The impact of phytoestrogen source supplementation on reproductive performance, plasma profile, yolk fatty acids and antioxidative status in aged laying hens

Abstract

Contents The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds as a source of phytoestrogens in laying feed on productive performance, egg quality, yolk fatty acids, plasma profile and antioxidative status in aged laying hens. A total of 120 Bovans Brown hens at 65 weeks of age were housed individually in laying cages in an open‐sided building under a 16‐hr light: 8‐hr dark lighting schedule. Hens were randomly divided into four experimental treatments (n = 30 each): (a) control (basal diet without any supplementation); (b) 1 g/kg of flaxseeds; (c) 1 g/kg of fenugreek seeds; and (d) combination of 1 g/kg flaxseeds and 1 g/kg fenugreek seeds from 65 to 71 weeks of age. Hen‐day egg production and egg mass were significantly increased by dietary supplementation of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds, while feed intake was not affected; thus, feed conversion ratio was improved (p < 0.05). Weights of egg, albumen, yolk and shell were increased by the dietary treatments. Shell thickness and yolk colour were improved by supplementation of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds. Yolk crude protein was not significantly affected by treatments; however, crude fat and calcium contents in yolk were increased and egg yolk cholesterol content was decreased. Interestingly, dietary supplementation of flaxseeds, fenugreek seeds and their combination had a significant positive effect on plasma luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, oestradiol‐17β and triglycerides. Inclusion of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds in the diets enhanced the serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities and reduced the malondialdehyde and total cholesterol concentrations in plasma. Dietary supplementation of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds increased α‐linolenic and linoleic acids in egg yolk. It could be concluded that inclusion of mixed sources of phytoestrogens in diets improved laying performance, egg quality, the antioxidative status, hormonal profile and steroidogenesis in aged laying hens.

Dietary betaine supplementation improves meat quality of transported broilers through altering muscle anaerobic glycolysis and antioxidant capacity

“…Similar results were also reported by Zhang et al ., who found that broiler breast muscle MDA content was increased and T‐SOD activity was decreased by transport stress. Various studies have demonstrated that the addition of feed additives to diets had positive effects on the antioxidative capacity of chickens . Saleh et al .…”

“…Various studies have demonstrated that the addition of feed additives to diets had positive effects on the antioxidative capacity of chickens. 10,11,42,43 Saleh et al 42 reported that dietary phytogenics supplementation could improve the antioxidative status and humoral immunity of broilers. Zhang et al 10,11 reported that dietary resveratrol and L-theanine supplementation could attenuate breast muscle oxidative injury induced by transport stress in broilers.…”

Effects of Dietary Turmeric and Fenugreek Powder Supplementation on Productive Performance of Local Laying Hens

“…In agreement with the current findings, Safaa (2007) reported that fenugreek did not have a significant effect on egg production, egg weight and egg mass. In contrast, with Saleh et al (2019) indicated that hen day egg production and egg mass were significantly increased by dietary supplementation of fenugreek. Park et al (2012) reported that supplementation of turmeric at 0.1 ,0.25 and 1.0% did not influence of egg on old leghorn laying hens.…”

“…Generally, the distinguishing group among all the treatments in the number of eggs and laying rate% was the one that groups fed on diet with mixture of TU 0.1 + FE 0.2 % .There are conflicting results regarding the effect of adding fenugreek or turmeric to laying hens diet on the egg production rate. In this respect, Saleh et al (2019) mentioned that hen day egg production was significantly increased by dietary supplementation of fenugreek. Awadein et al (2010) reported increased egg production rate and related to fenugreek seeds dietary supplementation at 0.01 to 0.5% levels.…”

“…Fenugreek seed is rich source of phytoestrogens and antioxidants (Mazur, et al, 1998;and Morton, et al, 1994). Saleh at al. ( 2019) indicated that all productive performance was influenced by the fenugreek inclusion into the laying hens diets.…”