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

Abstract

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.

Alternatives for enrichment of eggs and chicken meat with omega-3 fatty acids

“…An interaction between n-3 FA and 17β-estradiol on the lipogenic activity of the liver was suggested, thus increasing the hen's susceptibility to hepatic lipidosis. In contrast, Schumann et al (2000) ed for predisposition to fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome fed LNA and LCn-3 enriched diets for 4 wk. There was a drop in serum triglycerides, lower hepatic dry matter and lipid content when compared with controls although haemorrhage scores were not affected.…”

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

“…There have been field reports of increased incidence of liver hemorrhage in layers fed flax. Schumann et al (2000) found an increased incidence of liver hemorrhage with flaxseed, flax oil and n-3 fatty acid supplementation in metabolically sensitive layers (susceptible to fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome). There was a significant decrease in liver fat and hence decreased liver lipid peroxidation but not in levels sufficient to be protective against liver hemorrhage.…”

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

“…This was anticipated since the UCD-003 SCWL hens are a highly inbred line susceptible to FLHS and have previously demonstrated lower egg production than normal commercial lines of SCWL hens (Schumann et al, 2000). Mean egg production in experiment 2 was not significantly different among treatments.…”

“…At the end of the trial, birds were killed and their livers were removed for haemorrhage score evaluation and analysis of total liver wet weight, per cent dry matter, per cent fat and malondialdehyde content. Liver malondialdehyde (MDA) content was measured using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method described in Schumann et al (2000). Liver samples were freeze-dried to constant weight to obtain per cent dry matter.…”

“…Final body weights were also measured at the conclusion of the experiment. Liver haemorrhage was qualitatively graded based on a visual score from 0 (normal liver -no haemorrhage) to 5 exhibiting severe haemorrhage (Schumann et al, 2000).…”