Eggshell Breaking Strength Research Articles

Improving Egg Production, Quality and Eggshell Hygiene by Supplementation of Sage (Salvia officinalis) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oils

ABSTRACT Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of sage (Salvia officinalis) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oils (EO) supplementation into drinking water on egg production, quality and eggshell hygiene in laying hens. Material and Methods: A total of 300 Nick Brown laying hens between 30 and 38 of age were used in a completely randomized design in three treatments and ten replicates. The treatments consisted of: control group, sage EO, lavender EO supplementation group. EOs were supplemented into drinking water (0.3 mL/L). Results: A lower value of egg production, egg weight, egg mass and deteriorations in feed efficiency, eggshell breaking strength and thickness were observed in lavender EO group (P

Dietary sodium sulfate supplementation improves eggshell quality, uterine ion transportation and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in laying hens.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) supplementation on eggshell quality, uterine ion transportation, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis. A total of 432 48-wk-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were randomly divided into 6 dietary treatments with 8 replicates of 9 birds each. The experimental laying hens were fed the corn-soybean meal diets (containing 0.15% NaCl) supplemented with 0.22%, 0.37%, 0.52%, 0.68%, 0.83%, or 0.99% Na2SO4 for 12 weeks. Results showed that the eggshell breaking strength and eggshell ratio significantly increased in the 0.68% Na2SO4 group at the end of wk 56 and wk 60 (P < 0.05). In addition, eggshell thickness and weight significantly increased in the 0.68% Na2SO4 group at the end of wk 60 (P < 0.05). Eggshell calcium (Ca) content in the 0.68% Na2SO4 group was higher than that of 0.22% and 0.99% groups (P < 0.001). The concentrations of K+ and Ca2+ in the uterine fluid were significantly greater in the 0.68% group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Dietary Na2SO4 increased the gene expression of SLC8A1, SCNN1A, ATP1B1, and KCNMA1 quadratically in the uterus (P < 0.05), and higher values were observed in 0.68% group. Additionally, the GAG contents of the eggshell, and ATP-S, SULT, CS, and DS contents of the isthmus increased linearly with the increment of dietary Na2SO4 (P < 0.05). There was a remarkable reduction in mammillary knob width, mammillary thickness, and the percentage of the mammillary layer (P < 0.05), and an increment in mammillary knob density, effective thickness, and total thickness in the 0.68% group compared with the 0.22% and 0.99% groups (P < 0.05). Overall, there was no dose-related difference with the increment of dietary Na2SO4 levels. The addition of 0.68% Na2SO4 in the corn-soybean basal diet (0.15% Cl) regulated uterine ion transport, increased GAG contents of eggshell, and improved eggshell ultrastructure and quality.

Effects of graded levels of dietary microbial 6-phytase on performance, intestinal histomorphology, caecal microbial population and short-chain fatty acid composition of Lohmann white-classics

ABSTRACT 1. This study was conducted to determine the effects of graded levels of phytase on the performance, egg quality and gut health of white laying hens. 2. Treatments consisted of a negative control (NC) diet containing 0.14% available phosphorus (avP), positive control (PC) diet containing 0.35% avP provided via dicalcium phosphate (DCP) and DCP replaced in the PC by with three graded levels of phytase derived from Komagataella phaffii at 500 (PC-500), 750 (PC-750) and 1000 (PC-1000) FTU/kg which provided 0.176%, 0.188% and 0.200% of avP, respectively. 3. Egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and jejunal morphometry were negatively affected in NC-fed birds (p < 0.05). Considering the whole period, birds fed a diet supplemented with graded levels of phytase shared the same egg production and feed intake levels with PC birds (p < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio was significantly lowered by 4.9%, 1.6% and 7.6% in hens fed on diets PC-500, PC-750 and PC-1000, respectively compared to those fed the PC (p < 0.05). 4. Neither of the dietary treatments affected cracked eggs, dirty eggs, eggshell breaking strength and eggshell thickness. Dietary supplementation of phytase significantly increased villus surface area by 15%, 36% and 40% in PC-500, PC-750 and PC-1000 birds, respectively compared to PC (p < 0.05). 5. A significant increase in lactobacillus count was observed in line with increasing the level of phytase (p < 0.05). Dietary treatments had no effect on the caecal coliform or aerobic populations. Furthermore, phytase supplementation significantly increased the concentrations of total caecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA; p < 0.01). 6. In conclusion, along with improving performance parameters, the inclusion of phytase in laying hen diets can ameliorate intestinal morphology and stimulate caecal microflora and increase SCFA concentrations.

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) root extracts affect laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters and intestinal microbiota in hens.

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of yacon root extracts (YREs) on productive performance and health of laying hens. Six hundred 30-week-old Xiaoshan Chicken layers were divided into 5 groups, control group, antibiotic positive control group, and 3 YREs treatment groups. In a 9-wk feeding experiment, at the end of wk 3, 6, and 9, twenty eggs were collected from each replicate to measure egg qualities. At the end of wk 9, three hen serum samples, and 5 hen cecal content samples were collected from each replicate. Compared to the control group, 0.8%, 1.6%, and 2.4% YREs treatments could increase hens' daily feed intake, and YREs supplementation affected daily feed intake in linear manner. YREs did not change egg size, but 0.8% and 2.4% YREs changed egg shape by decreasing the egg shape index and sphericity, and 0.8% YREs tended to improve the eggshell breaking strength. Diet supplemented with 1.6% YREs might decrease yolk color grade but optimize the pH of thick egg white in fresh egg; moreover, 1.6% and 2.4% YREs might be helpful for eggs to inhibit water loss during storage, and YREs supplementation affected water loss rate in linear manner. 2.4% YREs could decrease the serum lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) level, and YREs supplemental levels linearly affected serum LDH content. Finally, YREs could enrich the diversity of intestinal microbiota of hens fed with 0.8% and be beneficial for the relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidota and Halobacterota; 2.4% YREs might increase the abundance of phylum Actinobacteriota and genus Bifidobacterium, while decrease genus Bacteroides; YREs supplemental levels affected the abundance of phylum Actinobacteriota, and genera Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides in linear manner. Dietary supplementation with YREs could affect egg quality, protect the health of organs and exhibit prebiotic activity.

Effects of Dietary Fennel Volatile Oil on Performance, Egg Quality, and Egg Yolk Oxidative Stability of Laying Quails.

This researh was carried out to determine the effects of adding different levels of fennel volatile oil (VO) to the laying quail diets on performance, internal-external egg quality parameters, and egg's oxidative stability. In the research, totally 105 (6-week-old) laying quails (Coturnix coturnix Pharaoh) were used. Quails were distributed into 3 main groups, and the main groups were also divided into 5 replicate groups. A basal diet that did not contain fennel VO was prepared for the control group, and fennel VO was added to the basal diet at 200 and 400 mg/kg levels for Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Diets and water were given to quails ad libitum. The research continued for 56 days. At the end of current researh, the addition of fennel VO the quail diets did not effect feed efficiency, haugh unit, egg yolk color, egg weight, shape index, egg shell breaking strength. However, both levels of fennel VO increased feed intake (P

Decreased eggshell strength caused by impairment of uterine calcium transport coincide with higher bone minerals and quality in aged laying hens

BackgroundDeteriorations in eggshell and bone quality are major challenges in aged laying hens. This study compared the differences of eggshell quality, bone parameters and their correlations as well as uterine physiological characteristics and the bone remodeling processes of hens laying eggs of different eggshell breaking strength to explore the mechanism of eggshell and bone quality reduction and their interaction. A total of 240 74-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were selected and allocated to a high (HBS, 44.83 ± 1.31 N) or low (LBS, 24.43 ± 0.57 N) eggshell breaking strength group.ResultsA decreased thickness, weight and weight ratio of eggshells were observed in the LBS, accompanied with ultrastructural deterioration and total Ca reduction. Bone quality was negatively correlated with eggshell quality, marked with enhanced structures and increased components in the LBS. In the LBS, the mammillary knobs and effective layer grew slowly. At the initiation stage of eggshell calcification, a total of 130 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 122 upregulated and 8 downregulated) were identified in the uterus of hens in the LBS relative to those in the HBS. These DEGs were relevant to apoptosis due to the cellular Ca overload. Higher values of p62 protein level, caspase-8 activity, Bax protein expression and lower values of Bcl protein expression and Bcl/Bax ratio were seen in the LBS. TUNEL assay and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed a significant increase in TUNEL-positive cells and tissue damages in the uterus of the LBS. Although few DEGs were identified at the growth stage, similar uterine tissue damages were also observed in the LBS. The expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocalcin were upregulated in humeri of the LBS. Enlarged diameter and more structural damages of endocortical bones and decreased ash were observed in femurs of the HBS.ConclusionThe lower eggshell breaking strength may be attributed to a declined Ca transport due to uterine tissue damages, which could affect eggshell calcification and lead to a weak ultrastructure. Impaired uterine Ca transport may result in reduced femoral bone resorption and increased humeral bone formation to maintain a higher mineral and bone quality in the LBS.Graphical

Comparative efficacy of hydroxychloride and organic sources of zinc, copper, and manganese on egg production and concentration of trace minerals in eggs, plasma, and excreta in female broiler breeders from 42 to 63 weeks of age

Comparative efficacy of hydroxychloride (HC) and organic (OR) sources of Zn, Cu and Mn on performance of broiler breeders (BB) between 42 and 63 weeks of age (WOA) was investigated. A total of 408 ♀ Ross 708 and 48 ♂ Yield Plus cockerels were placed in pens (17 ♀ and 2 ♂) housed in 2 rooms (12 pens/room) and allocated to one of 2 diets in a completely randomized block design (n=12). The diets had similar nutrient specifications but differed in Zn, Cu, and Mn sources: 1) HO, a blend of 80% HC and 20% OR sources, and 2) OR, 100% OR sources. Birds were fed and managed according to breeder guidelines. The egg count was recorded daily and categorized as normal or abnormal. Egg yolk color, albumen height, Haugh unit, eggshell thickness, and eggshell breaking strength were assessed every 4 wk. Individual hen body weight (BW) was recorded at 5-wk intervals to determine BW uniformity. At 52 and 63 WOA, the eggs and excreta samples were collected. At the end of the trial, 4 hens per pen were bled for plasma concentration of trace minerals and organs (liver, gizzard, spleen, kidney, and thymus) weight. There were no interactions between source and age on any parameters (P > 0.05). There were no main effects of source on egg production, eggshell quality, BW, and organs weight (P > 0.05). Hens fed HO diets had darker yolk compared to those fed OR diets (P = 0.014). The concentration of Zn in the eggs of OR BB was higher (P = 0.022) than for HO birds. However, there were no dietary effects on the concentration of trace minerals in the egg, plasma, and excreta (P > 0.05). The results indicated that a mixture of HC and O as sources for Zn, Cu, and Mn was as effective as OR sources in supporting egg production, egg quality, and trace mineral utilization in broiler breeders.

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.

Effects of Supplementation Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) to The Diets of Breeder Japanese Quails on Performance, Egg Quality, and Incubation Parameters

This study was performed to assess the effect of different levels of addition (0, 4, and 8%) of dried and ground Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) to breeder Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) diets on performance, egg quality and incubation parameters. In the experiment, 72 breeder Japanese quails (18 males, 54 females) at 8 weeks of age were randomly distributed into 3 treatment groups with 6 replications, each with 3 females and 1 male quail. Treatment groups were fed with diets supplemented with different levels of black soldier fly larvae (BSF) for 8 weeks.Feed intake was significantly higher in the control group than in the other treatment groups, and there were no significant differences between the groups in feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg weight, and egg mass. Similarly, no significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of egg quality parameters such as eggshell thickness, eggyolk index, eggshell breaking strength, and eggshell weight parameters. However, the shape index was significantly higher in the BSF 4% group than the control group. Albumen index was highest in the control group. While there was no significant difference among the groups in terms of egg yolk L* value, as the amount of BSF in the diet increased, there was a significant increase in the a* and b* values. Incubation parameters were not affected by the treatments. According to the results of the experiment, it was concluded that the addition of 4% and 8% BSF to breeder Japanese quail diets can be used at 8% level without any negative effects on performance, egg quality, or incubation parameters.

Cold atmospheric pressure air plasma jet disinfection of table eggs: Inactivation of Salmonella enterica, cuticle integrity and egg quality

Eggshell cuticles are first lines of defense against egg-associated pathogens, such as Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE). Infections from eggs contaminated with this strain remain a significant risk. In addition, changes in the cuticle are closely related to changes in egg safety. The emerging non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma technology enables a high rate of microbial inactivation at near-ambient temperatures, making it ideal for food safety applications. This study examines the effects of a cold atmospheric pressure air plasma jet (CAAP-J) on eggshell cuticle and egg quality whilst inactivating SE. Shell eggs inoculated with SE (7 log10 cfu/egg) were used as the samples to test the decontamination performance of the device. The tests were conducted using an industrial CAAP-J with different power levels (600–800 W), exposure times (60–120 s), at a fixeddistance of 20 mm from the plasma jet and an air flow rate of 3600 L/h. It was found that the best results were obtained after 120 s at maximum plasma power (800 W). Subsequent to the implementation of this plasma procedure, it was determined that no viable cells could be detected. After CAAP-J treatment, the temperature remains below 50.5 °C, thereby minimizing the risk of altering egg quality. All specific measurements (egg white pH, yolk pH, yolk color, HU, and eggshell breaking strength) have shown that CAAP-J treatment has no negative effect on egg quality. No changes in eggshell cuticle quality after CAAP-J treatment was confirmed through scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Correlations between organic matrix and eggshell properties of 3 kinds of eggshells in Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata)

In order to analyze the relationship between organic matrix and eggshell properties in Muscovy duck eggshells with different qualities, the organic matrices in the eggshells of normal, pimpled, and striped eggs of white-feathered Muscovy ducks were extracted and separated into acid-insoluble, water-insoluble, and facultative-soluble matrix (both acid- and water-soluble). There was no significant difference in calcified shell thickness between normal and pimpled eggs. However, the percentages of acid-insoluble matrix and total matrix were significantly higher, and the breaking strength was significantly lower in pimpled eggs than those in normal eggs. In striped eggs, the percentages of acid-insoluble matrix, facultative-soluble matrix, and total matrix, calcified shell weight, calcified shell thickness, and breaking strength were significantly lower than those in normal eggs. The amount and percentage of 3 organic matrices (water-insoluble matrix, facultative-soluble matrix, and total matrix) were significantly positively correlated with calcified shell thickness in normal eggs rather than striped and pimpled eggs. Our results also demonstrated that there was no linear correlation between the organic components in the 3 Muscovy duck eggshells and the mechanical properties of the eggshells. The lower breaking strength of pimpled eggshells might be due to the unbalanced enrichment of certain proteins, whereas the striped eggs might mainly result from thinner calcified shells and poor balance between different sedimentary layers.

The impact of digestible lysine and sulfur amino acids on eggshell quality and egg weight control in old ISA brown hens during 62 to 74 wk

Modifying dietary amino acids has been proposed as a strategy to improve eggshell quality by slowing down increases in egg weight (EW). This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of digestible lysine (dLYS) and ratios of digestible sulfur amino acids (dTSAA) to dLYS on performance and eggshell quality in ISA brown hens. A total of 288 hens were individually housed and assigned to 8 treatments, which combined 2 levels of dLYS (5.9 and 5.5 g/kg) with 4 ratios of dTSAA:dLYS (90, 85, 80, and 75) in a factorial arrangement. The study lasted 12 wk, starting at 62 wk of age. The number of eggs was not affected by the interaction between dLYS and dTSAA:dLYS or their main effect. However, the interaction between dLYS and dTSAA:dLYS showed that reducing the dTSAA:dLYS ratio from 85 to 75 when hens were fed 5.5 g/kg of dLYS resulted in a lower EW. Conversely, when hens were fed 5.9 g/kg of dLYS, no significant difference was found in EW among the different ratios of dTSAA:dLYS. Although there was no interaction between the levels of dLYS and dTSAA:dLYS on eggshell quality, reducing the dLYS level from 5.9 to 5.5 slowed down the deterioration in eggshell-breaking strength and eggshell thickness, regardless of the dTSAA:dLYS ratio. These findings suggest that adjusting dietary dLYS while maintaining the dTSAA:dLYS ratio of no less than 85 may be an effective strategy for decelerating the deterioration of eggshell quality in laying hen operations without impacting the egg production rate.

Effect of rapeseed oil and β‐cyclodextrin coatings on the quality of eggs in shell

SummaryThe objective of this research was to investigate and compare the effect of rapeseed oil, 0.5% β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin coating on egg quality attributes during storage for 28 days at 25 °C. Egg quality attributes such as weight loss (WL), air cell depth and diameter, Haugh unit (HU), albumen pH, yolk index and colour, eggshell strength and morphology were monitored. Similar initial quality attributes of control, rapeseed oil, 0.5% β‐CD and rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin‐coated eggs were obtained at day 0. Control (uncoated) and β‐CD‐coated eggs had the worst WL, air cell diameter, air cell depth, albumen pH and a* values after storage for 28 days at 25 °C, while the rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin‐coated eggs had lower values of air cell diameter (18.20 mm), air cell depth (7.20 mm) and albumin pH (9.12), higher eggshell breaking strength (51.21 N) and a*(25.33). At day 7 and 21, the best quality attributes were obtained by rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin‐coated eggs, being respectively: WL, yolk index and L*. Less obvious micro‐cracks on the eggshell surface were detected especially in rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin‐coated eggs, which maintained slightly improved egg quality attributes during storage.

Effect of dietary banana leaves (Musa acuminata) with multienzyme complex supplementation on intestinal content, serum biochemicals, egg production, and egg quality in laying quail

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding different amounts of dried banana leaves (BL) with or without multienzyme to laying quail diets on egg production (EP), feed intake (FI), egg weight (EW) feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg quality, yolk color, serum profile, pH and viscosity of small intestinal content. A total of 400 ten-wk-old female quails were used and allocated to 8 diet treatments with 10 replicates of 5 quails. The diet treatments contained 0, 3, 6, and 9% BL with or without 1,000 mg multienzyme complex/kg feed. The experiment lasted 56 d in 4 periods of 14 d each. Egg production data were recorded daily, and egg quality traits were measured in each period. At the end of the experiment, one quail from each replicate was randomly selected and slaughtered by cervical dislocation, and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein for serum profile determination. All small intestinal content was taken, and pH, and viscosity values were determined. The results showed that BL content of the diet affected the laying performance of quails and FI was significantly increased by the BL content in the diet (P ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, BL content increased EP quadratically and EW linearly. (P ≤ 0.05) The addition of multienzyme complex and the interaction of BL with multienzymes did not affect the laying performance data. BL addition and BL multienzyme interaction affected eggshell breaking strength (P ≤ 0.05). The color values of egg yolk significantly modified with the presence of BL in the diet, and L* value cubically, the a* value quadratically and, the b* value linearly affected by the BL in the diet (P ≤ 0.05). Small intestine pH and viscosity values were not affected by treatments. Serum AST, ALT enzymes and triglyceride concentrations were not affected by the inclusion of BL in the diet. However, the BL content in the diet had a significant cubic effect on serum total cholesterol concentrations (P ≤ 0.05). As a result, 3% level of BL without enzyme addition can be used in laying quail diets in terms of egg production, egg weight, egg quality parameters, and serum total cholesterol.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of arginine-silicate- Inositol and Phytase Complex on Egg Quality, Egg Shell Strength, and Blood Biochemical Characteristics of Laying Hens.

This study aimed to determine the effects of Arginine silicate inositol complex (ASI; Arg=49.47 %, silicone=8.2 %, inositol=25%) supplementation on egg quality, shell strength, and blood biochemical traits of laying hens, as well as the effects of substituting inositol with varying concentrations of phytase on the traits as mentioned above. 90 Lohmann Brown laying hens, 26 weeks old, were randomly distributed in 6 treatments with 3 replicates (cage) and 5 birds per replicate. The isocaloric and isonitrogenic diets are used according to the age period requirements of the Lohmann Brown Classic management guideline. The treatments were as follows: 1ST treatment T1: received basal diet without additives, T2 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate mixture (49.5±8.2 % respectively), T3 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate- inositol (ASI) mixture (49.5, 8.2 , 25 % respectively), T4 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate mixture (49.5±8.2% respectively) +500 FTU/kg, T5 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate mixture (49.5±8.2% respectively) +1000 FTU/kg and T6 received basal diet +1000 mg/kg arginine-silicate mixture (49.5±8.2% respectively) +1000 FTU/kg +2000 FTU/kg. Results indicate a significant increase (P<0.05) in the relative yolk weight in T4, T5, and T6 (26.93, 26.83, 26.77%) compared to T1 (25.84%) and a significant increase (P≤ 0.05) in T4, T5 compared to T3 (26.02%), while no differences observed between T2 (26.17%) compared to other experimental treatments. The relative albumin weight significantly decreased (P≤0.05) in phytase supplementation treatments T4, T5, and T6 (63.21, 63.05, 63.22%) compared to T1, T2, T3 (64.99, 64.30, 64.08%), while a significant decrease (P≤0.05) observed in T3 compared to T1. The relative shell weight significantly increased (P≤0.05) in T3, T4, T5, and T6 (9.90, 9.86, 10.12, 10.02%), respectively, compared to T1, T2 (9.17, 9.53%) with a significant increase (P≤0.05) in relative shell weight in T2 compared to T1. The eggshell thickness significantly increased (P≤0.05) in T3, T4, T5, T6 treatments (0.409, 0.408, 0.411, 0.413 mm), respectively compared to T1, T2 (0.384, 0.391 mm). A significant increased (P≤0.05) was observed in eggshell thickness in T2 compared to T1. A significant increase (P≤0.05) was observed in the egg shell breaking strength in T3 and T5 treatments (59.40, 58.83) compared to T1 and T2 (46.20, 48.23). No significant differences were observed between T4 and T6 (53.90, 53.57) compared to other experimental treatments. Non HDL, calcium, and phosphorus levels in blood serum significantly increased (P≤0.05) in T3, T4, T5, and T6 treatments compared to T1 and T2 treatments.

Effect of increasing valine level in the diet on performance, egg quality, and serum components in laying quails.

This research was conducted to determine the effect of increasing dietary valine level on performance parameters, egg quality criteria, and blood and serum components. In the study, 120 female Japanese quails at the age of 10weeks (241.4 ± 8.6g) did randomly allocate to six experimental groups contained five subgroups. Treatment diets were prepared to contain 0.93% (control), 1.00%, 1.10%, 1.20%, 1.30%, or 1.40% valine. The egg mass decreased linearly with the increasing level of valine in the diet, while egg weight decreased in both linear and quadratic manner (P < 0.05). Increased levels of dietary valine increased eggshell breaking strength in cubic manner (P < 0.05). The administration of the valine to the diet caused a linear decrease in the albumin index and Haugh unit (P < 0.05). Other egg quality parameters were not affected (P > 0.05). Serum glucose and triglyceride concentrations of laying quails were reduced by the increasing dietary valine levels; the effect on serum glucose was linear, while both linear and quadratic effects were significant on triglyceride concentration (P < 0.05). White blood cell, lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts increased with the increasing dietary levels of valine (P < 0.05). Both linear and quadratic effects were significant on white blood cells and lymphocytes, while the effect on neutrophil counts was linear. However, erythrocyte and haematocrit (P < 0.05) decreased quadratically with increment in the dietary levels of valine. In conclusion, the increased valine levels in the diet adversely affected the egg weight, egg mass, and Haugh unit. but it reduced the serum triglyceride and glucose. Results may suggest that dietary valine at 0.93% level is sufficient for egg production and egg quality in laying quails, but positive effects of increased dietary valine levels on white blood cells may worth to investigate further.

Egg production, egg quality, organ weight, bone ash, and plasma metabolites in 30-week-old Lohmann LSL lite hens fed corn and soybean meal-based diets supplemented with enzymatically treated yeast

Highly prolific modern hens are susceptible to metabolic disorders that could be modulated by functional feedstuffs such as enzymatically treated yeast (ETY). Therefore, we assessed the dose-response of ETY on hen-day egg production (HDEP), egg quality attributes, organ weight, bone ash, and plasma metabolites in laying hens. A total of 160 thirty-week-old Lohmann LSL lite hens were placed in 40 enriched cages (4 birds/cage) based on body weight (BW) and allocated to 5 diets in a completely randomized design for a 12-wk trial. The diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous corn and soybean meal based supplemented with 0.0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, or 0.2% ETY. Feed and water were provided ad libitum; HDEP and feed intake (FI) were monitored weekly, whereas egg components, eggshell breaking strength (ESBS), and thickness (EST) were monitored biweekly, and albumen IgA concentration was measured on wk 12. At the end of the trial, 2 birds/cage were bled for plasma and necropsied for liver, spleen, and bursa weight, ceca digesta for short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and tibia and femur for ash content. Supplemental ETY reduced HDEP quadratically (P=0.03); the HDEP was 98, 98, 96, 95, and 94% for 0.0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% ETY, respectively. However, ETY linearly and quadratically (P = 0.01) increased egg weight (EW) and egg mass (EM). Specifically, EM was 57.9, 60.9, 59.9, 58.9, and 59.2 g/b for 0.0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% ETY, respectively. Egg albumen increased linearly (P=0.01), and egg yolk decreased linearly (P=0.03) in response to ETY. In response to ETY, the ESBS and plasma Ca increased linearly and quadratically (P ≤ 0.03). Plasma concentration of total protein and albumin increased quadratically (P ≤ 0.05) with ETY. Diets had no (P > 0.05) effects on FI, FCR, bone ash, SCFA, and IgA. In conclusion, 0.1% or higher ETY reduced egg production rate; however, linear improvement in EW and shell quality linked to larger albumen and higher plasma protein and Ca suggested modulation in protein and calcium metabolism.

Influence of Organic Iron Enriched Diets on Performance, Egg Quality, Blood Haematological and Biochemical Constituents in Quails

The current research was carried out to investigate the effect of diets enriched with different levels of organic iron on performance, egg quality, blood haematological parameters, and serum biochemical constituents in laying quails. In the study, 120 female quails at 20 weeks of age were allocated to 5 treatment groups with 6 replicates of 4 quails in each. Experimental diets were formed by adding 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg of iron (iron-glycine) to the diet containing 96 mg/kg of iron. Performance parameters of quails were not affected by the supplementation of organic iron to diet (P&gt;0.05). The supplementation of organic iron affected as quadratic only the eggshell breaking strength among the egg external quality parameters, and it was maximum at 150 mg/kg organic iron addition (P&lt;0.01). Egg yolk a* value, which is one of the egg internal quality parameters, was linearly affected by organic iron addition, but other parameters were not affected (P&lt;0.01). The administration of organic iron to the diet linearly increased the serum iron level (P&lt;0.01), the serum phosphorus level was affected quadratically (P&lt;0.05) and reached a maximum at 150 mg/kg. Among the blood haematology parameters, white blood cell and monocyte counts linearly increased with the addition of organic iron to the diet (P&lt;0.01), but other parameters were not affected. According to the results obtained from current research, it can be said that enrichment of laying quail diets with organic iron up to 150 mg/kg level improved eggshell breaking strength without affecting performance, however, it negatively affected blood parameters by increasing white blood cell and monocyte without changing blood red cell parameters.

Effect of dietary phosphorus and restricted feeding on performance, egg quality and serum biochemical traits of laying hens at the second production phase

The effect of available phosphorus and restriction of feeding on the performance, egg quality, serum biochemical and yolk fatty acid profiles in laying hens at 40 to 60 weeks of age was studied. A total 540 laying hens (Lohmann Brown) aged at 40 weeks were randomly placed in a 2×3 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments including two levels of available phosphorus (AP, 0.32 and 0.45%) and three restricted feeding levels (RFL, 90, 95 and 100%) having 5 replicates in each treatment, and the experiment were conducted for twenty weeks. The results showed that dietary interaction between AP and RFL had significant effects on egg production percentage (P&lt;0.01), egg weight (P&lt;0.05), daily egg mass (P&lt;0.01) and feed conversion ratio (P&lt;0.01). Production performance was significantly (P&lt;0.01) affected by RFL; and both 95% and 100% RFL had showed similar mean value in egg production and egg weight. Egg quality traits: eggshell color and eggshell breaking strength were differed (P&lt;0.05) among the treatments. Moreover, albumen height, Haugh unit and eggshell breaking strength significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased in diet contained 0.45% AP. Dietary limitation of feed did not alter the egg quality except eggshell color. Serum albumin was influenced among the treatments and the mean value of albumin and total protein were same in sole effect of 95% and 100% RFL. Higher serum glucose was obtained in response to the primary effect of 0.32% AP. The total concentration of yolk fatty acid profiles was not assorted in the impacts of AP, RFL and in their interaction. Therefore, the results suggest that 95% feeding was sufficient to hens during second production period, for optimum production performance and egg quality as well as diet containing 0.45% inorganic phosphorus could have influenced positively on egg quality. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2022, 47(2): 119-132

Assessing Differences in the Quality Properties and Ultrastructure of Eggshell as Affected by Chicken Strain and Flock Age During Incubation Period

Three hundred hatching eggs from two layer breeder flocks (Hy-Line Brown and hy-Line W-36; 150 each) were obtained at three different periods of laying cycle (early, middle and late stages). The hatching eggs were randomly taken to assess the impact of chicken strain, age, and hatching time on some eggshell measurements and structures. Results indicate that egg weight, shell percentage and shell thickness were significantly affected by strain, breeder age, and incubation time. Increasing rate of calcium absorption and utilization by the embryos during the embryonic stage clearly reflects the decrease occurred in eggshell strength. The differences of eggshell breaking strength during incubation time periods were 0.41 and 0.55 kg/cm2, the differences due to the incubation time may be due to the higher demand for calcium utilization in the late incubation period (18 days), observed on the10th day of incubation. Brown eggs recorded significant higher calcium percentage in eggshell compared to the white ones. The brown breeder hens recorded significant higher total pores per egg compared to the white egg. Concerning eggshell ultrastructure, total thickness of the brown eggshell was significantly higher than those of the white eggshell by about 3.7%. All parameters, except for total thickness, were significantly affected by the interaction between strain and breeder age. Finally, we conclude that some traits including egg weight, shell percentage, shell thickness, calcium percentages in eggshell, and total pores per egg were significantly affected by strain, breeder age, and incubation time. Eggshell ultrastructure of brown egg was better compared to the white ones.