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Mechanical Separation and Protein Solubilization of the Outer and Inner Perivitelline Sublayers from Hen's Eggs
Published on: January 27, 2021
Folate metabolism and deposition in eggs by laying hens
T A Sherwood1, R L Alphin, W W Saylor
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark 19716.
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
|November 15, 1993
Summary
Laying hens efficiently concentrate folates (vitamin B9) in eggs, with yolk levels 43-fold higher than plasma. Dietary folate levels influence this concentration, demonstrating a sophisticated nutrient delivery system.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Biochemistry
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Folate (vitamin B9) is crucial for cellular processes.
- Understanding folate metabolism in laying hens is vital for optimizing egg quality and hen health.
- Dietary folate levels can impact reproductive performance and nutrient deposition in eggs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate folate concentration mechanisms in laying hens.
- To determine the relationship between dietary folate and folate content in eggs and plasma.
- To assess the biological half-life and tissue distribution of folate in hens under different dietary conditions.
Main Methods:
- Feeding White Leghorn hens purified folate-deficient or commercial diets with varying folic acid levels.
- Quantifying folate in egg yolk and plasma using an isotope-dilution, radioligand-binding assay.
- Tracking tritium-labeled folic acid ([3H]folic acid) deposition and determining biological half-life and tissue distribution.
Main Results:
- Egg yolk folates were concentrated approximately 43-fold relative to plasma.
- Yolk and plasma folate concentrations showed saturation with increasing dietary folate.
- Biological half-life of [3H]folic acid was longer in folate-deficient hens (>=40 days) than in folate-sufficient hens (15 days).
- Radioactivity was concentrated >100-fold in egg yolk compared to egg white.
- Liver showed higher [3H]folate concentration than other tissues; specific radioactivity was higher in folate-deficient hens' livers.
Conclusions:
- Laying hens possess highly efficient folate conservation and delivery systems for egg production.
- Dietary folate sufficiency impacts folate deposition and retention in hens.
- These findings have implications for poultry nutrition and egg nutrient content optimization.
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