Conventional Egg Research Articles

The effect of eggshell apex abnormalities on table egg quality during storage in 2 seasons of the year

Mycoplasma synoviae infection of hens has been associated with problems of eggshell quality called eggshell apex abnormalities (EAA). Little is known about the quality of EAA eggs from a commercial point of view, especially during their storage. The study aimed to examine the differences between EAA and normal eggs during storage under controlled conditions in 2 seasons, summer and winter, by comparing internal and external quality parameters. In a conventional egg production farm with white laying hens of varying ages in the city of Bastos, state of São Paulo, Brazil, 232 eggs were used in the summer season and 400 eggs in the winter season. Half of the eggs had EAA, and the other half were considered normal eggs for each season. The eggs were analyzed at 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d after being laid and stored from 24.6 to 25.8°C in summer and from 24 to 25°C in winter. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the average egg weight between EAA and normal eggs at any studied time point, but in both seasons, the weight loss in EAA eggs was higher than in normal eggs. The losses in Haugh unit scores from the first to the last measurements were approximately 40% regardless of egg type or season of production. In comparing eggshell thickness, only the apices of the EAA eggs were thinner (P < 0.0001) than normal eggs in the summer, but in the winter, the EAA egg apices (P < 0.0001) and sides (P = 0.03) were both thinner. The presence of EAA did not affect the eggshell weight (P > 0.05) or eggshell percentage (P > 0.05). The eggshell strength of the EAA eggs was lower (P < 0.0001) than normal eggs in both the summer (16.57%) and winter (19.86%). The presence of EAA did not affect the internal quality of the egg, but was related to a greater loss of external quality and weight during storage.

Cryo-survival, cryo-capacitation and oxidative stress assessment of buffalo spermatozoa cryopreserved in new soya milk extender

Egg yolk is most commonly used in semen extenders for cryopreservation but, wide variability in composition and potential risk of xenobiotic contamination has raised questions upon the use of egg yolk. Therefore, the present study was designed to develop a soya milk based phytoextender for buffalo semen cryopreservation. Soya milk was prepared from fresh soya beans in laboratory. Soya milk (25% v/v) and glycerol (6.4% v/v) was added in Tris citrate buffer to prepare Soya Milk Tris (SMT) extender. To improve post-thaw sperm quality, cryo-protectants like trehalose (100mM) or taurine (50mM) was supplemented in SMT extender before semen cryopreservation. Post-thaw quality parameters, degree of cryocapacitation and oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation) of spermatozoa cryopreserved in SMT with or without additives were assessed and compared with Egg Yolk Tris (EYT) extender. SMT extender showed no significant (P>0.05) differences in sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity and acrosome integrity as compared to EYT extender. The degree of cryocapacitation and oxidative damage were found significantly (P<0.05) lower in spermatozoa cryopreserved in SMT extender as compared to EYT extender. Supplementation of additives (trehalose or taurine) in SMT extender significantly (P<0.05) reduced oxidative damage. Thus, soya milk extender (25% soya milk v/v; 6.4% Glycerol in tris citrate buffer) with additives (trehalose or taurine) may substitute conventional egg yolk extender (20% egg yolk v/v; 7% Glycerol in tris citrate buffer) for better cryopreservation of buffalo semen.

An evaluation of soybean lecithin as an alternative to avian egg yolk in the cryopreservation of fish sperm

Plant-derived lecithin has been used as a more sanitary alternative to avian egg yolk in livestock sperm cryopreservation protocols but its efficacy for cryopreserving fish sperm has not previously been tested comparatively. Here various concentrations of soybean lecithin were evaluated for the cryopreservation of carp (Cyprinus carpio) sperm. Sexually mature fish were induced to spermiation and ovulation with ovopel. The extenders were prepared by using 300mM glucose, 10% DMSO, supplemented with different ratios of lecithin (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) and 10% egg yolk (control I). Negative control was made without egg yolk and soybean lecithin (control II). The pooled semen was diluted separately at ratio of 1:3 (v/v) by using egg yolk and soybean-based extenders. Diluted semen placed into 0.25ml straws were equilibrated at 4°C for 15min and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor. Fertilization was conducted using a ratio of 1×105spermatozoa/egg. Supplementation of 10% lecithin to extender showed the best cryoprotective effect for sperm motility and duration of motility against freezing damage compared to 15%, 20% and control II groups (p<0.05). Cryopreserved sperm with extender containing 10% lecithin provided a greater result in terms of fertilization success when compared to extenders containing 20% lecithin or control II (p<0.05).It is concluded that the animal protein-free extender containing 10% soybean lecithin has a similar cryoprotective actions with conventional egg yolk-based extender against freezing damages and fertilization. Therefore, soybean lecithin is a suitable alternative to avian egg yolk for the cryopreservation of fish sperm.

Attenuation of Zn-induced hyperleptinemia/leptin resistance in Wistar rat after feeding modified poultry egg.

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity is increasing exponentially world over. Leptin resistance/hyperleptinemia is attributed to its cause in majority of the obese humans where mutation in genetic component or ob gene has not been found operative. The generation of oxidative stress was suggested as its cause. In our previous study, we have reported that the inclusion of antioxidant enriched modified poultry egg (ME) in diet reversed the ionic imbalance and ameliorated the oxidative stress caused by excessive Zn in diet. In the present study, the efficacy of ME verses conventional egg (CE) was tested on Zn-induced leptin resistance in rat model to ascertain if the supplementation of antioxidants in the form of egg can reverse Zn-induced leptin resistance to leptin sensitive state.MethodsHyperleptinemia was induced in rats by feeding them Zn-supplemented hyperleptinemic diets-I and II (Zn-HL-Diet) for 2 months. Thereafter, half of them were fed either on CE or ME mixed Zn-HL-diets I and II for another two months. The data was analyzed applying one way Anova and Tukey’s HSD post hoc test.ResultsThe results revealed that food intake, gain in body weight, height and number/unit surface area of intestinal microvillus and serum leptin, glucose, insulin and cortisol were higher in CE and Zn-HL-Diet treated groups; serum Zn, Cu, Mg were higher and Cu and Mg in tissues were lower in them than the control group. In ME treated groups, these parameters were lower and were close to the control group. These changes resulted from the restoration of ionic balance of Zn, Cu and Mg in the blood serum and tissues including liver and hair in ME treated rats.ConclusionThe data suggest that Zn-induced leptin resistance can be attenuated through restoring the ionic balance of Zn, Cu and Mg through inclusion of antioxidants in diet such as these modified eggs. But further clinical studies are required before they are put to use for human consumption.

Comparative Quality Assessment of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Semen Chilled (5°C) in Egg Yolk‐ and Soya Milk–Based Extenders

Egg yolk-Tris is most commonly used semen extender; however, its use involves hygienic risk, interference with fertility and poor microscopic examination. Therefore, replacement of egg yolk with a plant-based component with protective effects on spermatozoa would be advantageous. In present study, we observed effect of soya milk-based extenders on dilution and liquid preservation of Murrah buffalo bull semen at 5°C up to 72 h in comparison with conventional egg yolk-Tris extender (Ext.1). In experiment one, a total of 32 buffalo semen ejaculates from four animals were extended and preserved at 5°C for 72 h in soya milk-based extender (Ext.2) with different percentages (10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%) of soya milk for optimization of soya milk concentration. Semen quality was assessed for individual motility, viability, membrane integrity and acrosome integrity at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h of liquid preservation. The results of experiment one indicated that 25% soya milk is an optimum concentration for buffalo bull semen extender preparation. A modified method was used to prepare another soya milk-based extender (Ext.3). In the second experiment, two soya extenders (Ext.2 and 3) with optimized concentration (25%) of soya milk were comparatively assessed with egg yolk-Tris extender (Ext.1) for semen quality parameters at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h of liquid preservation. The individual sperm motility at 0 and 24 h following dilution were found non-significant among extenders. However, after 48 h of dilution, individual motility in Ext.3 was observed significantly (p < 0.05) higher than Ext.1. After 24, 48 and 72 h of dilution sperm membrane integrity in Ext.3 was found significantly (p < 0.05) higher than Ext.1. Overall, comparative evaluation of sperm parameters obtained revealed that Ext.3 containing 25% soya milk can be used as a substitute of egg yolk-based extender for buffalo semen liquid preservation.

Economic and market issues on the sustainability of egg production in the United States: Analysis of alternative production systems

Conventional cage housing for laying hens evolved as a cost-effective egg production system. Complying with mandated hen housing alternatives would raise marginal production costs and require sizable capital investment. California data indicate that shifts from conventional cages to barn housing would likely cause farm-level cost increases of about 40% per dozen. The US data on production costs of such alternatives as furnished cages are not readily available and European data are not applicable to the US industry structure. Economic analysis relies on key facts about production and marketing of conventional and noncage eggs. Even if mandated by government or buyers, shifts to alternative housing would likely occur with lead times of at least 5 yr. Therefore, egg producers and input suppliers would have considerable time to plan new systems and build new facilities. Relatively few US consumers now pay the high retail premiums required for nonconventional eggs from hens housed in alternative systems. However, data from consumer experiments indicate that additional consumers would also be willing to pay some premium. Nonetheless, current data do not allow easy extrapolation to understand the willingness to pay for such eggs by the vast majority of conventional egg consumers. Egg consumption in the United States tends to be relatively unresponsive to price changes, such that sustained farm price increases of 40% would likely reduce consumption by less than 10%. This combination of facts and relationships suggests that, unless low-cost imports grew rapidly, requirements for higher cost hen housing systems would raise US egg prices considerably while reducing egg consumption marginally. Eggs are a low-cost source of animal protein and low-income consumers would be hardest hit. However, because egg expenditures are a very small share of the consumer budget, real income loss for consumers would be small in percentage terms. Finally, the high egg prices imposed by alternative hen housing systems raise complex issues about linking public policy costs to policy beneficiaries.

Normolipidemic Effect of Antioxidants in Low Cholesterol-Modified Poultry EggΨ on Zn-induced Dyslipidemia and Liver Pathology in Wistar Rats

A low cholesterol (CH)-modified poultry egg (ME Psi) containing more vitamin E, lenolenic acid, and minerals Cu and Mg but low total lipid (TL) and Zn contents than the conventional egg evaluated to reduce the severity of dyslipidemia induced by excessive Zn in the diet. The experimental data was recorded on male rats fed on normolipidemic (NL) semi-synthetic basal diet containing 20 mg Zn/kg diet in control group I, Zn supplemented dyslipidemic diet-A (Zn-DL-A) and B (Zn-DL-B) containing 40 and 80 mg Zn/kg diet in groups II and III, and ME Psi-mixed Test diet-A (Zn-DL-A + 4 ME Psi) and Test diet-B (Zn-DL-B + 4 ME Psi) in groups IIEM and IIIEM, respectively, for 180 and 90 days. Data recorded on liver and blood lipid profiles showed reduction in the concentration of TL, CH, triglycerides, and glycogen (GG) in liver consequently leading to their rise in blood serum including rise in VLDL-c and LDL-c but fall in HDL-c in groups II and III rats that reversed after ME Psi treatment resulting in rise of their levels in the liver and fall in the blood of groups IIEM and IIIEM rats, respectively. Mineral status in the liver showed a rise in Zn but fall in Cu and Mg levels in groups II and III that was reversed after ME Psi treatment resulting in fall in Zn and rise in Cu and Mg concentration in the liver of groups IIEM and IIIEM rats. Hepatopathogical studies showed reduction in the dilatation of long citernal profile of endoplasmic reticulum and increase in GG and TL granules in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes of groups IIEM and IIIEM after ME Psi treatment than those of groups II and III rats. It was concluded that the inclusion of ME Psi would be helpful in reducing dyslipidemia by correcting the ionic imbalance generated by excessive Zn intake in rats or by drugs, even in chronic diseased conditions without aggravating risk factors for heart diseases in humans that need further studies.

Effect of adult nutrition and insect density on the performance of spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus in laboratory cultures

The spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is being successfully reared on artificial diets for screening programmes. Besides quality characteristics of the diet, rearing density and adult nutrition have significant implications on the successful mass multiplication of lepidopterans. The performance of C. partellus moths was assessed on different adult diets (water and sugar solution) and compared with unfed adults. Further, three pairing densities, viz. 2, 5 and 8 pairs/oviposition jar (1177.5 cm3) were compared for their effect on C. partellus longevity and fecundity. In another experiment, different larval densities (100, 150 and 200 neonate larvae/diet jar) were evaluated for their effect on the larval survival. Water-fed moths (both males and females) lived longer (7.32 and 7.26 days, respectively) and showed higher fecundity (307.17 eggs) than the sugar-fed or unfed moths. The latter, however, showed better egg hatchability (76.55%) than the water- or sugar-fed moths (60.45 and 50.59%, respectively). The longevity (5.67 days) and fecundity (258.46 eggs) were significantly greater at pairing density of 2 pairs/jar. The larval survival was higher (58.50%) at rearing density of 100 larvae/jar. The neonate larval release into diet jars was compared with conventional egg release and both modes were no different with respect to larval survival.

INCORPORATION OF MINCED TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS) INTO EGG-BASED NOODLES

Recovering minced fish from fish frames following filleting operations is a common way to increase fish muscle yield as well as fully utilize aquatic food resources. Therefore, it is important to develop new and feasible applications for minced fish that will add value to fishery products. In this study, washed minced trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was incorporated at 10 and 20% flour replacement level into a conventional egg noodle formulation. Textural attributes (by TPA) of cooked noodles were evaluated. In addition, textural, functional and sensory attributes of fried noodles, a snack food item, were also evaluated. Visual color (CIE )-Lab of fresh noodles containing minced trout was less red and yellow than the control and the overall difference in color (ΔE) increased as the level of minced trout increased. Noodles incorporating 10% minced trout had cooked texture profiles similar to the control; however, there were significant decreases in hardness, gumminess and chewiness in the cooked noodles containing 20% minced trout. For the fried noodles, adding fish tended to reduce the yellow color and yielded a product with texture profiles similar to the control at a 10% substitution level. The experimental and control products were acceptable. Product preference was evenly divided between the control fried noodle and the noodle containing 10% minced trout.

Potential of diallyl sulfide bearing pH-sensitive liposomes in chemoprevention against DMBA-induced skin papilloma.

Diallyl sulfide (DAS), an active component of garlic, possesses strong anti-neoplastic properties against various forms of cancer. In the present study, we have evaluated chemo-preventive effects of liposomized DAS (conventional egg PC and pH-sensitive liposomes) against DMBA-induced skin papilloma. Various liposome-based novel formulations of DAS (250 microg/mouse) were applied topically, after one hour of exposure to DMBA (52 microg/mouse/dose), to the animals. The animals were treated thrice weekly for the total period of 12 weeks. The efficacy of the various liposomal formulations of DAS was evaluated on the basis of parameters such as incidence of tumorogenesis and total numbers and sizes of induced tumor nodules. The liposomized DAS formulations also were assessed for their effect on the expression of p53wt, p53mut, and p21/Waf1. The results of the present study showed that liposomized DAS could effectively delay the onset of tumorogenesis and reduce the cumulative numbers and sizes of tumor papillomas in treated mice. Treatment of DMBA-exposed animals with the liposomal formulation of DAS ensued in upregulation of p53wt and p21/Waf1, while levels of p53mut expression reduced down. The promising chemo-preventive nature of liposomal DAS may form the basis for establishing effective means of controlling various forms of cancer, including skin papilloma.

The pest status of Australian white ibis (Threskiornis molucca) in urban situations and the effectiveness of egg-oil in reproductive control

The Australian white ibis (Threskiornis molucca) is considered to be an urban pest along the east coast of Australia. The non-specific diet and broad habitat requirements of ibis have facilitated their successful exploitation of the urban environment. Ibis are considered a pest because they pose a threat to aircraft safety, scavenge food at waste-management sites, cafés and parks, and compete with other native species for food and habitat. This study assesses a new ibis-management technique, the application of ‘egg-oil’ to suppress hatching. On other species, egg-oiling has been shown to be environmentally safe and socially preferable to culling adult birds. Approximately 5 mL of food-grade canola oil was sprayed upon each egg, and both incubator and field trials were used to investigate the efficacy of this technique on ibis and to determine the optimal application time and frequency of egg-oil. Treatment eggs were given an application of oil during the 23-day incubation period either once per week, or once early (&lt;7 days), mid (~14 days) or late (&gt;18 days) incubation. All four treatments were observed to be 100% effective at preventing ibis eggs from hatching during the laboratory trial and more than 98% effective during the field trial. These results indicate that applying canola oil to ibis eggs once, at any time, during the 23-day incubation period is sufficient to prevent ibis eggs from hatching. The field trial also showed that 30% of ibis, across the four oiling treatments, continued to incubate the unviable eggs for up to 54 days longer than the normal incubation period. Given that ibis are multibrooded, raising up to three successful clutches in a breeding season, the increased time devoted to incubating oil-treated eggs could reduce the opportunity for multiple broods, compared with conventional egg destruction. The egg-oil technique offers an additional tool for land managers to conduct ibis reproduction control, which should reduce the amount of time required to conduct ibis management, consequently reducing the cost to land managers.

Reduced Use of Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Diets Fed to Weanling Pigs: Dietary Tools, Part 1

Antibiotics improve health and productive performance of pigs. There is increasing evidence that other dietary ingredients may provide similar, but probably not identical, benefits. A properly prepared immune egg product, spray-dried plasma, or a high level of dietary zinc can provide protection against enteric infection in young pigs. Spray-dried plasma also increases growth rate dramatically, and zinc increases it substantially. The evidence in refereed publications also indicates that organic acids increase growth rate substantially, but does not clearly identify the most effective acid or combination of acids. Whey proteins, lactose, mannan oligosaccharide, or a high level of dietary copper provides a modest but useful increase in growth rate. It is not clear whether conventional egg products or other milk proteins may be beneficial. There are many other feed ingredients commercially available that may improve health and productive performance of pigs.

Ovarian Transplantation In A Series Of Identical Twins Discordant For Ovarian Failure

To investigate the prospects for restoring spontaneous menstrual cycles and fertility by ovarian isotransplantation between monozygotic twin sisters. A series of 4 otherwise healthy monozygotic twins, where 1 had idiopathic premature menopause & the other had normal ovarian function. 4 pairs of monozygotic twins (aged 24, 25 and 38[n=2] years of age) requested ovarian transplantation from the fertile sister to their sibling who had premature ovarian failure (POF). 3 of the donor sisters had normal menstrual cycles and had completed their target family sizes of 2 or 3 children; a 25 y.o. twin donor had no children and was on oral contraception. All 4 prospective recipients had FSH levels > 90 mIU/ml, no menses for ≥10 years, and complete absence of ovarian follicles in ovarian biopsies. They were menopausal from ages 14, 15, 16, and 22 years. 2 of the twins underwent transplantation at age 24 and 38, and 2 are awaiting. One ovary was removed from the donor and cortical tissue was dissected ex vivo in Leibovitz-L15 medium at 4°C. Donor ovarian cortex was then sutured microsurgically into the recipient’s medulla via a mini-laparotomy. This procedure was outpatient, with prompt & uneventful recovery. Surplus tissue from the youngest twin-pair was cryopreserved for future use with a slow-freezing protocol using 1,2-propanediol & sucrose as cryoprotective agents. Ovarian tissues & peripheral blood from both women was cultured for analysis by karyotyping and analyzed by FISH for sex chromosome mosaicism. All twin-pairs were genetically fingerprinted, and DNA from the sterile sisters was tested for fragile X mutation. All the twin-pairs were confirmed by genetic fingerprinting to be homozygous, implying that immunosuppression was unnecessary for transplant survival. Histology confirmed that the recipient ovaries were sterile, whereas the donor ovaries contained numerous primordial and small growing follicles, consistent with the antral follicle counts obtained preoperatively by transvaginal ultrasound. Karyotypes were normal 46,XX and there was no expansion of CCG repeats in the FMR-1 gene. The first of the ovary transplant recipients menstruated lightly at 12 weeks postoperatively and conceived naturally with an intrauterine pregnancy at the next cycle (∼20 weeks postoperatively). At 22 weeks of pregnancy, ultrasound revealed a normal girl and, at the time of writing, the pregnancy is proceeding uneventfully at the 33rd week. The 2nd twin-pair has also undergone transplantation with similar genetic and histologic findings, and 2 additional pairs are awaiting the same procedure. Evidence we present elsewhere indicates that POF within discordant twin-pairs is less rare than expected. These first cases of ovarian tissue transplantation between women are made possible by virtue of a genetically identical twin willing to be a donor. There is a latent period of several months before ovulation is restored & the endocrine profile is normalized, but in our first case, conception occurred promptly thereafter & pregnancy was normal. If this success can be repeated, ovarian transplantation may provide an alternative to conventional egg donation for comparable patients, and it confirms the feasibility of natural conception after transplanting thawed ovarian tissue in cancer patients. Finally, ongoing molecular study of such twin-pairs may eventually shed light on the causes of premature ovarian failure.%3:45 p.m.

EVALUATION OF BIPHASIC CULTURE SYSTEM FOR MYCOBACTERIAL ISOLATION FROM THE SPUTUM OF PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

Mycobacterial diseases continue to cause high morbidity and mortality. Isolation, identification and sensitivity testing form the backbone of laboratory investigations. M. tuberculosis isolation needs 6-8 weeks on conventional egg containing media. For rapid isolation various methods have been evaluated. We evaluated biphasic system (Middlebrook 7H11 agar slant + Middlebrook 9H broth) in comparison with Lowenstein - Jensen (LJ) medium. In smear positive cases biphasic system showed the recovery rate of 97.05% as against 79.41% on LJ on incubation for 21± 4.44 and 28±3.76 days respectively. In smear negative and culture positive cases biphasic system and LJ showed isolation rates of 91.66% and 66.6% after 36±3.44 and 41± 4.09 days respectively. Biphasic system showed lower contamination rate (1.33%). Biphasic medium is superior to LJ medium in isolation of M. tuberculosis .

Evaluation of Biphasic Culture System for Mycobacterial Isolation from the Sputum of Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Mycobacterial diseases continue to cause high morbidity and mortality. Isolation, identification and sensitivity testing form the backbone of laboratory investigations. M. tuberculosis isolation needs 6-8 weeks on conventional egg containing media. For rapid isolation various methods have been evaluated. We evaluated biphasic system (Middlebrook 7H11 agar slant+Middlebrook 9H broth) in comparison with Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium. In smear positive cases biphasic system showed the recovery rate of 97.05% as against 79.41% on LJ on incubation for 21+/-4.44 and 28+/-3.76 days respectively. In smear negative and culture positive cases biphasic system and LJ showed isolation rates of 91.66% and 66.6% after 36+/-3.44 and 41+/- 4.09 days respectively. Biphasic system showed lower contamination rate (1.33%). Biphasic medium is superior to LJ medium in isolation of M. tuberculosis.

Serum lipids of physically active adults consuming omega-3 fatty acid–enriched eggs or conventional eggs

This study was designed to compare the effects of the consumption of one omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)–enriched egg or one conventional egg on serum lipids in physically active adults. A total of 12 adults (mean age 33 ± 7 years, mean body mass index [BMI] 24 ± 3) were recruited, and dietary treatments were randomly assigned. After a 2-week lead-in period (baseline), participants received each 4-week treatment in a crossover arrangement with a 4-week washout period between treatments. Participants completed a 3-day food record at baseline and during each treatment period. Food records were analyzed for carbohydrates, protein, total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fatty acids, PUFA, n-3 PUFA, and cholesterol using the Food Processor Nutrition and Fitness (ESHA) software. Blood samples were collected at the end of each treatment period and analyzed for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and n-3 PUFA. Dietary intake of α-linolenic acid (1.196 ± 0.116 g · day −1) and docosahexaenoic acid (0.087 ± 0.013 g · day −1) and serum α-linolenic acid (10.52 ± 0.581 ng · mL −1) were higher during the n-3 PUFA–enriched egg treatment than during the conventional egg treatment ( P< 0.05). Serum triglycerides were higher ( P< 0.05) with n-3 PUFA–enriched eggs (86.54 ± 5.84 mg · dL −1) than with conventional eggs (67.56 ± 5.48 mg · dL −1). Daily consumption of one n-3 PUFA–enriched egg resulted in higher serum α-linolenic acid and triglycerides in physically active adults than did daily consumption of one conventional egg.

Isogenic ovarian transplantation between identical twins discordant for ovarian follicle reserve

This study aimed to investigate 1) the prospects for restoring spontaneous menstrual cycles and fertility by ovarian transplantation between monozygotic twin sisters, and 2) the causes of premature ovarian failure in the sterile sister A case study of monozygotic twins who were healthy and without autoimmune disease, but one of whom had had idiopathic menopause in her early teens. Sister-sister ovarian transplantation was performed and ovarian biopsies and leukocytes were analysed cytologically and cytogenetically Monozygotic twins aged 24 years old requested sister-sister ovarian transplantation following unsuccessful attempts to conceive using conventional egg donation. The fertile sister (M) had completed her target family size of three children and did not want to undergo further ART procedures for her postmenopausal sister (S). The latter sister had her last menses at 14 years of age after scanty cycles from age 11; she had a small, normal uterus and elevated serum gonadotropins (FSH 75 and LH 32). The reproductive history of sister M and her normal ovarian response to recent controlled ovarian stimulation (16 follicles >15 mm and 14 eggs) indicated that she had a normal ovarian reserve. Both sisters were taking contraceptive pills at the time of surgery. The left ovary of M was removed laparoscopically and cortical tissue was prepared and transplanted bilaterally by suturing into the resected ovary of her sister during a mini-laparotomy. Surplus tissue was cryopreserved using a slow-freezing protocol using 1,2-propanediol. Small pieces of ovarian tissue and peripheral blood from both women were consented for further analysis by cell culture for FISH and karyotype studies, by isolation of mRNA and DNA for genetic study, and by fixation in Bouin's fluid for histology Genetic fingerprinting confirmed that the women were homozygous and that immunosuppression was unnecessary for transplant survival. Investigations of transplant function are ongoing. Histology confirmed that the ovaries of S were sterile (with only one old corpus albicans). In contrast, the left (donor) ovary of M contained many primordial and small growing follicles, albeit focally distributed, confirming its pre-operative appearance by transvaginal ultrasound. The ovarian cell cultures and peripheral leukocytes of both women were karyotypically normal. The postmenopausal sister evidently had follicular ovaries as a child, but the diminutive reserve had become exhausted in her early teens. The differences in ovarian status between the sisters was especially remarkable in view of twin studies revealing high heritability of menopausal age (0.3–0.6), as well as the similarities between their life-styles and medical histories. No evidence of cytogenetic mosaicism was found. Mutation in the germ line is a plausible explanation, and candidate genes encoded on the X chromosome and autosomes are now being addressed.

Effects of a bolaamphiphile on the structure of phosphatidylcholine liposomes

This paper describes the morphological characterization of aqueous dispersions of PC amphiphiles and bolaamphiphile AEC by microscopy, the liposomal membrane fluidity, and the zeta potential. Results indicate that the bolaamphiphile AEC can be included within conventional egg–PC liposome bilayers. This behavior could be due to their preference for the stretched conformation within the PC membranes.

Health and Welfare in Organic Poultry Production

This review paper deals with the major health and welfare aspects of organic poultry production. The differences between organic and conventional egg and poultry meat production are discussed, with the main emphasis on housing and management requirements, feed composition and the use of veterinary prophylactic and therapeutic drugs. The effects of the legislation and statutes for organic farming on the health and welfare of the birds are also discussed, especially in relation to the biosecurity problems associated with free-range systems, the occurrence of behavioural disturbances in loose housed flocks and the use of veterinary drugs and vaccinations in general. The results from a questionnaire sent out to all Swedish organic egg producers, where questions about the farmer's perception of the birds' health status were included, are presented at the end of the paper. It is concluded that most of the health and welfare problems seen in conventional poultry systems for loose housed or free ranging birds can also been found on organic poultry farms. It is also concluded that there is a need for information about biosecurity, disease detection and disease prevention on organic poultry farms.

Fertility of bull sperm frozen and stored in clarified egg yolk-Tris-glycerol extender.

Egg yolk-Tris-glycerol extender, which is widely used in commercial artificial insemination (AI), was modified by replacing the 20% egg yolk (vol/vol) with a supernatant from egg yolk centrifuged at 50,000 x g for 2 h and then used to cryopreserve bull sperm. Preliminary studies showed that 20% egg yolk interfered with biochemical assays, which could be overcome by centrifugation. In Experiment 1, semen from 4 Holstein bulls was frozen in the experimental Tris extender and compared with the whole milk-glycerol control. A total of 2256 first services resulted in 72.6% 60- to 90-d nonreturns for the control and 71.0% for the Tris extender. In Experiment 2, semen from 10 Holstein bulls was frozen in the experimental Tris extender. Half of the semen was used immediately and half was stored in liquid nitrogen for 1 yr before distribution. The nonreturn rates based on 8878 first services for 7 bulls that completed both parts of the trial were 70.9% initially and 71.6% 1 yr later. This time trend difference of 0.7% was comparable to 0.6% for the AI mean for Holstein sires used at the same time. These fertility results and previous laboratory studies indicate that the conventional egg yolk-Tris-glycerol might be simplified for cryopreserving bull sperm. The experimental Tris extender also was suitable for making biochemical measurements.