Impact of Choline Supplementation on Hepatic Histopathology, Phospholipid Content, and Tocopherol Status in Layer Hens Fed Flaxseed

SUMMARY Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is a metabolic disorder in egg laying hens characterized by liver hemorrhages, and increased hepatic lipid accumulation. Based on our previous research on hepatic lipid-lowering effect of dietary flaxseed in egg laying hens, the current study examined the ability of flaxseed-based diets with supplementary choline to attenuate FLHS pathology. In addition, hepatic phospholipid composition, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant status were also assessed. A total of 24 (Lohmann Brown) laying hens (n = 24) (40 wk old) were kept individually in cages and were fed 1 of the 2 corn-soybean meal-based diets containing 15 g/100 g flaxseed (Flax) or Flax +0.15 g/100 g choline chloride (Flax+Cho) for a period of 140 d. Histopathology revealed an increase in hepatocytes vacuolization in Flax+Cho hens. Statistical analysis of total pathological scores in liver indicated that Flax+Cho perpetuated fatty liver pathology (P 0.05). In conclusion, dietary choline enhanced antioxidant status while reducing total lipid and PC content in the hepatic tissue of hens fed flaxseed. Supplementing choline in flaxseed-based diets reduced oxidative stress in hens fed flaxseed. Choline supplementation was not effective in attenuating FLHS pathology in hens fed flaxseed.