THE COMPOSITION OF STERCULIA DIVERSIFOLIA DONN SEED OIL AND ITS EFFECT ON EGG PRODUCTION OF HENS

Document Type : Research article

Authors

Abstract

Sterculia diversifolia Donn seed oil was prepared and subjected to chemical and biological Studies. The chemical study showed the presence of cycloprop < /strong>ene fatty acids in addition to other unsaturated ones. Malvalic acid, the cyclopropenoid fatty acid, was prepared in a pure form. Quantitative determination by colouremetrie and titremetric methods showed that the cyclopropene acids are present in a concentration ranging from 9.979 - 10.12% in the seed oil. The biological study was achieved on Fayoumi hens and cocks which recieved rations containing 3%, 1.5% 0.5% and 0.0% of the seed oil. A significant and parallel decrease in the egg production was noticed. The laid eggs showed pink whites, olive-green yolks and changes in consistency and pH. The embryonic mortality rate was observed where it ranged between 97 to 100% after 14 or 21 days of incubation of the eggs. The fertility rate of the male birds remained within normal limits.