Average Egg Weight Research Articles

Effects of rapeseed meal on laying performance and egg quality in laying ducks

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different varieties of rapeseed meal (RSM) with different concentrations of glucosinolates (Gls) and erucic acid (EA) on performance and egg quality of laying ducks. A total of 576 twenty eight-wk-old laying ducks were randomly allocated to 4 treatments. Each treatment had 8 replicates of 18 laying ducks raised in 6 adjacent cages with 3 laying ducks per cage. The control diet was corn soybean meal based without RSM. Three varieties of RSM varying in Gls concentrations were supplemented to the base diet at 10% by substituting soybean meal to formulate the three RSM diets. The experiment lasted 12 wk. Diets with 10% RSM decreased average egg weight (P < 0.01) and feed intake (P = 0.07) compared with the control diet, but there was no significant difference in laying performance among the 3 RSM diets. RSM increased color value (P < 0.05) and crude protein (CP) content (P < 0.05) of yolk compared with the control diet, but had no significant effects on the other egg quality indexes including eggshell strength, albumen height, Haugh unit, and the composition ratio of eggshell, albumen and yolk. RSM decreased total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (P < 0.01) and increased total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (P < 0.01) of yolk, but total saturated fatty acids (SFA) proportions and UFA/SFA ratio of egg yolk were not significantly affected by RSM. RSM increased deposition of trimethylamine (TMA) and 5-vinyl-1,3-oxazolidine-2-thione (5-VOT) in yolk (P < 0.01); moreover, the high Gls RSM increased deposition of TMA (P < 0.01) and 5-VOT in yolk (P < 0.01) compared with the RSM varieties low in Gls. These results suggested that dietary inclusion of 10% RSM decreased egg weight of laying ducks, and affected yolk quality especially yolk color, fatty acid profile, CP, TMA, and 5-VOT content of yolk. Moreover, RSM with higher Gls concentration resulted in higher deposition of TMA and 5-VOT in egg yolk.

Досвід отримання зрілої ікри сибірського осетра (Acipenser baerii (Brandt, 1869)) у нетрадиційні рибницькі строки

Purpose. To investigate the peculiarities of obtaining ovulated eggs of the Siberian sturgeon in hatchery conditions in non-traditional (winter) period and determine major features of brood fish used for the experiments. Methodology. The material for the study were age-10+ Siberian sturgeon females with body weights of 6.20-8.24 kg grown in conditions of floating cages in a water body with natural temperature regime of the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. The experiments were conducted with a regulated water temperature regime in the third decade of January with the use of natural gonadotropic drugs for the stimulation of egg maturation in fish. Brood fish were prepared for the experiment in the recirculating aquaculture system. Measurement of fisheries parameters and study of physicochemical factors of the aquatic medium were performed according to generally accepted methods. Experiment results were assessed statistically using standard software. Findings. With water temperature of 14-15оС, depending on the dosage of the gonadotropic drug, different efficiencies of gonad maturation in experimental groups of fish were detected. More than 85% of females matured after dosing of gonadotropic drugs 3.5 and 4.5 mg / kg. In the version with a minimum dose of gonadotropic substance 2.5 mg / kg responded positively to hormonal stimulation 57% of females. The average weight of eggs obtained in some groups of brood fish was 819.5-1079.0 g. Average working fecundity and relative working fecundity in experimental groups of the Siberian sturgeon females varied within 47.95-52.64 thousand eggs and 6.93-7.17 thousand eggs/kg of fish body weight, respectively. The duration of maturation after the second (resolving) administration of the gonadotropic drug until the moment of the occurrence of the ovulation process varied mainly within 15-20 hours. Originality. The peculiarities of obtaining mature eggs of the Siberian sturgeon with the use of methods of industrial reproduction of sturgeons, which are new for the aquaculture of Ukraine, were studied. Practical value. The study results are of interest for the development of modern methods of sturgeon aquaculture in conditions of fish farms of industrial type. Key words: brood Siberian sturgeon, industrial aquaculture, non-traditional technologies, eggs, ovulation, fisheries parameters.

The Relationship of Egg Weight with DOC Weight and DOC Weight with Body Weight of First Generation of Sentul Chicken (G1)

This study aims to determine the relationship between egg weight and DOC weight and DOC weight with body weight of Sentul GI chickens at 1, 2, 3, and 4 months of age. The materials used were 78 males and 96 females of Sentul G1 chickens from the hatching of 315 G0 eggs. The research method is the experimental method. The variables of this study included: egg weight, body weight and body weight gain at DOC-4 months of age. Data analysis used t-test and correlation regression analysis. Egg weight had no significant effect (P≥0.05) on the sex of Sentul chicken DOC. The average body weight of male Sentul chickens was significantly (P &lt;0.05) higher than that of female Sentul chickens. Egg weight had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on DOC weight with a correlation value of 0.915 and 0.892. DOC weight had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on body weight at the age of 1, 2, 3, and 4 months with the correlation values of Sentul roosters sequentially 0.892, 0.794, 0.757, 0.539 and Sentul hens correlation values sequentially 0.993, 0.859, 0.735 , 0.527. Conclusion: 1) Average egg weight, body weight, and body weight gain of male Sentul chickens were better than female Sentul chickens G1. 2) The relationship between egg weight and DOC weight and DOC weight at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months of age was positive.

THE EFFECT OF BEE BREAD ON THE EGG QUALITY OF JAPANESE QUAILS DURING LAYING PERIOD

The aim of the study was to detect effect of supplementation bee bread in diet on Japanese quail’s egg quality during laying. The quails were divided into four groups as follows: E1 with addition of 2 g, E2 with 4 g, E3 with 6 g bee bread per 1 kg of feed mixture and the control without additives (C). The groups were kept under the same conditions. The supplementation of BB into diets affected the laying parameters in favor of the experimental groups. The average egg weight was significantly (P≤0.05) affected by diet and by age. E2 had significantly lower egg weight than C and E3. The animals had significantly lower egg weight regardless of the experimental group at age of 16 weeks. The most significant differences between the C and E groups were in eggshell thickness. All experimental groups had a thinner eggshell than C. The average egg weight was significantly (P≤0.05) affected by diet and by age. The weight of the egg, yolk and albumen were significantly lower at the beginning of laying (P&lt;0.01). We recorded significant differences between the control group and some experimental groups in the weight and width of the albumen; in the percentage of albumen and yolk between the control group and E2 (P&lt;0.05). The control group had darker eggs (9.58oHLR) than experimental groups (from 8.89 to 9.34oHLR). We can conclude that the BB supplementation in diet had significant effect on selected parameters of egg quality of Japanese quails, mainly on the eggshell thickness.

Optimal hatching conditions of Zophobas atratus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) eggs under various culture conditions

• The weight per egg decreased by 42.3%, and eggs hatched on day 6 after oviposition. • Temperature significantly influenced hatchability of Z. atratus eggs. • Hatchability was highest at 30 °C (91%) and lowest at 25 °C (6.5%). • Photoperiod, luminance, and relative humidity had no significant impact. • The highest hatchability (93.6%) was achieved at 30 °C, 12L/12D, 65% RH, and 1800 lx. Supermealworm, Zophobas atratus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a tropical species used for human consumption and as an ingredient in animal feed. We investigated the hatching characteristics of Z. atratus eggs under varying conditions to optimize artificial rearing conditions. Overall, the average egg weight, width, and length decreased by 42.3%, 3.7%, and 10.1%, respectively, on the 6th day post-oviposition. We varied either temperature, photoperiod, illuminance, or humidity, while the other conditions remained constant. Of the four experimental temperatures—25 °C, 27 °C, 30 °C, and 33 °C–30 °C was associated with the highest hatching rate (91.0%) during days 5–7. Although other experimental conditions did not have a significant effect on hatchability, we were able to elucidate the ideal conditions for improved hatchability. For photoperiod, hatchability was the highest (84%) at 12L/12D, followed by 81.0% at 15L/9D, and 70% at 9L/15D. Among the illuminance conditions tested—600, 1800, and 3000 lx—hatchability was the highest at 1800 lx (82.3% on days 4–6). Among the relative humidity (RH) levels tested—50%, 65%, and 80%—hatchability was the highest at 65% RH (88.5% on days 5–6). Thus, the ideal conditions for maximum hatchability were 30 °C, 12L/12D, 65% RH, and 1800 lx. Under these combined conditions, the hatching rate increased by 93.6%, and the hatching time was reduced by two days.

Effects of dietary dimethylglycine supplementation on laying performance, egg quality, and tissue index of hens during late laying period

In this study, the effects of 5 graded dietary levels (0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, and 0.125%) of dimethylglycine (DMG) were studied in laying hens during the late laying period (71–78 wk). Graded doses of DMG from 0.025 to 0.125% in the diet produced quadratic positive (P < 0.05) responses in the laying rate, egg-feed ratio, yolk color, grade follicular weight, and the number of large white follicles and linear positive (P < 0.05) responses in average egg weight, and the number of large white follicles. With 0.1% DMG, the laying rate and egg-feed ratio improved (P < 0.05), and the abdominal fat percentage decreased. Considering the laying performance under the conditions used in this study, the best-fit model for the DMG requirements of laying hens was estimated to range from 0.049 to 0.065% DMG during the late laying period based on a regression analysis. The addition of DMG did not affect the total cholesterol (TCH) and triglyceride (TG) contents in the plasma of laying hens; however, it significantly reduced the abdominal fat rate. DMG may change the course of lipid deposition in laying hens during the late laying period. In conclusion, supplementation with DMG can improve the laying rate and follicles development of laying hens.

A Study on Some Biological Parameters of Crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823) in Ulugöl, Samsun, Turkey

The study aimed to investigate some morphometric traits, length-weight relationship, meat yield, fecundity and some biochemical compositions of Astacus leptodactylus, in one of the Bafra Fish Lakes named Ulugöl, Samsun, Turkey. A total of 378 A. leptodactylus (198 female and 180 male) were examined. The average carapace length was 50.96±0.46 mm for females, 51.31±0.66 mm for males and 51.13±0.40 mm for all sampled crayfish. Abdomen length was 52.36±0.49 mm for females, 49.26±0.62 mm for males and 50.87±0.40 mm for all sampled crayfish. Live weight was between 14.38 g and 105.03 g with an average of 38.26±0.73 g. The average weight of females was less than that of males. There was a strong relationship between length and weight. The weight of crayfish with pleopodal eggs ranged from 28.24 g, to 59.50 g with an average of 41.73±1.09g. The average number of eggs per individuals was 192.90±9.94 with an average number of 4.62±0.21 per unit of live weight. The average total egg weight was 3.35±0.19 g while the average egg diameter was 2.17±0.03 mm. Abdomen meat was lower for males comparing with females. Average moisture, crude ash, crude oil and crude protein of abdomen meat were 81.27%, 1.47%, 0.81% and 16.45%, respectively.

Promotion of Egg Production Rate and Quality Using Limosilactobacillus oris BSLO 1801, a Potential Probiotic Screened from Feces of Laying Hens with Higher Egg Productive Performance.

In this experiment, laying hens were divided into a high productive group (group H) and a low productive group (group L). The purpose of this experiment was to screen and isolate a potential probiotic associated with the laying rate from group H by comparing the results via 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. The high-throughput sequencing analysis results showed that there were some differences in the composition of the gut microbiome between groups H and L on the Phylum and Genus levels. Through isolation and identification, we screened 16 lactobacilli strains. Among the 16 strains, S5 showed good acid tolerance, bile salt tolerance, and cholesterol degradation. Therefore, we chose strain S5 (identified as Limosilactobacillus oris, named Limosilactobacillus oris BSLO 1801) as a potential probiotic to promote the productivity of ordinary laying hens. During the animal experiment, 288 Hy-line white hens (30weeks old) were divided into four groups, with six replications (n = 12) per group. The control group received the basic diet, and the treatment groups received the same basic diet supplemented with 107CFU/kg, 108CFU/kg, and 109CFU/kg of BSLO 1801. The laying hens were acclimated to the environment for 1week before the initiation of the experiment. Dietary supplementation with 107CFU/kg and 109CFU/kg of BSLO 1801 increased the laying rate significantly, and the potential probiotic improved the egg weight in all treatment groups. Additionally, the cholesterol content of the yolk dropped significantly in the 109CFU/kg group, and the weight of egg yolk was significantly increasedin all treatment groups. However, no significant differences in eggshell strength, eggshell thickness, protein height, and Haugh unit were observed among the four groups. These results revealed that lactobacilli spp. are important bacteria of the intestinal microbiome in highly productive laying hens, and BSLO 1801 was isolated as a potential probiotic. Through these animal experiments, we also found that adding BSLO 1801 to the basic diet of laying hens could effectively improve the laying rate, average egg weight, and yolk weight and reduce the cholesterol content in egg yolk.

Temporal and region-specific variations in genome-wide inbreeding effects on female size and reproduction traits of rainbow trout.

Recent studies have shown that current levels of inbreeding, estimated by runs of homozygosity (ROH), are moderate to high in farmed rainbow trout lines. Based on ROH metrics, the aims of our study were to (i) quantify inbreeding effects on female size (postspawning body weight, fork length) and reproduction traits (spawning date, coelomic fluid weight, spawn weight, egg number, average egg weight) in rainbow trout, and (ii) identify both the genomic regions and inbreeding events affecting performance. We analysed the performance of 1346 females under linear animal models including random additive and dominance genetics effects, with fixed covariates accounting for inbreeding effects at different temporal and genomic scales. A significant effect of genome‐wide inbreeding (F) was only observed for spawning date and egg weight, with performance variations of +12.3% and −3.8%, respectively, for 0.1 unit increase in F level. At different local genomic scales, we observed highly variable inbreeding effects on the seven traits under study, ranging from increasing to decreasing trait values. As widely reported in the literature, the main scenario observed during this study was a negative impact of recent inbreeding. However, other scenarios such as positive effects of recent inbreeding or negative impacts of old inbreeding were also observed. Although partial dominance appeared to be the main hypothesis explaining inbreeding depression for all the traits studied, the overdominance hypothesis might also play a significant role in inbreeding depression affecting fecundity (egg number and mass) traits in rainbow trout. These findings suggest that region‐specific inbreeding can strongly impact performance without necessarily observing genome‐wide inbreeding effects. They shed light on the genetic architecture of inbreeding depression and its evolution along the genome over time. The use of region‐specific metrics may enable breeders to more accurately manage the trade‐off between genetic merit and the undesirable side effects associated with inbreeding.

Effects of dietary Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide on growth, serum biochemistry, immunity, and egg laying in quail

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GCP) on growth performance, serum biochemistry, immunity, and egg laying in female quail. 300 1-day-old female quail were sorted into four dietary treatments with five replicate cages of 15 birds each. The basic diet in the four treatment groups was supplemented with 0, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg GCP, and the experiment continued for 80 days. Results showed that dietary supplementation with GCP significantly (p < 0.05) increased average daily gain in a dose-dependent fashion, and decreased (p < 0.05) the feed-to-gain ratio and mortality. The relative weights of the thymus and bursa of Fabricius increased (p < 0.05) linearly with increasing dose of GCP from 0 to 1500 mg/kg on day 20. GCP birds showed higher serum levels of protein, glucose, immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M, but lower serum triglycerides (p < 0.05) on day 50. GCP increased (p < 0.05) average laying rate and average egg weight linearly from days 60 to 80, whereas feed to egg ratio was decreased (p < 0.05). Taken together, these results revealed that GCP could improve growth performance, serum biochemistry, immunity, and egg laying in female quail. Therefore, GCP may be a potential replacement for antibiotic growth promoters in poultry.

Effects of Different Methionine Levels in Low Protein Diets on Production Performance, Reproductive System, Metabolism, and Gut Microbiota in Laying Hens.

This study investigated the effects of different levels of methionine (Met) in a low protein diet on the production performance, reproductive system, metabolism, and gut microbial composition of laying hens to reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of Met in a low protein diet on the host metabolism and gut microbial composition and function of hens. A total of 360 healthy 38-week-old Peking Pink laying hens with similar body conditions and egg production (EP) were randomly divided into four groups with nine replicates per treatment and 10 hens per replicate. The hens in each treatment group were fed low protein diets containing different levels of Met (0.25, 0.31, 0.38, and 0.47%, respectively) for 12 weeks. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the trial period. The results showed that, compared with the 0.25% Met group, the final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), EP, egg weight (EW), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in the other groups were significantly increased and feed egg ratio (FER) was decreased. Meanwhile, the EW and yield of abdominal fat (AFY) in the 0.47% Met group were higher than those in other groups. The triglyceride (TG), estradiol (E2), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the 0.38 and 0.47% Met groups were higher than those in other groups. In addition, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that there was no difference in the Sobs index, ACE index, and Shannon index among all groups. However, it is worth noting that feeding low protein diets with Met changed the gut microbial composition (e.g., the supplementation of Met increased the level of Lactobacillus and decreased the proportion of Faecalibacterium). Also, our results showed that the changes in gut microbial composition induced by the diets with different levels of Met were closely related to the changes of key parameters: ADFI, EW, FBW, TG, EM, EP, ADG, FER, and uric acid (UA). Our results highlight the role of adding an appropriate amount of Met to the low protein diet in laying hens, which could improve the gut microbial composition, production performance, reproductive system, and nutrient metabolism of laying hens. In conclusion, this study suggested that when the Met level was 0.38%, the production performance of the laying hens was pretty good.

تأثير استبدال مستويات مختلفة من كسبة السمسم كمصدر بروتيني محل كسبة فول الصويا على الأداء الإنتاجي والتناسلي لطائر السمان البياض

أجريت الدراسة في حقل الطيور الداجنة التابع لقسم الإنتاج الحيواني/ كلية الزراعة والغابات/ جامعة الموصل للفترة من 2020/ 2/ 18 ولغاية 2020/ 4/ 13. هدفت التجربة لدراسة تأثير استبدال مستويات مختلفة من كسبة السمسم (SSM) كمصدر بروتيني محل كسبة فول الصويا (SBM) على الأداء الإنتاجي والتناسلي لطائر السمان البياض، استخدم فيها 360 طائر سمان (240 أنثى و120 ذكر) بعمر 49 يوم وزعت عشوائياً إلى خمسة معاملات، كل معاملة ثمانية مكررات وبواقع 9 طيور في كل مكرر (6 إناث و3 ذكور) وكانت المعاملات كالآتي: الأولى سيطرة (كسبة السمسم صفر%)، الثانية والثالثة والرابعة والخامسة تم استبدال كسبة السمسم محل كسبة فول الصويا بالنسب (25، 50، 75 و100)% على التوالي، حيث كان العلف والماء متوفر بصورة حرة طيلة فترة التجربة البالغة 8 أسابيع. أظهرت نتائج التحليل الإحصائي وجود تدهور معنوي بمستوى (α≤0.05 ) في المعاملة الخامسة (كسبة السمسم 100%) مقارنةً بالسيطرة وباقي المعاملات في عدد البيض الكلي، معدل وزن البيضة، كتلة البيض الكلية، نسبة إنتاج البيض Hen day egg production (%H.D)، كمية العلف المستهلك الكلي، معامل التحويل الغذائي، نسبة الخصوبة، نسبة الفقس من البيض الكلي، معدل وزن الأفراخ الفاقسة وارتفاع معنوي في نسبة الهلاكات الجنينية. كما بينت النتائج وجود انخفاض معنوي بمستوى (P≤0.05) في كمية العلف المستهلك الكلي للمعاملة الرابعة (كسبة السمسم 75%) مقارنةً بالسيطرة، في حين لم يلاحظ وجود اي فروقات معنوية لباقي معاملات الاستبدال في جميع الصفات المدروسة. أظهرت نتائج هذه الدراسة إمكانية استخدام كسبة السمسم كمصدر بروتيني بنسبة (75%) محل كسبة فول الصويا في علائق طائر السمان البياض.

Xylanase impact beyond performance: A microbiome approach in laying hens.

Anti-nutritional compounds such as non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) are present in viscous cereals used in feed for poultry. Therefore, exogenous carbohydrases are commonly added to monogastric feed to degrade these NSP. Our hypothesis is that xylanase not only improves laying hen performance and digestibility, but also induces a significant shift in microbial composition within the intestinal tract and thereby might exert a prebiotic effect. In this context, a better understanding on whether and how the chicken gut microbial population can be modulated by xylanase is required. To do so, the effects of dietary supplementation of xylanase on performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and cecal microbiome in laying hens were evaluated in the present study. A total of 96 HiSex laying hens were used in this experiment (3 diets and 16 replicates of 2 hens). Xylanase was added to the diets at concentrations of 0, 45,000 (15 g/t XygestTM HT) and 90,000 U/kg (30 g/t Xygest HT). The diets were based on wheat (~55%), soybean and sunflower meal. The lowest dosage, 45,000 U/kg, significantly increased average egg weight and improved feed efficiency compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). Egg quality parameters were significantly improved in the experiment in response to the xylanase addition. For example, during the last 28 days of the trial, birds receiving the 45,000 U/kg and the 90,000 U/kg treatments exhibited an increase in Haugh units and albumin heights (P<0.05). Compared with the control, the ATTD of organic matter and crude protein were drastically improved in the 45,000 U/kg treatment group (P<0.05). Furthermore, gross energy and the ATTD of crude fat were improved significantly for birds fed 90,000 U/kg group compared to the control. Importantly, 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that xylanase at 45,000 U/kg dosage can exert a change in the cecal microbiome. A significant increase in beneficial bacteria (Bacilli class; Enterococcaceae and Lactobacillales orders; Merdibacter, Enterococcus and Nocardiopsis genera; Enterococcus casseliflavus species) was documented when adding 45,000 U/kg xylanase to the diet of laying hens. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of xylanase 45,000 U/kg significantly improved laying hen performance and digestibility. Furthermore, microbiome data suggest that xylanase modulates the laying hen bacterial population beneficially, thus potentially exerting a prebiotic effect.

Effects of using processed barley and supplemented multi-enzymes in laying hen rations on egg production, egg quality, and egg fatty acids

In this study, we have observed different technological processes, which are commonly used in poultry production. Rations contained different amounts of barley and multi-enzyme, egg weight, egg mass, egg yield, feed intake, egg weight. The rations of the control groups were as follows: 0% barley (based of corn) (K), 15% untreated barley (A1), 15% pellet barley (A2), 15% flaked barley (A3), 30% untreated barley (A4), 30% pelleted barley (A5), 30% flaked barley (A6), 30% untreated barley + enzyme (0. 025%) (A7). In the research, 64 brown laying hens ATAK-S for 36 weeks were divided into 8 different treatments for egg hens. Thirty-week-old laying hens were divided into 8 groups of 8 animals each with a similar live weight. Each treatment consisted of 8 animals in individual cages. Animals were completely randomly determined, grown in individual cages, and kept under a 16:8 h light: dark lighting period. Feed and water were given as ad-libitum. The highest egg weight was obtained from chickens fed with A2 group (62.98 g), and those chickens fed with A1 group (56.45 g) showed lowest egg weight (p ≤ 0.01) In terms of total egg mass, the statistical differences between the experimental groups were very important, but A2 had the highest value and A4 group had the highest value. (p ≤ 0.01). When considering the average feed consumption, feed consumption of A2 fed chickens was higher than the other groups (p ≤ 0.001). Feed consumption of chickens fed A4 and A7 groups were significantly less than that of A1 group and K group feed consuming groups (p ≤ 0.001). There was no significant difference in mean egg yield between treatments. When egg weight average was examined, it was found that egg weight was higher than A4 group's weight ratios when A7 group's added weighted ratio was considered (p ≤ 0.01). When we examined the omega- 6 (n- 6) and omega-3 (n- 3) fatty acids in the trial, linolelaidic acid, one of the omega 6 fatty acids, was found to differ between treatments (p ≤ 0.05). The lowest value for linolelaidic acid ranged from 0.022 in A3 group, while the highest value was 0.046 in A2 group.

Feeding Laying Hens a Diet Containing High-Oleic Peanuts or Oleic Acid Enriches Yolk Color and Beta-Carotene While Reducing the Saturated Fatty Acid Content in Eggs

We investigated the dietary effects of high-oleic peanuts (HOPN) or oleic fatty acids (OA) on older production hen performance, egg mass and quality, and lipid composition. A total of 99 laying hens were divided between three treatments and fed ad libitum for 8 weeks: (1) Conventional diet; (2) HOPN diet; (3) OA diet. Body weight (BW) was measured at weeks 1 and 8, and feed, egg weights (EW), and egg quality parameters were collected. Data was analyzed by analysis of variance at p &lt; 0.05 significance level. There were no treatment differences in 8 week BW, feed conversion ratio, or average weekly egg quality parameters. The 8 week average EW of eggs from the HOPN group had reduced EW relative to the other treatment groups (p = 0.0004). The 8-week average yolk color score (p &lt; 0.0001) was greater in eggs from the HOPN group relative to the other treatments. Overall, the β-carotene (p &lt; 0.006) and OA content (p &lt; 0.0001) was greater in eggs from the HOPN group, with reduced saturated fats in eggs from the HOPN group relative to the other treatments. These results suggest that HOPN and/or OA may be a useful layer feed ingredient to enrich eggs, while significantly reducing egg size in older production hens.

The influences of Tylosine and licorice dietary supplementation in terms of the productive performance, serum parameters, egg yolk lipid profile, antioxidant and immunity status of laying Japanese quail under heat stress condition

By reducing feed consumption, animals suffering from heat stress prefer to reduce their heat output. Heat exposure has also contributed to major adverse effects on the productive and reproductive performance of quails. Therefore, this research was intended to estimate the preventive function of licorice as a safe feed additive against the negative effects caused by heat stress conditions on laying quail productivity. A total number of 180 Japanese quail birds (120 females and 60 males), nine-weeks old were divided into five groups. Each group contained 36 birds in four replicates (nine birds) with completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were a basal diet without supplementation as control (T1), basal diet+100mg Tylosine kg-1 diet (T2), (T3), (T4) and (T5) fed basal diet+250, 500 and 1000mg licorice kg-1 diet, in respect. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with different feed additives had no significant effects on egg-laying rate, egg number, average egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion ratio compared with control. Also, different treatments showed no significant variations on serum IgG, total protein, globulin, albumin, creatinine, ALT and TAC and caused significant (P≤0.05) improvement in IgM, AST, ALP, uric acid and MDA concentrations as compared to the control. Results indicated that total serum lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL concentrations were significantly decreased due to different feed additives. However, HDL concentrations and HDL/LDL ratios were markedly increased by the other treatments than the control group. In addition, yolk total lipids were significantly (P≤0.001) decreased with increasing licorice root powder's dietary levels compared with the control group. Also, a significant (P≤0.01) reduction in egg yolk cholesterol level was observed in the group fed with 500mg licorice compared to other treatments. In conclusion, fortified laying quail diets with licorice powder could be a useful strategy to alleviate adverse effects induced by heat stress as alternative to antibiotics on laying Japanese quail.

Effects of different selection strategies on subsequent breeder performance, slaughter, and carcass traits of Japanese quail

The present study evaluated the effect of different selection strategies in four closebred flocks (CBF) at three ages on subsequent breeder performance and carcass traits. A total of 540 Japanese quails already selected for higher body weight from four CBF (Major, Kaleem, Saadat, and Zahid) at three ages (10, 12, and 14 weeks) were subjected to 3 selection strategies (i.e. pedigree, mass selection, and randombred control). In pedigree selection, 108 birds with higher body weight were selected with full pedigree record whereas, in the mass selection, 324 birds with higher body weight were selected to be the parents of the next generation. However, in randombred control groups, 108 birds were selected without following any selection. The effect of selection strategies in parents of Japanese quails at 3 ages from 4 CBF was measured on subsequent breeder performance and carcass traits. Regarding productive performance, pedigreebased selected birds had the highest value for female body weight, average daily and fortnightly feed intake and average egg weight, whereas the mass selected birds revealed significantly higher production % and improved FCR (per dozen eggs and kg egg mass). Among different age groups, 14-week-old parents had the highest male and female body weight. However, no significant effect of different closebred flocks on production performance was observed in the present experiment. In conclusion, the pedigree-based and mass selection had a pronounced effect on productive performance and carcass traits, hence, can be an effective tool in the breeding of Japanese quails.

Superiority of coarse eggshell as a calcium source over limestone, cockle shell, oyster shell, and fine eggshell in old laying hens

Chicken eggshell (ES) waste is a rich source of calcium carbonate (CaCO3); however, the potential of ES as dietary calcium (Ca) in old laying hens has not been explored. This study compared the effects of feeding limestone, cockle shell, oyster shell, fine ES, and coarse ES as the sole Ca source on production performance, egg quality, blood biochemical constituents, and tibia characteristics in old laying hens. A total of 450 ISA-Brown laying hens at 73 wk of age with similar egg production rate (EPR) were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups (90 hens/group, 9 hens/replicate) for 7 wk. Dietary treatment groups comprised a corn-soybean meal based diet containing different Ca sources: (i) limestone (LS; < 2 mm and 2–4 mm mixed in the ratio of 3:7) as control, (ii) cockle shell (CS; 1–4 mm), (iii) oyster shell (OS; 3–16 mm), (iv) ES fine particles (ESF; < 1 mm), and (v) ES coarse particles (ESC; 3–5 mm). Results indicated that dietary inclusion of coarse ES particles significantly increased average egg weight (P < 0.001) and daily egg mass (P < 0.05), and decreased feed conversion ratio (P < 0.001) as compared with the other treatments. However, no significant differences in EPR, feed intake, cracked egg proportion, and mortality were observed among the dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Notably, the use of ESF led to a lower proportion of cracked eggs than ESC (P < 0.05). ESC fed hens produced the heaviest eggs whereas CS fed hens produced the lightest (P < 0.001); the particle size of ES also affected the egg weight (P < 0.05). The eggs from OS and ESC fed hens showed a greater albumen height in comparison to eggs from CS group (P < 0.05); but no significant difference was observed among the LS, OS, ESF, and ESC groups (P > 0.05). The yolk color was darker in the eggs of group ESF as compared with other dietary groups (P < 0.01). However, no significant effects on Haugh units and shell properties were observed among the treatments (P > 0.05). The blood biochemistry results were not affected by the dietary Ca (P > 0.05) except for lower levels of high-density lipoprotein percentage (HDL %) in OS and ESC fed hens (P < 0.05). The tibia characteristics including weight, length, width, and breaking strength did not differ among the dietary groups (P > 0.05). However, the ESC and OS fed hens showed higher tibia bone mineral density (BMD) than the other groups (P < 0.001). In conclusion, coarse ES as a sole Ca source had beneficial effects on the production performance, egg quality, and tibia BMD in old laying hens.

Effect of Selenium Sources on Laying Performance, Egg Quality Characteristics, Intestinal Morphology, Microbial Population and Digesta Volatile Fatty Acids in Laying Hens.

Simple SummaryDeficiency in microminerals (e.g., selenium) is a global issue, with a consequent manifestation of health-related challenges in both humans and animals, and is associated with poor animal production and reproductive performance. Due to the health benefit of selenium, dietary supplementation of organic selenium for caecum microbes can be important for balance, maintenance, and performance requirements. Food products containing selenium (eggs) are often referred to as “functional foods”, and are simple to produce from organic sources (selenium). Dietary supplementation with bacterial selenoproteins improves performance index, egg quality parameters, intestinal villus height, and increases the population of beneficial, and decreases harmful caecum microbes in hens, according to the current study. Therefore, it can be used to effectively produce Se-rich eggs as a functional food, while also supporting the caecum microbiome.The use of toxic and less bioavailable inorganic selenium can now be supplemented with an alternative organic source from bacterial species in nutrition for human and animal benefit. This study investigated the effects of selenium sources on laying performance, egg quality characteristics, intestinal morphology, caecum microbial population, and digesta volatile fatty acids in laying hens. One hundred and forty-four Lohman Brown Classic laying hens, at 23 weeks of age, were divided into four experimental groups (36 hens in each), differing in form of Se supplementation: no Se supplementation (Con), 0.3 mg/kg of inorganic Se in the form of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), 0.3 mg/kg of organic Se from selenium yeast (Se-Yeast), and 0.3 mg/kg of organic Se from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (bacterial organic Se, ADS18). The results showed that different dietary Se sources significantly affected laying rate, average egg weight, daily egg mass, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and live bodyweight (LBW) (p < 0.05). However, average daily feed intake and shell-less and broken eggs were unaffected (p > 0.05) among the treatment groups. The findings revealed that selenium sources had no (p > 0.05) effect on egg quality (external and internal) parameters. However, eggshell breaking strength and Haugh unit were significantly (p < 0.05) improved with organic (ADS18 or Se-yeast) Se-fed hens compared to the control group. In addition, egg yolk and breast tissue Se concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in the dietary Se supplemented group compared to the control. Intestinal histomorphology revealed that hens fed ADS18 or Se-Yeast groups had significantly (p < 0.05) higher villi height in the duodenum and jejunum compared to those fed Na2SeO3 or a basal diet. However, when compared to organic Se fed (ADS18 or Se-Yeast) hens, the ileum villus height was higher (p < 0.05) in the basal diet group; with the lowest in the SS among the treatment groups. A significant increase (p < 0.05) of Lactobacilli spp. and Bifidobacteria spp., and a decrease of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. population were observed in the organic (ADS18 or Se-yeast) compared to inorganic supplemented and control hens. The individual digesta volatile fatty acid (VFA) was significantly different, but with no total VFA differences. Thus, bacterial selenoprotein or Se-yeast improved the performance index, egg quality characteristics, egg yolk and tissue Se contents, and intestinal villus height in laying hens. Moreover, caecum beneficial microbes increased with a decrease in the harmful microbe population and affected individual cecal volatile fatty acids without affecting the total VFA of the laying hens digesta.

THE EFFECT OF NATURAL ZEOLITE DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE EGG QUALITY OF JAPANESE QUAILS (Coturnix japonica) DURING THE LAYING PERIOD

The effect of supplementing natural zeolite (NZ) on the laying characteristics and on the internal and external egg quality during laying period of Japanese quails was studied. The laying and average eggs per female were lower in control (C) and the Z1 experimental groups (1% NZ) compare with the Z2 experimental group (2% NZ). The significant effect of the NZ addition in comparison with the C was found in the eggshell weight and yolk index. The eggshell weight of C (1.10±0.01 g) was significantly lower than Z1 (1.18±0.01 g). The quails of Z2 had significantly lower egg weight than Z1. The average egg weight was significantly affected by diet (P≤0.05) and also by age of quails (P≤0.001). At the beginning of the laying, the weight of the eggs (age 1) was significantly lower (12.07±0.12 g at the beginning, 12.38±0.12 g in the middle and 13.38±0.12 g in the end) (P≤0.001). The albumen weight and Haugh unit were significantly influenced by the age of the females. The albumen weight increased with female age (from 6.88 to 8.10±0.09 g). The HU was significantly lower (89.52±0.30) at the age 1 than in age 2 (90.50±0.30) and age 3 (90.57±0.30) (P≤0.05). The yolk index was significantly affected by both diet and age of animals. The significant difference was between C and Z1 (P≤0.05). The highest yolk index was found in youngest female (P≤0.01). The egg quality was mainly affected by age of females. Diet affected investigated traits to a smaller extent.