Egg Production Period Research Articles

Exploration of Some Nutrient Absorption-Related Genes and Intestinal Histology in Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica) Throughout Their Productive Lifespan.

Quail is an efficient poultry species known for many years, and its productivity is highly affected by gastrointestinal function, health, digestion and commensal bacteria. Specific histological parameters and nutrient absorption-related genes could be used to study intestinal functionality and efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the mRNA abundance of nutrient absorption-related genes and intestinal histology changes in laying Japanese quail during productive lifespan. A total of 135 quails from a commercial flock at different egg production periods (early production [EP, 6 weeks of age], pick production [PP, 21 weeks of age] and post pick production [PPP, 40 weeks of age]) were randomly selected (n=45/group) and kept for 6 weeks. Production performance was evaluated during last 2 weeks of the experimental period, and tissue samples were taken from the duodenum, jejunum and ileum for histological analysis and mRNA abundance purposes at the end of the experiment. The mRNA abundance of the CALB1, SGLT1, SGLT5, EAAT3 and NaPi-IIb genes were compared among groups. Production period did not affect the eggshell thickness, goblet cell number and mRNA abundance of CALB1, EAAT3 and NaPi-IIb (p>0.05). The PPP quails had the highest egg weight and FCR compared to EP and PP quails (p<0.001). Egg production and egg mass of the EP and PP quails were higher than those of PPP quails (p<0.001). Moreover, EP quails had the highest villus height (VH)/crypt depth (CD) ratio in the duodenum and jejunum and the lowest VH:CD in the ileum compared with the PPP quails (p<0.01). The lowest SGLT1 mRNA abundance was noted in the PP quails, whereas EP quails had the highest SGLT5 mRNA abundance (p<0.05). In conclusion, although histology parameter changes were in-line with the lowest performance observed in the PPP quails, the current results failed to show a relationship between mRNA abundance changes and production performance attributes at different productive lifespans.

The Effects of Rearing Systems on Incubation, Egg Production and Quality Traits in Pharaoh Quails

This study was conducted to determine the effect of rearing quails in different rearing systems on egg production, egg quality characteristics, and incubation results. The 360 quails were distributed equally to 3 different rearing groups (cage, enriched cage, and floor) in a male:female mixed at the age of 3 weeks. The eggs were individually weighed and recorded one by one daily (5487 eggs) for 3 months. To determine egg quality and incubation characteristics, 750 eggs were broken, and 3284 eggs were incubated, respectively. The results showed that female quail in the floor group have lower body weight at 6 weeks old (177.19 g), and they reached sexual maturity (age of first egg laying) later (65.36 day, P&lt;0.01), The lowest egg production (61.14%) occurred in the floor group during the 3-month egg production period (P&lt;0.05). The lowest average egg weight (9.07 g) was determined in the floor group (P&lt;0.05). It was determined that the eggs of quails raised in the enriched group had a rounder shape index because they have larger widths (P&lt;0.01). While the highest average yolk height (11.24 mm) was determined in the enriched cage group (P&lt;0.01), the highest averages of albumen length (72.41 mm) and lowest averages of yolk index (48.43%) were determined in the cage group (P&lt;0.01). The lowest average values (113.17) in Haugh unit were detected in the floor group (P&lt;0.05). The highest fertility rate (98.44%) was in Floor♂:Cage♀, the highest hatchability of fertile egg rate (94.67%) was obtained from Enriched♂:Cage♀, and the highest hatchability (89.10%) was obtained from Floor♂:Cage♀ pairing (P&lt;0.05). The lowest fertility rate (88.00%) was obtained from the Enriched♂:Floor♀, the lowest hatchability of fertile egg rate (86.01%) was obtained from the Enriched♂:Enriched♀, and the lowest hatchability (75.62%) was obtained from the Enriched♂: Enriched♀ groups. As a result, it has been revealed that the effect of various rearing systems is different on egg production, egg quality traits, and hatching results in quails. Thus, it has been shown that different programs at the rearing period to be applied to the male and female quails can achieve better incubation results and reproductive success.

Integrative analysis of the ovarian metabolome and transcriptome of the Yaoshan chicken and its improved hybrids.

Introduction: Laying performance is a key factor affecting production efficiency in poultry, but its molecular mechanism is still indistinct. In this study, Yaoshan chickens, a local breed in Guizhou, China, and merchant chickens (GYR) with higher egg yield after the three-line cross improvement hybridization of Yaoshan chickens were used as animal samples. Methods: To explore the regulatory mechanism of the diversities in laying performance, RNA-seq and ultra-performance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) were used to describe the transcriptional and metabolic profiles of the ovaries of Yaoshan and GYR chickens. Results: At the transcriptional level, 288 differentially expressed genes were upregulated in Yaoshan chickens and 353 differentially expressed genes were upregulated in GYR chickens. In addition, GSEA showed that ECM-receptor interactions and the TGF-β signaling pathway were restrained, resulting in increased egg production in GYR chickens. Furthermore, the upregulation of thiamine and carnitine was identified by metabolomic analysis to facilitate the laying performance of hens. Finally, comprehensive analyses of the transcriptome and metabolome found that thiamine and carnitine were negatively correlated with ECM-receptor interactions and the TGF-β signaling pathway, which jointly regulate the laying performance of Yaoshan chickens and GYR chickens. Discussion: Taken together, our research delineates differences in the transcriptional and metabolic profiles of the ovaries of Yaoshan and GYR chickens during the peak egg production period and provides new hypotheses and clues for further research on poultry egg production performance and the improvement of economic benefits.

Effect of Plumage Colour on The Productive and Physiological Performance of Two Lines of Turkey During Egg Production Period

Using 32 hens from two turkey lines; broad-breasted bronze (BBB) and bourbon red (BR), this study assessed how plumage colour affects egg production and physiological functions during (26-40) weeks of observation. A total of 32 hens, namely 16 hens from the BBB line and 16 hens from the BR line, were bred from 26 weeks up to 40 weeks of age. According to our results, BBB line significantly (p≤0.05) outperformed BR line in terms of body weight at first egg production, feed intake, and yolk diameter during the study period. A significantly (p≤0.05) higher feed conversion ratio, an increased egg mass, a higher production rate of hen-day eggs, and a higher rate of albumen was achieved by the BR line. It is, however, noteworthy that the age at first egg production, the egg weight, the egg mass, the yolk weight, the yolk percentage, the albumen weight, the shell weight percentage, the egg shell thickness, width, and length, the shape index, yolk height and yolk index were not significantly (p≥0.05) different between the two lines at 24 and 36 weeks of age. The levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were not significantly (p≥0.05) different between the two lines at 24 and 36 weeks of age when eggs were produced. Both turkey lines presented in the current study can potentially be raised in Iraq, as well as used as hens to produce hatching eggs and for genetic improvement.

The impact of selenium yeast and vitamin E in blood profile and egg production of laying hens at the end of egg production period

This study investigated the effects of selenium yeast and vitamin E supplementation on hematological parameters, egg production, and quality in laying hens aged beyond 94 weeks. The experiment adhered to ethical regulations and employed a Completely Randomized Design Dietary treatments included a basal diet (T0), or a basal diet supplemented with 0.450 mg selenium yeast and 100 mg vitamin E (T1), 0.675 mg selenium yeast and 100 mg vitamin E (T2), 0.450 mg selenium yeast and 200 mg vitamin E (T3), 0.675 mg selenium yeast and 200 mg vitamin E per kg diet (T4). There were 125 hens divided in five treatments and five replicates that contained five hens per replicate. Hematological parameters, egg production, and egg quality were determined. The T4 treatment reduced red blood cell counts (P&lt;0.05), potentially impacting erythropoiesis. The T3 treatment increased lymphocyte content and decreased heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (P&lt;0.05), which concurs with an increase in egg weight, egg mass, and Haugh Unit, and decreased feed conversion ratio (P&lt;0.05). Thus, this study demonstrated that incorporating these supplements with the specified dosage (0.450 mg selenium yeast and 200 mg vitamin E per kg diet) in aged laying hens can enhance productivity and egg quality at the end of the production cycle.

Impact of Dietary Supplementation of Cysteamine on Egg Taurine Deposition, Egg Quality, Production Performance and Ovary Development in Laying Hens.

This study aimed to examine the effect of dietary cysteamine on yolk taurine content in hens during different egg production periods. In Exp. 1, China Agricultural University-3 (CAU-3) hens at the peak stage of egg production (aged 31 wks) were used to explore the effect of diets supplemented with 0.1% cysteamine on yolk taurine content, egg quality and production performance. In Exp.2, two breeds of hens (half Hy-Line Brown and half CAU-3 hens) at the late stage of egg production (68 wks) were used to investigate the influence of diets supplemented with 0, 0.02%, 0.04%, 0.08% or 0.10% cysteamine on yolk taurine content, egg quality, production performance and ovary development. In Exp.1, diets supplemented with 0.1% cysteamine significantly increased yolk taurine content (p < 0.05) without negative influence on production performance or egg quality. In Exp.2, the highest yolk taurine content was observed when cysteamine was supplemented at 0.08% (p < 0.001). However, supplemental cysteamine linearly or quadratically decreased production performance over the first few weeks of feeding, and the effects disappeared with continued feeding (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study indicated that cysteamine supplementation benefits yolk taurine deposition in hens at both peak and late stage of egg production, but hens at the late stage of egg production show depressed production performance and egg quality.

Life history traits and population parameters of the predatory mite Euseius scutalis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed on Tetranychus turkestani (Acari: Tetranychidae) and pollen from three different plants

Development, reproduction, and demographic parameters of the predatory mite Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) were determined in the laboratory at 25±1 °C, with a 16L:8D photoperiod and 60 ±5% RH, to evaluate its response to four different diets: Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov and Nikolskii (Acari: Tetranychidae), caster bean pollen, date palm pollen, and hopbush pollen. Male and female mites raised on T. turkestani had a shorter mean pre-adult duration than those grown on date palm, castor, and hopbush pollen. Pre-adult mortality was found to be greater in either the larval stage or protonymphal stage than other stages. The highest and lowest pre-adult mortality rates were recorded on castor bean pollen (31.87%) and T. turkestani (2.94%), respectively. The total pre-oviposition periods (TPOP) on hopbush and castor bean pollen were significantly longer than those on T. turkestani and date palm pollen. The highest egg production and oviposition period were determined when T. turkestani were provided as diet. Overall, the individuals lived considerably longer when provided with T. turkestani and hopbush pollen than the two other diets. The gross reproductive rate (GRR) and net reproductive rate (R&lt;sub&gt;0&lt;/sub&gt;) on T. turkestani were greater than the values attained on other diets. The highest intrinsic (r) and finite rates of increase (λ) were found to be 0.2537 and 1.2888 on T. turkestani, respectively. However, R&lt;sub&gt;0&lt;/sub&gt;, GRR, r, and λ were almost similar between all pollen diets tested. In general, all diets tested in this study were adequate for development and oviposition in E. scutalis, but T. turkestani was the most favorable diet.

Effect of the chicken zp1 gene on osteoblast mineralization

The aim of this study was to clone the chicken zp1 gene encoding zona pellucida 1 (Zp1) and investigate its tissues expression profile and its effect on osteoblast mineralization. The expression level of zp1 was quantified in various tissues of laying hens and in the tibia of the pre- and post-sexual maturity by RT-qPCR. Zp1 overexpressed vector was transfected into chicken calvarial osteoblasts which were induced differentiation for 8 days, and the extracellular mineral and the expression of mineralization-related genes were detected. The full-length chicken zp1 gene is 3 045 bp, encoding 958 amino acids residuals, and has two N-glycosylation sites. The highest expression level of the zp1 gene was found in the liver, followed by the tibia and yolk membrane, while no expression was detected in the heart and eggshell gland. Compared with the pre-sexual maturity hens, the concentration of estrogen (E2) in plasma, the content of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and the expression level of the zp1 gene in the tibia with post-sexual maturity were higher. The extracellular matrix and the level of osteoblast mineralization-related genes showed a significantly upregulated expression in chicken calvarial osteoblasts with Zp1 overexpressed and addition of estrogen. The expression of the zp1 gene is tissue-specific and positively regulated osteoblast mineralization under the action of estrogen, laying the foundation for elucidating the functional properties of Zp1 in chicken bones during the egg production period.

EVALUATION OF MEAT AND EGG PRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS OF CROSSBRED LOCAL QUAIL

This research was carried out to determine the effect of crossing between the three lines of Kurdish quail on some productive traits depending on plumage color, in order to obtain a genetic combination that is distinguished in productive performance and superior in its performance on pure lines, and to demonstrate 80 quail chicks one-day old for each color (W,D and B)were reared in 8 replication box until reached 42 day was recorded growth performance after that from each replication 2 birds were slaughtered to determined carcass traits. The mating 1males and 3 females to crossing of three line was performed, namely White (W), Brown (B), and Desert (D) including six crosses of W×D, D×W, W×B, B×W, B×D and D×B and three replications for each cross. Birds raised in specific cage with dimensions of 45 x 30 x 30 cm, the egg productive and reproductive traits of the parents and the first generation were measured among 20 week of egg production period. The experiment was designed according to the design of the Factorial Experiment Design to study the effect of the cross, sex and the interaction between them. The study's findings revealed that crosses outperformed regardless over pure line of the effect on the average body weight, weight gain and mortality significantly (P≤0.001) at 42 days, also significant differences were found between pure lines and crosses for carcass traits and the best percentage of dressing, breast and thigh were in females. and for all egg production traits significant differences (P≤0.001) were found in parents and first generation. Crossing significantly affected on Heterosis that highest and positive Heterosis had in the traits daily weight gain, FCR, dressing percentage and egg weight (1.7, 26.2, 4.4, 1.2) respectively.

An Initial Study on the Use of Machine Learning and Radio Frequency Identification Data for Predicting Health Outcomes in Free-Range Laying Hens.

Maintaining the health and welfare of laying hens is key to achieving peak productivity and has become significant for assuring consumer confidence in the industry. Free-range egg production systems represent diverse environments, with a range of challenges that undermine flock performance not experienced in more conventional production systems. These challenges can include increased exposure to parasites and bacterial or viral infection, along with injuries and plumage damage resulting from increased freedom of movement and interaction with flock-mates. The ability to forecast the incidence of these health challenges across the production lifecycle for individual laying hens could result in an opportunity to make significant economic savings. By delivering the opportunity to reduce mortality rates and increase egg laying rates, the implementation of flock monitoring systems can be a viable solution. This study investigates the use of Radio Frequency Identification technologies (RFID) and machine learning to identify production system usage patterns and to forecast the health status for individual hens. Analysis of the underpinning data is presented that focuses on identifying correlations and structure that are significant for explaining the performance of predictive models that are trained on these challenging, highly unbalanced, datasets. A machine learning workflow was developed that incorporates data resampling to overcome the dataset imbalance and the identification/refinement of important data features. The results demonstrate promising performance, with an average 28% of Spotty Liver Disease, 33% round worm, and 33% of tape worm infections correctly predicted at the end of production. The analysis showed that monitoring hens during the early stages of egg production shows similar performance to models trained with data obtained at later periods of egg production. Future work could improve on these initial predictions by incorporating additional data streams to create a more complete view of flock health.

Feed Supplemented with Aronia melanocarpa (AM) Relieves the Oxidative Stress Caused by Ovulation in Peak Laying Hens and Increases the Content of Yolk Precursors.

The continuous ovulation of laying hens during the peak period is likely to cause oxidative stress, resulting in a reduction in the laying cycle over time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of Aronia melanocarpa (AM) in the diet and its effect on the yolk precursor content caused by ovulation in laying hens during the peak period. A total of 300 25-week-old Roman brown laying hens were randomly divided into five groups with six replicates in each group, 10 in each replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, the positive control group was fed a Vitamin C (VC) plus basal diet, and the experimental group was fed 1%, 4%, and 7% doses of AM plus diet according to the principle of energy and nitrogen requirements, which lasted eight weeks. At the end of the study, the egg quality, biochemical, and antioxidant markers, as well as mRNA and protein expressions, were evaluated to determine the potential signaling pathways involved. Results showed that the addition of AM to the feed increased the weight of laying hens at the peak of egg production and improved egg quality. The biochemical markers, as well as the antioxidant parameters in the serum, liver, and ovarian tissues, were ameliorated. The gene and protein expression of recombinant kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) in the liver and ovarian tissues was decreased, while nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression was increased. The feed supplemented with AM also increased the estrogen contents and lipid parameters, as well as the gene and protein expressions related to the yolk precursor. Feed supplemented with AM could improve the egg quality and the oxidative stress caused by the ovulation process of laying hens during the peak egg production period by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. These results suggest that the feed supplemented with 1% AM and 4% AM can improve egg production in peak laying hens.

Effects of the breeder age on the egg yield and egg quality traits of Landes geese (Anser anser).

This study aimed to determine the effects of the breeder age on the egg yield and egg quality traits of Landes geese in the first egg production cycle. One hundred ninety-four Landes geese aged 48weeks were kept in the yard area throughout the egg production period. Egg number, egg weight, egg mass production, and goose-day egg production were significantly affected by the breeder age (p < 0.001). Breeder age affected the albumen index, yolk index, Haugh unit, albumen pH, yolk pH, and yolk color values. The albumen index, yolk index, and yolk color values were significantly higher at 55weeks of age compared to the other breeder ages (62 and 64weeks of age) (p < 0.05; p < 0.001). The shape index, albumen ratio, and yolk ratio were not significantly affected by the breeder age. There was a decrease in the shell thickness, albumen index, and yolk index as the egg production period progressed. Since the shell thickness, albumen index, and yolk index decreased with age, it is concluded that the egg quality of Landes geese may deteriorate with age.

The influence of the supplement "Biogerm" on blood counts of laying hens

The article presents experimental data obtained on laying chickens when feeding various doses of the Biogerm feed additive as part of combined feed PK-1 during the egg production period. The experiment was carried out at the vivarium of MGAVMiB-MVA named after K.I. Scriabin on four groups of egg chickens of 100 heads each. It was found out that a protein additive containing 36.02% protein contributes to an increase in egg production by 5.1%, intensification of metabolic processes in the body, which is confirmed by the best biochemical blood parameters in the poultry groups receiving the feed additive compared to the control group. The optimal dose of feed additive is 10 kg/t of combined feed PK-1.

Flaxseed and Agnus-castuson vitex as a source of phytoestrogens and their impact on productive performance, some blood constituents, and blood oestradiol profile of aged laying hens

To investigate the effect of Flaxseeds (Flax) or vitex Agnus-castuson (Vitex), a total of 180 aged hens (58 weeks of age) were divided into 5 treatment groups with 36 each as followe: groups 2 and 3 were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1 or 2 g Flax/kg, respectively. And group 4 and 5 were fed the basal diet supplemented with a 2.5 or 5 g Vitex/kg, respectively. While group 1 was served as a control group. The experiment period was lasted for two months. Flax or Vitex in hens’ rations resulted in a significant (p ≤ .001) increase in EP and EM percentages compared to the control group, as well, EW was increased significantly with the high level of Vitex only. Although, Flax or vitex did not affect daily FI, a FCR values showed a significant improvement. The high level of both Flax and Vitex boosted (p ≤ .001) the egg-shell weight than the control group. Flax or Vitex treatment resulted in a slightly decline egg albumin weight (%),while, the egg yolk weight was increased significantly(p ≤ .001). There were a significant reduction (p ≤ .001) in blood total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations in Flax or Vitex groups, Contrariwise, HDL cholesterol was a significantly increased (p ≤ .001). Blood total antioxidant capacity concentration was a significant increase (p ≤ .001) of Flax and Vitex groups than the control. Adding Flax or Vitex to hens ration boosted blood oestradiol-17β hormone secretion (p ≤ .001) than the control group. Highlights Egyptian chicken breeds are characterised by lower egg production rates compared to commercial breeds, and they reach the end of the egg production curve early. So, our aim was to use some plant materials as a phytoestrogens source to improve the reproductive and productive performance of these strains and prolong the period of egg production for them.

Safety of bivalent live attenuated Salmonella vaccine and its protection against bacterial shedding and tissue invasion in layers challenged with Salmonella

Nontyphoidal Salmonella infection was one of the predominant foodborne illnesses in humans. The medical burden and antimicrobial resistance of salmonellosis gained importance in public health and requested the poultry industry to seek effective measures to control the disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a commercial bivalent live attenuated vaccine (AviPro Salmonella DUO) in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens and field layers. It explored its safety and efficacy against medically important strains, Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and S. Typhimurium (ST). The results demonstrated that ten vaccine doses in SPF chickens and regular doses in commercial layers showed desirable safety without affecting chicken health. Vaccinated layers demonstrated lower flock mortality and higher egg production performance than the unvaccinated layers during the raising and egg production periods. Additionally, no visceral colonization and egg contaminations were detected. Cloacal shedding of vaccine strains was noted, but the colonization of Salmonella disappeared within four weeks of the last vaccination. Regarding vaccine efficacy, one dose significantly reduced Salmonella cloacal shedding (P = 0.037 for SE and P = 0.027 for ST) and viable cell counts (P = 0.003 for SE and ST) on day 7 post the challenges. Significantly low Salmonella loads of cloacal samples on day 14 after the challenges were also determined in the vaccinated group (P = 0.006 for SE; P = 0.041 for ST). Triple immunizations effectively prevented layers from the cloacal shedding on either day 7 or day 14 post Salmonella challenges. Total viable counts of SE and ST in tissues of vaccinated layers were also reduced on day 14 after the challenges (P = 0.026 for SE; P = 0.002 for ST). To conclude, one dose of vaccine exhibited inhibitory effects on Salmonella shedding and tissue invasions in young layers. Following the regimen of triple vaccinations, Salmonella shedding was completely inhibited, and tissue invasions were significantly reduced. Incorporating this vaccine into a comprehensive Salmonella control program is promising to protect layers from the risks of contaminating the flocks and egg products.

Requirements of Energy and Protein for Arabic Chicken Hens During Late Egg Production Period

The present study aimed to estimate the metabolizable energy (ME) and protein (CP) requirements of Arabic chicken hens during the late egg production period reared under a semi-scavenging system with free-choice feeding. A total of 112 sixty-two-week-old Arabic chicken hens were used. The treatments were control and the choice diet consisted of 6 replicate pens. Control hens received a control diet (2750 kcal of ME/kg and 14.1% of CP) complying with the Hy-line Brown Commercial Management Guide 2011, whereas the choice hens offered control and three other diets (high energy-high protein [3006 and 17.3], high energy-low protein [3089 and 12.7], and low energy-high protein [2656 and 17.0] kcal of ME/kg and % of CP, respectively). Feed, ME, and CP intake, the concentration of dietary ME and CP, and egg production were recorded weekly. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS. The feeding method influenced feed intake, CP concentration, and ME concentration but had no significant effect on CP intake, ME intake, and egg production. Weekly feed intake of choice hens was lower than that of control hens (514.03 vs. 551.18 g /hen/week; P&lt;0.03). Dietary concentrations of ME and CP in the choice hens were higher than those in the control hens (2957 vs. 2750 kcal of ME/kg; P&lt;0.001 and 150.6 vs. 14.1 g of CP/kg; P&lt;0.001). Egg production of the choice hens was not significantly higher than that of the control hens (51.17% vs. 46.82%; P&gt;0.05). Feed intake, CP intake, and ME intake decreased significantly at week 66 onward, while egg production decreased at week 65 onward. It can be concluded that Arabic chicken hens in the late egg production period were able to adjust their energy and protein requirements by consuming more from high dietary energy than from a high dietary protein. Based on the choice feeding, ME and CP requirements for Arabic chicken hens during the late egg production period in the semi-scavenging system were 2957 kcal/kg and 151 g/kg and higher than ME and CP contain in the control diet of 2750 kcal/kg and 141 g/kg to maintain egg production. The egg mass and feed conversion ratio were better in the choice hens group.

Productivity of quails in the final period of egg production under the regime of limited feeding

Productivity of quails in the final period of egg production under the regime of limited feeding

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Soybean Hull on Production Performance and Nutrient Digestibility During Peak Egg Production Period with Different Phases in Laying Hens

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Soybean Hull on Production Performance and Nutrient Digestibility During Peak Egg Production Period with Different Phases in Laying Hens

Effects of genistein, genistin, and daidzein on preterm Drosophila model and human cervical epithelial cells

Sex hormones play an important role in reproduction. Our previous study confirmed that the ratio of ER and PR was increased in the cervix of mouse preterm birth model. Genistein, genistin, and daidzein have been reported to regulate ER and PR expression. In this study, the effect of genistein, genistin, and daidzein on Drosophila sex hormone level, egg production and gestational period as well as the effect on ER and PR expression in the cervix epithelial cell line ME-180, were investigated.

Does gut microbiota regulate brooding in geese?

Abstract Domestic geese can reduce the amount of food intake when brooding. Because of the reduction in food intake, the total number of microorganisms in the gut is also reduced. Will this affect the goose’s thinking and make the goose stop brooding and eat food? We hypothesize that gut microbiota affects the brain through a brain–gut peptide and further regulates the breeding behavior of geese. In this study, we evaluated the microbiome related to the goose and transcription groups of brooding and egg production periods. The changes and differences in gut microbiota and gene expression of female geese in different reproduction periods were analyzed, and the possible interaction between them was explored. The results showed that the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium with a growth-promoting effect in the cecum was higher in the egg production group than in the brooding group. Microbial metabolic pathways with significant differences between the two groups were also enriched in the secondary functional groups with different gut microbiota metabolism. The downregulated genes in the egg production group were mainly related to energy metabolism, such as ATP synthesis-related genes. These results suggest that the brooding group’s gut microbiota can make relevant changes according to the reproduction stage of the goose. Since the amount of food taken in is reduced, it can promote the decomposition of the host’s fat. Simultaneously, insulin is also used to deliver messages to the brain; it is necessary to end the brooding behavior at an appropriate time and for eating to start.