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Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research

April, 2021, Volume 35, 2, pp 27558-27567

Research Article

Research Article

Multimineral Fortification of Chicken Egg by Supplementing a Combination of Sodium Selenite, Ferrous Sulphate and Zinc Sulphate in Layer Diet

Pushpamali RMD1, Himali SMC1*, Gunawardene M2, Samarasinghe K1 and Chandrajith R3

Author Affiliations

1Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

2Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology, Mahenwatte, Pitipana, Homagama Sri Lanka

3Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Received: April 15, 2021 | Published: April 26, 2021

Corresponding author: Himali SMC, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2021.35.005683

Abstract

Since the bioavailability of organic minerals are highly effective in supplying minerals to the body, enriching of eggs with multiminerals could be an effective way to supply minerals to human beings. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), Ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) and Zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) incorporated diet on Selenium (Se), Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) concentrations of eggs, egg quality and productivity traits of layers. A feeding trial was conducted with Shaver Brown laying hens (65–week of age) for eight weeks. The dietary groups were basal diet and basal diet plus Na2SeO3, FeSO4 and ZnSO4 with the concentrations of Se 0.3 mg/kg, Fe 120 mg/ kg and Zn 150 mg/kg. Feed intake and egg production were recorded daily. The feed conversion ratio was calculated for the whole period. Concentrations of Se, Fe and Zn in egg samples were determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer after microwave digestion in acidic media. Egg quality parameters including egg weight, shape index, eggshell strength, shell thickness, Haugh unit, yolk index, and yolk color were measured weekly and a sensory evaluation of hard boiled eggs was carried out at the end of the experimental period. Supplementation of mineral incorporated diet significantly increased Se and Zn concentrations in egg white by 28.6% and 50.9% (P<0.05) respectively. Fe concentration in egg yolk was increased by 15.7% (P<0.05). Feed intake/hen/day, egg production/hen/week and feed conversion ratio/kg eggs were not significantly different among the treatment and control (P>0.05). Mineral supplemented diet markedly increased (P<0.05) egg weight and egg white weight than the control. The other egg quality characteristics showed a positive improvement, but with no statistically significant difference compared to the control group (P>0.05). The results of sensory evaluation showed higher consumer preference to the yolk color (P>0.05) of mineral fortified eggs than the control. Mineral supplemented diet with Na2SeO3 (0.3 mg/kg), FeSO4 (120 mg/kg) and ZnSO4 (150 mg/kg) can be recommended to fortification of eggs with Se, Fe and Zn successfully and, it results positive improvements in egg quality especially the yolk color. The egg production parameters are not affected by the fortification of mineral concentrations and combination used in the current study.

Keywords: Selenium; Iron; Zinc; Laying Hen; Chicken Egg Fortification

Introduction

Egg fortification with trace minerals is considered as a route towards the prevention of Micro Nutrient Malnutrition (MNM), which has increased greatly over the last few years (Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization FAO/WHO [1]. MNM is one of the health problems widely found in both industrialized and developing countries in the world which contributes greatly to the global burden of diseases FAO/WHO [2]. MNM adversely affects all age groups, but risk of micronutrient deficiency is somewhat high among young children and women in reproductive age. According to the FAO/WHO report 2004, iodine, iron, vitamin A and zinc deficiencies are the world’s most serious health risk factors FAO/ WHO [1]. Role of Se in human health and disease has been discussed in detail along with the deficiency problems in worldwide. As an essential trace element Se plays an important role in antioxidant selenoproteins for protection against oxidative stress originated by surplus reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species in human body. A clear relationship has been observed between low levels of Se and increased risk of diseases, such as cancer and heart diseases Tinggi [3]. The low selenium concentration in the blood is associated with male subfertility Oguntibeju [4]. Recent studies on Se have been directed towards kidney protective efficiency of it. Randjelovic, et al. [5] have shown that the ability of selenium to reduce cardiovascular disease by reducing oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation. According to Wiesen, et al. [6] plasma selenium level has been decreased in patients with acute renal injury. But all over the world human populations in many countries are not provided with adequate level of selenium from their food WHO [7]. The level of selenium in human food varies among regions since the content of this element in plant-based food depends on its availability in soil Fisinin, et al. [8].

Iron is an integral part of many proteins that required for maintaining good health. In humans, iron serves as an essential component of proteins involved in oxygen transport Dallman [9]. It is vital for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation Andrews [10]. Iron deficiency limits oxygen delivery to cells, resulting in fatigue, poor work performances and decreased immunity Haas, et al. [11]. Iron is a part of haemoglobins and cytochromes and Zinc functions as essential accessory factor to enzymes Paul [12,13]. Around two billion people in the developing world are deficient with zinc Prasad [14]. It causes infections and diarrhoea which accounts for about 800,000 death per year among children worldwide Hambidge [15]. It is also responsible for the immune deficiency resulting susceptibility to infection especially in elderly population Meydani, et al. [16]. In poultry, Se increases egg production, fertility, antioxidant status, growth rate and reduces feather loss in young laying hens. It positively influences on storage capacity of eggs Edens [17]. Further, Se supplementation has shown to increase the settable eggs, fertility, hatch of fertile eggs, hatchability, and A-grade chicks and reduced embryonic mortality Khan, et al. [18].

Egg fortification is an effective way to deliver these important trace minerals to human body. It may be a good solution for the people who are at risk of trace mineral deficiency. In Sri Lanka chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) has become a significant burden health issue. In some districts the prevalence of CKDu is 15.1–22.9% Rajapakse [19]. As deficiency of Se has a association, Se enriched egg consumption may have a significant effect on alleviation of this situation. However, in Sri Lanka fortified eggs are not common and the information on multimineral fortification in tropical climates are limited. In a successful mineral supplementation, the levels and combination of minerals used should not negatively affect to the egg production parameters and the quality of eggs while enriching eggs. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of incorporation of combination of Sodium selenite, Ferrous sulphate and Zinc sulphate to layer diet on Se, Fe and Zn concentrations of eggs and to compare the quality characteristics of egg along with the hen’s performance such as feed intake, feed conversion rate and egg production under tropical climatic conditions.

Materials and Methods

Experimental Hens and Feeding Regimen

The feeding trial was conducted at the Livestock Field Station, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Shaver brown laying hens (65 weeks old), were randomly allocated into two groups as the treatment and the control. Each group consisted of three replicates of ten laying hens and they were reared according the deep litter system. Commercially manufactured layer ration was ground and used as the basal diet. For the preparation of experimental diet, the basal diet was mixed with Na2SeO3, FeSO4 and ZnSO4 at the concentrations of 0.3 mg Se/kg diet, 120 mg Fe/kg diet and 150 mg Zn/kg diet respectively. Mineral concentrations were adjusted as reported by several authors Skrivan, et al. [16,20-23]. In commercial production of Se enriched eggs, 0.3 mg of Se/kg of feed is used Fisin, et al. [16]. Bahakaim, et al. [22] have recommended 150 mg of Zn/kg of feed for better enrichment of Zn in eggs. Skrivan, et al. [20] used 120 mg of Fe/kg with basal diet and found it could increase Fe concentration in egg significantly indicating the suitability of the level. The basal diet consists of 16.0% protein, 4.0% fat, 14.0% ash, 6.0% fiber, 3.0–4.0% Calcium, 0.70–1.0% Phosphorous and metabolizable energy 2630 kCal/kg. The Se, Fe and Zn contents of the basal diet were 1.50±0.23, 256.30±32 and 20.33±0.88 of mg/kg respectively. Hens were supplied ad–libitum amount of feed and water. Every day the remaining amounts of feeds were measured and removed before introducing new feed. Temperature inside the cages was 27-30 ºC and relative humidity was around 50–65%. The experiment was conducted for 8 weeks including 2 weeks of acclimatization period.

Productive Performances of Laying Hens

Feed intake and egg production were recorded daily. Feed conversion rate was calculated as kilograms of feed consumed per kilogram of eggs.

External Quality of Eggs

Five eggs from each replicate were collected every week for analyses of egg weight, shape index, shell strength and shell thickness. Eggs were weighted individually, the width and the length of individual egg were measured. After breaking eggs, two halves of eggshell were wiped with tissue and kept upside down and allowed to remove albumen properly. Dried out shell was used to take the shell thickness. Shape index was calculated using the formulation (breadth/length x100) which described by Reddy, et al. [24].

Internal Quality of Eggs

The albumin weight, yolk weight, yolk index, Haugh unit, yolk color of five eggs from each replicate were used to determined weekly. Eggs were broken and yolk and albumin contents were separated and weights were recorded. Yolk height and albumin height were determined using a Haugh tester (ORKA digital Haugh tester, Lakeview Dr, Bountiful UT, USA). Yolk color was determined using Roche yolk color fan (ROCHE, Yolk color fan, Switzerland). Yolk index was obtained by the formulation described by Funk (1948). Individual Haugh unit was calculated using according to Haugh [25] (Table 1).

Table 1: Internal and external characteristics of eggs (Mean ± Standard error, n=15).

Note: a, b Means with different superscripts within a raw in the same week differ significantly (p<0.05).

Evaluation of Se, Fe and Zn Content in Egg

Eggs (six) from each group were sampled in third and sixth weeks for analysis of Se, Fe and Zn concentrations in egg yolk and egg albumin. Egg yolk and egg albumin were separated carefully and samples were properly homogenized separately using magnetic stirrer (P Selecta, Multimatic–5S, Barcelona, Spain). Egg yolk (0.50 g) and egg albumen (0.50 g) were weighted and each sample was digested in a mixture of 8 ml, 69% Nitric acid (HNO3) and 1 ml of 35% Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using a microwave digestion unit (MARS 6, CEM One TouchTM Technology, CEM GmbH, Germany). The digested samples were filtered and mineralisates were diluted with de–ionized water. Se, Fe and Zn of each sample were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Model No. 7900, USA).

Sensory Evaluation

The yolk color, appearance, aroma, flavor and overall acceptability of two hard–boiled egg samples from two groups were evaluated in sensory evaluation with 30 untrained panelists using nine point hedonic scale system (1 – Dislike extremely, 9 – like extremely). The sensory profiles were conducted on three digit-coded samples.

Statistical Analyses

The experimental design was Completely Randomized Design and data were analyzed using Minitab software package. Differences at P<0.05 were considered as significant. Sensory data were analyzed using Friedman non–parametric test using Minitab software package.

Results

Productive Performances of Laying Hens

The feed intake of the control and the treatment groups were 110.8±2.9 and 110.2±3.8 g/hen/day respectively and not significantly different (P>0.05). Though hens supplemented with minerals incorporated diet has resulted higher egg production (4.42±2.7 eggs/week) than the control (4.23±3.31.1 eggs/week) they were not significantly (P>0.05) different. The feed conversion rates were 3.35±0.34 and 3.24±0.34 (kg of feed/kg of egg) for the treatment and the control.

External Quality of Eggs

Egg Weight, Egg Width, Length, Shell Thickness and Shape Index: The highest mean egg weight was recorded in the group fed with mineral supplemented diet in the second week. Whereas the egg weights of the control group were significantly (P>0.05) lower than the mineral supplemented group. However, with the time egg weights of both treatments have shown a reduction (Figure 1). Table 2 indicates the external quality characteristics including width, length, shell thickness and shell strength. Significant differences (P<0.05) in width between two treatments were recorded in 2nd and 4th week. Values were ranged from 3.5 to 4 cm. The highest width was recorded in 3rd week for the control group, but it was not significantly differed with the treatment. Length was significantly different only in 6th week. Shell thickness was only significantly differed in 1st week while shell strength was significantly different in two last weeks (P<0.05). Mean shell thickness of eggs from two treatments varied from 0.068 to 0.116 cm. Mean shape index of eggs in two treatments are given in the Figure 2. A significant difference between the treatment and the control was indicated in 4th week (P<0.05). Up to 4th week shape index was higher in hens fed with supplemented diet than the basal diet. But the difference is not significant (P>0.05). Mean shape index of eggs from two groups was ranged from 63 to 69%.

Figure 1: Egg weights (Mean ± standard error) from 1st to 6th week Bars with different letters are significantly different for particular week (P<0.05), (n=15) T1– Basal Diet, T2– Basal Diet + Na2SeO3, FeSO4, ZnSO4.

Figure 2: Shape index of eggs (Mean ± standard error) from 1st to 6th week Bars with different letters are significantly different (P<0.05), (n=15) T1– Basal Diet T2– Basal Diet + Na2SeO3, FeSO4, ZnSO4.

Table 2: Se, Fe and Zn concentrations in egg yolk and egg albumen (ppm).

Note: Data expressed as mean ± standard error (n=6, P<0.05).

Internal Quality of Eggs

Haugh Unit, Yolk Index and Yolk Color: Yolk height was significantly different in 4th week and yolk diameter was significantly different in 1st and 4th weeks (P<0.05). Egg white height recorded a significant difference in 2nd and 3rd weeks (P<0.05). The average Haugh unit ranged from 28.3±2.7 to 72.07±2.2 (Figure 3). Significant difference of Haugh unit was recorded in 4th week (P<0.05). Mean yolk index of two treatments was ranged from 29 to 43% throughout the experiment period. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between eggs from two groups in the 4th week (Figure 4). The highest yolk index was recorded in mineral supplemented group in 2nd week as 42%. The highest and lowest values for egg yolk color were 5.6 ± 0.91 and 4.5± 0.52 for control group and 6.5±0.83 and 4.9±0.26 for mineral supplemented group respectively (Figure 5).

Figure 3: Haugh unit values (Mean ± standard error) from 1st to 6th week Bars with different letters are significantly different in particular week (P<0.05), (n=15) T1– Basal Diet T2– Basal Diet + Na2SeO3, FeSO4, ZnSO4.

Figure 4: Yolk index of eggs (Mean ± standard error) from 1st to 6th week Bars with different letters are significantly different (P<0.05), (n=15) T1– Basal Diet T2– Basal Diet + Na2SeO3, FeSO4, ZnSO4.

Figure 5: Yolk color of eggs (Mean ± standard error) from 1st to 6th week Bars with different letters are significantly different (p<0.05), (n=15) T1– Basal Diet T2– Basal Diet + Na2SeO3, FeSO4, ZnSO4.

Se, Fe and Zn Concentrations of Egg Yolk and Egg White: Se concentration in egg yolk was not significantly different between two treatments (P>0.05). But, Se concentration in egg white was significantly 28.6% (P<0.05) increased with supplementation of minerals (Table 2). In the case of Fe concentration in egg, the mineral supplemented group showed a significantly higher Fe concentration in egg yolk (P<0.05) than the control group. Though the egg white Fe concentration in the mineral supplemented group is higher than control group, it was not significantly diffferent (P>0.05). Fe content in egg yolk has increased by 15.7% in the group fed with mineral incorporated diet when compared to the control diet and in egg white Fe content has increased by 9.2% in the mineral supplemented diet than the control diet (Table 2).

Sensory Evaluation: The sensory quality evaluation results of hard-boiled eggs of control and mineral supplemented hens are presented in the Figure 6. Results indicated that the eggs from mineral supplemented group had a significantly higher color difference than control group (P<0.05). In addition to that, other sensory attributes including appearance, aroma, flavor and overall acceptability were not significantly different (P>0.05).

Figure 6: Variation of sensory attributes in two treatments T1– Basal Diet T2– Basal Diet + Na2SeO3, FeSO4, ZnSO4.

Discussion

Productive Performances of Laying Hens

The feed intake, egg production and feed conversion rates were not significantly difference between the two groups of the present study. Skrivan, et al. [20] have also reported similar productive performance results when supplementing Sodium selenite, Se– enriched yeast and Se–enriched chlorella to ISA Brown laying hens at 24 weeks of age. The values for feed intake/hen/day have ranged from 112-118 g. The current supplementation level might have not affected the organoleptic properties of the diet. Hence, it did not affect the feed intake negatively. Further it is known that the management and the environmental factors mostly affect the feed intake. Contradictory to the current findings Ramadan [26], observed significant (P<0.05) decreased in mean feed intake of Mandarah laying hens when the diets supplemented with Fe levels of 100 or 200 mg Fe/kg of diet. The results of present study with respect to the egg production are clearly in agreement with the studies conducted by Skrivan, et al. [20,21]. They have used organic and inorganic sources of Se as the same level as the current study. Feed conversion rate/kg of eggs also were not significantly different. Bahakaim, et al. [22], have found that the improvement in feed conversion, but was not significant at the level of 150 mg zinc/kg compared to the control diet. The feed conversion ratio of poultry is heritable and also can be affected by gastrointestinal tract traits De Verdal [27].

External Quality of Eggs

Egg Weight: The current study showed significant increase of egg weights compared to the control (Figure 1). Similarly Ramadan, et al. [26] have found a remarkable increase of egg weights when layers fed with supplemental iron at the level of 100 mg/kg of diet in combination with Zn. The increment was 20% as compared to the control diet. Mean egg weight reported by Skrivan, et al. [20] was in comparable with the current study, for the hens fed with organic and inorganic selenium sources supplemented diet. Bahakaim, et al. [22] have observed significant difference in egg weight by supplementing zinc sources to the laying hen’s diet. Saldanha [28] reported that this could be related to the positive effect of organic selenium on the absorption and/or protection of fat-soluble vitamins. Further, the combination of the trace minerals used in this study might have facilitated better utilization of nutrients resulting higher egg weights than the control even though, the feed conversion ratio was not significantly different among the two groups.

Egg Width, Length, Shell Thickness and Shape Index: Arpasova, et al. [29] have found similar results compared to the current study with regard to the egg width and length when supplementing organic and inorganic sources to the laying hens. Pavlović, et al. 2010 reported that supplementation of Se up to 0.8 mg/kg does not affect the eggshell quality characteristics. Effect of mineral supplementation on eggshell strength is contrary in the study compared to Richter, et al. (2006) and they have observed increased in eggshell strength by supplementing both organic and inorganic forms of Se.

Haugh Unit, Yolk Index and Yolk Color: Skrivan, et al. [20] reported that sodium selenite and Se–yeast were not effective to increase the Haugh unit. Egg albumin height and Haugh unit values decrease with the storage time and it happens quickly at high temperatures. Bertchini, et al. [30] have reported that there was no significant effect of Fe supplemented diet at the level of 20, 40, 60 and 80 ppm Fe/kg on egg quality except for Haugh unit. Bahakaim, et al. [22] have reported that supplementation of Zn in different levels to the laying hens has significant effect on albumen index, Haugh unit and shell thicknesses with an exception of the results reflected by the current study. The preferable results for egg quality were recorded with supplementation of 50 mg Zn/kg and 100 mg of Zn/kg with the basal diet. Further supplementation of organic minerals (Ca, P, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) up to 0.3 g/kg of feed has not affected egg quality parameters Saldanha, et al. (2010). In the current study, significant differences in yolk color were recorded in the first, fourth and sixth weeks. Chen, et al. [31] reported that rations with different Fe formulations had a significant effect on egg yolk color. The current combination of minerals might have an effect on pigment transportation and/or accumulation of egg yolk. However, it might not have affected to the synthesis of egg white proteins.

Se, Fe and Zn Concentrations of Egg Yolk and Egg White: After 14 days of supplementing of both organic and inorganic sources of Se including Sodium selenite, Se–yeast and Se–Chlorella to ISA brown laying hens, Skrivan, et al. [20] have found that Se concentration in egg white is significantly higher than egg yolk. The level of Se supplementation was at the same concentration as the present study. Nonetheless Cantor [32] has shown that Se can be effectively deposited in egg yolk than in egg white. The results from various experiments are contradictory, Se supplemental level and source of Se most obviously affect to the Se concentrations in egg components. Due to higher bioavailability of Se in organic sources than inorganic sources, supplementing of organic sources of Se is considered as the most effective way to enrich the egg with Se Payne [20,33,34].

Ramadan, et al. [26], have conducted a research to investigate the effect of using different levels of Fe with Zn and Cu in layer’s diet on egg iron enrichment and results of the study have shown that with increasing Fe level in the diet from 0.0 to 100 and 200 mg/kg have significantly (P<0.01) increased the egg iron contents by 33.97 and 57.89% respectively than the control group. Skrivan, et al. [23] have observed that the FeSO4 incorporated diet has increased the Fe concentration in egg yolk and white by 6.3 and 2.2%, respectively. Moreover, the same concentration of Fe in the diet was used in the present study [35]. Thus supplementation of iron in combination of Se and Zn is effective in enriching eggs with those minerals under the tropical climatic conditions.

Zinc concentration in the egg yolk for the control diet and supplemented diets were 33.81±2.6 and 34.30 ± 3.4 mg/kg respectively. Though, it was higher in treatment group than the control, the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Interestingly the egg white Zn concentration was significantly higher when hens supplemented with mineral incorporated diet than basal diet (P<0.05). The current study revealed that supplementing of ZnSO4 (150 mg/kg with the basal diet was effective to increase the Zn concentration in the egg white by 50.9% (Table 2). Thus Fe supplementation is highly effective in enriching the egg yolk whereas Se and Zn supplementation is more effective in enriching egg white than the yolk when Fe, Se and Zn are supplemented in combination [36-38].

Sensory Evaluation: The present multimineral combination has increased the yolk colour. Similar observation has been found be Chen et al, in 2018 with supplementation of Fe. With respect to the acceptability of hard–boiled egg samples, it can be expressed that mineral supplementation has positively affected to the sensory attributes of eggs. The literature on sensory evaluation results of enriched eggs is limited [39]. Though Buckiunien et al., have conducted a sensory evaluation, but they have not measured yolk color in boiled eggs. The present study indicated that the Se, Fe and Zn supplementation at the given levels has a positive effect on egg yolk color.

Conclusion

Mineral supplemented diet with inorganic sources of Sodium selenite, Zinc sulphate and Ferrous sulphate does not alter the feed intake, egg production and feed conversion rate in layers under tropical conditions. Inorganic forms of Se, Fe and Zn favorably affect to increase the total egg weight. The multi mineral combination of Se, Fe and Zn sources on egg internal and external quality shows positive influences. With respect to three supplemented mineral sources, Sodium selenite and Zinc sulphate are effective in enriching the egg white with Se and Zn, by 28.6% and 50.9% respectively. While Ferrous sulphate fortifies the egg yolk by 15.7% than the basal diet. Mineral supplemented diet with Na2SeO3 (0.3 mg/kg), FeSO4 (120 mg/kg) and ZnSO4 (150 mg/kg) can be recommended to fortification of eggs with Se, Fe and Zn successfully and, it results positive improvements in egg quality especially the yolk color. Se, Fe and Zn supplemented diet increases the consumer preferences of eggs by increasing egg yolk color.

References

Research Article

Multimineral Fortification of Chicken Egg by Supplementing a Combination of Sodium Selenite, Ferrous Sulphate and Zinc Sulphate in Layer Diet

Pushpamali RMD1, Himali SMC1*, Gunawardene M2, Samarasinghe K1 and Chandrajith R3

Author Affiliations

1Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

2Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology, Mahenwatte, Pitipana, Homagama Sri Lanka

3Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Received: April 15, 2021 | Published: April 26, 2021

Corresponding author: Himali SMC, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2021.35.005683

Abstract

Since the bioavailability of organic minerals are highly effective in supplying minerals to the body, enriching of eggs with multiminerals could be an effective way to supply minerals to human beings. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), Ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) and Zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) incorporated diet on Selenium (Se), Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) concentrations of eggs, egg quality and productivity traits of layers. A feeding trial was conducted with Shaver Brown laying hens (65–week of age) for eight weeks. The dietary groups were basal diet and basal diet plus Na2SeO3, FeSO4 and ZnSO4 with the concentrations of Se 0.3 mg/kg, Fe 120 mg/ kg and Zn 150 mg/kg. Feed intake and egg production were recorded daily. The feed conversion ratio was calculated for the whole period. Concentrations of Se, Fe and Zn in egg samples were determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer after microwave digestion in acidic media. Egg quality parameters including egg weight, shape index, eggshell strength, shell thickness, Haugh unit, yolk index, and yolk color were measured weekly and a sensory evaluation of hard boiled eggs was carried out at the end of the experimental period. Supplementation of mineral incorporated diet significantly increased Se and Zn concentrations in egg white by 28.6% and 50.9% (P<0.05) respectively. Fe concentration in egg yolk was increased by 15.7% (P<0.05). Feed intake/hen/day, egg production/hen/week and feed conversion ratio/kg eggs were not significantly different among the treatment and control (P>0.05). Mineral supplemented diet markedly increased (P<0.05) egg weight and egg white weight than the control. The other egg quality characteristics showed a positive improvement, but with no statistically significant difference compared to the control group (P>0.05). The results of sensory evaluation showed higher consumer preference to the yolk color (P>0.05) of mineral fortified eggs than the control. Mineral supplemented diet with Na2SeO3 (0.3 mg/kg), FeSO4 (120 mg/kg) and ZnSO4 (150 mg/kg) can be recommended to fortification of eggs with Se, Fe and Zn successfully and, it results positive improvements in egg quality especially the yolk color. The egg production parameters are not affected by the fortification of mineral concentrations and combination used in the current study.

Keywords: Selenium; Iron; Zinc; Laying Hen; Chicken Egg Fortification