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

Interest on the enrichment of eggs and poultry meat with omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) has increased given their important role in human metabolism. The inclusion of n-3 FA into eggs and poultry meat is achieved by feeding ingredients such as flaxseed, fish oil, fish meal, marine algae and canola to birds. However, problems in various production parameters and sensory quality of eggs and meat may arise. The former possibly caused by antinutritional and physiological effects and the latter influenced by the interaction of volatile substances. Possible increases in formulation costs also deserve attention. Strategies to ameliorate these undesirable effects include limiting the inclusion levels of n-3 FA sources, time of feeding, mixing different n-3 FA sources in commercial rations, and including high levels of vitamin E along with high-quality ingredients. A mild heat treatment may eliminate some of the drawbacks of feeding flaxseed to birds. Key words: Omega-3, flaxseed, flax, menhaden oil, eggs, chicken meat