Salmon oil-based feed additive boosts omega-3 fatty acids in eggs

A feed additive containing Scottish salmon oil is effective at boosting the omega-3 fatty acid content of eggs, according to new research.

Nottinghamshire firm Optivite recently carried out a trial with a large UK producer to examine the effect of Optomega 50, a premix containing 50% Scottish salmon oil, on the fatty acid profile of hen’s eggs.

The trial involved 43,000 ISA Brown layers at 45 weeks of age housed in cages. The results clearly showed that the inclusion of Optomega 50 in the diet of laying hens significantly altered the fatty acid profile of the egg with no negative effects on bird performance, said the company’s Richard Remmer.

“We saw significant increases in the important long-chain omega-3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic fatty acids. These are known to have significant health benefits for humans and increases of both in eggs will enable consumers to easily increase their intake of these important nutrients,” he said.