NEW BIOLOGICAL DIETARY FEED SUPPLEMENT FOR LAYING HENS WITH MICROELEMENTS BASED ON DUCKWEED ( LEMNA MINOR)

Abstract

In this study the applicability of enriched duckweed (Lemna minor) as a dietary supplement witch microelements is reported. In our previous studies, the technol. of new feed additives with microelements based on duckweed biomass was elaborated. Here, we report the evaluation of the properties of a new product. The effect of duckweed enriched with microelements on the productivity parameters of laying hens was studied in zootech. research. Birds feed was supplemented with duckweed enriched by biosorption process with microelements (Cu(II), Zn(II), Co(II), Cr(III)). In the feeding expt., laying hens were divided into four exptl. groups and one control group. The feeding expt. was conducted for 41 days. Samples of egg yolk, albumen, eggshells, blood, feathers and droppings were collected and the content of metal ions was detd. by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer with ultrasonic nebulizer. The amt. of a given microelement transferred into the egg yolk and egg white was calcd. The eggshells thicknesses were measured with micrometer screw. The research showed that enriched Lemna minor improved the egg quality parameters. In all exptl. groups, the increase of eggshell thickness was obsd. In three of four exptl. groups of hens, fed with diet contg. biol. form of microelements (Co(II), Zn(II), Cr(III)), the quantity of given microelement in the egg content increased. Therefore, the biosorption process can be applied not only for the supplementation of microelements in hens feed, but also to produce eggs biofortified with microelements-new functional food for human. [on SciFinder(R)]