End Of Production Period Research Articles

Physical Quality Parameters and Activity of Albumen Lysozyme of Eggs From Traditional Hens Bred in Poland Compared With Commercial Hybrids

Abstract The variation in egg quality parameters of traditional/native hen breeds with good freshness and antibacterial properties of egg albumen may determine the attractiveness of these eggs for modern consumers looking for high quality products. The objective of this study was to evaluate external and internal physical quality parameters and enzymatic activity of lysozyme of eggs from three traditional hens bred in Poland and to compare these egg quality parameters to those obtained from commercial hybrids kept under the same management conditions in extensive farming production system. The study was carried out on eggs collected from 4 genetic groups of hens, i.e. Polish Liliputy Bantams (PLB), native Polish Crested Chickens (PCr, CP-22 strain), Gold Laced Polish Chickens (GLP) and from Hy–Line Brown hybrids (HLB). In total 135 PLB, 75 PCr, 75 GLP and 75 HLB hens were kept on litter (3 pens) and fed commercial feed. The eggs (n = 33/genotype/age) were collected at the 33 and 55 weeks of age. The study concluded that with the age of the hens, there was an increase (P<0.05) in the weight of the egg and the proportion of its main fractions, as well as a decrease (P<0.05) in the quality parameters of the albumen and the eggshell. However the eggs from traditional breeds retain good parameters of albumen quality even at the end of production period. The eggs of traditional hens were characterized by higher (P<0.05) yolk proportion and its color and albumen lysozyme parameters, and a lower (P<0.05) eggshell and albumen height and Haugh unit score in relation to commercial hybrids. The highest (P<0.05) content of lysozyme and enzymatic activity of lysozyme were found in eggs from Gold Laced Polish Chickens. Thus, eggs obtained from traditional hens may meet requirements of modern consumers because of specific physical characteristics, good albumen lysozyme activity and freshness parameters. Particularly noteworthy are Polish Liliputy Bantams eggs, characterized by the low weight and a high proportion of more intensely colored yolk and good Haugh unit score at the end of production period.

Evaluation of Beta-Adrenergic Agonist Theophylline Function in Reducing Inflammation on Blood Metabolites and Egg Quality Traits in Laying Hens at the end of Production Period

Evaluation of Beta-Adrenergic Agonist Theophylline Function in Reducing Inflammation on Blood Metabolites and Egg Quality Traits in Laying Hens at the end of Production Period

Studi Intensitas Pencahayaan Terhadap Puncak Produksi Ayam Petelur Fase Layer di UD. Mahakarya Farm Banyuwangi

The objective of this case study was to evaluate good lighting levels in laying hens. The data were collected for three months at UD. Mahakarya Farm Banyuwangi. A total of 4.400 heads of layer chicken were used in this study. The lighting intensityused were 15 lux in cage A and 10 lux in cage B. The average of egg production were75.91% and 73.57% for cage A (15 lux) and cage B (10 lux), respectively. The average of egg weight were 59.37 g and 59.23 gfor cage A (15 lux) and cage B (10 lux), respectively. The results of this study presented that layer chicken aged 25 weeks produced better production efficiency values by 10 lux. At the end of production period(38 weeks) increased production efficiency by 15 lux.

Studi Intensitas Pencahayaan Terhadap Puncak Produksi Ayam Petelur Fase Layer di UD. Mahakarya Farm Banyuwangi

The objective of this case study was to evaluate good lighting levels in laying hens. The data were collected for three months at UD. Mahakarya Farm Banyuwangi. A total of 4.400 heads of layer chicken were used in this study. The lighting intensityused were 15 lux in cage A and 10 lux in cage B. The average of egg production were75.91% and 73.57% for cage A (15 lux) and cage B (10 lux), respectively. The average of egg weight were 59.37 g and 59.23 gfor cage A (15 lux) and cage B (10 lux), respectively. The results of this study presented that layer chicken aged 25 weeks produced better production efficiency values by 10 lux. At the end of production period(38 weeks) increased production efficiency by 15 lux.

Predation of a biological control agent, Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae), by the spider Leucauge blanda in greenhouse eggplant crops

ABSTRACTNesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) is used widely around the world as a biological control agent. In Kochi Prefecture, Japan, at the end of each greenhouse eggplant crop production period, the N. tenuis populations that have developed are collected and transferred to ‘natural-enemy-rearing greenhouses’ so that farmers can use the bug in the next production period. However, spider numbers have been increasing at the end of the production periods and it is becoming difficult to collect N. tenuis in some greenhouses. Therefore, we constructed specific primers for N. tenuis mtDNA to test whether the species was being preyed upon by the predominant spider species, Leucauge blanda. In polymerase chain reactions, these primers amplified a 148-bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene of N. tenuis but not of any of the 13 other arthropod species tested that occurred in eggplant greenhouses. In a laboratory experiment, the rates of detection of N. tenuis DNA in the spiders after the end of a period of feeding on the bug were 90% at 0 h, 60% at 24 h, and 0% at 72 h. In a greenhouse field experiment, the rate of detection of N. tenuis DNA in the spider was 95%. These results suggest that L. blanda is responsible for the observed suppression of N. tenuis populations in greenhouse eggplant crops.

Evaluating the effects of bedding materials and elevated platforms on contact dermatitis and plumage cleanliness of commercial broilers and on litter condition in broiler houses

ABSTRACT1. Experiment 1, comparing wood shavings and ground straw bedding with peat, was performed on 7 broiler farms over two consecutive batches during the winter season. Experiment 2, assessing the effect of elevated (30 cm) platforms, was conducted in three farms replicated with 6 consecutive batches.2. Footpad lesions were inspected at slaughter following the Welfare Quality® (WQ) assessment and official programme. Hock lesions, plumage cleanliness and litter condition were assessed using the WQ assessment. Litter height, pH, moisture and ammonia were determined.3. Footpad condition on wood shavings appeared to be worse compared with peat using both methods of assessment and was accompanied by inferior hock skin health. WQ assessment resulted in poorer footpad and hock skin condition on ground straw compared with peat. Farms differed in footpad and hock skin condition. Footpad and hock lesions were not affected by platform treatment. Peat appeared more friable than ground straw. The initial pH of wood shavings was higher and moisture was lower than in peat, but at the end of production period there were no differences. Ground straw exhibited higher initial and lower end pH, and was drier in the beginning than peat. Litter condition and quality were not affected by platform treatment.4. This study provides new knowledge about the applicability of peat as broiler bedding and shows no negative effects of elevated platforms on litter condition or the occurrence of contact dermatitis in commercial environments. The results suggest a complicated relationship between litter condition, moisture and contact dermatitis. Furthermore, it is concluded that the farmer’s ability to manage litter conditions is important, regardless of the chosen litter material. Peat bedding was beneficial for footpad and hock skin health compared with wood shavings and ground straw.

Utilization potentials of lablab (<i>Lablab purpureus</i> (L.) Sweet) and the constraints of field pests and diseases in Nigeria

In the last one decade and half, lablab was evaluated for its crop-livestock production potentials in Samaru, Kano and Benin City in both the savanna and humid forest zones of Nigeria. Very early, early and intermediate accessions were identified that may be suitable for dry savanna and late growing season of the humid forest while late, very late and extremely late accessions were identified for moist savanna and humid forest. Vegetable-type, grain-type and dual-purpose lablab were identified. Lablab grain ranged from 600-2400 kg ha -1 with an average protein concentration of 25.3%. Huge litter of leaves and stems was recorded at the end of production period which extended far into the dry season. Short fallow of one year supported maize-cowpea intercrop with component maize having 13.7% grain yields over that of natural fallow. Following a 2-year lablab fallow, subsequent maize yield was 72.7% higher than that from natural fallow. Lablab had an average of 2600 kg ha -1 of biomass and an average of 64.1 kg N ha -1 , meaning that lablab has high potential for green manure and soil improvement. Of six herbaceous legumes, lablab was among those that had the highest soil cover. Fresh biomass of 3200 kg ha -1 was achieved at eight weeks after planting. Various insect pests, fungal diseases and parasitic plant including Ootheca mutabilis (Sahlb), Podagrica uniforma (Jac.), Nematocerus acerbus (Faust), Anoplocnemis curvipes (F.), Helicoverpa armigera (Hbn), aphids, Colletotrichum sp., Curvularia sp. and Cassytha filiformis (Linn.) were found on lablab plants, causing damage to the crop. Key words: lablab, fodder, grain yield, pest, disease

An integrated supply chain model for deteriorating items considering delay in payments, imperfect quality and inspection errors under inflationary conditions

In this article, an integrated production–distribution model is presented for a manufacturer and retailer supply chain under inflationary conditions, permissible delay in payments, deterioration, imperfect production process and inspection errors. We assume that the first-stage inspection of the manufacturer is not perfect and makes inspection errors of Type 1 and Type 2. The second-stage inspection of the manufacturer is at the end of production period without inspection errors. Also, the demand is linear function of time. Once the retailer receives the lot, a 100% screening process of the lot is conducted without inspection errors, and the screening process and demand proceed simultaneously. The main objective is to determine the optimal inspection time and the optimal number of cycle such that the present value of the total cost is minimized. Finally, a numerical example and sensitivity analyses are provided to illustrate the proposed model using a proper algorithm.

Autonomous production tracking for augmenting output in off-site construction

Problems in existing methods of production tracking in off-site construction result in schedule delays and increased costs. To eliminate these deficiencies, an autonomous production tracking that analyzes real-time production data is proposed. A specific implementation of the proposed production tracking mechanisms has been developed for a large off-site construction plant in Australia, and is in the process of installation. The paper shows that: (i) The production model in off-site construction is always nonlinear in the outcome due to the presence of variability (ii) in systems with a periodic production target, deviation from the schedule converges to zero at the end of production period and the same downward trend should be followed in designing plan buffers and (iii) long-term production performance in off-site construction can autonomously be monitored and controlled by observing critical variables of production. The paper provides those who manage off-site construction with recommendations on effective production tracking and management. The models and propositions in this research are of practical value and can be used to detect impending production shortfalls against periodic targets in the short-term, and adjust capacity parameters and production targets in long-term planning.

Stochastic manufacturing system with process deterioration and machine breakdown

This paper presents a realistic manufacturing inventory model with process deterioration and machine breakdown. In economic manufacturing quantity model, process usually starts with ‘in-control’ state and produces items of good quality. After some random point of time, process may deteriorate and shift to ‘out-of-control’ state due to occurrence of assignable cause. From that point, process produces some percentage of non-conforming items. Further process deterioration after machine shift may result in machine breakdown at any random time during the production period. If machine breakdown occurs during the production period, then corrective (emergency) repair is performed immediately otherwise preventive (regular) repair is performed at the end of production period. The proposed model is formulated assuming that the time required for production facility shifting from ‘in-control’ state to ‘out-of-control’ state, time when machine breaks down, corrective and preventive repairing time and demand of items follows probability distribution. We have derived analytically the optimal production time which minimises the total expected production cost annually for machine breakdown and no machine breakdown cases. The solution procedure is illustrated with the help of numerical examples for different probability distributions. Sensitivity of the optimal solution with respect to different parameters are also analysed.

Modeling of Land Subsidence in the South Pars Gas Field (Iran)

The objective of this study is to predict the subsidence of the South Pars gas field at the end of production period. With respect to the notable reservoir thickness, significant pressure drop due to extraction and high areal extent of the South Pars gas field there is a high subsidence potential in this field. In order to determinate the maximum land subsidence and subsidence profile of the South Pars gas field, at first, the reservoir compaction was estimated based on the thickness of the reservoir, the pressure drop in the reservoir and the uniaxial compaction coefficient of the reservoir rock, and then the effect of the reservoir compaction on the field surface was modeled with the use of analytical and semi-numerical methods. The compaction of the reservoir at the end of production period was estimated to be about 0.48 m. Both of the subsidence modeling methods show similar results and predict that the maximum subsidence will reach about 0.6 m at the end of production period.

Manufacturing inventory model with discrete random machine breakdown and discrete stochastic corrective and preventive repair time

In this paper, we consider a manufacturing inventory system with process deterioration, machine breakdown, corrective and preventive maintenance. Demand rate of items follow discrete stochastic distribution. Normally, production process starts with ‘in-control’ state and produce good quality items. As time passes, production equipment may deteriorate and shift to ‘out-of-control’ state. Afterwards, it produces some percentage of defective items. Additional deterioration of production process may result in machine breakdown during production period. If machine breakdown occurs during the production period, then corrective repair starts instantaneously otherwise preventive repair carries out at the end of production period. The machine failure time, corrective and preventive repair time and process shifting time follow discrete stochastic distribution. We formulate the mathematical model and derive the optimal production run-time which minimises total expected production cost of the system. Sensitivity of the optimal solution with respect to different parameters is also analysed.

Microbiological and enzymatic studies during the development of an ‘Iru’ (a local Nigerian indigenous fermented condiment) like condiment from Bambara Nut [Voandzeia subterranea (L) Thours

Fifteen isolates were obtained from a-96 h spontaneously fermented bambara nut to produce an ‘Iru’ like condiment. Pure cultures of the isolates were identified employing API 50CH strips and API CHL medium (API system, Montalieu, Vercieu, France). Their identities were confirmed as Bacillus subtilis , Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus pumilus . The total microbial counts showed that the microbial load increased significantly from 3.2 x 10 5 + 0.11 cfu/g at 0 h to 9.2 x 10 7 + 0.20 cfu/g at 96 h ( p < 0.05). The investigation into enzymatic activities during product development revealed that the amylase activity fluctuated, by increasing significantly from 0.33 + 0.1 x s unit g/dry wt at 0 h to 0.39 + 0.04 x s unit g/dry wt at 60 h which finally decreased to 0.32 + 0.08 x s unit g/dry wt at the end of fermentation. Proteinase activity showed that at 0 h an activity of 0.22 + 0.09 x s unit g/dry wt was recorded, which increased significantly to 0.24 + 0.06 x s unit g/dry wt at 24 h. This value decreased significantly to 0.21 + 0.03 x s unit g/dry wt at 48 h which increased significantly to 0.28 + 0.08 x s unit g/dry wt at 96 h. However, the lipase which was observed at 0 h to show an activity of 0.50 + 0.05 x s unit g/dry wt increased significantly to 0.80 + 0.06 x s unit g/dry wt at 72 h and decreased to 0.70 + 0.08 x s unit g/dry wt at the end of production period.

Avaliação de Programas de Alimentação para Matrizes de Corte na Fase de Produção

O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de verificar o melhor programa de fornecimento de ração para matrizes de corte pós - pico de produção de ovos. Três mil, cento e sessenta e oito fêmeas e 352 machos matrizes de corte da linhagem Cobb foram distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e oito repetições por tratamento, sendo 99 fêmeas e 11 machos por unidade experimental. Os programas avaliados consistiram em: Programa 1 - Redução de 1 g de ração/ave/dia/semana para cada redução de 0,5 pontos na massa de ovos; Programa 2 - Redução de 1 g de ração/ave/dia/semana após o pico até o final do período de produção; Programa 3 - Redução de 3 g de ração/ave/dia/semana na 1ª semana após o pico, 2 g de ração/ave/dia/semana na 2ª semana e 1 g de ração/ave/dia/semana nas semanas subsequentes; Programa 4 - Redução de 5 g de ração/ave/dia/semana na 1ª semana após o pico, 3 g de ração/ave/dia/semana na 2ª semana e 1 g de ração/ave/dia/semana nas semanas subseqüentes. De acordo com os resultados obtidos para consumo de ração por ovo produzido, característica de importância na avaliação do desempenho das matrizes de corte, o melhor programa foi o programa 1, seguido pelo 3, 2 e 4. Para matrizes de corte da linhagem Cobb que atingem pico de postura no inverno, período no qual foi realizado este experimento, recomenda-se o programa 1 para alimentação após pico por ter proporcionado uma boa relação entre consumo de ração e produção de ovos.

Production and degradation of alkaline protease in batch cultures of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 14416

The production of alkaline protease from Bacillus subtilis ATCC 14416 was studied. Inorganic nitrogen compounds in the medium were found to show inhibitory effects on the enzyme formation. The pH variations of the culture broth gave indications of the start and the end of the enzyme production period and thus provided a useful indicator for process control. The rapid deactivation of protease after the end of the production period was studied, and ways to stabilize the enzyme were discussed.

The Effect of Age at Lighting on Costs and Revenues in Production of Hatching Eggs in Large White Turkeys

This study was undertaken to determine the best age to initiate reproduction in turkey hens in order to obtain optimum returns from the production of hatching eggs. In Trial one, they were lighted at 32, 36 and 40 weeks of age while in Trial two, the females were lighted at 28, 32 and 36 weeks of age. Data were collected on body weight at housing and at end of production period, egg weight, egg production, fertility, hatchability and number of poults on two trials of Large White turkey females. Returns for the production of hatching eggs were calculated using variable costs (estimated placement value of hens at the time of housing and feed costs during the production period) and total revenues (value of fertile eggs produced and salvage value of hens at the end of the production period). The variable costs were highest for the oldest groups (36- and 40-week age groups). The total revenues were highest for 32- and 36-week age groups. The 32- and 36-week age groups had the highest net return per hen. In Trial 2, the eggs weighing 70 grams or less and 101 grams or more were classified as unsettable. Since the 28-week age group had a larger percentage of eggs being classified as small, returns from this group were reduced due to the production of a larger number of small eggs. Therefore, the best age at which to provide stimulatory light to stimulate Large White turkey hens into production from the standpoint of hatching egg returns is between 32 and 36 weeks of age.