Effects of dietary gamma-aminobutyric acid on egg production, egg quality, and blood profiles in layer hens

Abstract

Hy-line brown commercial layers (32 weeks old) were used to investigate the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) derived from E. coli strains on productivity, egg quality, and blood profile. In total, 288 birds (1946 ± 0.5 g) were fed four different levels of GABA (0, 25, 50, and 100 ppm), in a basal diet based on corn-soybean meal, for five weeks. Egg production, egg weight, and egg mass during weeks 32 to 36 showed significant improvement, as dietary GABA was increased from 0 to 100 ppm (linear, P < 0.05). Additionally, GABA supplementation was associated with increased eggshell breaking strength and albumen height (quadratic and linear, P < 0.05). Blood variables, such as white blood cells, red blood cells, lymphocyte, cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine concentrations, were not influenced by addition of GABA to the diet; however, the haptoglobin concentration decreased significantly (linearly) and the IgG concentration increased (quadratically) in the GABAfed groups (P < 0.05). These results suggest that diets containing GABA may beneficially affect productivity, egg quality, serum haptoglobin, and IgG concentrations in layers.

The effect of fermented buckwheat on producing l‐carnitine‐ and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐enriched designer eggs

“…Rabie et al also reported that albumen weight was higher, probably owing to increased metabolic rate in the magnum or activity of the shell glands of treated birds. The increased egg production and quality were in agreement with other studies using GABA or GABA‐producing lactic acid bacteria . In addition, GABA can affect appetite and improve the utilization of nutrition, resulting in enhanced egg production and quality .…”

“…Zhang et al reported that calcium and phosphate in the serum of laying hens were enhanced after feeding with supplementary GABA and attributed the results to the increase in total protein concentration with their egg production, and modulation of the electrolyte balance. Also, the increase in nutrition utilization and antioxidant activities by GABA is likely to be the main cause of the improved egg laying performance and egg quality …”

“…These are related to the concept of designer foods that have benefits other than traditional nutritional value . However, previous research used either l ‐carnitine or GABA as the feed additive, focusing on a single effect for eggs. In addition, the analytical methods reported were not efficient for the detection of l ‐carnitine or GABA in foods.…”

Effect of Drinking Water Supplemented With Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (Gaba) on Laying Performance and Egg Quality Parameters in Laying Hens

“…The improved feed intake, electrolyte balance, immune function and antioxidation enzyme following GABA supplementation resulted in the improvement of laying performance and egg quality (Zhu et al, 2015). Also, GABA resulted in increases in egg production, egg weight, and egg quality (Park and Kim, 2015). Moreover, GABA possesses many anti-oxidant activities, which may result in improved performance (Chen et al 2013).…”

“…GABA had a direct beneficial effect on laying performance and egg quality, which manifested as a significant effect on egg production, egg mass, eggshell thickness, and egg weight and albumin height. The increase of nutrition utilization and antioxidant activities in response to GABA are likely the main cause of the improvements in laying performance and egg quality in layers (Park and Kim (2015). The diet supplemented with GABA improved the laying performance, egg quality and physical condition of hens, which had a significant effect on egg production, average egg weight, egg strength, hen immune activity, anti-oxidation activity and hormone levels (Zhang et al, 2012).…”