Evaluation of Designer Chicken Eggs Enriched with Vitamin D3 and Zinc

Designer poultry eggs can be produced in various ways. In the present study chicken eggs were enriched with vitamin D3 and zinc by UVB (Ultra Violet Blue) light exposure (3 h/day) and dietary zinc supplementation (75 mg/kg) respectively. The study was conducted in thirty-two crossbred (White Leghorn N strain and Desi) layer birds. The trial was commenced from 29 weeks of age and conducted for 12 weeks. The current research work pointed out the enriching influence of UVB radiation and dietary zinc supplementation on concentration of vitamin D3 and zinc in eggs. Vitamin D3 and zinc concentrations in egg and serum were significantly higher (p<0.01) compared to the control group. UVB exposure and zinc supplementation also had a significant (p<0.01) impact on serum calcium and phosphorus levels. However, Liver enzyme activities of birds were not influenced either by UVB light exposure or by zinc supplementation.

The dietary supplementation of hens with zinc is an effective approach to supply consumers with foods from animal sources that are enriched with zinc. Current findings showed that feeding of zinc supplemented diet to chickens offered a promising alternative to fortify egg with zinc. Furthermore, UVB light exposure would be a better choice for enhancing vitamin D3 content of eggs and to produce designer eggs enriched with vitamin D3. It increased the serum vitamin D3 level which was indicative of its transport from skin to ovaries after synthesis.

The use of UVB exposure and zinc supplementation as an easy, cheap and safe procedure for producing dual enriched designer eggs with vitamin D3 and zinc is recommended as this would offer additional health benefits to consumers.