Thicker Shell Eggs with Enriched N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Lower Yolk Cholesterol Contents, as Affected by Dietary Nettle (<i>Urtica</i> <i>cannabina</i>) Supplementation in Laying Hens
Jize Zhang | Ta Na | Yanmei Jin | Xiaoqing Zhang | Hui Qu | Qian Zhang
The nettle <i>Urtica</i><i>cannabina</i> (<i>U.</i><i>cannabina</i>) is not only a functional edible food for humans but also a potential alternative feed resource for poultry, providing protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary <i>U.</i><i>cannabina</i> on the production of high-quality eggs with enriched n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and lower cholesterol contents. One hundred and twenty laying hens were assigned to three groups [control, 15% alfalfa meal supplementation (TRTA), and 15% <i>U.</i><i>cannabina</i> supplementation (TRTU)]. The results showed that the feed intake, yolk color, and shell thickness were increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in the <i>U.</i><i>cannabina</i> group. Moreover, cholesterol contents of the yolk and serum were lower in the <i>U.</i><i>cannabina</i> group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The total n-3 PUFA concentration in the yolk was increased while the ratio of n-6/n-3 was reduced in the <i>U.</i><i>cannabina</i> group (<i>p</i> < 0.01). In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of <i>U.</i><i>cannabina</i> increased shell thickness, yolk n-3 PUFA levels, and yolk color, and reduced cholesterol contents of the yolk and serum without any negative impacts on health or laying performance.
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