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Quantification of Heavy Metals and Other Inorganic Contaminants on the Productivity of Microalgae
Published on: July 10, 2015
Effect of macroalgae enriched with microelements on egg quality parameters and mineral content of eggs, eggshell,
I Michalak1, K Chojnacka, Z Dobrzański
1Institute of Inorganic Technology and Mineral Fertilizers, Wrocław University of Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland. izabela.michalak@pwr.wroc.pl
Abstract:
This study presents results obtained from feeding experiment on laying hens, which were fed with the diet supplemented with two marine macroalgae: Enteromorpha prolifera and Cladophora sp., enriched with microelements [Cu(II), Zn(II), Co(II), Mn(II), Cr(III)]. The applicability of the preparation was tested on five experimental groups of laying hens and one control group. In the control group, microelements were supplemented in the inorganic form, whereas in experimental groups, Cu, Zn, Co, Mn and Cr were replaced by macroalgae enriched with a given microelement ion. During feeding experiment, weight of laying hens, weight of eggs, eggshell thickness and mineral content of blood, feathers, droppings, eggs content (separately yolk and egg white) and eggshell were measured. Also egg number was counted and microclimate (temperature and relative humidity) was monitored. Supplementing bio-metallic feed additives to the diet of laying hens resulted in higher microelement transfer to eggs and enhanced the colour of yolk. It was also found that the presence of Enteromorpha prolifera and Cladophora sp. in laying hens diet influenced advantageously eggs weight, eggshell thickness as well as body weight of hens. On the basis of these results, it could be concluded that Enteromorpha prolifera and Cladophora sp. enriched with microelement ions could be potentially used as mineral feed additives in laying hens feeding.
Insights
Marine macroalgae Enteromorpha prolifera and Cladophora sp., enriched with microelements, can be used as effective mineral feed additives for laying hens. These algae improved egg quality, yolk color, and hen body weight.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Marine Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Traditional inorganic microelement supplementation may have limitations in bioavailability.
- Marine macroalgae represent a potential natural source of essential microelements for animal feed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of marine macroalgae (Enteromorpha prolifera and Cladophora sp.) enriched with microelements (Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Cr) as feed additives for laying hens.
- To compare the effects of macroalgae-based microelement supplementation with inorganic forms on laying hen performance and egg quality.
Main Methods:
- A feeding experiment was conducted with six groups of laying hens (five experimental, one control).
- Experimental groups received diets supplemented with macroalgae enriched with specific microelements, while the control group received inorganic microelements.
- Key parameters measured included hen body weight, egg weight, eggshell thickness, egg number, and mineral content in blood, feathers, droppings, and eggs.
Main Results:
- Supplementation with macroalgae-enriched microelements led to increased microelement transfer into eggs and enhanced yolk color.
- Enteromorpha prolifera and Cladophora sp. positively influenced egg weight, eggshell thickness, and hen body weight.
- Macroalgae-based supplementation demonstrated advantages over inorganic microelement sources.
Conclusions:
- Marine macroalgae Enteromorpha prolifera and Cladophora sp., when enriched with microelement ions, show potential as effective and beneficial mineral feed additives for laying hens.
- These natural feed additives can improve laying hen productivity and the nutritional quality of eggs.
