Effect of hempseed meal on performance, egg quality and egg yolk fatty acids content in laying quails

Abstract

In this study, the laying performance, external egg quality, egg yolk colour and fatty acids profile of quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed on diets containing hemp seed meal (HSM) were determined. During 8 weeks trial, a total of 150, 10-weeks-old laying quails were used. Five diets were formulated to contain HSM at the level of 0 (control),5, 10, 15, and 20% that represented as 0 HSM, 5 HSM, 10 HSM, 15 HSM and 20 HSM, respectively.The performance parameters were not significantly (P>0.05)influenced by the dietary HSM contents. Eggshell ratio, eggshell breaking strength, egg shape index, egg yolk index and egg yolk colour values were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the dietary HSM, whereas eggshell thickness was significantly (P<0.05) affected. The albumen index has been significantly (P<0.05) increased by increasing in the HSM level in the diets. The HSM supplementation to the diets was effective on fatty acid composition and total saturated fatty acids, total mono unsaturated fatty acids and total polyunsaturated fatty acids content of the egg yolk depending on the addition level. In conclusion, HSM can be used to increase egg total monounsaturated fatty acids and especially omega-3 fatty acids without unfavourable effects on the performance and egg quality parameters.

Effects of Dietary Rapeseed (Brassica napus), Hemp (Cannabis sativa) and Camelina (Camelina sativa) Seed Cakes Supplementation on Yolk and Albumen Colour and Nutritional Value of Yolk Lipids in Estonian Quail Eggs

“…The lipids in the feed mixtures containing hemp and camelina cakes had 24.9% and 3.5 times, respectively, more ALA than in the feed mixture with rapeseed cake supplementation. The obtained results are consistent with the findings of other authors who enriched quail diets with n-3 PUFAs using flaxseed addition [ 11 , 51 , 52 ], hempseed meal and oil [ 7 , 20 , 22 ].…”

“…A higher ( p < 0.01) albumen lightness was found in the rapeseed group compared to the camelina group. In the present study, the yolk and albumen lightness of quail eggs was higher than those reported by other authors [ 22 , 44 ]. However, colour depends not only on the composition of the object but also on its illumination environment and the angles of illumination and viewing [ 45 ].…”

“…There were no significant differences in yolk yellowness (b*) between the groups, while the albumen yellowness and colour saturation (chroma, parameter C) in the rapeseed group were lower ( p < 0.001) compared to the other groups. In the present study, yolk yellowness in all the groups was higher than that reported by Cudufar et al [ 22 ] who used feeds containing different levels of hemp seed meal. Additionally, there were differences between the groups in the h parameter.…”

“…Results have been published considering the effects of quail feeding using hempseed [ 20 ], hempseed oil [ 7 , 21 ] and meal [ 22 ], canola meal and seeds [ 23 , 24 ], rapeseed meal [ 25 , 26 ] and camelina meal [ 27 ]; however, the results on the use of these oilseed cakes for quail feeding are scarce. Moreover, the egg’s weight and quality characteristics are affected by different factors, including the genotype of avian species.…”

Impact of Cannabis Seed Incorporation in Layer Diet on Productive Performance and Egg Quality Traits

“…The highest result was registered at W-28 and W-32 for HS-30% and HS-20% groups. Cufadar et al [ 26 ] reported that adding hemp seed meal to the diet of quails increases the albumen index. This result could be linked to the same bioactive components of HS, such as antioxidants, crude protein, and long-chain fatty acids that protect the magnum and uterus and promote albumin secretion in layers [ 27 ].…”