Yolk Content Research Articles

Laying hen performance, egg quality improved and yolk 5-methyltetrahydrofolate content increased by dietary supplementation of folic acid.

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of folic acid (FA) on performance, egg quality and yolk 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) content. A total of 384 Hy-line W36 strain hens from 52 to 58 weeks of age were randomly assigned to 4 groups, and each group received one of following dietary treatments: 0, 5, 10 and 15 mg FA/kg diet. A completely randomized design was used. Egg production percentage, egg mass and egg weight were increased significantly (P < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) by increasing FA content in diets. No significant differences were detected among treatments on egg quality except for shell thickness. The dietary supplementations of laying hens diets with FA significantly increased yolk 5-MTHF content (P = 0.02). Overall, these data demonstrate that dietary supplementation with FA raised 5-MTHF content of yolk and productivity of egg production in laying hens.

KAJIAN PERBANDINGAN TEPUNG KACANG KORO PEDANG (Canavalia ensiformis) DENGAN TEPUNG TAPIOKA DAN KONSENTRASI KUNING TELUR TERHADAP KARAKTERISTIK COOKIES KORO

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menentukan perbandingan tepung koro dengan tepung tapioka dan konsentrasi kuning telur sehingga diperoleh karakteristik cookies koro yang paling baik. Penelitian pendahuluan dilakukan yaitu menentukan formulasi cookies yang terpilih dari tiga macam formulasi modifikasi. Penelitian utama merupakan penelitian lanjutan dari formulasi terpilih pada penelitian pendahuluan, yang menggunakan rancangan acak kelompok (RAK) dan menggunakan rancangan perlakuan yang terdiri dari 2 faktor, yaitu faktor A (perbandingan tepung koro dengan tepung tapioka) dan faktor B (Konsentrasi Kuning Telur). Hasil dari penelitian utama yaitu didapat produk cookies perbandingan tepung koro dengan tepung tapioka terbaik dengan perbandingan 1:1 dengan konsentrasi kuning telur 12%. Pada penelitian ini, cookies koro untuk analisis kimia mengandung kadar air berkisar 2,5% - 4,5%, kadar protein berkisar 16,92% - 36,60%, sedangkan untuk cookies yang terpilih memiliki kadar lemak 20,36%, dan kadar pati 28,53%, serta untuk analisis fisik menunjukkan bahwa nilai uji kekerasan diperoleh sebesar 0,97mm/10detik/100g dan uji warna menunjukkan parameter kecerahan sebesar 81.28, warna kromatik a* sebesar 7.39 dan warna kromatik b* sebesar 28.09. Kesimpulan yang didapat dari penelitian cookies perbandingan tepung koro dengan tepung tapioka berpengaruh terhadap karakteristik warna, tekstur, kadar air dan kadar protein cookies, konsentrasi kuning telur berpengaruh terhadap warna, tekstur dan kadar protein cookies, sedangkan interaksi perbandingan tepung koro dengan tepung tapioka dan konsentrasi kuning telur berpengaruh terhadap warna, tekstur, kadar air dan kadar protein cookies koro.

Effects of fennel seed supplementation of ration on performance, egg quality, serum cholesterol, and total phenol content of egg yolk of laying quails

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) supplementation of ration on performance, egg quality, and serum cholesterol of laying quails during an eight-week period. For this purpose, 96 quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of 16 weeks of age were evenly separated into one control group and three treatment groups. Each group was divided into four replicates, each containing six quail. The fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare) were added to the diets of [...]

Cryoprotectant effects of egg yolk on Indian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus murghi) sperm

Egg yolk is a good external cryoprotectant of mammalian sperm and some wild bird's sperm, but, at least in domestic breeds of chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), it may inhibit eventual fertilization of ova when high concentrations are used. We hypothesized that egg yolk can protect the sperm from cryo-induced damages providing adequate fertilization in one phylogenetic wild ancestor of current chicken breeds: the Indian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus murghi). To test the hypothesis, the present study was designed to evaluate different concentrations of egg yolk in extender in comparison with glycerol. Semen collected from Indian red jungle fowl cocks (n = 8) was cryopreserved using different egg yolk concentrations (10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) or 20% glycerol (control group) following routine protocol of cryopreservation. During cryopreservation, sperm motility (67.5 ± 2.5%), plasma membrane integrity (66.3 ± 2.4%), viability (58.8 ± 1.3%) and acrosomal integrity (60.0.8 ± 2.0%) were recorded highest in an extender with 15% egg yolk compared to other experimental extenders and control at post-dilution, cooling, equilibration and thawing. The no. of fertilized eggs (26.6 ± 0.7, 21.6 ± 1.2), percent fertility (55.9 ± 4.4, 46.5 ± 2.2), no. of hatched chicks (23.6 ± 1.0, 17.2 ± 1.0), percent hatch (49.5 ± 3.2, 37.1 ± 2.5%) and hatchability of the fertile eggs (89.4 ± 2.2, 79.7 ± 3.7) were recorded higher (P < 0.05) with semen cryopreserved with 15% egg yolk compared to control (20% glycerol). It is concluded that 15% egg yolk can be used in cryopreservation protocol of Indian red jungle fowl sperm.

Correction: Social environment during egg laying: Changes in plasma hormones with no consequences for yolk hormones or fecundity in female Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176146.].

Effects of different levels of Portulaca oleracea seed in laying hens diets containing rice bran on performance, egg quality, fatty acids, and cholesterol

This research was conducted to determine the effects of different levels of Portulaca oleracea (purslane) seed supplementation in laying hens diet based on rice bran on performance and egg quality. A total of 120 41-week-old Leghorn hens were randomly allotted to six treatment groups (four replicates of five hens each) with a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were composed of control diet (corn, soybean meal, and 15% rice bran) and different levels of purslane seed (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%), which were replaced with corn and soybean meal. The results of this study showed that egg production, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg weight, yolk weight, albumen weight, shell weight, shell thickness, and yolk height were not significantly affected by different levels of purslane seed (P > 0.05). Yolk cholesterol was significantly decreased by increasing purslane seed (P < 0.05). Adding more than 15% purslane seed significantly increased albumen height and Haugh unit (P < 0.05). The hens were fed 15%, or more purslane seed laid eggs with significantly higher (P < 0.05) linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids (linolenic). By increasing purslane seed for more than 10%, the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 will be decreased (P < 0.05). Regression analysis of fatty acid content of yolk showed that the optimum effect of purslane seed on linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, linoleic acid, and omega-6/omega-3 of egg yolk was achieved by including 20 and 21% purslane seed to laying hens diet.

Effects of extruded flaxseed on layer performance, nutrient retention and yolk fatty acid composition

ABSTRACT1. This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding an extruded flaxseed (EF) on layer performance, apparent total tract nutrient retention (ATTR) and egg yolk fatty acid concentrations.2. Seventy-two White Leghorn laying hens (58-week-old; three per cage) were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments: 0%, 7.5%, 15.0% and 22.5% of EF-supplemented diets for 8 weeks.3. Supplementation with EF had no effect on feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio and egg weight. Egg components (yolk, albumen and shell percentages) were similar among treatments, except that shell percentage was greater for layers fed 22.5% EF than those fed 7.5% and 15% EF. The ATTR of dry matter and organic matter were highest for 0% and 7.5% EF, intermediate for 15% EF and lowest for 22.5% EF. Similar reductions on ATTR of crude protein and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy were observed for layers fed 22.5% EF relative to those fed 0% or 7.5% EF.4. Feeding EF at 7.5%, 15.0% and 22.5% of the diet markedly increased (by 92%, 198% and 271%, respectively) egg yolk concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and reduced saturated fatty acid and n-6 PUFA concentrations.5. It was concluded that omega-3 labelled eggs (300 mg/60 g of egg) may be produced with low (7.5% of diet) levels of dietary EF without compromising egg production parameters. However, feeding moderate to high levels of EF (i.e. 15% and 22.5% EF) may reduce total tract nutrient and energy utilisation.

Evaluation of dried vegetable residues for poultry: III Effects of feeding cabbage leaf residues on laying performance, egg quality, and apparent total tract digestibility

SUMMARY The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of feeding dried cabbage leaf residues (DCR) on egg production parameters, egg components, and egg fatty acid, cholesterol, and α-tocopherol concentrations and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD). Seventy-two 34-week-old layers were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments: 0, 4, 8, or 12% DCR with 6 replicates with 3 birds each. Results showed that feed intake, egg production, and feed conversion ratio were unaffected by dietary treatments. Similar treatment effects also were observed for egg yolk and albumin percentages. However, eggshell percentage decreased (quadratic effect, P = 0.008) with increasing DCR. Egg yolk concentrations of α-tocopherol (linear effect, P

Production of live fish derived from frozen germ cells via germ cell transplantation

The conservation of endangered fish is an urgent issue. Although cryo-banking of fish gametes might ultimately help conserve endangered fish, cryopreservation of fish eggs or embryos is still not possible due to their large size and high yolk content. Therefore, as an alternative, we focused on undifferentiated germ cells, such as primordial germ cells, spermatogonia, and oogonia, as materials for cryopreservation. Transplantation of cryopreserved germ cells into the body cavity of allogeneic or xenogeneic recipients sterilized by triploidization or endogenous germ cell ablation resulted in migration of the transplanted germ cells toward the recipient genital ridges, where they were eventually incorporated. The donor-derived germ cells initiated either spermatogenesis or oogenesis in the recipient gonads, depending on the sex of the recipient. Furthermore, by mating the male and female recipients, viable offspring derived from the frozen germ cells were produced. Although this technology was established using salmonid fish, we found that it is applicable to a wide range of fish species. Thus, this method might represent a “silver bullet” for preserving the valuable genetic resources of endangered fish species.

Time- and dose-dependent development of humoral immune responses to Ascaridia galli in experimentally and naturally infected chickens

Factors affecting the development of Ascaridia galli–specific humoral responses and their protective roles are largely unknown. We investigated the effects of time and infection dose on A. galli–specific IgY antibody levels following experimental infection. The acquisition and development of new infections and reinfections were also monitored by using tracer birds. Relationships between the retrospective IgY and the final worm burden of the birds were investigated to determine whether humoral immune responses generated during infection provide protection to the host animal.Young chickens were infected (+) with either 100 or 1000 embryonated eggs of A. galli (100+: n = 45; 1000+: n = 45) or kept as uninfected controls (CON: n = 10). Uninfected birds were also added to each infection group as tracer (T) birds (T100+; n = 5 and T1000+; n = 5). Faecal egg counts and IgY antibody concentrations in plasma and egg yolk were determined at selected intervals. Final worm burdens were quantified at 28 weeks post infection (wpi).The plasma antibody (PAB) and egg yolk antibody (EAB) levels of experimentally infected birds were compared to those of control and tracer birds throughout the study period, and PAB levels were found to depend initially on the infection dose but thereafter mainly on reinfections. Starting at wpi 2, 1000+ had consistently higher PAB levels than CON did (P < 0.05). With exceptions at wpi 0, 2 and 12, PAB levels were also higher (P < 0.05) or tended to be higher (P < 0.10) in 100+ than in CON. An earlier and higher increase was observed in the PAB levels of T1000+ than in those of T100+, implying that (re-)infection occurrence depended on the infection dose. Although 1000+ showed higher (P < 0.05) EAB levels than CON did at both wpi 14 and 18, EAB levels were higher in 100+ than in CON only at wpi 28 (P < 0.05). The total worm burdens in the initial experimentally infected birds were similar (P = 0.257); they were also highly comparable between experimentally and naturally infected birds, indicating that final worm burden was mainly determined by the naturally occurring infections resulting from continuous exposure. When all available information on the retrospective plasma and egg yolk IgY levels was collectively evaluated to estimate the larval or total worm burdens of the experimentally infected birds, both PAB and EAB levels at particular wpi were significantly associated with worm burden, especially with larval count. In conclusion, our data support the hypothesis that the number of larvae, rather than the number of mature worms, affects the antibody levels in both plasma and egg yolk. Despite the increased levels of A. galli–specific antibodies in plasma and egg yolk throughout the study period, only a weak indication was found that antibodies might be directly associated with protection.

The Effects of Egg Yolk Concentration and Particle Size on Donkey Semen Preservation

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of concentrations of egg yolk on cooling preservation and particle sizes on cryopreservation for donkey semen. Two experiments were carried out: (1) Determination of a suitable concentration of egg yolk during donkey semen cooled storage; and (2) evaluation of effects of egg yolk particles sizes on sperm quality after freezing-thawing. For experiment 1, the different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5%) of egg yolk were added into the cooling extender, and the semen samples were preserved at 4°C for evaluation every 24 hours. The results demonstrated that the group of 1.0% egg yolk displayed higher total motility after 96 hours of preservation (P < .05). For experiment 2, the fresh egg yolk was treated with different powers of ultrasound (400 W, 600 W, and 800 W) for different times (2, 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes). The sperm frozen in the extenders supplemented with the egg yolk treated by different combinations of ultrasonic power and ultrasonic time, including (400 W, 10 minutes), (400 W, 15 minutes), (600 W, 2 minutes), (800 W, 2 minutes), (800 W, 20 minutes), and (800 W, 30 minutes) displayed higher values of motility compared with the control group (P < .05). In conclusion, the cooling extender containing 1.0% egg yolk can be successfully used for donkey semen cooling preservation, and the extender supplemented with small egg yolk particles could effectively improve donkey sperm qualities after freezing-thawing.

Effect of Gum Arabic on Stallion Sperm Survival During Cold Storage and Post Freezing

Abstract This study is aimed at investigating effects of supplementation of stallion’ semen extender with various concentrations of Gum Arabic (GA) versus egg yolk (EY) on viscosity, sperm motility and survival during cooling and freezing. Physical sperm characteristics; i.e. curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), linearity (LIN) and straightness index (STR) were evaluated. Based on the sperm velocity (velocity of the average path), individual spermatozoons were classified into two major groups; i.e., progressively motile (&gt;45 μm/sec) and immotile (0-45 μm/sec) spermatozoa. Addition of 3, 9 or 15% of GA to HF-20 extender resulted in linear decreases in VCL, VSL and VAP and a decrease in the percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa. Dilution of horse semen samples with high viscosityextenders (i.e., high percentage of GA) decreased the VCL, VSL and VAP in fresh and chilled semen. Freezing semen in high viscosity-extenders reduced percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa compared with those of low viscosity-extenders. In refrigerated and frozen semen samples, the extender containing 15% GA had detrimental effects on the percentage of progressively motile sperm cells and velocity of progressive motile sperm. Moreover, cooling sperm in extenders containing 9 or 15% of GA for 72 hours resulted in complete motility cessation. In conclusion, GA could replace EY in stallion semen extenders at a level of 3% to maintain the physical and biological characteristics of cold and frozen semen.

Comparative analysis of structure and strength of vitelline membrane and physical parameters of yolk of ostrich, emu, and greater rhea eggs

In this study, we analyzed selected morphological traits of eggs, as well as structure, strength, and protein composition of the vitelline membrane (VM) of ostrich, emu, and greater rhea eggs. Ninety eggs (30 for species) were analyzed for the following parameters: egg weight, yolk weight, yolk ratio, and yolk index. In addition, pH value, water activity, consistency index, and flow behavior index were determined. The strength of VM was measured using the TA.HDPlus Texture Analyzer. Micrograph images were taken via a scanning electron microscope. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was conducted under denaturing conditions. Ostrich eggs were characterized by the highest egg and yolk weight compared with those of emu and greater rhea eggs, whereas emu eggs had the highest yolk ratio compared with those of ostrich and greater rhea eggs (P > 0.05). Yolk content differed among the species in terms of water activity; it was found to be higher in emu eggs than in ostrich and greater rhea eggs (P > 0.05). Based on flow curves, yolks of the ratites were classified as pseudoplastic non-Newtonian fluids. The consistency index was significantly higher in yolks of ostrich and emu than that of greater rhea eggs, whereas the VM of yolks of greater rhea eggs was the most resistant (had the highest breaking force = 26.4g). All species differed significantly regarding the structure of VM, the outer layer (OL) in particular, which was found to constitute fibers of various thicknesses that were differently arranged. Fibers of the OL of the VM of emu, whose fibers were the least differentiated but formed the most compact network, were the most diverse in characterization. An electropherogram of the VM of ostrich revealed 11 primary protein bands: 6 for the OL and 5 for the inner layer (IL), that of emu revealed 9 bands: 5 for the OL and 4 for the IL, and that of greater rhea revealed 10 bands: 6 for the OL and 4 for the IL.

Effects of corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles on performance, egg quality, yolk fatty acid composition and oxidative status in laying ducks

The study investigated the effects of increasing content of corn distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in the diets of laying ducks on oxidative status, laying performance, egg quality, and egg yolk fatty acid composition. Longyan females (1080) with similar BW at 17 wk of age were randomly assigned to 6 treatment groups, each consisting of 6 replicates of 30 birds. The basal diet (I) was a typical corn-soybean ration while the experimental diets (II to VI) substituted corn DDGS for soybean meal and wheat bran and a small reduction of corn. The level of substitution in diets (II to VI) was 6%, 12%, 18%, 24% and 30%. The experiment lasted for 18 wk. Average egg weight decreased linearly as the level of corn DDGS inclusion increased (P < 0.001). Haugh unit, albumen weight, and proportion declined as linear responses to corn DDGS substitution (P < 0.05), but yolk color linearly increased (P < 0.001); the proportions of oleic (C18:1) and total monounsaturated fatty acids in egg yolk linearly decreased with increasing corn DDGS and many of the key polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like linoleic (C18:2n-6), arachidonic (C20:4n-6) and α-linolenic (C18:3n-3) acids linearly increased (P < 0.001), but not those of eicosapentaenoic (C20:5n-3) and docoshexaenoic (C22:6n-3) acids. The PUFAs n-6/n-3 ratio linearly increased with increasing corn DDGS level (P < 0.001). Increasing corn DDGS linearly increased hepatic expression of GPX1, HO-1, and Nrf2 and hepatic activity of GSH-Px and the liver content of MDA (P < 0.001). There were no treatment effects on egg production, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, eggshell thickness, strength, and yolk cholesterol content (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the current study indicates that the use of corn DDGS is possible as a replacement, primarily for soybean meal at levels up to 18% in the diets of laying ducks without affecting laying performance, egg quality, and antioxidant status. Increasing amounts of corn DDGS linearly increased egg yolk concentrations of key fatty acids like like C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3 and the antioxidant enzyme activity of GSH-Px through the Nrf2 pathway to avoid oxidative stress.

Dietary High-Oleic Acid Soybean Oil Dose Dependently Attenuates Egg Yolk Content of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Laying Hens Fed Supplemental Flaxseed Oil.

Chickens can hepatically synthesize eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) from α-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 n-3); however, the process is inefficient and competitively inhibited by dietary linoleic acid (LNA; 18:2 n-6). In the present study, the influence of dietary high-oleic acid (OLA; 18:1 n-9) soybean oil (HOSO) on egg and tissue deposition of ALA and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) synthesized from dietary ALA was investigated in laying hens fed a reduced-LNA base diet supplemented with high-ALA flaxseed oil (FLAX). We hypothesized that reducing the dietary level of LNA would promote greater hepatic conversion of ALA to very long-chain (VLC; >20C) n-3 PUFA, while supplemental dietary HOSO would simultaneously further enrich eggs with OLA without influencing egg n-3 PUFA contents. Nine 51-week-old hens each were fed 0, 10, 20, or 40 g HOSO/kg diet for 12 weeks. Within each group, supplemental dietary FLAX was increased every 3 weeks from 0 to 10 to 20 to 40 g/kg diet. Compared to controls, dietary FLAX maximally enriched the total n-3 and VLC n-3 PUFA contents in egg yolk by 9.4-fold and 2.2-fold, respectively, while feeding hens 40 g HOSO/kg diet maximally attenuated the yolk deposition of ALA, VLC n-3 PUFA, and total n-3 PUFA by 37, 15, and 32%, respectively. These results suggest that dietary OLA is not neutral with regard to the overall process by which dietary ALA is absorbed, metabolized, and deposited into egg yolk, either intact or in the form of longer-chain/more unsaturated n-3 PUFA derivatives.

Morfologi Spermatozoa Itik Lokal (Anas platyrhyncos) Pasca Preservasi Dalam Medium Berbeda Dikombinasi Krioprotektan Kuning Telur

The aim of this study was to assess the percentage of local duck spermatozoa morphology (Anas platyrhynchos) for 6 days of storage in three storage mediums combining various egg yolk (EY) concentrations.This experimental study applied three combinations of factors as treatment. Medium (Tris, PBS or Ringer lactate), egg yolk (EY) concentration 0,5,10,15 or 25% and storage time (0,1,2,3,4,5,6 day). Spermatozoa obtained by sequence method, ejaculate or sperm obtained in swim up in medium, swim up spermatozoa were used for treatment in storage medium according to treatment and assessed before and after morphology of storage in refrigerator temperature (50 C). The results showed that spermatoza morphology was significantly different (P &lt;0.01) between 15 treatments. The medium factor and concentration of EY significantly (P &lt;0.05) affected the morphology of treatment spermatozoa. The highest percentage of highest post-preservation spermatozoa morphology for six days was obtained in 5% yolk treatment in PBS medium (5EYPBS). This study proves that egg yolk cryoprotectants are good for maintaining the morphology of local duck spermatozoa.

Daya Hidup Spermatozoa Epididimis Sapi Persilangan yang Dipreservasi dengan Air Kelapa Muda pada Suhu 5oC (VIABILITY OF EPIDIDYMAL SPERMATOZOA CROSSBREED CATTLE PRESERVED WITH COCONUT WATER AT 5oC)

The objective of this research was to examine the effectiveness of coconut water with various egg yolk concentrations in maintaining the viability of epididymal spermatozoa of crossbreed cattle preserved at 5oC. Five testis with epididymides of crossbreed cattle were obtained from slaughterhouse. Epididymal spermatozoa was collected by the combination of slicing, flushing and tissues pressure methods of cauda epididymides with saline solution (0.9% NaCl). Collected-spermatozoa was equally divided in volume into four tubes and diluted with lactose extender containing 20% egg yolk (control), 90% coconut water + 10% egg yolk (CWEY10), 85% coconut water + 15% egg yolk (CWEY15), and 80% coconut water + 20% egg yolk (CWEY20), repectively. Diluted-spermatozoa was stored in refrigerator at 5oC. Quality of dilutedspermatozoa including percentages of motile spermatozoa (MS), live spermatozoa (LS), spermatozoa with intact plasma membrane (IPM) were evaluated every day during four days of storage. Data were analyzed by using completely randomized design with four treatments and five replicates. Means were compared with significant difference test at 0.05 significant level. Results of this study showed that mean of spermatozoa concentration, percentage of MS, percentage of LS, percentage of spermatozoa abnormal, and percentage of IPM of crossbreed cattle fresh epididymal spermatozoa were 1,414 million cell/ml, 72%, 85%, 9%, and 90%, respectively. At day-4 of the storage, percentages of MS, LS, and IPM of control (43, 52.2, 59.2%) and CWEY20 (42, 52, 59%) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than CWEY10 (33, 45.4, 52.8%) and CWEY15 (37, 50, 54.6%). In conclusion, lactose and CWEY20 extenders could be maintaining the quality of epidydimal spermatozoa of crossbreed cattle for three days preservation at 5oC and two days for CWEY10 and CWEY15.

Effect of different dietary energy and protein sources on antioxidant status, fresh yolk fatty acid profile and microstructure of salted yolks in laying ducks

The study investigated whether different dietary energy and protein sources affect laying performance, antioxidant status, fresh yolk fatty acid profile and quality of salted yolks in laying ducks. In all, 360 19-week-old Longyan ducks were randomly assigned to four diets in a factorial arrangement (2×2). The four diets consisted of two energy sources, corn (CO) or sorghum (SO) and two protein sources, soybean meal (SM) and rapeseed meal with corn distillers dried grains with solubles (RMD), and each treatment contained six replicates of 15 birds each. The experimental diets were isocaloric (metabolizable energy, 10.84 MJ/kg) and isonitrogenous (CP, 17%). The results showed that egg production, average egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion ratio were not affected by diets (P>0.05). Plasma contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), GSH/oxidized glutathione and total antioxidant capacity were lower (P<0.05) in ducks fed the RMD diets compared with those fed SM diets with a substantial increase (P=0.006) in plasma content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Egg yolks from ducks fed SO diets had higher proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and lower saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids compared with CO diets (P<0.001). Similarly, ducks fed RMD diets had a higher content of PUFA and n-6/n-3 ratio in fresh yolks (P<0.001), and increased salted yolk MDA, carbonylated proteins content and incidence of hard salted yolks (P<0.05) compared with SM diets. Scanning electron microscopy showed that salted yolks contained rougher polyhedral granules and fewer fat droplets, and were surrounded with a layer of bunchy fibers in ducks fed SO+RMD than those fed CO+SM diet. In conclusion, the current study showed that feeding laying ducks with diets containing SO or RMD reduced antioxidant capacity and increased egg yolk concentrations of PUFA. It appeared that egg yolks from ducks fed these diets were more sensitive to lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation during salting, and reduced the quality of salted yolks.

Increased Integrity of Plasma Membrane and Acrosome Cap Spermatozoa Limousin Cattle at Post Thawing in Frozen Media by adding Seawater Extract

This research was determined membrane integrity and acrosome cap of Limousin bull post thawing after adding seawater extract with different concentrations in extender skim milk and egg yolk to increased frozen semen quality. This research used fresh samples of Limousin bull’s semen collected by using artificial vagina, then devided into 4 treatments and 6 replications. The experimental design that used was Complete Random Design. Analysis of the data using Analysis of Variant (ANOVA) one way then proceeds to the Duncan Multiple Range Test to determine significant differences between treatments.The first treatment P0 no seawater extract added as a control. The second treatment P1 was treated with 0.109 µL seawater extract, P2 was treated with 0.426 µL seawater extract, and P3 was treated with 1.09 µL seawater extract. The result showed that determine significant differences between treatments. The post thawing membrane integrity’s result was P0= 22.00 ± 4.28, P1= 22.66 ± 3.61, P2= 25.00 ± 2.75, and P3= 29.00 ± 1.67. The post thawing acrosome cap’s result was P0= 30.50 ± 1.37, P1= 31.50 ± 3.27, P2= 34.83 ± 2.31, and P3= 38.00 ± 1.41. The highest concentration added seawater extract to increased membrane integrity and acrosome cap spermatozoa in this research was 1.09 µL. Keywords: Limousin bull; spermatozoa; seawater extract; membrane integrity; acrosome cap

Combination Effects of Organic and Inorganic Chromium on Production Performance, Reproductive Response, Immune Status, and Maternal Antibody Transmission in Breeder Quails Under Heat Stress.

This experiment was carried out to investigate the combination effects of organic and inorganic chromium (Cr) on egg production, egg quality, reproductive response, and immune status of breeder quails and their offspring under heat stress. A total of 140 7-week-old Japanese breeder quails (120 females and 20 males) according to a completely randomized design were used in four treatment groups (five replicate and seven birds per each) lasted for 8weeks. Quails exposed to 35°C for 8h/day for induction of cyclic heat stress treatments consisted of diets supplemented with (1) 1mg CrCl3 per kilogram of diet as control (CNT); (2) 1mg Cr-L-Met per kilogram of diet as organic Cr (OCr); (3) 0.5mg CrCl3 plus 0.5mg Cr-L-Met per kilogram of diet (ISO); (4) 1mg CrCl3 plus 0.5mg Cr-L-Met per kilogram of diet (On-top). Productive performance and egg quality parameters were determined weekly. Fertility, hatchability, and embryonic mortality were measured at the end of experiment. Humoral immunity was assessed by primary and secondary antibody titer in sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and Newcastle disease (ND) tests. Cell-mediated immunity was assessed by the cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) test to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) at days 20 and 45 of age. White blood cell count and immunoglobulin Y (IgY) content in serum and yolk of breeders and in serum and yolk residues of offspring were also measured. Results showed that maximum egg production, egg shell thickness, and Haugh unit were observed in birds fed ISO and On-top diets (P ≤ 0.05). The highest (P ≤ 0.05) antibody levels in ND test were observed in birds fed with OCr, ISO, and On-top diets. The highest cellular response (P ≤ 0.05) was in 12h after primary PHA injection and 12 and 24h after secondary PHA injection in birds fed with On-top diets. The highest count of heterophil and (H/L) were gained in breeder quails fed with CNT diet, and the lowest of them were reached with On-top diet (P ≤ 0.05). Results showed that the highest IgY level in serum of breeder and their offspring and that of yolk suck and egg yolk were observed in birds fed with On-top diet (P ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that extra supplemental organic Cr in combination with CrCl3 could lead to higher egg production, egg quality, and immune status of breeder quails and their offspring.