Hy-Line W36 Research Articles

Effects of different supplemental levels of protease DE200 on the production performance, egg quality, and cecum microflora of laying hens.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of the protease DE200 on the performance, egg quality, organ index, and cecum microflora of Hy-line W36 laying hens. In this experiment, a total of 180 laying hens aged 300 d were randomly divided into three treatment groups and fed diets containing 0, 100, or 200g/t DE200. The experimental period was 8wk, including 2wk of prefeeding and 6wk of the formal experiment. Regular feeding was performed thrice a day and eggs were collected twice daily, and the feed intake and the egg quality were recorded. The results showed that in terms of production performance, dietary supplementation with different levels of DE200 significantly increased egg production (EP; P < 0.05) and significantly decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR; P < 0.05) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; P < 0.05) without affecting egg weight (EW). In addition, the addition of DE200 significantly reduced the egg breakage rate (P < 0.05) and tended to increase the Haugh unit and decrease the water content of the yolk (P > 0.05). In the cecal microflora, the addition of DE200 increased the proportions of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes at the phylum level while reducing the proportion of Fusobacteria. Furthermore, at the genus level, the addition of DE200 increased the proportions of Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium and reduced the proportion of Megamonas. This study suggested that the protease DE200 can be used as a feed supplement to improve the production performance of laying hens.

An investigation into the influence of fermented cottonseed meal on the productive performance, egg quality, and gut health in laying hens

The present study investigates the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with either cottonseed meal (CSM) or fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) on the productive performance, egg quality, blood biochemistry parameters, gut bacterial population, and small intestinal morphology of laying hens. A total of 648 Hy-Line W36 laying hens aged 40 weeks were randomly assigned to 9 treatments, with 6 replicates each and 12 birds per replicate. The feeding trial lasted 12 weeks. The treatments consisted of a control diet based on corn and SBM, as well as 8 experimental diets in which 7.5, 15, 22.5, and 30% of the SBM in the control diet was replaced with either CSM or FCSM. Laying hens fed diets with different levels of FCSM had higher egg production and egg mass than those fed with CSM diets at weeks 46 to 51 (P < 0.05). Diets containing FCSM also significantly improved the feed conversion ratio at weeks 40 to 45 and 46 to 51 (P < 0.05). Eggshell strength was significantly greater in birds fed diets containing FCSM than those fed other dietary treatments at 51 weeks of age (P < 0.05). Hens fed diets containing FCSM had higher calcium and lower cholesterol in serum than those on other diets (P < 0.05). Replacing SBM with FCSM decreased the egg yolk cholesterol content (P < 0.05). Additionally, feeding diets containing different levels of FCSM increased villus height and villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Diets containing FCSM also reduced pH and coliform population in the ileum, and ceca and increased lactic acid bacteria count in the crop and ceca (P < 0.05). Overall, the present data showed that including FCSM in the diet of laying hens can positively affect productive performance compared to CSM. Moreover, substituting SBM with FCSM, can improve eggshell quality, promote gut health, and reduce egg yolk cholesterol concentration.

Variation in litter occupancy and dust bathing patterns among layer strains following periods of litter restriction

Producers are moving toward cage-free systems to house laying hens. These include aviary styles with multilevel wire enclosures and litter areas on the floor. In aviaries with doors hens can be confined within the tiered enclosure, which can be done to promote oviposition in nests and prevent hens from laying eggs in litter. However, there are multiple genetic strains of laying hen used in the egg industry, and some show different temporal patterns for key behaviors that could affect when they want to be on litter. For example, though dust bathing by laying hens is typically considered to peak in early afternoon, there may be variation in timing of motivation to dust bathe among strains. Differences in hens' temporal patterns, coupled with aviary configurations or management practices, may restricts birds' ability to perform important behaviors, such as dust bathing (DB), when they would most prefer to do them. Our objective was to determine if there were strain differences in the temporal pattern of DB. We examined the timing of DB in 4 strains of laying hen (Hy-Line Brown [HB], Bovans Brown [BB], DeKalb White [DW], and Hy-Line W36 [W36]) housed in aviaries using 144 hens of each strain per aviary unit (4 units/strain). We recorded the number of hens DB and on litter using instantaneous scan sampling every 5 min using video collected at 26 and 28 wk of age beginning at 11:35 (when litter access began each day) to 20:00 (lights off). Brown strains acclimated to litter access more slowly than white strains. Hens of all strains DB most often soon after gaining access to litter, and more white hens (DW and W36) DB simultaneously and in the presence of more conspecifics. Further examination of diurnal rhythm of behaviors, such as dust bathing, under unconstrained conditions by a range of genetic strains of laying hens is needed to design management practices and aviary styles that best meet hens' needs.

Effective Strategies for Mitigating Feather Pecking and Cannibalism in Cage-Free W-36 Pullets

Pecking is one of the most concerning poultry welfare issues in the layer houses, especially in the cage-free (CF) housing system. Pecking behavior may lead to severe feather pecking (SFP) and cannibalism when birds feel frustrated, stressed, and dominant over other birds. Since pecking is caused by multi-factorial problems (e.g., hormonal influence, environment, dietary composition, and genetic differences), it is very important to find optimal strategies for reducing pecking damage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of pullet age and management practices on pecking behavior and to identify the optimal pecking mitigation strategy. Four climate-controlled rooms were used, each housing 200 Hy-Line W36 pullets, for a total of 800 pullets from 0 to 16 weeks of age (WOA). Pecking mitigation strategies were tested at different ages, including an isolated chamber (IC) at 14 WOA, an IC with lotion (water, aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, calendula, and methyl anthranilate), and a pecking block from 15 to 16 WOA. Data on severe feather pecking (SFP) and mortality were collected daily from 13 to 16 WOA during the pecking block, IC, and IC with lotion treatments and from 0 to 16 WOA for the entire pullet cycle of age treatment. Results show that the SFP significantly increased with the bird’s age (p &lt; 0.01). The SFP started with 5 WOA. About 16% of birds were found with severe peck damages by 16 WOA. In this study, pecking blocks did not show a reduction in pecking order, possibly due to pecking at alarming rates. Isolating birds with SFP damages into the IC and applying lotion resulted in a significant decrease in SFP (p &lt; 0.05) and cannibalism (p &lt; 0.05). This study provides a reference for commercial CF egg producers to develop on-farm management strategies for mitigating pecking damage and cannibalism.

Effect of the combination of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and higher level of calcium and phosphorus in the diets on bone 3D structural development in pullets.

Bone issues such as osteoporosis are major concerns for the laying hen industry. A study was conducted to improve bone-health in pullets. A total of 448 one-day-old Hyline W36 pullets were randomly assigned to four treatments (8 rep; 14 birds/rep) until 17weeks (wks). Dietary treatments were: 1) vitamin D3 at (2,760IU/kg) (D), 2) vitamin D3 (2,760IU/kg)+62.5mg 25-(OH)D3/ton (H25D), 3) vitamin D3 (2,760IU/kg) + 62.5mg 25-(OH)D3/ton + high Ca&P (H25D + Ca/P), and 4) vitamin D3 (2,760IU/kg) + high Ca&P (D + Ca/P). The high calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) diet was modified by increasing both high calcium and phosphorus by 30% (2:1) for the first 12wks and then only increasing P for 12-17wks to reduce the Ca to P ratio. At 17wk, growth performance was measured, whole body composition was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and femur bones were scanned using Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) for bone 3D structure analyses. The data were subjected to a one-way ANOVA using the GLM procedure, with means deemed significant at p < 0.05. There was no significant outcome for growth performance or dual energy x-ray absorptiometry parameters. Micro-computed tomography results indicated that the H25D + Ca/P treatment had lower open pore volume space, open porosity, total volume of pore space, and total porosity in the cortical bone compared to the D + Ca/P. It also showed that a higher cortical bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) in the H25D + Ca/P than in the D + Ca/P. Furthermore, the H25D + Ca/P treatment had the lowest trabecular pattern factor and structure model index compared to the other treatments, which indicates its beneficial effects on trabecular structural development. Moreover, the H25D + Ca/P had a higher trabecular percentage compared to the D and 25D, which suggests the additional high calcium and phosphorus supplementation on top of 25D increased trabecular content in the cavity. In conclusion, the combination of 25D with higher levels of high calcium and phosphorus could improve cortical bone quality in pullets and showed a beneficial effect on trabecular bone 3D structural development. Thus, combination of a higher bio-active form of vitamin D3 and higher levels of high calcium and phosphorus could become a potential feeding strategy to improve bone structural integrity and health in pullets.

Saffron extract feed improves the antioxidant status of laying hens and the inhibitory effect on cancer cells (PC3 and MCF7) Growth.

There have been some reports regarding supplementation of saffron petal extract on performance and egg quality in laying hens. However, the effect of saffron petal extract fed diet at different amounts on antioxidant status of laying hens and the impact of the resulting egg yolk on growth/inhibitory activity of cancer cells has not been fully studied. The effect of dried saffron petal extract on the laying performance, egg qualitative traits, antioxidant status, and its inhibitory effect on cancer cells was studied. A total of 200 39-week-old Hy-line W36 Leghorn laying hens were selected based on a completely randomised design in four treatments with five replications (10 hens per replication). The four treatment diets consisted of a basal diet with no supplement (control), and three diet supplement groups containing 40, 60 and 80ppm of saffron petal extract. Adding 80ppm of saffron petal extract to layer diets increased egg production (p < 0.05). Malondialdehyde,1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl value and Superoxide dismutase significantly improved by saffron petal dietary supplementation. The yolk weight and colour, Haugh unit and shell weight and thickness were also influenced (p < 0.05) with highest values achieved in the 60ppm saffron extract supplemented diet. Results demonstrated a significant effect of saffron extract inclusion in the diet on the growth of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 and Prostate Cancer Cell in a positive dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05) and the most intense inhibitory effect on cancer cells was observed with 60-80ppm extract. Saffron petal extract can be used to potentially modulate the antioxidant status of laying hens and the inhibitory effect on cancer cells, best achieved with 60-80ppm extract.

Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder supplementation in laying hens' diet on production performance, blood biochemical parametersand egg quality traits.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of turmeric powder (TP) supplementation on laying hens' performance, blood biochemical parametersand egg quality parameters. In total, 144 laying hens (Hy-line W36) ageing 53 weeks were used in this study. Birds were randomly assigned to three treatments (6 replicates, 8 birds in each). The diets contained 0 (control), 0.25, and 0.5% TP based on the maize-soybean meal. It was found that the TP supplementation significantly reduced egg production, weightand mass throughout the experiment (p < 0.05). However, the feed conversion ratio increased (p < 0.05), whereas feed intake remained unaffected. Yolk percentage, heightand index reduced, and the yolk colour, accompanied by the egg-shell percentage, increased (p< 0.05) during the first 4 weeks of the experiment. Interestingly, only the albumen pH was affected by TP supplementation during the second 4 weeks (p < 0.05). The serum malondialdehyde level reduced significantly, and the total antioxidant capacity increased in the groups fed on the diets supplemented with TP (p < 0.05). Serum lipids levels, including triglyceride, cholesteroland very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and the yolk triglyceride level reduced due to TP supplementation (p < 0.05). The interactive effect of all three independent factors on the internal quality traits of the stored eggs was significant only for yolk pH (p < 0.05). Thus, TP could be a potential lipid reducing factor, especially triglycerides, and a natural antioxidant in laying hens' diet. However, it may significantly impair the productive performance of laying hens under normal environmental conditions.

Effects of a synbiotic combination of Bacillus subtilis and yeast cell wall-derived glucomannan on cecal colonization of Salmonella Enteritidis in layer chickens

Salmonella Enteritidis ( SE ) has been a major foodborne concern associated with poultry and poultry products. Direct-fed microbials ( DFM ), such as Bacillus subtilis strains , and mannan-oligosaccharides ( MOS ) added into poultry feed have emerged as an alternative approach to antimicrobials to reduce Salmonella colonization in chickens. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a synbiotic feed additive product (BacPack Q1+1) combining a selected Bacillus subtilis strain and yeast cell wall-derived MOS on SE colonization in the ceca of Hy-line W36 pullets. Day-old chicks were raised in cage units and orally challenged at 3 wk-of-age with a nalidixic acid resistant SE strain at a dose of 1.6 × 10 9 colony forming units ( CFU ) per bird. SE colonization was assessed by enumeration of SE in cecal pouches at 7, 10 and 13 days postinfection ( dpi ). SE was not detectable in the ceca of 68% of synbiotic supplemented pullets compared to 36% of the controls at 13 dpi ( P = 0.049). The findings of this study suggest that synbiotic combinations of DFM and prebiotics could be a useful tool for reducing the prevalence of Salmonella in layer chickens.

Influence of nanosilver in hybrid carriers on morphological and biochemical blood pa-rameters of laying hens

The search for an alternative to antibiotics in poultry has led to a study of the effectiveness of using nanosilver preparations in the production of table eggs. The experiment determined the effect of the drug nanosilver in carriers based on polymer/inorganic hybrids (AgNPs/SPH) on morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood of laying hens. For this, 45 Hy-Line W36 hens were used at the age of 38 weeks, which were randomly divided into three groups. The AgNPs/SPH solution was administered 3 times a month with an interval of 10 days at concentrations of 0.0, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/L (0.0, 0.2 and 0.4 mg per hen per day). The introduction of AgNPs/SPH in doses of 0.2 and 0.4 mg per hen per day three times a month did not have a significant effect on the morphological parameters of the blood. A single dose of 0.2 mg AgNPs/SPH solution per hen per day increased the level of total protein, glucose, cholesterol, as well as the activity of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in the blood serum and decreased albumin, creatinine and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity. Feeding laying hens a solution of nanosilver in a larger dose had a less pronounced effect on these indicators. Two-fold administration of AgNPs/SPH solution at a dose of 0.2 mg per laying hen per day increased only gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in the blood serum, but decreased the level of total activity of protein, albumin, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase. At the same time, the drug nanosilver in double dose per day caused an increase in albumin content and alkaline phosphatase activity in the serum of hens. Triple feeding of laying hens with a solution of nanosilver at a dose of 0.2 mg per hen per day did not affect most of the biochemical parameters of serum, but in the double dose increased the content of total protein against the background of lowered cholesterol and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity. With the increase in the frequency of feeding laying hens solutions of nanosilver in carriers based on polymer / inorganic hybrids, the level of severity of their impact on the metabolic profile of serum decreased. The results of research can be the basis for determining the optimal interval of application of nanosilver drugs in poultry, depending on the method of their synthesis and stabilization.

Protease Supplementation in the Diet of Light Laying Hens

This work was developed to evaluate the impact of the addition of proteases on the performance characteristics, egg quality, relative weight of digestive organs, and intestinal morphometry of laying hens. 390 Hy Line W36® hens were allocated into five treatments and six replicates with 13 animals. The treatments were: 1) Control (standard formulation), 2) Negative control A - NCA (nutritional reduction according to protease A matrix), 3) Negative control B - NCB (nutritional reduction according to protease B matrix), 4) NCA+protease A (0.250 g/kg of feed) and 5) NCB+protease B (0.125 g/kg of feed). Hens fed the NCA, NCB, and NCA+protease A diets showed reductions in feed intake and egg mass. The addition of protease B provided better results for egg production in both percentage and per dozen as compared to the group fed with the NCA+protease A diets. The hens subjected to diets NCA and NCB showed eggs with a reduced eggshell and thickness percentage. However, supplementation with proteases A and B improved these parameters to values similar to the controls. There was no significant effect of the treatments on the relative weight of the liver, proventricle, gizzard, pancreas, and small intestine. However, the addition of protease A resulted in a decreased value for the relative weight of the large intestine. The jejunum and ileum crypt depths were, respectively, smaller in hens fed the control diet in relation to the NCB diet and the NCA and NCB diets. As it can be concluded, Protease B supplementation provided the best performance results.

Influence of lycopene and astaxanthin in feed on metabolic parameters of laying hens, yolk color of eggs and their content of carotenoids and vitamin A when stored under refrigerated conditions.

Orientating investigations were carried out in order to test the influence of oil extracts of lycopene (20, 40 and 60 mg/kg feed) and astaxanthin (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg feed) as feed additives on the metabolic parameters (glucose, creatinine, cholesterol) and enzyme activities (alanine aminotransferase, ALT; aspartate transaminase, AST) of laying hens. Eggs from these hens were stored at refrigerator temperatures of 4°C and 12°C for up to 30 days and analyzed for vitamin A, carotenoid and yolk color. 45 laying hens (Hy-Line W36 cross, 23 weeks of age) were divided in three groups of 15 birds each (control, lycopene fed group, astaxanthin fed group). Blood samples were taken from the hens and laid eggs were collected on days 31, 61, and 91 of the study. The eggs were stored for 30 days in refrigerators. Both lycopene and astaxanthin increased the content of glucose in serum (Р⟨0.05). The content of creatinine and cholesterol, and the activity of ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase varied dose-dependently. With the exception of cholesterol, metabolite concentrations in the serum of laying hens fed different lycopene and astaxanthin doses did not exceed clinically accepted physiological levels. The carotenoid content and color of the egg yolks from laying hens fed astaxanthin was significantly higher (Р⟨0.05) compared to lycopene fed birds. Refrigerator storage of the eggs did not affect carotenoid content and egg yolk color compared to freshly laid eggs. Both feed additives showed a favorable effect on the metabolism of laying hens and the enrichment of egg yolks with carotenoids, astaxanthin significantly more (Р⟨0.05) than lycopene.

Non-phytate phosphorus requirements of egg laying pullets from 0 to 3 weeks of age and carryover effects of phosphorus deficiency at 6, 9, 12, and 18 weeks of age

The objectives were to determine the non-phytate phosphorus ( nPP ) requirement in 0 to 3-wk-old laying hen pullets using body weight ( BW ), mortality corrected feed conversion ratio ( FCRm ), tibia ash expressed as weight ( TAW ) and percentage ( TAP ), and total body bone mineral content ( BMC ) and to understand the longer term effects of early phosphorus deficiency on pullets over time. Hy-Line W36 pullets were distributed across 42 cages resulting in 7 dietary treatments (0.15, 0.22, 0.29, 0.36, 0.43, 0.49, and 0.53% nPP and 1.0% Calcium) fed across 6 replicate cages of 30 chicks. After 3 wk, all birds were switched to common corn-soybean meal diets that contained 0.49, 0.48, 0.45, 0.48% nPP and 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 2.5% Ca from 3–6, 6-12, 12–15, 15–18, respectively. Pullets were euthanized at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 wk of age for BMC and tibia ash determination. Linear and quadratic broken-lines were used to estimate nPP requirements of 0 to 3-wk-old pullets. The nPP requirement was 0.31% nPP for BW; 0.27% nPP for FCRm; 0.31% for TAP; 0.31% for TAW; 0.32% for BMC using linear broken line analysis. Low concentrations of dietary nPP fed over the 0 to 3 wk period reduced BW at 6 wk ( P ≤ 0.05), but after 9 wk no response criteria were different among the dietary nPP treatments ( P > 0.05). These data indicate that the nPP requirement for pullets from 0 to 3 wk is between 0.27 and 0.32% nPP dependent on response criteria used, and that there are few to no long-term effects of low phosphorus feeding when pullets are provided an adequate nPP diet over time.

Influence of preparation of silver nanoparticles in carriers based on polymer/inorganic hybrids on the mineral composition of chicken eggs

The solution to the problem of reducing the use of antibiotics in the production of edible eggs is possible through the development and use of alternative bactericidal preparations, including those based on nanosilver. Obtaining biocompatible and biodegradable polymer/inorganic carriers of nanosilver provides for the study of its cumulative qualities which determine the safety of edible chicken eggs. The study investigated the mineral composition of edible eggs when feeding Hy-Line W36 laying hens solutions of the nanosilver preparation in carriers based on polymer/inorganic hybrids (AgNPs/SPH) given in the concentrations of 0, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/L of water (0, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/hen per day) three times at 10 day intervals. Oral administration to laying hens of an aqueous solution of silver nanoparticles in carriers based on polymer/inorganic hybrids at doses of 0.2 and 0.4 mg per hen per day in a dose-dependent manner increased the silver content and did not significantly affect the content of copper, zinc, iron, and lead in the eggshell. The preparation of silver nanoparticles did not affect the content of silver, copper, zinc, iron and lead in the albumen and yolk of chicken eggs after the first and second application, and after the third treatment of laying hens contributed to an increase in the silver content in the egg albumen and yolk but did not affect the content in them of copper, zinc, iron and lead. A single feeding of a solution of a preparation of nanosilver in carriers based on polymer/inorganic hybrids to hens at doses of 0.2 and 0.4 mg per hen per day after 10 days, contributed to a significant increase in the yolks of chicken eggs due to a decrease in the albumen and eggshell. The second and third application of nanosilver to poultry in the indicated doses contributed to a decrease in its proportion in the albumen and in the yolk due to a significant increase in its proportion in the shell. Selective accumulation of in-shell silver can be a promising means of improving the safety and security of chicken eggs when they are microbially contaminated. The results of using nanosilver based on polymer/inorganic hybrids in laying hens can be the basis for the development of methods for increasing the bactericidal properties of the shell and the safety of edible eggs.

Effect of almond hulls on the performance, egg quality, nutrient digestibility, and body composition of laying hens

The objective of this study was to evaluate 2 varieties of almond hulls (prime and California type hulls) as an alternative feed ingredient on the performance, egg quality, nutrient digestibility, and body composition using a total of 100 23-week-old Hy-Line W36 hens. Treatments consisted of a control diet based on corn and soybean meal; T2 and T3 were formulated to contain 7.5 and 15% of prime hulls; and T4 and T5 contained 7.5 and 15% of California type hulls. Inclusion of prime hulls and California type hulls had no effects on feed intake, egg laying rate, and feed conversion ratio, but California type hulls at 7.5% decreased (P < 0.001) body weight gain compared to the control. Prime hulls at 7.5% and California type hulls at both levels improved (P ≤ 0.022) AMEn and N digestibility. Both prime hulls and California type hulls had no effects on egg size, specific gravity, Haugh unit, and percentages of yolk, albumen and shell, but yolk color appeared greener and less yellow (P ≤ 0.009) by prime hulls and less yellow (P = 0.001) by California type hulls. For body composition, prime hulls and California type hulls at both levels lowered (P ≤ 0.017) body fat, and California type hulls at 7.5% decreased (P = 0.001) lean weight. In summary, inclusion of prime hulls and California type hulls up to 15% had no negative effect on egg production and egg quality while reduced the body fat percentage and mass.

Effect of Age on Bone Structure Parameters in Laying Hens.

Simple SummaryLaying hens supply calcium to their eggshells via a process of dynamic bone formation and resorption called remodeling. As hens age, their bone becomes weak and brittle due to an imbalance in remodeling, resulting in bone disorders. Osteoporosis, characterized by bone mass loss and increased risk of fractures, is a serious problem in the egg industry, affecting both productivity and animal welfare. Nonetheless, the mechanisms of age-related osteoporosis remain unknown. We evaluated differences in bone structure between age groups, using microscopy and 3D imaging. Bone quality was reduced by an increase in porosity, with loss of volume, contributing to age-related osteoporosis.Changes in medullary and cortical bone structure with age remain unclear. Twenty Hy-Line W36 hens, 25 or 52 weeks of age, were euthanized, and both tibiae were collected when an egg was present in the magnum. Serial cross sections of the tibiae were stained with Alcian blue. The bones were scanned using micro-computed tomography. Trabecular width (Tb.Wi) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in 25-week-old hens, whereas medullary bone tissue volume (TV) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in 52-week-old hens. 25-week-old hens had significantly higher (p < 0.01) bone volume fraction (BVF = calcified tissue / TV). Moreover, the cortical bone parameters were significantly higher (TV and bone mineral content (BMC) at p < 0.05, and bone volume (BV) and BVF at p < 0.01) in younger hens. Open porosity and total porosity, which indicate less density, were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in older hens. Older hens showed significantly higher (p < 0.01) tibial diaphysis TV than younger hens. Younger hens had significantly higher (p < 0.01) BV, BVF and bone mineral density (BMD) of the tibial diaphysis. These findings reveal that reductions in medullary bone quality might be associated with age-related low estrogen levels and stimulation of osteoclastic bone resorption by parathyroid hormone. Cortical bone quality decreased with enlargement of the Haversian canals and loss of volume, with a longer egg-laying period leading to osteoporosis.

Effects of sumac fruit powder (Rhus coriaria L.) supplementation on productive performance, egg quality traits and serum biochemical parameters in old laying hens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of sumac fruit powder (SFP; Rhus coriaria L.) supplementation on productive performance, egg quality traits and serum biochemical parameters in old laying hens. One-hundred-twenty, 54 weeks old Hy-line W36 strain-laying hens were assigned to three treatments, five replicates and eight hens per replicate in a completely randomised design. Experimental diets included: (1) Control (C) without SFP supplementation, (2) 0.25% SFP and (3) 0.5% SFP supplemented diet. The experimental diets were fed for 8 weeks. The results showed that the egg production rate (EPR) and egg mass (EM) significantly reduced, and FCR increased in the SFP group compared to the control group (p < .05). During the first laying period (0–4 weeks), egg yolk percentage (YP), Yolk height (YH) and yolk index (YI) were significantly reduced by SFP supplementation; however, during both laying periods (0–4 and 4–8 weeks), yolk pH increased by 0.5% SFP supplementation as compared to the control group (p < .05). During the second laying period (4–8 weeks), Haugh unit (HU), YH and egg density (ED) significantly reduced in SFP supplemented groups (p < .05). However, albumen pH was significantly increased in both SFP supplemented groups; but, yolk pH and YI were significantly increased only in the group of birds fed diets supplemented with 0.5% SFP compared to the control group (p < .05). The serum biochemical analysis showed that SFP supplementation significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < .05). SFP supplementation significantly reduced triglyceride, cholesterol and VLDL content of serum (p < .05). Also, yolk triglyceride showed a significant reduction through SFP supplementation (p < .05). In conclusion, SFP supplementation in the laying hens’ diet could significantly reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels and increase the antioxidant status of laying hens. Nevertheless, it might have negative impacts on production performance. Highlights Sumac fruit powder (SFP) can be used as a potential alternative to antibiotics and synthetic antioxidants. SFP can significantly reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride by interrupting lipid absorbance. SFP can significantly reduce production performance due to reducing blood and, subsequently, yolk lipids levels, especially cholesterol and triglyceride.

Comparison between infrared and hot-blade beak trimming methods in white and brown pullets: performance, organ and bone development

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate infrared beak trimming versus hot-blade beak trimming on performance, organ and bone development of laying pullets, using 240 birds, at 0-16 weeks of age, from two strains (white layer - Hy-Line W36 and brown layer - Hy-Line Brown). Infrared debeaking was performed on the first day of life in the hatchery, whereas hot-blade beak trimming was performed at eight days of age. Zootechnical performance at 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks of age was analyzed. At the end of the trial, one Bird per experimental unit was euthanized for liver, gizzard, proventriculus, heart and small intestine relative weight evaluation. Both tibiotarsus were collected to measure bone breaking resistance, bone mineral content and bone densitometry. There was higher body weight and feed intake in both bird strains submitted to infrared beak trimming. Additionally, hot-blade white layers presented lower body development and feed intake. The debeaking methods did not influence relative organ weights or tibiotarsus parameters evaluated. We conclude that the infrared beak trimming method promotes better pullet body development than the conventional hot-blade method, improving feed intake, without compromising organ and bone development, being a more adequate debeaking method to be used in layer production.

Effects of different proteases on commercial laying hens at peak production

We evaluated the effect of adding proteases in diets of laying hens at peak production on the performance, egg quality, relative weight of digestive organs, and intestinal morphometry. Hy-Line W36 layer hens (390; 28-39 weeks old) were distributed in five treatments, with 13 animals each, with six replicates. The treatments were: control (standard formulation without nutritional reduction or protease inclusion), negative control A – NCA (nutritional reduction according to protease A matrix, without protease), negative control B – NCB [...]

Role of long-term supplementation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on egg production and egg quality of laying hen

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD) on pullet and egg-laying hen growth performance, egg production, and egg quality. Three hundred and ninety 1-day-old Hy-Line W36 pullets were randomly allocated to 3 treatments with 10 replicated cages and 13 birds per cage. Dietary treatments were vitamin D3 at 2,760 IU/kg (D); vitamin D3 at 5,520 IU/kg (DD), and vitamin D3 at 2,760 IU/kg plus 25OHD at 2,760 IU (69 μg)/kg (25D). Body weight and feed intake were recorded at the end of each stage: starter 1 (0–3 wk), starter 2 (4–6 wk), grower (7–12 wk), developer (13–15 wk), prelay (15–17 wk), peaking (18–38 wk), layer 2 (39–48 wk), layer 3 (49–60 wk), layer 4 (61–75 wk), and layer 5 (76–95 wk). Egg production was recorded daily. Egg quality was evaluated every 8 wk starting from 25 wk. There was no difference in growth performance during the rearing period (0–17 wk). In the laying period (18–95 wk), DD showed lower feed intake at layer 2, but higher intake at layer 3 along with lower hen day production (HDP) from 22 to 48 wk compared to the other treatments. During the same period, the DD group laid smaller eggs with higher specific gravity and shell thickness compared with the other treatments or D alone at 40 wk, which may be partly due to the lower body weight. In contrast, 25D had better feed conversion ratio (feed intake per dozen of eggs) at layer 2, and higher overall (22–60 wk) HDP compared with DD. For the egg quality analysis, at 25 and 33 wk, both DD and 25D had higher Haugh unit compared with D. However, 25OHD has no effects on eggshell quality during the entire production period and no beneficial effects on egg production during the later laying period (after 60 wk). In summary, long-term and early supplementation of 25OHD has positive effects on egg production and egg quality, and the beneficial effects were mainly observed during the early laying stage.

Qualidade de ovos acondicionados em diferentes tipos de embalagens e armazenados em postos de comercialização no Município de São João del– Rei, MG

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade de ovos acondicionados em diferentes tipos de embalagens e armazenados em postos de comercialização no município de São João del-Rei, ao longo de 35 dias. Foram utilizados 360 ovos brancos oriundos de poedeiras da linhagem HyLine W36, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2x3x5 (dois locais de armazenamento/supermercados (S1 e S2), 3 tipos de embalagem (isopor (Iso), plástico (Plas) e celulose (Cel)) e cinco períodos de avaliação: 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias), totalizando 30 tratamentos com quatro repetições, composta de 3 ovos cada. Os dados obtidos para cada parâmetro foram submetidos a análises de variância, adotando-se nível de significância de 5%. Em caso de significância estatística (P&lt;0,05) para interação entre o período, tipo de embalagens e supermercado, foram ajustados modelos de regressão linear ou quadrático para as variáveis resposta. A perda de peso, altura do albúmen, diâmetro médio do albúmen e unidade Haugh apresentaram interação (p&lt;0,05) entre Período, Supermercado e Embalagens.A gravidade específica reduziu (p&lt;0,05) a partir do 21° dia de estocagem. O pH de gema e albúmen e taxa de casca, não foram afetados (p&gt;0,05) pelo tipo de embalagem. Os ovos avaliados aos 35 dias apresentaram pH da e taxa de gema elevados (p&lt;0,05) e pH e taxa do albúmen reduzidos (p&lt;0,05). O período de estocagem interfere negativamente nas características de qualidade interna dos ovos. A embalagem de plástico e isopor apresentam melhores resultados na manutenção da qualidade dos ovos no decorrer do tempo, sendo a primeira mais indicada. O local onde os ovos são armazenados influencia na qualidade do ovo. Houve diferença entre os supermercados.