Authors: Natasha GJORGOVSKA, Kiril FILEV, Vasil KOSTOV, Vesna LEVKOV

Published: Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science. Vol. LVI, ISSN 2285-5750; ISSN CD-ROM 2285-5769; ISSN-L 2285-5750

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Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the possibility of production docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3 – DHA)
enriched eggs using very old molted hens. Two groups Hisex Brown molted laying hens, 60 wks and 80 wks old, were
assigned in 2 subgroups and fed diets enriched with omega 3 fatty acid (especially DHA).The source of DHA was fish
oil and fish meal. The amount of omega 3 in feed offered to the experimental hens was 792 mg and 1180 mg C22:6n-3
in kg feed. Feed consumption was restricted on 120 g feed/day/hen. The intensity of egg production at 60 wks and 80
wks old molted hens was similar, 77.93% and 77.86% in subgroups fed lower amount of DHA and 79.28% and 89.16%
n subgroups fed with higher amount of DHA. Younger molted hens, 60 wks old, have better egg production then older.
Lower level of DHA in feed induced egg production 136,61 and 140.73 mg/egg, and higher amount of DHA in feed
induced egg production richer with DHA, from 159.41 to 170.49 mg/egg. Molted older laying hens can produced richer
eggs with DHA long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid.

Key words: DHA, eggs, laying hens, molting.