A comparative study on the effects of hemp seed oil versus four different UFA-rich seed oils in the diets of laying hens on egg production, egg quality and yolk fatty acids

Abstract

Abstract This study compared the effects of hemp seed oil versus four different UFA-rich seed oils in the diet of laying hens on egg production, quality, and fatty acid profile of the yolk. Soybean, sunflower, corn, canola, and hemp seed oils were included in the hens' diets in equal proportions. A total of one hundred and twenty 42-week old White Leghorn hens were placed in five diet groups with 8 replicates. The trial lasted 84 days and data were collected on egg production, quality, and fatty acid profile of the yolk. The data showed that none of the incorporated seed oils affected egg production or quality. However, hemp seed oil altered yolk colour values similarly to canola oil by increasing the L* value of the yolk while decreasing the a* value (P < 0.05). Hemp oil increased the PUFA content in the yolk, similar to soybean, corn, and sunflower oil, but unlike the latter, it also enriched the n-3 fatty acids in the yolk (P < 0.05). In conclusion, hemp seed oil can be safely used in the diet of chickens without having negative effects on egg production and quality like other seed oils. Furthermore, hemp seed oil can improve the desirable fatty acid content in the yolk and has the potential to produce n-3 design eggs.