Effects of feeding laying hens diets supplemented with omega 3 fatty acids on the egg fatty acid profile

In order to investigate the effects of omega (n) 3 fatty acids on egg quality a group-control trial was organized. Trial lasted 40 days and was performed in production conditions. Total number of 1264 laying hens of Lohman Brown classic provenience were used and randomly allotted into one of four groups by 316 hens each (C-control, 1st experimental, 2nd experimental and 3rd experimental). All groups of hens were fed diets of standard ingredients and chemical composition, while feed of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd experimental group of hens was supplemented with micro algae Schizochytrium spp. (DHA Gold(R), Martek, USA) as a source of n- 3 fatty acids in amount of 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 % respectively. In order to investigate the influence of micro algae Schizochytrium spp. feed supplementation on egg quality, from the aspect of content and ratio of fatty acids, random egg samples (n=10) were taken at the 10th, 20th and 40th day of the trial from each group. Egg yolk fatty acid content was determined by gas chromatography on Varian 1400 with flame ionization detector (FID detector) (on a packed column 20% LAC-3R-728 Chromosorb WAW 80-100 mesh). Significant differences in egg yolk fatty acid content as well as their ratio were determined between treatment groups. Positive influence of supplemented micro algae preparation was observed. Highest content of n-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA n-3) was determined in egg yolks of the 3rd experimental group while lowest content was determined in egg yolks of control group of hens. Micro algae feed supplementation, at the end of the trial period, positively affected egg yolk PUFA n-6/PUFA n-3 ratio, since determined ratio of 4.24 in the 3rd experimental group was more desirable than 12.27 determined in a control group. Marine algae (Schizochytrium spp.) feed supplementation in laying hens in amounts above 0.5% significantly affected egg yolk fatty acid composition as well as ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA. These findings support its use from nutritive, medical and economic point of view.