Lohmann Brown Research Articles

Effects of carrot leaves on digestibility of feed, and cholesterol and β-carotene content of egg yolks

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of carrot leaf supplementation on feed digestibility and the cholesterol and β-carotene contents of the yolks of eggs produced by Lohmann Brown laying hens. A feeding trial was conducted using 240 healthy 30-week-old laying hens kept in colony cages to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with carrot leaves. Carrot leaf extract (CLE) was prepared by macerating carrot leaves in distilled water (1:1, w/w). The hens were fed diets i) without carrot leaves (C0), ii) supplemented with 2% carrot leaf flour (CLF)(C1); iii) supplemented with 2% CLE(C2); and iv) supplemented with 1% CLF and 1% CLE (C3). Supplementation of CLE, CLF and in combination increased dry matter, organic matter and protein digestibility significantly. Feed efficiency was improved, and eggshell thickness, yolk colour and β-carotene content in yolk increased. Supplementation with CFL or CLE produced significantly lower serum and yolk cholesterol contents. Dietary supplementation of laying hens with CLF and CLE also increased egg production and β-carotene contents in yolk.

Feeding value of black soldier fly larvae compared to soybean in methionine- and lysine-deficient laying hen diets

To increase the sustainability of egg production, alternatives to soybean in poultry nutrition are intensively searched for. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) could have a great potential, but the comparative protein value to soybean is not well known. The main objective of this study was to facilitate this comparison by using experimental diets clearly limited in calculated supply of sulphurous amino acids and lysine. Fifty laying hens (Lohmann Brown Classic), aged 40 weeks, were fed one of five diets for 7 weeks (n=10). Two diets were based on soybean cake and oil (SS, SS-) as protein and energy sources, and three diets contained partially defatted BSFL meal and fat from two different origins (AA-, AB-, BB-). Different from SS, all other diets were designed to be deficient in methionine and lysine in relation to requirements by >20%. The realised supply with total sulphurous amino acids and lysine was indeed superior with SS even though this diet was analysed to be more deficient in methionine than the BSFL-based diets. Despite the calculated deficiency in limiting amino acids, laying performance of the hens of all groups was similar and ranged between 93 and 97%. Similarly, egg mass, daily feed intake and feed efficiency were not influenced by the BSFL-based diets. The yolks of group BB- were more intensely coloured compared to the others indicating a difference between BSFL origins. Yolks of SS-, but not of the BSFL-based diets, had lower contents of dry matter and ether extract than those of SS. Including BSFL into the diet did not influence the odour of the eggs tested in scrambled form. The results show that soybean-based feeds for laying hens may be completely replaced by BSFL-based feeds and suggest that the recommendations for amino acid supply of laying hens might need revision.

A Place to Be? Use of Winter Gardens with and without Automatic Enrichment Devices by Laying Hens

Since the abolition of beak trimming in laying hens in Germany, the importance of adequate enrichment material to help reduce feather pecking and cannibalism has grown. Here we tested an automatic enrichment device dosing grain via rough-coated pecking plates (PPs) on an organic farm, comparing its offer in four winter gardens (WGs). Winter garden (WG) 1 served as the control area without an automatic enrichment device, while WGs 2–4 offered different quantities of PPs, with WG 2 offering double the amount of PPs as WGs 3 and 4. The number of laying hens (Lohmann Brown Lite) per m² and close to the enrichment device (one hen‘s body length around) was determined using photo records. The usage behavior of the hens differed in the four WGs and with the animals’ age. Over the whole husbandry period (60 weeks), on average, 1.48 hens/m² were detected in the control area (WG 1), and a mean of 2.27 hens/m² in the enriched WGs. Compared to WG 1, the number of hens per m² was higher in WG 2 (2.43 hens/m²) and WG 3 (2.59 hens/m²) (p < 0.05), but similar in WG 4 (1.79 hens/m²). At the end of the husbandry period, fewer animals (mean of all WGs: 1.43 hens/m²) used the WGs than from beginning to the middle of the laying period (mean of all WGs: 2.05–2.15 hens/m²; p < 0.05). Our data indicate that the automatic enrichment device positively influences the animals’ use of the WG.

Features of development of visceral organs in embryos of egg cross chickens ‘Lohmann Brown’ under red and green monochromatic LED lighting

New data on the features of development of visceral organs in embryos of egg cross chickens Lohmann Brown under red and green monochromatic LED lighting were obtained. The effect of two continuous LED lighting modes has been studied: experimental modes - r ed and green light, control - d arkness. The absolute values of weight dimensions and specific growth rate (according to the Schmalhausen-Brody formula) of heart, muscular stomach, liver of chicken embryos were estimated using morphometric methods. The studies proved that red and green LED lighting has a stimulating effect on the embryonic development of visceral organs (heart, muscular stomach, liver) in Lohmann Brown egg cross compared to the control (darkness). Under red and green LED stimulation, chicken embryos prevailed in the heart mass from the 14th to the 20th day of embryogenesis. The muscular stomach and liver of chicken embryos developed more intensively under red illumination on the 18th and 20th days, and under green illumination - a similar effect on the muscular stomach was noted on the 19th and 20th days, on the liver - o n the 20th day. It has been established that in the early ontogenesis of Lohmann Brown chickens there were several critical stages (phases). They fall on different days of development and characterize the features of rhythmicity in growth processes of visceral organs in chicken embryogenesis under LED stimulation of red and green spectrum. Chicken embryos under red and green illumination had the highest growth rate of heart on the 17th and 20th day, respectively; muscular stomach under red illumination - o n the 17th and 20th days, liver - on the 16th and 17th day under red and green illumination. By the hatching period on the 20th day, there were no differences in the development of visceral organs of chicken embryos depending on red and green light spectrum. The hatching of Lohmann Brown chicken embryos exposed to red and green light occurred on the 20th day of incubation - a day earlier than under control conditions (darkness). The proposed biological causes underlying the effect of monochromatic light of different color spectrum on embryogenesis of chicken embryo and organs are discussed.

Multi-Omics Reveals Different Strategies in the Immune and Metabolic Systems of High-Yielding Strains of Laying Hens

Lohmann Brown (LB) and Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) are two commercially important laying hen strains due to their high egg production and excellent commercial suitability. The present study integrated multiple data sets along the genotype-phenotype map to better understand how the genetic background of the two strains influences their molecular pathways. In total, 71 individuals were analyzed (LB, n = 36; LSL, n = 35). Data sets include gut miRNA and mRNA transcriptome data, microbiota composition, immune cells, inositol phosphate metabolites, minerals, and hormones from different organs of the two hen strains. All complex data sets were pre-processed, normalized, and compatible with the mixOmics platform. The most discriminant features between two laying strains included 20 miRNAs, 20 mRNAs, 16 immune cells, 10 microbes, 11 phenotypic traits, and 16 metabolites. The expression of specific miRNAs and the abundance of immune cell types were related to the enrichment of immune pathways in the LSL strain. In contrast, more microbial taxa specific to the LB strain were identified, and the abundance of certain microbes strongly correlated with host gut transcripts enriched in immunological and metabolic pathways. Our findings indicate that both strains employ distinct inherent strategies to acquire and maintain their immune and metabolic systems under high-performance conditions. In addition, the study provides a new perspective on a view of the functional biodiversity that emerges during strain selection and contributes to the understanding of the role of host–gut interaction, including immune phenotype, microbiota, gut transcriptome, and metabolome.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a novel phytase in short-term digestibility and long-term egg production studies with laying hens

Three independent trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a novel phytase in laying hens. Trial 1 used a total of 90 laying hens (Lohmann Brown, 33-wk-old) fed either a negative control (NC) diet with 0.09% non-phytate P (NPP) or NC supplemented with 187.5 or 375 FYT phytase/kg feed for 4 d before collection of excreta and ileal digesta to measure ileal digestibility and retention of Ca and P. In trial 2 and 3, a total of 108 laying hens (Hy Line Brown, 25-wk-old) and 360 hens (Lohman Brown, 25-wk-old) were used, respectively. In both trials, the hens were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments: NC with 0.1% NPP, positive control (PC) and NC plus 187.5 FYT phytase/kg feed, the experimental diets were fed for 12 wk, and egg production and bone mineralization were measured. The results showed that the ileal digestibility of P increased both linearly (P = 0.012) and quadratically (P = 0.01) with increasing supplementation of phytase in trial 1. In trial 2, phytase supplementation significantly improved egg production, egg weight, and feed conversion ratio and reduced the percentage of broken eggs during the overall trial duration compared with NC. In trial 3, phytase significantly improved egg production, egg weight, and feed intake and reduced the percentage of broken eggs during the entire trial duration. In addition, percentage and weight of bone Ca and P increased significantly with added phytase. In trial 2 and 3, there was no significant difference between PC and the phytase treatment. In conclusion, the novel phytase significantly increased the ileal digestibility of P in a short-term digestibility study and improved egg production and bone mineralization in a 12-wk laying cycle. Ileal digestibility of P rather than P retention in short-term digestibility studies as well as egg production and whole tibia mineralization in long-term studies should be measured to demonstrate the efficacy of phytase in laying hens.

Layers’ performance and egg hatchability as affected by the dietary inclusion of two meals of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of the inclusion of 5% partially defatted or full fat meal made of black soldier fly larvae (BSF) as replacement of the soybean meal in the diet of laying hens on their performance and hatchability of the eggs. The trial was carried out with 150 Lohmann Brown Classic layers at 54 weeks of age, mixed with 15 cocks all divided into three treatments. The treatments consisted of a basal diet (CON), and diets containing 5% partially defatted BSF meal (T1) and 5% full fat BSF meal (T2). After 3 weeks of adaptation, the birds started receiving the experimental diets for a period of 6 weeks. During the trial period, the feed consumed and the eggs for each replicate were daily controlled. These parameters were used to calculate the egg production, eggs per hen and feed efficiency (g feed/egg). The hatching traits were measured at the end of the trial in a total of 1,430 eggs, stored for 5, 10 and 15 days prior incubation, and included fertility, total hatchability, hatchability of the fertile eggs, and the percentage of the viable chickens. The dietary inclusion of partially defatted or full fat BSF meals increased the egg production (P=0.0035), improved the feed efficiency (P=0.0009) and also decreased the feed intake of the hens (P<0.0001). The intake of BSF meals affected the hatchability of the fertile eggs when stored 5 days prior incubation (P=0.016), with highest hatchability observed in T2 group. Furthermore, BSF meals in the diet had significant influence on the viability of the chickens that were hatched from eggs stored 5 (P=0.0040) and 10 days (P=0.0275). The fertility and total hatchability were not affected by the BSF meals in the diet of the hens.

The Effect of Hard Pecking Enrichment during Rear on Feather Cover, Feather Pecking Behaviour and Beak Length in Beak-Trimmed and Intact-Beak Laying Hen Pullets.

Simple SummaryLaying hens may peck each other, painfully pulling out feathers and damaging flesh. There are many potential reasons and no obvious solutions, so the sharp tip of the beak is often carefully removed after hatching to limit the damage inflicted. Scientist have found it is useful to provide hens with lots of other things to forage in and peck at. Our study compared the effect of providing pans containing an abrasive material designed to attract pecking behaviour to eight treatment flocks of young hens, with eight flocks acting as controls. Each group had four beak-trimmed and four intact-beak flocks paired by farm. The pans significantly reduced the side and top beak lengths in samples of birds measured at 6–7 weeks and 10–11 weeks of age, and beak growth appeared to be linear. Thus, provision of abrasive material in pans effectively blunted beaks of younger birds. By the end of rear (14–15 weeks), birds seemed to lose interest in pecking at the pans, so there was no difference between treatment and control flocks, indicating scope for redesign to retain their interest.Injurious pecking, commonly controlled by beak trimming (BT), is a widespread issue in laying hens associated with thwarted foraging. This controlled study compared the effect in intact and beak-trimmed pullets of providing pecking pans to eight treatment flocks from six weeks of age. Flocks (mean size 6843) comprised eight British Blacktail, six Lohmann Brown and two Bovans Brown. All young birds (6–7 weeks) pecked more frequently at the pecking pans (mean 40.4) than older pullets (mean 26.0, 23.3 pecks/bird/min at 10–11 weeks and 14–15 weeks, respectively) (p < 0.005). There was no effect on feather pecking or plumage cover. Mean side-beak length and mean top-beak lengths were shorter in treatment flocks at 6–7 weeks and 10–11 weeks (p < 0.001). Intact-beak treatment flocks had shorter mean side-beak length at 10–11 weeks (p < 0.001) and at 14–15 weeks (p < 0.05) and mean top-beak length at 6–7 weeks (p < 0.05) and at 10–11 weeks (p < 0.05). BT treatment flocks had shorter side-beak and top-beak lengths at 6–7 weeks and at 10–11 weeks (p < 0.001). Beak lengths showed linear growth, with individual bird variation indicating a potential for genetic selection. The study demonstrated that abrasive material can reduce beak length in pullets.

Incorporation of Dietary Methyl Sulfonyl Methane into the Egg Albumens of Laying Hens.

This study evaluated the effects of graded levels of dietary methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) on the laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and the incorporation of MSM into the egg albumen of laying hens. A total of 240 73-week-old laying hens (Lohmann Brown Lite) were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments, with 8 replicates of 6 birds per replicate. The experimental diets were formulated by mixing corn and soybean meal-based diets with MSM to reach 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 g per kg of diet, and were fed to the birds for 12 weeks. Increasing dietary MSM led to a significant quadratic effect on the feed intake and feed conversion ratio at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). However, none of the egg qualities and egg components were altered by dietary MSM. The deposition of MSM in egg albumens increased in a linear manner (p < 0.05) in response to the increasing dietary MSM levels. The concentration of malondialdehyde in the egg yolk decreased at 12 weeks (linear and quadratic effect; p < 0.05), as the dietary MSM levels increased. Increasing dietary MSM affected the indicators of antioxidant/oxidative stress in the serum samples, such as superoxide dismutase at 12 weeks (linear and quadratic effect; p < 0.05), total antioxidant capacity at 8 and 12 weeks (linear effect; p < 0.05), and malondialdehyde at 8 weeks (linear effect; p < 0.05). Taken together, our study shows that dietary MSM has potential to be used as an antioxidant feed additive for laying hens, and can be used to produce functional eggs with health benefits for humans.

Remarkable genomic diversity among Escherichia isolates recovered from healthy chickens.

The genus Escherichia has been extensively studied and it is known to encompass a range of commensal and pathogenic bacteria that primarily inhabit the gastrointestinal tracts of warm-blooded vertebrates. However, the presence of E. coli as a model organism and potential pathogen has diverted attention away from commensal strains and other species in the genus. To investigate the diversity of Escherichia in healthy chickens, we collected fecal samples from antibiotic-free Lohmann Brown layer hens and determined the genome sequences of 100 isolates, 81 of which were indistinguishable at the HC0 level of the Hierarchical Clustering of Core Genome Multi-Locus Sequence Typing scheme. Despite initial selection on CHROMagar Orientation medium, which is considered selective for E. coli, in silico phylotyping and core genome single nucleotide polymorphism analysis revealed the presence of at least one representative of all major clades of Escherichia, except for E. albertii, Shigella, and E. coli phylogroup B2 and cryptic clade I. The most frequent phylogenomic groups were E. coli phylogroups A and B1 and E. ruysiae (clades III and IV). We compiled a collection of reference strains isolated from avian sources (predominantly chicken), representing every Escherichia phylogroup and species, and used it to confirm the phylogeny and diversity of our isolates. Overall, the isolates carried low numbers of the virulence and antibiotic resistance genes typically seen in avian pathogenic E. coli. Notably, the clades not recovered are ones that have been most strongly associated with virulence by other studies.

Effect of Ionized Water (Acidic and Alkaline) on Productive Performance of Laying Hens

This study was carried out during the period from 25/10/2020 to 13/3/2021 (20 weeks) to investigate the effect of ionized water (alkaline and acidic) on productive performance of laying hens. A total of 105 laying hens (Lohmann Brown – Classic) strains were randomly divided into five treatments groups of 21 hens each. Each group was subdivided into three replicates with seven hens each. Birds in the control group (T1) were drinking tap water pH (7.14), whereas birds in second (T2) and the third group (T3) were drinking ionized alkaline water with pH (8.5, 9.5) respectively and the fourth group (T4) and the fifth group were drinking ionized acidic water with pH (4, 5) respectively. The egg production ratio, egg weight, cumulative number of eggs, egg mass, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were studied. Results showed: T2 and T4 were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) on egg production rate and a cumulative number of eggs as compared with other treatments during the study period. T2 was a significant difference on egg mass and no significant differences notice on egg weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio between treatments. In conclusion, ionized water has enhanced the productive performance of laying hen.

Impact of feeding volumes on performance and bone characteristics of Embrapa 051 laying hens housed in a cage-free system

Context Few studies have been conducted with the Brazilian Embrapa 051 hens to improve the feed conversion rate and control skeletal health in this breed. Aims To determine how different feeding volumes affect the laying rate and bone quality of the Embrapa 051 (E051) strain in comparison with Lohmann Brown (LB). Methods In total, 600 E051 and 200 LB hens were subjected to the following treatments: (1) control (LB fed 100% of their dietary requirements), (2) E051 fed 93% of the control diet, (3) E051 fed 100% of the control diet, and (4) E051 fed 107% of the control diet. Key results Throughout the 37–72 weeks of age, LB hens presented a higher egg production rate than E051 hens (P &lt; 0.05). The bodyweight and egg production rate were lower in E051 when hens received 93% of the E051 control diet. The E051 hens achieved higher values for tibia weight and length and Seedor index than did LB hens (P &lt; 0.05). At Week 40, the E051 hens fed 93% of the control diet presented a greater tibia weight (12.6 vs 11.5 g), length (124.5 vs 118.9 mm) and strength (21.9 vs 15.5 kgf), Seedor index (101.7 vs 96.13), and ash (33.0 vs 29.6%), calcium (11.1 vs 9.8%) and phosphorus (4.9 vs 4.5%) concentrations than did LB hens. However, at 73 weeks of age, the only differences observed in favour of E051 hens fed 93% of the control diet were for tibia weight, tibia length and tibia strength in comparison with LB hens (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions LB hens showed a higher performance, but lower bone quality than did E051 hens. E051 receiving 7% less feed showed a reduced laying rate but, in contrast, better bone quality. This study showed that the best feeding strategy for Embrapa 051 hens was to use the same feeding volume as recommended for Lohmann Brown hens. Implications Despite E051 hens showing a lower laying rate than that of LB hens, especially when receiving a restricted amount of feed, E051 is an accessible alternative breed with excellent bone quality for free-range systems in Brazil.

Микрофлора и гистоструктура кишечника кур-несушек под влиянием пребиотика «Бутифор F»

The aim of the research is to study the effect of a prebiotic (Butifour F) on the microflora of chickens’ caecum and the histostructure of the jejunum and proximal portion of the caecum in laying hens of the Lohmann Brown cross. To solve this problem in the conditions of the vivarium of the International Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Poultry Genomics, Department of Animal Hygiene and Poultry A. K. Danilova, MVA by K. I. Skryabin, this experiment was carried out. The diet of laying hens of the experimental groups differed from the control one by introducing a prebiotic (Butifour F) at dosages of 500 g/t, 750 g/t and 1000 g/t of feed, respectively. It was found that birds of the 2nd and 3rd treatment group (TG), the proportion of phylum Actinobacteria significantly increased by 255,6 и 172,2 %, respectively, including bacteria of the order Bifidobacteriales – by 2.7 and 1.13 times. The feed additive contributed to an increase in the number of the Lactobacillaceae family by 2,4 и 1,9 times and reduced the total amount of pathogenic and undesirable microflora by 44 and 34%. In the jejunum, there is no effect of the drug on morphometric parameters, and in the proximal part of the caecum in chickens 1st and 2nd TG, an increase in the layer of villi by 35.8% and 28.7% (P≤0.001) was noted. Also, in the studied parts of the intestines of experimental birds, a high preservation of the epithelial lining and a better development of the lymphoid tissue are visible. Thus, the drug used contributes to the normalization of the intestinal microflora and has a protective effect on the intestinal mucosa.

Effect of Storage Time On the Hatchability of Eggs of Two-Line Dual-Purpose Combination for Production of Male Chickens for Meat

Abstract The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the storage time on the hatching traits of eggs obtained from a two-line dual-purpose combination for production of male chickens that will be utilized for meat. The trial was carried out in the experimental poultry farm of the Institute of Animal Science-Kostinbrod, with a total of 150 Lohmann Brown Classic layers, at the age of 54 weeks. Hatching eggs were gathered for three weeks and were stored for 5, 10 and 15 days at 15-18°C ambient temperature prior incubation. The storage time had no effect on the fertility of the set eggs, however, it adversely affected the hatchability. Prolonged storage led to significant decline in the total hatchability (P=0.0027) and the hatchability of the fertile eggs (P&lt;0.0001) which was lowest after 15 days of storage prior incubation. The viability of the chickens was influenced by the storage of the eggs prior incubation (P&lt;0.0001), and decreased considerably when the chicks were hatched from eggs stored for 15 days.

Feather Pecking in Non-Beak-Trimmed and Beak-Trimmed Laying Hens on Commercial Farms with Aviaries.

Simple SummarySevere feather pecking (SFP) is a major animal welfare problem in layers. It results in pain and injuries in the affected animal. SFP is a behavioral disorder and should not be confused with aggressive pecking. The aim of our study was to observe the pecking behavior of layers on farms with flock sizes common in practice and to identify possible influencing factors. We found that SFP occurred in all flocks, but the pecking rate varied widely between flocks. A low stocking density and the provision of a winter garden or free range (or both) had a positive effect and reduced SFP. Keeping mixed flocks of brown and white layers was a risk factor for SFP. SFP occurred mainly in the litter area and only rarely on perches. This finding emphasizes the importance of providing enough litter, litter areas and environmental enrichment. Aggressive pecking and SFP were correlated, which may indicate a higher stress level in the flock. Beak trimming reduced pecking rates but did not entirely prevent SFP. Instead of subjecting chicks to this potentially painful procedure, reasons for SFP should be addressed. SFP remains a multifactorial problem, but in recent years, many risk factors have been identified and included in best-practice recommendations, allowing the housing of non-beak-trimmed layers.Severe feather pecking (SFP) is a major animal welfare problem in layers. It results in pain and injuries in the affected animal. It was the aim of this study to gain insight into the actual pecking behavior of laying hens kept on commercial farms with flock sizes common in practice. We observed aggressive pecking and SFP in non-beak-trimmed and beak-trimmed flocks of laying hens and investigated possible influencing factors. The study took place on eight conventional farms in Germany with aviaries, including three farms with a free range and a winter garden, one with a free range and one with a winter garden. Pecking behavior was observed during three observational periods (OPs): OP 1, at the peak of the laying period between the 28th and 33rd week of life; OP 2, in the middle of the laying period between the 42nd and 48th week of life; and OP 3, at the end of the laying period between the 63rd and 68th week of life in one laying period. Videos were analyzed using behavior sampling and continuous recording. We found that SFP occurred in all flocks, but the pecking rate differed significantly between the flocks. SFP correlated positively with the number of hens per square meter of usable area, with statistical significance in the litter area (r = 0.564; p = 0.045). The multivariate analysis revealed that access to a winter garden or free range significantly reduced the SFP rate on perches (p = 0.001). The stocking density (number of birds per usable square meter) had a significant influence on the SPF rate in the nest-box area (p = 0.001). The hybrid line had a significant effect on the SFP rate on perches and in the nest-box area (p = 0.001 each). Lohmann Brown hens in mixed flocks had a higher SFP rate (significant in OP 2) than those in homogeneous flocks, indicating that mixed flocks may be a risk factor for SFP. Lohmann Brown hens pecked significantly less than Dekalb White hens in the litter area (p = 0.010) and in the nest-box area (p = 0.025) and less than Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens in the litter area (p = 0.010). Lohmann Brown and Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens showed increasing SFP rates during the laying period. All hybrid lines had significantly higher SFP rates in the litter area, followed by the nest-box area and perches. These findings emphasize the importance of providing enough litter, litter areas and environmental enrichment. We found a significant positive correlation between aggressive pecking and SFP—in OP 1: rho (Spearman) = 0.580, p < 0.001; OP 2: rho = 0.486, p = 0.002; and OP 3: rho = 0.482, p = 0.002 (n = 39) —indicating that SFP may lead to a higher stress level in the flock. Beak trimming reduced pecking rates but did not entirely prevent SFP. Instead of subjecting chicks to this potentially painful procedure, reasons for SFP should be addressed. In conclusion, our data suggest a positive influence of a lower stocking density and the provision of a winter garden or free range for additional space. The hybrid line had a significant influence on the feather-pecking rate on perches and the nest-box area. Aggressive pecking and severe feather pecking correlated positively. We assume that vigorous and painful AP were an additional stress factor, especially in non-beak-trimmed flocks, leading to more SFP in due course. Beak trimming had a reducing effect on SFP. However, our results showed that non-beak-trimmed flocks could be kept without major outbreaks of SFP.

Dose-dependent effect of chronic exposure to lead acetate on the dynamics of the content of delta-aminolevulinic acid and essential trace elements in the serum of laying hens

&#x0D; One of the most global and dangerous pollutants is considered to be lead, due to its ability to accumulate in living organisms, to be included in the metabolic cycle, to form highly toxic organometallic compounds, not being biodegradable. To study the chronic effects of lead acetate, an experiment was performed on laying hens of Lohmann Brown cross. For research, one control and three experimental groups were formed, 20 chickens in each. Birds of the experimental groups were administered lead acetate daily with compound feed in doses (in terms of metal): Group I – 50 mg/kg of feed, II – 75 mg/kg of feed, III – 150 mg/kg of feed. Access to water was not restricted. The birds of the control group received a complete diet without lead acetate. On the 30th, 90th, 120th days of the experiment and the 20th day after withdrawal of the toxicant (the 140th day of the experiment), we took blood samples from birds for biochemical and toxicological studies. The concentration of delta-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA) in the serum of laying hens was determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Determination of the content of lead in the serum of laying hens was performed by X-ray fluorescence analysis. The concentration of total calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium in the serum of the laying hens was determined using production kits. We detected the dose-dependent chronic effect of lead acetate on the dynamics of the content of delta-aminolevulinic acid and essential trace elements in the serum of laying hens. The administration of lead acetate into the body of productive poultry for 120 days in doses of 50, 75, and 150 mg/kg with feed did not cause visible clinical signs of poisoning, but caused a violation of porphyrin metabolism, manifested in a reliable increase in the concentration of delta-aminolevulinic acid in serum on the 30th, 90th and 120th days of the experiment. It has been experimentally proven that the administration into the body of laying hens of lead acetate in doses of 50, 75 and 150 mg/kg of feed for 120 days leads to the maximum accumulation of lead in the serum on the 30th, 90th, and 120th days of the experiment. Prolonged administration of lead acetate to laying hens at high concentrations is characterized by a reliable decrease in the content of total calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium in the serum of laying hens and a reliable increase in the content of ferrum. In the future it is necessary to study the intensity of lipid peroxidation processes in laying hens under chronic exposure to lead acetate.

PSIV-B-26 Effect of different intakes of sulfur amino acids on the productive response and egg quality of commercial laying hens

Abstract Modern laying hens have improved their productive response and persistence of egg production. However, in terms of productivity, egg quality and profitability, there are still several issues that need to be reevaluated and improved, among them the level and consumption of digestible sulfur amino acids (AASD). The objective is to determine the effect of different AASD consumptions on the productive response and egg quality of commercial laying hens. METHODS: 160 laying hens of the LOHMANN Brown genetic line, 90 weeks old, of uniform weight and size, were used. The laying hens were distributed in the study area, following the protocol of a Random Block Design (DBA). 4 AASD intakes (g / hen / day) were established as treatments: T-1 (730.11 mg), T-2 (677.20 mg), T-3 (607.09 mg) and T-4 (676.88 mg). Each of the treatments had 5 repetitions, giving a total of 20 experimental units. The variables of egg production, egg weight and mass, feed consumption, feed conversion index, energy efficiency, Haugh unit of the egg, shell color and percentage, egg yolk color and index, margin and economic reward were evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that the different AASD consumptions did not significantly affect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) the productive response and egg quality of the hens and affected the margin and economic retribution. AASD intakes in the range of 607 to 730 mg / hen / day did not affect the productive response and egg quality. The metabolizable energy level of the diet influences the economic response to different intakes of digestible sulfur amino acids. The consumption of 676.88 mg / hen / day of AASD with a level of 2725 Kcal of metabolizable energy / Kg of feed achieved the highest gross margin and best economic return in 90-week-old LOHMANN Brown laying hens.

INFLUENCE OF SPORO-LEX AND ANALCIM-SI ON THE MICROFLORA OF THE BIRD'S GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

The constant interaction between bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal epithelial cells and immune system cells is a continuous interaction that is central to maintaining immune homeostasis.&#x0D; "Analtsim-Si" is a montmorillonite rock of Volodymyretsky field. Probiotic "Sporo-lex" is a mixture of probiotic cultures of Bacillus licheniformis VK-25 and Bacillus subtilis MK-3 on a natural standardized sorbent – montmorillonite rock of Volodymyretsky field. The subjects were laying hens of 130 days of age, Lohmann Brown cross (n = 30). The bird of the first group got compound feed with 2% of "Analtsim-Si", the bird of the second group got compound feed with 2% of the probiotic "Sporo-lex". The third group – was a control group and received the usual food.&#x0D; Prior to the start of the study, as well as on days 7, 14 and 28, the bird was weighed, blood and feces were collected for the study. On the 27th day of the experiment, a pathological examination of birds from all groups was performed to study the patency of the gastrointestinal tract.&#x0D; The effect of experimental veterinary drugs "Sporo-lex" and "Analtsim-Si" on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract of poultry was established. The drug "Sporo-lex" has a more pronounced effect, which is manifested in the suppression of bacteria of the Escherichia coli group due to the antagonistic action of strains of Bacillus licheniformis VK-25 and Bacillus subtilis MK-3, which are part of the drugs.&#x0D; The average growth of turkeys during the use of the probiotic "Sporo-lex" was studied. As a result of the conducted researches it was established that the bird of the experimental group at the end of the experiment had 470 grams more body weight compared to the control. During the autopsy of birds from both groups, no significant signs of pathology of organs and systems were detected.&#x0D; In the future, it is necessary to study the effect of drugs "Sporo-lex" and "Analcym-Si" on the dynamics of changes in the immunological parameters of birds.

Physical quality of eggs of four strains of poultry

The layer poultry is an important activity for food production with high biological value. Measuring egg quality has great relevance to ensure safety and quality products for consumers. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the egg physical quality of four laying hen’s strains. Were used 864 eggs from four laying hens’ lines (Hisex Brown®, Hy-Line Brown®, Isa Label®, and Lohmann Brown®). The experimental design was completely randomized composed of four treatments (strains) with nine replications with four eggs each. Egg weight, egg diameter, egg length, specific gravity, yolk, albumen and shell weight and percentage, Haugh units, and shell thickness were evaluated. There was a significant difference for all parameters evaluated. The Hisex Brown® strain showed the best results for egg diameter, egg length, specific weight, albumen height, Haugh units, yolk weight, albumen%, shell weight, shell%, and shell thickness, while the Hy-Line Brown® produced bigger and heavier eggs, and Isa Label® presented the highest yolk%. The Hisex Brown® strain showed the better physical quality of eggs when compared to the other studied lines, the strain being indicated when the objective is to produce eggs with better internal and external quality.

Breeds Characterization in Three Turkish Laying Chicken Breeds Based on Egg Characteristics

Breeds characterization can be performed based on their phenotypic traits. In poultry, the breeds characterization can be performed based on the egg characteristics. This study was carried out to characterize three Turkish laying chicken breeds (30-49 weeks of age) of White Leghorn (WL), Lohmann Brown (LB) and Ataks (AT) based on their characteristics. Total of 90 new stock eggs (30 eggs/breed) from Görukle market, Bursa city, Republic of Turkey were used for analysis. Three statistical analyses of principal component analysis (PCA), canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) analysis were used for breeds characterization. According to egg size index, most of eggs in this study had normal size type. The highest coefficient of correlation (0.99) value was showed between egg weight (EW) and specific gravity (SG). The PCA revealed that four principal components (4PC’s) of egg characteristics capable to explain the total variance of egg characteristics in WL and LB hens about 83.10% and 78.95% respectively. Meanwhile, 3PC’s of egg characteristic in AT were explained about 81.70% of total variance in egg characteristics. The Euclidean distance revealed that LB and AT hens were grouped into similar cluster and WL hen was grouped into different cluster. In conclusion, the egg characteristics in birds study can be used to characterize of WL (73.3%), LB (93.0%) and AT (76.7%) hens.