The Effects of White Kwao Krua (Pueraria mirifica) on Serum Lipid Profile, Egg–Yolk Cholesterol Levels, and Egg Production in Laying Hens

Abstract

Lipid metabolisms in layers are mainly controlled by estrogen. Therefore, administration of White Kwao Krua (Pueraria mirifica, PM) containing potent phytoestrogen may influence serum lipid components and egg yolk cholesterol. A randomized complete block designed experiment was conducted using a total of 80, 18-week-old laying hens. The hens were equally divided into 4 groups receiving 4 different treatment diets containing PM at 0, 100, 500 and 1,000 ppm. Daily egg production was recorded. Serum samples were collected at week 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 17 of the treatment for determination of lipid components and estradiol. Egg samples were collected at week 4 and 8, yolk cholesterol was extracted and measured. No significant differences in egg production pattern were found. At week 4 of the treatment, the control group showed significantly higher serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels compared to other treatment groups (P<0.05), and a lower level of serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) compared to the group fed 1,000 ppm PM fortified diets (P<0.05). Serum estrogen levels were found significantly lower in groups fed PM fortified diets at week 8 (P<0.05) compared to the control. No significant differences in egg yolk cholesterol levels were detected among the treatment groups.