J. Agile. Sct. Mansoura Univ., 30 (9): 8084 - 5092, 2005 THE NUTRITIONAL POTENTIAL OF DEHYDRATED ALGAE AND AZOLLA AS FEEDS FOR LAYING HENS El-Mallah, G. M.; Laila D, Abd El-Samee and Sh. A. M. Ibrahim Animal Production Dept., National Res. Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt. ABSTRACT ‘One hunred:sity eighi, 24-weeks old, Bovans Brown commercial egg-'ype laying hens were randomly and equally diviced inio saver groups (8 repicales per QrouP, each of 3 tirds). These groups were randomly assigned on 7 expetimental diets inciucing a typical corn-soybean control ciel and diets either containing 5. 10 oF 18% dried algae (Scenedesmus acutus}: of containing 5, 10 or 15% cried Azole Each of algae and Azole were used 23 a paral Substitin for soybean meal of the Control diel on an iscnitrogenous basis, Hens ware fed the experimental diets for 12- weeks test perce, Either dietary algae up to 10% or 5% dietary Azole did not affect OM or CP igesttbity, but only at the higher levels. digestibility was decreased, Non of dietary teealments affect EE. OF of NFE digestitily, excepting 2 decrease in EE digestbiity observed with the 15 % dietary Azaile, and decreases in both CF and NFE digestbilty with the 10 and 15% dietary Azolla; in addition to enrancement of NFE digestibility due t0 5 ond 10% dietary algae Egg production and egg weight were nol alfected by 5% algae or Azolla in hen diets. However, significant decreases in both parameters were cbserved on the Tigher levels. Feed intake was significantly reduced wih 10 and 15% dietary Azole Up to 10% dietary algae or 5% dietary Azolia did not affect feed conversion, but egalve effectes were observed at the higher studied levels, Non of diclary zigae or Azola affect both intemal aed extecoal egg quality parameters, however, significant decreases in haugh unit and albumen? ware observed on the 15% Azolla and 5% algae levels, respectively. All levels of dietary algal meal tended to enhance yolk color, but only atthe 15% level, Azolla significantly ‘enhanced york colet, compared to the control, ‘All the tested diets increased plasma total protein, albumin, and glebuiin values, excep! for 5% Azaiia diet Significant decrease was observed i Yota yids 9 the 15% dictary Azoila, with significant elevations in cholesterol level occured at the “1G and 18% levels. Bath algae and Azolla elevated plasma uric acid. ‘These data suggest thal either dried aigae of Azofa af 5% dietary level are useful as paral atematves to soyoean meal in laying tien diets on an isonitrogencus basis, for maintaining egg production and quailty, but even this level of aigae fond to enhance yolk colar score. Keywords: algae, Azote, laying hens. digestibility, egg production, egg quality, blood INTRODUCTION Poultry ave an important constituent of agdcutture and contribute large part of animal protein for tuman consumption. Moreover, in Egypt, many of the traditional protein sources used in laying hen diets formulation such as Soybean meat are becoming extremely expensive. Therefore, the search for alternative protein sources has become urgent ‘On the other hand, algae, which are chlorophyll-bearing crganisms having no true roots, stems oF leat-like organs are rich in protein, and low in fiber and ash (Ali and Leeson, 1994}, Algae also contain an amino acid profileEl-Mallah, G. M. et al. similar to that of soybean meal and are a good source of fat and metabolizable energy for poultry (Ali and Leeson, 1994). Tha nitrogen digestibiity ceetficient for algae meal is 81% which is similar to most common Poultry feed ingredients, and in addition, algae are also a rich source of xanthophylls, B-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin B12 and vitamin C (aii and Leeson, 1994). Breeding Japanese quail perform sai'sfacterly when the diet contains up to 12% algae meal, with increasing yolk calor wisi each level of the algae (Ross and Dominy, 1990). Blue-green algae included at 1% of the diet provide optimum yolk pigmentation in the ‘eggs of Japanese quai! wnen the diet is otherwise free of xanthophyll (Andreson et ai., 1991), In addition, consumers in Egypt prefer much color in egg yolk. Furthermore, it was reported (Lipstein and Hurwitz, 1980) that compared to other species, the capability of poulty to excrete uric atid allows, for elevated dietary algal concentrations without the nucleic acids from the algal biomass endangering the birds. Azolla is a smait aquatic fem found in aquatic habitats like ponds, canals, and other wet /moist places ( swamp, steams, and rice fields) in different climatic regions (Chen and Huang, 1987 and Khan, 1988) Moreover, Ali and Leeson (1994) reported that sun-dried Azotia 1s a fairly goed source of crude protein and nitrogen free extract, but is high in ash. They also reported that, fresh Azola can substitule for 20% of Le commercial feed of chickens. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the nutritional potential of dried aigae and Azcila to provide distary protein for laying nens as a partial substitution for soybean meal on an isoniregencus basis and studing their effecis on egg production and quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present work was conducted at the poultry farm, Faculty of Agficutture Cairo University. One hundred-sixty eight, 24-weeks oid, Bovans Brown commercial egg-type laying hens were randomly and equally divided into sever groups (@ reglicates per group, each of 3 birds). These groups wets randomiy assigned on 7 experimental diets including @ typical com- soybear: control diel (diet 1) and dists either containing 5, 10 oF 15% dried algae (Scenecesmus acutus) (diets 2, 3 and 4. respectively): or containing 8, 10 or 15% dried Azolla (diets 5, 6 and 7. respectively). Each of algae and Azolla were incorporated in theit respective diels to partially replace soybean ‘meal of the control diet on an isonitrogenous basis. Therefore. in diets 2,3 and 4, aigae represented substitution of 20 83, 41.67 and 62.50% of soybean meal of the control diet, respectively, while in diets 5, 6 and 7, Azolla represented substitution of 74.17, 22.33 and 33.50% of soybean meat of the contio! diel, respectively. All diets were (ermulated to contain calories ranged between (2715 to 2835 kcal ME/kg) and to he iso-nitrogenous (zimost about 48%CP) and similar in their contents of methionine and lysine (Table 2) and met the nutritional requirements of laying hens as recommended by NRC (1994), Hens were fed the experimental for 12-weeks test period, Chemical analysis of the tested ingredients (dried Algae and dried Azolla) isJ. Agric. Sci. Mansoura Univ., 30 (9), September, 2005 found in Table 1, while feed ingredients and calculated analysis of the experimental diets are shown in Table 2 Feed and waler were freely available all time, Hens were housed in wire cages (3 birdsicage) throughout the experiment, Hens were provided with ‘8hid photoperiod during the experiment ‘Table (1): The chemical composition of soybean meal, dried algae and Azolla __as dry matter. ‘Coriponent, {ee ho Soybean’ meal | Algae | Azolla Crude protein 4400) #490 | 23.51 Ether extract 0.80. 5.20 | Crude fiber 550 12.82 [Nitrogen tree exiract 31.88 20.43 Ash 6.82 76.65 a Calcium O29 | 25~ [4.52 | Totai_phogphorus 0 1207 ‘Available phosphorus 027 705" Lysine 2.69 27 Methioniné 0.62 b 0.937 Metabolzabie ere‘gy (xcalkg) 2230, 327 "Cited to NRC (1999). "Cited 0 Becker (18788) and Ali and Leeson (1994). Cited to ota at, (2001), Calculated according to Carpenter and Clegg, 1956, by applying the equation: ME (eealghe (352 xCP]+ 79-5 x EF] + (OSH NEE] + 159) Egg number and weight and aiso feed intake were recorded daily for each group. Egg production, egg mass and feed conversion were calculated iin 4.weeks intervals from the start of the experiment at 24 weeks til 35 weeks ‘of age. Mortality rate was also recorded, Atthe end of each 4-weeks experimental period, 16 eggs from each ‘group (2 eggs per cage] were randomly taken, weighed and cracked to determine egg quaiity parameters. Shape index (Carter, 1968), yolk index (Welt, 1968) and Haugh unit (Stacleman, 1977) were also determined, Sheil thickness it mm was measured, using micrometer, wivle yolk color was measured dy Roche color fan. At the end of the experiment, 28 nens (A#\reatment) were randomly chosen to carry out a digestion tial to determine nutrients digestibiity of each experimental diet, These birds were fed the tested diets for 5 days collection period, Chemical anaiyses of dried Algae, dried Azolia, tescd diets and dried ‘excreta were determined according to {A O.A.C., 1990} methods. ‘Algo, at the end of experiment, blood samples were collected, via the wing vein (3 hens from each group, chosen randomly) using EDTA as anticoaguiant. Blood plasma was separated immediately by cenvilugation at 3000 7 p.m. for 20 minutes and stored at -20 °C until analysis for total protein (Henry cf 21, 1974), albumin (Boumas et a., 197), total linids (Bligh and Dyer, 1959), cholesterol (Shen ef al., 1982), uric acid (Caraway, 1955), ALT and’ AST {Reitman and Frankel, 1957}, wate globulin and A/G ratio were calculeted, 5083El-Mallah, G. M. et al, Table (2): Composition and calculated analysis of the experimental iets. ‘Algae ‘Azoila Ingrodionts, % | Controi | —-—-Aigae___+_-_ Aaa Vellow carr BEOO_| 2.00 | 62.00 | 62.00 | 5868 | 57.35 | 55.03 Pouitry by-product meat | 3.60 | 3.60] 240 {3.80 | 350 | 350 | 3.50 (Soysean meal 4% | 24.09 175.00] 14.00 | 9.00 [2132 | 18.64 | 16.96 | igae 8.00 | 10.00 150g) - | 20a real : = |= | 800 | 10.00 [75.00 imastone oo 700 [7.00 7.00 | 7.00 | 7.00 [7.00 Dieaicium phosphate I~ 00 [3.003 00 | 3.00 [3.00 | 300 | 300 iL Win, prem 025 [0.25 [025 [ozs 025 | 025 | O75 face 023 | 0.23 | 023 | G23] 0.23 | O23 | 023 [Dl Methionine oo2 | 002 | 0.02 | Coz"; G02 | 0.03 [ 0.03 frat — 190 | 400 [100-7 vo [_s00 | 190 | 400 (Coleulated analysis Crude protein, % 179s_| 1798] a0e | 87 E keallg 2716 | 2755 | 2795 | 2835 acim, 5 341341 | 359 [otal Phosphorus. % | 0.87 |"0.70 [0.73 | atahle prosphows, % | 040 | 0.48 | 0.50 os2 [992 | 092 ! 039: 0st 33 03s 636 7 031 | 830] fal Premix supped ine following per Wagrari of diet: Vit. & 72000 Ni Vit E10 mg: Vit K, 1 mg: Vit 8, Img: Vite, 4 mgi VieBy 1.5 mg: Pantothenic acid 10 mg; Vit. Bx 0.0%.mg: Foltc soid 1 mg: Niacin 20mg: Biotin 0.05 mg: Choline chloride 800 mg: Zine 45 mig; Copper 3 mg: iron 30 mg; Selenium 0.4 40mg; fodine 3 mg and Cobalt 0.2 ma, Data were stalistically analyzed according to the procedures described by Steel and Torrie (1980). The significant mean differences among groups were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range Tes! (Duncan, 1955) RESULTS AND DISSCUSION ‘The chemical composition of soybean meal, dried algae and Azofia is given in Tabie (1). The inspection of this compesition indicated that dried aigae (Sceneciesmus acutus) had considerable amount of CP, being similar to that of soybean meal and almost double as much as that present in dried Azolla. Such high level of CP present in the dried algae permit of replacing higher portions of soybean meal CP of the control diet, as compared with the case of dried Azotla. On the other hand, cried Azofla had considerably higher NFE content compared to the dried algae. In addition, both dried algae and Azofla had high levels of CF and ash. Ali and Leeson, (1984) mentioned that sun-dried Azalia is a fairly good source of crude protein (15.4%) and ritrogen free extract (47.4%), but high in ash (20.4%) on DM basis. They also reported that Algae are rich in protein (51-63%) on a dry matter basis and low in fiber {1-6%) and ash (6-11%), while they are aiso a good source of fat (3-8%) ard metabolizable energy for poultry. Some reports, however (Subudhi and S084J. Agric. Sci. Mansoura Univ., 30 (9), September, 2005 Singh, 1978) indicated trat dried Azola contains a higher level of protein (24- 30% CP) and lower ash (10.5%), Furthermore, Abdella et al. (1998) and Namva (2000) found that dried Azolla contains 23.3-25.2% CP, 3.3.6% EE, 12.1-14.8% CF, 36.2-39.5% NFE and 15.6-25.3% ash, on DM basis. However, such difierances in chemical composition of algae and Azolia may arise from many factors such as stage of growth at harvest, nutrient ievel of the water media where they are grown, whether Or not they are washed after collection and season (Ali and Leeson, 1994), Protein level usually declines while fiber and tannins content increases with increasing age of the plant. The energy value of aquatic piants decreases sharp'y with age and this is associated with increasing ash level. Washing after harvesting has been shown to reduce the ash content and thus improve the concentration of organic nutrients, thereby Improving their auirtional value (Ali and Leeson, 1994), Results of nutrients digestibility of experimental diets by laying hens are shown in Table (3). Inclusion of up to 10% algae or 8% Azotia in nen dats dic not affect OM and CP dicestibitty, but they were significantly decreased (P s 0.05) only st the higher levels Non of the tested diets affect EE digestibility. with exception of @ decrease observed with the 15 % dietary Azolla {Ps 0.08), Nen of the tested diets affect CF digestibility, with exception of a decrease observed with the 10 and 15 % dielary Azolla (P = 0.05). NFE digestibility of hen diets was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) with 10 or 15% levels of Azola being significantly (P 0,05) enhanced with 5 or 10% dietary eigae compared to the control. Similar results were found by Cota at ai (2001) who reported that nutrients digestibility by adult cocks ‘were nol affected by dietary Azovla up to 8%, while 12 and 16% dietary levats, impaired CP,CF and NFE digestiility. Such negative effects of the high levels of Azoila on nutrients digestibility may be due to its high contents of hemicellulose aris lignin, which are mostly undigested by chickens (Alcantara and Querubin, 1984) Table (3). Elfect of feeding laying hens dried algae and Azolla at different lovels on nutrients digestibility of experimental diets. Digestibility ‘Algae ‘Azolla coottetent,% |[COMMO! ~g~ age ag] g_)40. | Organic matter B18 | 62.8" |82.3"| 81.4" [87.9% | 78.0" | 75,7 20.36 | 20,07 | 20.23 | «0.19 | 20.30 | +0.34 | 40.14 Prase protet 87,77 | 87.9" | 68.0° | 85.5" | 87.4" | 81.2" | 79.4 20.15 | 0.30 | 20.27 | +0.06 | v.21 0.59 | 0.16¢ tier extract 62.7” 143.3" [62.5 62.0% | 647° [59.1 | 52.4 { 20.54 | 42.30} =1.58 | 21.95 | +1.70| 21.49 | 20.95 rude fiber 47.77 | 46.5" [43.87 )44.7"|43.8°| 41.2" | 41.3" f _ £20.24 | 21.10 | £1.99 | 1.31 | 2066 | 20.97 | =2.27 Nitrogen free extract | 82.9 | 84.5* | 84.2°/84.0"| 83,5") 81.0°|79.2 20.44 | +0.19| 40.48 | +0.32 20.37) ‘ari he ware row with afferent liars are signiieanly @feront(P £005) 5085El-Mallah, G. M. et al. Results of laying her gerformance are presented in Table (4). During the early period of the trial (first 4-weeks). up to 10% dietary algae and also the 5% dietary Azolla had no significant effect on egg production, but only the higher levets significantly (P s 0.05) reduced eag production during this early period. Moreover, al dielary treatments significantly (P < 0.05) reduces egg weight and egg mass, except for the 5% dietary algae that showed sintilar values to the control Feed intake did not iter signtticantly among all treatments, aithough it tended to decrease with feeding hens diets containing either 10 - 45% algae, cr 15% Azoila. Feed conversion (kg diet / kg egg mass) of hens fed diets containing up to 10% dietary aigae or 5% dietary ‘Azolia wa similar to that of the control hens. but it was negatively alfacted with the higher levels of both. ‘Tong the 2" 4-weeks of the tral, the same trend was continued for all the previous parameters, with significant depression in feed intake odserved with the 15% level of dietary Azatfa, compared to the control During the firai period of the trial (3"° 4-weeks), egg production and Je2d intake showed similar trends as the previous 2 periods, but with more pronounced depression in feed intake recorded for the aroup receiving 15% dietary Azolla as compared to the contrcl Non of the tested diets has significant effect on egg weight, excepting for sighiticant decrease (P < 0.05) observed with 10 % level of cietary Azolia compared to the central. Up to 10% dietary algae and also the 5% dielany Azotia had no significant effect on egg mass, out only the higher levels significantly (P < 0.05) recurae it during this late period, Feed conversion did rot differ significantly with all levels of dietary algae and also with thé 5% level of dietary Azola, but it was negatively affected with inclusion of 19 cr 15% Azolla in hen diets, reflecting the effect of low feed intake during this period. Concerning the whole experimental period, &gq production and egg weight were net significantly affected on the 5% ievel either of dietary algae or Azolla, being significantly decreased with the higher studied levels of both Egg mass was significantly reduced with feeding either the studied levels of dielary “zolla, or more than 5% dietary algae. Feed intake was not sigrificantiy aff2cted due to algae inclusion in hen diets at any of the studied levels. of due to Azolla inclusion at 5% dietary level, nut it was significantly decreased with the 10 of 15 % levels of dietary Azolla cortpared Ic the control, The decrease in feed intake was more pronounced with the 15 % {evel. Similarly, Subudhi and Singh, (1978) found that, when dried Azcifa ‘as given alone to while Leghorn femate chickens in various proportions of a daily recommended feed intake of a commercial poultry feed as to be provided after the chickens consumed their daily stated amount of this poultry eed, they initially ate the dried zoifa but after a few days stopped ating. They further added that, the maturity of fresh green Azoifa might affect the platabilty. Furthermore, Qota ef af, (2001) found that using dried Azolla Up to 8% in chicken gists did not affect feed consumotion. Up to 10% dietary algae and also the 5% dietary Azolla had no significant effect on feed conversion (kg diet / kg egg mass), but it was negatively affected with the higher studied levels (P 0.05). Mortality rate was similar among all groups. 5088J. Agric. Sci. Mansoura Univ., 30 (9), September, 2005 Tabel (4): Effect of feeding laying hens dried algae and Azolla at different levels on layers performnce. Algae Azofla wenn Controls] 40 a6 | 5] 10-48 (Egg production, % | Fustpenod —] 843° | eas" | aaa" ] toa yeaa" | Te | 72s I 20.46 | 2065 | 20.48 | og: | 150 | 1.402 | 104" Secend period | 875" | asst (352) 7) a0") 75° | aso" 20.50 | 21.60 | 20.97 | 2071 | 21.02 | eras | +167 Thie period | ara” | 91g") a90"] aot) ara”) rat | Ba v.92 | var | 2228 | 20.99 | 20177 | «2.02 | =1.84 ‘Geerattmean | 877° | 883" | 558° | ora | a54" ra1"| BAT 30.76 | 2139 | 2116 | 2083 | 20.98 | «1.60 | 21.38 [Average egg woight, Fist period | 625" | GO3™ | a9" ] BOP" | 6.0" | SoH] OS 64 ct.o7 | #118 | 20.31 | 20.48 | 20.74 | 2071 Second farod | G34" 2" | BoA] OT P61." | 685° P61.0"| 3076 | so97 | zoe | 20.41 | 20.72 | 20.50 | 20.38 Thaparod | sea" [o25"] 627 [ent | 632" | 602 |ei7| 2085 | 2199 | 2057 | +046 | 2077 | 21.32 | 2069 Overamean 7 633" | 8.3” | Go7™| oot] ort") 584° [e07=| 2080 | 2190 | 20.79 | 2029 | 2080 | <0.97 | 20.58 [Egg mass, kgfhon First period | aa | TAR TTS] Tae | tar | 2a] 1a" 20.02 | 20.03 | 29.02 | 2001 | 20.01 | 26.01 | 20.01 Secendperod | 154] 152" | 1.44 | 1.38" | a7” | 1.25" | 1.00 _|so02 | 20:06 | 20.02 | 4502 | s0.02 | 20.02 | 29.03 Thrspeved “Ge | Tet | 160° | 14a" 15S" | 1.25" | 1.07 20.08 | 29.96 | 20.03 | 20.01 | 40.02 | 20.02 | 29.02, [~~ Overalimean | 185° [1527 1.45" [ tar" | 146" | ze | 1.10" - | 19.03 | 2004 | 20.02 | .001 | 2001 | 20.02 | 20.02 Feediintake:gihen! day Fistperod | 1101] WOT] ties | 160] HEB] TOO | Ter stg | 22.24 | 22299 | 43.49 | 4951 | 2947 | 21.85, Second period | 125a") 120.9" 122.3" 418 4°} 123,17] 1182" 100.8 2335 | 25.48 | +19 | 4257 | +321 | 23.94 | +361 Tadperod [7958 | 12z0" [27 "| ga 5" 1218" F119 3G 246t_| 3776 | 2428 | 2602 | 283 | 27.43 | e784 vera mean | 1268") 129.27] 123.2"/119.7* 121.9" | 117.4" | 103.4 2235 | 2460 | 21.95 ‘a ] 2296 | 4267 Feed conversion (ig dievkg agg ma —— Frstpered 720 1 2a] BE | Zak aT aw] i 20.04 | 3002 | 29.08 | 20.07 | 2098 | 20.09 | 0.04 Second period | 2.28" 2.38" | 23° | 238° | 2.67 | 250° 20.08 2003 | 20.05 | +04 | 40,10 | 10.03 Third period | 231 230° 24F | 227 | Bar" | 260 2007 {40.13 | 20.17 | so.12 | 20.13 | 20.57 Gweralmean” | 229 | 228" | 235") 24 [253] DES" | 265 30.03 | 2005 | 20.04 | 49.03 | 0.04 | 20.04 | 20.05 Morality rate, % feesitholeperiody | 497 | = j= | = | a7 | ‘Means in the fame row with different letters are significantly efor 5087Et-Maliah, G. M, et af. ‘Similariy, Qota et af, (2001) found that using dried Azotia up to 8% in chicken diets did not affect feed conversion and mortally rate. The negative effect of the high Azollé levels on hen performance in the piesent study may be due to the pronounced low feed intake associated with fow digestibility and the high contents of both fiber and ash, In this respect. Ali and Leeson (1994) reported that, aquatic weeds (including algae and Azoffa } tend to be high in fiber and ashi which limits their inctusion level in poultry diets. They further added that ‘when fiber and ash levels of aquatic weed meal (including algae and Azoifa ) are hgh, inciusion is best limited to less than 5% of the diet, They also reperted thal, poor bird performance even al modest levels of inclusion of alge, may be due to the poor quality of some algae mesl andior the presence of residual alum following processing. Moreover, Becker (1978 a8) found that total nucleic acids of algae (Scenedesmus) ranged frem 4 to 6% on o1y matter basis. Therefore, microalgae cannot be Used exclusively or Preponderantly [© cover the protein requirements of birds because of their urine content. Similarly, Buckingham et al, (1878) resorted thal, the negative stfect of Azoila at the higher ievels may be due to the high content of aderine in Azotla, which negatively affect the efficiency of Azolla as feedstutt by simpie-stomached anintais, Ross end Dominy (1990) found no significant cifferences in e99 production of Japanese quai! due to inclusion of blue-green algae ( Sprrutina platensis) in their diets up to 12%. Results of egg qualily of hens fed the experimental diets are shown in Table (5). Inclusion of cried algae or Azole at elther of the stucisd levels in hen diets did not affect each of shape index, haugh uni. she'l ~ ickness, shell%, yolk% or albumen’, exceat ter significant decrease in haugh unit noted for hens fed diet containing 15% 42r4a, and signifinant decrease in alburren% observed in the case of birds fe the 8% algal diet. All levels of dietary algal meal tended to enhance yolk color {by 13.6 to 27.3%) compared (o the control, although this enhancement was not as responsive level, On the otner hand, dietary Azoila did not affect yolk color at tne 5% lave, tended to enhance yolk color (by 9.1%) at the 10% ‘evel, while it significant y enhanced yclk color (by 40.9%) at the 15% level, as compated to the control Yolk index was significantly higher either for all algal or Azotta treatments versus ti.2 control. Ross and Deminy (1990) found no significant «flerences sei, suallly of Japanese quail due to inclusion of blue-rieen algae {Spiruive platens's} in their dists up to 12%, exoept for yolk color, which increased wiih each level of algee compared to the control, In addition, Andreson @t al. (1991) found that inclusion of blue-green algae at 1% of the diet provide optimum yolk pigmentation in the eggs of Japanese quail when the diet Is atherwise tree of xanthophylis. Ali and Leeson (1984) ceported that, most of aquatic Weeds are rich sources of xanthopnylis. In this respect Herber-McNeill and Van Elswyk (1998) found that inclusion of marine mmicrozigal product in laying hen diets up to 4.8% significantly enhanced yolk colour in a dose teeponse manner as early as 1 wk post feeding. They further added that, such enhancement of yolk colour reflects the deposition of the algal carotenoides and that the effects of cietary algae on egg yolk cofor feached @ plateau after 14 d, which was sustained throughout the experiment. 5088J. Agric. Sci Mansoura Univ., 30 (9), September, 2005 Table (8): Effect of feeding laying hens dried algae and Azolla at different fevels on egg quality characteristics during whole : Teoma! Awe Cala tom | Gonta =e es [a ‘Retage egg weight. g| GOS" |BOS” eas" Tea0"| G5a™ [Sas Sas 2189 | +189 | 21.19] 9108 { 22.25 | 2421 | 31.11 Renan 758°] 735 | 78) 74 | 768 | 792] 737 42.75 | 91.04 | 1.04 | 41.34! 2212 | 2.008 | 20.83 a dex, We ade” Pata | a1g® | are] 432° | 432" | a2 stat | 2134 | 2949 | soot | 123 | 1.272 | 20.75 laugh ont 73s | 7S | 185 | 780" | Tes" [TS | 73 +158 | 2085 | 21.19 | +041 | 0.63 | 1.03: | 1498 ok Sour 5.60" [7.00 7625" | 6.25") 650° | B00" P77: 20.29 | 40.71 | 20.49 | 2048 | 0.26: | 0.00. | 0.25: wel thickness mm { 328 | 330 | 935 | 320) 328 | 348 | 338 20.65 | 20.82 | 21.19| 21.00 | 0.852 | 1.892 | 10.63 pete Iburin, % 62.0a | 61.3" | 62.1° [61.7™| 601° |S18” [ers 20.14 | 30.65] str | #066 | 0.532 | 034s | 40.20 | oik, % 262 ] 270 | 257 | 260 | 276 | 260 | 260 20.17 | 20.85 | 20.17 | 20.49 | 20.31 | 20.23 | 20.38 hel, % ‘19 117 | t21 | 123 [124 | 122 | 122 30.28 | +042 | 40.16 | 20.41 | 20.24 | 40.15 | 29.14 * aan In the game row with ciforent letters are significantly different (P $0.05). Results of btood plasma constituents of experimentat faying hens are given in Table (6). Ali the tested diets increased plasma total protein, albumin, ang globulin concentrations, except for 5% Azolla diet that not affected plasma total protein of albumin. There were no significant effects of all cietary algae or Azoifa on plasma AIG ratic ar total Hpids, with exception of sigtificant decreases in both parameters observed with the 15% dietary Azolla, Also significant elevation in plasma cholesterol levels were observed only with the 10 and 15% dietary Azolla, but not the oer tested diets. Plasma uric acid was significantly elevated due to algal or Azoffa inclusion in hen diets excepting for the 5% level of dietary Azolia. Plasma activity of ALT enzyme was increased with the 10% level of dietary algae and the 10 and 15% levels of dietary Azotia, whiie activity of AST enzyme was decreased on the 10% dietary algae and 15% dietary Azotfa, The increase in plasma uric acid concentration in diets included algae or Azolla may be due to high nucleic acids and purine contents of algae as repor'= by Becker (1978 a&b) who found thal total nucleic acids of algae (Scenedesmus) ranged from 4 108 percent an dry matter basis, and due to the high content of adenine in Azolla 2 reported by (Buckingham ef al, 1978). Furthermore, Namra ef al. (2003) found that inclusion of dried Azalla up to 10% level in broiler chickens diets had no appreciable effect on plasma total protein, albumin, tiglycerides, total cholesterol, total lipids, uric acié, GOT and GPT. 5089El-Matiah, GM. tal. Table (6). Effect of feeding laying hens dried algae and Azolla at different levels on blood plasma constituents m ' Algae T Azo Rem, % Control o 410 15 5 410 48 Fetal protein oT SEF aig | azo" | age" | Seo" | 1a ae] 4041 | 2005 | 20.18 | 91g | 30.08 | <0.09 | 40.19 Aiburin, et) “et | 1.90" Tamer | 80 F485" 179 L 120.03 | 30.03 30.09 | 20.04 | 20.08 | aor i192" 7-228 11e" | 198 | 227° | 2.98 obvi gil 20.08 | 20.05 2007 | 40.07 | 2002 | 10.08 oes? | oa" O82" | 0a O82” | 07; BG rate 20.02 | 002 | 20.03 | 30.02 | 40.04 | 2004 | 20.04 ‘B787" [BSG 1352.0" | 355.0" | 354.3" [353.07 | 340.7 | Frotaivsic= mat] ‘24.10 | 3851 | 2017 | azst | 97.51, | 21159 | 2619 120.0 28.7" [TS] 414. | 1270] 136.3" | 196.3" Kchotesterot gia 2635 | 24.18 | 24.53 | 6.49 | 25.20 | 2491 | 2386 ! ed”) ae" | 376" | 382" | Bsr | 3.92" | 390" Linc acid. mart | 20.07 | 2005 | 20.07 | 4008 | 2006 | 30.17 | 20.05 | fio” | 773" | as. eto” | 680° [860° | 85.7 LT. unit 12.03 | 2498 | 2498 | 2252 | s088 | e500 | 25.21 2a | OT | tea" | tar yar | eT | 16s AST. onitt a145_| 2328 | 21.76 | 3088 | 21.45 | +426 | 10.08 Tens In the Same row with cfferant laters are significa iafarant (P= 0.05). It is concluded that both cred algae (Scenadesimus @ rs) anc Azoila have 2 rutétional potential to be utlizes at 5% diotary isvels os a source of dietary CP as to provide efficient partial alternates to soybean meal in laying hen die!s on an isonitogencus basis without any adverse effects on egg production performance or egg quality, but even this level of algae tend to enhance yolk color score, REFERENCES Abdella, MM: G.AE, El-Sayaad; FM, Ghazal and T. A. E1-Baz (1998) Sun dried azcila as new feedstuit in growing rabbits. Egypt. 1. Rabbit Sci, 881-93 Atcantara, P. E. and L. J, Queruibin, (1984). Feeding value of Azolia meal to Doulty and swine. PSAS Annualk Convention. 22-33 Al, M.A. and § Leeson (4994), Nutiional value and utlization of aquatic weeds in the cet of poulty World's Pout, Sci j, $0:257-251 Andreson, D. W. : C. Tang and E. Ross (1981).The xanthophylis of Spirulina anc their effect on egg yolk pigmentation. Pout. 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By Oliver and Boy Edinbrugh pp.220, 226 and 235-236. bball glad 61S Aidaal ¥ gj) y qlabtl Ag!de Uga PAL Sea cal ip aa Ne Aad ll iC J guale Clay pee BAL ES all og ll Salt oh od) CLOWN pal VE ae Lata Gil Sy gall Se Halas RA se Qa ada pall Thebes Bh ys i oa oe pel eat aa Saat cele ok gust Gh (otal 19 Ge Sot 5 A) BOS SAB y iia GLB 50 9682 Ys Pyle 5 fad Gite We Gincl Vy Ny ek) Gym oo B Dial ob aid VGH ye HPO Ve Faget peel By Sy Ue iy jas ty a yma SA nS Jae ead ad FW 5 fae gm Higa lad Gyo Ja FS wid oA ASD OSB gi pel Gall mak SOL le by ASE ge fa Bhd YF SUNT BY) Gals ee ALG te Fit ett WB 2 os Aa ED sal pk ole gb at gee MB 58) oe GTS pe gL SI GUN pak Seta Gi A ig YM Gone Ge HIE AS FiLa HY Ailnad VAINT Syme Ge W610 JV kia Se SY! yo GIA pally SM oe AS sell pe pas Syl gad ta Uy fale Fae Se HO A obs J sau tb yg Pil Jone ah By EY! Sips ge Seis Lae COLD Sy 89 iw dS Gane ce IE GY est ae ea Seige pun Hy Oil pastel the jee ae TBM Ws ee ng Syl Sk et gM J aM Gon ste GAN olny Gaal Ste GANS SE he 3 Fz! 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