Eggshell Ratio Research Articles

Removal of Remazol Brilliant Blue R Dye from Water Using Eggshell Mixed Matrix Membrane through Filtration and Adsorption

Water pollution causes flora and fauna to be destroyed and this process might be irreversible as well as lead to other bad consequences, especially towards human beings. Due to the inefficiencies of the dyeing process, it is estimated that up to 200,000 tonnes of dyes are released into wastewater annually by the textile industry. This research aimed to fabricate the mixed matrix membranes made up of eggshells that were combined with silica (SiO2) for dye removal of Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR). Poly ether sulfone (PES) and N-methyl-pyro-lidone (NMP) will be added in the formulation as a binder and solvent, respectively. The results from the characterisation and filtration process of the ceramic membrane with different ratios of eggshells and silica for removing Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dye were compared. The ATR-FTIR showed a strong existence of carbonate minerals and silica proving its functional group and properties of having good capacity in filtration. The water contact angle measurement of the 4:1 ratio of eggshell: silica gave a low contact angle value which is 2.16o while the contact angle for a 1:1 ratio membrane is 1.99o, thus, the synthesis of the membrane was successful. From the filtration process, it was discovered that the 4:1 ratio of eggshell: silica was able to remove the 50 ppm blue dye with a removal efficiency of 81.39% compared to the 1:1 ratio with a removal efficiency of 76.17%. The adsorption capacity or the amount of dye adsorbed onto hollow fibre membrane and flat sheet membrane were found to be 1.423mg/g with an adsorption percentage of 71.15% and 1.616mg/g with an adsorption percentage of 80.80% respectively. To sum up, eggshells are a practical way to remove RBBR dye from a solution and a potential raw material for membrane manufacturing.

Dietary sodium sulfate supplementation improves eggshell quality, uterine ion transportation and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in laying hens.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) supplementation on eggshell quality, uterine ion transportation, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis. A total of 432 48-wk-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were randomly divided into 6 dietary treatments with 8 replicates of 9 birds each. The experimental laying hens were fed the corn-soybean meal diets (containing 0.15% NaCl) supplemented with 0.22%, 0.37%, 0.52%, 0.68%, 0.83%, or 0.99% Na2SO4 for 12 weeks. Results showed that the eggshell breaking strength and eggshell ratio significantly increased in the 0.68% Na2SO4 group at the end of wk 56 and wk 60 (P < 0.05). In addition, eggshell thickness and weight significantly increased in the 0.68% Na2SO4 group at the end of wk 60 (P < 0.05). Eggshell calcium (Ca) content in the 0.68% Na2SO4 group was higher than that of 0.22% and 0.99% groups (P < 0.001). The concentrations of K+ and Ca2+ in the uterine fluid were significantly greater in the 0.68% group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Dietary Na2SO4 increased the gene expression of SLC8A1, SCNN1A, ATP1B1, and KCNMA1 quadratically in the uterus (P < 0.05), and higher values were observed in 0.68% group. Additionally, the GAG contents of the eggshell, and ATP-S, SULT, CS, and DS contents of the isthmus increased linearly with the increment of dietary Na2SO4 (P < 0.05). There was a remarkable reduction in mammillary knob width, mammillary thickness, and the percentage of the mammillary layer (P < 0.05), and an increment in mammillary knob density, effective thickness, and total thickness in the 0.68% group compared with the 0.22% and 0.99% groups (P < 0.05). Overall, there was no dose-related difference with the increment of dietary Na2SO4 levels. The addition of 0.68% Na2SO4 in the corn-soybean basal diet (0.15% Cl) regulated uterine ion transport, increased GAG contents of eggshell, and improved eggshell ultrastructure and quality.

Effects of dietary glucosamine sulfate sodium on early laying performance and eggshell quality of laying hens

This study was conducted to determine the influence of dietary glucosamine sulfate sodium (GSS) on laying performance, blood profiles, eggshell and inner quality of eggs and relative expression of the genes related to eggshell in laying hens at early stage. A total of 640 twenty-weeks-old Lohmann laying hens were randomly allotted to 4 treatments with 10 replicates of 16 hens each. The experiment lasted for 8 wk, and dietary treatments were: 1) CON, basal diet; 2) G1, CON + 0.2% GSS; 3) G2, CON + 0.4% GSS; 4) G3, CON + 0.6% GSS. The inclusion of GSS increased average daily feed intake, laying rate, and egg mass (P < 0.05) linearly during wk 21 to 25, 25 to 29, and 21 to 29, egg weight during wk 21 to 25 and 25 to 29, and improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio linearly during wk 21 to 25. The supplementation of GSS increased (P < 0.05) albumen height quadratically, Haugh unit, calcium content, calcium mass, phosphorus content and phosphorus mass linearly at the end of 25th and 29th wk. At the end of 29th wk, the eggshell strength, eggshell weight, eggshell ratio, and eggshell thickness were increased (P < 0.05) linearly in GSS treatments compared with CON. The addition of GSS increased (P < 0.05) serum calcium, estrogen 2, and calcitonin, while decreased (P < 0.05) serum tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), parathormone, IL-6 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) at the end of 29th wk. The inclusion of GSS increased (P < 0.05) the relative expression of ovocalyxin-32 and ovocalyxin-36 linearly at the end of 29th wk, and ovalbumin, osteopontin, calbindin 1, and ovocleidin-116 linearly at the end of 25th and 29th wk. Quadratic effects were observed (P < 0.05) in the laying rate during wk 21 to 25, serum TRAP and PGE2, the relative expression of ovocleidin-116 at the end of 29th wk. In summary, the inclusion of GSS up-regulated relative expression of osteopontin, ovocleidin-116, ovocalyxin-32 and ovocalyxin-36 in uterus, promoted the serum PGE2 and calcitonin, thus increased the calcium content of eggshell and finally enhanced eggshell quality.

Optimization of batch process parameters for chromium (VI) removal from synthetic wastewater using eggshell–clay composite

In this study, a biodegradable spherical adsorbent bead was developed from eggshell (ES) and Bijoypur clay (BC) for the removal of hexavalent chromium from synthetic tannery wastewater. This Eggshell–Clay polymer composite (ES–BC) was made by incorporating them with PVA and alginate. To analyze the morphology and chemical composition of the adsorbent before and after the chromium adsorption, SEM, FTIR, XRD, and EDX were used. The impact of adsorption parameters such as adsorbent dosage (0.67–2.23 g/L), pH of the solution (1.5–9), contact time (10–240 min), initial Cr (VI) concentration (25–100 ppm), and solution temperature (25–65 °C), percentage clay in ES-BC adsorbent (0–40%) for Cr (VI) adsorption were investigated. The optimum value for adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, initial Cr concentration, temperature, and clay to eggshell ratio was found 1.17 g/L, 1.5, 150 min, 58.2 ppm, 25 °C, and 80/20% respectively. The isotherm model was well-fitted to the Freundlich isotherm suggesting heterogeneous adsorption in multilayer on surface. The adsorption kinetics followed pseudo-second-order kinetics supporting the chemisorption process. Moreover, a decrease in enthalpy (H°) and negative Gibbs free energy (G°) with increased temperature indicated exothermic and spontaneous reaction. Therefore, this research investigated that the composite may serve as a viable option for treating Cr (VI) containing tannery effluent.

Fe3O4 nanoparticles impregnated eggshell as an efficient biocatalyst for eco-friendly synthesis of 2-amino thiophene derivatives

In this study, a biodegradable and eco-friendly biocatalyst (eggshell/Fe3O4) was synthesized utilizing eggshell impregnated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The characterization of prepared catalyst was carried out by Fourier transform infrared radiation (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), thermal gravimetric analysis-differential thermogravimetry (TGA-DTG), vibrating sample magnometer (VSM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The eggshell/Fe3O4 biocatalyst was served in multi-component reactions (MCRs) for the synthesis of 2-amino thiophene derivatives from variety aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile, ethyl acetoacetate, and sulfur (S8). To achieve optimal reaction conditions, a thorough examination was conducted on key factors, such as the solvent type, reaction time and temperature, and the ratio of eggshell to Fe3O4. The findings suggest that high yield product can be obtained at microwave temperature (MW) in EtOH solvent within 10 min. Additionally, the eggshell/Fe3O4 biocatalyst exhibited high catalytic activity, which was sustained over the five cycles, without any significant decline in its performance.

Effects of Dietary Calcium Lactate Supplementation on Laying Performance, Blood Index, Shinbone Quality, Jejunal Immunity, and Egg Quality of Aged Laying Hens

This study aimed to verify the potential of calcium lactate for the performance, blood index, shinbone quality, jejunal immunity, and egg quality of aged laying hens. A total of 360 62-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly divided into four treatments, with six replicates and 15 chickens per replicate. Experimental groups were fed with 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% calcium lactate to substitute limestone in the control group (maintaining the same amount of calcium). The feeding trial lasted for 12 weeks. The laying rate and daily egg mass of laying hens fed the diets supplemented with calcium lactate was increased relative to those of the control group. The dietary addition of calcium lactate for laying hens enhanced the eggshell ratio, eggshell thickness, eggshell strength, and albumen height of eggs, and the addition level of 0.5% had the best effect. Dietary calcium lactate increased the number of red blood cells, corpuscular hemoglobin, mononuclear leucocytes and basophilic granulocytes, and decreased heterophils in the blood of laying hens. The activities of serum alanine transaminase and creatine kinase in laying hens was reduced by the dietary addition of calcium lactate. Calcium lactate supplementation in diets increased the serum calcium and phosphorus contents of laying hens. The dietary inclusion of calcium lactate increased the contents of IgA, IgG, lysozyme, and sIgA in the jejunal mucosa, and the 0.5% addition level worked best, but the IL-2 content decreased. The addition of 0.5% calcium lactate to the diet reduced the maximal force of the shinbone and increased the work required for shinbone rupture in laying hens. In conclusion, the dietary addition of calcium lactate improved the performance and egg quality of laying hens, probably by its positive effects on body health, intestinal digestible ability, calcium bioavailability, and jejunal mucosal immunity. The optimum amount of calcium lactate in the diet of laying hens is recommended to be 0.5%.

Investigation of mechanical properties of plastic composites produced using wood and eggshell

In this study, it is aimed to produce wood plastic composite material with eggshell additives and to investigate the mechanical properties of these materials. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, elongation at break, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity and impact resistance of new materials produced by adding eggshell to wood plastic composite at different rates were investigated. It was determined that tensile strength values gradually decreased due to the increase in the amount of eggshell in the composites produced. The modulus of elasticity of the composite material in tensile strength increases with the increase in the amount of eggshell in the mixture. With the increase of the eggshell ratio used, the elongation values of the plastic composite at break are reduced. The eggshell material used in wood plastic composite reduces the bending strength of the material. The eggshell reduces the modulus of elasticity of the composite material in bending. The eggshell composite material did not cause a significant change in impact resistance.

The improving effect of soybean isoflavones on ovarian function in older laying hens

Emerging evidence suggests an association between estrogen levels and reduced egg-laying performance as the layer became old. Since soy isoflavones (SF) have estrogen-mimic effects, whether it can enhance production performance and ovarian function of older layers is still not known. A total of 160 Lohmann pink layers (66-wk-old) were used in a 2×2 factorial design, which included 2 egg-laying levels [low (76.89 ± 1.65%; LOW) and normal (84.96 ± 1.01%; NOR)] and 2 different dietary groups [0 mg/kg SF, 20 mg/kg SF] were used. The results showed the NOR group had higher egg-laying rate, egg mass, and feed efficiency during the all phases (P(laying) < 0.05). The unqualified egg rate was lower in NOR group (9-12 wk, 1-12 wk) (P(laying) < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with SF increased the egg-laying rate and feed efficiency (5-8 wk, 9-12 wk, 1-12 wk), increased egg mass (9-12 wk, 1-12 wk) (P(SF) < 0.05). The NOR layers presented higher eggshell quality (redness, yellowness, brightness, eggshell ratio) at 12 wk (P(laying) < 0.05). Eggshell quality was found to be improved by SF (eggshell strength and eggshell thickness), egg albumen quality (higher albumen height and Haugh unit) at 12 wk (P(SF) < 0.05). Supplementing with SF led to an increase in eggshell strength in LOW group (P(laying*SF) < 0.05). The higher serum lever of glucose (GLU) and lower serum lever of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were in NOR group (P(laying) < 0.05). Supplementing SF in diets increased serum of estradiol (E2) and insulin-like growth factors-1 (IGF-1), decreased serum of FSH (P(SF) < 0.05). The NOR layers presented lower estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ), B lymphoma 2 associated X protein (Bax), cytochrome c (Cytc), interleukin 6 (IL-6), caspase3, caspase9, IKKα, P50, and P65 expression in the ovary (P(laying) < 0.05). Dietary SF supplementation decreased the anti-Müllerian hormone receptor (AMHR), Bax, caspase3, caspase9, Cytc, IL-6, IKKα, P50, P65 expression in the ovary (P(SF) < 0.05). These findings indicated that layers with NOR group had higher production performance, egg quality, and ovarian function, while dietary supplementation with SF improved production performance and ovarian function by reducing inflammation and apoptosis-related genes expression in ovary.

Egg Quality of Italian Local Chicken Breeds: I. Yield Performance and Physical Characteristics.

The aim of this study was to compare yield performance (from 39 to 50 weeks of age) and egg physical characteristics (at 50 weeks of age) of eight autochthonous chicken breeds of the Veneto region (Italy). Four white eggshell breeds, namely Padovana Camosciata (PA-C, chamois plumage), Padovana Dorata (PA-G, golden plumage), Polverara Bianca (PO-W, white plumage), and Polverara Nera (PO-B, black plumage), and four tinted eggshell breeds, namely Pepoi (PP), Ermellinata di Rovigo (ER), Robusta Maculata (RM), and Robusta Lionata (RL) from a conservation centre were considered in the trial. Significant differences (p < 0.05) among breeds were observed for yield performance and egg quality. From 39 to 50 weeks of age, the hen-day egg production was higher in PA-C and RM than in RL, and PO-W and ER were intermediate; PA-G, PO-B, and PP were the lowest. The hen-day egg production changed according to the age of the hens. From 39 to 42 weeks of age, ER showed the highest hen-day egg production and PA-G the lowest; from 47 to 50 weeks, PA-C, PO-W, and RM were the highest and PP the lowest. The tinted eggshell breeds, with the exception of PP, had higher egg weights than white eggshell breeds. PP egg weight was similar to PO-B. As regards the tinted eggshell breeds, RM eggs had the highest eggshell a* and b*, and PP the lowest. PA-C had the most spherical eggs, and PO-B and ER had the most ovoid eggs. PO-W and RM had the highest eggshell thickness and ER had the lowest. The highest eggshell ratio was observed for PO-W and PO-B, and the lowest for ER. The yolk-to-albumen ratio was higher in the white eggshell breeds than in PP, ER, and RL. ER had the highest Haugh units and PA-G the lowest. PO-W, PO-B, PA-C, PA-G, and ER had the lowest egg inclusions, and RL and RM the highest. Tinted eggshell eggs differed from white eggshell eggs by having higher meat spots. Results indicated that the eggs produced by the eight local chicken breeds differed according to the laying rate and a wide range of physical external and internal characteristics which allow the consumer to distinguish them for their genetic origin by the eggshell shape and colour, and to use them for different purposes to valorise poultry biodiversity.

Effects of supplementation of inorganic trace elements with organic trace elements chelated with hydroxy methionine on laying performance, egg quality, blood micronutrients, antioxidant capacity and immune function of laying ducks

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the effects of organic trace elements chelated with hydroxy methionine (OTE-HM) in diets, which substituted inorganic trace elements, on laying performance, egg quality, blood microelement content, antioxidant capacity and immune function of laying ducks.MethodsA total of 300 healthy laying ducks at age of 30 wk were randomly divided into 5 treatments and 10 ducks per replicate. The treatments included a control group (CON) which was served with basal diet supplemented with 20 mg/kg Cu, 50 mg/kg Fe, 70 mg/kg Mn, and 70 mg/kg Zn in inorganic form, and 4 OTE-HM treated groups (OTE-HM25, OTE-HM50, OTE-HM75, OTE-HM100) which were served with basal diets supplemented with OTE-HM providing trace elements (combination of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the commercial levels, respectively.ResultsResults showed that substitution of inorganic trace elements with OTE-HM did not affect egg production, qualified egg rate, average egg weight, average daily egg mass, average daily feed intake, or feed per kg egg of laying ducks (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Dietary with OTE-HM did not influence eggshell strength, eggshell thickness, egg shape index, eggshell ratio, yolk ratio, albumen ratio, albumen height, and Haugh unit of the sampled eggs of ducks (P &amp;gt; 0.05), but increased the yolk color, compared with dietary with inorganic trace elements (P&amp;lt; 0.01). Moreover, the blood content of Cu of the laying ducks was significantly increased by OTE-HM compared with that in CON (P&amp;lt; 0.001), but the other elements in laying duck blood were not different among treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). OTE-HM (75% and 100%) significantly increased serum activities of glutathione peroxidase and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase, and decreased serum content of malonaldehyde of laying ducks compared with those in CON (P&amp;lt; 0.05). OTE-HM (50%, 75%, and 100%) significantly increased the serum contents of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A of laying ducks compared with those in CON (P&amp;lt; 0.05).DiscussionCollectively, replacing inorganic trace elements with 50% and 75% OTE-HM in diets did not influence the laying performance or egg quality, but improved trace element efficacy, antioxidant capacity and immune function of the laying ducks.

The Effect of Organic Copper Levels in Breeding Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) Diets on Performance, Egg Quality, Incubation Parameters and Blood Parameters

This study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of organic copper (organic Cu) supplementation on performance, egg quality, serum parameters and incubation characteristics in Japanese quail diets. 120 Japanese breeder quails of 7 weeks old were used in the study and lasted 84 days. Four diets containing different levels of organic copper (0, 75, 150 and 225 mg/kg) were used in the study. The study was a random design consisting of 20 subgroups with 5 replicates, and 4 females and 2 males were used in each subgroup. As a result of this study, final body weight and body weight gain in Japanese quails was significantly lower in the 75 and 150 mg/kg organic copper groups than in the groups containing 0 and 225 mg/kg copper (p&lt;0.01; p&lt;0.05). Egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected by dietary copper levels (p&gt;0.05). Eggshell thickness and eggshell ratio were significantly higher in the groups containing 150 and 225 mg/kg organic copper than the control and 75 mg/kg organic copper groups (p&lt;0.05). Serum cholesterol level was significantly lower in 75 and 150 mg/kg copper groups compared to other groups (p&lt;0.05). Serum albumin, globulin and total protein levels were significantly lower in the 75 and 150 mg/kg copper groups compared to the control group (p&lt;0.01). Serum albumin and total protein concentrations were significantly higher in the 75 and 150 mg/kg copper groups than the other groups (p&lt;0.01). The highest serum calcium (Ca) level was in the group containing 225 mg/kg copper (p&lt;0.01). In the study, incubation parameters were not significantly affected by different copper levels in the diet. The results of the study showed that adding 150 mg/kg of organic Cu to quail diets can be effective in improving eggshell quality.

Farklı Seviyelerde Aspir (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Küspesi İçeren Bıldırcın Rasyonlarına Enzim İlavesinin Performans, Yumurta Kalitesi ve Serum Parametrelerine Etkisi

This study was carried out to determine the effects of 0 and 1000 mg/kg multi-enzyme addition to the diets containing different levels (0, 5, 10 and 20%) of safflower seed meal on performance, egg quality and serum parameters in laying Japanese quails. 160 female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) at 8 weeks of age were used in the study. It was carried out for 84 days with 5 replications in a quail cage with 4 Japanese quails in each of 8 treatment groups consisting of enzyme addition to diets containing different levels of safflower seed meal. In laying quail, the effect of enzyme addition to the diets containing different levels of safflower meal on body weight, body weight change, egg production and feed conversion ratio at the end of the experiment was insignificant. While feed intake was not affected by the addition of enzyme to the diet, feed intake in the group containing 20% safflower meal was significantly higher than the group containing 5% safflower meal, and this group was similar to the other groups. Egg weight and eggshell breaking strength were not significantly affected by the treatments. While the effect of dietary safflower meal levels on egg mass and eggshell thickness was significant, the effect of enzyme addition on eggshell ratio was significant. The effects of treatments on albumen index, yolk index and Haugh unit were insignificant. While a* and b* values in egg yolk colour properties were not significantly affected by the treatments, a significant decrease was observed in L* value with the addition of enzyme to the diet. The effects of treatments on serum glucose, cholesterol, AST, ALT, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations were insignificant. According to the test results, it can be said that 20% safflower meal can be used in laying quail diets without the need for enzyme addition.

Effect of eggshell/N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) mixing ratios on the sonochemical production of CaCO3 nanoparticles

Bio-CaCO3 nanoparticles have several applications and have attracted significant attention in current research. N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) has been proven to be an effective non-volatile solvent for synthesizing bio-CaCO3 nanomaterials from eggshell. However, the optimum ratio of eggshell and DMF need to be specified to achieve maximum nano-CaCO3 production for large-scale purposes. Thus, this work investigated the effect of eggshell/DMF mixing ratios on the production of CaCO3 nanoparticles from the chicken eggshell. The nano-CaCO3 were synthesized via dry milling and then sonication at a frequency of 40 kHz for 6 h in the presence of DMF. The eggshell mass was varied from 0.5 to 20 g per 100 mL of DMF. The synthesized CaCO3 materials were characterized using SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, and BET surface analysis. The eggshell/DMF ratio was optimized to maximize the production of CaCO3 nanoparticles, and its effect on the size, crystallinity, surface area, and porosity of the CaCO3 particles were discussed. Increasing eggshell/DMF ratio decreased the sonication efficiency with increasing crystallite and particle size. The specific surface area of the synthesized CaCO3 particles decreased with increasing eggshell/DMF ratio. 1 g/100 mL was the optimum or highest ratio to obtain 100% nano-CaCO3. At 1 g/100mL ratio, the bio-CaCO3 contained a crystallite size of 23.08 nm, particle size between 5 and 30 nm and surface area of 47.44 m2 g−1.

Effect of hempseed meal on performance, egg quality and egg yolk fatty acids content in laying quails

In this study, the laying performance, external egg quality, egg yolk colour and fatty acids profile of quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed on diets containing hemp seed meal (HSM) were determined. During 8 weeks trial, a total of 150, 10-weeks-old laying quails were used. Five diets were formulated to contain HSM at the level of 0 (control),5, 10, 15, and 20% that represented as 0 HSM, 5 HSM, 10 HSM, 15 HSM and 20 HSM, respectively.The performance parameters were not significantly (P&gt;0.05)influenced by the dietary HSM contents. Eggshell ratio, eggshell breaking strength, egg shape index, egg yolk index and egg yolk colour values were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influenced by the dietary HSM, whereas eggshell thickness was significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected. The albumen index has been significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased by increasing in the HSM level in the diets. The HSM supplementation to the diets was effective on fatty acid composition and total saturated fatty acids, total mono unsaturated fatty acids and total polyunsaturated fatty acids content of the egg yolk depending on the addition level. In conclusion, HSM can be used to increase egg total monounsaturated fatty acids and especially omega-3 fatty acids without unfavourable effects on the performance and egg quality parameters.

Effects of rapeseed meal on laying performance and egg quality in laying ducks

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different varieties of rapeseed meal (RSM) with different concentrations of glucosinolates (Gls) and erucic acid (EA) on performance and egg quality of laying ducks. A total of 576 twenty eight-wk-old laying ducks were randomly allocated to 4 treatments. Each treatment had 8 replicates of 18 laying ducks raised in 6 adjacent cages with 3 laying ducks per cage. The control diet was corn soybean meal based without RSM. Three varieties of RSM varying in Gls concentrations were supplemented to the base diet at 10% by substituting soybean meal to formulate the three RSM diets. The experiment lasted 12 wk. Diets with 10% RSM decreased average egg weight (P < 0.01) and feed intake (P = 0.07) compared with the control diet, but there was no significant difference in laying performance among the 3 RSM diets. RSM increased color value (P < 0.05) and crude protein (CP) content (P < 0.05) of yolk compared with the control diet, but had no significant effects on the other egg quality indexes including eggshell strength, albumen height, Haugh unit, and the composition ratio of eggshell, albumen and yolk. RSM decreased total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (P < 0.01) and increased total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (P < 0.01) of yolk, but total saturated fatty acids (SFA) proportions and UFA/SFA ratio of egg yolk were not significantly affected by RSM. RSM increased deposition of trimethylamine (TMA) and 5-vinyl-1,3-oxazolidine-2-thione (5-VOT) in yolk (P < 0.01); moreover, the high Gls RSM increased deposition of TMA (P < 0.01) and 5-VOT in yolk (P < 0.01) compared with the RSM varieties low in Gls. These results suggested that dietary inclusion of 10% RSM decreased egg weight of laying ducks, and affected yolk quality especially yolk color, fatty acid profile, CP, TMA, and 5-VOT content of yolk. Moreover, RSM with higher Gls concentration resulted in higher deposition of TMA and 5-VOT in egg yolk.

Enhancement of tibia bone and eggshell hardness through the supplementation of bio-calcium derived from fish bone mixed with chelated trace minerals and vitamin D3 in laying duck diet

Cracked eggs cause great economic losses in duck egg production. The use of eggshell-related vitamins and minerals is one of the most suitable approaches for solving this problem. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary bio-calcium derived from fish bone mixed with chelated trace minerals and vitamin D3 (BCD) on egg performance, egg quality and the hardness of the tibia bone and the eggshell in laying ducks. A total of eighty 30-week-old Khaki Campbell laying ducks were assigned to 4 groups. Experimental birds were provided a basal diet supplemented with 0.0 (T1), 0.5 (T2), 1.0 (T3), or 2.0 (T4) g/kg BCD. Our results indicated that a negative impact on egg performance was not observed (P > 0.05) in any dietary BCD groups. The different BCD levels had no significant effects on yolk color, yolk ratio, albumen ratio, eggshell ratio or eggshell thickness. Similarly, the calcium and phosphorus contents of the eggshell and tibia bone were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the dietary BCD. Tibia bone weight and length did not differ (P > 0.05) among the 4 treatments. However, tibia bone (P = 0.006) and eggshell hardness (P = 0.025) significantly increased and correlated with increasing BCD levels. The strongest tibia bone and eggshell were found in the 2.0 g/kg BCD group when compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Thus, the study concluded that the inclusion of 2.0 g/kg BCD mixture in laying duck diets can be a potential approach to improve tibia bone and eggshell hardness, without detrimental effect on egg performance.

The Use of Different Fat Sources on Performance, Egg Quality and Egg Yolk Fatty Acids Content in Laying Quails

In this study, the performance, egg quality, egg yolk colour and fatty acids profile of quails fed on diets containing different fat sources were determined. During 8 weeks trial, a total of 75, 10-weeks-old laying quails were used. Three diets were formulated to contain soybean oil (SBO), sunflower oil (SFO) and hempseed oil (HSO), respectively. The performance parameters were not significantly influenced by the dietary different oil sources. Eggshell ratio, eggshell thickness, eggshell breaking strength, egg shape index, egg yolk index, albumen index and egg yolk colour values (except a*) were not influenced by the different dietary oil sources. The a* value was significantly affected and the highest a* value was the HSO of group. The different oil sources supplementation to the diets was effective on fatty acid composition of the egg yolk. The highest value in terms of α-linolenic acid, total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total n-3 fatty acids were found in the diet fed group with HSO added. As a result; supplementation of different sources of oil to quail diets without negatively affecting performance and egg quality can be used to change the egg yolk fatty acid composition. Hempseed oil may increase the amount of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total n-3 fatty acid content of egg yolk.

English

In this research, we made a comprehensive study about the egg quality and nutrient factors of Bashang long-tailed chickens in different housing systems (in-cage and free-range). The results showed that: 1) there was no significant difference in egg weight, egg shape index, egg yolk weight, egg yolk color, egg yolk ratio, egg white ratio, and Hahn unit between free-range and cage (P &gt; 0.05). Protein weight, protein height, eggshell weight, eggshell color and eggshell ratio were significantly higher in the cage than in free-range (P &lt; 0.05) and the differences in eggshell weight, eggshell color, and eggshell ratio were extremely significant (P &lt; 0.01). However, the thickness and strength of eggshell in free-range breeding were significantly higher than those caged (P &lt; 0.05). 2) The content of water and crude protein in the eggs of the caged Bashang long-tail chicken was significantly higher than that of the free-range chicken (P &lt; 0.05). 3) The content of crude fat content of free-range was significantly higher than that of caged chickens (P &lt; 0.05), but there was no significant difference in cholesterol and vitamin A content. 4) Zinc content of eggs of Bashang long-tail chickens of free-range was significantly higher than that of caged chickens (P &lt; 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the content of calcium and phosphorus. So it’s better than the caged chicken in the free-range feeding condition, and the free-range feeding is suitable for the production of Bashang long-tail chicken. This study could be used as a reference to improve egg quality in the future. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Dietary supplementation with sodium bicarbonate or sodium sulfate affects eggshell quality by altering ultrastructure and components in laying hens

Dietary sodium (Na) levels were related to the content of the eggshell matrix. We therefore speculated that dietary Na supplementation as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) may improve eggshell quality. Additionally, dietary NaHCO3 or Na2SO4 supplementation may further affect eggshell quality in different ways due to differences in anions. This study investigated and compared the effects of dietary Na supplementation in either NaHCO3 or Na2SO4 form on laying performance, eggshell quality, ultrastructure and components in laying hens. A total of 576 29-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly allocated to 8 dietary treatments that were fed a Na-deficient basal diet (0.07% Na, 0.15% Cl) supplemented with Na2SO4 or NaHCO3 at 0.08, 0.18, 0.23 or 0.33% Na for 12 weeks. No differences were observed in laying production performance with dietary Na supplementation. Dietary Na supplementation resulted in quadratic increases of eggshell breaking strength in both Na2SO4 and NaHCO3 added groups (P < 0.05), and Na2SO4-fed groups had a quadratic increase in the eggshell ratio at week 12 (P < 0.05). Compared with supplementing 0.08% Na, dietary supplementation of 0.23% Na increased the effective thickness (P < 0.05) in both Na2SO4 and NaHCO3 added groups, but decreased the thickness and knob width of the mammillary layer (P < 0.05). A linear increase on the calcium content of the shell was only observed with Na supplementation from NaHCO3 (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in Na contents of the shell with dietary Na supplemented by both sources. Dietary Na addition had a quadratic increase on uronic acid contents of shell membrane in NaHCO3-fed groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents of shell membranes increased linearly with dietary Na supplementation (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of 0.23% Na from Na2SO4 increased the sulfated GAG contents of calcified eggshell (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared with NaHCO3-fed groups, Na2SO4-fed groups had higher eggshell breaking strength, thickness, eggshell weight ratio, effective thickness and the sulfated GAG contents of calcified eggshell at week 12. Overall, dietary supplementation of NaHCO3 or Na2SO4 could increase eggshell breaking strength, which may be related to increased sulfated GAG contents in eggshell membranes and improved ultrastructure. Higher eggshell breaking strength, thickness and eggshell ratio could be obtained when the diet was supplemented with 0.23% Na from Na2SO4.

Određivanje čvrstoće kokošijih jaja metodom probijanja ljuske

The aim of this study was to design and apply the measuring acquisition system, or a device for determining the limit values of eggshell stress using the puncture method. This study focused on class "L" eggs produced on a laying hen farm in the vicinity of Čačak and determined the external physical properties of egg quality: length, width, shape index and mass. In addition, the following eggshell properties were determined: mass, proportion, thickness, and puncture force. The average egg length was 58.05 mm, width 45.46 mm, and shape index 78.25%. The average egg mass was 65.89 g, and the eggshell ratio 12.76% (8.44 g). The average eggshell thickness was 0.48 mm with a 4.69% coefficient of variation. Results showed that the tested eggs had uniform stress, with an average value of the minimum shell puncture force 26.34 N, with a 0.95% coefficient of variation.