Effect of Ramie on the Production Performance of Laying Hens, and the Quality, Nutrient Composition, Antioxidation of the Eggs

Abstract

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea), which is rich in protein, fatty acid, vitamins and minerals, has become a potential alternative feed resource for poultry, and has attracted more and more attentions in nutrition research. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of dietary ramie at different concentrations on the production performance of the hens, and the quality, nutrient composition, and antioxidation of the eggs. A total of 432 34-week-old Lohmann commercial laying hens were divided into four groups, that were fed with corn-soybean meal-based control diet, control mixed with ramie at concentrations of 3, 6, or 9% separately for 8 weeks. Results showed that dietary ramie did not affect production performance. And egg yolk color gradually deepened as the inclusion levels of ramie increased. Ramie at tested concentration could significantly reduce the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.002) and 3% ramie supplementation significantly increased total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) concentrations in egg yolk compared to the control group (p = 0.033). In addition, dietary supplementation with 6% ramie significantly reduced total cholesterol (T-CHO) content (p < 0.05) compared with controls. For egg nutrient composition, compared with the control group, the addition of 6% ramie significantly increased (p < 0.05) total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) and phenylalanine (Phe) in yolk. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 6% ramie was most effective in improving the color, antioxidative capability, and reducing T-CHO contents of the egg yolks without any negative impacts on the production performance of the hens.

Dietary Patterns and Common Diseases in Chinese Elderly: Exploring Associations and Providing Guidance for Personalized Interventions

“…In this study, elevated Egg-Milk Pattern scores were associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke or cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, glaucoma, prostate tumors, and Parkinson's disease in the elderly. It is well-established that eggs contain high amounts of cholesterol [19], and dietary cholesterol intake is associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease [20] and prostate tumors [21]. LDL cholesterol in eggs has a key role in cardiovascular events in atherosclerotic plaque formation [22].…”

Integrated Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Reveal That Exogenous Gibberellin Application Regulates Lignin Synthesis in Ramie

“…It is an important fiber crop [1] whose fresh stems and leaves contain high contents of protein, carbohydrates, ash, ether leachate, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron, making them a nutritious feed for pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, fish, and ruminants [2]. As a result, forage ramie is a good plant protein source in animal feed and an excellent source of phenolics and flavonoids [3], making it a highquality forage for herbivorous livestock in warm climates. However, the lignin in forage ramie adversely affects the taste and digestibility of the feed.…”