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Abstract
In this study three feed additives (hesperetin, naringenin and pectin) for laying hens were investigated on their influence on the egg yolk cholesterol, serum traits and antioxidant activities in hens. Additives were extracted from citrus and grapefruit peels and contained 31.5% crude hesperetin, 39% crude naringenin and 60% galacturonic acid (pectin). Eighty 30-week-old Leghorn laying hens were randomly assigned to four groups and received, for two months, a control diet or diets with 0.05% hesperetin, 0.05% naringenin or 0.5% pectin. All additives reduced the egg yolk cholesterol level significantly. Feeding diets with added flavonoids (hesperetin and naringenin) increased the yolk weight and the ratio of yolk weight/egg weight and the blood serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was elevated. Total antioxidation capacity, the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and superoxide scavenging capacity in the naringenin group were greater than in the control group. Supplemented flavonoids reduced the serum cholesterol level significantly, while serum triglyceride concentration in the naringenin and pectin groups was reduced. Addition of flavonoids resulted in an enhanced cholesterol level in excreta. The results of this study indicated that intake of hesperetin, naringenin and pectin extracted from citrus and grapefruit peel in laying hens diet, may exhibit positive effects.