Effect of feeding crude red palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) and grain amaranth (Amaranthus paniculatus) to hens on total lipids, cholesterol, PUFA levels and acceptability of eggs

Eggs, though a very nutritious food, also have high amounts of cholesterol and hence are not recommended to be consumed regularly by persons having hy percholesterolemia and associated cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this co ntext, an attempt was made in this study to reduce the cholesterol content of eggs by diet manipulation, using two naturally available and already pro ved hypocholesteromic agents [Red Palm Oil (RPO) and Grain Amaranth]. Thirt een experimental rations using raw and popped grain Amaranth and RPO were f ed to 24 weeks old hens for a period of 6 weeks, singularly and in combinat ions. Total lipids, cholesterol and PUFA contents were analyzed in the expe rimental and control eggs. The results showed that RPO and RPO + Popped Ama ranth feeding resulted in a maximum reduction in total lipids and cholester ol contents. Significant increase was observed in linoleic acid content in RPO + popped Amaranth; raw Amaranth and RPO fed groups. Acceptability studi es showed that the products made from lower cholesterol eggs were well acce pted.