The effect of fermented buckwheat on producing L-carnitine and Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) enriched designer eggs

Abstract

The potential of fermented buckwheat as feed additives was studied to increase L-carnitine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in designer eggs. Buckwheat contains high levels of lysine, methionine, and glutamate, which are precursors for the synthesis of L-carnitine and GABA. Rhizopus oligosporus was used for the fermentation of buckwheat to produce L-carnitine and GABA that exert positive effects like enhanced metabolism, antioxidant activities, immunity, and blood pressure control. A novel analytical method for simultaneously detecting L-carnitine and GABA was developed using LC/MS and LC/MS/MS. The fermented buckwheat extract contained 4 and 34 fold-increased L-carnitine and GABA, respectively, than normal buckwheat. Compared to control, the fermented buckwheat extract-fed group showed enriched L-carnitine (13.6%) and GABA (8.4%) in the yolk. However, only L-carnitine was significantly different (p<0.05). Egg production (9.4%), albumen weight (2.1%), and shell weight (5.8%) were significantly increased (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in yolk weight, total cholesterol (1.9%) and triglyceride (4.9%) in the yolk was lowered (p<0.05). Fermented buckwheat as feed additives has the potential to produce L-carnitine and GABA enriched designer eggs with enhanced nutrition and homeostasis. The L-carnitine and GABA enriched designer eggs pose significance to be utilized in superfood production and supplement industries.