Effect of yellow lupine (L. luteus) on the egg yolk fatty acid profile, the physicochemical and sensory properties of eggs, and laying hen performance

Use of Cactus Pear Meal in the Feeding of Laying Hens in Semi-Intensive System

Little information is available in the literature on the use of cactus pear meal (CPM) in poultry diets; therefore, it is important to evaluate diets that provide excellent performance and lower production costs. Our objective was to study the use of Miúda CPM in the diets of laying hens. In the first study, two diets for male and female chicks were used-1: 80% reference diet + 20% Miúda cactus pear meal (CPM) and 2: 80% reference diet + 20% Gigante cactus pear meal (CPM). The variety Miúda provided a better use of metabolizable energy, as well as a greater digestibility coefficient of dry matter, protein, and mineral matter. In the second study, a control diet was compared to three diets with different levels of Miúda CPM for laying hens in the proportions of 3%, 6%, and 9%. No significant differences were found in productive performance. However, there were significant differences in the some parameters egg quality, texture and color profile of the cooked yolk, egg composition, fatty acids and cholesterol in the yolk. It is possible to use 9% Miúda CPM in the diet of laying hens in a semi-intensive system that does not compromise performance and egg quality, and using 3% Miúda CPM provides a higher economic return.

The Influence of Dehulling on the Nutritional Quality of Lupine Seeds (Lupinus albus L.) and the Effect of Their Use in the Feed of Laying Quails on the Live Performance and Quality of Eggs

Lupinus albus seeds from low-alkaloid varieties are a valuable alternative source of protein for reducing the dependence on soybean meal for the feeding of monogastric animals. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the dehulling influence of lupine seeds (L. albus, cv. Amiga) and the effect of their use in the laying quails feed on live performance and egg quality. A total of 200 laying quails (Coturnix japonica), with an age of 10 weeks, were randomly assigned to five experimental groups (five replicates/group). Each group was randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments: the control group (C) diet was based on soybean meal, while the experimental groups received either 200 g/kg (WLS₂₀) or 250 g/kg (WLS₂₅) of whole lupine seeds in their diets, or 200 g/kg (DLS₂₀) or 250 g/kg (DLS₂₅) of dehulled lupine seeds in their diets. The results show that by dehulling the lupine seeds, the nutritional value of the seeds increased. The use of dehulled lupine seeds in the diet of laying quails did not affect the live performance (egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio), yolk cholesterol content, and physico-chemical quality indices of the eggs, compared with control. The presence of dehulled lupine seeds in the diet improved the nutritional quality of the yolk lipids because of the increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thus, the lipid quality indices of the yolk became more favorable to consumer health because of an increase in the h/H ratio (hypocholesterolemic/Hypercholesterolemic FA) and a decrease in the atherogenic index and thrombogenic index values. The higher content in carotenoids also contributed to the higher nutritional quality of the eggs obtained by lupine utilization. In conclusion, dehulling of lupine seeds had a positive influence on the nutritional quality of the seeds, the live performance of quails, and the quality of eggs.

The effects of high-oleic peanuts as an alternate feed ingredient on performance, ileal digestibility, apparent metabolizable energy, and histology of the small intestine in laying hens

We aimed to determine the effects of feeding a high-oleic peanut (HOPN) diet to egg-producing laying hens on egg quality, digestibility, and feed conversion. Three isonitrogenous and isocaloric dietary treatments were formulated with 1) Control diet (CON)-a corn-soybean meal conventional diet with 7.8 % added poultry fat, 2) HOPN diet-dietary inclusion of ~20% coarse-ground whole HOPN, and 3) oleic acid (CON-OA) diet-a control diet supplemented with 2.6% oleic fatty acid oil. Ninety-nine 57-wk-old brown Leghorn laying hens were randomly assigned to 33 animals per treatment. Animals were housed individually for 8 wk. Body and feed weights were recorded weekly and feed conversation ratio was calculated. Bi-weekly, shell eggs were analyzed for quality (yolk color, albumen height, and Haugh unit [HU]). Jejunum samples were collected at week 8 for histomorphometric analysis. Analysis of variance was performed on all variables using a general linear mixed model. Laying hens fed the CON-OA diet produced greater number of eggs relative to those fed the HOPN and control diets (P < 0.05). The roche yolk color value was higher (P < 0.001) in eggs from hens fed the HOPN diet. There were no differences in laying hen performance, eggshell color, eggshell strength, eggshell elasticity and egg albumen height, or egg HU, ileal fat digestibility, or villi surface among treatment groups. However, the apparent metabolizable energy (P < 0.01) and ileal protein digestibility (P = 0.02) were greater in laying hens fed the HOPN diet relative to the CON diet. This study suggests that whole unblanched high-oleic peanuts may be an acceptable alternative feed ingredient for laying hens.

Egg quality depending on the diet with different sources of protein and age of the hens

Due to the planned limitations in the use of genetically modified soybean meal, the search for alternative sources of protein in animal nutrition is ongoing, which also supports the consumers’ expectations of good quality products, such as eggs. The aim of the study was to assess and compare morphological traits of eggs, fatty acid composition in yolk lipids, and the content and activity of lysozyme in thick and thin albumen in eggs from hens fed a diet based on legume seeds as a substitute for soybean meal depending on the hens age. Analyses were carried out for 300 eggs on dates I–V (19–39 weeks age of hens), obtained from Rosa 1 hens managed in the semi-intensive system. Quality analysis was performed for 30 eggs from each group at a time. The control group of hens (A) was fed a diet based on soybean meal (SBM) and the treatment group (B) was fed a diet based on seeds from narrow-leaved lupin (Boruta), yellow lupin (Mister), and pea (Muza). Eggs were analysed for morphological traits (egg weight, the weight and density of egg components, egg shape index and egg surface area), parameters of albumen (height, Haugh units), yolk colour (La Roche, colorimetry in the CIE Lab system), lysozyme content and activity in albumen, and fatty acids composition in yolk lipids. In group B the egg shape index was higher (p = 0.002), and the eggshell colour index was lower (p = 0.007), as well as the height of thick albumen, Haugh score, and yolk colour (La Roche) were higher in group B (p < 0.05), while redness of yolk was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in group A. Lower content of C15:0 and C18:1n9 and higher content of C18:2n6 and C18:3n3, (p < 0.05), as well as lower content of MUFA and OMEGA 9, but higher content of PUFA, OMEGA 3, OMEGA 6, PUFA/SFA, OMEGA 9/6 and OMEGA 9/3 were found in group B compared to group A (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in traits between age of hens (p < 0.05). Egg weight, yolk weight and its proportion in egg, as well as shell weight, its strength and thickness increased with the age of hens (p < 0.05). The content of lysozyme and its activity were also higher in eggs from older hens (p < 0.05). Fatty acids composition was beneficial at the beginning and end of the analysed egg production period. The proposed feed mixture based on legume seeds had no negative effect on the quality of eggs, and had a positive effect on yolk colour, the quality of albumen. There was no detrimental effect of diet and age of hens on fatty acid composition of eggs from both groups throughout the study period. To sum up, diet with legume seeds could be accepted as a substitute for soybean meal, due to the beneficial effects for some mentioned traits of eggs. Use of legumes could give a partial self-sufficient for producers from small farms, where is not possible to produce soybean meal. At the same time, the level of anti-nutrients in legumes should be considered.

The Quality of Eggs from Rosa 1 Hens Fed Diets Containing Seeds of Legume Plants (Lupinus luteus L., Lupinus angustifolius, and Pisum sativum) in Two Laying Phases

Simple Summary

The use of legumes in diets for egg-laying hens exists as an alternative high-protein material in place of soybean meal, which will allow for wider production choices, including the elimination of genetically modified organism (GMO) products. The lack of negative impacts with legume usage on most of the examined traits and the improvement of the color of the yolk presents an attractive solution for the consumer market. The reduced content of anti-nutritional compounds in new varieties of lupins and peas is also a fact of the progress in agricultural production, including egg quality, which the producer can influence by feeding hens differently. The presented research indicates the possibility of using alternative feeding of laying hens in terms of the quality of table eggs.

Abstract

This study analyzes the eggs’ quality from hens fed with alternative protein to soybean meal (SBM) in relation to laying phase. Here, 226 hens are divided into the control (I) and experimental (II) groups and reared for 50 weeks. There were two feeding phases (weeks 1–36; 37–50). Quality was assessed for 20 eggs from each group. The eggs are analyzed for their external and internal traits. A higher albumen weight in II and higher weights of the components were found in the 37–50 weeks for both groups, also in the percentage of yolk and albumen, however lower eggshell percentage was found for both groups, at the same time they were less durable and found to be thinner. In II, the La Roche color and the L*, b* were lower, but the a* increased, as did the albumen height. In the second phase, the La Roche and DSM color were higher, while the Haugh unit and albumen height decreased. Factors’ interaction was demonstrated for color. Legumes can partly substitute SBM in feed for hens. There were no negative effects on the eggs’ quality for most traits. The differences between the laying phases are due to the natural course and the physiology of laying hens.

Quality of Eggs, Concentration of Lysozyme in Albumen, and Fatty Acids in Yolk in Relation to Blue Lupin-Rich Diet and Production Cycle

In recent years, the interest in lupin seeds as a source of protein in poultry nutrition has increased. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of table eggs produced by hens that were fed diets containing pea seeds and various levels of narrow-leafed lupin as a substitute for soybean meal. The share of lupin seeds in the treatment groups was 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. Egg morphology, the fatty acid profile in egg yolk and the amount and activity of lysozyme in egg white were analysed. Results show that using 10-20% lupin seeds in feed in the diet of laying hens in intensive farming does not result in a change in weight or egg structure, their physical properties or their morphological composition. Increasing the share of lupin seeds in feed for laying hens increases the saturation of the colour of egg yolks, which is a desirable feature among consumers. The use of lupin seeds in feed for laying hens does not adversely affect the chemical properties of egg proteins, as expressed by the amount and activity of lysozyme. In feed for laying hens, replacing soybean meal with lupin seeds has a positive effect on the fatty acid profile in egg yolk (omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated acids and hypocholesterolemic acids).

Effect of Breed and Diet Type on the Freshness and Quality of the Eggs: A Comparison between Mos (Indigenous Galician Breed) and Isa Brown Hens

Eggs are a nutritious food, offering a balanced source of essential amino and fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Genetic and diet factors can modify hen egg traits. Thus, the effects of breed and feed on egg quality using two laying hens, Mos (autochthonous breed) and Isa Brown (commercial hybrid), and three feeds, commercial fodder (CF), corn/pea/triticale (CPT) and corn/wheat (CW), were investigated. Freshness parameters (egg weight, eggshell weight and thickness, albumen height, Haugh units and yolk color), chemical composition, color and textural parameters, as well as fatty acid profile, were assessed on a total of 288 eggs, from the two breeds. The samples were divided in 96 eggs, corresponding to each of the three dietary treatments. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in albumen height and Haugh units, obtaining the highest values for Isa Brown genotype; meanwhile, laying hens fed with CF had the highest weight, as well as the greatest eggshell thickness. Cooked yolks of Isa Brown eggs presented the highest values of luminosity, while the yellowness was higher for Mos eggs. Regarding the texture of eggs, genotype was again the parameter having the greatest impact, obtaining higher values in hardness, gumminess and chewiness in those eggs from the Mos breed. Concerning egg chemical composition, it was affected by breed and diet type, but Mos eggs were characterized by a significantly (p < 0.001) higher contents of fat (9.53% vs. 7.58%), protein (12.31% vs. 11.66%) and ash (1.10% vs. 1.04%) than Isa Brown ones. Finally, diet type influenced the fatty acid profile, mainly affecting oleic and linoleic acids, which showed significantly (p < 0.05) highest values (42.90 and 14.66 g/100 g of total fatty acids) in CW and CF diets, respectively. Overall, breed and bird diet factors had a strong effect on egg quality and nutritional profile. Moreover, eggs from Mos hens had more attractive nutritional indices, and they could even be improved more by changing the diet.

Descriptive Sensory Traits of Cooked Eggs Laid from Hens Fed Rice Grain

Descriptive sensory characteristics of eggs produced by conventional corn-based feeding and unhulled whole rice grain-feeding were compared in two cooking procedures using a trained panel. Rice-feeding significantly decreased brothy and roasted odor in eggs cooked into half-cooked egg yolks, and decreased the creamy odor, smoothness and moisture of eggs cooked into custard puddings. However, a statistical interaction between rice-feeding and production farm was not observed in every sensory attribute. These findings indicated that replacing corn with unhulled whole rice grain in diets for laying hens alters the sensory attributes of eggs.

Influence of graded inclusion of white lupin (Lupinus albus) meal on performance, nutrient digestibility and ileal viscosity of laying hens

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of white lupin (Lupinus albus) meal (WLM) addition on the intestinal viscosity, bird performance and nutrient utilisation of laying hens. 2. The experiment was conducted with 360 laying hens aged 21 weeks fed one of 6 treatments, including a corn-soybean meal control diet (CON) and 5 experimental diets containing 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 g/kg WLM. 3. A linear increase in feed intake (p < 0.001) was observed with higher levels of WLM from 0 to 300 g/kg. Laying rate decreased quadratically (p < 0.05) and egg weight (at 6th, 12th and 18th weeks of the trial) decreased linearly with WLM inclusion from 0 to 300 g/kg. Birds fed 60 g/kg or more of WLM laid lighter eggs (p < 0.05) than CON hens. When 240 g/kg or more WLM was included into the diet, laying rate was affected negatively (p < 0.05). 4. As WLM increased from 0 to 300 g/kg, apparent metabolisable energy and pre-caecal digestibility of dry matter and crude protein decreased quadratically (p < 0.05). When 300 g/kg of WLM was used, there was a tendency (p < 0.1) to decrease pre-caecal starch digestibility. WLM dose exerted a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) on total sialic acid excretion. As WLM increased, the viscosity of ileal digesta linearly increased (p < 0.05). 5. In the 6th and 12th weeks of the experiment (p < 0.05), eggshell thickness decreased linearly when 240 g/kg of WLM was added. At the 6th, 12th and 18th weeks, a linear decrease in eggshell content was observed (p < 0.05) after WLM addition. 6. In conclusion, the graded inclusion of WLM into laying hens' diets resulted in depressed performance, AME_N and eggshell quality.

Lupin as a perspective protein plant for animal and human nutrition – a review

The development of new varieties of lupin, so-called “sweet lupinsˮ with low alkaloid (bitter substances) and high protein content has resulted in a renewed interest in utilization of lupin as source of proteins in human and animal nutrition. The nutraceutical potential of lupin can be applied in the prevention from various pathological states in humans; by suppressing appetite and affecting energy balance, by its positive effect on glycaemia and indicators of blood lipids, by its positive influence on hypertension and by improving defecation. In the field of animal nutrition, lupin seeds can positively affect both production indicators and the biological value of food of animal origin.