Influence of Zeolite on fatty acid composition and egg quality in Tunisian Laying Hens.
BACKGROUND
The health benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are generally recognized. Unfortunately, in most Mediterranean countries, the recommended daily intake of these compounds is rarely met. Therefore, enrichment of commonly occurring foods can boost intake of these fatty acids. In this regard, eggs are an interesting target, as they form an integral part of the diet.


RESULTS
Zeolite (Clinoptilolites) was added to Laying Hens feed at concentrations 1% or 2% and was evaluated for its effects on performance of the production and on egg quality. The Laying Hens were given access to 110 g of feed mixtures daily that was either a basal diet or a 'zeolite diet' (the basal diet supplemented with clinoptilolite at a level of 1% or 2%). It was found that zeolite treatment had a positive and significatif (p<0.05) effect on some parameters that were measured like egg height and eggshell strength. While dietary zeolite supplementation tended to/or has no significant effects on total egg, eggshell, yolk and albumen weights. It was found also that zeolite mainly increases level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in egg.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed the significance of using zeolite, as a feed additive for Laying Hens, as part of a comprehensive program to control egg quality and to increase level of polyunsaturated fatty acids on egg.
Unité de recherche Toxicologie - Microbiologie Environnementale et Santé (UR11ES70), Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Imen
I
Fendri
Lamia
L
Khannous
Zouhir
Z
Mallek
Al Ibrahim
AI
Traore
Néji
N
Gharsallah
Radhouane
R
Gdoura
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D004531:Eggs / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D063427:Food Quality; D005527:Food, Fortified; D017641:Zeolites / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D005227:Fatty Acids; D017641:Zeolites