Egg Storage Research Articles

Egg shelf life can be extended using varied proportions of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan composite coatings.

Using biopolymers in the form of edible coating as egg eco-friendly packaging is a progressive approach. The blending of biopolymers is one of the procedures for overcoming mechanical weakness and benefiting from their maximum synergistic effect. Aiming to determine the relative ratios of chitosan (CH 4 w/v%) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA 5 w/v%) in the composition of blended coatings, an experiment was conducted with six treatments (r = 3) including different ratios of CH/PVA (0:0; control, 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100) wt% in a period of 4 weeks of egg storage at ambient temperature, emphasizing eggshell barrier properties. Based on the eggshell analysis result, SEM images and FTIR spectra demonstrated that the components were firmly integrated into the blended coatings as well as had more intertwined than their pure ones, which was also reflected in the evaluation results of their internal quality parameters. In addition, the results showed that by enhancing the ratio of polyvinyl alcohol from 25 to 75 wt%, the blended coating barrier efficiency was relatively improved (p < .05). Meanwhile, the lowest percentage of weight loss (0.57 ± 0.08%), pH value of albumin (8.30 ± 0.04), the highest values of Haugh unit (61.00 ± 0.07), yolk index (0.37 ± 0.02) were observed in eggs coated with CH/PVA 25:75 wt%. But there was no difference in 50 or 70 wt% PVA significantly. Therefore, the CH/PVA blended coatings containing around 50-75 wt% PVA, as egg biodegradable packaging, can be used to extend the shelf life for 2-3 weeks at ambient temperature.

Optimizing Mass Rearing of the Egg Parasitoid, Telenomus podisi, for Control of the Brown Stink Bug, Euschistus heros

The parasitoid Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 is used in biological control programs in Brazil against eggs of Euschistus heros (Fabricius, 1798), a key pest of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. To optimize the mass production of parasitoids, artificial diets and storage of host eggs at low temperatures have been developed; however, direct comparisons of the effects of these conditions have not occurred. We assessed a double factorial arrangement composed of six treatments (fresh or cryopreserved E. heros eggs from adults fed on natural or two artificial diets). We evaluated the biological characteristics and parasitism capacity of T. podisi produced from these treatments across seven temperatures. The thermal range between 21 and 30 °C resulted in satisfactory daily parasitism in all treatments tested, with an inverse relationship between temperature and female survival. The best parasitoid biological parameters were found between 21 and 27 °C, where all tested diets supported T. podisi development, with the best results from artificial diets. Fresh eggs and those frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -196 °C until use supported parasitoid development. These results suggest that the best method to mass rear T. podisi is to use artificial diets to rear E. heros and store eggs until needed, and then rear parasitoids at 24 °C.

Storage duration impacts on nutritional composition and quality of table eggs

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the duration of storage of ISA brown eggs at room temperature on the nutritional composition and quality of eggs. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) freshly laid eggs by 36 weeks old ISA brown layers were randomly collected and stored at room temperature for 21 days. On each sampling day (at week 0, week 1, week 2, and week 3 of storage), 30 eggs were broken to determine internal and external egg quality traits, proximate composition, and mineral profile. Collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. Duration of storage had a significant effect (p&lt;0.05) on egg traits, proximate components, and mineral profile except for egg shape index and shell thickness. The overall egg weight, egg length, egg width, shape index, shell weight, shell ratio, and shell thickness were 56.82g, 5.69mm, 4.43mm, 78.02, 7.45g, 13.11, and 0.28mm respectively, while yolk height, albumen height, yolk weight, albumen weight, albumen ratio, yolk ratio, and Haugh unit were 13.55mm, 4.97mm, 16.32g, 33.06g, 58.11, 28.82 and 67.50% respectively. The overall means for moisture, crude protein, ash, fat, and carbohydrate were 76.27%, 12.06%, and 1.83%, 4.62%, and 4.37% respectively. Most of the minerals increased in value as the eggs increased in age. The duration of storage of eggs affected the egg quality, proximate components, and mineral profile as these parameters determine acceptability by consumers. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (1): 15-21, March 2023

Effect of Storage and Weight of Egg on Post-Hatching Performance of Local Ducks

The effect of treatments: storage time (0, 3, and 7 days), and egg weight (small&lt;58 g; medium: 57.99 – 64.99 g; large&gt; 65 g) on the performance of local ducks were studied. Incubation of 785 eggs was carried out in a commercial incubator and after hatching 162 ducklings were weighed and distributed into nine treatments (18 ducks each). Live body weight, feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were recorded during the experiment period of 42 days. Results showed that at all periods the live body weight of ducks from large eggs was significantly (p&lt;0.05) and numerically heavier compared with ducks from the medium and small eggs of the three storages. While the ducks from T12 were significantly or numerically higher feed intake compared with other treatments at all periods. The weight gain and feed conversion ratio were also significantly affected by treatments vibratory in different periods. Generally, Duck from T22 at (1-7 and 36-42) day, T12 at (8-14) day, T11 and T21 at (15-21) day, and T33 at (22-28) day had significantly higher weight gain. Ducks from T23 at (8-14) day, T33 at (15-21) day, T21 and T23 at (22-28) day and T13 at (36-42) had significantly and numerically lower feed conversion ratios. Since optimum duckling performance can only be achieved when chicks hatch from egg weights were considered according to storage times.

The effect of storage periods and SPIDES on embryonic mortality, hatching characteristics, and quality of newly hatched chicks in broiler eggs

sEgg storage duration can affect embryo mortality, hatching characteristics, hatching time, and post-hatch chick quality. In order to assess these effects, the impact of storage duration (5 days, 10 days, 15 days) and short incubation period during egg storage (SPIDES) investigated further 18, 900 eggs of broiler breeder (ROSS 308) in 3 × 2 factorial arrangement design. In the SPIDES treatment, the egg shell temperature was raised from its storage temperature (18 °C) and held at 100 °F for 3.5 h. Storage periods could significantly (P < 0.05) influence on embryo mortality (total, early, middle, and late), hatchability of both the total eggs and fertile eggs. The SPIDES treatment had a significant (P < 0.05) impact on a lower embryonic death rate and improved egg hatchability. Eggs stored for 5 days and eggs treated with SPIDES significantly (P < 0.001) shorten hatching time, batch’s 90% hatching time (T 90% H), mean hatching time (MHT), maximal hatching period (MHP), and hatching window (HW). Chick quality was also determined, whereas storing eggs for 5 days and using the SPIDES treatment resulted in enhanced (P < 0.001) chick weight relative to egg weight (CW/EW), activity (AC), and chick quality score (CQS). The residual yolk sac weight (RYSW), unhealed navel (UHN %), and dirty feather (DF%) recorded the lowest (P < 0.001) values compared to long storage periods and control group. Finally, stored for 5 days treated by SPIDES positively affected the hatchability characteristics, the shortening hatching time, and the quality of chicks. Regarding the results, it was confirmed that using the SPIDES treatment to prevent the harmful effects of broiler eggs being stored for an extended period of time is a viable option.

Effects of Storage Time on Ostrich Egg Quality

Egg quality is considered as both internal egg quality that focuses on the egg content and external egg quality that focuses on the eggshell. This study investigated the effect of storage time on ostrich egg quality. A total of 15 ostrich eggs were obtained from Dibete Ostrich Multiplication Unit and subjected to five storage periods (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days) at room temperature (18-25oC). The measured parameters were egg weight, egg length, egg width, yolk weight, albumen weight, albumen height, yolk height, shell weight, egg specific gravity (ESG), egg surface area, Haugh Unit (HU), egg shape index, albumen ratio, shell ratio, yolk ratio and weight of egg contents. Results showed that storage time did not influence egg weight for eggs stored for 0, 3, and 6 days. On the other hand, storage time significantly affected egg weight for eggs stored at 9 and 12 days. The albumin ratio for egg storage duration had no significant impact on eggs held for 0, 3, or 6 days. However, the albumen ratios of eggs held for 9 and 12 days were impacted by the storage period compared to those stored for 0, 3, and 6 days. The HU for the eggs stored for 0, 3, and 6 days was not affected by storage time. On the contrary, the HU for eggs stored for 9 and 12 days was significantly impacted by storage time as the HU decreased with the prolonged storage time, compared to those stored for 0, 3, and 6 days. The results of this study suggest that ostrich eggs should not be stored for more than 6 days at ambient temperature to avoid egg quality degradation. Keywords: Cuticle, Egg quality, Ostrich eggs, Storage time

External and Internal Qualities of Chicken Eggs Early Production at Various Storage Times at Room Temperature

Eggs are one of the consumed foods that contain many essential amino acid nutrients such as lysine, tryptophan, and methionine. Egg quality can be seen from the storability of eggs after they are produced. This study aims to evaluate the effect of various storage lengths on the external and internal quality of chicken egg consumption of the Isa Brown strain at the beginning of production at room temperature. The research method is a Laboratories experiment using a Complete Randomized Design. The study treatment consisted of egg storage duration for 0 days (P0), 7 days (P1), 14 days (P2), and 21 days (P3) with 4 repeats and each test unit of 4 eggs. The research variables include external qualities: egg weight, egg index, shell weight, and eggshell thickness, then internal qualities: egg white index, yolk index, yolk color, and egg pH. The data obtained in this study were analyzed with ANOVA, if there are differences between treatments, then proceed with the the Least Significant Differenttest. The results showed that the duration of deviation had a very noticeable influence (P&lt;0.01) on the external quality of the egg including:egg weight, weightand thickness of the eggshell, and no influence (P&gt;0.01) on the egg index. The length of storage also has a very noticeable influence on the internal quality of eggs (P&lt;0.01). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the initial chicken eggs of production at a storage duration of up to 21 days at room temperature experience a decrease in external and internal qualities but still meet the Standards National Indonesia 3926:2008

Sperm and egg in vitro storage effects on artificial fertilization and hatching in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

This is the first report showing fertilization of short-term stored eggs (19 °C) with short-term stored diluted sperm (0–2 °C) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). From 5 males, fresh (control) and 7-day stored sperm were diluted with common carp extender. After collection of eggs from nine females, the eggs were immediately pooled into three groups from females 1–3, 4–6 and 7–9, according to the eggs' quality based on visual criteria. They were placed in beakers, covered and incubated at 19 °C (for each pool, 10 g of eggs from each female were used). The 7-day short-term storage sperm was incubated at 20 °C for 20 min and pooled before being used for fertilization. The eggs were fertilized with fresh and short-term storage sperm after 1, 3 and 6 h post storage of eggs and activated with hatchery water and Perchec solution. Sperm motility and velocity (50–54% and 80–115 µm/s) of 7-day short-term storage sperm at 0–2 °C were ensured by additional incubation of sperm at 20 °C for 20 min before being activated. Principal component analysis showed that the sorting of eggs of different females into three groups according to sperm quality, fertilization ability and production of malformed larvae was successful. It is recommended that overripe common carp eggs are stored for a maximum of 1 h. A period of 3 h can be used for better quality eggs and exceptionally, up to 6 h for very high-quality eggs. Higher larvae malformation was found in the 6 h aged eggs together with fertilized short-term storage and fresh sperm. In all quality groups of eggs, the effect of different sperm, activation medium and egg storage time on the level of malformations was observed. The activation solution for carp did not show any positive fertilization and hatching effects.

The influence of the age of the parent herds and the duration of incubation egg storage on the development of embryos and the quality of the daily broiler

he article says that the development of domestic industrial poultry farming at this stage involves the introduction of advanced technologies at different stages of the production cycle, starting from the incubation egg to the production of a full-fledged viable day-old chicken. The article presents data on changes in the quality indicators of incubation eggs after excessive, long-term storage before the incubation process, analyzes the causes of embryo death at different stages of development, determines the quality of a day-old chicken, its safety up to 10 days of age and the state of the immune system before the cycle of routine vaccinations of the broiler herd. As a result of the analysis of embryonic development, it was found that long-term storage of eggs, especially from young flocks and herds ending their productive period, negatively affects the growth and development of embryos, which leads to increased embryo waste during incubation, prolonged withdrawal of young and negative

Effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid in broiler breeders and egg storage time on the fatty acid profile, lipid oxidation and internal egg quality

Context The need for the storage of fertile eggs is a reality in the poultry industry. At the same time, prolonged storage periods decrease the quality of egg components that are essential for embryo development, and can compromise hatchability and chick quality; thus, the high content of unsaturated fatty acids in embryo tissues increase the susceptibility to peroxidation. Aims The objective of this study was to evaluate the addition of cis-9, trans-11, trans-10 and cis-12 isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to the broiler-breeder diet and the storage time on the internal egg quality, composition and lipid oxidation. Methods In total, 22 000 Cobb female broiler breeders of 58 weeks of age were fed with diets containing 0 or 0.024% CLA and fertile eggs were stored 3, 6 or 9 days prior to incubation. In total, 6912 hatching eggs were used in a completely randomised experimental design in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (CLA inclusion × egg storage time). At the end of each storage period, 30 eggs per dietary treatment were sampled to analyse yolk and albumen height, percentage and pH, yolk:albumen ratio, yolk diameter and index, Haugh unit (HU), yolk lipid oxidation, acidity and fatty acid profile. Key results The progression of storage negatively affected the internal quality of the eggs; however, inclusion of CLA minimised these effects up to Day 6, especially for yolk diameter, HU, height and albumen pH. The total lipid content was not affected by the dietary treatments; however, CLA inclusion resulted in a higher proportion of stearic acid and a lower concentration of linoleic acid in yolks. Conclusions The changes observed in fatty acid profile of the eggs may have favoured the reduction of lipid oxidation, as shown by the decrease in the acidity index and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) values at shorter storage periods. Implications The dietary addition of CLA to broiler breeders may be used to preserve the egg internal quality during a short-term storage period.

Identification and nutritive value of forages in grazing land consumed by Kuantan cattle in Benai District, Kuantan Singingi Regency

This study investigated the effects of egg storage duration prior to incubation on performances of Arab Chickens during the first week post-hatch. A total of 100 day-old-chicks were distributed among 20 experimental units, each representing a different egg storage duration before incubation (1, 4, 7, and 10 days) with five replicates. There were five birds of each replicate totaling 25 birds per treatment. The variables examined in this study included the growth performance of Arab Chickens during the first week post-hatch, specifically the initial body weight, final body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, water intake, feed conversion ratio, and water conversion ratio. The findings of the study revealed that egg storage duration prior to incubation did not significantly affect (P&gt;0.05) feed intake, water intake, and water conversion ratio. Storing eggs for up to 4 days did not result in any adverse effects (P&gt;0.05) on initial body weight, final body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. However, eggs stored for 7 days or longer exhibited a significant reduction (P&lt;0.05) in initial body weight, final body weight, and body weight gain. Additionally, a notable increased (P&lt;0.05) in feed conversion ratio observed for eggs stored for 10 days. In conclusion, the hatching eggs of Arab Chickens can be safely stored for up to 4 days without any detrimental effect on their performance during the first week post-hatch.

Effects of egg storage duration prior to incubation on performances of Arab Chickens during the first week post-hatch

This study investigated the effects of egg storage duration prior to incubation on performances of Arab Chickens during the first week posthatch. A total of 100 day-old-chicks were distributed among 20 experimental units, each representing a different egg storage duration before incubation (1, 4, 7, and 10 days) with five replicates. There were five birds of each replicate totaling 25 birds per treatment. The variables examined in this study included the growth performance of Arab Chickens during the first week post-hatch, specifically the initial body weight, final body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, water intake, feed conversion ratio, and water conversion ratio. The findings of the study revealed that egg storage duration prior to incubation did not significantly affect (P&gt;0.05) feed intake, water intake, and water conversion ratio. Storing eggs for up to 4 days did not result in any adverse effects (P&gt;0.05) on initial body weight, final body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. However, eggs stored for 7 days or longer exhibited a significant reduction (P&lt;0.05) in initial body weight, final body weight, and body weight gain. Additionally, a notable increased (P&lt;0.05) in feed conversion ratio observed for eggs stored for 10 days. In conclusion, the hatching eggs of Arab Chickens can be safely stored for up to 4 days without any detrimental effect on their performance during the first week post-hatch.

Effect of Cold Storage of Trichocard on Adult Emergence and Parasitization of Trichogramma chilonis

The present study was carried out to identify the ideal temperature for proper storage of trichocards prepared from host egg Corcyra cephalonica parasitized by T. chilonis (Ishii). The effect of differential temperature on adult emergence of T. chilonis and parasitization on stored Corcyra eggs was assessed. Parasitized trichocards as well as non-irradiated eggs of C. cephalonica were maintained at 4±1°C, 8±1°C, 10±1°C and 12±1°C. The trichocards maintained at 10±1°C for 15 days resulted in highest per cent adult emergence of 73 percent which declined to 57.5 percent by 35 days of storage. By 45 days of storage, the temperatures of 4±1°C and 8±1°C recorded the highest adult emergence of 50.50 and 51.80 per cent respectively. Highest efficiency of parasitization (92.3%) was achieved by the parasitoids emerged from trichocards maintained at 4±1°C which significantly decreased with increase in temperature and duration of storage. Influence of storage of C. cephalonica eggs was observed to be significant with highest per cent parasitization on Corcyra eggs stored at 4±1 for 15 days which declined thereafter. The temperatures of 4±1°C and 10±1°C were found conducive for storage of parasitoid trichocard and eggs of C. cephalonica.

The Effect of Ethanol Propolis Extracts on Inhibition of Growth of Fusarium solani on Hen Eggs

The inhibition of growth of Fusarium solani mold on the shells of coated table hen eggs of a ethanol extract of propolis was investigated. Hen eggs were inoculated with F. solani spores and then coated with propolis extract at a concentration of 1, 2, 3, 5 or 10% using the spray method. Hen eggs were stored at room temperature for 28 days. Weight loss and the color of coated hen eggs were checked during storage. The color of hen eggs was tested using the CIELab method. Propolis extract was found to inhibit the growth of F. solani on hen eggshells. A reduction of three log cycles in the number of molds was observed on hen eggs coated with 10% propolis extract. Coating hen eggs with propolis extract slowed down and limited weight loss. No statistically significant changes in color parameters or sensory characteristics were observed during storage of hen eggs. There was a slight smell of propolis on the shells of hen eggs. Spraying table hen eggs with propolis extract at a concentration of 10% can help to improve the microbiological safety of hen eggs in terms of anti-mold protection.

INCUBATION PARAMETERS AND POST-HATCH SEXING METHODS IN WYANDOTTE HENS

ABSTRACT - The preservation of breeds and their characterization allows the maintenance of a genomic diversity that can be crucial to face new challenges of sustainability in livestock farming. The Wyandotte breeder has a dual purpose, meat and eggs, besides having docility and rusticity characteristics, favoring its breeding in small and large scales. In this study, the influence of egg storage time on incubation performance and criteria for determining the sex of post-hatch birds were evaluated. Three egg storage periods were adopted: short (0-2 days), intermediate (3-5 days) and long (6-8 days). The total weight loss between storage and incubation was higher for eggs that were stored longer (6-8 days) compared to the other evaluated times. The hatchability rate was better for the eggs that had been stored for less time. The embryonic mortality of eggs with longer storage time (6-8 days), showed a higher number of eggs with early mortality and stillborn. At hatching, it was possible to differentiate the chicks by the abdominal plumage coloration, with the males characterized by yellow coloration from the crop to the cloaca region. The yellow coloration was observed in the female only in the cloacal region. The prolonged storage time negatively affects weight loss of eggs from the Wyandotte breeders, as well as incubation parameters; and the post-hatch sexing can be performed by evaluating the plumage coloration of the chocks ventral area on hatch day.

Influence of egg storage time, position and turning on egg weight loss, embryonic mortality and hatching traits in chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of storage length (7, 14, 21 and 28 days), turning frequency (0, 1 and 24 times per day) and egg position (pointed end up, blunt end up and horizontal) on egg weight loss during storage and incubation; hatchling chick weight, incubation length and hatchability results in 56-week-old chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar). A total of 1800 daily collected eggs was assigned to 36 subgroups (4 × 3 × 3 experimental design) consisting of 50 eggs for each subgroup. Progressive decrease in egg weights and increase in egg weight loss during storage was observed with the lengthening of storage period (p < .001). Prominent effects were observed in total egg weight loss rate and incubation length when the eggs were stored more than 21 days (p < .001). The highest hatchling chick weights were observed in horizontal eggs stored for 7 days (p < .001). Most indices of hatching results showed detrimental effects when turning wasn’t applied and the eggs were stored with the position of blunt end up. General recommendations from the hatching results showed that chukar eggs can be stored up to 21 days of storage length irrespective of turning and egg position. If the chukar eggs are to be stored more than 21 days, turning should be implemented and the eggs should be placed with the position of pointed end up for optimum hatching results. HIGHLIGHTS Due to their chicks’ valuability, partridge eggs are aimed to be incubated. In addition, scientific studies of egg hatching assessment under different conditions during storage period are lacking. For these reasons, the study was carried out to determine optimum conditions of storage in chukar eggs. The present results revealed that storing the chukar eggs with the position of pointed end up till 21st days improves the quality of the eggs. If the storage length is to exceed 21 days, the eggs should be turned at least once a day and placed with the position of pointed end up.

Egg quality, hatchability, gosling quality, and amino acid profile in albumen and newly-hatched goslings’ serum as affected by egg storage

In modern poultry husbandry, storing fertilized eggs is a common measure to cope with the variable demands of the market and the maximum hatching capacity of the hatchery. However, this measure is harmful to the hatchability of eggs and the quality of newly hatched birds. Knowledge about the effects of storing fertilized eggs on the performance of goslings is still limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of storing fertilized eggs on egg quality, hatchability, gosling quality, hatching weight, post-hatching growth performance, and amino acid profile in albumen and newly hatched goslings' serum. A total of 1,080 fertilized goose eggs (Jilin White goose) with a similar egg weight (126.56 ± 0.66 g) were used in this study. All eggs were distributed into 3 groups with 24 replicates per group and 15 eggs per replicate. The differences between groups were the storage duration of eggs (0, 7, or 14 d). We found that the Haugh unit, yolk weight, and eggshell weight decreased linearly, whereas the albumen pH increased linearly, with storage duration. Prolonging storage duration had negative effects on hatchability, hatching weight, post-hatching growth performance parameters, and gosling quality in a time-dependent manner. The analysis of the amino acid profile in albumen and newly-hatched goslings' serum showed that the amino acid content increased linearly with storage duration. Additionally, eggs stored for 14 d had the worst performance for all measured parameters. Therefore, we concluded that the storage of fertilized eggs negatively affects egg quality and post-hatching gosling quality. To produce high-quality goslings, it is necessary to shorten the storage duration for fertilized eggs.

The Impact of Eggshell Thickness on the Qualitative Characteristics of Stored Eggs Produced by Three Breeds of Laying Hens of the Cage and Cage-Free Housed Systems

The study aimed to compare the physical-chemical attributes of table eggs from three laying hen breeds housed in the cage and cage-free conditions and to characterize the morphological characteristics of the eggshell interior. A morphological and elemental analysis performed by scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed no abnormalities in the structural integrity of eggshells. The thickness of the eggshell varied in the range from 356.2 to 366.4 µm, with no statistically significant differences between the values. Eggshell membrane thickness was between 20.0 and 59.9 µm, with eggs derived from cage-housed hens, i.e., H/LS/CCE and H/HN/CCE having thinner membrane layers. The results revealed no direct relationships between eggshell and membrane thickness and physical-chemical parameters’ change. However, the presence of thick and long spider-like microcracks on the eggshell surface of eggs from cage-free housed hens H/D/BWE was the main factor that presumably contributed to substantial weight loss during 36 days of egg storage. A noticeable decline in eggshell-breaking strength along with the enlargement of air cells was observed in eggs produced under an enriched cage system H/LS/CCE after 28 days. In contrast, the minor changes in air cell size occurred in eggs from cage-free housed laying hens H/D/BWE. Protein quality indicators such as albumen height and Haugh units were well correlated with each other, and the intensity of their changes during egg storage, to a greater extent, was found to be storage time-dependent. No significant depletion of egg albumen was revealed during the first 15 days of egg storage. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the quality corresponded to grade A (reasonably firm). However, after 18 days of storage, Haugh unit values were lower than 60, corresponding to grade B (weak and watery). The most apparent reduction in the Haugh unit was observed in eggs produced by enriched cage H/HN/CCE and cage-free H/D/BWE hens. The egg quality was storage time-dependent, and their deterioration rate was primarily associated with the genetic background of laying hens and housing conditions.

Influence of egg storage length and orientation on hatching traits and spread of hatch in Transylvanian naked neck chickens.

Effects of egg storage length and orientation on hatching traits and spread of hatch were determined in Transylvanian naked neck chickens. Eggs (n = 640) stored in a cold room (16 ± 1.5°C, 75 ± 1.5% RH) in batches of 160 eggs each, for 1, 3, 5or 7 days were used. Half of each batch was stored with a broad end up (BEU) and the other in a narrow end up (NEU). Eggs were incubated in a two-stage incubator (37.5°C, 64% RH). Storage length caused a significant increase in egg weight loss (EWL; p < 0.001). Egg fertility (FERT) was significantly lower in 7 days than in 1, 3and 5 days stored eggs (p < 0001). Dead in shell (DIS) was lower (p < 0.001) in 1-day storage than in other lengths (p < 0.001). Hatchability of total (HSE) and fertile eggs (HFE) decreased (p > 0.001) gradually from 1 to 7 days, though 3 and 5 days were found to be similar. Hatching commenced earlier (p = 0.055) in 5 days than 1-day storage. Incubation time at 100% hatch, hatch windowand spread of hatch were not (p > 0.05) affected by storage length. At the end of the hatch, longer storage than 1 day caused 45, 45and 15 min/day delay in hatching for 3, 5and 7 days storagerespectively. The chicks from 3 days storage (17.3 cm) were longer (p = 0.05) than those from 5 (17.1 cm) and 7 days groups (17.1 cm). Higher DIG and DIS but lower HSE and HFE (p < 0.05) were recorded in BEU than in NEU orientation. Earlier commencement of hatch (CH) was recorded in BEU than in NEU eggs. There were significant (p < 0.05) interactions between storage length and orientation in FERT, DIG, HSE, HFE, CHand hatch windows. To achieve HFE up to 70%, eggs could be stored for up to 7 days in NUE orientation but should not exceed 3 days in BEU orientation.

Hydroxy-selenomethionine enhances the productivity and egg quality of 50- to 70-week-old semi-heavy laying hens under heat stress

Oxidative stress significantly compromises the production efficiency of laying hens. It has been reported in literature that selenium (Se) in poultry diets has a positive effect on mitigating these effects. This study has been carried out to evaluate the effects of Se supplementation in feeds, from either an inorganic or a hydroxy-selenomethionine (OH-SeMet) source, on the performance and physiological traits of 50- to 70-wk-old Dekalb Brown laying hens under heat stress, and on their egg quality after different storage durations. The treatments consisted in supplementing 0.3 ppm of Se as sodium selenite (SS; 45%-0.7g/ton) or OH-SeMet (2%-15g/ton) in twelve 16-bird replicates. Supplementation with OH-SeMet resulted in a better performance of the laying hens than with SS: -5% feed conversion ratio and +3.6% of egg mass. A reduction in egg quality was observed with prolonged egg storage, which was mitigated with the use of OH-SeMet in laying hen diets. The use of OH-SeMet increased the antioxidant capacity of the birds, which showed higher glutathione peroxidase levels in the blood, kidneys, liver, and intestinal mucosa, in addition to a higher Se content in the eggs and a greater bone resistance. Thus, supplementing feeds with 0.3 ppm of OH-SeMet to 50- to 70-wk-old semi-heavy laying hens enhances their antioxidant capacity and leads to a higher egg quality and productivity than SS supplementation.