Egg Contents Research Articles

In vivo antischistosomal activity profiling and efficacy of niosomal Spirulina platensis and praziquantel combined remedy against murine Schistosoma mansoni infection

Schistosomiasis is a serious parasite disease with a high rate of mortality and negative financial impacts in subtropical and tropical locations like Egypt. The goal of this study was to investigate the anti-schistosomal effect of Spirulina platensis (SP) and Spirulina loaded niosomes (SPN), either in the presence or absence of praziquantel (PZQ) against S. mansoni in experimentally infected mice. Six groups have been involved in the study, five groups were infected with S. mansoni cercariae and subjected independently to different treatments of SP, SPN, and PZQ or the preceding two combinations, in addition to one untreated group which acts as a control. At the 8th week, mice were euthanized, and besides a histopathological assessment of the liver granuloma, the number of worms, tissue egg load, and oogram pattern were estimated. To evaluate the condition of the liver oxidative stress, the levels of malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione in liver homogenates were investigated. Additionally, to assess the anti-inflammatory properties, serum cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-13, and IL-10) and CD4+ immunohistochemistry expression were determined. The results demonstrated that each of the investigated parameters was significantly changed by both SPN and/or SPN with PZQ treatments alongside PZQ. The highest therapeutic effect was obtained in SPN combined with a half dose of PZQ which achieved 100 % reduction in both the total worm burden and the highest reduction in the intestinal (93.22 %) and hepatic (94.4 %) egg content, as well, moreover 40.5 % reduction of the granuloma size. Furthermore, serum cytokine levels {(TNF-α (11 ± 0.5 (P ˂ 0.001)), (IFN-γ (19.7 ± 1.2 (P ˂ 0.001)) and (IL-13 (53.65 ± 1.4 (P ˂ 0.001))}, as well as CD4+ cells (6.5 ± 0.65 (P ˂ 0.001)) were reduced. While, IL-10 (61.1 ± 2.1 (P ˂ 0.001)) was increased due to the same treatment additional to its antioxidant properties by reduced lipid peroxidation (LPO) (1.1975 ± 0.05(P ˂ 0.001)) but increased reduced glutathione (GSH) (2.31± 0.15 (P˂0.001)). In conclusion, SPN has a schistosomicidal, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective role. SPN has a strong synergistic effect when combined with PZQ which showed anti-inflammatory action. Hence, SPN + PZQ offers promising alternatives for future schistosomiasis therapeutic research.

Enhancing impact of dietary nano formulated quercetin on laying performance: egg quality, oxidative stability of stored eggs, intestinal immune and antioxidants related genes expression

BackgroundNutritional interventions with natural antioxidants can provide a pragmatic solution for modifying hens’ performance and maintaining oxidative stability of eggs during storage. Quercetin is the most abundant flavonoids with potent antioxidant and immune stimulant activities. The concept of incorporating of quercetin, as potent antioxidant and immunostimulant, into effective nano-carriers (QNPs) has promoted their bioavailability and stability thus, their effectiveness for the first time were assessed on laying hens’ performance and immunity, eggs quality during storage. Four hundred 12-weeks-old Hy-line brown laying hens were distributed to four experimental groups: control group fed basal diets, and other 3 groups fed basal diets fortified with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg QNPs for 60 weeks.ResultsLaying performance and quality of laid eggs were improved as expressed by elevated laying rate, egg mass %, eggs weight and yolk weight in QNPs200 and 300. Fortification of QNPs300 remarkably decreased layers serum total cholesterol concurrently with decreased egg yolk saturated fatty acids and cholesterol while increased polyunsaturated fatty acids. Over- 45 days storage period, QNPs enhanced phospholipids, total phenolics and flavonoids, total antioxidant activity (T-AOC) simultaneous with decreased MDA content in eggs. Furthermore, enhanced immune response was detected in both in serum and intestine of QNPs fed hens as reflected by higher lysozymes activity, IgM, IgG and phagocytic index and demotion of NO together with AvBD 6–12, IL-10, IgM and ATg 5-7-12 upregulation and downregulation of IL-1β and TNF-α especially at QNPs200 and 300. Intestinal redox balance was modified via decreasing H2O2 and MDA simultaneous with upregulation of catalase, SOD, GSH-Px, HO-1 and NQO1 in groups fed higher doses of QNPs.ConclusionsQNPs supplementation provides a new nutritional strategy towards increasing hen performance, fortification of eggs with natural antioxidants that prevents egg quality deterioration during storage.

Dietary stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) improves carotenoids content in laying hen egg yolk

ABSTRACT 1. This study assessed the addition of dried stinging nettle (SN) leaves at 0%, 2.5% and 5.0% in feed on egg production, egg quality, chemical composition and antioxidant content in eggs from laying hens. 2. Seventy-two Hy-Line Brown laying hens, housed in 36 enriched layer cages, were used in the study from 43 to 47 weeks of age. Feeding dry SN leaves did not affect (p > 0.05) egg production variables. 3. Dietary SN inclusion linearly increased (p < 0.001) carotenoid content more than six-fold, in addition to yellowness and redness of the yolks at the maximum inclusion. Providing eggs from hens fed carotenoid enriched diets, e.g. SN, may be used to increase carotenoids in human diets.

Influence of habitat utilization strategies on trace element signatures in egg contents of green turtles nesting on Xisha Islands, South China Sea

Habitat utilization significantly influences the accumulation of chemical pollutants, including trace elements (TEs), in the tissues of large marine organisms. Previous research has demonstrated that sea turtles nesting in the same location may employ distinct foraging strategies. This study investigated the influence of habitat use strategies on the concentrations of 16 TEs in the eggs of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nesting on the Xisha Islands. The analysis incorporated stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes, as well as characteristic elements. Additionally, inter-relationships between TEs were examined. The nesting female green turtles were categorized into two foraging groups based on isotopic signatures, namely oceanic (δ13C values: −21.5 to −17.0 ‰; δ15N values: 7.10 to 12.5 ‰) and neritic (δ13C values: −14.4 to −9.95 ‰ and δ15N values: 5.10 to 10.0 ‰). Different TE patterns were observed in the egg contents of these two groups. The neritic group exhibited elevated levels of V and Cu, which positively corrected with δ13C values. Conversely, the oceanic group displayed higher levels of Zn, Cd, Se, Sn, As and Hg, which positively associated with δ15N values. This distribution pattern is attributed to variations in background TE concentrations in the respective foraging habitats. Additionally, prey items and trophic levels of green turtles may contribute to the observed inter-group differences in TE concentrations (e.g. Zn, As, Se, Sn) found in their eggs, warranting further research. This study provides valuable information about habitat utilization patterns and TE distribution in green turtles nesting on the Xisha Islands. The findings enhance our understanding of TE accumulation mechanisms in turtle tissues and eggs, which is significant for the conservation of this endangered species, the green sea turtle.

Effect of Egg Washing and Hen Age on Cuticle Quality and Bacterial Adherence in Table Eggs

The cuticle covering the outer surface of an eggshell functions as both a physical and chemical barrier against invading microorganisms. Contamination of eggs by microbial pathogens progresses in four stages: bacterial attachment to the egg surface, penetration through the cuticle and eggshell, multiplication within the underlying membranes, and the final stage of contaminating the egg contents. Therefore, it is important to study bacterial count at the first point of contact, i.e., on the surface of the eggs. In this study, we have evaluated the impact of differences in cuticle quality (due to egg washing and hen age) on bacterial load. We compared bacterial adherence on the eggshell surface of white eggs which were either washed (graded) or unwashed (ungraded), collected from Lohmann laying hens of different ages: early (24–28 weeks), mid-lay (44–48 weeks), and late (66–70 weeks). We aimed to determine the impact of hen age and egg washing on differences in cuticle quality and bacterial adherence. Our results indicate that hen age (up to 70 weeks) and commercial egg washing do not significantly impact bacterial adherence on eggshell surfaces. We have developed a novel method using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing Salmonella typhimurium to estimate adherence of bacteria to the eggshell surface, with independent measurement of autofluorescence to quantitate cuticle deposition. S. typhimurium were localized, adhering to cracks visible on the outer cuticle in ungraded eggs, indicating that egg-associated pathogens usually enter the egg interior either through respiratory pores in eggshells or through shell micro-cracks. The results of this study can be utilized to optimize innovative methods for predictive microbiology in order to achieve egg safety.

Effect of selenium-enriched yeast diet on performance, biochemistry, and selenium concentration in meat and egg contents of laying Japanese quails

Abstract. This study was conducted to determine the effect of a selenium (Se)-enriched yeast-based diet on the performance; blood biochemistry; and Se concentration in the eggs, breast muscle, and some internal organs of laying Japanese quails. A total of 320 healthy female quails were randomly selected and assigned to four dietary groups. The dietary treatment groups consisted of a standard basal diet (control) without supplementation of Se-enriched yeast (SY) and other groups in which Se was supplemented at 1.5 mg (SY-1.5), 2.5 mg (SY-2.5), and 3.5 kg−1 (SY-3.5). Results showed that quails in SY-3.5 had high (p&lt;0.05) body weight gain. Egg production was improved in SY-2.5 and SY-3.5 groups compared to in the control. Significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher contents of Se in yolk and albumen were observed in the SY-3.5 group. The Se concentration of the breast muscle was higher (p&lt;0.05) in quails of the SY-3.5 group, whereas the liver, kidney, and heart had a high Se content in the SY-2.5 and SY-3.5 groups. Intestinal histological features were improved (p&lt;0.05) in the SY-3.5 group. Overall, this study suggests that adding SY-3.5 to the diet of quails improved their growth and health, as well as the Se content in eggs and meat.

Impact of High-Dose Supplemental Paprika Extract Feeding on Egg Storage and Biochemical Parameters in Laying Hens.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of paprika extract supplementation on egg storage and blood biochemical parameters in 63-week-old Rhode Island Red (RIR) and Silky Fowl (SF) hens. The hens were divided into three groups: a control group with a basal diet and two groups receiving the basal diet with paprika extract. The trial lasted 28 days, with egg quality (yolk color and albumen pH) assessed after storing eggs at 25 °C for 21 days. A total of 144 eggs were used in 42 treatments (two breeds, three diets, and seven storage periods) with three eggs examined each (four eggs were used on day 0 and five eggs on day 21). Additionally, the yolk carotenoid content, yolk color, and pH of eggs stored at 4 °C and 25 °C were compared. Results showed that yolk color fan score (YCFS) decreased with storage, and SF had a higher albumen pH than RIR, with both breeds exhibiting an increase in pH over time. HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the HDL-C to total cholesterol ratio were significantly influenced by breed, diet, and their interaction. The HDL-C level in SF was affected linearly and quadratically by diet, while no such trend was observed in RIR. The study concluded that paprika extract affects egg quality and blood lipid profiles differently in different breeds, highlighting breed-specific responses to dietary supplementation.

Real-time visualisation of developing chick embryos cultured in transparent plastic films from the blastoderm stage until hatching

Real-time visualisation of chick embryo development occurring inside an opaque eggshell is a major goal of developmental biology. This goal was partially achieved when 3-day-old embryos recovered from fertilised shelled eggs, preincubated in a conventional incubator, hatched after the egg contents had been transferred into shell-less embryo culture systems constructed of transparent plastic film placed in a plastic cup. However, the hatchable shell-less embryo culture systems described thus far cannot be used to visualise the dynamic morphological changes associated with the emergence of major organ systems during the first 3 days of embryo development, as the blastoderm area needs to be covered with an opaque membrane. Here, we present the development of a chick embryo culture system that enables omnidirectional real-time visualisation of the developing embryo, beginning from the newly laid blastoderm stage embryo until hatching.

Improving egg quality in laying hens using calcium salt of black soldier fly larvae oil

Abstract Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil has gained attention as a potential substitute for vegetable oil in feed formulations designed to improve productivity and product quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementation BSFL oil calcium salt (BSFLO-SCa) on the egg quality and gene expression involved in fat metabolism in laying hens. A total of sixty 40-wk-old ISA Brown laying hens were divided into three distinct groups: a control group (T0) that received a basic diet, and two treatment groups that were supplemented with 1% (T1) and 2% (T2) BSFLO-SCa. Each group consisted of 5 replicates, with 4 laying hens per replicate. The study indicated that the inclusion of 2% of BSFLO-SCa significantly increased egg albumen weight, height, ratio, eggshell weight, and thickness (). The inclusion of 1 and 2% of BSFLO-SCa increased the yolk lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*), but redness (a*) was decreased (). Moreover, BSFLO-SCa supplementation with 1 and 2% reduced () egg fat and cholesterol. Analysis of fatty acid profiles showed significantly increased medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (), while monosaturated fatty acid (MUFA) reduced () with 2% BSFLO-SCa. Gene expression related to lipid metabolism, such as fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), as well as cholesterol synthesis gene expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) were downregulated (). In conclusion, the inclusion of 2% BSFLO-SCa in the diet improved quality and reduced fat and cholesterol content in eggs from laying hens. This improvement was accompanied by downregulation of key genes involved in lipid metabolism.

COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF FOOD EGGS

The most commonly consumed poultry eggs in the world are chicken and duck eggs. Eggs contain all the essential amino acids, making them an excellent source of complete protein. Egg whites, both chicken and duck, are similar in composition and have many functional properties.The purpose of this work is to comparatively characterize the chemical composition and quality characteristics of commercially available eggs of various types produced in Kazakhstan. The work used generally accepted chemical and physical methods of determination, as a result of which it was established that all types of eggs differ in quality characteristics and chemical composition. The experiments carried out established that duck eggs have the largest mass (79.49 g). Egg white has an alkaline pH, while the yolk has a neutral pH. The highest water content is found in chicken protein (87.7%), duck eggs have a high lipid content - 36.79%, and the highest ash content in quail eggs – 1.8 g.The results of the research will be used in the development of egg products from raw materials that must meet the requirements of the standard.

The prenatal assimilation of minerals and metals in nestlings of a small passerine bird

Although certain metals can reach their highest concentrations in tissues of newly hatched nestlings, their sources have yet to be fully elucidated. Evidence for the differentiation of body reserves, including some chemical elements, during avian embryonic life and early post-hatching period is limited mostly to studies on poultry. Here, we present novel findings on the bioaccumulation and egg-to-nestling transfer of 10 minerals and metals, including non-essential potentially toxic chemical elements (Cu, Ni Cd, Pb, Zn, Ag, Mg, Fe, Co and Ca) in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract (GT), whole body (WB) and carcass (CA) of nestlings of a small passerine bird, the Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus, breeding in an intensively fertilized fishpond habitat. Our findings show that concentrations of metals that are relevant to contaminated systems (Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe and Co) are the highest in GT tissues across all the nestling age classes examined (from hatching to day 9 of life). The important question emerged from our findings: why the hatchlings were characterized by higher metal concentrations in GT, WB and CA compared to older nestlings. We suggest that the prenatal accumulation of chemical elements assimilated from egg contents, and their subsequent utilization for building various tissues/internal organs by the growing embryo, is a reasonable explanation for this finding. More specifically, the potential functional mechanism explaining the highest concentrations of some trace metals in hatchlings seems to be associated with an extremely high rate of utilization of residual yolk metal resources that survived from the embryonic until the post-natal period. On the basis of our own work and literature data, we identified a presumable significant discrepancy in the actual rate of egg-to-nestling and egg-to-embryo metal transfer due to the eggshell being ignored (a commonly occurrence), and only the egg contents being treated as the basic repository of chemical elements for developing embryos. Much more research is needed on the prenatal assimilation and subsequent accumulation of chemical elements in a developing avian embryo, representing both the transition from near-to-hatching embryos to hatchlings, and then to older nestlings.

Research Note: Evaluating the vertical transmission potential of Salmonella Reading in broiler breeders

Salmonella Reading (S. Reading) recently emerged as a foodborne pathogen causing extensive human outbreaks in North America from consuming contaminated poultry products, mostly from turkeys. Understanding the transmission dynamics of this pathogen is crucial for preventing future outbreaks. This study investigated the ability of S. Reading to colonize the tissues and contaminate eggs of broiler breeders. We utilized 2 S. Reading strains, marked with bioluminescence gene: the outbreak strain RS330 and a reference strain RS326. We used 32 commercially sourced broiler breeder hens, 34 wk of age, randomly assigned to the 2 treatments (16 hens per strain). Each hen was intravaginally inoculated with 108 CFU of the respective strain on d 1 and was rechallenged on d 4. Eggs were collected daily postchallenge to recover bioluminescent S. Reading strains from the external eggshell surface and internal egg contents. On d 7 postchallenge, 10 hens from each treatment group were euthanized. Ovaries, oviducts, and ceca were aseptically collected to detect S. Reading colonization. Results showed that 70.5% (36 of 51) and 34.5% (19 of 55) of external eggshell surfaces, and 4.0% (2 of 50) and 1.8% (1 of 54) of the internal egg contents tested positive for the outbreak and nonoutbreak strains. Additionally, 40.0% of ovaries, 70.0% of oviduct, and 70.0% of ceca samples from the outbreak strain group, and 20.0% of ovaries, 70.0% of oviduct, and 80.0% of ceca samples from nonoutbreak strain group were positive. No significant difference (P = 0.05) was observed in all the findings among the strains except for the eggshell surface contamination. These findings suggest that S. Reading can effectively colonize reproductive tissues, translocate to the ceca, and contaminate the eggs of hens. Future research is needed to determine whether S. Reading can remain viable within the eggs throughout incubation and until hatching.

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.

Investigating the availability of omega-3 fatty acid from different sources and its effect on table eggs

The impact of three different commercial omega-3 fortifying agents on the growth performance, egg weight, egg production, and omega-3 fatty acid enrichment of white table eggs in layers was investigated. The experiment involved 12,000-layer birds randomly divided into four groups, with each group replicated three times and consisting of 1000 birds per replicate. The three groups, namely LP, AG, and DD, were supplemented with omega-3 fortifying agents LinPro, All-G-Rich, and DHA-gold, respectively, while the fourth group NC served as a negative control without omega-3 fortifying agent supplementation. The experiment commenced after the 25th week of age and lasted for a period of four weeks in a completely randomized design. Egg weight and egg production were recorded weekly, while the omega-3 fatty acid content of the white eggs was determined at the end of the 30-day trial after the 25th week of age. The supplementation of different omega-3 fortifying agents significantly impacted feed intake, with notable differences observed among weekly and overall means. Birds supplemented with LinPro consumed less feed during the 2nd and 4th week of the trial compared to the control, resulting in an overall reduction of 1.1 g/chick in feed intake. However, supplementation did not significantly affect the body weight of layers throughout the trial, nor did it impact egg weight or production. Nevertheless, the omega-3 fortifying agents had a significant effect on the omega-3 fatty acid content of the white table eggs in layers. LinPro supplementation notably increased α-linolenic acid (18:3; ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5; EPA) levels, while DHA-Gold resulted in the highest docosahexaenoic acid (22:6; DHA) content. Total fatty acid content was highest in eggs from layers supplemented with LinPro, followed by DHA-Gold and All-G-Rich, with the lowest levels observed in the control group. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation of LinPro in layer diets post the 25th week of age could effectively enhance the omega-3 fatty acid content of white table eggs without compromising feed intake, body weight, egg weight, or egg production.

Effects of dietary cholesterol on ovary development and reproductive capacity in Pacific white shrimp broodstock, Litopenaeus vannamei

Cholesterol is an important component of fresh biological baits and essential precursor to synthesize steroid hormones for crustacean. However, the cholesterol demand in Pacific white shrimp broodstock and its roles on ovary development and reproductive capacity are unknown. In the present study, female Pacific white shrimp broodstock (initial weight 51.3 ± 0.5 g) were fed with three diets contained 0.5 %, 1 % or 1.5 % cholesterol for 45 days. The results found that dietary cholesterol levels did not affect survival rate, weight gain, egg-laying number, vitellogenin content and vitellogenin receptor gene expression in the hepatopancreas. However, the hepatosomatic index, gonadosomatic index, egg diameter, vitellogenin level in the ovary and fertilized egg, C22:6n-3 (DHA) level in the fertilized egg, total protein, triglyceride and cholesterol contents were all increased in the 1.0 % and 1.5 % cholesterol groups than those in the 0.5 % cholesterol group. Moreover, compared with the 0.5 % and 1.0 % cholesterol groups, the 1.5 % cholesterol group had significantly higher gonad maturation number, mating rate, estradiol level in the hemolymph, steroid hormones synthesis related genes (HMGCR, StAR, 17βHSD and 1vMFBP) expression in the ovary and hepatopancreas. In conclusion, dietary 1.5 % cholesterol could promote ovary development and reproductive capacity in female Litopenaeus vannamei broodstock by improving nutrients accumulation and steroid hormones synthesis pathway. Our results provide guidance for design of artificial compound feed and healthy development of shrimp broodstock farm.

Durian rind pectin blended with nisin coating to preserve egg quality and reduce bacteria

In the absence of refrigerated storage, coating materials may offer effective alternatives for preserving egg shelf life. Durian rind, rich in pectin, seals eggshell pores, while nisin, a natural antimicrobial peptide, helps reduce bacteria. This study investigated the effectiveness of durian rind pectin combined with nisin to preserve egg quality and reduce bacterial contamination. Eggs were divided by treatment: (1) uncoated or control; (2) durian rind pectin coated; and (3) coated with durian rind pectin and nisin. All eggs were kept at room temperature (25–30 °C) for five weeks and evaluated weekly for weight loss, Haugh unit (HU), yolk index (YI), egg white pH, and total bacterial count on eggshells and egg content. Results were that durian rind pectin coating, with or without nisin, significantly reduced weight loss (8.5–8.7 % in coated eggs versus 10.5 % in uncoated eggs by day 35); maintained Grade A HU until day 28 (uncoated eggs dropped to Grade B by day 14); and preserved a higher YI with a lower egg white pH compared to uncoated eggs. The total bacterial count on eggshells was lowest in eggs coated with durian rind pectin and nisin (4.06 log10 CFU/mL), compared to durian rind pectin alone (5.15 log10 CFU/mL) and uncoated eggs (5.85 log10 CFU/mL) at day 35. These findings suggest that durian rind pectin coating may extend egg shelf life up to 28 days by maintaining a Grade A HU and an egg white pH under 9.2. Adding nisin enhances antibacterial activity, reducing bacterial count on eggshells.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Duluth, Minnesota Area: Exposure to and Biomarker Responses in Tree Swallows Relative to Known Fire-Fighting Foam Sources.

Tree swallow nest boxes were deployed at sites proximal to two putative aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) sources in the Duluth, MN area, as well as along the St. Louis River and a reference lake for comparative purposes in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The two AFFF sites were the current Duluth Air National Guard Base (ANG) and the Lake Superior College Emergency Response Training Center. Between 13 and 40 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), depending on year, were detected and quantified in tree swallow egg, nestling carcasses, and stomach contents. Assessments were made of oxidative stress and ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase activity in liver tissue, thyroid hormone levels in plasma and thyroid glands, DNA damage in red blood cells, and two measures of immune response (haptoglobin-like activity and immunoglobulin) in plasma of the nestlings. Additionally, other contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, legacy organochlorine pesticides, and trace elements, were assessed at sites with no previous data. Total egg PFAS concentrations at the ANG site and north of that site were 30-40 times higher than at the reference lake, while nestling PFAS concentrations were 10-15 times higher. In contrast, the St. Louis River sites had slightly, but non-statistically significant, elevated egg and nestling PFAS concentrations relative to the reference lake (2-5 times higher). One PFAS, perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), was higher, as a proportion of total PFAS, at sites with a known AFFF source compared to the reference lake, as well as compared to sites along the St. Louis River with mainly urban and industrial sources of PFAS. The ratio of total carboxylates to total sulfonates also distinguished between PFAS sources. There were few to no differences in biomarker responses among sites, and no association with PFAS exposure.

Effects of Allium ursinum L. Leaves and Egg Amount on Quality Attributes, Polyphenol Content, and Antioxidant Capacity of Pasta

Pastas enriched with vegetables are premium nutritious products and their consumption can bring significant health benefits. Recent studies have reported a high content of bioavailable phytochemical compounds in Allium ursinum L.; as such, it can be used in the development of functional food products. This study involved the evaluation of 10 varieties of pasta. Five of these varieties were made from white flour and varying amounts of egg (Ctrl_1–Ctrl_5). The other five varieties (AU_1–AU_5) contained fresh shredded wild garlic leaves in equal proportions (20 g) in addition to the corresponding ingredients (white flour and egg). All pasta variants were investigated for their cooking properties and the presence of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity in the raw and cooked pasta. Sensory analysis was conducted on all types of cooked pasta, and results indicated that the pasta with the least quantity of eggs was the most favoured variant. Additionally, the pasta that was enhanced with wild garlic leaves received the highest rating for “overall quality”. According to our results, the optimal cooking time (OCT) increased when the quantity of eggs was raised, but when wild garlic leaves were present, OCT decreased in comparison to the control samples. A significant decrease (p &lt; 0.05) in the cooking parameters, swelling index, and water absorption was observed in both egg pasta (Ctrl) and egg pasta enriched with A. ursinum L. (AU). However, compared to the corresponding egg pasta, the presence of wild garlic in pasta generally produced higher values in SI and WA. Pastas enriched with wild garlic are rich in polyphenols (TPh), with a content ranging from 82.44 to 94.62 µg GAE/g dw, and also exhibit antioxidant properties. The amount of total polyphenol significantly decreases (p &lt; 0.05) during cooking varies depending on the composition of the pasta. The pasta with the highest egg content (AU_5) had the lowest loss of polyphenols, equivalent to 55.35%. Our investigations indicate that producing pasta with eggs and fresh wild garlic leaves results in a valuable food product with a good sensory score, enriched in bioactive components, with essential nutrients that maintains cooking qualities.

Markers for egg quality in European eel derived from offspring of females subjected to different gonadotropic treatments

Broodstock management techniques in general, and gonadotropic treatments for vitellogenesis induction in particular, can influence the maternal provisioning of different compounds to the eggs, thus affecting embryo and larval competence. Among these, the abundance of certain transcripts as well as lipid content and fatty acid composition have been used as egg quality markers alongside other egg morphological parameters, such as egg size and the occurrence of abnormal cleavages during the first stages of embryonic development. Here, we evaluated the use of different markers of egg quality from farmed-raised European eel, Anguilla anguilla, broodstock reared on the same formulated diet but subjected to different pituitary extract administration schemes: weekly injections of salmon pituitary extract (SPE) in a constant dose or weekly injections of carp pituitary extract (CPE) at a stepwise increasing dose. Egg batches were categorized in two quality groups (high and low) according to their survival to the first feeding larval stage. In agreement with previous studies, unfertilized eggs and 4-h post fertilization embryos (16-cell stage) from SPE treated females had higher epcam expression levels than CPE ones, which is a molecule involved in cell-cell adhesion. When comparing treatments, batches from the SPE treatment had a lower incidence of cleavage abnormalities which could originate from compromised cell adhesion. On the other hand, this difference was not observed when comparing high-quality batches (i.e. those surviving up to the first-feeding stage) and low-quality ones. From the five genes analysed: epcam, dcbld1, plec, cenpf, and cenpk, only the latter had a differential expression between high- and low-quality groups both in unfertilized eggs and 4 h-post-fertilization embryos. This gene, cenpk, is involved in kinetochore assemblage during cell division and appears to be promising as egg quality marker in European eel in combination with epcam and dcbld1. Common biomarkers, such as egg size, total protein and lipid content, were similar between groups. However, although fatty acid composition was similar between quality groups, DHA and EPA content in unfertilized eggs was affected by the gonadotropic treatment applied to the female broodstock, and higher for the CPE treated females than the SPE ones. This entails that the hormonal treatments applied for vitellogenesis induction can influence the amount of specific fatty acids being transferred to the eggs, even for female broodstock that were fed the same high-quality diet.

Flaxseed promotes productive performance through regulating gut microbiome in ducks

BackgroundFlaxseed has been widely used in animal diets to increase the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content in animal products and promote overall animal health, but little known about its effects on the productive performance and the mictobita of gut of laying duck.Methods and resultsJinding duck, a Chinese indigenous breed, was used in the study. The corn-soybean basal diet supplemented with 0, 2%, 3% 4% and 5% flaxseed were provided to Control, 2% Fla, 3% Fla, 4% Fla and 5% Fla groups for 53 days, respectively. Compared with Control group, groups fed with flaxseed diets showed higher egg production, egg mass, ovary weight and more preovulatory follicles. The Docosahexaenoic Acid content of egg was extremely significantly elevated by flaxseed diets (P < 0.01), and the albumen height and haugh unit were elevated, especially in 4% Fla and/or 5% Fla group (P < 0.05). Groups 4% Fla and 5% Fla had highest ileal villus height, jejunal and ileal crypt depth. Moreover, Flaxseed diets significantly increased the levels of IgG and IgM in all Fla groups (P < 0.01), while increased IgA levels except for in 3% Fla group (P < 0.05). The results of 16s rDNA sequencing showed that flaxseed diet altered the microbial composition of gut and reduced the diversity and evenness of gut microbial communities except for 5% Fla. The correlation analysis identified Blautia, Butyricicoccus and Subdoligranulum positively associated with egg production. Genera Fourinierella, Fusobacterium and Intestinimonas positively associated with ovary weight, haught unit and album height. And Mucispirillum positively associated with haugh unit and album height.ConclusionThis study has suggested that flaxseed play a positive role in productive performance, the overall or intestinal health of laying ducks.