Fatty acids profile, cholesterol level and quality of table eggs from hens fed with the addition of linseed and soybean oil

The study objective was to assess the impact of soybean (SO) and linseed oil (LO) added to feed mixture for laying hens upon the quality characteristics of table eggs, their fatty acid (FA) profile and cholesterol level. The material consisted of eggs from hens fed with a mixture without oil and with the addition of LO or SO in a dose of 2.5%. Eggs were subjected to quality assessment. FA profile and cholesterol content in yolks were determined. The results indicate no negative changes in eggs' quality caused by supplementation. An increase was observed in the n3 FA content in egg yolk in experimental groups, as well as all PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) proportions. No negative impact of these oils on the level of cholesterol was noted. As a consequence, the analysed feed additives can be safely applied as an appropriate material in poultry nutrition to enrich eggs with PUFA.

Automated summary

The study found that adding soybean oil and linseed oil to feed for laying hens had no negative impact on egg quality, but instead increased the levels of n3 FA and all PUFA in egg yolks. Additionally, these oils did not affect cholesterol levels in the eggs.