Neves, MartaFerreira, AnaAntunes, MadalenaSilva, JoanaMendes, SusanaGil, Maria M.Tecelão, Carla2022-03-022022-03-022021Neves, M.; Ferreira, A.; Antunes, M.; Laranjeira Silva, J.; Mendes, S.; Gil, M.M.; Tecelão, C. Nannochloropsis oceanica as a Sustainable Source of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids for Enrichment of Hen Eggs. Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 8747. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/app111887472076-3417http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/6728Funding: This research was funded by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) to the research units of MARE (UIDB/04292/2020) and by the Integrated Programme of SR&TD “Smart Valorization of Endogenous Marine Biological Resources Under a Changing Climate” (reference Centro-01-0145-FEDER-000018), co-funded by Centro 2020 program, Portugal 2020, European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund.This study aimed to evaluate the potential of the marine microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica as a sustainable source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) for hen eggs enrichment. During 4 weeks, hens were fed with 3% (w/w) of Nannochloropsis oceanica supplemented diet. Throughout the assay, eggs were analyzed according to several nutritional and physical parameters, namely: (i) protein, fat, and ash content; (ii) fatty acid profile; (iii) thickness and colour of the shell; (iv) total egg weight; (v) protein quality (HU) and (vi) yolk colour. A remarkable increase in eicosapentaenoic (EPA), from 2.1 ± 0.1 to 5.2 ± 1.2 mg/100 g, and docosahexaenoic (DHA), from 50.3 ± 4.0 to 105 ± 18 mg/100 g, fatty acids was observed. Yolk colour also changed significantly according to the La Roche scale, from 9.6 ± 0.8 to 11.4 ± 0.8 (more orange). Feed supplementation did not lead to changes in the remaining analyzed parameters. A shelf life study, carried out for 28 days at room temperature, showed a decrease in eggs protein quality. In conclusion, eggs from hens fed with Nannochloropsis oceanica had a yolk colour more appealing to consumers and higher levels of EPA and DHA, allowing its classification as high in n-3 PUFA (CE nº 1924/2006).engDHAEPAHen eggs enrichementNannochloropsis oceanicaShelf lifeHen feed supplementationYolk colourjournal article2022-02-23cv-prod-271392210.3390/app11188747