Effect of an ethanolic extract from Enterolobium cyclocarpum pods on feed intake, egg production, and plasma lipid profile of laying hens

There is concern about egg cholesterol content. In this study, the effect of an ethanolic extract from Enterolobium cyclocarpum (EEEC) pods in laying hen diets on egg production and plasma lipid profile was investigated. EEEC was added in 0 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg, 240 mg/kg, and 480 mg/kg to the diets. Feed intake was lower in laying hens fed diets with 480 mg/kg of EEEC (p < 0.05). Albumen was less heavy and wide in laying hens fed diets with EEEC, in comparison to those in the control diet (p < 0.05). No significant effect of EEEC on cholesterol in plasma was observed (p < 0.08); however, a significant increase of high-density lipids (HDL) in proportion of total cholesterol was observed in hens supplemented with 120 mg/kg of EEEC (p < 0.05). In conclusion, EEEC reduced albumen weight and wide in eggs, and 120 mg/kg of EEEC in the diet increased HDL in proportion to total cholesterol in blood.