the increase the content of linoleic acid in the yolk (P=0.05) in treated birds in comparison with control group.