Conservation breed/line laying hens: Greenleg Partridge (Z-11), Yellowleg Partridge (Ż-33), Rhode Island Red (R-11), Sussex (S-66) and Leghorn (H-22 and G-99), 360 per strain were divided into 2 equal feeding treatment groups. Control groups (C) were fed a standard complete diet, experimental groups (L) were fed a diet with 10% linseed. The experiment was conducted from 37 to 52 weeks of age. Hatching efficiency was examined using 150 eggs per group. Laying rate and hatching efficiency differed between breed/strains, but increased due to incorporation of linseed into the diet. At 52 weeks of age, 4 eggs were randomly selected from each treatment group and yolks were analysed for fatty acid profile and cholesterol content. There was an increase in n-3 PUFA, including α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, and a decrease in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in all groups receiving the linseed diet. It can be concluded that the use of linseed in diets of conservation breed/line hens results in table eggs with functional food properties and improves hatching efficiency in breeding stocks.