Egg Storage Research Articles

Hens ranked as highly feed efficient have an improved albumen quality profile and increased polyunsaturated fatty acids in the yolk1

The shelf life of eggs that contain elevated levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is compromised due to the relative instability and therefore greater potential for lipid peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids (FA). Poultry that is highly feed efficiency (HFE) exhibits higher systemic levels of antioxidant enzymes and therefore may produce eggs with improved albumen quality and favorable FA profiles that are stable over time. We tested the hypothesis that HFE-laying hens produce eggs with improved internal egg quality and a favorable yolk FA profile prior to and following storage. Following an initial screening phase (7 wk) using 140 Isa Brown layers (28 wk old), the 10 most efficient (FCR < 1.99 ± 0.05) and the 10 least efficient (FCR > 2.30 ± 0.05) hens were identified and designated as HFE and low feed efficiency (LFE) groups, respectively. Internal quality and composition were determined on eggs (n = 10 per group) stored at 15 °C for 0, 14, and 28 d. At 0, 14, and 28 d, the albumen weight, albumen height, Haugh unit (HU), and albumen:yolk ratio of eggs from the HFE group were significantly higher (P < 0.01), whereas the eggs from the LFE group had heavier (P < 0.01) yolk than the HFE group. After 28-d storage, the yolk color score of the LFE group was lower (paler; P < 0.05) compared with that of the HFE group. The relative proportions of total PUFA and the ratio of total PUFA and total saturated fatty acids (SFA) were higher (P < 0.05) in HFE group of eggs. The LFE group of eggs contained higher (P < 0.05) levels of lipid peroxidation marker (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; TBARS) values both in fresh and in stored eggs. The results suggest that HFE hens produce eggs with greater albumen quality and higher levels of yolk PUFA both at lay and after storage.

Yeasts isolated from cloacal swabs, feces, and eggs of laying hens.

Domestic and wild birds may act as carriers of human pathogenic fungi, although the role of laying hens in spreading yeasts has never been investigated. We evaluated the presence of yeasts in the cloaca (Group I, n = 364), feces (Group II, n = 96), and eggs (Group III, n = 270) of laying hens. The occurrence and the population size of yeasts on the eggshell, as well as in the yolks and albumens, were assessed at the oviposition time and during storage of eggs at 22 ± 1°C and 4 ± 1°C. A statistically higher prevalence and population size of yeasts were recorded in Group I (49.7% and 1.3 × 104 cfu/ml) and II (63.8% and 2.8 × 105 cfu/ml) than in Group III (20.7% and 19.9 cfu/ml). Candida catenulata and Candida albicans were the most frequent species isolated. Candida famata and Trichosporon asteroides were isolated only from the eggshells, whereas Candida catenulata was also isolated from yolks and albumens. During storage, the yeast population size on the shell decreased (from 37.5 to 8.5 cfu/ml) in eggs at 22 ± 1°C and increased (from 4.6 to 35.3 cfu/ml) at 4 ± 1°C. The laying hens harbor potentially pathogenic yeasts in their gastrointestinal tract and are prone to disseminating them in the environment through the feces and eggs. Eggshell contamination might occur during the passage through the cloaca or following deposition whereas yolk and albumen contamination might depend on yeast density on eggshell.

Effect of Cold Storage on Biological Traits of Psix saccharicola (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae), an Egg Parasitoid of Acrosternum arabicum (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Psix saccharicola (Mani) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) is a solitary egg parasitoid of the pistachio green stink bug, Acrosternum arabicum (Wagner) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), which is one of the most important pests of pistachio in Iran. Augmentation of P. saccharicola field populations using mass-reared individuals may provide an alternative to conventional pesticide use for pistachio green stink bug control. Cold storage is an important component of mass-rearing protocols for optimum timing of host egg parasitization and potentially extended storage of P. saccharicola pupae prior to adult emergence. The impact of cold storage on A. arabicum eggs for various time intervals at 4.0°C was investigated. Results indicated that host eggs stored at 4.0°C for up to 60 d could be exploited by P. sacchricola, whereas no offspring were produced when eggs were stored for 120 d. The emergence rates of the F1 and F2 generations declined with increased host egg storage time. Both sex ratio and survival rate of the F2 generation decreased as the refrigeration time of host eggs increased. The impact of cold storage on P. saccharicola pupae was evaluated. Reared pupae of P. saccharicola were held for 1 wk at three temperatures and compared with a control (27 ± 1°C). Psix saccharicola pupae were tolerant to cold storage at 8 and 12°C. Cold storage adversely affected mean adult emergence at 4°C, which decreased following low temperature exposure. Furthermore, mean percentage survivorship was unaffected by storage at low temperatures in the F1 generation, but was reduced at 4°C. The sex ratio of the F1 generation became more male-biased when held at lower storage temperatures. The highest female proportion was observed at 12°C.

Impact of Egg Storage Duration and Temperature on Egg Quality, Fertility, Hatchability and Chick Quality in Naked Neck Chickens

Impact of Egg Storage Duration and Temperature on Egg Quality, Fertility, Hatchability and Chick Quality in Naked Neck Chickens

Impacts of Breeder Age, Storage Time and Setter Ventilation Program on Incubation and Post-Hatch Performance of Broilers

ABSTRACT The impacts of breeder age (32 and 55 weeks), egg storage time (2-12 days), setter ventilation program (control-test) on incubation and post-hatch performance of broilers were investigated in this study. Young (Y) and old (O) breeders’ hatching eggs were incubated in two different setters operated by two different ventilation programs as control (C) and test (T). Incubation took place after a short (S) and long (L) time of storage in this study. According to the trial design, eight treatment groups were as YSC, YST, YLC, YLT, OSC, OST, OLC and OLT. In total 9600 eggs and 6400 chicks were used. Early stage embryonic mortality (ED) rates were lower and accordingly hatchability of fertile eggs (HF) were higher (p<0.05) in YS than the other treatment groups. In contrast, incubation performance in eggs hatched in C and T programs were found to be similar. However, interaction between treatments were significant (p<0.05) and ED and HF were significantly (p<0.05) improved at OC. Liveability in growing period was affected (p<0.05) by breeder age but it wasn’t affected by storage time and incubation program. Higher post-hatch performance was achieved in chicks of OST but differences between groups weren’t significant except for chick weights in comparison by breeder age. However, interactions between treatments were significant (p<0.05) and reached the highest post-hatch performance in YST (p<0.05). In conclusion, the long time storage of old breeders’ eggs improved incubation and post-hatch performance when they were incubated at test program.

Feed addition of curcumin to laying hens showed anticoccidial effect, and improved egg quality and animal health

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of curcumin in the diet of commercial laying hens could have an anticoccidial action and improve egg quality. For this, 60 laying hens were divided into three groups: T0 (the control group); T30 and T50 (30 and 50 mg/kg of curcumin in the feed, respectively). Eggs recently laid were collected on days 14 and 21 of the experiment, and stored for 21 days. It was observed increased specific gravity and yolk index in stored eggs of the groups T30 and T50 compared to T0. The yolk color reduced in the eggs stored from groups T30 and T50 compared to T0. Moreover, TBARS levels were lower in fresh and stored eggs from groups T30 and T50. It was observed increased TAC levels in fresh eggs from groups T30 and T50 and in stored eggs from the group T50. The presence of curcumin was not detected by HPLC in the yolk and albumen. Seric levels of albumin and uric acid did not differ between groups, while seric levels of total proteins increased on day 21 on groups T30 and T50. Finally, it was observed a significant reduction on the number of oocysts in fecal samples on days 14 and 21 of T30 and T50 compared to T0. Based on these evidences, it is possible to conclude that the addition of curcumin in the diet of laying hens has an anticoccidial effect and improves egg quality.

The potential of Mythimna sequax Franclemont eggs for the production of Trichogramma spp. after cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen

ABSTRACT The cryopreservation of noctuid eggs in liquid nitrogen has proved be a promising tool in the mass production of Trichogramma, however studies into this technique have only just begun. This study evaluated the response of different densities of the female of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley to the parasitism of Mythimna sequax eggs stored and not stored in liquid nitrogen, and the performance of females reared only in cryopreserved eggs. The study evaluated the influence of the number of T. pretiosum females (4, 8 and 12) released to parasitise 40 M. sequax eggs, stored and not stored for 15 days in liquid nitrogen, as well as the performance of T. pretiosum females reared in eggs stored for three generations and females reared in non-stored eggs. Parasitism by T. pretiosum in stored eggs was 84%, twice the value obtained in previous studies. The emergence of parasitoids was greater than 95% in both experiments. The performance of females raised in stored eggs did not differ from that of females raised in non-stored eggs. The data show that the technique of cryopreservation of M. sequax eggs may be a viable alternative in the mass production of T. pretiosum.

Influence of Storage Period on Egg Quality Characteristics, Hatching Results, Productive Performance and Behaviour of Hatched Japanese Quail Chicks

Objective of this study was evaluating effect of storage duration of Japanese quail eggs for two, seven and fourteen days before incubation on egg quality traits, egg weight loss, hatchability, growth performance and behaviour (exploratory behaviour, fearfulness, learning ability and memory) of birds as those behaviours were measured by performing open field test and spatial learning test. A total of 740 fertile eggs stored at 23°C and 65% humidity and divided into three treatments (Each treatment represented with four replicates), treatment 1 (T1) = egg stored for two days, treatment 2 (T2) = eggs were stored for seven days and treatment 3 (T3) = eggs were stored for 14 days. A significant effect of egg storage period on Haugh unit, yolk index and albumen Percentage were recorded. Weight loss and embryonic mortality rates increased when egg storage prolonged. Hatch weight and body weight at 5th week of age were significantly decreased in T3 birds. Also prolonged egg storage negatively affected the exploratory behavior, fearfulness, learning ability and memory of birds. Birds of T1 exhibit more exploratory behaviour due to decreased fearfulness and higher learning ability and stronger memory than birds of T2 and T3 that considered as second grade chicks.

Поліпшення зберігання та якості яєць курячих харчових шляхом обробки їх поверхні

Поліпшення зберігання та якості яєць курячих харчових шляхом обробки їх поверхні

Hygienic and Sanitary Conditions of Eggs Commercialized in Town Fairs and Markets

High nutritional content coupled with low cost and ease of purchase justifies the frequent use of chicken eggs. Even with technological innovations in the production, storage, and distribution of eggs, food poisoning continues to occur. Therefore, in the present study, we 1) evaluated the microbiological profile and the hygienic and sanitary quality of eggs commercialized in town fairs and markets and 2) verified whether there is any correlation between microbiological results and commercialization conditions. Thirty-six samples were collected from six municipalities in the region of Recôncavo from Bahia, Brazil. The hygienic and sanitary conditions were analyzed by quantifying the total coliforms, E. coli, mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms, molds, and yeasts, and by the presence of Salmonella sp. The observational analysis showed that 91% and 68% of the samples in town fairs and markets, respectively, did not comply with the requirements of the current Brazilian legislation. There was no significant difference in the microbiological profile among samples from the fairs and markets. Several samples presented relevant significant values, indicating inadequate hygienic conditions and fecal contamination. Salmonella sp. was found in one sample. There was co-relationship between microorganism count and the variables “external dirt”, “external stains”, and “closeness to other products”, with high concentrations of total coliforms and E. coli in the non-conforming samples. Although no limits exist for mold and yeast counts, the presence of fungi makes the product unfit for consumption. Thus, the commercialization of eggs would benefit from more attention and supervision by the relevant authorities.

Effect of Storage on the Antioxidant Activity of Yolk Lipid for Some Kinds of Eggs

The current study included estimating the antioxidant activity of yolk lipid for the quail egg, Coturnix japonica (quail), Gallus gallus L. (hen), Anas Platyrhynchos L. (duck) and Gygnus cygnus L.(goose). The yolk and the white of those were separated from each other and the yolk lipid was separated also. The antioxidant activity, reducing power, chelating of iron ions and scavenging of hydrogen peroxide of yolk lipid for fresh egg were studied. The effect of egg storage at laboratory temperature (25-30°C) and refrigerator temperature (4±1°C) on antioxidant activity of egg yolk lipid was studied. The results showed that there was a significant decrease (P˂0.05) in all the antioxidant activity tests with duration of storage compared to yolk lipid of fresh egg. The decrease was more obvious when storing the egg at lab temperature (25-30°C) compared with the stored egg in refrigeration (4±1°C).

Determination of egg storage time at room temperature using a low-cost NIR spectrometer and machine learning techniques

Currently, consumers are more concerned about freshness and quality of food. Poultry egg storage time is a freshness and quality indicator in industrial and consumer applications, even though egg marking is not always required outside the European Union.Other authors have already published works using expensive laboratory equipment in order to determine the storage time and freshness of eggs. This paper presents a novel alternative method based on low-cost devices for the rapid and non-destructive prediction of egg storage time at room temperature (23 ± 1 °C).H&N brown flock with 49-week-old hens were used as a source for the sampled eggs. Samples were scanned for a period of 22 days beginning from the time the egg was laid. The spectral acquisition was performed using a low-cost near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectrometer which has a wavelength range between 740 nm and 1070 nm. The resulting dataset of 660 samples was randomly split according to a 10-fold cross-validation in order to be used in a contrast and optimization process of two machine learning algorithms. During the optimization, several models were tested to develop a robust calibration model.The best model used a Savitzky Golay pre-processing technique with a third derivative order and an artificial neural network with ten neurons in one hidden layer. Regressing the storage time of the eggs, tests achieved a coefficient of determination (R-squared) of 0.8319 ± 0.0377 and a root mean squared error in cross-validation test set (RMSECV) of 1.97 days.Although further work is needed, this technique shows industrial potential and consumer utility to determine an egg's freshness using a low-cost spectrometer connected to a smartphone.

Effect of pre-incubation and pre-storage for short periods of incubation during egg storage (SPIDES) and thermal manipulation during incubation period on chick quality of broiler breeder (ROSS 308)

This study was conducted from 16/1/2017 to 23/2/2017 to show the effect of the different storage period on the specifications of the specific chickpeas by exposing the eggs to sporadic incubation processes during the storage period of the broiler eggs ROSS 308. The eggs were brought from Al-Manar Company for poultry production and breeding - Diyala and were in the form of two separate experiments where the duration of the first experiment was 29 days and the second 37 days. The first experiment 7 days storage, and the second 14 days storage included four transactions storage only, storage with pre-incubation + pre-incubation for short periods SPIDES, storage with pre-incubation + heat stimulation and storage with pre-incubation for short periods SPIDES + thermal stimulation. The results showed significant differences (P<0.01) in the body mass, where the first and third treatments were superior to the rest of the experimental factors, while there were no significant differences in the rest of the external specimens of the white hatches of the eggs stored for 7 days. The results did not show any significant differences the internal characteristics of the white hatched eggs were stored for 7 days only in the ratio of the weight of the liver to the body weight, which exceeded the second treatment on the rest of the experiment. The external characteristics of the eggs from the eggs were stored for 14 days. The weights and body mass in the first treatment exceeded the rest of the experimental parameters. The internal characteristics of the chicks also exceeded the first treatment in the body weight on the rest of the experiment. The weight of yolk to the body weight by the first and second treatments on the rest of the experiment, the ratio of weight of the liver and intestines to the weight of the body has exceeded the fourth treatment on the rest of the experiment. This study showed no effect of pre-incubation of 6 hours and pre-incubation for short periods during the storage of SPIDES in addition to thermal stimulation 39.5% in days 16, 17 and 18 of brood, on the specifications of the quality chick and the characteristics of internal chicks regardless of storage time.

A Novel Sterilized Method forEscherichia coliInfected Eggs: Atmospheric Arc Discharge Technology

In order to avoid environmental microorganism pollution of fresh eggs, a novel arc discharge equipment was built up, which can be worked in air environment at room temperature. As a case, clean and fresh eggs were inoculated withEscherichia coli(E. coil, 106∼ 108Colony-Forming Units (CFU)/mL) suspension, then eradiated under the atmospheric arc discharge for different durations. Surface and cross section morphologies of irradiatedE. colicollected from the eggs respectively by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis indicate that arc plasma phase could effectively and efficiently inactivateE. coliin a very short duration time through etching effect and protein leakage. Subsequently, the analysis of chamber diameter was measured to assess the storage and freshness preservation performances of eggs. Our results indicated that this technology could effectively inactivateE. colisuspended on the surface of eggshell and extend egg shelf-life, which open the possibility of industrial applications of atmospheric arc discharge in sterile area.

Trace Mineral Sources and Rosemary Oil in the Diet of Brown Laying Hens: Egg Quality and Lipid Stability

ABSTRACT Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of rosemary oil (RO) and trace mineral sources (MS) on the internal quality and lipid stability of brown layer eggs. The treatments consisted of diets supplemented with two trace mineral sources (inorganic or organic) and three levels (0, 100, or 200 mg kg-1) of rosemary oil (RO), and three egg storage times. Eggs were stored at a controlled temperature (CT; 25.0oC) in Experiment I and under refrigeration (RT; 5.0oC) in Experiment II. The following parameters were analyzed on days 0 (fresh), 15 and 30 of storage: malonaldehyde level (MDA), egg weight (EW), Haugh unit (HU), yolk index (YI), albumen and yolk pH, raw yolk color (RYC), and egg weight loss. Data were analyzed according to completely randomized design in a 2x3x3 factorial arrangement (MS x RO x storage time). In Experiment I, there was an interaction between treatments for EW, HU and ALBp. Dietary OTM inclusion improved the results for all analyzed variables. The addition of 200 mg kg-1 RO reduced MDA and increased HU, YI and RYC. In experiment II, 200 mg kg-1 of RO in the diet improved HU. The internal quality of eggs stored both at CT and under RT is adversely affected by increasing storage periods, but this effect can be minimized by the dietary supplementation of OTM and 200 mg kg-1 rosemary oil. The lipid stability of eggs stored at CT improves with the supplementation of OTM and 200 mg kg-1 rosemary oil, but not of eggs stored under refrigeration.

Biofunctional analysis of Vitellogenin and Vitellogenin receptor in citrus red mites, Panonychus citri by RNA interference

Panonychus citri is one of the most damaging pests of horticultural crops. Conventional control of this pest population through pesticides has led to the enhanced pest resistance. Management of P. citri population through RNAi, is still largely unknown. In oviparous organisms, fabrication and development of yolk protein play a vital role in the reproduction. Vitellin (Vn) is the source of eggs storage that helps in proper functioning of Vitellogenin (Vg) and Vitellogenin receptor (VgR). VgR is very compulsory protein for the development of Vg into oocytes. In the current study, Vg (PcVg) and VgR (PcVgR) genes were studied and their expressions at different developmental stages were quantified by RT-qPCR. Females treated with dsRNA of PcVg and PcVgR genes exhibited reduction in gene expression. Down regulation of target genes significantly effected oviposition and reduced the egg laying capacity up to 48% as compared to control (ds-egfp). Synergistic effect of target gene’s dsRNA was also accessed that reduced the egg laying up to 60.42%. Furthermore, combination of target dsRNA on deutonymph and protonymph also resulted in 67% and 70% reduction in eggs, respectively. Synergistic effect of dsRNA at 1000 ng/ul resulted in longer life span as compared to control treatments. This study suggests to develop a new strategy of P. citri population control by reducing its reproduction.

Chilled storage of unfertilized and fertilized rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) eggs in sealed polyethylene bags at different temperatures

Three experiments were conducted to study the effect of chilling temperature on unfertilized and fertilized rainbow trout eggs sealed in polyethylene (PE) bags. Experiment 1 showed that after 18days of storage at 2°C fertilization capacity of eggs was undiminished. At 7°C, unimpaired fertilization capacity was maintained for 12days and at 10°C for 6days. This leads to the conclusion that for storage up to approximately 1week an ordinary household refrigerator will suffice; for more extended storage periods lower temperatures are advised. If PE bags filled with unfertilized eggs were submerged in water during chilling, similar results were obtained, though at a slightly lower level. The second experiment showed that fluctuations in chilling temperature between 2°C and 10°C were tolerated by unfertilized eggs as long as sufficient adaptation time was granted. One or two temperature changes within a 12day period had no impact on fertilization capacity, whereas repeated changes at 2day intervals caused a reduction in fertilization capacity. The attempt to apply the method of chilled storage of unfertilized rainbow trout eggs in PE bags to fertilized eggs (Experiment 3) indicated that early eyed eggs (14days incubation at 10°C) may be stored at 2°C for 10days without loss in hatching rate. Reasonable hatching rates may be achieved at 7°C for about one week and at 10°C for about 4days. Storage of fertilized eggs of a more advanced stage of development (21days incubation at 10°C) calls for low temperature (2°C) and storage periods of no >4days.

Quality Changes of N-3 PUFAs Enriched and Conventional Eggs under Different Home Storage Conditions with Wireless Sensor Network

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) enriched eggs are popular for their enrichment of PUFAs, but their freshness and quality are prone to decline with time, particularly if storage conditions are not well maintained. Home storage is the last but a neglected important tach in eggs supply chain, but few studies are available on the egg storage in the home stage. This study aimed to evaluate the internal quality change of both n-3 PUFAs enriched and conventional eggs by simulating eggs stored at consumers’ home in refrigeration and under room temperature. The egg quality indices (Haugh unit, yolk index, weight, and albumen pH) were adopted and analyzed for both storage conditions. Wireless sensor network (WSN) was used for real-time monitoring of the temperature and humidity during storage. The results showed that temperature, humidity and time of storage all have an influence on the freshness of both n-3 PUFAs enriched and conventional eggs and there is no significant difference happened to n-3 PUFAs enriched eggs and conventional eggs. Refrigeration can decelerate the quality deterioration of both n-3 PUFAs enriched and conventional eggs and consumers should be educated about how to maintain the internal quality of eggs during home storage.

Molecular Cloning of the Vitellogenin Gene and the Effects of Vitellogenin Protein Expression on the Physiology of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Vitellogenin (Vg), the main egg storage protein precursor, plays an integral role in many oviparous animals, including Harmonia axyridis, an important agent for the biological control of many insect pests. In this study, the full-length Vg gene of was cloned. The open reading frame (ORF) of H. axyridis Vg cDNA is 5,403 bp in length and encodes 1,800 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 211.88 KDa (accession number in NCBI: KX442718). Recombinant protein (18 kDa) expressed by the cloned Vg gene was characterized, and the effects of the expression of this protein on the physiology of H. axyridis were investigated. We found that Vg fragment significantly increased the egg production of H. axyridis. Furthermore, we also found that the activities of trypsin and lipase in H. axyridis were significantly higher in the groups treated with Vg fragment compared with those of the controls. The data from this study also reveals that Vg expression has significant effects on the physiology of H. axyridis and leads to increased egg production in these insects. These results may have future implications for increasing the reproduction rates of beneficial insects.

Poultry Farmers' Information Needs and Sources in Selected Rural Communities in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana

ABSTRACTA survey was conducted to assess poultry farmers' information needs and sources in selected rural communities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Data were collected from 150 poultry farmers in 13 communities. Information on disease management, egg storage, feeding and nutrition, vaccination, shelter, pesticide application, marketing of poultry products, and debeaking were the major information needs of the poultry farmers in the study area. The major sources of information for the poultry farmers were from family and friends, the Internet, books, the veterinary office, leaflets, television, researchers, and newspapers. Some of the major constraints faced by poultry farmers when accessing information include lack of skills to access information, inadequate information resources on poultry, inadequate veterinary officers, lack of information centers, and inappropriate airing time of agricultural program on radio stations. The study recommended that community libraries and information centers should be established: It is important that such rural libraries and information centers should contain simple agricultural reading materials, such as leaflets, agricultural magazines, books, and research reports that are written in non-technical language. The veterinary service department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture should identify relevant sources and use them to deliver information to the poultry farmers.