Chia


Salvia hispanica

Chia

Other Names:

Mexican Chia, Salba

Benefits

  • Antioxidant
  • Anti-inflammatory
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

TypePlant PartDosageSpecific useResultsRef
Quailoilup to 3 g/kg dietsource of omega-3The 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
Quailoil0.4g chia oil/kg dietgrowthimproved the growth performance, certain blood parameters and lipid profile.M Alagawany et al., 2020

References