Effect of Probucol on Reproductive Performance, Egg Yolk Cholesterol Content, and Lipid Metabolism in the Laying Hen

Egg production type chickens were given the drug Probucol in their diets to determine its effect on egg production characteristics, liver lipid metabolism, egg yolk lipid synthesis, and egg yolk cholesterol concentration. In none of the three trials conducted did Probucol feeding affect egg production or body weight. The drug reduced total liver lipogenesis as measured by incorporation of 14C-acetate by surviving liver slices. Relative incorporation of 14C-acetate into cholesterol by liver was increased by the drug. However, in ovo incorporation of 14C-acetate in total yolk lipids remains unchanged and relative incorporation into yolk cholesterol is reduced. As a result, egg yolk cholesterol content is reduced by 5% with the .10% dietary level of drug administration.