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6410423 
Journal Article 
Impact of feed supplementation with different omega-3 rich microalgae species on enrichment of eggs of laying hens 
Lemahieu, C; Bruneel, C; Termote-Verhalle, R; Muylaert, K; Buyse, J; Foubert, I 
2013 
Yes 
Food Chemistry
ISSN: 0308-8146
EISSN: 1873-7072 
Elsevier 
141 
4 
4051-4059 
English 
23993584 
Four different omega-3 rich autotrophic microalgae, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Nannochloropsis oculata, Isochrysis galbana and Chlorella fusca, were supplemented to the diet of laying hens in order to increase the level of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) in egg yolk. The microalgae were supplemented in two doses: 125 mg and 250 mg extra n-3 PUFA per 100g feed. Supplementing these microalgae resulted in increased but different n-3 LC-PUFA levels in egg yolk, mainly docosahexaenoic acid enrichment. Only supplementation of Chlorella gave rise to mainly α-linolenic acid enrichment. The highest efficiency of n-3 LC-PUFA enrichment was obtained by supplementation of Phaeodactylum and Isochrysis. Furthermore, yolk colour shifted from yellow to a more intense red colour with supplementation of Phaeodactylum, Nannochloropsis and Isochrysis, due to transfer of carotenoids from microalgae to eggs. This study shows that besides Nannochloropsis other microalgae offer an alternative to current sources for enrichment of hen eggs. 
; Animal Feed -- analysis; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Chickens -- physiology; Dietary Supplements -- analysis; Eggs -- analysis; Fatty Acids; Omega-3 -- analysis -- metabolism; Female; Microalgae -- chemistry -- metabolism; Oviparity; Chlorella; color; diet; docosahexaenoic acid; egg yolk; eggs; feeds; Isochrysis galbana; laying hens; long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids; microalgae; Nannochloropsis; omega-3 fatty acids; Phaeodactylum tricornutum/