Layer Ration Research Articles

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

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

Prevalence of Escherichia coli in retail poultry feeds in Southeastern Nigeria

Poultry feed manufacturing and distribution are confronted with feed microbial quality challenges arising from disease outbreaks traceable to contaminated feeds. Lack of feed biosecurity measures at sales depots, exposure of feeds for retailing, and unhygienic handling compromise the microbial quality of feeds. Feed could hence become a source of pathogenic microbes to poultry and humans. This study evaluated the prevalence of Escherichia coli in retail poultry feeds in three States of Southeastern Nigeria using a purposive sampling method. A total of 389 feed samples were collected from four feed types (broiler finisher, broiler starter, chick grower, and layer ration) belonging to 11 feed brands (coded A to K) from retail outlets in Umuahia (Abia State), Abakaliki (Ebonyi State) and Enugu (Enugu State) for the study. Escherichia coli was isolated from some of the feed samples following standard laboratory procedures. Samples from Abia were the most bacterial and E. coli positive (87.7 and 74.6%, respectively) while feed brands G and F (100%, respectively) followed by J and A (80.7 and 72.7%, respectively) were the most contaminated. No bacterial contaminant was detected in brand D while layer ration was the most contaminated feed type (76.8%). The source of samples was significantly related to the frequency of bacterial contamination (χ2: 68.473, p < 0.000 for State; and χ2: 92.765, p < 0.000 for feed brand). Feed brand and feed type did not affect E. coli colony count but colony counts were higher than the permissible level for coliforms in feeds, and values reported for feeds in intact bags. In conclusion, exposing feeds for retailing compromises feed microbial quality. Graded bagging of retail quantities would help to preserve the microbial quality of poultry feeds from factory to farm.

Morphological Characteristics of F1 Generation (Mohini) cross bred ducks produced by crossing of Vigova Super M Drakes with Pati Ducks

The study was conducted at Govt. Duck and Poultry Farm, Joysagar, Sivasagar district of Assam with theobjective to develop a meat type duck variety by crossbreeding Vigova Super M Drakes with Pati Ducks.The resulting F1 Generation Ducks were studied for their phenotypic characteristics in comparison to theirparent line. The Body Weight of the F1 generation Duck were studied in comparison to their parent line.The F1 generation were also fed different ration along with different housing conditions. Different bodymeasurements were also studied along with their coat colour. The F1 generation showed marked increasein body weight in comparison to Vogova Super M duck and Pati Duck. Moreover the F1 generation fed onbroiler ration and housed in field condition showed marked increase in body weight in comparison to theduck fed with Layer ration and ducks kept in farm condition. The different body measurement shows themale to be superior to the females in different parameters with different coat colour. The major colourpattern of bill, shank and feet was found to be yellow, whereas skin was mostly white in colour and plumagecolour pattern found to be white, black and brown in different parts of the body.

Effect of Phytase Supplementation on the Performance of Babcock-380 Layer Hens

In order to examine the effect of phytase supplementation in the diet of laying hen this experiment was conducted with 30 commercial hybrid Babcock-380 layers of 73 weeks of age. The hens were grouped into 3 treatment groups and given microbial phytase (Rena Phytase 400) at levels 2.5, 1.5 and 0 (control) g/kg feed in addition to their basal diet (110 g commercial pellet/day). Records on egg production/group/day, egg mass weight/day, body weight of hens at the end of experimental period were taken and analysed. Results revealed that hen house egg production (HHEP) and egg weight (EW) varied (p<0.05) among the treatment groups but level of phytase did not affect (p<0.05) body weight of hens. Both HHEP and EW were in order of 2.5>1.5>0 g/kg feed phytase group and all the means were significantly (p<0.05) different from each other within treatment groups. Microbial phytase supplementation in layer ration proved to be beneficial in terms of egg production and egg size even after 72 weeks of age of hens. Layer farms in Malaysia can use this technology to earn more profit.

Amino acid digestibility and digestible indispensable amino acid score-like values of black soldier fly larvae fed different forms and concentrations of calcium using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay.

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are an alternative protein source for animals, including dogs and cats. Dietary calcium source is an essential nutrient for BSFL development in the pupal stage. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) are common calcium sources but differ in solubility, acid-binding capacity, and calcium concentration. A high calcium concentration in BSFL may affect how well nitrogen and amino acids (AA) are digested by animals consuming them, thereby affecting feed conversion efficiency. Our objective was to determine the effects of dietary calcium form and concentration on nutrient composition, AA digestibility, and digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS)-like values of BSFL intended for use in animal feeds using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. All BSFL tested in this study were harvested at 18 d after hatch. Industry standard rearing conditions were maintained and a commercial layer ration was fed to all BSFL until 11 d post-hatch. From day 11 to 18, BSFL were fed a combination of distiller's dried grains with solubles from a distillery, bakery byproduct meal, and varied calcium sources. All BSFL diets contained 0.2% calcium in the basal diet plus additional calcium in the following amounts and forms: BSFLA: 1.2% CaCl2, BSFLB: 1.2% CaCO3, BSFLC: 0.75% CaCO3, and BSFLD: 0.6% CaCO3 + 0.6% CaCl2. On day 18, BSFL were washed and frozen. Prior to the rooster assay, BSFL were lyophilized and ground. In total, 16 cecectomized roosters (4 roosters per substrate) were randomly assigned to test substrates. After 24 h of feed withdrawal, roosters were tube-fed 20 g of test substrates. Following crop intubation, excreta were collected for 48 h. Endogenous corrections for AA were made using five additional cecectomized roosters. All data were analyzed using a completely randomized design and the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. Nutrient and AA digestibilities were not different among substrates. DIAAS-like values were calculated to determine protein quality according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles and National Research Council recommended allowances for dogs and cats. Although AA digestibilities did not differ, those containing CaCO3 generally had higher DIAAS-like reference values than the diet containing CaCl2 alone (BSFLA). Aromatic AA (Phe + Tyr) and sulfur AA (Met + Cys) were often first-limiting AA. Our results suggest that calcium sources fed to BSFL did not affect AA digestibility and protein quality.

Use of Medicinal Mushrooms in Layer Ration.

Simple SummaryThe extensive use of antibiotics in the poultry industry to increase production performance has led to human health hazards. The use of natural herbs as antibiotic substitutes has been reported in the poultry feed industry. Therefore, the objective of this review was to determine the effect of different levels of mushrooms and their extract in diet on laying performance and health status. On the basis of previous findings, dietary supplementation using mushrooms as a natural feed supplement sustained laying performance and improved immunity in laying hens.Application of different medicinal mushrooms intended to enhance production performance and health status has created an importance demand in poultry production. One goal of using medicinal mushrooms is to get rid of antibiotics in poultry feed without affecting the optimum performance. Increasing concerns about this issue have led to more attention on antibiotic substitutes and a significant demand for them for organic egg production. Thus, supplementation with medicinal mushrooms is a new concept for research in layer production, however, there is still a great deal of confusion about inclusion levels and the mode of action of medicinal mushrooms on production performance and health status in laying hens. Taking this into account, this review outlines the experimental uses of medicinal fungi on the growth performance, laying performance, egg quality, and health status of layer birds based on previous findings to date. Finally, we highlight that supplementation with medicinal fungi can play a role on the immunity, health, and production performance in laying hens.

Omega‐3 supplementation for enhancement of egg functional properties

Functionality of whole egg was evaluated after several treatments and storage conditions. Treatment 1 (Trt 1) contained untreated eggs. Alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid were added to whole egg (Trt 2). A control layer ration (Trt 3) and Trt 4 (control + chia seed, flaxseed, and fish oil) was provided to laying hens. Trt 5 and Trt 6 were spray-dried egg from hens fed Trt 3 and Trt 4, respectively. Production and egg quality measurements were not different for Trt 3 and Trt 4. Statistical rankings (p ≤ 0.05) for foaming index was Trt 4 (144.10) > Trt 2 (142.44) > Trt 1 (140.29) = Trt 3 (140.34) > Trt 5 (138.94) > Trt 6 (138.45); that for foam stability was Trt 2 (39.09) = Trt 4 (39.72) > Trt 1 (38.23) = Trt 3 (38.41) > Trt 5 (37.05) > Trt 6 (36.38). Emulsification capacity was ranked as Trt 6 (46.21) > Trt 4 (45.92) = Trt 2 (45.85) > Trt 5 (41.68) > Trt 3 (38.04) > Trt 1 (37.15); that for cake volume was Trt 4 (290.52) > Trt 2 (289.40) > Trt 1 (275.31) = Trt 3 (275.91) > Trt 6 (274.22) > Trt 5 (273.28). Foaming index was correlated with cake volume. Lipid oxidation was significantly different among treatments. Practical applications Eggs, the most economical source of top-quality protein and minerals, are digested by most people and have no known religious limitation for use. The daily intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA) in diets provided via fortified eggs might decrease the risks associated with cardiovascular disease by improving the blood lipid profile and decreasing platelet agglutination. The fatty acid profile of eggs can be improved by the inclusion of omega-3 PUFA enriched sources in hen's feed or during processing. When enriched and dehydrated, eggs are valuable to the food industry due to ease of transport, handling, and economical storage. As well, whole egg, yolk, and albumen are used as ingredients in many food products due to their widely applicable functionalities of foaming, binding, emulsification, and gel stabilizations for food formulators. In the present study, omega-3 PUFA (alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid) were (a) added to whole egg in the laboratory and (b) incorporated into yolk through dietary manipulations by feeding a combination of chia seed, flaxseed, and fish oil to laying hens. Production measurements and functional properties before and after spray drying were investigated. Lipid oxidation was also assessed. Dehydrated fortified whole egg with excellent functional properties will be valuable to the industry and possibly improved human health.

Production of Egg with Low Cholesterol and High Omega-3 Fatty Acid through Dietary Manipulation

In order to produce egg, containing low cholesterol and high n3 fatty-acid (FA) an experiment with three groups (n=54) of laying WLH hens was undertaken for a period of 45 days. Group-1 (T1) was provided with standard layer ration (control). In T2 group diet was supplemented with chromium picolinate (1.0 ppm), Spirulina (0.02%), fish oil (1.5%) and α-tocopherol (250 ppm) and T3 group diet was supplemented with Atorvastatin (0.02%), EDTA (0.25%), Niacin (375 ppm), α-tocopherol (250 ppm) and fish oil (1.5%). The fish oil was prepared from abdominal content of the local fish. The results showed that daily feed intake was low (P≤0.05) in T3, compared to control. Egg quality or the performances of hens were not affected by the treatments. The total cholesterol was reduced (P≤0.05) by about 20% in T2 and T3 than the control. A significant increase in omega-3 fatty acid was noted in the eggs from T3. Eggs from T2 group was found to have higher (P≤0.05) linolenic acid (C18: 3n3) concentration than the control. On the other hand, concentration of linoleic acid (C18: 2n6), an omega-6 fatty acid was significantly higher in control compared with T2 and T3. Hence, for producing low cholesterol egg which has been preferred by health conscious consumers, dietary supplements as used in the T2 and T3 may be used without affecting production efficiency of laying hen. Fish oil from local fish may be effectively used for production of n3 FA enriched egg.

Comparative evaluation of Egg Quality Parameters of Kadaknath and Vanaraja Chicken in Intensive Farming System

In the present study , a total of 60 eggs were assessed for egg quality parameters of Kadaknath and Vanaraja chicken reared under deep litter farming system . All chickens were provided uniform diet of Chick (0-8 weeks), Grower (9-20 weeks) and Layer (above 20 weeks) ration. Except for the shape index, the internal egg quality parameters were significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in Vanaraja eggs as compared to Kadaknath. Results revealed that the quality of egg of Vanaraja chicken was found to be better as compared to Kadaknath chicken.

Efforts to Improve the Quality of Palm Kernel Cake through Fermentation Technology and Enzyme Addition for Poultry

Palm kernel cake (PKC) with the protein content 14-21% and crude fiber about 17.63% is a by product of palm kernel oil. Utilization of PKC as source of protein for poultry feed is still limited. While demand of feed is getting increased. Therefore, the technology to improve PKC quality is needed to optimalize using PKC. This paper inform any efforts to improve the quality of PKC through fermentation technology and addition of enzymes and their utilization as poultry feed ingredient. Fermentation process of PKC can be done using single bacteria, mold or combination of them. By fermentation technology, the protein of PKC increased up to 88% (from 13-15% to 16-28%) and crude fiber decreased by 28% (from 17 to 12.21%). Palm kernel cake after fermentation can substitute soybean meal up to 18%, can be used up to 21% in broiler ration, and up to 25% in layer ration. Enzyme addition could increase metabolisable energy. Fermented PKC and enzyme addition can improve feed efficiency and feed conversion, and reduce abdominal fat in the broiler. Fermentation technology and addition of enzyme to PKC could improve the nutritional quality of PKC.

Organic Egg Production, Egg Quality, Calcium Utilization, and Digestibility in Laying Hens Fed with Mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) Stem Waste

ABSTRACT The possibility of using mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) stem waste (FVW) in layer diets was explored in this study. A total of 180, 40-week-old ISA Brown laying hens were randomly assigned to 5 groups, with 6 replications of 6 birds for each group. Layers were fed a standard basal diet as control; antibiotic (0.05% flavomycin); 2% FVW; 4%FVW; and 6% FVW. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed on hen daily egg production, egg weight, egg mass, unmarketable eggs, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and live weight among experimental groups. Haugh unit was found higher (p 0.05) by feeding FVW in this study. Yolk color was found higher (p<0.05) in FVW fed groups than in control and antibiotic groups. The shell color was higher (p<0.05) both in 4% FVW and 6% FVW fed groups than in control and antibiotic groups. Calcium retention and calcium in egg shell deposition were higher (p<0.05) both in 4% FVW and 6% FVW fed groups than in control and antibiotic groups respectively. Apparent nutrient retention for dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and organic matter were higher (p<0.05) in FVW fed groups than in control and antibiotic groups. FVW at 6% level in layer ration can be used for organic eggs production which would be safe and sound for human consumption.

Efecto antioxidativo de las dietas suplementadas de las comidas de hoja de mantequilla en las pulletas de colocación

El presente estudio se llevó a cabo para examinar el potencial antioxidante del muérdago africano (Viscum album L.) como aditivo alimenticio alternativo para las gallinas ponedoras. Las hojas frescas del muérdago africano fueron cosechadas de los árboles del cacao y la cortina secó al peso constante. Las hojas se pusieron a tierra y se designaron como harina de muérdago (AMLM). Se asignaron aleatoriamente a un total de sesenta pollos marrones ISA a las 18 semanas de edad a cuatro tratamientos dietéticos consistentes en 5 repeticiones con 3 aves por repetición, cuando la producción de huevos fue del 4% en un diseño completamente al azar. Las aves fueron alimentadas con raciones de raciones y suplementos de muérdago dietético como tratamientos T1 (dieta basal + 0% AMLM), T2 (dieta basal + 2% AMLM), T3 (dieta basal + 4% AMLM) y T4 (dieta basal + 6% AMLM) ) durante el ensayo de alimentación de 16 semanas. A la octava semana y al final del ensayo de alimentación, se recogieron muestras de sangre a través de la vena yugular en una botella de muestras de todas las aves para el ensayo de indicador oxidativo sérico; malondialdehído (mMDA / mgprotein), actividad antioxidante total (mmol / litro), glutatión peroxidasa (GPx, μgGSH / min / mgprotein), superóxido dismutasa (SOD, U / min / mg de proteína) y catalasa (nmH2O2 / min / mg de proteína) utilizando procedimientos estándar. El resultado obtenido reveló que a las 8 semanas de puesta, la peroxidación lipídica en las gallinas ponedoras se redujo significativamente (p

Effect of ipil ipil and bean leaves supplementation on egg production, egg quality and growth performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

This study was conducted to determine the effect of ipil ipil and bean leaves supplementation on egg production, egg quality and growth performance of Japanese quail. A total of 40 “Japanese Quail” at the age of 42 days (06 weeks) old were divided into four groups T0, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Group T0 was considered as control which fed only with commercial layer ration. Group T1 was supplemented with formulation of 2 gm grinded ipil ipil leaves, Group T2 with 2 gm grinded Bean leaves and Group T3 with 2 gm grinded ipil ipil leaves plus 2 gm grinded Bean leaves per kg feed respectively. Observations were recorded for growth performance, egg production and egg quality of quail. Increased egg production rate was observed in ipil ipil supplemented groups (group T1). Body weights were increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) in all treated groups in respect to the control and highest was recorded in combined ipil ipil and Bean leaves supplemented groups (Group T3). In treatment groups, there were significant increase in egg production, but in case of control group, the egg production was not increased. There was no significant pathological change in any internal organs of the layer of treated groups. Best result was found in the group T3. The present study reveals that combined supplementation of ipil ipil and bean leaves gives better result over the other groups in respect to growth performance, egg production and egg quality.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2018, 4(2): 201-206

Egg production on inclusion of black soybean in poultry layer ration

Black Soybean is traditionally grown in hill area of Uttarakhand to meet protein requirement of local people. The seed coat is rich in anthocyanins and isoflavones. Due to presence of antinutritional factors, black soybean is not included in daily routine in poultry diet. In this study attempt was made to include black soybean after processing in poultry diet to study its impact on egg production. Hundred (20 weeks) poultry layers were selected and fed raw, germinated, roasted and cow urine treated black soybean @0.2percentage in T2,T3 ,T4and T5 group while first group(T1) was taken as control for 12 weeks. Significant differences were observed in feed intake and egg production throughout the trial. It was concluded that processed black soybean @0.2percentage can be incorporated in poultry layer ration.

Effects of ipil ipil and calcium dietary sources on egg and growth performances of Japanese quail

This study was carried out in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University to evaluate the effect of ipil ipil and calcium supplementation on egg production and live body weight of Japanese quail. Forty two days old “Japanese Quail” were divided into four groups (n=10 birds in each group). Group T0 was considered as control, fed only with commercial layer ration. Group T1 was additionally supplemented with 2 g grinded ipil ipil leaves, Group T2 with 2 g Dietary Ca sources and Group T3with 2 g grinded ipil ipil leaves with 2 g dietary Ca sources per kg feed. Observations were recorded for growth performance, egg production and egg quality of Japanese quail. Body weight (g) was increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) in all treated groups in compared to control and best gain was recorded in combined action of ipil ipil and dietary Ca sources supplemented groups (155.6±2.59). In all treatment groups there were significantly increased in egg production, compare to control group. Best result was found in combination of ipil ipil and dietary calcium supplementation. The present study reveals that combine supplementation of ipil ipil and dietary Ca sources gives better effects over other groups in respect to growth performance, egg production and egg quality without any health hazard of Japanese quail.&#x0D; Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2018, 3 (1), 72-77

Alternative induced molting methods for feed withdrawal and their effect on post molt egg quality parameters of White Leghorn hens

Forced molting were practiced using the flock of hens by promoting a second laying cycle. In the present study, the effectiveness of induced molting method was studied in comparison to conventional feed withdrawal in terms of egg quality parameters. Layer chicken (160), 72–week-old were divided into 4 groups and were subjected to induce molting for a period of 14 days. The first group that received ad lib. water with complete feed withdrawal served as a control. The birds of the second group received ad lib. layer ration without calcium fortified with organic zinc (20,000 ppm) along with organic copper (600 ppm/kg of feed). The third group was provided with organic zinc (20,000 ppm) along with organic cobalt (150 ppm/kg of feed). The fourth group was provided with organic zinc (20,000 ppm) with organic chromium (500 ppm/kg of feed). Egg and shell weight were significantly different among different treatments; whereas, in shell thickness, egg production and body weight reduction, no significant difference was observed. The feed withdrawal treatment resulted in lower egg weight than other treatments. In conclusion, mineral supplemented methods could be substituted for conventional feed withdrawal method of induced molting.

Effect of chia and hemp seeds on the physical quality of egg component

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of incorporation of chia (salvia hispanica L.) and hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) in laying hens diet as source of PUFA on the physical quality of egg component. A total 160 white leghorn laying hens of above 40 weeks of age were divided into five different groups having 4 replicates of 8 birds in each. The standard basal (C) layer ration supplemented with chia seed @ 1% (CS1.0) and 2% (CS2.0) and hemp seed was added @ 1.5% (HS1.5) and 3% (HS3.0) respectively. Iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were prepared and fed to different treatment groups for 100 days. Physical quality of eggs were analyzed and recorded at the end of each month of the experimental period. At end of each month (30 days interval) eight eggs randomly selected from each treatment and they used for recording physical egg quality parameters. The egg weight and shell weight was affected significantly (Pd”0.05) at the end of first and third month. The average egg weight, egg width, average yolk diameter, yolk index and shell weight at the end of third month of this study showed significant (Pd0.05) difference between the various treatments. Feeding of hemp seed significantly increased egg weight, shell weight and albumin height during the study period. However, shape index was not affected by inclusion of chia or hemp seed in the laying hen diet.

Effects of a short-term molt using cassava meal, broken rice, or corn meal on plasma thyroxin concentrations, organ weights and intestinal histopathology in older (95 wk) laying hens

The effects of a nonfasting induced molt were determined on the thyroxin concentration, organ weight and intestinal histopathology in 95-wk-old hens. Hens (60 birds each treatment) were randomly assigned to four treatments for 14 d: 1) molted by feeding broken rice (BRO), 2) fed corn (COR), 3) fed cassava (CAS), or 4) a non-molt control (NON). During the molt period, the BRO, COR and CAS groups were exposed to an 8 h light: 16 h dark photoperiod, whereas the control hens were fed a layer ration and provided with 16 h of light per day. The body weight loss in the CAS hens was 21.90% which was significantly higher than those of the BRO (6.01%) or COR hens (9.30%). The CAS hens completely stopped laying on d 7, whereas the BRO and COR birds exhibited reductions but continued laying. The egg weight of the COR treatment was significantly lower than those of the BRO and CAS treatments. At the end of the molt period, the hematocrit values of the BRO and CAS hens were significantly higher than those of the COR hens. The plasma thyroxin concentrations of the CAS treatment were significantly higher than those of the COR treatment, whereas the BRO hens had a value intermediate between the two groups. The CAS and COR hens had reduced liver weights compared with the BRO hens. However, the thyroid weights of the CAS and COR hens were significantly greater than those of the BRO hens. No inflammatory evidence was observed in any treatment from the examination of intestinal histopathology.

Abstract NTOC-100: OVARIAN TUMOR-ASSOCIATED GRP78 INDUCES IMMUNOSUPPRESSION AND WITHAFERIN A (ASHWAGANDHA) ENHANCES ANTI-TUMOR IMMUNITY

Abstract BACKGROUND: Tumor-induced immunosuppression is a hallmark of tumor progression. Local immune function in the tumor vicinity plays a pivotal role in prevention of OVCA progression. Natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T cells are important for anti-tumor immune function. NK cells recognize tumor cells through NKG2D receptor which binds with ligands expressed on the surface of tumor cells. Tumor cells escape NK cell by shedding NKG2D ligands from their surface. Tumors also avoid recognition by cytotoxic T cells. The mechanism of tumor-induced immunosuppression is not well understood. Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) has been suggested to increase in several malignancies. GRP78 is a marker of cellular stress and may be involved in tumor-induced immunosuppression. Understanding the mechanism of NK and T cell immunosuppression by OVCA is essential to develop effective immunotherapy. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to examine whether OVCA-induced GRP78 was associated with suppression of anti-tumor NK and T cell immunity, and whether Ashwagandha (ASH, Withania somnifera, a source of Withaferin-A and an anti-stress herbal supplement) can prevent OVCA-induced immunosuppression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiment-1: Normal postmenopausal ovaries (n=10), OVCA at early stage (papillary serous, endometrioid, mucinous and clear cell, n=5 each), and papillary serous at late stage (n=10) clinical samples were used. Tissues were examined for GRP78, NKG2D-expressing cells, CD8 T cells, ADAM10 (a cell surface expressing protease), and miRNA-180a (regulator of GRP78 expression). Experiment-2: Laying hens (4-year old) with OVCA at early stage were selected by transvaginal ultrasound imaging and divided into 2 groups, each with 20 normal and 20 OVCA. The control group received regular layer ration and the other group received diet supplemented with 2% ASH root powder for 120 days. Serum samples were collected before the start and at the time of euthanasia. Animals were sacrificed; gross morphology and tumor stages were recorded. Normal and cancerous ovaries were processed to examine the expression of OVCA markers mentioned above. RESULTS: Stromal population of NKG2D-expressing cells and CD8 T cells were significantly higher in OVCA compared to normal ovaries (P&amp;lt;0.01). Significant differences were not observed in the frequency of intra-tumoral immune cells between OVCA at early and late stages. The intensity of GRP78 and ADAM10 expression by malignant cells increased significantly in association with OVCA progression (P&amp;lt;0.001). Increased GRP78 expression was associated with decreased expression of miRNA-180a. Ash supplementation inhibited tumor progression in 15 of 20 OVCA hens. Compared with untreated, GRP78 expression decreased significantly (P&amp;lt;0.001) in ASH-treated hens. The frequency of stromal and intratumoral NK and CD8 T cells increased significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) in ASH-treated hens compared to control hens. ASH-treatment also increased miRNA-180a expression in hens. CONCLUSION: OVCA progression was associated with increased GRP78 and ADAM10 expression which might be involved in decreased intra-tumoral immune cell infiltration. ASH supplementation enhanced anti-OVCA immune function by reducing tumor-associated cellular stress including GRP78 expression. Thus, ASH represents a potential GRP78-targeted anti-OVCA immunotherapy. Support: NIH/NCI R21CA187309. Citation Format: Sa'Rah McNeal, Pincas Bitterman, Janice M Bahr, William P Hanafin, Sameer Sharma, Sanjib Basu, Animesh Barua. OVARIAN TUMOR-ASSOCIATED GRP78 INDUCES IMMUNOSUPPRESSION AND WITHAFERIN A (ASHWAGANDHA) ENHANCES ANTI-TUMOR IMMUNITY [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 12-13, 2016; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr NTOC-100.

Effect of utilization of maize silage in moult inducing diets on performance, immune response and bone quality in laying hens

The aim of the study was to evaluate the utilization of maize silage (MS) in moult induction and its effects on immune response and bone quality in laying hens. Laying hens were subjected to 1 of 6 treatments: full-fed (control; FF); total feed withdrawal (positive control for moult induction; FW); 100 MS (M100); 90 MS + 10 layer ration (LR) (M90); 80 MS + 20 LR (M80); and 70 MS + 30 LR (M70). After 9 days body weight loss occurred in all moulting treatments. The examined treatments caused cessation of egg production on day 4 (M90), 5 (FW, M100) and 7 (M70, M80). On day 6 the heterophil : lymphocyte (H:L) ratio did not differ between all MS treatments and FF; however FW caused its increasing only in comparison to FF, M80 and M70. On day 9 H:L ratio for FF did not differ only from M70 and M90. Antibody production against sheep red blood cell was unaffected by all moulting treatments. The femur dry weight for FF did not differ from M70, M80, M100; however there was observed no difference between FW and M70, M90, M100. The treatments caused decrease of femur ash content in comparison to FF group (except M70) with the lowest value in FW. In conclusion, obtained data indicate that the use of MS mixed with LR results in moult induction. Likewise, it is suggested to use 70 MS addition because of reduced moulting stress in birds and smaller losses of bone mineralization.