Each diet (treatment) was replicated 4 times,
with each replicate comprising 12 hens (6 cages
of two hens each). The trial lasted 84 d, and was
divided into three periods of 28 d. Feed and
water was provided ad libitum.
Egg production was determined weekly on a
per hen basis. Feed consumption was determined
at the end of each feeding period. Egg weight was
based on eggs collected during the last 3 d of
each period. Using this information, average feed
conversion was calculated. For lipid and fatty
acid analyses, 4 eggs per treatment were collected
at the end of feeding periods one and three. The
eggs were stored at room temperature for up to
5 d, prior to being sent for analysis. In the
laboratory the eggs were weighed, opened, and
the yolks separated and weighed individually.
The yolks were then sent to the laboratory to
determine total lipid content and fatty acid
composition.