Yolk Weight Research Articles

Effects of different levels of iron, iodine and vitamin B12supplementation on egg quality and antioxidant capacity of eggs at different times of storage in laying hens

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of adding different levels of iron salts, iodine and vitamin B12 on yield, quality traits and antioxidant capacity of eggs in laying hens. A total of 320 laying hens (HyLine Variety White, 28 wk old) in a 2x2x2 factorial experiment were randomly assigned to 8 groups, and each group consisting of 40 hens (5 replicates of 8 hens each) for a period of approximately 13 weeks in a completely randomized design. Hens in the control group received a basal diet with no supplementation whereas hens in treat 2 received basal diet supplemented with 400 mg Fe/kg as FeSO4, treat 3 (basal diet + 450 mg I/kg as KI), treat 4 (basal diet + 0.1 mg B12vit/kg), treat 5 (basal diet + 400 mg Fe/kg as FeSO4 + 450 mg I/kg as KI), treat 6 (basal diet + 400 mg Fe/kg as FeSO4 + 0.1 mg B12Vit/kg), treat 7 (basal diet + 450 mg I/kg as KI + 0.1 mg B12Vit/kg), treat 8 (basal diet + 400 mg Fe/kg as FeSO4 + 450 mg I/kg as KI + 0.1 mg B12Vit/kg), respectively. The results showed that the use of iodine and vitamin B12 increased the shell thickness of eggs (P<0.05). The use of iron, iodine and vitamin B12 supplements increased the antioxidant capacity of eggs compared to the control group (P<0.05). The highest antioxidant capacity of eggs (0.77) was observed when these three supplements were used together in the diet of laying hens. The length of storage had significant effects on the weight of albumin and yolk and antioxidant content of eggs (P<0.05). The highest weight of albumin and antioxidant content was at the beginning of storage, while the highest weight of yolk was obtained in 4 weeks after storage, with increasing of storage time to 8 weeks, all three attributes of albumin weight, yolk weight and antioxidant content of eggs decreased (P<0.05). The related effects of interval of the storage and the experimental supplementation, the use of iron, iodine and vitamin B12 supplements increased the antioxidant capacity of eggs, so that the highest amount of antioxidants in eggs in 8 weeks after storage and by supplementing the diets with all three additives (P<0.05). According to the present experiment, the use of iron, iodine and vitamin B12 additives in the diet of laying hens, improves the performance, the content of iron and iodine elements in eggs and maintains the suitable condition of eggs during storage.

Effects of puerarin as a feed additive on the laying performance, egg quality, endocrine hormones, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology of aged laying hens

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of puerarin (Pue), a phytoestrogen, on the production performance, egg quality, endocrine hormones, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology in aged laying hens. A total of 180 Hy-Line Brown hens aged 480 d were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 45 per group) and fed 0, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of Pue (Con, L-Pue, M-Pue, and H-Pue, respectively) during a 42-d experiment. Compared with the Con treatment, supplementation with H-Pue improved laying performance and egg quality by significantly increasing egg production, average egg weight, albumen height, yolk weight, and Haugh unit (P < 0.05) while decreasing the feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). A diet supplemented with H-Pue significantly decreasing serum total triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.05), and significantly increasing serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and progesterone (P < 0.05). Antioxidant activity was improved by significantly increasing the activity of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase and catalase but decreasing malondialdehyde levels in serum, jejunum, and ileum (P < 0.05), and superoxide dismutase activity exhibited a significantly increase in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). Villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (P < 0.05) were significantly increased in the jejunum and ileum. In the jejunal and ileal mucosa, the three treatment groups increased the mRNA expression levels of Claudin-1 and Claudin-2 compared with Con (P < 0.05), and no significant effect was observed on the expression of Occludin and ZO-1. The results showed that dietary supplementation with Pue could improve the laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, hormonal profile, and intestinal morphology of aged laying hens.

Embryo thermal manipulation modifies development and hepatic lipid metabolism in post-hatch layer-type chicks.

Incubation temperature is a crucial environmental factor affecting embryonic development and chick quality. Metabolism during the embryonic stage, particularly liver lipid metabolism, is essential for the growth and development of poultry. This study aimed to investigate the effects of embryo thermal manipulation with high (TMH, 39.5 °C, 65% RH, 8h/d) and low (TML, 20 °C, 65% RH, 1h/d) temperatures during 8th to 15th embryonic age on hatching performance and liver lipid metabolism in layer chicks. Additionally, the duration of TM effects was evaluated through a short-term feeding trial. The results indicated that TMH accelerated the hatching process without significantly affecting hatchability and growth performance. In contrast, TML delayed hatching time and significantly reduced hatchability and chick quality. After hatching, TML also increased residual yolk weight and reduced the relative liver weight in relation to body weight and yolk-free body mass. Moreover, lipid droplets in the liver were stained with Oil Red O, and the lipid content in the liver and serum was further detected. TMH had no significant impact on triglyceride (TG) and total-cholesterol (TCHO) content in the liver and serum but upregulated the expression of lipogenesis-related genes ACC, Fas, and Fatp1 compared to the TML group. Conversely, TML significantly reduced liver TG content, enhanced lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, and promoted the expression of lipid oxidation-related genes CPT-1, PGC-1α, and PPARα. At 7 d of age, liver LPL activity was significantly increased in the TMH group. However, there were no significant changes in the content of TG and TCHO in the liver and the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in the TML group. Overall, these results indicate that embryonic TM alters hatching performance and liver lipid metabolism in layer chicks. TML reduces TG content by increasing liver lipid oxidation capacity. However, this effect is not long-lasting, as the influence of TM diminishes as the chicks develop.

The Quality of Chicken Eggs Fed Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Flour

The objectives of this study were to analyze the quality of laying hen eggs fed with feed containing black pepper (Piper nigrum L) flour. A total of 200 brown laying hens strain MB 402 (50 weeks-old) were used in this experiment. The research design used was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and further analysis was conducted using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The Treatments given black pepper flour were 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%. This research was conducted for 6 weeks. Parameters included egg weight (g/egg), egg yolk weight (g/egg), yolk index, and egg yolk color. The results showed that feeding chickens with up to 2 % BPF increased significantly the effect (P &lt; 0.01) on egg yolk weight, yolk index, egg yolk color but not significantly different (P &gt; 0.05) on egg weight. This research concluded that BPF diets can be fed to laying hens up to 2 % to produce eggs without negative effects on the egg quality.

Effects of Astaxanthin Preparation Form on the Efficiency of Egg Yolk Pigmentation in Laying Hens.

This study investigated the effects of the preparation form of astaxanthin on egg yolk pigmentation and egg quality in laying hens. The following four astaxanthin sources were prepared in this study: (1) dried cell powder of Paracoccus carotinifaciens (Panaferd-AX), (2) fine cell powder of P. carotinifaciens (Panaferd-P), (3) astaxanthin oil suspension, and (4) water-soluble astaxanthin powder. These astaxanthin preparations were added to the basal diet at a final concentration of 2 mg/kg and fed to White Leghorn laying hens for 14 days. Although the administration of these astaxanthin preparations did not largely affect egg quality (i.e., egg weight, yolk weight, albumen height, and Haugh unit), feeding significantly improved astaxanthin concentration and yolk color fan score. When water-soluble astaxanthin powder was fed, the yolk astaxanthin concentration and color fan score were most improved, followed by Panaferd-P. These results indicated that astaxanthin pulverization and water solubilization significantly improved its bioavailability in laying hens. Furthermore, although diets rich in (all-E)-astaxanthin were fed to the hens, approximately 30% of astaxanthin was present as the Z-isomers in the egg yolk. These findings may contribute to improving not only the egg quality but the nutritional value of hen eggs.

Effects of housing systems and laying phases on external and internal egg quality characteristics of indigenous guinea fowl hens.

The study investigated the effect of housing system and laying phases on the internal and external qualities of guinea fowl eggs laid in three different housing systems. The trial involved the use of 117, 34-wk-old guinea fowl hens which were assigned to three housing types, which were battery cages, deep litter, and deep litter housing systems with free runs, which had the same dimensions as deep litter houses but with free run and open-air space to allow the birds to have free access to soil and exhibit natural behavior. The laying phases of the birds were partitioned into three (36 to 40, 41 to 45, and 46 to 50wk of age). The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a 2×3 factorial design. The findings demonstrated that both housing type and laying period significantly influenced egg quality parameters, with deep litter housing exhibiting higher egg weight, egg breadth, and shell surface area. Battery cage housing had thicker shells and a higher percentage of shell weight than total egg weight. As the birds aged, most parameters increased, while shell thickness decreased. The interaction between housing type and laying period played a crucial role, with egg weight, breadth, and egg shape index increasing as the birds aged. The shell thickness decreased as the laying period progressed across all housing systems. During the 40 to 45wk period of lay, they exhibited the highest albumen height, haugh unit, and % yolk weight. The study's findings highlight how the interaction between the housing system and the laying period impacted the internal quality of guinea fowl eggs.

Características físicas de ovos de galinhas domésticas caipiras da variedade Sura no Nordeste

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyze the physical characteristics of eggs from free-range hens of the Sura variety. One hundred eggs underwent assessment of various physical parameters, namely, whole egg weight, equatorial diameter, egg height, shell color, presence of cracks via candling, air chamber height, yolk color, presence of flesh and blood spots, albumen width and length, yolk diameter, yolk weight, and shell weight. Additional analyses included determining the albumen weight (calculated by subtracting the weights of the shell and yolk from the total egg weight), percentages of egg components, shape index, and shell index. Statistical analyses were conducted using GLM SAS software (SAS Institute). The results revealed distinct physical traits; eggs from the Sura variety, regardless of size class (large or small), typically have a more rounded shape, light brown shells, and more orange yolks. These findings confirm that Sura variety eggs possess unique characteristics that could appeal to specific market niches, potentially promoting the production of these birds, supporting biodiversity, and aiding in the prevention of their extinction.

The potential of lemon peel powder as an additive in layer quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica): An experimental study.

The current research intended to examine the impact of dietary lemon peel powder (LPP) on laying quail performance, egg quality criteria, and the antioxidant capacity of the yolk. A total of 120 female Japanese quails (272.6±9.3 g), aged 21 weeks, were allotted to 6 trial groups, each with 5 replicates of 4 quails. Additions of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 g/kg of LPP to the basal diet were used to create the treatment groups. Quails were fed ad libitum for 70 days. Neither performance parameters nor egg production was affected by LPP. However, eggshell-breaking strength improved by adding 2 g/kg LPP to the diet, but worsened at 5 g/kg. Moreover, the relative weight of eggshell and yolk L* value decreased with the treatments. Dietary LPP enhanced oxidative stability, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) yolk values. The current study demonstrated that LPP, a safe and easily accessible agricultural by-product, enhanced eggshell quality when it was included in the diet of laying quails at doses of 2 g/kg. In contrast, improvement of yolk antioxidant capacity required increased amounts of LPP (4 g/kg). LPP could be advantageous to animal nutrition as an adequate substitute to reduce waste by-products.

Effect of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) fermented moist diet on the performance and egg quality at the early stage of laying ducks

Objectives: This research aimed to examine how yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) fermented layer moist diet (YFM-D) influencing egg production, its quality, and duck’s growth performance during the age range of 23–29 weeks. Materials and Methods: A total of 84 laying Jinding ducks were arbitrarily allotted into one of two dietary groups. Each group had 42 birds in 3 replicates and 14 birds per replication. Each duck was daily offered 140 gm dry matter (DM) from a layer diet (Crude Protein −17.83% and ME-2760 Kcal/kg DM) and a yeast-fermented layer moist diet (50% layer diet + 50% water) and reflected as control diet (CON-D) and yeast-fermented layer moist diet (YFM-D), respectively. The layer diet was fermented using yeast premix at a 1.0% level of feed. Results: Considerably elevated DM intake was obtained in ducks that received YFM-D (120 gm) than CON-D (112 gm). Subsequently, ducks fed YFM-D improved almost 5.24% and 4.26% higher egg mass and hen-day egg production than CON-D, respectively (p &lt; 0.05). Though feed conversion ratio (egg basis) was unaffected (p &gt; 0.05), ducks receiving YFM-D almost revealed 21%–22% higher body weight compared to CON-D (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, higher yolk weight, color, and Haugh unit were measured in ducks offered YFM-D than CON-D (p &lt; 0.05), while YFM-D showed the propensity for better egg and albumen weight. However, shell weight and yield, albumen, and yolk yield were not varied between the two groups (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: It may be concluded that a YFM-D enhanced hen day egg production at the early stage of laying while boosting live weight gain and enhancing egg quality.

Examination of the Relationships between Internal and External Egg Quality Traits: A Structural Equation Model

This study aimed to determine the structural relationship between internal and external egg quality (IEEQ) traits. In this study, 114 eggs produced from 24 weeks-old laying hens reared at the Ondokuz Mayis University Research Farm were used. Egg weight (EW), egg width (EWi), egg length (EL) and shell weight (SW) measurements were examined as external quality traits. Also, albumen height (AH), albumen width (AW), yolk height (YH), yolk weight (YW) and yolk diameter (YD) parameters were used as internal quality traits. Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used to determine the relationships between IEEQ traits. Data analysis was performed with the LISREL package. It has been determined that the variables that are important in determining the external egg quality are SW, EWi and EL. When the variables explaining the internal traits were examined, it was determined that the YW, YD, AW, AH and YH were significant. It was determined that the relationship between external egg quality and internal quality was 0.96 and external quality explained the internal quality by 91%. It has been determined that the SEM used in this study is sufficient to explain the relationship between internal and external quality.

Effects of Microorganism Supplementation on Egg Quality and Production

Effective microorganism (EM) is a combination of more than 80 different types of beneficial microorganisms contributing to a wide range of applications in medicine, environment, and agriculture (livestock sector, crop sector, and forestry). This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of EM supplementation on hen day egg production and egg quality traits of Bovans Brown laying hens. At the age of 16 weeks, 144 pullets were purchased from small-scale poultry farms in Debre Markos. The chickens were divided into four treatments, each of which was replicated three times and contained 12 chickens. The treatment groups were T1 (control, commercial ration only), T2 (supplemented 16 ml EM per liter of drinking water), T3 (supplemented 5% Bokashi in feed), and T4 (supplemented 16 ml EM per liter of drinking water and 5% Bokashi in feed). Prior to collecting the actual data, the layer chickens had 2 weeks of adaptation. The hen day egg production was evaluated, and laboratory analysis was conducted to detect the external and internal egg quality. The results showed no significant difference among treatments on hen day egg productions, which ranged from 74 to 80 percent. Among the external egg quality traits, T4 had the highest egg weight, compared to other treatment groups. The T3 and T4 treatments had the highest shell weight. The shell thickness ranged from 0.37 to 0.39 mm. The shape index ranged from 76.81 to 79.11%, with no difference among the groups. Moreover, T4 had a significantly higher egg mass than T1 and T2. The specific gravity of an egg ranged from 1.06 to 1.08 g/cm3. Among the internal egg quality traits, the albumin weights of T3 and T4 were significantly higher than those of T1. The highest and the lowest Hough units were observed in T4 and T1, respectively. The highest yolk weight was observed in T4 among the groups. The yolk index ranged from 0.45 to 0.49. The yolk color ranged from 5.27 to 7.33. Finally, overall egg quality parameters in T4 were better than in non-supplemented groups.

Impact of heat stress on blood physiological parameters, body temperature, respiratory frequency, antioxidant status, carcass quality, production performance, and egg quality of Japanese quails

The study was performed with three experiments. The first experiment studied respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT), blood physiological parameters (BPP), serum antioxidant enzyme activities (SAEA), and meat quality of 240 quails under three temperatures (38 °C, 25 °C, and environmental temperature 30 °C) and two bodyweights (heavy and lighter). Heat stress (HS) increased RR and BT of quails but had no effect on BPP; superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was decreased in group 38 °C (P&lt;0.05), and a trend of increasing glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was also observed in group 38 °C (P=0.06); meat quality was not affected by HS except yellow index of meat color was increased (P&lt;0.05). The second experiment was conducted with 168 quails (experiment 1) to record reproductive performance and egg quality. HS negatively affected feed intake, egg weight, egg height, albumen height, yolk weight, yolk color, and Haugh unit (P&lt;0.05). The third experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of HS on growth and reproductive performance, and SAEA of the first generation (G1) from 84 quails (experiment 2). Feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio in the 38 °C H – G1 quail line were not significantly different from other groups. The higher egg weight and egg production were discovered in heat-stressed G1 groups. The lowest value of SOD and GSH-Px was reported in the 38 °C H – G1 quail line but no different in catalase (P&gt;0.05). The 38 °C – G1 quail groups adapted to HS from G0 by expanding feed intake at the growing phase, improving egg weight and egg production, and maintaining the low SAEA.

Characterization in the Egg Quality of Three Species of Phasianidae Birds

Rock partridge (Alectoris graeca), Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), and Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) are three poultry species from the Phasianidae family birds that are kept for meat and egg production in the Republic of Turkey. This research was carried out to characterize the egg quality of Rock partridge (RP), Common pheasant (CP), and Japanese quail (JQ). The eggs parameter of egg weight (EW), shape index (SI), yolk index (YI), albumen index (AI), shell weight (SW), haugh unit (HU), yolk weight (YW), albumen weight (AW), yolk ratio (YR), albumen ratio (AR) and shell ratio (SR) were measured for data analysis. A total of 372 eggs, including 100 eggs of partridges, 200 eggs of pheasant, and 72 eggs of quail were used in this study. A Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were used in this study to characterize three different types of eggs using SPSS. 16.0 package. The results showed that nine egg parameters of AR, YI, SI, YW, AW, YR, AI, HU, and SR are identified as discriminant variables for three egg types. The results showed that the canonical correlation (R) value in this study was high, i.e., 0.98 (Function 1) and 0.79 (Function 2). The Mahalonobis distance (D2) in this study ranged from 15.28 (RP - CP) to 27.94 (CP - JQ). In conclusion, the Phasianidae poultries in this study have different egg quality traits and can be used as the species marker.

Association analysis of production traits of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing

This study was designed to perform an association analysis and identify SNP markers associated with production traits of Japanese quail using restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing. Weekly body weight data from 805 quail were collected from hatching to 16 weeks of age. A total number of 3990 eggs obtained from 399 female quail were used to assess egg quality traits. Egg-related traits were measured at the beginning of egg production (first stage) and at 12 weeks of age (second stage). Five eggs were analyzed at each stage. Traits, such as egg weight, egg length and short axes, eggshell strength and weight, egg equator thickness, yolk weight, diameter, and colour, albumen weight, age of first egg, total number of laid eggs, and egg production rate, were assessed. A total of 383 SNPs and 1151 associations as well as 734 SNPs and 1442 associations were identified in relation to quail production traits using general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) approaches, respectively. The GLM-identified SNPs were located on chromosomes 1–13, 15, 17–20, 24, 26–28, and Z, underlying phenotypic traits, except for egg and albumen weight at the first stage and yolk yellowness at the second stage. The MLM-identified SNPs were positioned on defined chromosomes associated with phenotypic traits except for the egg long axis at the second stage of egg production. Finally, 35 speculated genes were identified as candidate genes for the targeted traits based on their nearest positions. Our findings provide a deeper understanding and allow a more precise genetic improvement of production traits of Galliformes, particularly in Japanese quail.

Relationship of Lei0258 Marker on some Productive Traits of Iraqi Local Chickens

This study was used 100 laying hens, for the period from 10/26/2021 till 3/5/2022 to studying the effect of LEI0258 marker on some productive traits of Iraqi local chickens, Productive traits were measured from the sexual maturity up to 100 days for each chicken, the blood samples were collected from 100 laying hens at the age of 38 weeks from a brachial vein. The LEI0258 marker have 11 alleles were (A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3, D1). The results showed that there were a high significant differences (P ≤0.01) for (A1, B1) alleles compared with different alleles of percentage number and genetic distribution with a percentage of (18 %). there was a significant effect (P ≤0.05) in age at sexual maturity for different alleles, while in weight at sexual maturity there were non-significant difference between different alleles. Egg weight trait showed that there was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) for the periods (14, 42, 70, 100) day, and non-significant differences in the productive periods (28, 56, 84, 98) day. Feed intake ratio recorded non-significant differences in the period (14, 28, 42, 98, 100) day, while it recorded a significant difference (P ≤0.05) in the productive periods (56, 70, 84) day between different alleles. The qualitative traits revealed a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) for (shell weight, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk diameter, egg white weight, egg diameter, egg white height, and HU unit), While non-significant differences in shell thickness between the different alleles.

Effect of Different Methods of Using Black Seed (Nigella sativa L.) to the Diet and Drinking Water on Qualitative Egg Traits of Laying Hens Eggs

Research on the effect of adding powder, oil, aqueous, and alcoholic solutions of black seed (Nigella sativa), individually, on qualitative egg traits of laying hens eggs was conducted at the Agricultural Research and Experiment Station, Agriculture College, Al-Muthanna University from October 15, 2022, to January 7, 2023. There were a total of 75 laying hens (ISA Brown) employed, and they were all split up into 15 groups of 5. Each treatment’s pens were 3 by 3 metres in size, and the pens were divided into thirds such that each third held 5 hens. These are the methods of treatment: T1 (the control group) received their regular diet with no alterations made. T2: 10% powdered Nigella sativa (black seed) was added to the diet. T3: Incorporate ten percent of an alcoholic extract of black seed (Nigella sativa) into the daily ration of water consumed. T4: Incorporate ten percent of a water-based extract of black seed (Nigella sativa) into your daily water intake. T5: Ten percent oil from black seeds (Nigella sativa) was added to the rations. Our research found that compared to the other experimental treatments, adding alcoholic extract to laying hens’ drinking water resulted in statistically significant increases in shell thickness, relative weight of shell and yolk, yolk and albumin index, and Hough unit, and a statistically significant decrease in the relative weight of the albumin.

Effects and Mechanisms Investigation of Heat Stress on Egg Yolk Quality in Huaixiang Chickens.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of high temperature on internal egg yolk quality parameters and their possible mechanisms in Huaixiang chickens. This study consisted of two treatments, and each treatment had six replicates with six birds per cage. A total of seventy-two 26-week-old female Huaixiang chickens were randomly divided into a normal-temperature group (NT) and a high-temperature group (HT) for 6 weeks. And these hens were exposed to 25 ± 2 °C and 32 ± 2 °C, respectively. Their relative humidity was maintained at 55-65%. The results showed that the HT group significantly reduced yolk weight, yolk color, and egg weight compared to the NT group (p < 0.05). Heat stress caused vacuolar degeneration of the liver and reduced the absolute liver weight (p < 0.05). Both yolk triglyceride (TG) and liver TG in the HT group were significantly higher than in the NT group (p < 0.05). However, the liver total cholesterol (TC) level in the HT group was remarkably lower than that in the NT group (p < 0.05). Additionally, heat stress remarkably enhanced SREBP-1c, ACACA, and FASN lipid metabolism-related gene mRNA expression levels in Huaixiang chicken liver after 6 weeks of heat exposure (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the HT group had remarkably reduced total amino acid, Cys, and Tyr levels in the yolk when compared with the NT group in our experiment (p < 0.05). In conclusion, heat stress causes egg yolk quality reduction and abnormal lipid metabolism in Huaixiang chickens. These findings provided novel insights into the role of high temperature on egg yolk parameters and the underlying mechanisms in Chinese indigenous laying hens.

PSXI-20 Effects of Termite Meal Supplementation on Egg-Laying Hens and Their Egg Quality

Abstract Recently, the interest in utilizing insect meal as an alternative protein and energy source in chicken production has emerged in developed and developing countries. The damp wood termite Hodotermopsis sjostedti is most unlikely to be a pest among termite species, which enhances its expectation as a potential feed source. Furthermore, termites are generally known for their longevity. This study investigated the effects of termite (H. sjostedti) meal supplementation on BW, feed intake, laying performance, egg quality, and blood plasma profiles for aged Japanese Momiji layer hens as a small-scale preliminary trial. Ten laying aged hens [initial age 99.4 wk old and body weight (BW) 1.98 kg] resided in individual pens were randomly divided into two groups for similar mean BW, egg laying rate, and egg weight and offered either a high-performance commercial formula [COM; 18.0% crude protein (CP) and &amp;gt; 2,850 kcal/kg metabolic energy] or [TM; 2.5% inclusion of freeze-dried ground termite meal (19.1% CP)]. After 12 d of an adaptation period with the treatment diets, eggs were collected daily for 8 d. Each sampled egg was measured for a whole egg, albumen, and yolk weight, albumen and yolk height, yolk diameter, and yolk color referring to the DSM Yolk Color Fan, and eggshell thickness and strength. The egg-laying rate and Haugh unit were calculated. At the end of the study, BW and feed intake were measured individually, and blood samples were collected from the brachial wing vein. All the egg quality values were averaged by hen so that data with one value per hen were analyzed by GLM of SAS. Final BW (P = 0.069) and egg yolk height (P = 0.082) tended to be greater for TM hens than COM hens, whereas feed intake, egg weight, feed efficiency, egg laying rate, and also egg quality traits were similar between the treatments. The whole egg and albumen weights of hens were greater than regular eggs because of their old age. All the hens had increased blood Ca, triglyceride, and phospholipid concentrations, probably because of the base diet formulation and their old age. On the other hand, blood urea nitrogen for TM hens tended to be less (P = 0.055) than COM hens, despite the greater CP concentration in the TM diet. Blood total protein was numerically greater for TM than COM, which implies greater protein metabolism in the diet for TM hens and may support and explain their greater final BW. In conclusion, termite meal supplementation in the high-performance commercial chicken diet enhanced the protein concentration and potential metabolization that suggested preferable tendencies in aged laying hens, which requires further investigation.

Relationship models between egg weight and internal quality of Alabio duck eggs (Anas platyrhynchos Borneo)

This research aimed to determine the relationship models and phenotypic correlation between the egg weight of Alabio duck (Anas Platyrhynchos Borneo) and the Haugh unit (HU), albumen weight, yolk weight, albumen index, and yolk index. Five hundred eggs weighing 65.7 ± 4.62 g were collected from a flock of 32-week-old commercial laying hens as objects for this experiment. The observed variables were egg weight, albumen weight, yolk weight, albumen index, and yolk index. The data was analyzed using simple linear regression and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). A significant correlation (P &lt; 0.05) was found between egg weight and HU, albumen weight, yolk weight, and yolk index., with an r of -0.11, 0.83, 0.70, and 0.19, respectively. However, there was no significant correlation between egg weight and albumen index (P &gt; 0.05). These results indicated that egg weight could be used as a variable to appropriately predict albumen weight and yolk weight with the equations y = -0.11 + 0.56x and y = -2.10 + 0.37x for albumen and yolk weight, respectively. However, egg weight as a single variable could not accurately predict the HU and yolk index of the Alabio duck egg.

USE OF HERBAL MEDICATIONS IN RATIO ON THE PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF EGGS OF LAYING CHICKENS

This research aims to determine the effect of using herbal ingredients on the productivity and egg quality of laying hens. This farm uses a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a unidirectional pattern consisting of 4 treatments repeated 4 times, namely JR0: Low Corn without the addition of herbal ingredients, JR1: Low Corn with the addition of herbal ingredients, JT0: High Corn without the addition of herbal ingredients, JT1 : High Corn with the addition of herbal ingredients. The production variables observed include: Feed Consumption, Egg Production (HDA), and Feed Conversion (FCR). Egg quality variables include: Egg Weight, Egg Yolk Color, Egg Yolk Weight, Shell Weight, and Shell Thickness. The data obtained was analyzed using anova (Analysis of Variance). With a further test DMRT (Duncan Multiple Range Test). The research results show thatThe use of herbal concoctions in laying hen rations has a significant effect on egg yolk color and shell thickness. However, it had no real effect on HDA, FCR, egg weight, egg yolk weight and shell weight.