Effects of quercetin and genistein on egg quality, lipid profiles, and immunity in laying hens

Abstract

BACKGROUNDAfter the peak laying stage, laying hens become susceptible to lipid accumulation and inflammatory reactions. The objective of this experiment was to examine the impact of quercetin and genistein on egg quality and lipid profiles in laying hens. A total of 240 Hy‐line Browns were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments. Each treatment had eight replicates, with 10 hens in each replicate, and the hens were aged between 46 and 56 weeks. The test diets consisted of a corn‐soybean meal‐based basal diet, a basal diet supplemented with 300 mg kg‐1 quercetin, and a basal diet supplemented with 300 mg kg‐1 quercetin and 40 mg kg‐1 genistein.RESULTSResults showed that separately supplemental quercetin significantly improved egg quality (eggshell strength, albumen height and Haugh unit, P < 0.05), and reduced the deposition of abdominal fat (P < 0.05). Our finding also showed that separately or as a combination, supplemental quercetin and genistein significantly increased eggshell thickness (P < 0.05), decreased the levels of lipides in serum (LDL‐C, CHO, TG and NEFA, P < 0.05) and significantly increased serum immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG, P < 0.05), and promoted the expression of splenic immune‐related genes (IgA and IL‐4, P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONThis study confirmed that supplemental quercetin and genistein, either separately or in combination, can enhance eggshell thickness, lipid profiles, and immune function in aging hens. Moreover, both quercetin alone and quercetin + genistein exhibited similar abilities to lower lipid levels and improve immune function.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Long-term supplementation of genistein improves immune homeostasis in the aged gut and extends the laying cycle of aged laying hens

“…As previously reported, the effective concentration range of genistein supplemented in the normal chow diet of hens is 10 to 400 mg/kg ( Lv et al, 2019b ; Gao et al, 2021 ; Li et al, 2023 ). Moreover, our previous study demonstrated that feeding hens 40 mg/kg genistein was effective ( Lv et al, 2018b ; Wei et al, 2024 ). Therefore, we selected a dose of 40 mg/kg to assess the long-term effects of genistein.…”

Effects of quercetin and daidzein on egg quality, lipid metabolism, and cecal short-chain fatty acids in layers

“…In the present study, both quercetin and daidzein decreased the contents of TC and TG in the serum and liver, decreased the contents of LDL and VLDL in the serum, and increased the HDL content in the serum, which suggested that quercetin and daidzein improved lipid metabolism of layers. Studies have shown that dietary supplementation with flavonoids may regulate lipid deposition in the liver, enhance immunity, and improve egg quality of layers (48). Flavonoids may form insoluble complexes with cholesterol in digesta, thereby inhibiting the intestinal absorption of endogenous and exogenous cholesterol.…”