Ajimoye
SubscriberForum Replies Created
-
The best feed nutrient to enhance Omega-3 fatty acids in eggs is Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), which is then converted in the hen’s body to the longer-chain Omega-3s, EPA and DHA, which are deposited in the egg yolk.<div>
</div><div>However, the source of this ALA (or of the pre-formed EPA/DHA) is what matters most.</div><div>
</div><div>Here’s a breakdown of the best options, perfect for discussing with other producers:</div><div>
</div><div>1. The Most Common & Cost-Effective: Flaxseed (Linseed)</div><div>
</div><div>· How it works: Flaxseed is very rich in ALA. When hens consume flaxseed, they absorb the ALA and deposit a portion of it, along with its derivatives (EPA/DHA), into the egg yolk.</div><div>· Pros: Highly effective at raising total Omega-3 content. Widely available and often the most economical choice.</div><div>· Cons: The conversion of ALA to the more valuable DHA in the hen is limited. So, while the total Omega-3 increases significantly, the level of DHA specifically may not be as high as with other sources. High inclusion levels can sometimes lead to fishy taints in the egg or affect shell quality.</div><div>· Typical Inclusion: 5-10% of the diet.</div><div>
</div><div>2. For Higher DHA Specifically: Algae or Marine Oils</div><div>
</div><div>· Algae Meal/Oil: This is the most direct and efficient way to get DHA into the egg.</div><div> · How it works: Microalgae are the original source of DHA in the marine food chain. Hens consume the algae-based product and deposit the pre-formed DHA directly into the egg.</div><div> · Pros: Very potent; provides the most bioavailable form of DHA. No risk of fishy flavors. Often used for “vegetarian” or “sustainable” branded eggs.</div><div> · Cons: This is typically the most expensive option.</div><div>· Fish Oil or Marine Microalgae:</div><div> · How it works: Provides pre-formed EPA and DHA.</div><div> · Pros: Very efficient at increasing these specific, heart-healthy fats.</div><div> · Cons: Can impart a fishy taste or odor to the eggs if not carefully managed (depending on the level and source). Not suitable for vegetarian-branded eggs.</div><div>
</div><div>3. The “All-Rounder” & Good Base: Chia Seeds</div><div>
</div><div>· How it works: Similar to flaxseed, chia seeds are a rich plant-based source of ALA.</div><div>· Pros: Very effective, often considered palatable for hens, and doesn’t have the same handling issues as flax.</div><div>· Cons: Generally more expensive than flaxseed.</div><div>
</div><div>Summary for Discussion:</div><div>
</div><div>You can frame the question and options to the community like this:</div><div>
</div><div>”For those of you producing Omega-3 enriched eggs, what’s your go-to ingredient for boosting the levels, and why?”</div><div>
</div><div>· “Are you Team Flaxseed for the cost-effectiveness and high total Omega-3?”</div><div>· “Or are you Team Algae to maximize the DHA content and avoid any risk of off-flavors, even with the higher cost?”</div><div>· “Has anyone had success with Chia Seeds as a middle-ground option?”</div><div>· “What inclusion rates are you using, and have you noticed any issues with palatability or egg quality at those levels?”</div><div>
</div><div>Key Takeaway: There is no single “best” nutrient—it’s a trade-off.</div><div>
</div><div>· For a standard, cost-effective Omega-3 egg, Flaxseed is the industry workhorse.</div><div>· For a premium egg marketed specifically for its high DHA content and with a guarantee of no</div> -
We all know the ‘minerals matrix’ for phytase. Are you currently applying a ‘full nutrient and energy matrix’ in your diets? If not, what’s holding you back—is it a lack of confidence, data, or something else?”
-
The study demonstrates that using high levels of a specific phytase enzyme (PhyG) allows for significant cost savings in broiler feed while maintaining the birds’ growth, health, and productivity.
The core concept is the “nutrient and energy matrix”—a calculated reduction of certain ingredients in the feed, based on the proven ability of enzymes to release more nutrients from the existing raw materials.
—
Key Conclusions Explained Simply
1. The “Full Matrix” Works: By adding phytase (PhyG) at 1,250 FTU/kg, feed formulators can safely reduce the levels of:
· Minerals: Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), and Sodium (Na).
· Energy & Protein: Metabolizable Energy (ME) and digestible Amino Acids (AA).
This “full matrix” approach produced birds that performed just as well as those fed a more expensive, standard diet with all nutrients at full levels.
2. Lowers Feed Costs: Applying this “full matrix” (reducing energy and amino acids in addition to minerals) leads to greater feed cost savings compared to only using a “minerals matrix” (which was the common practice).
3. Even Greater Savings with Enzyme Combos: When the researchers added a multi-enzyme complex (XAP) on top of the phytase, they could reduce nutrient levels even further. This:
· Still maintained bird performance.
· Resulted in numerically greater savings in both feed cost and environmental impact (sustainability).
4. Provides Confidence: The research gives poultry producers confidence to apply this “full matrix” approach using PhyG phytase in corn-soybean diets, with or without the XAP enzyme, to reduce costs without sacrificing performance.
In Practical Terms: What Does This Mean for a Poultry Farmer?
Think of the enzymes as “nutrient unlockers.”
· Phytase’s Job: Phytase (PhyG) breaks down “phytate,” a compound in corn and soybean meal that traps phosphorus and other nutrients. By breaking it down, the bird can access and use the phosphorus that’s already in the feed, so you don’t need to add as much expensive inorganic phosphate. It also releases other trapped nutrients like calcium and amino acids.
· The “Matrix” Concept: Because the enzyme makes more nutrients available, you can deliberately formulate the feed with less of these expensive components (soybean meal for protein, oil for energy, and mineral supplements). This cheaper feed performs as well as the expensive one.
· The Financial Benefit: The “full matrix” approach saves more money than just reducing minerals because the cost of energy and protein sources (like corn and soybean meal) is much higher than the cost of mineral supplements.
In a nutshell: This research provides a scientifically-backed recipe for creating more cost-effective and sustainable broiler feed by using advanced enzymes to maximize the valueThis study demonstrates that using high levels of a specific phytase enzyme (PhyG) allows for significant cost savings in broiler feed while maintaining the birds’ growth, health, and productivity.
The core concept is the “nutrient and energy matrix”—a calculated reduction of certain ingredients in the feed, based on the proven ability of enzymes to release more nutrients from the existing raw materials.
—
Key Conclusions Explained Simply
1. The “Full Matrix” Works: By adding phytase (PhyG) at 1,250 FTU/kg, feed formulators can safely reduce the levels of:
· Minerals: Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), and Sodium (Na).
· Energy & Protein: Metabolizable Energy (ME) and digestible Amino Acids (AA).
This “full matrix” approach produced birds that performed just as well as those fed a more expensive, standard diet with all nutrients at full levels.
2. Lowers Feed Costs: Applying this “full matrix” (reducing energy and amino acids in addition to minerals) leads to greater feed cost savings compared to only using a “minerals matrix” (which was the common practice).
3. Even Greater Savings with Enzyme Combos: When the researchers added a multi-enzyme complex (XAP) on top of the phytase, they could reduce nutrient levels even further. This:
· Still maintained bird performance.
· Resulted in numerically greater savings in both feed cost and environmental impact (sustainability).
4. Provides Confidence: The research gives poultry producers confidence to apply this “full matrix” approach using PhyG phytase in corn-soybean diets, with or without the XAP enzyme, to reduce costs without sacrificing performance.In Practical Terms: What Does This Mean for a Poultry Farmer?
Think of the enzymes as “nutrient unlockers.”
· Phytase’s Job: Phytase (PhyG) breaks down “phytate,” a compound in corn and soybean meal that traps phosphorus and other nutrients. By breaking it down, the bird can access and use the phosphorus that’s already in the feed, so you don’t need to add as much expensive inorganic phosphate. It also releases other trapped nutrients like calcium and amino acids.
· The “Matrix” Concept: Because the enzyme makes more nutrients available, you can deliberately formulate the feed with less of these expensive components (soybean meal for protein, oil for energy, and mineral supplements). This cheaper feed performs as well as the expensive one.
· The Financial Benefit: The “full matrix” approach saves more money than just reducing minerals because the cost of energy and protein sources (like corn and soybean meal) is much higher than the cost of mineral supplements.In a nutshell: This research provides a scientifically-backed recipe for creating more cost-effective and sustainable broiler feed by using advanced enzymes to maximize the value of every ingredient
-
yes but instead of adding additional electrolytes in feed it is more better to use in water in specific flocks affected by heat stress.
-
AHMED
MemberOctober 29, 2025 at 7:47 am in reply to: Role & Importance of Smart Sensors, AI, IoT, & Mobile Dashboards in AquacultureThanks for the knowledge shared.
-
Md
MemberOctober 29, 2025 at 5:35 am in reply to: Role & Importance of Smart Sensors, AI, IoT, & Mobile Dashboards in AquacultureWell explanation
-
Good information.
-
Yes, optimizing the electrolyte balance in feed can improve bird performance under heat stress by helping to correct imbalances caused by increased panting, which leads to respiratory alkalosis. Supplementation with electrolytes like sodium (\(Na^{+}\)), potassium (\(K^{+}\)), and chloride (\(Cl^{-}\)) can help maintain physiological acid-base balance, leading to better live performance, including body weight gain and feed conversion ratio
-
Using fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in poultry diets is generally a positive approach, as fermentation improves nutrient digestibility, reduces anti-nutritional factors, and enhances gut health. Studies show FSBM can lead to improved amino acid and nutrient digestibility, better feed efficiency, and positive effects on egg production and quality. However, the exact benefits can vary based on the level of inclusion, the fermentation method, and the specific age and breed of the poultry.
-
The chick’s liver is fatty in the first 3-4 days after hatching because it’s a period of transition from yolk-based nutrition to consuming carbohydrate-rich feed. During this time, the liver acts as a temporary storage site and continues to metabolize large amounts of lipids from the remaining yolk sac while also beginning the process of de novo lipogenesis (synthesizing new fatty acids). This dual function, combined with an immature digestive system, leads to a temporary accumulation of fat in the liver.
