Egg Samples Research Articles

Effects of Supplementation of Different Proteins on the Rheological Properties of Liquid Whole Eggs

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of increasing total protein content on the rheological properties of liquid whole eggs. The study fills the gap between fundamental science and industrial application by exploring the potential for developing high-protein, functional egg products for health-conscious consumers and the food industry. Liquid whole egg samples were enriched with different percentages of egg white and whey proteins. Proteins were added either before or after heat treatment, followed by homogenization, to analyze the effects on rheological behavior. Results indicated that whey protein samples exhibit near-Newtonian behavior due to their high solubility and minimal protein interactions, while egg white protein samples, especially at higher concentrations, induce shear thinning behavior and increased viscosity due to their water-binding capacity and partial heat-induced denaturation. Flow behavior index (n) decreased by 62.7 ± 5.7% and 25.2 ± 1.8% for heat treated with 10% added egg white and whey protein samples, respectively; meanwhile, it decreased by 2.64 ± 0.06% for 10% of added egg white protein and increased by 12.0 ± 1.0% for 10% of whey protein when heat treatment was induced prior to protein additions. The findings from this study offer valuable insights for developing functional food enriched with whey and egg white proteins.

Unaddressed hybridization between green (Bufotes viridis) and natterjack toads (Epidalea calamita) can lead to underestimation of genetic heterozygosity and inflated estimates of inbreeding

Abstract Hybridization is a major evolutionary process with significant consequences for the ecology and conservation of species and lineages. However, genetic studies that evaluate the level and influence of hybridization in wild populations of conservation concern remain scarce, despite recognition that unaddressed hybridization can bias results and lead to erroneous conclusions. Here, we explore how hybridization in mixed populations of the natterjack (Epidalea calamita) and green toads (Bufotes viridis) impacts the estimation of genetic parameters used to evaluate the conservation status of the regionally threatened natterjack toad. In order to determine the population structure of natterjack toads in the Central German Mining District near Leipzig (Germany) we have analysed 594 samples of bufonid eggs and tadpoles from eight different sites. Based on a detailed analysis of microsatellite loci, 392 individuals were determined as E. calamita, 158 as B. viridis and 44 as hybrids. Due to the high proportion of hybrids at some sites, estimates of inbreeding (FIS) in natterjack toads were biased towards higher values due to the detection of false homozygous individuals when hybrids were not removed from the dataset. Since inbreeding coefficients are a crucial parameter for population genetic analysis and biased estimates can give misleading results, our findings show that unaddressed hybridization can result in inflated estimates of inbreeding. This in turn, can lead to false conclusions that may ultimately misdirect conservation actions. We suggest that, if hybridization is documented for species pairs, it needs to be considered at an early stage when analysing populations.

Keberadaan Bakteri Salmonella sp Pada Telur Ayam Di Pasar Tradisional Kota Palembang Sumatera Selatan

Eggs are a product of animal origin that is famous as a high source of protein compared to other protein source ingredients. Damage that can cause a decrease in egg quality is caused by microorganisms, one of which, bacteria that can contaminate eggs is Salmonella sp. This study aims to analyze the presence of Salmonella sp bacteria in chicken eggs sold in several traditional markets in Palembang City. This study used 6 samples of chicken eggs from 3 traditional markets with a simple random sampling method. The test results of all positive egg samples contained Salmonella sp. This shows that the quality of eggs sold at the Palembang Traditional Market does not meet the requirements of the Indonesian National Standard, which is negative/25 grams. Keywords: Salmonella sp, chicken egg, traditional market.

Characterization of non-typhoidal Salmonella reveals the highly prevalent mcr-1-positive S. 1,4,[5],12:i:- within eggs are derived from chickens.

Salmonella is one of the most common foodborne pathogens. Antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella isolates, especially those resistant to colistin, pose a significant threat to public health worldwide. However, data about the prevalence of mcr-positive Salmonella in animals was few and the dissemination of mcr-positive Salmonella from animals to food, especially eggs, has not been fully addressed. The role of houseflies in the Salmonella transmission has also not been clarified. Here, we analyzed the prevalence and resistance characteristics of mcr-positive Salmonella in 1707 samples of animals (commercial laying hens, broilers, waterfowls and swine), eggs and flies from 23 farms in four cities of China between July 2021 and October 2022. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses of Salmonella from different sources were further performed. Among animals, waterfowls had the highest isolation rate of Salmonella (18.1%, 35/193), followed by swine (6.1%, 23/377), laying hens (4.2%, 21/505) and broilers (1.4%, 7/489). Two of the 53 flies (3.8%) carried Salmonella. The detection rate of Salmonella in eggs from farms was 26.7%. All mcr-1-positive Salmonella isolates were S. 1,4,[5],12:i:- and were only found in hens (0.2%) and eggs (11.1%). PFGE and WGS analyses showed that the mcr-1-positive S. 1,4,[5],12:i:- from commercial laying hens and eggs in the same farm had no single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variation, indicating that the mcr-1-positive S. 1,4,[5],12:i:- in eggs were derived from hens. The phylogenomic analysis also showed that the mcr-1-positive S. 1,4,[5],12:i:- isolates from hens and eggs were closely related to previously reported mcr-1-positive Salmonella from human in China, further confirming that such mcr-1-positive Salmonella in animals could transmit to humans via the food chain. Furthermore, the blaCTX-M-1G-positive S. Kentucky isolates from broiler and flies in the same farm had a limited number of variations (5-7 SNPs), proving the clonal transmission of Salmonella between broilers and flies. The S. Kentucky isolates carrying blaCTX-M-1G from broilers were also closely related to the S. Kentucky isolates from chicken meats and humans. Our findings suggest that Salmonella including those carrying mcr-1 in animals could transmit to eggs/meats and potentially trigger human infections. The houseflies can play an important role in the Salmonella transmission within farms. Salmonella carrying mcr in animals and animal products should be monitored regularly and control measures are urgently needed to reduce the dissemination of such pathogens.

Synthesis of a fluorophilic magnetic microporous organic network for selective enrichment of fipronil and ethiprole in milk and egg samples.

Considering the widespreadly use, large consumption, and serious environmental and health threats of phenylpyrazole insecticides (PPIs), development of a selective and sensitive method for accurate detection of their residuals in food samples is of great significance and challenging. Herein, depending on the hydrophobic and F-containing characteristics of PPIs, a novel fluorinated magnetic microporous organic network (FMMON) was designed and prepared for efficient and selective magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of two typical PPIs (fipronil and ethiprole) from milk and egg samples before the HPLC-UV determination. FMMON owned large specific surface area, multiple interaction sites, excellent magnetic separation performance and stability and exhibited good extraction and selectivity for fipronil and ethiprole through the specific F-F, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic, and π-π interactions. Under optimal extraction conditions, the established FMMON-MSPE-HPLC-UV method provided wide linear ranges (0.1-1000 µg L-1), low limits of detection (0.03-0.05 µg L-1), large enrichment factors (96.2-99.7), low adsorbent consumption (4 mg), and short extraction time (6 min) for fipronil and ethiprole. This work revealed the bright future of fluorinated MONs in sample pretreatment of fluorinated contaminants in complex substrates.

Chemically reduced graphene oxide based assembly of Aptasensor for sensitive and probe-free detection of penicillin-G.

The widespread use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry leads to antibiotic residues in food, posing public health risks. To ensure food safety, monitoring antibiotic levels in dairy and poultry is essential, especially for Penicillin-G (Pen-G), a frequently used β-lactam antibiotic. This study presents an electrochemical aptasensor for detecting Pen-G in food samples, using chemically reduced graphene oxide (crGO) conjugated with Pen-G-specific aptamer on electrode. The sensors construction was validated via various microscopy and spectroscopy techniques and its performance optimized by adjusting factors such as pH, scan rate, temperature, concentration of aptamer, and reaction time using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). It achieved a detection limit of 1.24 pM, effectively distinguishing Pen-G from other antibiotics in real milk, meat, and egg samples, with stability for up to 3weeks, making it a valuable tool for antibiotic monitoring in food products.

Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Tetracycline Residues in Layer Eggs in Haryana, India.

Antibiotics are extensively used in layer flocks for the prevention of diseases and to enhance their growth and production. However, their nonprudent use is leading to the occurrence of residues in eggs. The present study aimed at the detection of tetracycline group residues in egg samples collected from layer farms located in Haryana, India, and human health risk assessment. A total of 100 pooled egg samples were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet detector for the detection of tetracycline group residues. Out of 100 pooled samples, 13 (13%) were found to be contaminated with tetracycline residues (12 for chlortetracycline and one for tetracycline). Of these, five (38.5%) samples (one for tetracycline and four for chlortetracycline) exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL) established by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The risk assessment based on the per capita availability of eggs in Haryana revealed that the current levels of residues in eggs pose no significant toxicological effects on the consumer's health. The residues exceeding MRL indicate nonprudent use of antibiotics in veterinary practices, which could lead to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. There is a need to generate awareness among farmers toward judicious antibiotic usage in layer birds and adherence to withdrawal periods to prevent the escalating problem of antibiotic resistance.

Effects of Simulated Degradation Conditions on the Authentication of Fresh Quail Eggs Using a Miniaturized NIR Spectrometer and DD-SIMCA

This study developed a reliable and non-destructive analytical method for quality control of quail eggs under simulated degradation conditions, including temperature variations and UV radiation exposure, using a miniaturized near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer combined with Data-Driven Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (DD-SIMCA). A total of 336 quail egg samples were evaluated, with 90 samples stored under optimal conditions for up to 14 days, while the remaining 246 samples underwent controlled storage at temperatures of 30 and 40 °C for 24, 48, and 72 h, and were exposed to UV irradiation for 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, and 4 h. DD-SIMCA models utilizing NIR spectra pre-processed with multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) and Savitzky-Golay first derivative (SGD) achieved remarkable sensitivity and specificity of 100% in the test set, demonstrating an effective and low-cost technology for ensuring the authenticity of fresh quail eggs.

Differentiated distribution between albumen, yolk and eggshell of parents and metabolites neonicotinoids and their reproductive exposure risk.

Differential distribution of neonicotinoids (NEOs) in albumen, yolk, and eggshell is a critical factor influencing their bio-accumulative behavior and the subsequent human health risks. However, there is currently no relevant research available. We collected 62 egg samples from 31 sampling sites across China and analyzed the concentrations and characteristics of 12 parents NEOs (p-NEOs) and 8 metabolites NEOs (m-NEOs) in albumen, yolk, and eggshell. NEOs were frequently detected in differentiated egg matrices, with the highest concentrations observed in Northeast China. The concentrations of m-NEOs were generally higher than those of p-NEOs. A positive correlation was found between the distribution of m-NEOs in albumen and their logKow (p < 0.05). Dietary intake exposure posed a higher risk of NEOs to children and females. The toxicity equivalence (TEQ) of 5-hydroxy-imidacloprid and thiacloprid-amide, in interaction with androgen and estrogen receptors, was higher compared to other NEOs. Network toxicology and molecular docking indicated that AKT1 may serve as the core target for reproductive toxicity induced by dinotefuran, cycloxaprid, and nitenpyram exposure. This study provided valuable data on the occurrence, differential distribution, and reproductive exposure risk of NEOs in eggs for the first time. These findings are instrumental for future management policies concerning the environmental behavior and health effects of NEOs.

Dietary Inclusion of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Oil on Fatty Acid Profile of Egg Yolk in Layer Chicken

Background: Linseed contains exceptionally high content of alpha –linolenic acid (18:3, n-3) considered as unique among oilseeds. Depending upon the hens feeding, the nutrient composition of eggs varies. Egg is considered as a good source of quality protein and holds several vitamins and minerals that are important parts of a healthy diet. Due to its high nutritive value with appropriate price, eggs are taking place in one of the most accepted food in the diet of human. Methods: A total of 156 numbers of 23 weeks age layer chickens (Inbrobrown) were randomly selected and divided into 4 treatment groups; having 3 replicates with 13 hens in each. The hens of control group (T1) were fed a diet containing no linseed oil. The hens of treatment groups T2, T3 and T4 were fed with a diet contained linseed oil at levels of 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.5 % respectively. Hens were fed the experimental diet for 18 weeks of experimental period (23 to 40 weeks of age). For fatty acid analysis 15 fresh egg samples per treatment were randomly collected at 30th and 40th week of age. Result: Dietary supplementation of linseed oil increased (P less than 0.01) omega 3 fatty acid and decreased the total SFA, MUFA and n6: n3 fatty acid ratio in egg yolk. Further, the hen day egg production was not affected by supplementation of linseed oil up to 3.5% although it lowered (P less than 0.05) the feed consumption. Production cost was highest in T4 group and lowest in control group. Hence, it is concluded that from the point of omega 3 fatty acid content and economics of production supplementation of 2.5 % linseed oil in the diet of laying hens can be recommended as production of omega 3 fatty acid enriched egg.

Low-Toxicity and High-Stability Fluorescence Sensor for the Selective, Rapid, and Visual Detection Tetracycline in Food Samples.

With the development and improvement of analysis and detection systems, low-toxicity and harmless detection systems have received much attention, especially in the field of food detection. In this paper, a low-toxicity dual-emission molecularly imprinted fluorescence sensor (CdTe QDs@SiO2/N-CDs@MIPs) was successfully designed for highly selective recognition and visual detection of tetracycline (TC) in food samples. Specifically, the non-toxic blue-emission N-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) with high luminous performance acted as the response signals to contact TC via the covalent bond between amino and carboxyl groups. The red-emission CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs) were coated in silica nanospheres as stable reference signals, which effectively avoided the direct contact of CdTe QDs. Under optimum conditions, CdTe QDs@SiO2/N-CDs@MIPs had a rapid response within 1.0 min to TC, and the detection limit of CdTe QDs@SiO2/N-CDs@MIPs was calculated at 0.846 μM in the linear range of 0-140 μM. In complex environments, the CdTe QDs@SiO2/N-CDs@MIPs also exhibited excellent capabilities for the selective, rapid, and visual detection of TC. Furthermore, the accuracy of CdTe QDs@SiO2/N-CDs@MIPs to detect TC was verified by the HPLC method, and satisfactory results were obtained. Moreover, CdTe QDs@SiO2/N-CDs@MIPs showed a satisfactory recovery when measuring TC in milk and egg samples. This work provided an ideal approach for low-toxicity fluorescence sensor design and application.

Application of the Chitooligosaccharides and Fluorescence Polarization Technique for the Assay of Active Lysozyme in Hen Egg White.

This study describes the applicability of the fluorescence polarization assay (FPA) based on the use of FITC-labeled oligosaccharide tracers of defined structure for the measurement of active lysozyme in hen egg white. Depending on the oligosaccharide chain length of the tracer, this method detects both the formation of the enzyme-to-tracer complex (because of lectin-like, i.e., carbohydrate-binding action of lysozyme) and tracer splitting (because of chitinase activity of lysozyme). Evaluation of the fluorescence polarization dynamics enables simultaneous measurement of the chitinase and lectin activities of lysozyme, which is crucial for its detection in complex biological systems. Hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL), unlike human lysozyme (HL), formed a stable complex with the chitotriose tracer that underwent no further transformations. This fact allows for easy measurement of the carbohydrate-binding activity of the HEWL. The results of the lysozyme activity measurement for hen egg samples obtained through the FPA correlated with the results obtained using the traditional turbidimetry method. The FPA does not have the drawbacks of turbidimetry, which are associated with the need to use bacterial cells that cannot be precisely standardized. Additionally, FPA offers advantages such as rapid analysis, the use of compact equipment, and standardized reagents. Therefore, the new express technique for measuring the lysozyme activity is applicable for evaluating the complex biomaterial, including for the purposes of food product quality control.

The presence of inclusions in blastodiscs of coho salmon embryos (Oncorhynchus kisutch) is associated with low rates of fertility and embryo survival

Characteristics of the first blastomeres in fish have been evaluated in previous studies as a tool for predicting egg and larva quality. Nevertheless, there are still few studies of the presence of inclusions in fish blastodiscs or blastomeres. The object of the present study was to describe the relationship between cellular inclusions and some embryo quality parameters (symmetry, fertility rate, survival rate) in farmed coho salmon. Eggs from 261 females were fertilized with 400 × 103 spermatozoa/egg and incubated in the dark in separated flow-through incubators. Embryos at the four-cell stage were fixed in Stockard's solution and the blastodiscs were classified as: i) unfertilized, ii) fertilized with inclusion, and iii) without inclusion. The blastomere symmetry was also recorded. Embryos from 30 females (15 with and 15 without inclusions) were incubated until pigmented eye embryo stage to determine the survival rate. Cell inclusions were detected in 8.81 % of the females evaluated, with 24.1 ± 24.2 of the eggs from each of those females presenting inclusions. Egg samples with this abnormality showed significantly lower fertility, blastomere symmetry, and survival rate when compared with eggs without inclusions.

Risk assessment of dietary exposure due to Cyromazine and Melamine residues in poultry eggs from layer farms of Haryana, India

The practice of using Cyromazine (CYR) as feed additive larvicide at layer farms leads to occurrence of residues of CYR and its metabolite Melamine (MEL) in eggs and can cause public health problem. Therefore, the present research work was carried out to estimate the dietary exposure risk to consumers in Haryana, India where CYR is routinely used at layer farms as a measure of fly control. For this purpose, 110 egg samples were collected from layer farms located in selected districts of Haryana (Panchkula, Hisar, Ambala, Sirsa and Panipat). Samples were analyzed using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-UV). CYR concentration was found to be above LOQ in 25 samples. The mean concentration of the CYR was found to be 42.71 µg kg−1 with a range of 16.88 -112.61 µg kg−1. MEL was not detected in any of the sample analyzed. Estimates of dietary exposure of CYR was found to be 33.40 µg per kg body weight per day. The results indicated that poultry farmers are using CYR as feed additive in layer birds for the purpose of fly control by following good agricultural practices and there is no risk of dietary exposure of CYR and MEL through consumption of eggs to the consumers.

MOF-derived Mn, N Co-doped Co-C nanomaterials and exo I-driven dual signal amplification for sensitive detection of florfenicol using an electrochemical aptasensor

Florfenicol (FF) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with potent bactericidal effects against most Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, its misuse can pose significant threats to human health. In this study, we successfully developed an electrochemical aptasensor based on MOF-derived Mn, N Co-doped Co-C nanomaterials (CoMnN-Cs) derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOF) and a dual signal amplification strategy utilizing Exonuclease I (Exo I) for target recycling, aimed at achieving high-sensitivity detection of FF. This aptasensor depended on the CoMnN-Cs nanomaterials loaded with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which features a hierarchical porous structure that enhanced the specific surface area, conductivity, and electrocatalytic activity while improving the loading efficiency of signal molecules and the binding strength of biomolecules, leading to the first amplification of the electrochemical signal. In the presence of FF, Exo I-catalyzed target recycling was triggered, achieving further amplification of the electrochemical signal. Utilizing these unique features, the developed aptasensor exhibited outstanding FF detection performance, with a low detection limit of 5.28 × 10−4 ng mL−1, a wide linear range from 1 × 10−3 to 1 × 103 ng mL−1, and the recovery rates for milk, egg, and shrimp samples were 98.0 % to 100.3 %, 96.3 % to 100.9 %, and 97 % to 100.5 %, respectively. With its diverse signal amplification capabilities, this aptasensor offers a new strategy for the analysis of FF and even other antibiotics or biomolecules.

Dual Detection of Norfloxacin and Gatifloxacin by Excitation Tuning Strategy Based on Yellow Carbon Dots.

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are widely used in hospitals, animal husbandry and aquaculture for the treatment of infectious diseases. However, overuse of FQs poses a potential threat to the environment and human. Detection of antibiotics is of great importance in various fields. In this paper, bright yellow fluorescence carbon dots (y-CDs) with quantum yield of 32% were synthesized via a simple and rapid microwave-assisted method using o-phenylenediamine and salicylic acid as raw materials. The fluorescence properties of y-CDs varied under different excitation wavelengths. It is discovered that the excitation wavelength is a critical factor to develop a dual functional fluorescence probe. Under selected excitation wavelength (355nm), y-CDs can realize dual detection of norfloxacin (NOR) and gatifloxacin (GAT) with good selectivity and high sensitivity in a "turn-on" mode. The detection limits of NOR and GAT are 0.0881 µM and 0.0125 µM, respectively. y-CDs prove practical application in the detection of NOR and GAT in milk and egg samples.

QUANTIFICATION OF HEAVY METALS IN LAYER AND DOMESTIC HEN EGGS

Background: Poultry products are a crucial source of nutrition, especially in developing countries where they significantly contribute to addressing protein deficiencies. However, the prevalence of heavy metal contamination in these products poses a public health concern, with heavy metals entering the poultry supply chain through environmental pollution, contaminated feed, and inadequate handling practices. This study focuses on Pakistan's rapidly growing poultry industry and the risks posed by heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury in poultry products. Objective: To evaluate the levels and sources of heavy metal contamination in eggs and poultry products in Pakistan, assess associated health risks, and recommend regulatory measures for minimizing exposure. Methods: Egg, water, and feed samples were collected from local markets, poultry farms, and student research projects within the Multan district. Samples were stored at room temperature in sealed containers before analysis. Wet acid digestion was used to prepare samples, followed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) to quantify heavy metal concentrations. Levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) were measured and compared across domestic and layer hen eggs. Results: Significant differences were found in heavy metal levels between domestic and layer hen eggs. Domestic eggs contained higher Pb levels (0.830±0.011 µg/g) compared to layer eggs (0.043±0.014 µg/g). Cobalt levels in domestic egg whites reached 2.369±0.302 µg/g, surpassing the 1.138±0.023 µg/g detected in layer eggs. Copper concentrations in domestic eggs were notably higher, at 0.360±0.027 µg/g in the yolk, compared to layer eggs. However, cadmium and arsenic levels remained low across both groups. Conclusion: Heavy metal contamination in poultry products poses significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Regulatory measures, improved feed and water quality, and stringent environmental monitoring are essential for minimizing exposure and supporting public health while enabling sustainable growth in Pakistan's poultry industry. Keywords: Arsenic; Cadmium; Eggs; Food Contamination; Food Safety; Lead; Poultry.

Comparative Pharmacokinetics and Egg Residues of Amoxicillin, Single and in Combination with Bromhexine, in Laying Hens.

The need for antibiotics in commercial laying hens is increasing owing to intensive farming systems. Amoxicillin trihydrate (AMX), an aminopenicillin β-lactam antibiotic, exerts broad bactericidal activity. However, its short half-life necessitates frequent administration to ensure efficacy, thus limiting its use. Herein, we investigated the effect of concurrent administration of bromhexine hydrochloride (BRM), a mucolytic agent, on AMX pharmacokinetics, performing a comparative pharmacokinetic analysis of AMX administration alone and in combination with BRM. AMX (50 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage once daily for three days alone or in combination with 10 mg/kg BRM. Plasma and egg samples were collected to evaluate pharmacokinetic profiles and egg residues. The area under the curve and maximum plasma concentration values were significantly higher in the AMX + BRM group than the AMX only group. However, there were no significant differences in AMX half-life in the elimination phase (T1/2), elimination rate constant (kel), or apparent clearance (CL/F) values. In the egg residue study, the withdrawal period for AMX was 5 days in both groups, with no significant difference when using the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 10 μg/kg. The concentration of BRM in the eggs remained at 100 μg/kg up to the fourth day following drug administration. Conclusion: These results confirmed that BRM co-administration increased systemic exposure to AMX, with a negligible residual impact of amoxicillin in eggs.

Assessment of egg quality, food safety, and hygiene practices among commercial and non-commercial farms of Barwala district of Panchkula, Haryana.

The aim of the present study was to assess the egg quality, food safety, and hygiene practices in egg production among commercial and non-commercial farms. A total of six, each commercial and non-commercial farm, were randomly selected form Barwala district, Panchkula, Haryana, for this study in 2019. A detailed interview on hygiene practices of farm workers was conducted. Egg samples were procured for external (N = 60) and internal (N = 24) egg quality determination. The swap samples (N = 24) were also analysed for bacterial contamination. Descriptive statistics were used for reporting the results, and Chi-square test was conducted for determining significant differences between commercial and non-commercial farms. The egg yolk percentage (34.49%) and egg shell percentage (12.76) were higher among non-commercial farms. However, no significant external (P = 0.890) or internal (P = 0.367) egg quality difference was found between commercial and non-commercial farms. The biosecurity and disinfection management, daily waste disposal practice, fly and rodent control practice, farm activity record, and flock health monitoring were relatively better among commercial farms. There were no significant differences found in any of these assessments. The colony forming units (cfu) for salmonella and coliform were acceptable in three and four procured samples from commercial farms, respectively, whereas none were within acceptable levels among non-commercial farms. The internal egg quality, food safety, and hygiene practices were relatively better among commercial farms as compared to non-commercial farms. This requires further validation through a large sample-sized study.

Dietary and terrestrial exposure to methoxylated polybrominated diphenoxybenzene contaminants in Great Lakes herring gulls

Methoxylated polybrominated diphenoxybenzenes (MeO-PB-DPBs) are little known contaminants except in North American Great Lakes herring gull tissues and egg samples. MeO-PB-DPBs in gulls originate not via aquatic bioaccumulation pathways but instead likely via transformation of the tetradecabromo-1,4-diphenoxybenzene (TDB-DPB) flame retardant (FR). TDB-DPB was formerly produced as SAYTEX-120 in North America and is still produced in Asia. This study investigates the terrestrial exposure pathway of MeO-PB-DPBs and other FRs in herring gulls. Gull regurgitant and faeces, soil, and earthworms were collected from Channel Shelter Island (Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron), and analyzed for 3 MeO-PB-DPBs, 25 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and 22 non-PBDE halogenated FRs. MeO-PB-DPBs in soil varied from non-detect to 4 ng/g dw per pentabrominated congener to a remarkably high 53 ng/g dw for the hexabrominated congener and comparable to BDE-209 which accumulates to high levels in Great Lakes sediment. MeO-hexa- to penta-brominated-DPB congener ratios were much greater (> 10x vs. ∼ 2x) than in herring gull tissues or eggs, suggesting possible differences in bioavailability. PB-DPB congeners were detected for the first time in environmental soil samples and confirmed via standard addition of the 2,2′,4,4″- and 2,2′,2″,4-tetrabromodiphenoxybenzene standards. MeO-PB-DPBs were mostly absent from faeces and not detected in earthworm samples. Combined with the finding of detection in regurgitant samples, indicating dietary intake, this suggests that gull exposure is via terrestrial bioaccumulation of MeO-PB-DPBs.