Effect of diet supplemented with black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds on egg yolk fatty acid profile and egg yolk cholesterol level of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine whether a diet with an addition of black cumin seeds (BCS) can be used in functional egg production. At 8 weeks of age, a flock of 96 female quails was divided into 3 groups. The control group received their standard feed (0 BCS). The diet offered to the test groups was supplemented with BCS in the amount of 20 and 50 g · kg–1, respectively. Dietary BCS supplementation decreased feed intake and improved feed efficiency. Egg yolk of the quail groups treated with BCS in their diet had by a lower percentage of SFA and an increased level of UFA. A significantly increase was observed in the level of PUFA, especially in PUFA n-6. The health-promoting properties of the product were indicated by the fact of a considerable reduction in the yolk cholesterol level. Unfortunately, n-6/n-3 ratio increased in the groups offered the BCS-supplemented diet and under these circumstances eggs obtained from quails receiving BCS in the diet did not meet the requirements of functional food.