Chia seeds (
Salvia hispanica) are nutrient dense and is rich in fiber, omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. Chia seeds have eight times more omega-3 fatty acids than wild Atlantic salmon, twice as much calcium as milk and four times the iron of spinach. Active components in chia seeds include kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid. Specific applications studied in poultry include:
- Egg Quality: Adding 300 g/kg of S. hispanica seeds to hens' diets resulted in high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the eggs.
- Bone health: Chia seeds contain a good source of calcium, which is fundamental in maintaining bone health and helps maintain bone strength and mass in laying hens. Chia also contains boron, which helps to metabolize calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus for healthy growth of bones and muscles.
Poultry Specific Studies
| Type | Plant Part | Dosage | Specific use | Results | Ref |
|---|
| Quail | oil | 0.4g chia oil/kg diet | growth | improved the growth performance, certain blood parameters and lipid profile. | M Alagawany et al., 2020 |
| Quail | oil | up to 3 g/kg diet | source of omega-3 | The most important effect of chia seed oil supplementation to the diet was determined to be on the omega-3/omega-6 ratio of egg yolk. Dietary chia seed oil increased the omega-3/omega-6 ratio | A Sengul 2022 |
References
- . "Health Benefits of Chia Seeds" OrganicFacts.net (2016)
- Examine.com. "Salvia hispanica" (2016)
- Timilsena YP, Adhikari R, Kasapis S, Adhikari B.. "Rheological and microstructural properties of the chia seed polysaccharide." Int J Biol Macromol (2015)
- Valdivia-López MÁ, Tecante A.. "Chia (Salvia hispanica): A Review of Native Mexican Seed and its Nutritional and Functional Properties." Adv Food Nutr Res (2015)
- García Jiménez S, Pastor Vargas C, de las Heras M, Sanz Maroto A, Vivanco F, Sastre J.. "Allergen characterization of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica), a new allergenic food." J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol (2015)
- Coates, W. "Whole and Ground Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Seeds, Chia Oil e Effects on Plasma Lipids and Fatty Acids" Nuts and seeds in health and disease prevention. (2011)
- Peiretti, P. G., & Gai, F.. "Fatty acid and nutritive quality of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds and plant during growth" Animal Feed Science and Technology (2009)
- Ayerza R, Coates W.. "Dietary levels of chia: influence on hen weight, egg production and sensory quality, for two strains of hens." Br Poult Sci. (2002)
- Ayerza R, Coates W, Lauria M.. "Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) as an omega-3 fatty acid source for broilers: influence on fatty acid composition, cholesterol and fat content of white and dark meats, growth performance, and sensory characteristics." Poult Sci (2002)
- Ayerza R, Coates W.. "Dietary levels of chia: influence on yolk cholesterol, lipid content and fatty acid composition for two strains of hens." Poult Sci (2000)
