Effects of cadmium, lead, mercury, chromium, and selenium co-treatment on egg quality and fatty acids

This study aimed to reveal the effect of selenium (Se) and heavy metals (chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg)) on the quality, fatty acids, and 13 kinds of ions in the egg yolk and albumen. Four experimental groups were established, including a control group (control; basal diet), Se group (basal diet + Se), heavy metals group (basal diet + CdCl2 + Pb(NO3)(2) + HgCl2 + CrCl3), and Se + heavy metal (HM) group (basal diet + Se + CdCl2 + Pb(NO3)(2) + HgCl2 + CrCl3). Se supplementation significantly increased the experimental egg yolk percentage since Se accumulation mainly occurred in the yolks of the eggs. The Cr content in the yolks of the Se + heavy metal groups decreased at 28 days, while a significant reduction was evident in the Cd and Hg levels of the Se + heavy metal yolks compared to the heavy metal group at 84 days. The complex interactions between the elements were analyzed to determine the positive and negative correlations. Se displayed a high positive correlation with Cd and Pb in the yolk and albumen, while the heavy metals minimally affected the fatty acids in the egg yolk.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the impact of selenium and heavy metals on the quality and nutritional composition of egg yolk and albumen. The results showed that selenium supplementation increased the percentage of egg yolk, while heavy metals had varying effects on the levels of chromium, cadmium, and mercury in the yolks. Positive correlations were observed between selenium and cadmium and lead, while heavy metals had minimal effects on the fatty acid composition of egg yolk.