Yuanzhao Zhu1, Long Yin1, Jinshan Ge2, Xuezhuang Wu1, Yuhan Peng1, Tao Zhang1, Meihong Jiang1. 1. College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Bengbu, 233100, People's Republic of China. 2. Shandong Zhongcheng feed Technology Co., Ltd, Feicheng, 271600, People's Republic of China.
Abstract
Objective: Astaxanthin is a natural super antioxidant. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of astaxanthin rich Phaffia rhodozyma (PR) supplementation in diets on laying production performance, egg quality, antioxidant defenses and immune defenses in laying hens. Methods: A total of five hundred and twelve 60-week-old Lohmann Brown laying hens (2243±12 g) were randomly assigned to four groups, each including 4 replicates with 32 birds per replicate. Astaxanthin rich PR was added to corn-soybean meal diets to produce experimental diets containing 0 (Control), 800 mg/kg、1200 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg PR, respectively. The astaxanthin content in the diet was 0.96 mg/kg, 1.44 mg/kg and 1.92 mg/kg respectively. Results: Results showed that dietary PR supplementation tended to increase daily feed intake (P=0.0512). There was no effect of astaxanthin rich PR on Haugh units (HU), albumen height, egg shape index, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness at weeks 6 (P>0.05). However, egg yolk color was significantly improved (P<0.05). In addition, astaxanthin rich PR supplementation significantly increased serum GSH-Px and SOD activity (P<0.05), increased serum IgG content (P<0.05), and reduced MDA content (P<0.05) in laying hens. Conclusion: In conclusion, Astaxanthin rich PR can improve the color of egg yolk, enhance the antioxidant defenses, and regulate the immune function.
Objective: Astaxanthin is a natural super antioxidant. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of astaxanthin rich Phaffia rhodozyma (PR) supplementation in diets on laying production performance, egg quality, antioxidant defenses and immune defenses in laying hens. Methods: A total of five hundred and twelve 60-week-old Lohmann Brown laying hens (2243±12 g) were randomly assigned to four groups, each including 4 replicates with 32 birds per replicate. Astaxanthin rich PR was added to corn-soybean meal diets to produce experimental diets containing 0 (Control), 800 mg/kg、1200 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg PR, respectively. The astaxanthin content in the diet was 0.96 mg/kg, 1.44 mg/kg and 1.92 mg/kg respectively. Results: Results showed that dietary PR supplementation tended to increase daily feed intake (P=0.0512). There was no effect of astaxanthin rich PR on Haugh units (HU), albumen height, egg shape index, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness at weeks 6 (P>0.05). However, egg yolk color was significantly improved (P<0.05). In addition, astaxanthin rich PR supplementation significantly increased serum GSH-Px and SOD activity (P<0.05), increased serum IgG content (P<0.05), and reduced MDA content (P<0.05) in laying hens. Conclusion: In conclusion, Astaxanthin rich PR can improve the color of egg yolk, enhance the antioxidant defenses, and regulate the immune function.