Egg Weight Research Articles

Effect of annatto and alfalfa on egg yolk pigmentation in Creole hens

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an alfalfa- and annatto-enriched diet on the external and internal characteristics of eggs laid by Creole hens. Design/Methodology: A set of 22 Creole hens was divided into two treatment groups. The first group (n=11 females and one male) was fed alfalfa, while the second (n=11 females and one male) consumed alfalfa and annatto. For the study, 116 eggs (alfalfa=58 and annatto=58) were collected and stored in refrigeration until further analysis. The data encompassed external physical characteristics (egg weight, length, width, and shell thickness) and internal physical characteristics (yolk weight, white weight, and yolk pigmentation). Yolk color was evaluated as per the DSM color spectrum. Study Limitations/implications: Backyard poultry farming does not use artificial pigments to color egg yolks due to their high cost and low availability. Annatto and alfalfa are low-cost, handy alternatives. Results: Adding fresh alfalfa or annatto to the Creole hens' diet did not significantly affect (P>0.05) egg weight, length, or width, nor (P>0.05) eggshell thickness. Yolk and white weight were not affected (P>0.05) either. However, supplementing the hens’ diet with annatto intensified yolk pigmentation. Conclusion: Adding annatto to the Creole hens' diet intensifies yolk color without affecting the external or internal physical characteristics of eggs. Annatto (known in Mexico as achiote) is a natural pigment with no harmful effects on human health compared to synthetic alternatives. It is also inexpensive and easily accessible.

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

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

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

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

Dosing of Bacterial Phytase (EC 3.1.3.26) in Laying Hens’ Diets

Despite the acknowledged advancements in the utilization of phytase dosing, limited research has been conducted on commercial laying hens. To assess the effectiveness of doses of exogenous phytase, a total of 320 laying hens aged between 44 and 64 weeks were utilized. These hens were divided into five treatments, which were then distributed using a completely randomized design with eight replicates, each containing eight birds. The treatments consisted of phytase supplementation levels of 0, 500, 1000, 1500, and 3000 FTU/kg. Quadratic regression equations were utilized to determine the maximum and minimum values for the levels of phytase supplementation. A significant difference was observed in the levels of phytase supplementation, where a quadratic model was fitted to various variables including egg weight (g), egg mass (g/bird/day), feed conversion per egg mass (g/g), yolk concentration (%), albumen concentration (%), shell thickness (μm), shell strength (kgf), specific gravity, and yolk color. Further, an increased supplementation improved the digestive tract of the hens, thereby providing a better villus–crypt ratio. Considering the advantageous effects of phytase dosing, it is recommended to supplement corn and soybean meal-based diets with 1500 FTU/kg of bacterial phytase for laying hens during the 44- to 64-week production period.

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

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

Comparative fertility and hatchability of broiler grandparent stocks in Bangladesh

Checking the fertility and hatchability of broiler grandparent lines is important for improving chicken production. The Cobb-500, Ross-308, and Indian River (IR) grandparent strains were studied to determine their initial egg weight, fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, hatching weight, and chick survival rates. We studied a total of 2700 eggs from three different age/treatment, each consisting of three replicates with 100 eggs for each of the three genotypes. Using an automated incubator, eggs were incubated. Cobb-500 had a significantly higher mean egg weight (67.52 g) at later stage of their age compared to Ross-308 (64.22 g) and IR (65.05 g). Study also found that a higher egg weight reflects a higher day-old chick weight. The fertility rates of the Ross-308, IR, and Cobb-500 genotypes were high at 35 weeks (96.00%, 87.00%, and 93.00%) but declined after 45 weeks (64.22%, 65.05%, and 67.52%), respectively. The hatchability of Ross-308, IR, and Cobb-500 eggs at 35 weeks was 85.00%, 75.00%, and 80.00%, respectively. By 45 weeks, all genotypes had higher hatchability, with Ross-308 having the highest at 89%. But at 55 weeks, all genotype showed lowest hatchability where IR was the lowest 67%. Statistically significant variations were observed across strains at later stage. As age increased, embryonic mortality and brood mortality were higher. Compared to the other two, Ross-308 showed the lowest mortality in both embryonic and brooding cases in all three stages of their age of life. However, the IR breed consistently displayed the highest mortality rate. Same pattern showed dead in shell and culling chick’s percentages. Strain-wise, the parameters differ from each other. However, regarding overall performance, the Ross-308 strain outperformed the other two strains. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2024, 8(2), 48-57

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Statistical Models and Evaluation Criteria Used in Poultry Farming

In this thesis study, the statistical models and evaluation criteria used in poultry breeding were examined comprehensively, taking into account live weight gain, egg weight and egg numbers. For this purpose, as an example of live weight increase; 9-week live weight gains of Ross-308 broiler line, as an example of egg weight; The average of 20-week-old egg weights of brown Lohmann laying hens and 9-week egg yields of Japanese quail were used as an example of the number of eggs. In modeling, for live weight gain; 10 different models for egg production; 11 different models and 8 different models for egg weight were considered. In evaluating the models; error mean squares, coefficient of determination, corrected coefficient of determination, Akaike information criterion, corrected Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, accuracy factor, deviation factor and Durbin-Watson autocorrelation values were taken into consideration. As a result of the study, in terms of live weight gain; The cubic piecewise regression model is the best model in terms of egg yields; It was determined that the modified Compartmental model and the logistic model gave better results than the others in terms of egg weight. The worst models are in live weight gains; Brody, egg yields; It was concluded that there was a quadratic linear and Von Bertalanffy model for egg weight.

Modeling of Some Egg Characteristics in Henna Partridges

In this study, the distributions of egg count (daily and cumulative), width, length and weight values of chukar partridges obtained in two different egg production seasons were statistically modeled. For this purpose, in modeling cumulative egg production curves; Logistic, Gompertz, Gamma, Schunute, Brody, Richard, Negative Exponential, von Bertalanffy, Cubic Piecewise and Cubic models were used, and in evaluating daily egg production curves; Gompertz, Logistic, Richard, McNally, Gamma, Cubic Piecewise, Quadratic, Quadratic Piecewise and Modified Compartmental models were used. In modeling egg width values; Gompertz, Gamma, Cubic Piecewise and Cubic models were used, in modeling length values; Logistic, Gamma, Cubic Piecewise and Cubic models were used, and in modeling weight values; McNally, Gamma, Cubic Piecewise and Cubic models were used. In all modeling studies, as comparison and evaluation criteria; Error Mean Square, Corrected Coefficient of Determination, Accuracy Factor, Deviation Factor, Durbin-Watson, Akaike Information Criterion, Corrected Akaike Information Criterion and Bayesian Information Criterion were taken into consideration. As a result of the study; Gamma was determined as the most suitable model for modeling cumulative egg yields and length values, McNally for modeling daily egg yields and weight values, and Gompertz and Gamma models for modeling egg width values.

Supplementation of Chlorogenic Acid Alleviates the Effects of H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress on Laying Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, Hepatic Inflammation, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Lipid Accumulation in Laying Hens

This research examined the impact of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on laying performance, antioxidant capacity, egg quality, hepatic inflammation, mitochondrial function, and lipid metabolism in hens subjected to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress (OS). Three hundred sixty healthy 43-wk-old Hy-Line brown hens were randomly assigned to six treatments: a basal diet + 0 (control and H2O2), 600 (600 mg/kg CGA and 600 mg/kg CGA + H2O2), and 800 (800 mg/kg CGA and 800 mg/kg CGA + H2O2) mg/kg CGA for 84 d. On the 64th and 78th days of the trial, hens in groups H2O2, 600 mg/kg CGA + H2O2, and 800 mg/kg CGA + H2O2 were injected intraperitoneally with 10% H2O2. The results demonstrated that 600 and 800 mg/kg CGA significantly improved the egg production rate (EPR) and egg quality and reduced lipid peroxidation compared to the control group. The 800 mg/kg CGA showed greater improvements in the EPR and average egg weight (AEW) compared to the 600 mg/kg dose. Conversely, H2O2 exposure significantly decreased the EPR, AEW, and egg quality and increased feed conversion rate and average daily feed intake. H2O2 exposure significantly decreased serum T-AOC and increased serum MDA levels while reducing hepatic T-SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activities. Meanwhile, H2O2 exposure significantly elevated liver reactive oxygen species levels, pathological damage, and NF-κB, TNFα, and IL-1β gene expression. Additionally, H2O2 treatment disrupted hepatocyte mitochondrial structure and significantly increased the expression of VDAC1 protein, and IP3R, GRP75, MCU, Fis1, and MFF genes, while downregulating the expression of MFN2 protein and PGC1α gene. Oil Red O staining demonstrated that H2O2 induced significant lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Concurrently, H2O2 significantly increased serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and liver triglycerides levels while decreasing serum hepatic lipase activity. This was primarily attributed to the significant upregulation of liver SREBP1, FASN, and ACC genes and the downregulation of the liver CPT1 gene induced by H2O2. Furthermore, CGA pretreatment effectively prevented the degeneration in laying performance and egg quality, as well as OS, liver inflammation, pathological damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by H2O2. CGA inhibited H2O2-induced hepatic lipid accumulation by upregulating fatty acid oxidation-related gene expression and downregulating fatty acid synthesis-related gene expression. These findings indicate that the dietary addition of 800 mg/kg of CGA is the optimum supplementation dose. CGA can enhance laying performance and egg quality while alleviating OS, hepatic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and lipid accumulation in H2O2-challenged laying hens.

Evaluation of black soldier fly larvae oil (Hermatia illucens L.) calcium salt as an alternative fat source for laying quail diets.

This study aims to determine the effect of adding saponified black soldier fly larvae oil calcium salt (BSFLO-SCa) to quail feed as an alternative source of fat on laying performance, blood lipid profile, egg quality, and gene expression in lipid metabolism. A total of 120 female Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) aged 24 weeks were divided into 3 treatments, each with 8 replications, and each replication consisted of 5 quails in a completely randomized design. The applied treatments were the inclusion of basal feed as a control (T0) and basal feed supplemented with 1% BSFLO-SCa (T1) and 2% BSFLO-SCa (T2). The study indicated that the supplementation starting from 1% of BSFLO-SCa significantly decrease (p<0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR), blood lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol). Gene expression on fat synthesis of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and cholesterol synthesis of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) downregulated (p<0.05). In addition, the other parameters did not affect by supplementation of 1% BSFLO-SCa. The inclusion at 2% of BSFLO-SCa significantly increased (p<0.05) protein content of yolk and albumen, egg weight, egg shape index, and gene expression on fat oxidation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1). Egg yolk cholesterol, egg albumen ash, haugh unit (HU), and gene expression on fat synthesis of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were significantly reduced (p<0.05). Addition of 2% BSFLO-SCa in the feed improves performance, egg quality, and reduces cholesterol in the blood and eggs of quail. This improvement is accompanied by a reduction in the expression of key genes involved in lipid metabolism. BSFLO-SCa oil has the potential to be an alternative oil source in quail feed.

Effects of dietary metabolizable energy and crude protein levels on laying performance, egg quality and fecal microbiota of Taihe Silky Fowl during the peak laying period.

The experiment aimed to study the effect of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) on laying performance, egg quality, serum routine biochemical and lipid metabolism indicators, the apparent digestibility of nutrients, and fecal microbiota of Taihe Silky Fowl (TSF) during the peak laying period. A total of 540 26-week-old TSF female fowls were randomly allocated to 9 groups with 5 replicates per group and 12 fowls per replicate. The fowls were fed with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments diets (ME:10.88,11.30, or 11.72 MJ/kg; CP: 15, 16, or 17%). With the increasing CP level, the egg weight (EW) (P=0.023), egg production (EP) (p=0.047), and egg mass (EM) (p=0.022) enhanced, while the feed conversion rate (FCR) (p=0.023) decreased. As the ME levels grew, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p<0.001) and FCR (p=0.045) decreased. With enhanced ME, the triglycerides (TG) (p=0.037), total cholesterol (TCHO) (p=0.041), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p=0.028) increased, whereas the low-density serum lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p=0.039) decreased. The apparent digestibility of crude protein increased as the ME level increased (p= 0.029) and as the CP level decreased (p=0.027). At the same time, the apparent digestibility of gross energy increased as the ME level increased (p=0.018). Different levels of ME or CP changed the composition of fecal microbiota, 17% CP increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium. It is suggested that 10.88 MJ/kg dietary ME and 17% CP level are suitable for the nutritional requirements of TSF during the peak laying period.

Levels of substitution of inorganic mineral to amino acids complexed minerals on old laying hens

This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the impact of replacing inorganic mineral sources (IM) with amino acid complexed minerals (AACM) in laying hens’ diets on performance, egg quality, bone, and intestinal health. The effects of 4 different diets with varying levels of AACM substitution were evaluated on 400 Lohmann White hens aged 78–98 weeks. The control diet contained only IM sources at levels of 60, 60, 7, 40, 0.2, and 2 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se, and I, respectively. The other treatments were made by a total substitution of IM with AACM, as follows: AACM70–70% of IM levels; AACM50–50% of IM levels; and AACM40–40% of IM levels. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts and Dunnett’s test were used to determine their impact (P < 0.05). The treatment AACM40 improved egg production, egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Hens that received AACM40 also produced the thickest eggshells and better tibial bone density (P < 0.01). Histomorphometry analyses demonstrated significant effects of AACM treatments. The optimal supplementation levels of 24, 24, 2.8, 16, 0.08, and 0.8 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se, and I, respectively.

Characterization and Evaluation of Taihe Black-Boned Silky Fowl Eggs Based on Physical Properties, Nutritive Values, and Flavor Profiles.

Taihe black-boned silky fowl (TS) is a native chicken breed in China with more than 2000 years of history. The present study aimed to characterize and evaluate the physical, nutritional, and flavor properties of TS eggs with a comparison to two other commercial breeds. Eggs from TS (n = 60) crossbred black-boned silky fowl (CB, n = 60) and Hy-line Brown (HL, n = 60) were used for physicochemical analysis. The evaluation system was divided into four parts based on nutrient and flavor profiles: protein and amino acids, lipids and fatty acids, mineral elements, and flavor-related amino acids and volatile compounds. Results showed that TS eggs were typically associated with the lowest egg weight and the highest yolk color, as compared with CB and HL eggs. No differences were found in crude protein, crude fat, triglycerides, and cholesterol content between eggs from the different breeds, but these eggs were distinct in terms of the amino acid, fatty acid, and volatile flavor compound profiles. Moreover, the differences in amino acid and fatty acid profiles might contribute to the specific flavor of TS eggs. Evaluation results indicated that TS egg whites may be suitable as a protein source for premature infants and young children under three years old and TS egg yolks could be considered a beneficial dietary lipid source due to their potential anti-cardiovascular properties. Additionally, TS whole eggs could serve as a valuable source of selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn), and phosphorus (P) for adults aged 18 to 65. However, TS and CB eggs showed inferior Haugh units, eggshell quality, and essential amino acid compositions for older children, adolescents, and adults. These findings provide a better insight into the health benefits of TS eggs and contribute to the breeding and nutrition regulation of TS breeds.

Association of Ovocalyxin-32 Gene Variants with Egg Quality Traits in Indigenous Chicken Breeds.

This study sought to evaluate the genetic variations of the ovocalyxin-32 gene and its association with egg quality traits in indigenous chicken populations, focusing on exons 1 and 6. Genotype frequencies of SNPs (G/T and A/G) within these exons were assessed for their conformity to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) across several strains. While most strains exhibited close adherence to HWE expectations, some like light-brown and gray strains indicated substantial discrepancies, particularly for the TT genotype, which points towards the possible effects of genetic drift as well as selection pressures. This study also analyzed the influence of such SNPs on egg quality parameters. A thinner eggshell, reduced shell weight, and decreased breaking strength were associated with the G/T SNP in exon 1, suggesting a likely negative effect on egg quality in T allele carriers. Conversely, the AG genotype displayed better performance in shell thickness, weight and egg weight in the A/G SNP in exon 1, whilst yolk height was best improved by the AA genotype compared to breaking strength. For instance, in exon 6, the A/G SNP enhanced the shell and yolk quality among AG genotypes, while the CC genotype resulted in better eggshell characteristics with enlarged yolks because the C/T SNP was linked. Nonetheless, there were no significant deviations from the HWE despite these associations, which suggested that most breeds had a stable genetic background. Further, considering SNPs' additive and dominant effects in this research, it was indicated that additive effects account for phenotypic expressions given by the G/T SNP located at exon 1. In contrast, significant additive and dominant effects were observed under the A/G SNP situated at the exon. Generally, it therefore could be concluded from this study that specific SNPs within the ovocalyxin-32 gene may act as good markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS) that can improve desired characteristics-such as those of egg quality-in indigenous chicken breeds. This study demonstrated that both additive and dominance effects must be taken into account when performing genetic analyses, thereby emphasizing the complexity of phenotypic variation caused by genetic mechanisms in native chicken races.