Yolk Color Research Articles

Replacement of Soybean Meal with Rice Distiller’s Dried Grains with Soluble in Layer Diet on Chicken Egg Quality

The experiment was conducted on 144 layers of BV- 300 strain from age of 59th week and completed at 70th week for the period of 12 weeks to study the replacement of soybean meal with rice distiller’s dried grains with soluble (rDDGS) in layer diet on egg quality parameters. The egg weight, shape index, egg surface area, albumin index, yolk index, yolk color score, percent eggshell weight and eggshell thickness parameters were studied. The layer birds were randomly distributed into 4 equal treatments T1 (Control), T2, T3 and T4 with 36-layer birds in each group having 6 replicates of 6 layers each. The control group T1 fed basal layer ration as per the recommendation of BV-300-layer strain and treatment groups T2, T3 and T4 offered 5, 10 and 15% rDDGS inclusion levels replacing soybean meal in diet and recorded for egg quality parameters. It was observed that, the inclusion of rDDGS at 0, 5, 10 and 15% in treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively, in layer diets were non-significantly influenced on shape index, egg surface area, albumin index, yolk index, yolk colour score, percent eggshell weight and eggshell thickness. The egg weights were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in treatment group T4 receiving diet at 15% rDDGS as compared to control group T1 and treatment group T2. However, there was non-significant differences for egg weight in groups T1, T2 and T3. Thus, it was concluded that the rice distiller’s dried grains with soluble (rDDGS) can be included up to 10% in layer diet with replacing soybean meal without affecting the body weights, external and internal egg quality parameters like eggshell weight, shape index, egg surface area, albumin index, yolk index, yolk colour score, egg surface area and eggshell thickness.

The Influence of Dietary Supplementation with Dried Olive Pulp on Gut Microbiota, Production Performance, Egg Quality Traits, and Health of Laying Hens.

This study examines the dietary effect of dried olive pulp (OP) on the overall performance, egg quality, health, and gut microbiota of laying hens during a 36-week trial. A total of 180 Isa Brown layers, aged 23 weeks, were assigned to 15-floor pens and divided into three feeding groups (CON, OP4, and OP6) based on the dietary level of OP. Egg quality and biochemical parameters were assessed in 39- and 59-week-old hens. Fecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis. Data were analyzed with an Analysis of Variance. The percentage of broken eggshells was found to be 15-34% lower in the OP groups compared to the CON groups. At 59 weeks of age, a significant reduction in shell thickness was observed in the CON eggs compared to the OP eggs (p < 0.05). At 39 weeks of age, OP6 eggs had the darkest yolk color of all groups (p < 0.05). Fecal microbial diversity was affected only by hens' age. However, an enrichment in bacterial species belonging to the genera Megasphaera and Megamonas was found in the OP groups at 59 weeks of age. Our results demonstrate that OP feeding beneficially affects egg quality and promotes the proliferation of bacteria involved in the degradation of complex plant compounds, potentially contributing to the overall health of the gut microbiota.

The influence of dietary supplementation with oyster mushroom waste on laying hens’ performance, egg quality and immune parameters

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) waste (OMW) on performance, egg quality, fatty acid (FA) profile and oxidative stability, serum and yolk cholesterol and immune parameters of laying hens. Two hundred fifty-six laying hens were allocated into 4 treatment groups, with eight replicate cages, and were fed for 28 d either a control diet, or diets supplemented with OMW at 1, 2 or 4 g per 100 g feed (P1, P2 and P4 experimental groups, respectively). No significant effects were detected on the performance and egg quality (P > 0.05) except from a modest decrease in the intensity of orange yolk color from hens fed with OMW, as indicated by the reduced DSM YolkFan score and color parameter a* (redness) (P < 0.05), and the tendency for increased color parameter L* (lightness) (P < 0.1). Serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein content were decreased in OMW experimental groups compared with the control group (P, P-linear < 0.05) whereas yolk cholesterol content was unaffected (P > 0.05). The ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes were not influenced by dietary treatment (P > 0.05), whereas T helper lymphocyte (Th) percentage was increased in OMW supplemented groups in comparison with control (P < 0.05, P-quadratic < 0.05). The yolk FA profile was beneficially affected, as shown by the linear increase in polyunsaturated FA and a linear decrease in saturated FA in OMW supplemented groups of hens (P-linear < 0.05), with most notable effects observed in the P4 group. Furthermore, oxidative stability, that was expressed as malondialdehyde content, of both fresh and stored egg yolks for up to 90 d, was significantly improved in OMW supplemented groups (P < 0.05). The beneficial effects of OMW on yolk oxidative stability and FA profile, without adverse effects on performance or egg quality, shows that this byproduct may be successfully employed in laying hens' diets, in a circular economy scheme, with benefits not only for the consumers and farmers but for the environment as well.

Effect of microencapsulated canthaxanthin and apo-ester on egg yolk color and antioxidant capacity in laying hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of common canthaxanthin (CC) or microencapsulated canthaxanthin (MC) combined with apo-ester (AE) on productive performance, egg yolk color and antioxidant capacity in laying hens. A total of 270 Hyline Brown laying hens at 56 wk of age were allocated to 3 groups with 6 replicates, and fed a wheat-soybean meal basal diet or the same diet supplemented with CC+AE or MC+AE at 5 mg/kg feed for each supplement. The productive performance was not affected by dietary treatments. The 2 test groups had higher (P < 0.05) yolk color score in fresh eggs than the control group, but the yolk color score of CC+AE group significantly declined (P < 0.05) with time, and a slight decline was also observed in the MC+AE group at 36 d. The MC+AE group had higher (P < 0.05) yolk color score of fried and boiled eggs than the other 2 groups. Higher (P < 0.05) feed canthaxanthin concentration was found in the MC+AE group at the end of experiment, which also had higher yolk canthaxanthin concentration in fresh eggs at 24 and 36 d as well as in fried, boiled and stored (4°C and 25°C) eggs. The 2 test groups had higher (P < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity in serum than the control group, and lower (P < 0.05) MDA content was observed in the MC+AE group. The mRNA level of cluster determinant 36 in jejunum was increased by the 2 test groups, and the same increase was also found in liver only in the MC+AE group. In conclusion, MC was more efficient in promoting yolk color and antioxidant capacity than CC when combined with AE.

Plasma Biochemistry, Intestinal Health, and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal Why Laying Hens Produce Translucent Eggs.

Producing translucent eggs has been found to reduce the quality and safety of the eggs, as well as the demand from consumers. However, the intestinal function and the molecular mechanism for the production of translucent eggs remain uncertain. A total of 120 eggs from 276-day-old Jining Bairi were divided into two groups based on eggshell translucence: the translucent egg group (group T) and the normal group (group C). Group T exhibited thicker eggshells and a lower egg yolk color. Subsequently, we divided the chickens into translucent and normal groups based on their egg quality. We then assessed the plasma biochemical index, intestinal morphology and structure, enzyme activity, and antioxidant capacity of the hens producing translucent eggs compared to those producing normal eggs. The results showed that the ratio of duodenal villus length to crypt depth, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, chymotrypsin, total ATPase (T-ATPase), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were decreased in the hens produced translucent eggs (p < 0.05), but malondialdehyde (MDA) content was increased (p < 0.05); jejunal lipase activity, Na+K+-ATPase activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and GSH-Px activities were decreased (p < 0.05) in group T; ileal amylase and Ca2+Mg2+-ATPase activities were also decreased (p < 0.05) in group T. In addition, we identified a total of 471 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in duodenal tissue, with 327 up-regulated genes and 144 down-regulated genes (|log2FC| ≥ 1 and p < 0.05). Enrichment analysis showed that the up-regulated genes, such as GSTT1, GSTO2, and GSTA3, were mostly enriched in metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. The results of our study indicate that plasma lipid metabolism disorder, decreased intestinal antioxidant capacity, and altered intestinal metabolism capabilities may influence the formation of translucent eggs.

The Effects of Replacing Soybean Meal with Chlorella vulgaris in Laying Hen Diets on Performance and Physical Characteristics of Eggs.

Chlorella vulgaris (CV) is a microalga with considerable nutritional value, containing high levels of protein, carotenoids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have the potential to positively influence the productive performance and egg quality of laying hens. CV emerges as a more sustainable ingredient than soybean meal (SBM) as it can be produced locally and with fewer inputs. In this regard, a study was conducted with 48 H&N Brown Nick strain laying hens, at 19 weeks of age, over a period of 16 weeks. The hens were divided into four treatments, with 12 replicates each. The treatments consisted of providing four different diets: a control diet based on corn and SBM without the inclusion of CV, and three other diets with partial substitution of SBM by 2.5, 5, and 10% of CV. The results showed that the inclusion of CV in the diets did not significantly affect feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or egg production (p > 0.05). In addition, moderate CV levels increased egg weight, while higher levels reduced it. Haugh units, yolk index, albumen index, egg surface area, specific density, and translucency were not affected (p > 0.05), while shell index and shell thickness were lower in the groups that received the CV (p < 0.0001). Yolk color improved significantly with increasing CV levels (p < 0.0001), with darker, more intensely colored yolks at higher CV concentrations. The results of this study suggest that the incorporation of CV in the diet of laying hens had a limited impact on performance parameters. In addition, CV supplementation can positively influence egg quality and yolk color, although careful consideration of optimal levels is necessary to avoid negative effects on other parameters.

Differentiation of Exotic Chicken Breeds based on Egg Quality Traits using Classification Tree Algorithm

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of breed on egg quality traits and to discriminate chicken breeds (i.e., Bovan Brouwn (BV), Fayoumi (FM) and Sasso (SS)) based on egg quality traits using classification tree algorithm (CTA). For this purpose, a total of 1696 eggs were utilized and the traits egg weight, albumen height, albumen weight, egg length, egg width, egg weight, shell weight, shell thickness, yolk colour, yolk height and yolk weight, were recorded. Significant differences (P&lt;0.05) were found in egg weight, albumen height, albumen weight, and egg width, with Bovans exhibiting the highest LSM values, indicating superior egg quality

The effect of feeding a mixture of shellfish meal and fish oil on egg production and egg storability of Lohmann Brown laying hens

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of feeding a mixture of shellfish (SF) and fish oil (FO) on egg production performance and storability of Lohmann Brown hen eggs. The study used a completely randomized design consisting of 4 treatments and 4 replications, and each replication consisted of 40 Lohman Brown hens with the same laying age (45 weeks of age). The four treatments were mixed levels of shellfish flour with fish oil in feed, namely 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%, as treatments P0, P1, P2, and P3. Egg samples were taken at the end of the study, then stored and observed for 4 weeks. The results showed that egg pH and haugh units (HU) in the P2 and P3 hen groups significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased. Meanwhile, egg shell weight and egg yolk color did not show significant differences (P&gt;005). Feeding SFFO to P2 and P3 hen groups increased (P&lt;0.05) egg weight, hen-day-production and feed efficiency (feed consumption/egg weight). It can be concluded that SFFO can be used as an ingredient in laying hens with an inclusion level of 20-30g/kg and can be used in chicken feed during the finishing phase. SFFO may affect the storability of Lohmann Brown hen eggs.

Effects of Marigold and Paprika Extracts as Natural Pigments on Laying Hen Productive Performances, Egg Quality and Oxidative Stability

Enhancing the quality of eggs by using natural food sources has become a very important topic in the last decade. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of natural (marigold and paprika extracts) pigments on the shelf life of eggs from laying hens. This research was carried out for a 6-week period on 168 Lohmann Brown laying hens (45 weeks age) divided into four groups (C, E1, E2 and E3) to assess the performances, external and internal egg quality parameters, egg yolk color, and antioxidant profile. The control group (C) was fed a standard diet (16.39% PB, 2750 kcal EM/kg compound feed) and the experimental diets were supplemented with 0.07% marigold extract (E1), 0.07% paprika extract (E2), and a mixture containing 0.07% of both extracts (E3). In summary, the study demonstrated that adding natural pigments from marigold and paprika extract with highly antioxidant lipid capacity into the diets of laying hens improved egg quality when eggs were stored at 28 days, under both storage temperature conditions (4 °C and 20 °C).

Research Note: Genetic parameters estimation of egg quality traits in Rhode Island Red and White Leghorn chickens

The continuous increasing demand for egg quality and quantity, and the expanding market share have enabled the egg industry to achieve significant benefits through genetic improvement. This study aims to estimate the genetic parameters and explore selectable breeding traits in the purebred Rhode Island Red (RIR) and White Leghorn (WL), which are 2 high-yielding layer breeds, and better understand their underlying genetic basis and accelerate genetic progress. The DMU software was utilized to analyze 12 egg quality traits, including egg length (EL), egg width (EW), egg shape index (ESI), egg weight (EWT), albumen height (AH), yolk color (YC), Haugh unit (HU), yolk weight (YW), albumen weight (AW), albumen-to-egg weight ratio (AWR), yolk-to-albumen ratio (YAR), and yolk-to-egg weight ratio (YWR). In RIR, the heritability of egg quality traits ranged from 0.196 to 0.427, while the repeatability ranged from 0.395 to 0.668. In WL, the heritability of egg quality traits ranged from 0.203 to 0.347, and the repeatability ranged from 0.424 to 0.656. In both RIR and WL, highly strong genetic correlations were observed between AW and EW, as well as between AW and EWT. The genetic correlations for AW and EW were 0.902 in RIR and 0.864 in WL, while the genetic correlations for AW and EWT were 0.981 in RIR and 0.960 in WL. The egg quality traits in both breeds showed moderate heritability, indicating great genetic potential for improvement through selective breeding. This can help breeders meet the increasingly diverse egg preferences of consumers through genetic selection. Additionally, there is a highly strong correlation between egg width/egg weight, and albumen weight in both breeds. In practical production, it is feasible to estimate albumen weight by measuring egg width and egg weight, which can simplify the method for measuring albumen weight. In conclusions, our finding provided valuable insights into the genetic architecture of egg quality traits in RIR and WL chickens. They help our understanding of the potential for genetic improvement of these traits through selective breeding programs.

LAYING PERFORMANCE, EGG QUALITY, AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICATORS OF LAYING DUCKS AFFECTED BY DIETARY CHITOSAN OLIGOSACCHARIDES SUPPLEMENTATION

Chitosan oligosaccharides (COs) have varying physiologic activities. This work aims to explore effects of dietary COs on the laying performance, egg quality, and plasma biochemical indicators of laying ducks. Four diets were formulated by supplementing different dosages (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) of COs in basal diet. A total of 288 Suyou No.2 healthy laying ducks at peak egg production stage with age of 28 weeks, similar weights (1500 ± 106 g) and egg laying rates were randomly evenly assigned to four groups, with 6 replicates in each group. Dietary 50 mg/kg of COs increased daily egg production (EP), egg mass (EM), egg weight (EW), eggshell strength, yolk color, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, and immunoglobulin (Ig) G, Ig A, Ig M, and high-density lipoprotein levels (HDL-C). Conversely, it decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR), yolk percentage, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of laying ducks. Nevertheless, a high dosage of COs (100 mg/kg) neither decreased nor improved the efficiency. The optimum dose of COs supplementation required for the maximum egg mass of laying ducks was 61.41 mg/kg. These results indicated that COs supplementation at an appropriate dosage could ameliorate the laying performance, egg quality, and health condition of laying ducks. Keywords: dietary, chitosan oligosaccharides, laying ducks.

Enhancing Laying Hens' Performance, Egg Quality, Shelf Life during Storage, and Blood Biochemistry with Spirulina platensis Supplementation.

Enhancing the sustainability of chicken farming involves improving health and productivity and product qualities. This study explores the influence of Spirulina platensis (SP) supplementation on the productivity, egg quality, shelf life during storage, and blood biochemistry of laying hens. A total of 192 thirty-nine-week-old White Leghorn hens were randomly divided into 4 dietary groups: a control group and 3 treatment groups receiving 2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg, or 10 g/kg of SP, respectively. The study was conducted for six weeks with measuring feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg quality, shelf life, and blood biochemistry. The results demonstrated significant enhancements in egg weight (p < 0.05) and egg mass (p < 0.05) in the treatment of SP groups. The SP treated hens showed significant improvements in yolk color (p < 0.05) and Haugh unit scores (p < 0.05). The SP supplementation showed a hepatoprotective effect, as indicated by significant reduction in Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.05) levels; however, increases in total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were observed. Furthermore, the egg quality of stored eggs for 21 days linearly increased with increments in the SP levels. In conclusion, it can be speculated that adding SP at 2.5 g/kg and 5 g/kg can significantly improve the productivity of laying hens, eggs' quality, shelf life, and blood biochemistry, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and efficient chicken production.

Effect of Dietary Riboflavin Levels on Reproductive Performance of Pigeon Breeders, and Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Offspring Squabs.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary riboflavin levels on the reproductive performance of pigeon breeders and the growth performance and carcass traits of offspring squabs to estimate the riboflavin requirement of pigeon breeders. The natural riboflavin content in the basic diet of corn-peas-soybean-wheat-sorghum-corn gluten is 1.20 mg/kg. Different doses of riboflavin (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) were supplemented with the basal diet to produce five dietary treatments with total riboflavin levels of 1.20, 3.70, 6.20, 10.20, and 16.20 mg/kg. A total of 120 pairs of White King pigeons, aged 60 wks, were randomly allocated into five treatment groups, each consisting of 24 pairs. Each pair was individually raised for 8 wks. After the experiment, an assessment was conducted to evaluate the reproductive performance of the pigeon breeders, as well as the growth and carcass traits of offspring squabs at 28 days of age. The results showed that the dietary riboflavin levels had no significant effect on body weight, feed intake, egg weight, egg production, and egg fertility (p > 0.05). However, pigeons fed a diet without riboflavin had the lowest egg hatchability, egg yolk color, carcass trait, and riboflavin status, while exhibiting higher liver weight and liver index (p < 0.05). Moreover, the indices above showed increased or decreased linearly as the level of riboflavin was increased in the diet. Based on the broken-line regression model, pigeon breeders were determined to require a dietary riboflavin content of 11.4, 13.6, 13.4, 6.60, 4.28, 4.47, 4.67, 6.69, and 6.82 mg/kg to optimize hatchability, eviscerated weight, half-eviscerated weight, breast muscle weight, breast muscle percentage, liver weight, liver index, egg yolk riboflavin, and squab plasma riboflavin, respectively. In conclusion, the optimal supplemental dosage of riboflavin in the diets of pigeon breeders is 13.6 mg/kg.

Performance, egg quality and organ traits of laying hens fed black soldier fly larvae products

Due to consumer demands and institutional pressure, the egg production sector, is looking for alternative protein sources for laying hen feed to support more sustainable, circular production. black soldier fly (BSF) larvae could be used as a protein source. In addition to protein the larvae contain large quantities of fat and can either be fed to laying hens unprocessed (alive) or processed (meal and oil). The current study was performed with 560 Brown Nick laying hens from 20 to 27 wk of age. The laying hens were divided over 5 treatments, each replicated 8 times. Treatments consisted of standard laying hen feed (control) and standard feed in which soybean meal was partly exchanged with live BSF larvae or BSF larvae meal and oil combined, at 2 inclusion levels. During the experiment production parameters, egg-quality, and length and weight of various organs were measured. Laying hens fed BSF larvae products consumed less feed compared to those of the control group. Most egg production parameters were similar, however laying hens fed diets with BSF larvae meal plus oil produced eggs with lower egg weight during the last 2 wk of the experiment, compared to the control group. All egg-quality characteristics remained the same across treatments, except for darker yolk colors when feeding BSF meal and oil and high inclusion of live BSF larvae. This is a favorable characteristic for European consumers. The weight of intestinal organs was largely unaffected by the treatments. The jejunum and ileum weight of laying hens fed live larvae was lower compared to the control group. As FCRs were similar or improved compared to the control group, we assume that nutrient utilization was not impaired. For most detected differences the type of BSF larvae product (live larvae or meal plus oil) rather than inclusion level was of significance.

Image processing and machine learning approach for yolk color evaluation

Image processing and machine learning approach for yolk color evaluation

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

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

Effects of dietary rosemary ultrafine powder supplementation on aged hen health and productivity: a randomized controlled trial

Recently, poultry industry has been seeking antibiotic residue-free poultry products and safe nutritious feed additives. Whether rosemary ultrafine powder (RUP) affects productive performance by regulating the intestinal microbiome of aged layers remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary RUP supplementation on the production performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, intestinal microbial structure, and metabolome of aged hens. The results indicate that RUP had no significant effect on production performance but significantly enhanced Thick albumen height, Haugh unit, yolk color (P < 0.05), daily feed intake, and qualified egg rate. Serum content of non-esterified fatty acids, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase increased significantly (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the liver total protein content was significantly increased (P < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequence analysis revealed that RUP significantly impacted both α- and β-diversity of the caecum microbiota. Linear discriminant analysis of effect size and random forest identified Bacteroides, Muribaculum, Butyricimonas, Odoribacter, and Prevotella as biomarkers in groups A and B. In comparing groups A and C, Barnesiella, Turicibacter, and Acholeplasma were critical bacteria, while comparing groups A and D highlighted Barnesiella and Candidatus Saccharimonas as differential bacteria. FAPROTAX analysis of the caecum microbiota revealed that the functional genes associated with harmful substance biodegradation were significantly increased in the RUP-fed group. Based on Spearman correlation analysis, alterations in microbial genera were associated with divergent metabolites. In summary, dietary RUP can improve egg quality and antioxidant capacity and regulate the intestinal microbiome and metabolome in aged breeders. Therefore, RUP can potentially be used as a feed additive to extend breeder service life at an appropriate level of 1.0 g/kg.

Ovomucoid gene polymorphism and its influence on quality changes at various storage timepoint of eggs from two strains of Japanese quail

During storage, irreversible changes occur in eggs, resulting in a decline in their quality, predominantly affecting the albumen. Ovomucoid, a major protein found in egg white, belongs to the Kazal-type serine proteinase inhibitors and serves to protect the embryo from microorganisms. Notably, in chicken eggs, it is a significant allergen. There is a possibility that its polymorphism also influences the quality and stability of table eggs. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of polymorphism in the ovomucoid gene and protein on quality changes during the storage of eggs derived from 2 strains of Japanese quail, encompassing various utility types. Eggs from selected females of laying and meat-type breeds were stored for 14 wk, with egg quality traits assessed 10 times during this duration. DNA was isolated from each female, and sequencing was conducted on all exons of the ovomucoid gene. In total, 5 SNPs were identified in exons and adjacent intronic sequences, with SNP1 (13:12355585), SNP4 (13:12356594), and SNP5 (13:12358538) leading to amino acid substitutions in the ovomucoid protein. Notably, all SNPs except SNP5 were identified in the ovomucoid gene of Japanese quail for the first time. The results demonstrated that in the F33 strain, SNP1, SNP3, and SNP4 exhibited significant associations with egg weight, whereas in the S22 strain, SNP5 significantly affected yolk color and various eggshell quality traits, including eggshell weight, eggshell thickness, and breaking strength, throughout the storage period. Furthermore, a haplotype block containing 2 SNPs (3 and 4) was identified, exhibiting 2 distinct haplotypes that significantly affected egg weight, eggshell weight, and breaking strength at various storage time points during egg quality analyses. These findings provide novel insights into the genetic basis of egg quality during storage and have the potential to be integrated into breeding programs for these strains.

Effect of dietary supplementation of wild leek (Allium tricoccum) and garlic (Allium sativum) leaves on production, egg quality, serum lipid profile, intestinal morphology and nutrient digestibility of laying quails.

In this study, the effects of adding dried wild leek and garlic leaves to the diet of laying quails on egg quality, production performance, intestinal histomorphology, nutrient digestibility, and serum biochemical traits were evaluated. 168- 30 weeks aged- laying quails were randomly arranged into 7 treatments (control group and three different levels (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) of wild leek or garlic leaves), 6 replicates, and 4 quails per pen. According to the study, the highest hen-day production was achieved by adding 0.5% garlic leaves, and the egg weight was higher with 1% garlic leaves and 0.5% wild leek compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, adding garlic leaves decreased the average daily feed intake and increased high-density lipoprotein concentration. However, adding both herbs did not influence yolk height, albumin height, shell thickness, and Haugh unit (P > 0.05). All supplemented treatments significantly increased the formerly Roche Yolk Color Fan (DSM) index compared to the control. Quails fed with 1% garlic leaves declined serum cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and uric acid. Moreover, three levels of garlic leaves decreased triglyceride concentration. Adding 0.5% and 1% garlic leaves to the diet could increase the jejunal, and ileal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio. Furthermore, 1% and 1.5% garlic leaves supplementation elevated organic matter, ash, and crude protein digestibility. In conclusion, supplementing 1% garlic leaves to the quail's diet could improve egg weight, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility, improving lipid profiles and reducing uric acid concentration in the serum. However, both plants were rich pigment sources, increasing the DSM index.

Evaluation of black soldier fly larvae and protease supplementation of Lohmann Brown-lite laying hens performance and egg quality

Abstract Feed costs represent up to 60-70% of the total cost of poultry production, with protein sources being the most expensive feed component. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) shows promise as a sustainable protein source for use in animal diets. This research was conducted to determine the effects of including up to 13% defatted BSFLM and a supplementary protease-based enzyme (Concentrase-P; CBS Bio Platforms, Inc., Calgary AB, Canada) on laying hen performance and egg quality. To test this objective, 180 Lohmann Brown-Lite hens (52 weeks of age) were fed experimental diets containing 0%, 6.5%, or 13% BSFLM, with or without Concentrase-P (3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments). The treatments were fed over 20 weeks. Results indicated reduced feed intake and body weight in laying hens fed a 13% dietary inclusion level of BSFLM (), while other performance traits (egg production and FCR) were similar among treatments () and met industry performance standards. Shell weight and egg breaking strength did not significantly change with the dietary inclusion level of BSFLM or enzyme inclusion (), although a significant decrease in egg weight and albumen height was noted (), as well as a significant decrease in albumen height for the Concentrase-P treatments (). Yolk colours were significantly lighter and redder in birds fed diets containing high levels of BSFLM (). Results support the use of BSFLM at dietary inclusion levels up to 13% in laying hen diets. Concentrase-P does not appear to be required in combination with BSFLM in terms of growth and laying performance, although potential benefits to other physiological factors are worth consideration.