title: Impact of feed supplementation with different omega-3 rich microalgae species on enrichment of eggs of laying hens.
abstract: Four different omega-3 rich autotrophic microalgae, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Nannochloropsis oculata, Isochrysis galbana and Chlorella fusca, were supplemented to the diet of laying hens in order to increase the level of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) in egg yolk. The microalgae were supplemented in two doses: 125 mg and 250 mg extra n-3 PUFA per 100g feed. Supplementing these microalgae resulted in increased but different n-3 LC-PUFA levels in egg yolk, mainly docosahexaenoic acid enrichment. Only supplementation of Chlorella gave rise to mainly α-linolenic acid enrichment. The highest efficiency of n-3 LC-PUFA enrichment was obtained by supplementation of Phaeodactylum and Isochrysis. Furthermore, yolk colour shifted from yellow to a more intense red colour with supplementation of Phaeodactylum, Nannochloropsis and Isochrysis, due to transfer of carotenoids from microalgae to eggs. This study shows that besides Nannochloropsis other microalgae offer an alternative to current sources for enrichment of hen eggs.
authors.affiliation: Research Unit Food and Lipids, KU Leuven Kulak, Etienne Sabbelaan 53, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium. charlotte.lemahieu@kuleuven-kulak.be
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lemahieu
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bruneel
authors.forename: Romina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Termote-Verhalle
authors.forename: Koenraad
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Muylaert
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Buyse
authors.forename: Imogen
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Foubert
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis*; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000032:analysis*; D004531:Eggs / Q000032:analysis*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D058086:Microalgae / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D052287:Oviparity
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3
keywords: Carotenoids; Chlorella fusca; Eggs; Enrichment; Isochrysis galbana; Microalgae; Nannochloropsis oculata; Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; Phaeodactylum tricornutum