Effect of dietary lutein and flax on performance, egg composition and liver status of laying hens

Lutein is considered a protective nutrient against age-related macular degeneration in humans. An experiment was designed to study the long-term effect of feeding lutein in combination with flaxseed on layer performance, egg parameters, and lutein deposition in eggs and tissues. Laying hens were fed diets with 0 or 10% flax supplemented with 0, 125 or 250 ppm lutein for 11 consecutive 28-d periods beginning at 18 wk of age. Early production was reduced (P < 0.01) by feeding diets with 10% flax and when supplemented with 250 ppm lutein. Diet treatments had no effect on feed intake, egg weight or eggshell deformation. Addition of lutein to the diets significantly (P < 0.01) increased yolk color, and lutein content in the egg, liver, and the preen gland. Egg lutein content increased (P < 0.01) from a basal level of 0.10 mg to 1.60 mg 60g-1 egg by addition of lutein to the diet. Liver fat was lower (P < 0.05) in hens fed 10% flaxseed. Liver hemorrhage score was dramatically reduced (P < 0.01) in birds fed lutein. Key words: egg composition, flaxseed, lutein, layers