Egg Quality Research Articles

Application of Natural Antioxidants from Fruits Waste for Improving Egg Quality Characteristics

Fruit waste poses a significant global challenge, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reporting that about 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted annually, contributing to environmental and economic challenges. The major fruit-producing countries (United States, China, India, and Brazil) are responsible for a large portion of this waste. Fruit waste contains different bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and carotenoids, which are, in large part, underutilized regardless of their antioxidant properties. These compounds can play an important function in poultry nutrition, offering natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants. Reintegrating fruit waste into poultry diets might have potent benefits on the nutritional quality and shelf life of eggs. Some studies reported that bioactive compounds from fruit waste improve the oxidative stability of eggs and the nutritional content, potentially extending shelf life during storage. Additionally, antioxidant compounds from fruit waste have been shown to improve yolk coloration and some egg quality parameters while reducing reactive oxygen species, which cause lipid oxidation. Their inclusion in poultry diets can lower feed costs, promote animal welfare, and reduce the environmental impact of fruit waste. This review highlights some key fruit wastes, such as citrus, apple, grape, rosehip, sea buckthorn, and banana, among others, which are natural reservoirs of bioactive compounds beneficial for poultry nutrition. This strategy aligns with FAO sustainability goals, addressing both food waste and animal nutrition challenges. Future studies should focus on optimizing the inclusion rates of these natural antioxidants in poultry diets to maximize their benefits.

Dietary Oregano Oil Supplementation Improved Egg Quality by Altering Cecal Microbiota Function in Laying Hens

Improving egg quality is one of the main objectives of the poultry industry. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary oregano oil supplementation with different concentrations on the egg quality, intestinal morphology and cecal microbiome of late-phase laying hens. A total of 300 55-week-old Snowy white laying hens were randomly divided into five groups and fed a basal diet (control) or basal diets supplemented with oregano oil at 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg (O25, O50, O75 and O100) over a 100-day period. Compared with the control group, eggshell thickness and eggshell weight were increased significantly in eggs when oregano oil was added (p < 0.05). The highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and C18:2n6c was observed in yolks with 25 mg/kg supplement among 5 groups (p < 0.05). The highest average content of riboflavin in egg yolk and thiamine in egg white was observed in the O25 group (p < 0.05). When the supplemental levels of oregano oil were 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, the selenium and phosphorus content in the egg was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) and villus height of the small intestine was significantly increased compared with the chickens fed the basal diet (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the abundance of Megamonas was increased in the O50 group (p < 0.05). The unclassified_o__Bacteroidales in the O25 group were significantly higher than those in the other four groups (p < 0.05). These differential microorganisms were significantly correlated with egg quality characteristics. Dietary supplementation of oregano oil can significantly improve egg quality via gut microbiota alteration in laying hens.

Improving Egg Production, Quality and Eggshell Hygiene by Supplementation of Sage (Salvia officinalis) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oils

ABSTRACT Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of sage (Salvia officinalis) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oils (EO) supplementation into drinking water on egg production, quality and eggshell hygiene in laying hens. Material and Methods: A total of 300 Nick Brown laying hens between 30 and 38 of age were used in a completely randomized design in three treatments and ten replicates. The treatments consisted of: control group, sage EO, lavender EO supplementation group. EOs were supplemented into drinking water (0.3 mL/L). Results: A lower value of egg production, egg weight, egg mass and deteriorations in feed efficiency, eggshell breaking strength and thickness were observed in lavender EO group (P

Effect of Moringa oleifera L. Leaf Solution Concentration and Length of Storage on the Internal Quality of Duck Eggs (Anas platyrhyncos domesticus)

Duck eggs have a delicious taste, are easily digested by the body, and contain quite good nutrition.However, duck eggs have a short self life. This study aims to determine the effect of the length of storage and concentration of Moringa leaf solution on the internal quality of duck eggs. This study was conducted in September-October 2023 at the Livestock Production Laboratory of Animal Husbandry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara. The design used in this study is a complete random design, factorial pattern, namely 4 concentration solution treatment (R0 = without soaking, R1 = 10%, R2 = 20%, R3 = 30%), 5 Treatment of Length of Storage (L0 = 0 days, L1 = 7 days, L2 = 14 days, L3 = 21 days, L4 = 28 days) with 2 replications. The parameters used in this study include the egg white index (albumen), the egg yolk index (yolk), the percentage of decreased egg weight and the degree of acidity (pH) of eggs. The results showed that the number of concentrations of 30% solution had a significant effect (p <0.05) on the albumen index, yolk index and pH, but did not affect the percentage of decreased egg weight. The length of storage has a significant effect on the internal quality of duck eggs. The treatment interaction is a significant effect (p <0.05) against the egg white index (albumen) and egg pH. Treatment with a 30% moringa leaf solution had better results for 28 days compared to treatment without soaking.

The effect of temperature and humidity index on egg-laying and hatching parameters in Japanese quail

The objective was to measure the effect of temperature-humidity index (THI) on egg laying and hatching parameters. Quails were randomly transferred to two cage blocks at 20.55 ± 0.05ºC and 52.25 ± 0.68% relative humidity (RH), accepted as 66 THI group. One cage block was transferred to the next room at 16.15 ± 0.13ºC and 70.77 ± 0,38 % RH considered as 61 THI group. In the second stage of the study, the cage block previously accepted as 61 THI group, was considered as to 69 THI group by rising up the temperature to 21.97 ± 0.18 ºC. The group previously considered as 66 THI group was accepted as 76 THI group by rising up the temperature to 28.06 ± 0.02 ºC. Feed consumption and egg weight were significantly decreased, in 69 and 76 THI groups. Daily egg production was lower in 61 and 66 THI groups than that in 69 THI group. In 76 THI group, shell weight and yolk height, were decreased. High THI caused negative effects on feed consumption, egg weight, egg quality and feed conversion ratio.

The effect of season on internal quality of backyard turkey eggs using discriminant canonical analysis

This study is aimed to define the effect of season on internal turkey eggs produced in backyard systems. To this goal, a total of 197 turkey eggs from Andalusian hens were continuously collected throughout 15 months to study internal quality attributes. A discriminant canonical analysis was performed considering season as the dependent variable and these quality attributes as independent variables. Yolk weight was discarded from analysis due to multicollinearity problems (VIF > 5), and then, statistically explanatory variables were obtained (p < .05). All colour yolk traits, including yolk colorimetric (lightness, redness and yellowness axes) and DSM® fan performed as discriminating variables. Moreover, the yield of egg components (yolk diameter and albumen weight) and almost every shell trait (shell strength, thickness and resistance area) were powerful explanatory variables as well. Albumen height and pH were reported explanatory variables, but possibly due to the effect of the environment from laying to egg collection. Results obtained show a great adaptation of this genotype to its traditional environment and rearing conditions. This study provides the first description of the effect of season on internal food quality attributes of turkey eggs and would provide a better understanding of egg production in organic-like systems. Moreover, the results of this study represent a step forward in the procedures for the institutional recognition of the breed. Highlights Internal egg quality attributes in turkey species vary throughout seasons and serve as explanatory variables in the discriminant canonical analysis. Eggs laid in different seasons can be successfully classified attending to the variance of their internal egg characteristics. Yolk colour attributes, particularly yolk yellowness (b*), showed great explanatory properties, which evidences different trends in pasture availability and consumption during the year. General internal quality did not decline during the summer, which evidences the great adaptation of the Andalusian turkey breed to its environment. Effects of climate change are visible in egg quality in organic-like rearing systems.

Effect of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal and oil on the performance, biochemical profile, intestinal health and gut microbial dynamics in laying hens

This study investigated the effect of incorporating black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal and oil on laying hens' performance, egg quality, serum profile, intestinal structure, and gut health. A total of 378 Lohmann laying hens (age 48 wk) were randomly assigned to 6 treatments with 3 replicates of 21 hens each. Following 7 d acclimation, the trail was conducted for 8 weeks. The dietary groups include: basal corn-soybean meal diet (S) without BSF (BSO) oil (S+BSO 0), S with BSF oil (S+BSO 100), BSF meal (9 %) without BSF oil (BSF 9+BSO 0), BSF meal (9 %) with BSF oil (BSF 9+BSO 100), BSF meal (18 %) without BSF oil (BSF 18+BSO 0), and BSF meal (18 %) with BSF oil (BSF 18+BSO 100). The results showed that the BSF 18 + BSO 100 diet significantly reduced egg weight (P < 0.001) compared to other dietary treatments. The addition of BSF meal reduced feed intake (P < 0.001) and the Haugh units (P < 0.05) in hens fed 18 % BSF meal with and without BSO. The jejunum villus area, crypt depth, and intestinal wall thickness increased with the increase in the inclusion of BSF larvae meal (P < 0.001). The ileum villus height, crypt depth and intestinal wall thickness increased (P < 0.001) at 9 % BSF meal and then decreased at 18 % BSF meal with and without BSF oil. The bacteria genera Ruminococcus, Clostridiales, Bacteroidales, Ruminococcus torques, and Intestinimonas were positively associated with the dietary treatments, while Prevotellaceae UCG-001, Clostridium, and Faecalibacterium were negatively associated with the dietary treatments. The inclusion of BSF meal and oil enriched the functional network of several pathways, including ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, D-arginine and D-ornithine metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism, highlighting the positive effects of BSF larvae meal and oil on the chicken gut microbiota. In conclusion, BSF meal at 9 % with BSF oil and BSF meal at 18 % without BSF oil can be incorporated into the diet without impairing the performance and gut health of laying hens.

Effects of Housing Systems on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Tonic Immobility and Feather Score in Laying Hens.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of different housing systems on production performance, egg quality and welfare in laying hens. One hundred and twenty 42-week-old "Atak S" laying hens, purchased from a manufacturing company, were randomly assigned to 4 housing systems: conventional cages, furnished cages, deep-litter system and free-range. Each system housed 30 hens, which were kept in these systems for 6 weeks. Parameters regarding production performance, egg quality, plumage condition scores and tonic immobility were assessed at the end of the housing period. Egg production and egg mass were lower in cage-free rearing systems than in caged systems. Mean egg weight in free-range hens, and albumen height and Haugh unit in deep-litter hens, were lower than in other housing systems. Eggshell weight in hens housed in furnished cages was greater than in free-range hens, while eggshell strength was better compared to that of hens in conventional cages. The housing system did not impact fearfulness; however, the deep-litter housing increased the sensitivity to touch or capture. Whole body and regional plumage condition scores of free-range hens elicited more favourable results than those kept in conventional cages. Because the plumage condition indicates welfare, the results proved the superiority of free-range over conventional rearing regarding welfare. Concerning the parameters, such as egg production, animal welfare and fear level, overall data revealed the pros and cons of all housing systems investigated. We consider that this study's findings might contribute to the researchers and breeders seeking alternative housing for laying hens.

Effects of dietary digestible lysine levels in breeding Japanese quails on productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, blood metabolites and immune responses.

The vegetable-based diet alone does not provide the lysine (Lys) needed to maximize poultry productive performance. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary digestible Lys (dLys) level on productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, blood metabolites and immune responses in breeding Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments, 5 replicates and 15 (12 females and 3 meals) 10-week-old breeding Japanese quails each. A basal diet was formulated to meet nutritional requirements of breeding quails except dLys. The basal diet was supplemented with graded (+0.82g/kg) levels of l-Lys-HCl, corresponding to dietary dLys levels of 0.690%, 0.755%, 0.820%, 0.885%, 0.950% and 1.015%. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks, which was divided into 3-4-week periods. Significant differences were observed for egg production (EP), egg mass (EM) and feed efficiency (FE) in response to increasing dietary dLys concentration with quadratic trends. The highest traits were observed in the birds fed with a diet containing 0.885% dLys. However, feed intake, egg quality, reproductive performance, blood metabolites and immune responses against sheep red blood cell inoculation were not significantly affected by increasing dietary dLys concentrations. The dLys requirements during 11-14, 15-18, 19-22 and 11-22 (overall) weeks of age for optimal EP, EM and FE, based on the quadratic broken-line regression analysis, were estimated 272, 265, 250 and 266; 293, 285, 264 and 279; and 303, 294, 281 and 293mg/bird/day, respectively. The dLys requirements vary depending on the EP phase and the trait being optimized. The estimated dLys requirement for FE was higher than those for EP and EM. During the peak stage of the first laying cycle, the dietary dLys level of 0.932% and a daily intake of 303mg dLys/bird are sufficient for optimal performance.

The Beneficial Application of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on Health and Egg Production, in Layers: A Review

ABSTRACTBackgroundTurmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a widely recognized spice and medicinal plant that has gained significant attention for its potential health benefits. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the beneficial applications of turmeric in improving health and egg production in layers.ObjectiveThe objective of this review is to assess the current scientific literature on the effects of turmeric supplementation in layer diets and evaluate its impact on layer health and egg production.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in Google Scholar database to identify relevant studies published in peer‐reviewed journals. Studies investigating the effects of turmeric or its bioactive compound curcumin on layer health and egg production were included. Data on various parameters, including immune function, reproductive performance, egg quality and production parameters, were extracted and analysed.ResultsTurmeric contains a bioactive compound called curcumin, which possesses antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. These properties have been extensively studied and have shown promising results in enhancing layer health and performance. Turmeric supplementation has been reported to improve the overall immune response in layers, reducing the incidence and severity of infectious diseases. It has also been shown to have positive effects on gut health by modulating the gut microbiota composition, improving nutrient absorption and reducing digestive disorders. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that turmeric supplementation in layer diets can improve egg weight, shell quality, yolk colour and egg production rates. The mechanisms underlying these effects involve the antioxidant properties of turmeric, which protect the reproductive organs, enhance ovarian function and improve reproductive performance.ConclusionThe findings underscore the potential of turmeric as a natural, cost‐effective and sustainable intervention for improving layer well‐being, egg quality and productivity. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action, optimize dosage regimens and evaluate the long‐term effects of turmeric supplementation in layer diets.

Microwave spectroscopy in a free-space arrangement for nondestructive quality assessment of chicken eggs: Comparing different measurement modes and feature selection approaches

A free-space dielectric arrangement with X-band coaxial-to-waveguide adapters was used to non-destructively assess shell egg quality. Scattering parameters in the microwave spectral range (8–12 GHz) were measured in reflectance and transmittance modes from eggs placed in three orientations. Partial least squares regression was applied to predict egg quality indices, including air cell height (ACH), yolk coefficient (YC), thick albumen height (TAH), Haugh unit (HU), and albumen pH. Prioritizing PR_S22 spectrum in horizontal 1 orientation, several feature selection methods were employed to identify the most effective frequencies. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were then used to develop predictive models based on influential frequencies. The competitive adaptive reweighted sampling method consistently outperformed others, yielding robust ANN models with excellent residual predictive deviation values of 4.80, 4.00, 3.27, 3.03, and 3.72 for ACH, YC, TAH, HU, and albumen pH, respectively. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of free-space dielectric arrangements in predicting egg quality.

The Impact of Layer Strains Genotype on Egg Quality and Eggshell Ultrastructural

The Impact of Layer Strains Genotype on Egg Quality and Eggshell Ultrastructural

Impact of storage period on hatching egg quality, extra-embryonic structures, embryo morphometry, hatchability, and Rosa 1 chick quality

Storage duration affects the biological value of hatching eggs. The study evaluated the composition and characteristics of hatching eggs from Rosa 1 hens, the morphometric traits of embryos and chicks, and hatching results based on storage time. A total of 1200 hatching eggs were divided into three groups: NS (control, non-stored), S4 (stored up to day 4), and S7 (stored up to day 7). Storage conditions were 17°C and approx. 60% relative humidity. Each group’s egg quality was measured for 30 eggs. Weight loss during storage was monitored. Lysozyme activity and viscosity were analyzed from fresh eggs and incubated eggs on days 7 and 14, using thin and thick albumen or amniotic fluid. Embryo morphometry was measured on days 7, 10, 14, and 18, and post-hatching results and the quality of one-day-old chicks were assessed. Eggs stored for 7 days (S7) had higher (P<0.05) weight loss compared to the NS group. The proportions of eggshell and yolk increased (P<0.05) after storage, and the yolk index decreased. Vitelline membrane strength was lower (P<0.001) in the S4 and S7 groups than in the NS group. The lowest (P<0.05) pH levels of thin, thick albumen and yolk were observed in the NS group. Lysozyme activity increased (P<0.001) in the thin albumen of eggs in the NS and S4 groups and the thick albumen from the NS group than in others. On day 7 of incubation, group S7 showed higher (P<0.05) lysozyme activity in thick albumen, with no activity in amniotic fluid. By day 14, lysozyme activity increased (P<0.001) in group S7’s thick albumen and S4 and S7 groups’ amniotic fluid. Viscosity was highest (P<0.05) in fresh eggs’ thin and thick albumen from group S7, but on day 7, thick albumen viscosity was lowest. On day 14, amniotic fluid viscosity was higher (P=0.009) in group S4 than in NS. Seven-day-old embryos in group S7 had lower (P=0.004) weight than others. Eye diameter in S7 embryos was also smaller on days 7 and 18. On day 10, NS group embryos had shorter body diagonal lengths. Storage up to 7 days adversely affected hatching efficiency. Storage affected the navel area of one-day-old chicks, with the highest neck length in male chicks from group S4 and the lowest in females from group S4. It is concluded that egg storage at 17°C and 60% relative humidity could be limited to 4 days to maintain hatchability and qualitative features.

Effect of Using Germinated and Fermented Lupin and Oats as a Dietary Protein Source on Laying Hen Performance and Egg Quality

Soybean meal is the dominant protein source for poultry nutrition. However, soybean is not widely grown in Europe, necessitating importation from other countries. To reduce dependency on imported soybean meal, an alternative feed material is needed. Fermentation and/or germination of grains are known to increase the value of the protein content of a diet. This study aimed to determine if they could substitute partly soybean meal in a diet. Germinated or fermented or germinated and fermented grains of lupin and oats were used in laying hen’s diet (a mix of 6.50% lupin and 3.50% oat grains). Oats were dehulled or not dehulled. The hens’ weight loss and the downgraded eggs rate were the lowest when using fermented grains. All trial diets reduced the egg cholesterol content. Dehulling had only a slight effect on performance. Diets containing germinated grains led to a decrease in laying performance and an increase in body weight loss. Diets containing fermented grains gave the best results in terms of quantity of amino acids, hen weight maintenance, laying performance, and egg quality. In conclusion, fermented lupin and oats can be used in laying hen diets to partly substitute sources of protein such as soya, but germinated grains cannot.

Effects of Fungus (Aspergillus niger) Treated Castor seed Cake on the Performance and Egg Quality of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Castor seed cake (CSC) has been recognized as a potential protein source for livestock due to its high Protein and amino acids profile. However, the cake contains some anti-nutrients and toxic compounds that may prevent its full utilization in Livestock feed. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of partial substitution of Groundnut cake with Fungus (Aspergillus niger) treated Castor seed cake (FCSC) on performance characteristics, egg quality and biochemical blood parameters of Japanese quail. Seventy-two quail chicks used for this experiment were subjected to three dietary treatments: Control diet (A, 0% FCSC), B (30% FCSC) and C (60% FCSC).

UMUR SIMPAN TELUR AYAM YANG DILAPISI DENGAN KAPUR (CaCO3) DAN MINYAK KELAPA

Preservation of fresh eggs can be done by coating the centipede with coating material. The purpose of this study was to determine the physical quality of chicken eggs treated with centipede coating and shelf life at room temperature. The ingredients used are purebred chicken eggs, coconut oil and chalk. The parameters observed are: Egg weight, egg index, egg white index, yolk index, egg white pH, yolk pH, egg color. The study design is a complete randomized design of factorial patterns. The results showed that the type of egg centipede coating material and shelf life showed a marked difference in egg weight. The coating material and shelf life have no effect on the egg index. The treatment of centipede coating material has a very noticeable effect on the egg white index and egg yolk index. The treatment of centipede coating material and shelf life have a significant influence on the pH value of egg white and egg yolk pH. The color of the yolk of purebred chickens with the treatment of centipede coating materials and the length of storage at room temperature has a noticeable effect on the color of the yolk. The conclusion that the coating of the egg centipede using chalk and coconut oil and shelf life showed a marked difference in egg weight, egg white index, yolk index, white pH, yolk pH and egg color, while the egg index did not differ markedly.

Evaluation of Feed Additive Nutmeg Seed Powder (Myristica fragnans Houtt) on Egg Quality Characteristics and Egg Production

Evaluation of Feed Additive Nutmeg Seed Powder (Myristica fragnans Houtt) on Egg Quality Characteristics and Egg Production

Partial or complete replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal improves feed efficiency in laying hens between 22 to 30 weeks of age

Abstract The European Commission recently authorised the inclusion of insect meal in poultry feed. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSF) has comparable nutritional value to soybean meal (SBM) and higher calcium content, making it an attractive alternative protein source for laying hens While a few studies have explored this objective, inconsistent results have been reported, likely due to variations in hen age, breed, husbandry systems, and sunflower meal composition across studies, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions. We hypothesised that partial or complete replacement of SBM with BSF has no adverse effects on egg production and quality in laying hens at the initiation of laying (22-30 weeks of age). This study consisted of three dietary treatments and nine replicates per treatment. Diets were a control diet, and two diets containing 5% (BSF5%) and 10% (BSF10%). The experimental unit was a pen (100 × 200 × 200 cm) of 14 Brown Nick laying hens resembling an aviary setting. We found that complete replacement of SBM with BSF10% in the diet of laying hens improved feed efficiency attributed to a lower feed intake in comparison to laying hens fed the BSF5% or the control diets, while production performance, body weight, and egg quality were maintained and the colour of the egg yolk increased. Therefore, replacing SBM with up to 10% BSF in brown laying hens in aviary pens at the initiation of laying had no adverse effects on production performance, chemical and physical characteristics, and sensory attributes of eggs. Maintaining production and egg quality with a lower intake of nutrients requires further investigation.

Age-Dependent Enhancement in Fecundity and Ova Diameter of &lt;i&gt;Schizopyge niger&lt;/i&gt; (Heckel, 1838) in Dal Lake, Kashmir

Understanding the reproduction and recruitment pattern is essential for successful conservation of a species. Accurate estimates of fecundity plays acrucial role in comprehending fish population dynamics. The snowtrout, Schizopyge niger, is a Cyprinid fish widely distributed throughout the lakes of Kashmir valley and is one of the most important commercial fish species. In this study, we examined the age-dependent reproductive perfor-mance of female S. niger, aiming to gain insights into its breeding characteristics for the development of an optimal brood-stock management plan. The study involved 78 female S. niger specimens collected from Dal Lake during the spawning season, representing age groups of 2+, 3+, 4+, 5+, and 6+ years. Fecundity and ova diameter showed an increasing trend from age 2+ (3,971 eggs; 1.45 mm) to age 6+ (10,501 eggs; 2.00 mm). Total fecundity exhibited positive correlations with age, total weight, ovary weight, and ova diameter. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between ova diameter and fish age, with the highest fecundity and largest ova diameter observed in the 6+ years age group. Among each age group, fecundity and ova diameter varied significantly (p &lt;0.05). Based onthese findings, for optimal broodstock management of S. niger, it is recommended to use females of the6+ years age group after assessing the quality of eggs.

Enhancing impact of dietary nano formulated quercetin on laying performance: egg quality, oxidative stability of stored eggs, intestinal immune and antioxidants related genes expression

BackgroundNutritional interventions with natural antioxidants can provide a pragmatic solution for modifying hens’ performance and maintaining oxidative stability of eggs during storage. Quercetin is the most abundant flavonoids with potent antioxidant and immune stimulant activities. The concept of incorporating of quercetin, as potent antioxidant and immunostimulant, into effective nano-carriers (QNPs) has promoted their bioavailability and stability thus, their effectiveness for the first time were assessed on laying hens’ performance and immunity, eggs quality during storage. Four hundred 12-weeks-old Hy-line brown laying hens were distributed to four experimental groups: control group fed basal diets, and other 3 groups fed basal diets fortified with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg QNPs for 60 weeks.ResultsLaying performance and quality of laid eggs were improved as expressed by elevated laying rate, egg mass %, eggs weight and yolk weight in QNPs200 and 300. Fortification of QNPs300 remarkably decreased layers serum total cholesterol concurrently with decreased egg yolk saturated fatty acids and cholesterol while increased polyunsaturated fatty acids. Over- 45 days storage period, QNPs enhanced phospholipids, total phenolics and flavonoids, total antioxidant activity (T-AOC) simultaneous with decreased MDA content in eggs. Furthermore, enhanced immune response was detected in both in serum and intestine of QNPs fed hens as reflected by higher lysozymes activity, IgM, IgG and phagocytic index and demotion of NO together with AvBD 6–12, IL-10, IgM and ATg 5-7-12 upregulation and downregulation of IL-1β and TNF-α especially at QNPs200 and 300. Intestinal redox balance was modified via decreasing H2O2 and MDA simultaneous with upregulation of catalase, SOD, GSH-Px, HO-1 and NQO1 in groups fed higher doses of QNPs.ConclusionsQNPs supplementation provides a new nutritional strategy towards increasing hen performance, fortification of eggs with natural antioxidants that prevents egg quality deterioration during storage.