Effects of Supplemented Spirulina platensis to Layer Diets on Egg Cholesterol Level and Fatty Acid Composition

Abstract

Spirulina platensis is a photosynthetic, single-cell microalgae. Microalgae could be utilized for the production of several chemicals which are either unique to the algae or found at relatively high concentrations and command a high market value. In this respect, Spirulina is one of the more promising microalgae. It is especially rich, relative to other sources, in the polyunsaturated fatty acid γ-linolenic acid (GLA) and in pigments such as phycocyanin, myxoxanthophyl and zeaxanthin. Spirulina containing 5-6% total lipid ratio, 1.5-2% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), contains 36% of α-linoleic acid as total PUFAs. It also contains precious fatty acids such as Linoleic Acid, Stearidonic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Dodosahexaenoic Acid, Arachidonic Acid. The present study was conducted to evaluate whether dietary Spirulina would affect egg cholesterol level and fatty acid composition of ATAK-S. Seventy two similar weight layer hens at the 38 weeks age were randomly divided to four groups comprising 18 birds each. The hens were fed with standard layer diets containing %0, %0.5, %1, %2 Spirulina for 8 weeks. The hens were housed in individual cages. 16:8 hours light:dark photoperiod was employed. Feed and water were given ad libitum. Egg cholesterol was assessed by weekly and the fatty acid composition of the egg yolk was analyzed at the end of experimental period. The results showed that dietary supplemental Spirulina did not have significant effect on egg yolk cholesterol level, but the fatty acid composition is significant affected by the ratio of linolenic acids.