Regular Egg Research Articles

Biochemical effects of consumption of eggs containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Today, eggs with an increased content of ω-3 fatty acids are available but there are few publications on the effects of consumption of such eggs on the lipoproteins and acute phase markers in humans. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of consump-tion of standard eggs and ω-3 enriched eggs on lipoproteins, glucose and inflammation markers. Nineteen healthy volunteers consumed one extra egg per day of either standard eggs or ω-3 enriched eggs in a double-blind, cross-over study. The duration of each period was 1 month. The effects of the different egg diets on apolipoprotein A1 and B (Apo A1 and B), lipoprotein (a), creatinine, cystatin C, C-reactive protein, serum amyloid protein A, interleukin 6, triglycerides, glucose, total-, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipo-protein cholesterol concentrations were analyzed. Addition of one regular egg per day to the normal diet had no negative impact on blood lipids or inflammation markers. Con-sumption of ω-3 enriched eggs resulted in higher levels of ApoA1, lower ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and lower plasma glucose. These effects have been associated in previous studies with a reduced risk for cardiovascular mortality and diabetes.

The effect of an induced molt using a nonfasting program on bone mineralization of white leghorns

To determine changes in bone mineralization during molt, 66-wk-old White Leghorns were assigned to either a fasted molting regimen using feed removal for 10 d, followed by the ad libitum consumption of cracked corn for 7 d and a pullet developer diet for 10 d or a nonfasted molting regimen lasting 27 d that included the ad libitum consumption of a diet containing 71% wheat middlings and 23% corn. Both molting regimens restricted light to 8 h/d, and water was provided ad libitum. At 28 d postmolt, hens from both molting treatments were returned to a regular egg-laying diet and 16 h/d of photoperiod. Control hens consumed a regular egg laying diet and were kept on 16 h/d of light throughout the study. Using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the left tibia were measured in 7 live hens per treatment immediately prior to, during, and following the molt. Results showed that by 28 d postmolt, BW loss was 22 and 18% in the fasted and nonfasted molting regimens, respectively (P < or = 0.0001). Compared with premolt values, tibial BMD at 28 d postmolt decreased 35 and 18% in the fasted and nonfasted molt groups, respectively (treatment x age interaction, P < or = 0.0001). Similarly, tibial BMC values decreased 39 and 27% in the fasted and nonfasted molt groups, respectively (treatment by age interaction, P < or = 0.01). The tibial BMD and BMC of controls at 28 d postmolt were similar to premolt values. Recovery in tibial BMD and BMC of fasted and nonfasted hens occurred by 126 d postmolt with values similar to controls. These results suggest that a nonfasted molting regimen is less deleterious to tibial BMD and BMC than a fasted molting regimen.

A comparison of the effects of feeding treatments and lighting on age at first egg and subsequent laying performance and carcase composition of broiler breeder hens

1. The effects of the growth curve from 15 to 20 weeks, age at photostimulation and pattern of photostimulus on sexual maturity, egg production and egg weight were evaluated in two trials with broiler breeder females to 56 and 34 weeks of age (housed in litter pens and individually caged, respectively). Carcase composition and reproductive morphology of hens varying in laying efficiency were measured in the second trial. 2.1. Trial 1: Four growth curves were applied from 15 to 20 weeks to pullets housed in litter pens. Birds were transferred from 8- to 10-h photoperiods at 20 or 24 weeks of age, followed by weekly increments of one hour to reach a 16-h final photoperiod. 2.2. Lower-than-recommended body weights at 20 weeks significantly delayed sexual maturity, reduced peak rate of lay, total eggs and mean egg weight. However, double-yolked egg production was lower, resulting in non-significant differences in settable egg numbers between body weight treatments. 2.3. Birds reared to the heaviest body weight exhibited a significantly advanced sexual maturity, but total egg numbers, peak rate of lay and mean egg weight were not significantly affected. However, the laying of more double-yolked eggs resulted in a decrease in the number of settable eggs. Delaying photostimulation to 24 weeks significantly retarded sexual maturity, reduced total and settable egg numbers, and increased mean egg weight. A tendency for fewer double-yolked eggs was observed. 3.1. Trial 2: At 19 weeks, birds were selected from the 4 body weight categories in Trial 1 and moved to individual cages in 8 rooms. Five lighting programmes were applied. 3.2. The pattern of photostimulation applied did not affect any of the production traits measured. 3.3. At 34 weeks, 24 birds were selected for the analysis of reproductive morphology, presence of internal or multiple ovulations, and carcase composition. Eight hens showing an early age at first egg and regular egg production records, 8 birds showing erratic laying performance and 8 non-layers were killed for this purpose. There were no differences in carcase composition or reproductive morphology between these groups. No internal ovulations or double or multiple ovarian hierarchies were observed. 4. The results presented confirm that broiler breeders do not require a lighting stimulus in order to initiate ovarian activity and that, where no lighting stimulus is given, body weight or feeding level plays a critical role in stimulating the birds to attain sexual maturity. However, when a lighting stimulus is given, factors such as body weight and body composition become relatively less important in regulating the age at sexual maturity.

Immediate early gene expression associated with induction of brooding behavior in Japanese quail

Certain species can be induced to foster infant or neonatal animals through the process of sensitization. We induced brooding behavior in adult Japanese quail through repeated exposure to foster chicks across five 20-min trials. Brooding behavior was characterized by a bird allowing chicks to approach and remain underneath its wings while assuming a distinctive stationary crouching posture, preening, and feather fluffing. Birds who did not show brooding behavior actively avoided chicks. Among the birds that brooded chicks, females brooded chicks for longer durations compared to males. Brooding females continued a regular daily egg laying pattern; males showed no significant changes in testosterone levels after exposure to chicks. In a second experiment, we measured expression of two immediate early gene (IEG) protein products, ZENK and Fos, to identify the brain regions activated or inhibited by brooding behavior in females. ZENK and Fos expression in brooding or sensitized females (SF) were compared with expression in nonmaternal females with chicks (NMF) and with females without chicks and with blocks as control objects (BL). There was a reduced density of ZENK-like immunoreactive (ZENK-lir) cells in the medial preoptic nucleus (POM) in NMF birds. In SF birds, the density of Fos-like immunoreactive (Fos-lir) cells was elevated in the bed nucleus stria terminalis, medial portion (BSTm), and ectostriatum (E). These experiments begin to define the neural circuitry underlying brooding behavior in Japanese quail, and establish a model for future studies of the neural mechanisms of avian parental behavior.

Comparison of the resistance to sympatric and allopatric isolates of Haemonchus contortus of Black Belly sheep in Guadeloupe (FWI) and of INRA 401 sheep in France

The resistance of a tropical breed of sheep towards the nematode parasite Haemonchus contortus (Hc) was compared to that of a European breed after artificial infection with the parasite following a 2×2×2 experimental design: two isolates (Hc Gua from Guadeloupe versus Hc Fra from France), two breeds each reared in their native habitats (Black Belly (BB) in Guadeloupe, FWI, INRA 401 reared in France), and two groups of lambs with differing infection status (one naive, i.e. infected for the first time during the experiment, and one primed, i.e. which had previously received doses of 5000 L3 on Days −35 and −32 before the infection during this experiment). Both groups were composed of 10 male lambs, which were 20 weeks of age when they were given a dose of 10,000 L3 of the relevant isolate on Day 0. Resistance was assessed by regular fecal egg counts (FECs) and blood samples, and worm counts were processed on Day 35 p.i. The FEC was lower in the BB than in INRA 401 lambs, lower in the primed than naive groups, and lower in Hc Fra than in Hc Gua. The eosinophil count remained unchanged in the naive INRA 401 groups, but increased in all the other groups. The hematocrit fell after infection, but the live weight was not affected by the infection. Worm burdens were 1868 and 5237 in the naive BB and INRA 401 groups, respectively, and 596 and 4835 in the primed BB and INRA 401 groups. The daily production of eggs per Hc Gua female worm was 1.5-fold that of Hc Fra. The number of worms had no effect on worm length or Hc in utero egg count in the BB sheep, but a positive and significant correlation between these two traits was seen in the INRA 401 lambs. These findings are indicative of innate resistance, and confirmed the high acquired resistance of the BB sheep to both sympatric and allopatric isolates of Hc. The regulation of worm population and fecundity differed in the BB and INRA 401 sheep.

Nutritional effect of including egg yolk in the weaning diet of breast-fed and formula-fed infants: a randomized controlled trial

Egg yolks can be a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and iron but are often associated with adverse consequences on plasma cholesterol. Our goal was to investigate the effect of consumption of 4 egg yolks/wk on infant DHA status and hemoglobin, ferritin, and plasma cholesterol concentrations. Secondary outcomes included plasma iron, transferrin, and transferrin saturation. This was a randomized controlled trial comparing no dietary intervention, consumption of 4 regular egg yolks/wk, and consumption of 4 n-3 fatty acid-enriched egg yolks/wk in breast-fed and formula-fed infants from 6 to 12 mo of age. Erythrocyte DHA concentrations, cholesterol, and iron status were assessed at 6 and 12 mo of age. Of the 82 breast-fed infants recruited, 23 of 28 (no intervention), 23 of 27 (regular eggs), and 24 of 27 (n-3 eggs) completed the trial. Of the 79 formula-fed infants enrolled, 23 of 27 (no intervention), 24 of 26 (regular eggs), and 20 of 26 (n-3 eggs) completed the trial. Erythrocyte DHA concentrations were 30-40% higher after the n-3 egg intervention than after treatment with regular eggs or no eggs in both breast-fed and formula-fed infants. Egg treatment had no significant effect on plasma cholesterol, hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin but did result in improvements in plasma iron and transferrin saturation compared with no egg treatment. n-3 Fatty acid-enriched eggs may provide a means of increasing dietary DHA during the second 6 mo of life. Egg yolks may also be a useful source of iron during the weaning period and can be safely included in the weaning diet with no perturbations in plasma cholesterol.

GROWTH, SURVIVAL AND HEAT RESISTANCE OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM AND ESCHERICHIA COLI IN REGULAR AND OMEGA‐3 HENS EGG PRODUCTS

ABSTRACT Omega‐3 enriched eggs are currently produced by hens fed a flax diet. Since omega‐3 polyunsaturatedfatty acids are prone to oxidation, the addition of vitamin E is supplemented into the hen's diet as an antioxidant. Typically these eggs contain about 2 and 4 times more omega‐3 fatty acids and vitamin E, respectively compared to regular eggs. Since table eggs have a long history of association with foodborne salmonellosis, it was of interest to compare the growth and/or survival of several bacterial pathogens in omega‐3 and regular eggs. In this respect nalidixic‐resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium were inoculated into regular and omega‐3 hen's egg products (whole eggs, albumen, yolk) and incubated at 22, 8 and −20C. Time‐course studies indicated that by 72 h both Salmonella and E. coli levels increased by 7 logs at 22C in both types of whole egg. At 8C population levels for these bacteria both increased by approximately 3 logs at 6 weeks. In regular and omega‐3 yolks, salmonellae maintained at 22 and 8C for 48 h and 6 weeks increased by approximately 6 and 1.5 logs, respectively. E. coli levels were higher in egg yolk compared to Salmonella at both temperatures. Regardless of the yolk source, however, no significant (P &gt; 0.05) differences in population levels were observed. Survival patterns of E. coli at −20C were not significantly (P &gt; 0.05) different between whole egg sources. This trend was also observed in the yolks. For Salmonella no significant (P &gt; 0.05) differences in survival were observed between yolk preparations maintained at −20C. Increasing the level of α‐tocopherol from c. 63 to 240 ppm in regular egg yolk, resulted in no significant (P &gt; 0.05) differences in the growth of Salmonella at 22C. In addition, when the bacterium was heated in regular egg yolk amended with vitamin E at 56.5C, no significant (P &gt; 0.05) difference was observed in resistance regardless of α‐tocopherol (55‐713 ppm) or total tochopherol (92–1238 ppm) level.

Developing Baltic cod recruitment models. II. Incorporation of environmental variability and species interaction

We investigate whether a process-oriented approach based on the results of field, laboratory, and modelling studies can be used to develop a stock–environment–recruitment model for Central Baltic cod (Gadus morhua). Based on exploratory statistical analysis, significant variables influencing survival of early life stages and varying systematically among spawning sites were incorporated into stock–recruitment models, first for major cod spawning sites and then combined for the entire Central Baltic. Variables identified included potential egg production by the spawning stock, abiotic conditions affecting survival of eggs, predation by clupeids on eggs, larval transport, and cannibalism. Results showed that recruitment in the most important spawning area, the Bornholm Basin, during 1976–1995 was related to egg production; however, other factors affecting survival of the eggs (oxygen conditions, predation) were also significant and when incorporated explained 69% of the variation in 0-group recruitment. In other spawning areas, variable hydrographic conditions did not allow for regular successful egg development. Hence, relatively simple models proved sufficient to predict recruitment of 0-group cod in these areas, suggesting that key biotic and abiotic processes can be successfully incorporated into recruitment models.

Sex economy in benthic polychaetes

Among polychaetes sequential hermaphrodites are generally protandrous and their sex allocation strategy appears to fit well with the Ghiselin size advantage hypothesis. In Ophryotrocha puerilis male reproductive success drops with increasing size because females prefer to mate with small males to avoid a costly conflict over sex. Moreover both partners of a pair can simultaneously change sex several times after some spawnings. Females being soon drained of resources, due to the higher reproductive and social costs of their role, switch to the less costly male role and males thus become more apt to function as females. Also in the simultaneously hermaphroditic species so far studied, O. diadema and O. gracilis, the male profit-effort function for reproductive success shows a decreasing slope. Some 80% of the physiological reproductive effort is allocated to the female functions. Simultaneous hermaphroditism is stabilized by slow sperm production and regular egg trading between partners of a pair. Local mat...

Immunological relationships during primary infection withHeligmosomoides polygyrus(Nematospiroides dubius): H-2 linked genes determine worm survival

The course of primary infection was studied in BALB and B10 H-2 congenic mouse strains. The duration of infection, as assessed with regular faecal egg counts and worm burdens, was shorter in mice carrying the H-2s, H-2d or H-2q haplotypes when compared to mice with H-2b. Strains with H-2k were intermediate. An experiment was carried out to test the hypothesis proposed by Wassom, Krco & David (1987) predicting that the progeny of I-E+ve mouse strains crossed with I-E-ve strains, would show susceptibility rather than resistance to infection. This hypothesis was not substantiated by our data and we conclude that it does not apply to primary infections with Heligmosomoides polygyrus. It is proposed that the gene products of at least two loci within the H-2 (associated with the H-2b and H-2k haplotypes) are crucial in determining the response phenotype of mice to primary infection with H. polygyrus. One allele, (associated with the H-2b haplotype) may be preferentially affected by parasite-mediated immunosuppression.

Environmental influences on egg production by the monogenean Protopolystoma xenopodis

SUMMARYA continuous succession of egg capsules is formed in the ootype of Protopolystoma xenopodis and released into the urinary bladder of the host, Xenopus laevis. Since egg capsules are passed out with the aquatic toad's urine several times a day, the rate of parasite egg production can be recorded accurately by direct counts. Temperature has a marked influence on the rate of egg output which doubles in response to a rise from 17 to 25 °C. Under constant temperature conditions regular egg collections from isolated toads infested with single Protopolystoma revealed that rates of production remain stable for periods of several weeks. The overall mean rate of egg production was 8·9 eggs/worm/day (e.w.d.) at 20·0±0·5 °C (based on 5 consecutive egg collections from 58 individual parasites). Significant differences were observed, however, between the mean rates of output from different hosts, ranging from 2·1 e.w.d. (s.d. = 0·6) to 17·7 e.w.d. (S.D. = 3·2). Neither differences in worm age nor host-factors could explain the observed range in output. Worms transferred to new hosts resumed egg production at pre-transfer rates, suggesting inherent differences in the capacity for egg production by individual parasites. Total production increased with increasing worm burden, but output per parasite was significantly reduced in groups of 2, 3 or 4. Whilst competition for some finite resource provides one interpretation, this observation could equally reflect a statistical phenomenon associated with the reduced chance of encountering groups of individuals which are heterogeneous for egg production as worm burden increases and sample size decreases.

Evaluation of the emulsifying activity of saturated egg phosphatide hydrogenation for the O/W type emulsion

Lecithin is a useful surfactant in many diverse fields, such as food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products. However, it has a few weakness properties, for example, as an easily oxidizable and change of brown color for a long stored time. In this study, egg phosphatide saturated by hydrogenation was selected as a surfactant instead of regular egg phosphatide and its emulsifying activity was examined for pharmaceutical emulsion bases. The emulsion stability was evaluated in terms of (1) particle size and its distribution, (2) rheological properties, (3) zeta potential and (4) separated rate of dispersed phase. The following results were obtained. (1) the particle size of emulsion prepared with phosphatide saturated by hydrogenation was smaller than that with usual phosphatide, and (2) phosphatide saturated by hydrogen has a better stability action on emulsion than un-saturated phosphatide.

Granular Materials Used in Implanting Boll Weevil Eggs on Artificial Diet123

Granular materials were used to cover the artificial diet and the eggs of Anthonomus grandis Boheman after the eggs were sprayed on the diet surface as a substitute for the usual diet scarifyiug and drying operation, The number of adult weevils produced from the petri dishes when the diet and eggs were covered with mortar sand. Vermiculite, fine mineral granules, and corncob grit was as great as or greater than that produced from the regular egg implanting method. By use of the granular material covering, the scarifying and drying operations of the regular egg planting method can be eliminated.

EVALUATION OF TRITICALE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF NOODLES

According to the literature the protein nutritive value of triticale is higher than that of wheat. For this reason, and others, the possibility of using triticale in noodles was investigated. Regular noodles and egg noodles were prepared from all‐purpose flour, durum flour, trititale flour, as well as from semolina and were evaluated by panels for flavor and firmness after cooking times of 10, 15, 25 and 30 min. Regular noodles made from triticale flour had the shortest cooking time and the best cooking tolerance. There were no statistically significant differences in the flavor of the noodles among the flours used. The regular triticale noodles had a higher cooking loss compared to the other noodle samples. However, the addition of eggs to the noodle recipe eliminated any statistically significant differences in cooking loss between noodles made from the different flours. It was concluded that triticale, which at present is used in animal feeds, can be used for the manufacture of noodles.

Acceptability of Scrambled Eggs from Egg Solids Product

Scrambled eggs prepared from fresh eggs and from three commercial spray-dried whole egg solids products were evaluated by four consumer panels in ten trials. The spray-dried products included A) modified whole egg solids (fortified with 8 percent corn syrup and 0.5 percent salt; B) whole egg solids; and C) a patented whole egg product containing fresh eggs, condensed nonfat milk and vegetable oil.The scrambled eggs prepared from fresh eggs were preferred over those from whole egg solids and modified whole egg solids, and about equal to those from the whole egg product which contained milk and vegetable oil. The product containing 8 percent corn syrup was too sweet and less desirable than all others evaluated.When pre-cooked sausage was added to the whole egg product during preparation for scrambling, it was preferred over a fresh egg scrambled product. The patented whole egg product containing a similar amount of sausage which contained a milk product and vegetable oil was more acceptable than modified or regular whole egg solids and comparable to scrambled fresh eggs.

THE FORMATION OF COMPOUND EGG CHAMBERS IN A BUG (HEMIPTERA) STERILIZED WITH 6-AZAURIDINE

AbstractOvaries are one of the target organs hit by the nucleic acid antimetabolite 6-azauridine. All the malformations observed are caused by the suppression of mitotic activity, which appears to be the most sensitive to the applied drug. The inhibition of mitosis in the apical trophocytes results in depletion of the nutritive tissue in older females, followed by a disturbance of previtellogenesis and activation of oocytes. The blocked mitotic multiplication of prefollicular tissue results in exhaustion of this layer followed by a disturbance of regular egg chamber formation. The inadequate separation of oocytes by follicular cells causes the arrangement of the oocytes in paired chambers, often blocking the ovariole, or the formation of compound chambers. The oocytes sharing the compound chamber either remain separated by the ooplasmalemma or merge. Eggs with adherent dwarf oocytes or giant fused double eggs are oviposited. Endomitotic DNA replication and amitotic karyokinesis of the follicular cells are not interfered with by 6-azauridine, probably owing to the nucleic acid pools contained in the haemolymph. The lecytholitic cells resorb the ooplasm utilizing the nucleic acid-rich material.

The epidemiology of parasitic gastro-enteritis of cattle

Observations on parasitic gastro-enteritis of cattle are recorded with particular reference to its epidemiology under conditions existing in Queensland. The most important species of nematodes associated with this disease are Haemonchus contortus, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Cooperia punctata, C. pectinata, and Bosicola radiatus. All of these are serious among dairy cattle, but only H. contortus, Bosicola radiatus, and rarely Bunostomum phlebotomum among beef cattle. Ostertagia ostertagi and Trichostrongylus urei are common, but occur in pathogenic numbers only occasionally. Strongyloides papillosus and Moniezia sp., probably M. benedeni, are also discussed. The incidence and prevalence of these parasites are recorded and also the age of the calf when infestation was first detected. Pathogenic infestations are for the most part confined to young cattle 3 to 24 months of age. In dairy cattle, the most susceptible age is from 4 to 12 months; in beef cattle, the majority of outbreaks occur a few months after weaning. Outbreaks are usually seen during the winter and early spring, although on occasion, losses may commence in the autumn and occur also in early summer. Seasonal fluctuations in the populations of these helminths were followed by means of regular faecal egg counts. It was usual for the egg count of each species to increase to a peak, then to decline fairly rapidly, and to remain on a low level during the remainder of the period the animals were under observation, i.e. up to 18 months of age. The ages at which these peaks occurred are recorded and their relationship to the season of birth of the host is discussed. The influence of temperature and rainfall on the prevalence of these helminths has been studied and some preliminary observations are recorded on the development and behaviour of their preparasitic stages in the dung pad. Evidence is brought forward to show that cattle develop a strong resistance to infestation during the first 18 months or so of life. In young animals this reaction depends on exposure to infestation and is somewhat specific in nature in so far as it may be manifested against one species, but populations of other species may continue to increase. Thus, most animals became resistant to infestation with Cooperia spp. at about five months of age, but not to H. contortus and the other species until several months later. This resistance is considered mainly responsible for the light infestations usual among adult cattle. It appears strongest against B. phlebotomum and weakest against H. contortus, which is the most common and prevalent species among adult animals. Outbreaks of parasitic gastro-enteritis are considered to occur under conditions of high larval prevalence and poor nutrition, when resistance against infestation fails to be effective.