The Use of Different Fat Sources on Performance, Egg Quality and Egg Yolk Fatty Acids Content in Laying Quails

Abstract

In this study, the performance, egg quality, egg yolk colour and fatty acids profile of quails fed on diets containing different fat sources were determined. During 8 weeks trial, a total of 75, 10-weeks-old laying quails were used. Three diets were formulated to contain soybean oil (SBO), sunflower oil (SFO) and hempseed oil (HSO), respectively. The performance parameters were not significantly influenced by the dietary different oil sources. Eggshell ratio, eggshell thickness, eggshell breaking strength, egg shape index, egg yolk index, albumen index and egg yolk colour values (except a*) were not influenced by the different dietary oil sources. The a* value was significantly affected and the highest a* value was the HSO of group. The different oil sources supplementation to the diets was effective on fatty acid composition of the egg yolk. The highest value in terms of α-linolenic acid, total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total n-3 fatty acids were found in the diet fed group with HSO added. As a result; supplementation of different sources of oil to quail diets without negatively affecting performance and egg quality can be used to change the egg yolk fatty acid composition. Hempseed oil may increase the amount of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total n-3 fatty acid content of egg yolk.