Effect of feeding flaxseed to laying hens on the performance and egg quality and fatty acid composition of egg yolk

Abstract

In 36 laying hens (Lohmann LSL) forty three weeks old an experiment was conducted to examine for 12 weeks the effect of feeding a mixture of ground or whole flaxseed (5% and 10%) with other fiber ingredients on the hen performance and egg quality as well as the fatty acid composition of egg yolk. The diets varied especially in linolenic acid. Results of this study indicated that body weight and hen day production was not affected (P > 0.05) by the type of diet whereas daily feed consumption was affected (P < 0.05). Egg weight was higher (P < 0.05) in eggs of hens fed diet C (10% ground linseed). Also, the type of diet affected (P < 0.05) yolk weight and yolk color whereas the other egg quality parameters were similar between groups. Dietary flaxseed effected the egg fatty acid composition. A negative relationship between linolenic and palmitic acid was observed. In conclusion, the dietary flaxseed can be a valuable additive to the layers diet, since modifies the fatty acid composition of egg yolk increasing the nutritional value of eggs with health benefits to humans.