Yolk Content Research Articles

Evaluation of black soldier fly larvae oil (Hermatia illucens L.) calcium salt as an alternative fat source for laying quail diets.

This study aims to determine the effect of adding saponified black soldier fly larvae oil calcium salt (BSFLO-SCa) to quail feed as an alternative source of fat on laying performance, blood lipid profile, egg quality, and gene expression in lipid metabolism. A total of 120 female Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) aged 24 weeks were divided into 3 treatments, each with 8 replications, and each replication consisted of 5 quails in a completely randomized design. The applied treatments were the inclusion of basal feed as a control (T0) and basal feed supplemented with 1% BSFLO-SCa (T1) and 2% BSFLO-SCa (T2). The study indicated that the supplementation starting from 1% of BSFLO-SCa significantly decrease (p<0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR), blood lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol). Gene expression on fat synthesis of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and cholesterol synthesis of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) downregulated (p<0.05). In addition, the other parameters did not affect by supplementation of 1% BSFLO-SCa. The inclusion at 2% of BSFLO-SCa significantly increased (p<0.05) protein content of yolk and albumen, egg weight, egg shape index, and gene expression on fat oxidation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1). Egg yolk cholesterol, egg albumen ash, haugh unit (HU), and gene expression on fat synthesis of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were significantly reduced (p<0.05). Addition of 2% BSFLO-SCa in the feed improves performance, egg quality, and reduces cholesterol in the blood and eggs of quail. This improvement is accompanied by a reduction in the expression of key genes involved in lipid metabolism. BSFLO-SCa oil has the potential to be an alternative oil source in quail feed.

Pre-Embryonic Period Observation Shows a Unique Reproductive Strategy of the Critically Endangered Anji Salamander (Hynobius amjiensis).

Hynobius amjiensis, also known as the Anji salamander, is an amphibian species currently categorized as endangered due to its limited geographical distribution, primarily in China. To address the critical conservation status of this species, artificial breeding is essential for population expansion. However, progress in artificial breeding efforts has been hindered by the scarcity of research on the reproductive biology of the Anji salamander. In this study, we identified 25 distinct early stages of embryo development. Additionally, we observed that Anji salamander embryos contain a lesser amount of yolk compared to other salamanders or frogs. We further discovered that the Anji salamander employs a highly competitive reproductive strategy, producing a smaller number of high-quality offspring. This strategy aims to generate adaptive individuals through intense intraspecific competition, driven by three factors: extremely confined breeding habitats, a substantial number of eggs, and a reduced yolk content. We introduce the term "mass escape" to describe this strategy, which provides a novel perspective on cannibalization, focusing on the consumption of specific body parts rather than a single-individual activity. This study offers valuable insights into artificial breeding techniques designed to mitigate inherent intraspecific competitive pressure, thereby improving metamorphosis and survival rates. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive table detailing the pre-embryonic developmental stages of the Anji salamander.

Mating behaviour and cholesterol nutritional strategies promoted ovarian development of female swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus).

Female crabs enter a stage of rapid ovarian development after mating, and cholesterol is a substrate for steroid hormone synthesis. Therefore, in this experiment, an 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of mating treatments (mated crab and unmated crab) and three dietary cholesterol levels (0·09 %, 0·79 % and 1·40 %) on ovarian development, cholesterol metabolism and steroid hormones metabolism of adult female swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus). The results indicated that crabs fed the diet with 0·79 % cholesterol significantly increased gonadosomatic index (GSI) and vitellogenin (VTG) content than other treatments in the same mating status. Moreover, mated crabs had markedly increased GSI and VTG content in the ovary and hepatopancreas than unmated crabs. The histological observation found that exogenous vitellogenic oocytes appeared in the mated crabs, while previtellogenic oocytes and endogenous vitellogenic oocytes were the primary oocytes in unmated crabs. The transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that when fed diet with 0·79 % cholesterol, the unmated crabs contained more rough endoplasmic reticulum and mated crabs had higher yolk content than other treatments. Furthermore, mating treatment and dietary 0·79 % cholesterol level both promoted cholesterol deposition by up-regulation of the mRNA and protein expression levels of class B scavenger receptors 1 (Srb1), while stimulating the secretion of steroid hormones by up-regulation of the mRNA and protein expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star). Overall, the present results indicated that mating behaviour plays a leading role in promoting ovarian development, and dietary 0·79 % cholesterol level can further promote ovarian development after mating.

PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF QUAIL (Coturnix-coturnix japonica) AND IDENTIFICATION OF IgY CONCENTRATION IN BLOOD SERUM AND YOLK

This research was conducted to provide information on the production performance of quail parent stock and its offspring with various IgY concentrations. A total of 42 female quail parents stock aged five weeks old were used in this study. Five quails were categorized as medium IgY group with concentrations of 431.12-531.87 µg/mL and 37 quails were categorized as low IgY group with concentration of 251.87-384.68 µg/mL. The variables observed were the production performance such as initial body weight, feed intake, final body weight, body weight gain, number of eggs, egg mass, egg weight, egg laying intensity, feed conversion, morbidity, and mortality rate and IgY concentration of the yolk of the offsprings. Production performance of female quail with different concentrations of IgY was not significantly different (P0.05). IgY concentration of offsprings in egg yolk was also not significantly different (P0.05) in both groups. The results showed that female quails parent stock with low blood IgY showed better production. Meanwhile, female quail parents’ stock with moderate blood IgY concentrations produced offspring with high-maternal IgY concentrations in yolk.

Therapeutic efficacy of SipD/LptD-specific IgY entrapped in alginate nanoparticles against Salmonella Typhimurium infection

IntroductionSalmonella, a zoonotic pathogen causing gastroenteritis, lacks a preventive vaccine. Passive immunization with IgY antibodies derived from immunized chickens has shown potential for treating bacterial infections. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of entrapped IgY targeting recombinant SipD and LptD proteins from Salmonella Typhimurium. MethodsThe recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Hens were immunized with the purified protein, and the resulting IgY was entrapped into alginate nanoparticles. The shape of spherical nanoparticles and their size in the nanometer range were determined by SEM and DLS analysis. The therapeutic efficacy of free and alginate-entrapped IgY against S. Typhimurium was evaluated in mice at 1, 50, and 100 LD50 bacterial doses. ResultsThe purified IgY concentration in each egg yolk was 6 mg/ml (35 mg/egg). Physicochemical and structural characterization revealed spherical nanoparticles with a diameter of 157.1 nm and a negatively charged surface (zeta potential of −35.6 mV). The loading efficiency of IgY into alginate nanoparticles was 95.5 %. In a challenge test with 100 LD50 of S. Typhimurium, all mice receiving alginate-entrapped IgY survived, whereas half of the mice receiving non-entrapped IgY died within 7 days. ConclusionOur results indicate that IgY antibodies entrapped in alginate nanoparticles may offer therapeutic effect against S. Typhimurium infection.

Characteristics of ice cream from black soybean sprout juice – red dragon fruit with yolk emulsifier

Black soybean germination into sprouts reportedly improved nutrition digestibility and bioactive compound content. Red dragon fruit (RDF) and egg yolk (EY) can be used as natural and halal colorants and emulsifiers. Black soybean sprout (BSS) juice made non-dairy ice cream with red dragon fruit and egg yolk as an emulsifier. This research aimed to measure the effect of various red dragon fruit and egg yolk concentrations on the characteristics of ice cream made from BSS juice. A completely randomized design was applied to six formulations made using the ratio of RDF : EY of FA (20%: 3%), FB (20%: 4%), FC (20%: 5%), FD (40%: 3%), FE (40%: 4%), and FF (40%: 5%). BSS juice was made using 48 hours of room temperature incubated sprout and water at a 1:4 (b/v) ratio. Filtrate was then mixed with sugar, cornstarch, and salt into a dough, which was then mixed with RDF and EY at various concentrations. Nutritional proximate composition, radical scavenging activity, phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, vitamin C, and sensory acceptance were analyzed. Data was then statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Results showed that higher RDF significantly changed overrun, melting rate, increased moisture content, vitamin C (20.4 – 40.23 mg/100 g), antioxidant activity (34.9 – 62.78 % radical scavenging activity), total phenolics (0.341 – 0.536 mg/g GAE), and total anthocyanin (3.905 – 9.726 mg/kg), and hedonic score, but shorter melting time. The shortest melting time was obtained by ice cream made using 20% RDF and 5% EY, the lower concentration of fruit, and the highest concentration of egg yolk, respectively. The results indicated that BSS juice could be used as the main ingredient to make non-dairy ice cream, with red dragon fruit and egg yolk as natural colorants and emulsifiers, respectively. Keywords: Black soybean sprout, Non-dairy ice cream, Red dragon fruit

Enhancing the nutritional values of egg yolks of laying hens by different dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin e and trace elements

The present study aims to investigate the effect of whole flaxseed (WFS), fish oil (FO), and different sources of Se, Zn, and Fe on lipid metabolites, antioxidant status, immunity, egg yolks’ minerals (Se, Zn and Fe) and fatty acids and eggs’ lipid and health index in laying hens. A total of 144 hens were divided into 6 groups with 6 replicated of 4 hens each. The laying hens were fed diets containing 0, 7.5 % whole flaxseed (WFS)+1.5 % fish oil (FO), 7.5 %WFS+1.5 % FO+175 mg kg-1 vitamin E (VE), 7.5 %WFS+1.5 % FO+ 175 mg kg-1 VE +inorganic sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (ISeZnFe), 7.5 %WFS+1.5 % FO+175 mg kg-1 VE+ organic sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (OSeZnFe) and 7.5 %WFS+1.5 % FO+ 175 mg kg-1 VE +nano-source of Se, Zn, and Fe (NSeZnFe) from 40 to 50 weeks of age. Results clarified that incorporation of 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+OSeZnFe or 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+NSeZnFe increased serum concentration of HDL-cholesterol and HDL/LDL ratio, while reduced LDL-cholesterol and the hypercholesteremia index (RHCH) in comparison with control. Dietary 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+OSeZnFe or 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+NSeZnFe increased concentrations of total antioxidants capacity and vitamin E and reduced concentrations of malonaldehyde (MDA) in blood serum and egg contents. Interestingly, dietary inclusion of 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+OSeZnFe, or 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+NSeZnFe increased α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total n-3 PUFAs concentrations in egg yolk, while reduced arachidonic acid (ARA) in the egg yolks, whereas n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio was decreased significantly. Moreover, incorporation of 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+OSeZnFe, or 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+NSeZnFe improved egg health indices. It might be concluded that, inclusion of 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+OSeZnFe, or 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+NSeZnFe in hens’ diets had a positive effect on antioxidative properties in blood serum and eggs yolks contents; at the same time, it improved the egg yolk lipids, fatty acids and its related health and nutritional indices.

Comprehensive risk assessment of lead concentrations in chicken, quail, and duck egg albumen and yolk using Monte Carlo simulations

This study conducted a comparative analysis of the concentration of the lead (Pb) in the albumen and yolk of eggs from domesticated chicken, quail, and duck, with a concurrent assessment of the potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with the consumption of eggs sourced from Türkiye. A total of 78 poultry egg samples were gathered from breeding farms and farmers' markets situated in Şanlıurfa province. Lead concentrations were assessed through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Human health risk assessment adheres to the guidelines set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), which primarily emphasizes estimated daily intake (EDI), international lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), target hazard quotient (THQ), and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) as a probabilistic approach. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to compare Pb concentrations within egg yolks and albumens, as well as among various types of eggs. The levels of Pb found in the albumen of chicken, quail, and duck eggs were measured to be 0.31 ± 0.11, 0.43 ± 0.11, and 0.47 ± 0.16 μg kg−1, respectively. The concentrations of Pb in the yolks of chicken, quail, and duck eggs were found to be 0.54 ± 0.19, 0.28 ± 0.11, and 0.69 ± 0.21 μg kg−1, respectively. These concentrations were below the maximum permitted levels set by the FAO/WHO. The results indicated that Pb content in all tested eggs was safe for consumption, with exposure levels significantly below Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) risk thresholds. The THQ values were less than one, indicating no non-carcinogenic risk. In addition, this study provides accurate and reliable data for policy makers to improve food safety measures and reduce potential public health risks.

A 3D micro-computed tomography study comparing embryonic skeletal development in layer versus broiler strains of the domestic chicken

Our objective was to analyze the effect of selection for divergent traits in the domestic chicken on embryonic skeletal development, which could affect postnatal bird welfare. Development was compared between the Ross 308 broiler line (fast growth and muscle mass accrual) and Novoponte layers (high laying rate and egg quality). In Study 1 (Initial Conditions), we characterized egg composition prior to incubation and identified the onset of embryonic skeletal mineralization in the 2 strains. In Study 2 (Developmental Dynamics), we used 3D X-ray tomographic imaging (µCT) on incubation days ED11, ED13, ED15 and ED17 to track skeletal maturation trajectories as a pseudo-time series. Results showed that Ross 308 embryos, which are heavier than Novoponte embryos, possess higher levels of yolk nutrients including phosphorus and calcium, but lower eggshell mineral content, than Novoponte embryos. Skeletal mineralization started synchronously in both strains, on ED11. The higher mineral ion content in the larger yolk of Ross 308 eggs compared to Novoponte eggs may partly explain why skeletal mineralization in Ross 308 embryos advances faster: using µCT, we show that the mandible and tibiotarsi in Ross 308 embryos are larger at ED11 and ED13 compared with Novoponte embryos. However, Novoponte embryos catch up from this initial lag in mineralization by ED15. The timing of the Novoponte acceleration coincides with the functional activation of the chorioallantoic membrane in releasing calcium from the inner eggshell. This correlates with a decrease in eggshell thickness from ED11 to ED17 in Novoponte eggs, which was not observed during Ross 308 incubation. To conclude, while some temporal discrepancies exist in early skeletal development between the embryos of Ross 308 and Novoponte strains, overall prenatal skeletal maturation seems to be robustly regulated. Despite selection for antagonist production traits, layer and broiler prehatch skeletal morphology ultimately synchronizes. Practically, since the extent of skeletal maturity equalizes between strains towards the end of incubation, refinements of farming practices, postnatal environment, and diet should be considered for improving domestic fowl welfare.

Effects of Time Storage, Egg Yolk Concentration and Semen Washing on Sperm Motility in Arbia Bucks

Abstract With a prospect to improve goat artificial insemination, this study aims to evaluate the effects of storage time, egg yolk concentration and semen washing on the rate of motile spermatozoa (spz) in Arbia breed bucks semen stored at 5 °C for 48 h. Semen was collected from three mature bucks using an artificial vagina during December 2018. The ejaculates used in this study (rate of motile sperm &gt; 75 %) were divided into two fractions: A, and B, (unwashed and washed samples, respectively): themselves divided into three fractions, and diluted in Tris-Acid citric based extenders, containing egg yolk at 2 %, 10 % and 20 %. ANOVA test was performed using the R software version 3.3.0. The rate of motile spermatozoa was evaluated after 24 and 48 hours of storage in the refrigerator at 5 °C. It registered a significant decrease as a function of the storage time in the different extenders. It varied between 42.43 ± 9.86 % and 61.29 ± 5.44 %, after 24 hours of storage, and between 35.86 ± 13.95 %, and 55.45 ± 11.65 % after 48 hours of storage. The semen washing significantly reduced the rate of motile spermatozoa in the different extenders. Increasing the concentration of egg yolk in the extender increased the rate of motile spermatozoa, especially during the first 24 hours of storage. In conclusion, the rate of spermatozoa motility of unwashed semen stored at 5 °C is higher in extenders containing high egg-yolk concentration, and decrease according to conservation time.

Histological Characteristics of Follicles, Reproductive Hormones and Transcriptomic Analysis of White King Pigeon Illuminated with Red Light.

Red light (RL) has been observed to enhance egg production in pigeons, yet the underlying histological characteristics and molecular mechanisms remain less understood. This study included fifty-four pigeons to assess follicular histology, reproductive hormones, and ovarian transcriptomics on the third day of the laying interval under RL and white light (WL). The results showed that the granulosa cell layer was significantly thicker under RL (p < 0.05), whereas the theca cell and connective tissue layers showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Higher plasma estradiol (E2) levels were recorded in the RL group (p < 0.05), as well as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), although progesterone (P4) levels were higher under WL (p < 0.05). Moreover, P4 concentrations in follicle yolk significantly decreased under RL (p < 0.01), with higher FSH and E2 levels in F1 yolk and similar increases in SF1 yolk (p < 0.01). Transcriptomic analysis revealed 4991 differentially expressed genes in the pigeon ovary. The protein-protein interaction network highlighted genes like HSD11B1, VEGFD, WNT6, SMAD6, and LGR5 as potential contributors to hierarchical follicle selection under RL. This research provides new insights into the molecular basis by which RL may promote hierarchical follicle selection and improve egg production in pigeons.

Effect of organic and nano trace minerals at reduced levels in layer diets on egg quality characteristics and its trace mineral content

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of organic and nano trace minerals (copper, zinc, manganese and iron) at reduced levels in layer diets on various egg quality characteristics and its trace mineral content. 240 Hy- Line W80 layer birds of 29 weeks old were randomly distributed to five treatment groups with four replicates having twelve birds each. Basal diet was supplemented with inorganic trace minerals to meet 100 per cent requirement to form control diet or with organic trace minerals at 75 and 50% of requirement or with nano trace minerals at 50 and 25% of requirement to form four test diets. Each diet was offered to four replicate groups for 84 days which was conveniently divided into three phases of 28 days each. Egg quality parameters, viz. egg weight, egg shape index, albumen index, yolk index, yolk color score, Haugh unit score, egg shell weight, albumen weight and yolk weight among the treatment groups were not affected by source and level of trace minerals. However, egg shell thickness was significantly higher in 25% nano trace mineral group on 28th day. The trace minerals (Zn and Fe) in the yolk were significantly lower at reduced trace mineral levels (50% organic or nano and 25% nano form) when compared to 100% (inorganic) and 75% levels (organic form). It was concluded that the substitution of inorganic trace minerals with organic or nano trace minerals at reduced levels (50 or 25%, respectively) in layer diets does not affect the egg quality parameters, but reduces Zn and Fe content in egg yolk.

Porous egg microparticles for controllable drug delivery and oncotherapy

AbstractBaicalein (BAI) extracted from Chinese herb has been proved to increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to gemcitabine (GEM) and effectively solve the problem of drug resistance of tumor cells. Nevertheless, intravenous administration often leads to intolerance of patients and side effects. In this paper, we introduced egg‐based porous microparticles for controllable drug delivery and oncotherapy, which avoided frequent intravenous administration. The interconnected porous structure endowed the microparticles with the capacity of loading sufficient drugs and releasing in a controllable way by adjusting the concentration and proportion of egg white and yolk. We have demonstrated that the cell viability of drug delivery system group was less than 50%, while the single drug group was more than 70%, which indicated that the co‐delivery of GEM and BAI could significantly reduce the proliferation of cells. These features indicated that the egg porous microparticles are ideal for controllable drug delivery and oncotherapy.

Dietary supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 regulates productive performance, lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in aged laying ducks

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) on productive performance, lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in aged laying ducks. A total of 432 healthy Longyan ducks at 60-week of age were randomly allotted to 6 groups, each with 6 replicates of 12 ducks. Ducks were given a basal diet (without added 25(OH)D3) or that diet supplemented with 800, 1600, 2400, 3200, or 4000 IU/kg 25(OH)D3 for a total of 16 wk. Dietary supplementation with 25(OH)D3 improved egg production, egg mass and average daily feed intake, and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of ducks during the whole trial period (linear, quadratic; P < 0.05). Supplementation with 25(OH)D3 decreased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) content in yolk (P = 0.008), decreased high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) content in plasma (P = 0.002). Hepatic index, VLDL, LDL, triglyceride and total cholesterol content in liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver activity score of liver and alanine aminotransferase content in plasma were decreased with supplementation of 25(OH)D3 (linear or quadratic; P < 0.05). The decreased hepatic apolipoprotein B 100 and lipoprotein lipase expression, and increased hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 expression resulted from 25(OH)D3 supplementation (linear, quadratic; P < 0.05). Moreover, 25(OH)D3 supplementation increased the villus/crypt ratio (linear, quadratic; P < 0.05) and expression of zonula occludens protein 1 and nuclear factor-κ-gene binding in duodenum (P < 0.05). The supplementation of 25(OH)D3 reduced the abundance of Wittenberg polluted soil-2 bacteria, Synergistota, Bacteroidales, Colidextribacter, Eggerthellaceae, Oscillospira, Oscillibacter, UCG-009, Barnesiellaceae and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010 in cecal contents (P < 0.05). Dietary requirements for 25(OH)D3 for ducks (60 to 76 wk), were estimated to be 3377 IU/kg for egg production, 3434 IU/kg for egg mass, and 3256 IU/kg for FCR. In summary, dietary 25(OH)D3 supplementation improved productive performance and influenced liver and plasma lipid homeostasis in aged laying ducks, which may be associated with the reduction of bacteria involved in carbohydrate metabolism in the cecum. Supplementing the basal diet with 3250 to 3450 IU/kg 25(OH)D3 is recommended for aged laying ducks (60 to 76 wk).

Assessment of performance and egg quality in laying hens of Spanish indigenous breed Black Castellana as compared with a selected white egg-layer strain

Indigenous animal genetic resources should be preserved because of their well adaptation to the environment, their tolerance to low food availability and their sociocultural importance. The characterization of the quality of the products generated by heritage breeds may bring more arguments to encourage the raising of these animals. This study aimed at evaluating the egg performance and quality of Spanish indigenous Black Castellana (BC) breed as compared with a selected strain (Lohmann LSL-Classic). Four groups of 30 hens were arranged: 1) Lohmann hens fed a control diet; 2) BC hens fed the control diet; 3) Lohmann hens fed a diet including linseed at 70 g/kg (omega-3 diet); 4) BC hens fed the omega-3 diet. Egg production was higher by 12.3% for Lohmann hens but, since BC eggs were heavier by 15.4%, no effect of genetics was found on daily egg mass. Feed intake was higher by 5.0% for BC hens. Nonetheless, no difference was detected for feed conversion ratio. Eggshell was thicker by 6.78% in Lohmann eggs. Haugh units did not differ among freshly laid and stored eggs in Lohmann hens, whereas Haugh units decreased in stored BC eggs (80.5 vs. 76.7 vs. 72.3 at 0, 14, and 30 d of storage). Yolks of BC eggs contained less fat (57.5 vs. 60.8% DM), more protein (32.8 vs. 31.9% DM) and more cholecalciferol (1.25 vs. 1.22 μg/g DM), and showed lower proportion of saturated fatty acids (29.0 vs. 37.0%) and higher proportions of monounsaturated (45.7 vs. 39.6%) and polyunsaturated (25.2 vs. 23.4%) fatty acids. Feeding the omega-3 diet reduced the yolk proportions of saturated (32.5 vs. 33.5%) and monounsaturated (42.0 vs. 43.3%) fatty acids and increased those of polyunsaturated (25.4 vs. 23.2%) and ω-3 (7.05 vs. 2.42%) fatty acids. No effect due to genetics or diet was found on yolk color score or on yolk content in cholesterol, cobalamin, retinol and γ-tocopherol. This study represents the first exhaustive characterization of eggs from Spanish indigenous Black Castellana breed.

Inclusion of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Standard or Omega-3 Fatty Acids Enriched Laying Hens Diets: Effects on Performance, Egg Quality Parameters, Fatty Acid Composition and Individual Carotenoids Concentration of Egg Yolk

The effects of lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) inclusion to standard or omega-3 fatty acids enriched laying hens’ diets, on performance, egg quality parameters, fatty acids and individual carotenoids of egg yolk was investigated. The dietary treatments were designed as: standard (S) diet, 50 mg/kg L plus 50 mg/kg Z (S+L/Z (50+50)) or 100 mg/kg lutein plus 100 mg/kg zeaxanthin (S+L/Z (100+100)) added to S diet, Omega-3 fatty acids enriched (OM3) diet, 50 mg/kg lutein plus 50 mg/kg zeaxanthin (OM3+L/Z (50+50) or 100 mg/kg lutein plus 100 mg/kg zeaxanthin (OM3+L/Z (100+100)) added to OM3 diet. Hens with a mean live weight of 1525.88 ± 31.19 g were divided into six treatment groups. During the experimental period, there was not any mortality rate recorded. Dietary inclusion of L/Z (50+50 or 100+100) either in S or OM3 diets did not alter performance parameters. Eggs from hens fed enriched diet (OM3) significantly increased (P&lt;0.05) the albumen index and Haugh unit. The type of dietary fat source (F), equal dose of L/Z or F×L/Z on egg yolk lutein, unknown carotenoids and total carotenoid concentration were found to be significant. However, the F on zeaxanthin concentration was not significant (P&gt;0.05). The yolk color a* value was significantly increased by inclusion of L/Z (50+50 or 100+100) to diets (S or OM3) (P&lt;0.05) and this was correlated with increased (P&lt;0.05) concentration of individual carotenoids. The major changes in egg yolk fatty acid MUFA and PUFA composition occurred when laying hen fed with OM3 diet. Key words: Egg yolk, omega-3, carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanth

Free iron accumulation and oxidative stress burden induce ferroptotic atrophy of chicken yolk sac during the late embryogenesis

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of iron homeostasis and the ferroptosis pathway for yolk sac atrophy during late embryogenesis. To study the mechanism of yolk sac atrophy, 100 eggs were used. Further, 500 eggs were randomly divided into five treatments and in ovo feeding with different iron sources, such as FeSO4, ferrous glycinate (Fe‐Gly), or deferoxamine (DFO), to study the effects of free iron content on hatching quality and embryonic development. The results showed that total iron content of yolk decreased, but yolk sac increased from embryonic(E)13 to E19 (p &lt; 0.05). Comparison of gene expression of iron transport systems showed that free iron accumulation and dysfunction occurred in the yolk sac. Yolk sac metabolites at E19 compared to E13 were more enriched in histidine and sulfur pathways, suppressing glutathione synthesis and resulting in oxidative stress damage in the yolk sac. Combined analysis of differential metabolites and gene expression in ferroptosis pathway at E13 and E19 revealed the activation of the yolk sac during late embryogenesis was probably through up‐regulation of ACSL4 expression and down‐regulation of GPX4 expression. Furthermore, in ovo feeding FeSO4 shortened the incubation time compared to CON, while Fe‐Gly or DFO delayed the hatching peak and increased hatching weight with less residual yolk. Collectively, it can be concluded that yolk sac atrophy during late embryogenesis may be mediated by iron disorders and provides a novel insight to modulate yolk sac nutrition, and hatching efficiency in chickens.

Freezing Hu ram semen: influence of different penetrating cryoprotectants and egg yolk level on the post-thaw quality of sperm.

The Hu sheep is a renowned breed known for its high reproductive rate. It is in estrus all year round, and its breeding population is gradually expanding. However, the current techniques for cryopreserving semen have limited effectiveness, which hinders the continuous development of this species. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of different penetrating cryoprotectants (CPAs) and egg yolk (EY) concentrations on the cryopreservation of Hu ram semen to determine the most effective combination. In this study, the effects of glycerol (GLY), ethylene glycol (EG), dimethylacetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, different proportions of GLY and EG, EY on sperm quality after thawing were investigated by detecting sperm total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), straight-line velocity, curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, amplitude of lateral head displacement, wobble movement coefficient, average motion degree, functional integrity (plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. When GLY and EG were added together, compared to other concentration groups, 6% GLY significantly (p<0.05) increased TM, PM, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity of thawed sperm. Additionally, it significantly (p<0.05) decreased the ROS level of sperm. In this study, the TM, PM, and membrane integrity of the 6% EG were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of the control, 1% GLY+5% EG and 6% GLY+6% EG groups. Compared to other concentration groups, 20% EY significantly (p<0.05) improved the TM, PM, and plasma membrane integrity of thawed sperm. However, the integrity of the acrosome increased with the higher concentration of EY. In conclusion, the post-thawed Hu ram semen diluted with a diluent containing 6% GLY and 20% EY exhibited higher quality compared to the other groups.

Dietary Aronia melanocarpa supplementation inhibit the oxidative stress caused by aging in ovary of late laying hens from 59 to 67 weeks of age

The ageing of laying hens’ ovaries in the late laying period leads to oxidative stress, which ultimately results in the decrease of laying performance. Thus, we investigated Aronia melanocarpa (AM) as a potent antioxidant to improve ovarian senescence in the late laying hens through antioxidant pathway, thereby improving egg production performance. A total of 480 Hy-line brown laying hens aged 59 wks (60–67 wks) were randomly divided into CON, LAM, MAM and HAM groups and fed 0, 1, 4 and 7% AM, respectively. The results showed that compared with the CON group, the MAM group could significantly improve the laying rate and reduce the feed egg ratio at 64–67 weeks of age (p < 0.05). The AM groups increased the eggshell thickness, while HAM group significantly reduced yolk colour (p < 0.05). The MAM and HAM groups significantly increased egg white weight (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the ovarian index in MAM group was increased, and the proteins related to proliferation and anti-apoptosis of ovarian cells (PCNA and Bcl2/Bax) were enhanced in all AM groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, all AM groups could significantly reduce the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of ovary and yolk, and increase the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in yolk. LAM and MAM groups significantly increased ovarian GSH-Px activity, but only the MAM group significantly increased ovarian T-SOD activity. The expression levels of Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), haem oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) genes and proteins were significantly increased in all AM groups, while the expression levels of kelch ECH – associated protein 1 (Keap1) genes and proteins were decreased. The expressions of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) genes were significantly increased in all AM groups, but the expression of SOD1 protein was significantly increased in MAM group and NQO1 protein was significantly increased in HAM group. Antioxidant enzyme protein expressions in the ovary showed positive associations with antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, the expression of Nrf2 protein in the ovary was inversely connected with Keap1 protein expression and favourably correlated with antioxidant protein expressions. In summary, dietary AM supplementation activates the Keap1/Nrf2 antioxidant pathway to inhibit the oxidative stress caused by ageing in ovary of late laying hens. Taken together, the results of the study suggest that the inclusion of 4% AM was able to better improve the laying performance and antioxidant capacity of laying hens in the late laying period.

Carotenoid deposition in yolks of laying hens fed with corn diets differing in grain hardness and supplemented with rapeseed oil and emulsifier

This study investigated the effects of supplementing diets consisting of two dent corn hybrids (soft- and hard-type) with different amounts of rapeseed oil (2, 3, and 4%) and with (0.05%) or without emulsifier (Lysoforte Extended, Kemin) on the content and deposition of carotenoids in egg yolk. The feeding trial was conducted with 216 Lohmann Brown laying hens which were by 3 located in 72 cages. The cages were randomly assigned to 12 dietary treatments (2 hybrids × 3 rapeseed oil levels × 2 emulsifier levels), resulting in 6 cages (replicates) per each dietary treatment. After depletion, hens were fed treatment diets without added pigment for 7 wk. After stabilization of the carotenoid profile (lutein, zeaxanthin, α- and β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene and total carotenoids), eggs were collected once a week until the end of the experiment and deposition efficiency was calculated based on carotenoid content in yolk and diets, yolk weight, egg production and diet intake. Corn hybrid and rapeseed oil affected (P < 0.05) the yolk content and deposition efficiency of most carotenoids. Moreover, a significant (P < 0.05) hybrid × rapeseed oil level interaction for all carotenoids indicated hybrid-specific responses to rapeseed oil supplementation. In the soft-type hybrid, the addition of 3% rapeseed oil enhanced the carotenoid content compared to 2% of rapeseed oil, whereas for the hard-type hybrid, 2 and 3% of rapeseed oil resulted in similar contents. Supplementation of 4% rapeseed oil reduced the content regardless of the hybrid. Emulsifier addition positively affected (P < 0.05) the deposition efficiency of all carotenoids except β-carotene. In conclusion, supplementing corn diets with rapeseed oil and emulsifier affected carotenoid utilization and these responses varied in hybrids differing in grain hardness, which should be considered when using corn as the sole source of carotenoids in hen diets.