Effect of hens fed dietary flaxseed with and without a fatty liver supplement on hepatic,plasma and production characteristics relevant to fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens

1. Two long-term experiments were conducted with Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) hens (line UCD-003) predisposed to fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS). The first investigated the effect of adding a fatty liver supplement to the diet of laying hens prior to the onset of lay, and continuing either until peak production or throughout 39 weeks into lay. The second experiment, lasting 9 months into lay, investigated the effect of adding a fatty liver supplement, with or without 100 g/kg dietary ground flaxseed, to the diet. Body weight, feed intake, plasma triglycerides (in experiment 2) and egg production were measured throughout the experiment. Liver weight, liver fat content, liver malondialdehyde (MDA) content and liver haemorrhage score and fatty acid content of liver fat (in experiment 2) were measured at the end of each experiment. 2. In experiment 1, hens given diets containing the fatty liver supplement had higher egg production and eggshell strength, but there was no difference in liver parameters including MDA content or haemorrhage score compared with controls. 3. At the end of experiment 2, hens on 100 g/kg flaxseed diets had lower body weight, liver weight, liver dry matter and fat content, and plasma triglyceride concentrations than hens given the control diets. 4. Liver haemorrhage score was positively correlated with liver weight, but not with liver fat content, plasma triglyceride concentration or liver MDA content. This suggests that reducing the liver lipid content or feeding fatty liver supplements may not be as effective in controlling FLHS as controlling the size of the liver.     

Hen age and fatty acid composition of egg yolk lipid

1. Total lipid, total cholesterol, and phospholipid contents per gram of egg yolk were found to be the same for eggs from 21 and 57 week-old hens. 2. In contrast, fatty acid composition of total egg yolk lipid was different for the 2 groups of hens. The contents of long-chain (20 C and 22 C) polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-6 and n-3 series were 20% to 25% higher in egg yolks from the younger hens. 3. This finding is discussed with respect to the nutritional value of eggs from hens of different ages regarding the use of egg yolk lipid in the production of infant formulae.     

Effect of dietary flaxseed, flax oil and n-3 fatty acid supplement on hepatic and plasma characteristics relevant to fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens

1. Two experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of dietary flaxseed, flax oil and n-3 fatty acid supplementation (Dry n-3) on hepatic fat content, plasma triglycerides, hepatic haemorrhage score, egg production, food intake and body weight in an inbred line of Single Comb White Leghorns (UCD-003) predisposed to fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) and normal SCWL hens. 2. Feeding diets containing 100 g/kg ground flaxseed, 40 g/kg flax oil, or 100 g/kg Dry n-3 reduced body weight and significantly reduced hepatic fat content compared to feeding the control diet with animal and vegetable oil as a fat source. 3. Hepatic malondialdehyde, an indicator of lipid peroxidation within the liver, was not significantly affected by dietary treatment. 4. Normal SCWL hens tended to have higher egg production, greater body weight, greater food intake and higher blood triglyceride concentrations than UCD-003 hens, although the strain effects were not significant. Liver weight as a percent of body weight was significantly lower in normal SCWL hens. Treatments by strain interactions were not found. 5. The result suggested that dietary flaxseed, flax oil and Dry n-3 decrease hepatic fat content and reduce body weight, 2 of the predisposing factors believed to contribute to FLHS onset. However, haemorrhages were still apparent in both strains regardless of treatment, indicating that other unknown underlying mechanisms may also be responsible for FLHS.     

雌激素-雌激素受体通路影响母鸡脂肪肝发生的可能机制

肝脏是鸡进行脂质代谢的重要场所,脂肪肝综合征是产蛋期母鸡常见的一种亚临床生理性代谢综合征,脂肪肝综合征呈渐进性发展,特别是进入产蛋后期会严重影响母鸡的健康和生产性能,给养殖业带来经济损失.雌激素水平与母鸡产蛋和肝脏脂肪代谢功能密切相关,雌激素的作用主要由雌激素受体(ER)介导.大量的数据表明,ERα和ERβ在哺乳动物的...     

The effect of dietary coenzyme Q10 on plasma metabolites and hepatic gene expression in broiler breeder hens

ABSTRACT

1. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on laying rate, body weight, plasma metabolites and some liver gene expression in broiler breeder hens.

2. A total of 128 broiler breeder hens (Arbor Acres Plus, 47 weeks of age) were randomly distributed to four dietary groups supplemented with different levels of CoQ10 (0, 300, 600 or 900 mg/kg diet) with four replicates of eight hens each. During 47–54 weeks of age, laying rate, egg mass and body weight were recorded weekly. To assay plasma biochemical indicators, blood samples were collected at 54 weeks of age. At the end of the experiment, for evaluating the abdominal fat weight, liver weight and expression of the adiponectin and proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) genes in the liver, eight hens per treatment were selected, weighed and humanely killed by decapitation.

3. Dietary supplementation of CoQ10 linearly decreased abdominal fat weight, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities by increased levels of CoQ10. The plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were quadratically decreased by increased levels of CoQ10. The best plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and ALP activity were estimated at 562.5, 633.3 and 517.8 mg CoQ10/kg diet, respectively. Adiponectin and PPARα gene expression exhibited a linear increased by increased levels of CoQ10.

4. In conclusion, addition of CoQ10 to the diet influenced lipid metabolism and expression of the adiponectin and PPAR-α genes, which might be partially due to the improvement in mitochondrial metabolism and energy production. However, further studies are necessary to determine the effects of CoQ10 on these indicators in broiler breeder hens during ageing.     

Influence of high vitamin E dosages on retinol and carotinoid concentration in body tissues and eggs of laying hens.

The aim of the study was to contribute to the discussion of overdosing vitamin E in laying hens. A total of 45 laying hens, divided into 5 groups were fed diets supplemented with either 0; 100; 1000; 10,000 or 20,000 mg dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg diet over a period of 10 weeks. Concentrations of vitamins A and E were measured in plasma, various tissues and egg yolk. Furthermore egg yolk colour and some carotinoids were measured in egg yolks. None of the vitamin E doses significantly influenced performance of the hens. As expected, vitamin E concentration in plasma, all tissue samples and egg yolk was significantly increased with increasing tocopherol content in the diet. The egg yolk showed the highest vitamin E concentration, followed by liver and muscles. Feeding 1000 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate per kg diet resulted in an increase of vitamin A concentration in the liver. Very high doses (10,000 and 20,000 mg/kg diet) significantly decreased retinol concentration in the liver and egg yolk, as well as carotinoid concentration in the egg yolk. The lower carotinoid concentration in egg yolk resulted in a decreased intensity of egg yolk colour. A prooxidative and/or competitive effect of very high doses of vitamin E with other fat soluble substances has been discussed.     

Failure of oestradiol administration to induce fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome in the laying hen

Studies were carried out to investigate whether the administration of oestradiol to laying hens induced fatty liver-haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS). Short term oestradiol administration (up to 6 d) significantly increased liver size and plasma lipid concentration but had no effect on liver lipid concentration or hepatic lipogenic enzyme activities. Longer-term hormone treatment (up to 28 d) again significantly increased liver size and plasma lipid concentration. Liver lipid concentration was substantially reduced and lipogenic enzyme activity significantly reduced in oestradiol-treated birds. These effects had some similarities to those seen in oestrogenised immature birds and were additive to the effects of endogenous oestrogen in the laying bird. There were no deaths from FLHS and oestradiol treatment did not cause liver haemorrhages or affect egg production.     

Preliminary investigation on the nutritive value of krill meal in the feed of broiler chickens and laying hens.

Krill meal was used as a protein feed in rations for broiler chickens and laying hens and its nutritional effectiveness was studied in comparison with conventional feed-stuffs of animal origin. In experiments with 650 broiler chickens from 1 to 28 and from 29 to 56 days to fattening krill meal was added to the standard feedmixture in lieu of fish meal, and dried skim-milk, and at higher levels also in lieu of soyabean oilmeal. In the experiment with 22 layer hens kept in individual cages 3% of the fish meal were substituted by 3% of krill meal. The performance of chickens fed on diets with krill meal was lower in comparison with analogical groups fed on fish meal. Higher levels of krill meal, exceeding 15 and 11% in the first and second period of feeding respectively, reduced the weight gains and feed intake of chickens. The fatty acid C14, C18 and C18:1 content of internal body fat was changed in chickens fed on higher levels of krill meal. In the experiment with hens krill meal decreased the feed efficiency, the pigmentation of egg yolks, however, was more intensive and the vitamin A content of yolks was increased in comparison with the control group. The results show that krill meal can be used as a partial substitute of fish meal in the feed of broilers and hens.     

鸡蛋胆固醇含量测定方法比较研究

试验随机选取了中华绿蛋鸡产的绿壳蛋和依莎褐蛋鸡产的褐壳鸡蛋各20枚,采用邻苯二甲醛分光光度计比色法和气相色谱法,测定鸡蛋中胆固醇的含量,比较两种方法在测定鸡蛋胆固醇含量上的差异。结果表明,用邻苯二甲醛比色法测得褐壳蛋蛋黄胆固醇含量176．79mg／枚,浓度为13．35mg／g。用气相色谱法测得胆固醇含量142．74mg／枚,浓度为9．69mg／g,二种方法测定的结果差异显著（P〈0．05）。用邻苯二甲醛比色法测得绿壳蛋蛋黄胆固醇含量158．12mg／枚,浓度为10．65mg／g。用气相色谱法测得胆固醇含量128．70mg／枚,浓度为8．54mg／g,二种方法测定的结果差异显著（P〈0．05）。     

蛋用型鸡血浆极低密度脂蛋白浓度,肥度,生产性能之间的相关研究

以褐壳蛋鸡祖代母本种鸡为研究材料，用比浊法测定血浆极低密度脂蛋白浓度。试验结果表明，母鸡８１周龄腹脂重，腹脂率，鲜肝脂肪含量的变异系数分别高达４７％，３９％，４７％。表明这些性状在鸡群中未做过选择。血浆ＶＬＤＬ浓度与腹脂重，腹脂度，肝重，肝脂含量均呈正表型相关趋势。     

The influence of dietary palm olein, fish oil and lard on the egg yolk and plasma lipid composition, and performances of laying hens

The influence of dietary palm olein, in comparison to fish oil and lard, on lipid levels in egg yolk and blood plasma, the fatty acid composition of egg yolk, and various production parameters were studied. Brown Lohman laying hens (n=45) were randomly assigned into three groups of 15 birds, and treated with experimental diets with either 3% palm olein (PO), fish oil (FO) or lard (L) for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, feed consumption was significantly lower for hens fed the PO diet, except week 6 of the experiment. The concentration of plasma triglycerides was increased by all experimental diets, whereas there were no significant increases of plasma total lipid and total cholesterol concentrations only in the PO group. For yolk lipids a decrease in triglycerides in the FO and L groups was observed, while total cholesterol and total lipid were significantly decreased in the PO group. Feeding with the PO diet resulted in the lowest concentrations of palmitic, stearic and linoleic acid, as well as in the highest concentration of monounsaturated oleic acid in the yolk total lipid. It was concluded that the composition of yolk lipids did not closely match the concentrations of lipids observed in experimental diets or plasma. Based on the current work it seems that the PO diet modulates egg yolk lipid content best.     

饲料桑生理活性物质及其饲用价值

饲料桑蛋白质含量高、氨基酸种类丰富、纤维素含量低,富含多种生理活性物质,是一种优良的多年生饲料资源,对牛、羊、猪、兔、鸡、鱼等多种畜禽都具有很好的适口性。蛋禽日粮中添加桑饲料,可以显著改善蛋黄颜色,提高蛋黄磷脂和不饱和脂肪酸含量,增加蛋清浓稠蛋白含量,改善蛋的风味和品质。肉类畜禽日粮中添加桑饲料,可以显著改善肉品色泽,提高肌肉中肌苷酸和不饱和脂肪酸含量、减少胆固醇含量,降低肌肉滴水损失、延缓pH值下降及脂质氧化变质,提高肉品质量。牛、猪等大型肉类动物采食桑饲料后可减少皮下脂肪沉积,增加肌肉间脂肪含量,有效改善肉的品质风味。综述了饲料桑中主要生理活性物质的种类、含量、结构特征、生理功能及其在畜禽养殖中的饲用价值;从生产性能和改善品质方面分析总结了饲料桑在多种畜禽养殖中的应用效果;提出了减轻抗营养因子不利影响、改善栽培利用效果的技术措施;展望了饲料桑开发应用前景。     

类黄酮对蛋鸡脂类代谢的影响

270只31周龄海赛克斯褐壳蛋鸡，随机分为9个处理。试验2－5组日粮分别添加5mg/kg、10mg/kg、20mg/kg、40mg/kg茶多酚，试验6－9组日粮分别添加5mg/kg、10mg/kg、20mg/kg、40mg/kg大豆黄酮。试验为期8周。研究茶多酚（多酚类黄酮）、大豆黄酮（二酚类黄酮）对蛋鸡生产性能的影响，并从脂类代谢角度探讨类黄酮对蛋鸡的作用柚是及其可能的作用途径。结果表明：（1）茶多酚和大豆黄酮均显著地降低蛋黄甘油三酯，降低最大幅度分别为14.7%和16.7%（P＜0.05）。（2）40mg/kg茶多酚或10mg/kg大豆黄酮有降低血浆总胆固醇、甘 一酯、LDL－C的趋势。（3）茶多酚和大豆黄酮均显著升高了蛋鸡血浆雌二醇和胰岛素的水平。（4）茶多酚和大豆黄酮有提高产蛋率的作用，尤其添加10mg/kg大豆黄酮，产蛋率显著提高7.2%（P＜0.05）。     

二氢吡啶(diludin)抗蛋鸡脂肪肝的机理

30周龄罗曼蛋鸡 80 0只 ,随机分为 2组 (每组设 4个重复 ,每个重复 10 0只 ) ,分别饲喂添加二氢吡啶 (diludin) 0、15 0 m g/ kg的玉米豆粕日粮 ,分别于试验 2 0周和 40周采血和屠宰 ,研究了二氢吡啶抗蛋鸡脂肪肝的机制。结果显示 ,日粮中添加二氢吡啶 ,试验鸡于 5 0、70周龄时 ,肝脂率和腹脂率均显著降低 (P<0 .0 5或 P<0 .0 1) ;腹脂激素敏感脂酶 (HSL )活性显著提高 (P<0 .0 5或 P<0 .0 1) ,脂蛋白脂酶 (L PL )活性显著降低 (P<0 .0 5或 P<0 .0 1) ,肝脏中NADPH生成酶 - MDH活性显著降低 (P<0 .0 1) ;血清脂肪酶活性和游离脂肪酸、极低密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量显著提高 (P<0 .0 5或 P<0 .0 1) ;血清甘油三酯含量降低 (P<0 .0 5或 P<0 .0 1) ;血清超氧化物歧化酶和 T3 显著提高 (P<0 .0 5或 P<0 .0 1) ;肝脏、腹脂中环腺苷酸 (c AMP)含量显著提高 (P<0 .0 5 )。上述结果表明 ,二氢吡啶通过促进产蛋中后期蛋鸡肝脏中脂肪的迁移和体脂的分解 ,达到抗脂肪肝效果。     

苜草素对产蛋后期蛋鸡抗氧化能力、脂质代谢及相关基因表达的影响

本试验旨在研究不同水平苜草素对产蛋后期蛋鸡抗氧化能力、脂质代谢及相关基因表达的影响。选用69周龄、健康海兰褐蛋鸡324只,随机分为3组,每组6个重复,每个重复18只鸡。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组在基础饲粮的基础上添加500和1 000 mg/kg苜草素。试验预试期2周,正试期8周。结果表明,与对照组相比:1)试验组蛋鸡产蛋率显著升高(P0.05),料蛋比显著降低(P0.05)。2)500 mg/kg苜草素显著增加了蛋壳强度(P0.05),极显著降低了肝脏甘油三酯含量(P0.01),显著降低了肝脏总胆固醇含量(P0.05)。3)1 000mg/kg苜草素极显著提高了血浆谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)及肝脏GSH-Px活性(P0.01),显著提高了血浆总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、降低了丙二醛(MDA)的含量(P0.05),极显著降低了肝脏与蛋黄总胆固醇和甘油三酯含量(P0.01),极显著提高了肝脏硫氧还蛋白还原酶1(Trx R1)、胆固醇-7α羟化酶(CYP7A1)、固醇调节元件结合蛋白-1c(SREBP-1c)mRNA表达量(P0.01),极显著降低了3-羟基-3-甲基戊二酸单酰辅酶A还原酶(HMGCR)mRNA表达量(P0.01),而对GSH-Px mRNA表达量无显著影响(P0.05)。由此可见,饲粮中添加苜草素可降低产蛋后期蛋鸡蛋黄胆固醇和甘油三酯含量,提高生产性能、蛋壳强度、机体抗氧化和胆固醇代谢能力,且以添加1 000 mg/kg苜草素效果较好。     

Long-Term Feeding of Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Fish Oil to Laying Hens: Effects on Hepatic Histopathology,Egg Quality,and Lipid Components

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of long-term feeding of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and fish oil on egg quality characteristics, production performance, liver pathology, and egg fatty acid content of laying hens. Single Comb White Leghorn laying hens (n = 112), 21 wk old, were placed in cages and randomly assigned to 4 diets (28 hens/diet, 4 replicates of 7 hens) containing 3.0% yellow grease (control), 2.75% yellow grease + 0.25% CLA (YG-CLA), 2.5% yellow grease + 0.25% CLA + 0.25% fish oil (YG-CLA-FO), and 2.75% yellow grease + 0.25% fish oil (YG-FO). The experimental diets were fed for 12 mo. Eggs were collected daily for 12 mo. Feed consumption, hen-day egg production, and feed efficiency were monitored. At the end of the trial, hepatic tissue was collected for histopathology. No effect of diet was found on feed consumption, hen-day egg production, feed efficiency, egg weight, yolk weight, shell weight, or Haugh unit. The YG-CLA and YG-CLA-FO diets produced an increase in CLA and saturated fatty acids in the egg and liver tissue with a concomitant reduction in monounsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05). Feeding YG-CLA-FO and YG-FO increased the n-3 fatty acids in egg yolk and liver of hens (P < 0.05). No difference was observed in the number of fat vacuoles in the liver tissue. The total fat content of hepatic and abdominal fat pads did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). Regardless of the diet, as the hens aged, egg weight, yolk weight, and egg total fat increased, and shell weight decreased (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that eggs with increased n-3 fatty acids and CLA can be generated by minor diet modifications without affecting the production performance or health of birds.     

日粮添加高铜对产蛋鸡生产性能和脂质代谢的影响

试验研究饲粮中添加铜对产蛋鸡生产性能,脂质代谢和组织铜含量的影响。试验共分4个处理,分别在基础饲粮中添加0、100、250、300mg/kg铜,80只360日龄的新罗曼蛋鸡随机分到4个处理中,每个处理5个重复,每个重复4只鸡,试验期28d。结果表明:添加高铜对各阶段产蛋鸡的采食量,产蛋率,蛋重无显著影响(P>0.05);但与对照组相比,添加高铜降低了第14、21、28天鸡蛋中每克蛋黄的胆固醇(TC)含量(P<0.05)和第21天血清中甘油三酯(TG),极低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(VLDL-C)含量(P<0.05)以及第28天肝脏中谷胱苷肽(GSH)的含量(P<0.05)。添加300mg/kg的铜增加了肝脏中铜的沉积(P<0.05),而对蛋黄中铜的含量无影响。本研究表明添加铜能够降低蛋黄中的TC含量,而对蛋鸡的生产性能和蛋黄中铜的含量无显著影响。     

Is it possible to increase the n-3 fatty acid content of eggs without affecting their technological and/or sensorial quality and the laying performance of hens?

1. The aim of this study was to increase the n-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) content of eggs without affecting their sensorial and/or technological properties or the laying performance of hens. Laying hens from line 477 were divided into 5 groups corresponding to 5 different diets over the laying period: control diet (C) and diets containing extruded linseed with a high level of fibre (ELHF), extruded linseed with a low level of fibre (ELLF), microalgae, or a combination of 75% ELLF and 25% MA (ELLF+MA).

2. Dietary enrichment with n-3 FA had no effect on the laying performance, hen body weight or egg white viscosity. The egg yolks produced by hens fed the diet containing microalgae were redder than egg yolks from the other groups, suggesting the presence of red pigments in the microalgae preparation. However, the colour difference was low and not perceptible to the human eye. Moreover, colour measurement of egg yolks by sensorial analysis panellists using the Roche colour fan did not reveal a diet effect on this parameter.

3. Egg yolk lipid content was not affected by diet. The egg yolk of hens fed on diets containing linseed and/or microalgae had greater n-3 FA content (×2.5 to 2.9 compared to group C). Linseed mainly increased the linolenic acid content (×3.0 to 3.4 compared to group C) and the microalgae increased the LC n-3 FA content (×4.1 compared to group C). Dietary enrichment with n-3 FA had no effect on the sensorial quality of shell cooked eggs except for the “unusual flavour” criterion for which the score was higher for the MA group compared to the other groups and corresponded to a fishy flavour.

     

Effects of an aqueous alfalfa extract on production performance, egg quality and lipid metabolism of laying hens

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an aqueous alfalfa extract (AAE) on production performance, egg quality and lipid metabolism of laying hens between 28 and 36 weeks of age. Four groups of commercial hens (Hy-Line Brown) were fed with diets containing 0, 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.15% AAE. Dietary AAE had no effect on egg production parameters (p > 0.05). Shell strength was increased (linear and quadratic effects; p < 0.05) with gradient addition of AAE. Furthermore, shell strength was notably higher (p < 0.05) in 0.1% and 0.15% AAE groups than the control group. With an exception of serum low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum total triglycerides and liver cholesterol concentration (day 42), lipid indices in yolk, serum and liver were lowered (linear and quadratic effects; p < 0.05) at day 42 and day 56 as AAE in diets increased, as well as the enzyme activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase. In relation to the control group, cholesterol and triglycerides in yolk, liver and serum and serum very low density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower in 0.15% AAE-treated birds at day 42 and day 56. It also significantly decreased activities of ACC, HMG-CoA reductase and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) at day 56. The 0.1% AAE decreased triglycerides in yolk, liver and serum, as well as the activities of ACC and FAS at day 56. These data suggest that dietary AAE could be applied to improve egg shell quality and modify the lipid status of laying hens and eggs.     

Use of β-Glucanases and β-1,4-Xylanases to Supplement Diets Containing Alfalfa and Rye for Laying Hens: Effects on Bird Performance and Egg Quality

It is well established that the use of alfalfa in diets for monogastric animals is limited by its high fiber content. However, alfalfa is a natural source of xanthophylls and gives poultry products a desirably yellow color. In addition, alfalfa saponins may contribute to reduce the levels of cholesterol in the meat and egg yolk. We have investigated the potential utilization of β-glucanases and β-1,4-xylanases for enhancing the nutritive value of alfalfa for laying hens. An experiment was conducted with 864 ISA Brown layer hens from 40 to 52 wk of age and fed on diets containing rye (19.6%) or rye and alfalfa (15.1%). The results suggested that inclusion of alfalfa in the diets reduced body weights and total egg mass (P < 0.01). Dietary supplementation with polysaccharidases was unable to significantly improve the performance of laying hens. However, egg yolks from birds that consumed diets containing alfalfa were more deeply pigmented, presenting an increase in yellowness (b*). In contrast, at the percentage of incorporation tested, inclusion of alfalfa in the diets was unable to lower the levels of cholesterol content in the egg yolk. Taken together the results suggest that exogenous plant cell wall hydrolases are not effective for improving the nutritive value of alfalfa-containing diets for laying hens, although inclusion of small percentages of the dehydrated leguminous meal may directly affect the quality of the generated poultry products.