Vol. 45, No. 3, 2001
THE EFFECT OF DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE (DMSO) ON PLASMA AND EGG YOLK CHOLESTEROL CONTENT AND LAYING HEN PERFORMANCE
Keleº, O.
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Istanbul University, Avcılar
34851, Istanbul
TURKEY
Summary
I set out to establish the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which is thought to have an effect on cholesterol metabolism and on the cholesterol content of eggs. In this study 28 layer hens, in 4 groups each containing 7 experimental hens, were used. After the 4th week, 0-1% and 2% DMSO were added to the drinking water to three experimental groups given feed containing 1% cholesterol for 7 weeks.
1% DMSO in drinking water resulted an increase in egg cholesterol level while it did not effect any other parameter. 2% DMSO caused a significant decrease in plasma and egg cholesterol level.
Despite the positive effect of 2% DMSO on cholesterol level, toxicity was observed in the decrease in body weight gain, egg production, and feed consumption.
These findings showed that the use of DMSO was un-suitable for low cholesterol egg production.
Key words: DMSO; laying hens; cholesterol
References
Folia Veterinaria / 2001