How Algae in Chicken Food Makes Healthier, Yolkier Eggs
Time course of nutritional and functional property changes in egg yolk from laying hens fed docosahexaenoic acid-rich microalgae
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
DHA levels plateaued after 30 days, even though feeding continued for 56 days.
Most assume more feeding = more enrichment, but the hens’ bodies maxed out DHA deposition. Continuing beyond 30 days is likely a waste of feed cost.
Practical Takeaways
Look for DHA-enriched eggs from algae-fed hens—they likely have better fat profiles and more stable nutrition than fish-oil-enriched versions.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
DHA levels plateaued after 30 days, even though feeding continued for 56 days.
Most assume more feeding = more enrichment, but the hens’ bodies maxed out DHA deposition. Continuing beyond 30 days is likely a waste of feed cost.
Practical Takeaways
Look for DHA-enriched eggs from algae-fed hens—they likely have better fat profiles and more stable nutrition than fish-oil-enriched versions.
Publication
Journal
Poultry Science
Year
2020
Authors
Bing Liu, Qin Zhou, Jiaming Zhu, G. Lin, Dongyou Yu, T. Ao
Related Content
Claims (5)
Adding a type of algae to chicken feed makes egg yolks more orange-red, which people still find tasty and acceptable.
Adding a small amount of microalgae to chicken feed boosts omega-3s in egg yolks but doesn’t change how the eggs behave when cooked or used in food manufacturing — they still work just as well.
If you feed hens a special algae supplement for about a month, their egg yolks get a big boost in a healthy fat called DHA — but after 30 days, adding more doesn’t help because the yolks can’t hold any more.
If you feed hens a special algae with healthy fats, their eggs end up with a better fat balance that's better for your heart.
Feeding hens a little bit of algae with good fats makes their eggs healthier by lowering risky fats linked to heart problems.