The effect of supplementation of diet with different amounts of fish oil and rapeseed oil on performance and egg quality in laying hens

In this study investigated effect of the different levels of fish and rapeseed oils, selenium, vitamin E and zinc in diet laying hens288 white-line layers were used from 45 weeks of age during 90 days. The performance and quality traits including egg weight, intake of feed, egg laying percentage, egg shell weight, white weight, weight and color of yolk were evaluated during the experiment. The results showed that the effect of adding of these supplements to diet of laying hens on performance (egg weight, egg production and feed intake) was not significant. An insignificant increase in yolk weight and significant egg yolk color were observed in treatments containing 2% fish oil and 2% rapeseed oil at a level of 0.2% selenium. A significant decrease in triglyceride levels was observed in treatments containing higher selenium levels. There was a non significant reduction in its cholesterol levels. The amount of vitamin E and selenium in egg yolk increased significantly with increasing fish oil level in diet. Also, higher levels of selenium plus fish oil in the diet increased the amount of useful fatty acids (omega-3) and reduced some unhelpful saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. This study showed that using organic selenium, vitamin E and zinc in diets, although didn't affect performance of hens, but could reduce the level of cholesterol and triglyceride yolk and increase its peroxidation resistance.