Commercial Layer Research Articles

The Level of Fat- and Water-Soluble Antioxidants in Eggs of Free-Range Geese during a Production Season

In this investigation, egg yolk and egg white water and fat-soluble antioxidant concentrations of geese eggs were determined during a production season according to months and weeks. Breeders consumed 100 g commercial layer feed per day during a production season. The farm was located at a semi-open prison of the Ministry of Justice in Van city. Fat-soluble (vitamin A, E, total and individual carotene) of egg yolk and water-soluble (ascorbic acid and GSH) antioxidants of egg white of geese were measured in February, March, April and May per week gazed in pasture conditions. Roche Yolk Color Fun (RYCF) values and Minolta (L* brightness, a* redness, and b* yellowness) values varied according to months and statistically significant differences were observed (p <0.05). RYCF, a * redness, and b *yellowness values were the lowest in February and L* brightness values were the highest in February (p <0.001). According to months (February-May), the egg yolk concentration of vitamin A (retinol) were 3.05±0.11, 1.84±0.10, 1.93±0.09, 2.84±0.19 µg g-1, total vitamin E were 26.87±1.80, 25.07±1.64, 38.16±1.71, 34.30±1.89 µg g-1, and total carotene were 15.49±1.44, 19.50±1.79, 42.39±1.99, 44.30±2.03 µg g-1 (p <0.05), respectively. In this study, lutein, cis-lutein, zeaxanthin, apoester, canthaxanthin, and beta-carotene were identified as individual carotene in goose egg yolks. Glutathione (GSH) and Vitamin C or ascorbic acid (AA) were detected in geese eggs white in the last two weeks of February and four weeks of March, April, and May. The results were recorded as: 0.91±0.14, 1.83±0.19, 2.69±0.15, 1.97±0.09 µg g-1 for AA and 7.71±1.86, 33.22±2.14, 45.37±2.41, 38.75±1.50 µg g-1 for GSH respectively. Both water-soluble GSH and AA data were significantly lower in February and were significantly higher in April (p <0.05) compared to other months.

Microporous Transport Layers Facilitating Low Iridium Loadings in Polymer Electrolyte Water Electrolyzers

Minimizing iridium content in the anodic catalyst layer (CL) of polymer electrolyte water electrolyzers (PEWE) is essential for facilitating the needed rapid scale-up of hydrogen production capacity. However, reducing the iridium loading inevitably produces thinner CLs (if not changing the catalyst itself). This can have severe effects on performance and stability, mainly due to the losses in the connectivity of the 3D structure. Microporous layers (MPLs) have the potential to improve the performance and catalyst layer utilization of PEWE cells[1], especially at low Ir-loadings since they minimize the in-plane transport length of the required species (i.e. electric and fluidic transport).In this work, we characterized the 3D structure and transport properties of typical IrO2/TiO2 core-shell PEWE catalyst layers[2] by synchrotron-based ptychographic X-ray laminography (PyXL)[3]. Furthermore, we fabricated CLs at different Ir-loadings between 2.5 – 0.1 mgIr cm-2 depositing them either on the membrane i.e. catalyst-coated membranes (CCM) or on the MPL/PTL i.e. porous transport electrode (PTE). We tested the electrodes in PEWE cells using novel MPLs and standard commercial porous transport layers (PTLs) and compared their electrochemical performance and overpotentials. We observe that ultra-low iridium loadings (0.1 mgIr cm-2) with only relatively small setbacks in performance are possible when using Pt-coated MPLs. Moreover, we correlate the electrochemical results with the 3D structure of the CL by PyXL and the MPL/CL interface by lab-based X-ray tomographic microscopy (Figure 1). Finally, we will discuss the challenges of fabricating low-loaded anodic CLs in CCM and PTE configuration and the advantages of using an MPL in both scenarios.[1] T. Schuler, J. M. Ciccone, B. Krentscher, F. Marone, C. Peter, T. J. Schmidt, F. N. Büchi, Adv. Energy Mater. 2020, 10, 1903216.[2] S. De Angelis, T. Schuler, M. Sabharwal, M. Holler, M. Guizar-Sicairos, E. Müller, F. N. Büchi, Sci Rep 2023, 13, 4280.[3] M. Holler, M. Odstrcil, M. Guizar-Sicairos, M. Lebugle, E. Müller, S. Finizio, G. Tinti, C. David, J. Zusman, W. Unglaub, O. Bunk, J. Raabe, A. F. J. Levi, G. Aeppli, Nature Electronics 2019, 2, 464.Figure 1. Surface renderings from XTM/PyXL and SEM images of porous transport electrodes (PTE, left) and catalyst-coated membranes (CCM, right) of selected samples used in this work. Figure 1

Monitoring the State of Health (SOH) of Green Batteries (GreenBat)

Here we focus on the study of state of health monitoring of secondary batteries with advanced “green” formulations. European recycle map on battery energy storage plans to replace positive electrodes consisting of cobalt (Co) and fluorinated (F) graphite-based negative electrodes constituents with environmentally sustainable alternatives. Recently, "green formulations" was validated; in particular, recent trends suggest the use of electrodes based on silicon (Si), Co-free manganites (LiMnO2) aqueous soluble binders and fluorine-free electrolytes [1]. Our aims are to describe the health and the degradation of the cells with electrochemical techniques and to describe the chemical and morphological changes occurring during the battery cycling, through spectroscopies (Raman and IR) operating in parallel with impedance analysis. These experimental data will be integrated together in a multiblock dataset, which will constitute the basis for chemometric processing. The purpose of this chemometric modelling is to correlate SOH evolution to the chemical and physical state of the battery [1]. Here we illustrate the analysis of SOH of two different pouch cells formulation constituted by LTO (Lithium-Titanate) as anode, LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) as cathode and the LP30 electrolyte (EC:DMC 1:1 and LiPF6 1M); the second formulation is constituted by a thin film layer of commercial Li metal (purity of 99.7%) as anode, LFP as cathode and an ethers based formulation as electrolyte. After formation cycles (CC-CV), the cells have been submitted to aging tests. The different operating conditions are chosen with an Experimental Design (ED) and supported by a PCA analysis. The PCA analysis it was used to choose the operating parameters for the subsequent aging experiments. Is illustrated also the analysis of SOH of a coin cell formulation consisted by a LRLO (Lithium Rich Layer Oxide) as anode, commercial Li metal layer as cathode and LP30 additive with a ionic liquid (IL) as electrolyte. Turning to the chemometric modelling, as a starting point we verified the ability of PLS regression applied to the voltage profiles during charge cycles to estimate the SOH of a benchmark dataset by Lin et al. [1] References [1] M. Lin,D. Wu, Journal of Power Sources, 2022, 518, 230774. Figure 1

Genetic parameters, reciprocal cross differences, and age-related heterosis of egg-laying performance in chickens

BackgroundEgg-laying performance is economically important in poultry breeding programs. Crossbreeding between indigenous and elite commercial lines to exploit heterosis has been an upward trend in traditional layer breeding for niche markets. The objective of this study was to analyse the genetic background and to estimate the heterosis of longitudinal egg-laying traits in reciprocal crosses between an indigenous Beijing-You and an elite commercial White Leghorn layer line. Egg weights were measured for the first three eggs, monthly from 28 to 76 weeks of age, and at 86 and 100 weeks of age. Egg quality traits were measured at 32, 54, 72, 86, and 100 weeks of age. Egg production traits were measured from the start of lay until 43, 72, and 100 weeks of age. Heritabilities and phenotypic and genetic correlations were estimated. Heterosis was estimated as the percentage difference of performance of a crossbred from that of the parental average. Reciprocal cross differences were estimated as the difference between the reciprocal crossbreds as a percentage of the parental average.ResultsEstimates of heritability of egg weights ranged from 0.29 to 0.75. Estimates of genetic correlations between egg weights at different ages ranged from 0.72 to 1.00. Estimates of heritability for cumulative egg numbers until 43, 72, and 100 weeks of age were around 0.15. Estimates of heterosis for egg weight and cumulative egg number increased with age, ranging from 1.0 to 9.0% and from 1.4 to 11.6%, respectively. From 72 to 100 weeks of age, crossbreds produced more eggs per week than the superior parent White Leghorn (3.5 eggs for White Leghorn, 3.8 and 3.9 eggs for crossbreds). Heterosis for eggshell thickness ranged from 2.7 to 6.6% when using Beijing-You as the sire breed. No significant difference between reciprocal crosses was observed for the investigated traits, except for eggshell strength at 54 weeks of age.ConclusionsThe heterosis was substantial for egg weight and cumulative egg number, and increased with age, suggesting that non-additive genetic effects are important in crossbreds between the indigenous and elite breeds. Generally, the crossbreds performed similar to or even outperformed the commercial White Leghorns for egg production persistency.

Utility of Feathers for Avian Influenza Virus Detection in Commercial Poultry.

The present study evaluated the potential utility of feather samples for the convenient and accurate detection of avian influenza virus (AIV) in commercial poultry. Feather samples were obtained from AIV-negative commercial layer facilities in Iowa, USA. The feathers were spiked with various concentrations (106 to 100) of a low pathogenic strain of H5N2 AIV using a nebulizing device and were evaluated for the detection of viral RNA using a real-time RT-PCR assay immediately or after incubation at -20, 4, 22, or 37 °C for 24, 48, or 72 h. Likewise, cell culture medium samples with and without the virus were prepared and used for comparison. In the spiked feathers, the PCR reliably (i.e., 100% probability of detection) detected AIV RNA in eluates from samples sprayed with 103 EID50/mL or more of the virus. Based on half-life estimates, the feathers performed better than the corresponding media samples (p < 0.05), particularly when the samples were stored at 22 or 37 °C. In conclusion, feather samples can be routinely collected from a poultry barn as a non-invasive alternative to blood or oropharyngeal-cloacal swab samples for monitoring AIV.

Extremely Low Contact Resistivity of Bi2Te3-Based Modules Enabled by NiP-Based Alloy Barrier.

Electrode diffusion barrier plays an important role in thermoelectric cooling devices. Compared with p-type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3, the compatibility between commercial Ni barrier and n-type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 is a key bottleneck to enhance the performance of Bi2Te3-based cooling devices. This paper proposed a NiP alloy barrier to improve the compatibility with n-type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3, and systemically investigated the contact and interfacial dynamics properties. Due to the low diffusion rate of NiP alloy, the initial interfacial contact resistivity of Bi2Te2.7Se0.3/NiP is as low as 0.90 μΩ cm2, and it further can be depressed below 1.98 μΩ cm2 even after aging at 423 K for 35 days, indicating the superior thermal stability of the NiP barrier layer compared to the commercial Ni barrier layer. Based on the NiP barrier, a 15-pair bismuth telluride device is prepared and a high cooling temperature difference of 71.5 K at a hot-side temperature of 304 K is achieved, which proves the practical applications potential of NiP barrier for Bi2Te3-based modules.

Reflections on Drivers for the Emergence and Spread of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria Detected from Chickens reared on Commercial Layer Farms in Mukono District, Uganda

Reflections on Drivers for the Emergence and Spread of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria Detected from Chickens reared on Commercial Layer Farms in Mukono District, Uganda

Methionine sources and genotype affect embryonic intestinal development, antioxidants, tight junctions, and growth-related gene expression in chickens

Methionine (Met) is an essential and first limiting amino acid in the poultry diet that plays a significant role in chicken embryonic development and growth. The present study examined the effect of in ovo injection of DL-Met and L-Met sources and genotypes on chicken embryonic-intestinal development and health. Fertilized eggs of the two genotypes, TETRA-SL layer hybrid (TSL) — commercial layer hybrid and Hungarian Partridge colored hen breed (HPC) — a native genotype, were randomly distributed into four treatments for each genotype. The treatment groups include the following: 1) control non-injected eggs (NoIn); 2) saline-injected (SaIn); 3) DL-Met injected (DLM); and 4) L-Met injected (LM). The in ovo injection was carried out on 17.5 d of embryonic development; after hatching, eight chicks per group were sacrificed, and the jejunum was extracted for analysis. The results showed that both DLM and LM groups had enhanced intestinal development as evidenced by increased villus width, villus height, and villus area (P < 0.05) compared to the control. The DLM group had significantly reduced crypt depth, glutathione (GSH) content, glutathione S-transferase 3 alpha (GST3), occludin (OCLN) gene expression and increased villus height to crypt depth ratio in the TSL genotype than the LM group (P < 0.05). The HPC genotype has overexpressed insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene, tricellulin (MD2), occludin (OCLN), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and GST3 genes than the TSL genotype (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings showed that in ovo injection of Met enhanced intestinal development, and function, with genotypes responding differently under normal conditions. Genotypes also influenced the expression of intestinal antioxidants, tight junction, and growth-related genes.

Cellulose nanofiber hydrogel with high conductivity electrolytes for high voltage flexible supercapacitors

Although flexible double layer capacitors based on hydrogels overcome the drawbacks of commercial double layer capacitors such as low safety and non-deformability, it is still considered as attractive challenges to achieve high conductivity for hydrogel electrolytes as well as high operating voltages for hydrogel flexible supercapacitors. In this paper, ion migration channels were engineered by immobilizing positive and negative charges on polymer skeleton and dispersing cellulose nanofibers in the polymerized polyelectrolyte network, providing ultra-high ionic conductivity (103 mS cm−1). In addition, K3[Fe(CN)6] was introduced through a soaking method, leading to redox reactions on the surface of carbon electrode during charging and discharging, supporting a relatively wide voltage window (1.8 V). Moreover, the specific capacitance at high current remained 55 % of the specific capacitance at low current, indicating excellent rate performance. In addition, the device displayed high cycling stability (80.05 % after 10,000 cycles). Notably, we successfully light up the red LED with only one device. Accordingly, this work provides a feasible design concept for the development of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) hydrogel-based solid-state electrolyte with high conductivity for flexible supercapacitors with wide potential window and high energy density.

Development of egg yolk-based polyclonal antibodies and immunoprophylactic potential of antigen-antibody complex against infectious bursal disease

A study conducted in the Faisalabad district sampled 50 cases across five IBD outbreaks, revealing an alarming 80 % infection rate among poultry. Our research focused on developing an immune complex (Antigen-antibody complex) with potential immunoprophylactic benefits to counter this formidable threat. Our study was based on producing egg yolk-derived polyclonal antibodies (IgY) targeting IBDV. Commercial layer birds were immunized with inactivated IBDV, yielding IgY antibodies extracted from their eggs exhibited substantially higher and more enduring antibody titers, with a geometric mean titer of 104. Further research involved the creation of an immune complex (ICx) where antigen was extracted from infected bursae tissues. The immunogenic response of ICx was assessed in poultry birds after a challenge with a virulent strain of IBD virus and compared to a conventional IBDV vaccine in poultry. Results revealed significantly higher and more enduring antibody titers induced by the ICx, offering enhanced protective immunity against the IBDV challenge, as evidenced by lower Bursa to bodyweight ratios in vaccinated birds.

Gut Microbial Diversity Analysis of Different Native Chickens and Screening of Chicken-Derived Probiotics

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the growth, development, nutritional digestion, and overall health of chickens. Furthermore, certain probiotics isolated from poultry intestines have demonstrated the potential to enhance immune function and production performance in chickens. To investigate the differences in gut microbiota among chickens from various geographical environments and different breeds of broiler and laying hens, we conducted 16S rRNA sequencing on the fecal microbiota of 140 Chinese native chickens and ten Roman layers. In addition, we isolated and screened the potential probiotics to examine their biological characteristics, genome profiles, and functionality in animals. Our findings revealed the significant variations in gut microbiota composition and structure between Tibetan chickens (ZJ), which reside in high-altitude regions, and Meihua chickens (MH) and Xuhai chickens (XH), which inhabit low-altitude regions. Specifically, Cupriavidus and Candidatus_Bacilloplasma were identified as unique microbial communities in high and low altitudes, respectively. Notably, among regions with similar altitudes, Luning chickens (LN) exhibited the lowest α diversity, accompanied by a remarkably high relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus. Conversely, Wugu chickens (WGs) and Yaoshan chickens (YSs) displayed similar gut microbiota profiles. Furthermore, distinctive gut microbiota patterns were observed between the different breeds of broilers and laying hens. Commercial Roman layers (LMs) exhibited significantly lower alpha diversity compared to native chickens, and broilers and laying hens predominantly harbored Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria. Of particular interest, the probiotics Lactobacillus agilis MH1 and Lactobacillus salivarius ZJ1, derived from chicken feces, exhibited favorable genomic profiles, and demonstrated anti-colitis effects and immunomodulatory functions. These findings provide a crucial theoretical foundation for native chicken research and offer insights for the future development and formulation of chicken-derived probiotics.

Phenotypic characterization and genetic diversity of indigenous chickens of Jordan in comparison with native and commercial breeds ‎for conservation and breeding purposes

Indigenous chickens of Jordan are facing extinction and need genetic conservation because they were unable to commercially compete in poultry industry because of low genetic ability ‎compared to commercial layers. The study aimed to investigate phenotypic and genetic diversity ‎of village chickens in the Jordan using discriminant analyses procedures to provide a basis for ‎sustainable genetic conservation and utilization program to overcome any possible extinction. The ‎sampled chicken population of 578 one-year old chickens (125 males and 433 females) was ‎phenotypically characterized for 15 biometric and plumage traits from major cities of the three ‎regions; Middle, North, and South. The traits variations within and between breeds were detected ‎statistically by stepwise discriminant and canonical-discriminant of uni- and multivariate analyses. ‎The results showed the sampled population as village chickens in Jordan is comprised of ‎indigenous (Baladi) breed (85%) and few exotic and commercial breeds. The breeds were distinct ‎and differentiated based on phenotypic traits indicating high genetic variability. The major ‎phenotypic traits that showed significant power to differentiate breeds were comb type, body ‎weight, comb size, earlobe color, wattle size, face color and breast size in males and comb type and ‎size, body weight, face and breast size, leg color and wattle size in females. Recent and past ‎crossings, admixture or migration from exotic and commercial breeds were noted. Moreover, low ‎levels of phylogeographic structure were observed across the studied breeds. In conclusion, there is need to conserve the indigenous breed in situ and in vivo for its adaptive gene pool in coming ‎days of persisted climate change and diseases threats.

Comparison of hen performance and mortality of commercial layer flocks by Strain and cage type

This study compared the egg production, defective egg rate, and mortality of commercial laying hens based on strain and cage type under commercial farm conditions. Two commercial white egg-laying strains (Hy-line and Super Nick) and two brown egg-laying strains( Nick Brown) were housed in conventional (32409 cm2) and enrichable (7200 cm2) cage systems. These layer flocks were visited weekly from 18 to 56 weeks of age, and data were collected on daily egg production, mortality, and the number of dirty and cracked eggs. Both the strain and cage type significantly affected hen-day and hen-housed egg production. Egg production was higher in conventional cages and for brown egg strains. The strain's impact on weekly mortality became insignificant after 32 weeks, while the highest mortality rates were observed in the enrichable cages. Significant differences were in the weekly dirty and cracked egg rates between layer strains and cage types. For enrichable cages and white-laying strains, the rate of dirty and cracked eggs was higher. The interaction of strain and cage type affected egg production, the rate of cracked and dirty eggs, and mortality. As a result, the brown egg-laying strain hens exhibited higher egg production than the white strain hens, and in overcrowded and enrichable that is non-enriched cages, lower egg production, higher mortality rates, and a higher rate of dirty and cracked eggs were observed.

Experimental analysis of Anti-Reflective coating performance in desert Climate: Yield analysis, soiling impact and cleaning durability evaluation

The objective of this paper is to experimentally evaluate the performance of a commercial single layer inverse porous silica Anti-reflective coating (ARC) system when installed in desert locations. Three aspects were evaluated: the first aimed to assess the electrical performance by comparing the yield of a non-coated PV module with the AR-coated one. The second focused on analyzing the impact of soiling on the optical properties of ARC glass samples and comparing them to the uncoated ones. Lastly, a laboratory linear abrasion test was conducted to evaluate the durability of the investigated commercial ARC coating against long-term dry cleaning. In addition to the technical investigation, an economic analysis was conducted to better evaluate the feasibility of ARC integration under desert climates.The results indicate that the investigated ARC panels exhibit superior electrical performance, with a PR higher by relatively 2 % compared to the non-coated ones. Moreover, the ARC glass samples demonstrate good optical performance against soiling, with a Soiling Losses (SL) relatively lower by 3.7 % compared to non-coated samples for the same exposure period. Regarding the abrasion test, the investigated ARC coating exhibited relatively good durability, with a transmittance loss (Tloss) of only 2.6 % after 1500 brushing cycles. This is equivalent to 28.8 years of weekly cleaning from the initial state. The findings also demonstrate that the implementation of ARC panels can significantly benefit desert locations as they can enhance the power plant's production by 5 %, resulting in a 2.7 % drop in the LCOE compared to the uncoated modules.

Spillover of an endemic avian Influenza H6N2 chicken lineage to ostriches and reassortment with clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity viruses in chickens

Prior to 2017, chicken production in South Africa had only ever been affected by an endemic strain of H6N2 low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), but since 2017, an outbreak of Goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) introduced by wild birds, followed by clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAI (2021-present), affected the country. In the present study, the viruses from seven cases of H6N2 LPAI from commercial poultry between October 2019 and August 2020 were genome-sequenced along with an H5N2 HPAI virus, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. The H5N2 HPAI virus caused localized outbreaks in a small-scale chicken farm and a large commercial layer farm in the KwaZulu-Natal province between late October and early December 2022. The phylogenetic results confirmed the first incidence of the chicken-adapted H6N2 lineage in commercial ostriches in the Western Cape province, with a likely epidemiological origin in chickens from the KwaZulu Natal province. The results also showed that the H5N2 HPAI virus was a novel reassortant of PB2, PB1, PA, NP and NA genome segments derived from a parental H6N2 virus that circulated in region, whereas the HA, M and NS genome segments were derived from sub-genotype SA10 H5N1 HPAI parental virus that had circulated in the local wild bird reservoir since July 2021.

Immune function, egg quality and production responses in layer hens fed two different lignocellulose fibre supplements during the early laying period

The effects on immune function and egg productivity of 2 commercial lignocellulose supplements with similar insoluble and soluble fibre concentrations and water holding capacities, were determined in Hy-Line Brown hens from 20 weeks-of-age for 8 weeks. Hens were fed 1 of 3 diets (6 pens/diet, 3 hens/pen): Control diet – a commercial layer diet; Diet LC1 - Control diet plus 1.5 g Arbocel RC fine/100 g diet; Diet LC2, Control diet plus 1.5 g OptiCell C5/100 g diet. After 4 weeks, heterophil phagocytosis index and percentage (innate immunity), was greater in LC1 (p < 0.05) than Controls. After 8 weeks, absolute and relative weights (g/100 g BW) of LC1 thymus glands were heavier (p < 0.05) than Control; numbers of intestinal Peyer’s patches in LC1 were greater (p < 0.05) than LC2 and Control; total and relative areas of LC1 Peyer’s patches were higher (p < 0.05) than Control. Yolk immunoglobulin Y concentrations of LC1 were higher but not significantly, than Control and LC2. Between 6 and 8 weeks, egg weights and eggs produced/hen per d of LC1 hens were greater (p < 0.05) than Controls. Feeding LC1, but not LC2, during early lay significantly improved immune function and egg productivity compared to Control. As dietary fibre concentrations of LC1 and LC2 were similar, differences in their relative concentrations of chemical components such as cellulose and lignin or types of polysaccharides, may have contributed to the improvements during early lay.

Estimate of lysine nutritional requirements for Japanese quail breeders.

Japanese quail breeders are the basis for genetic improvement and multiplication for commercial layers, however, there have been no known studies on the optimal lysine level for these birds. Thus, study the egg output response to the lysine (Lys) supply using different e-functions and evaluate the that best fit, have allowed the partition the lysine requirements for maintenance, both weight and egg output maximum. The objectives of this study were to identify the responses to various Lys levels, identify the functions related to these responses and determine the ideal Lys intake amount for Japanese quail breeders. A completely randomized design of seven treatments with seven replicated was used. Treatments consisted of diet supplementation by Lys in concentrations of 16.8, 11.8, 8.4, 6.7, 5.0, 3.4, and 1.7 g/kg. Six exponential models were adjusted. The level of Lys was found to affect bird responses (P<0.001). The birds responded to the levels provided, allowing for the creation of a lysine response curve. A monomolecular function with four parameters was balanced against the statistics of adjustment and selection of models. It was possible to estimate the level of lysine required for maintenance as 133 ±2 mg/kg BW0.67, and based an average of 41% efficiency, 22 mg Lys produced 1 g of egg output (EO). The daily intake calculated by the monomolecular factorial model was 284 mg Lys for a bird with 0.170 kg body weight and production of 10 g EO/day. The four-parameter monomolecular function proposed in this study is adequate for interpreting the animal response and calculating lysine intake for breeders.

Development of eco-friendly wall insulation layer utilising the wastes of the packing industry

Efficient thermal insulation materials considerably lower power consumption for heating and cooling of buildings, which in turn minimises CO2 emissions and improves indoor comfort conditions. However, the selection of suitable insulation materials is governed by several factors, such as the environmental impact, health impact, cost and durability. Additionally, the disposal of used insulation materials is a major factor that affects the selection of materials because some materials could be very toxic for humans and the environment, such as asbestos-containing materials. Therefore, there is a continuous research effort, in both industry and academia, to develop sustainable and affordable insulation materials. In this context, this work aims at utilising the packing industry wastes (cardboard) to develop an eco-friendly insulation layer, which is a biodegradable material that can be disposed of safely after use. Experimentally, wasted cardboard was collected, cleaned, and soaked in water for 24 h. Then, the wet cardboard was minced and converted into past papers, then cast in square moulds and left in a ventilated oven at 75 °C to dry before de-moulding them. The produced layers were subjected to a wide range of tests, including thermal conductivity, acoustic insulation, infrared imaging and bending resistance. The obtained results showed the developed material has a good thermal and acoustic insulation performance. Thermally, the developed material had the lowest thermal conductivity (λ) (0.039 W/m.K) compared to the studied traditional materials. Additionally, it successfully decreased the noise level from 80 to about 58 dB, which was better than the efficiency of the commercial polyisocyanurate layer. However, the bending strength of the developed material was a major drawback because the material did not resist more than 0.6 MPa compared to 2.0 MPa for the commercial polyisocyanurate and 70.0 MPa for the wood boards. Therefore, it is recommended to investigate the possibility of strengthening the new material by adding fibres or cementitious materials.

Prevalence and Molecular Characteristics of FAdV-4 from Indigenous Chicken Breeds in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China.

Fowl adenovirus-induced hepatitis-pericardial effusion syndrome outbreaks have been increasingly reported in China since 2015, resulting in substantial economic losses to the poultry industry. The genetic diversity of indigenous chicken results in different immune traits, affecting the evolution of these viruses. Although the molecular epidemiology of fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) has been well studied in commercial broiler and layer chickens, the prevalence and genetic characteristics of FAdV-4 in indigenous chickens remain largely unknown. In this study, samples were collected from six indigenous chicken breeds in Yunnan province, China. FAdV-positive samples were identified in five of the six indigenous chicken populations via PCR and 10 isolates were obtained. All FAdVs belonged to serotype FAdV-4 and species FAdV-C. The hexon, fiber, and penton gene sequence comparison analysis demonstrated that the prevalence of FAdV-4 isolates in these chickens might have originated from other provinces that exported chicks and poultry products to Yunnan province. Moreover, several distinct amino acid mutations were firstly identified in the major structural proteins. Our findings highlighted the need to decrease inter-regional movements of live poultry to protect indigenous chicken genetic resources and that the immune traits of these indigenous chickens might result in new mutations of FAdV-4 strains.

Effects of Supplementing Layers, With Varying Levels of Alfalfa and Moringa Fresh Leaves on Egg Production and Quality

This feeding trial was conducted to evaluate and demonstrate the effects of supplementing intensively managed commercial layer chickens with varying levels of fresh leaves of Medicago sativa (Al) and Moringa stanophetela (Ms) on the characteristics of eggs. A 3x3 factorial arrangement was used Levels of Al fresh leaves were 0, 200, or 400 g, and levels of Ms fresh leaves were also 0, 200, or 400 g. Each treatment was replicated 4 times and 11 laying birds were allocated per replicate. Treatment arrangements/combinations were as follows, such as T1 (0 g of Ms &amp; 0 g of Al), T2 (0 g of Ms &amp;200 g of Al), T3 (0 g of Ms &amp; 400 g of Al), T4 (200 g of Ms &amp; 0 g of Al), T5 (200 g Ms &amp; 200 g of Al), T6 (200 g Ms &amp; 400 g of Al), T7 (400 g Ms &amp; 0 g of Al), T8 (400 g of Ms &amp; 200 g of Al) and T9 (400 g of Ms &amp; 400 g of Al). The actual investigation was started in the 30th week and then ended after 10 weeks. To evaluate egg quality traits, 9 eggs (3 eggs per pen per month), with a total of 36 eggs per treatment were randomly selected and analyzed. The result revealed that yolk color was strongly influenced (P&lt;0.05) by an interaction effect of that of the leveled Al and Ms supplementations. However, egg weight, shape index, shell thickness, albumen weight, Haugh unit, and yolk weight weren’t significantly (P&gt;0.05) influenced by such supplementations. The total egg production, egg production per pen, egg weight, egg mass, the hen-housed egg production, and a hen day egg production were not (P &lt; 0.05) influenced. The trend showed that the yellowness of the yolk color became deepened when increasing the amounts of either Al or Ms supplementation, as the main factors in the diets.