Yolk Content Research Articles

Performance and mineral status of laying hens fed diets with different levels of glyphosate

Concern has been raised about the potential influence of glyphosate on livestock health and performance due to its antimicrobial and mineral-chelating properties. The present study investigated potential effects of feeding diets amended with glyphosate (as a commercial product, Glyphomax HL, or as pure isopropylamine salt, IPA) to laying hens (layers). At the age of 22 weeks, a total of 320 Lohmann LSL-Lite layers started on one of four treatment diets: Control (CON), 20 mg glyphosate/kg as Glyphomax HL (GM20), 20 mg glyphosate/kg as IPA (IPA20) and 200 mg glyphosate/kg as IPA (IPA200). The EU-defined maximum residue level (MRL) of glyphosate for several feed crops is 20 mg/kg. The layers were housed in 32 enriched cages for 27 weeks. Glyphosate levels in the diets (mg/kg feed) were analysed to 0.03 for CON, 19.3 for GM20, 18.5 for IPA20 and 191.7 for IPA200. Using preselected contrasts, there were no clear effects of diet glyphosate amendment on average egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and rate of lay, while post hoc contrasts suggested that diet glyphosate concentrations above 20 mg/kg may reduce rate of lay by 0.9%-point. Mineral levels of Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn in blood as well as indicators of welfare measured by plumage scoring and by a novel object test were not significantly affected by treatment. Glyphosate levels in blood serum (µg/L) were 0.29 for CON, 22.5 for GM20, 25.0 for IPA20 and 128.9 for IPA200. Glyphosate levels in egg yolk and egg white (ng/g) were respectively 0.26 and 0.01 for CON, 20.1 and 0.20 for GM20, 21.4 and 0.25 for IPA20 and 223.3 and 3.09 for IPA200. Glyphosate concentrations in blood serum, egg yolk and egg white reflected diet concentrations. The glyphosate degradation product, AMPA, followed the same trend as glyphosate in all analysed compartments. In conclusion, there were no clear adverse effects of glyphosate-amended diets on performance, welfare indicators and mineral status of Lohmann LSL-Lite layers even at a level approximately 10x higher than the MRL for soybeans and other common feed crops (20 mg glyphosate per kg feed). However, post hoc contrasts suggested that diet glyphosate concentrations above 20 mg/kg may reduce rate of lay by 0.9%-point. Moreover, the layers exposed down to 0.03 mg of glyphosate per kg feed produced eggs with residues of this pesticide.

The effect of adding L-carnitine to omega-3 fatty acid diets on productive performance, oxidative stability, cholesterol content, and yolk fatty acid profiles in laying hens

In this study, different levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and L-carnitine (LC) were used in diets for laying hens. The effects of these supplements were examined on productive performance, antioxidant properties, cholesterol content, and yolk fatty acid profiles in the laying hens. A population of 120 Lohmann LSL-Lite laying hens (34-wk-old) were used in 2 × 3 factorial arrangements with 2 diets (control = 0.031 and 0.48% omega-3 fatty acids) and 3 levels of L-carnitine (0, 100, 200 mg/kg of diet) in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments. While having 5 replicates and 4 birds per replicate, the total period of the experiment lasted for 10 wk. The eggs were weighed daily, parallel to measurements of egg production, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and egg mass. When the hens reached 44 wk of age, the measurements were aimed at fatty acid profiles, malondialdehyde (MDA), and cholesterol concentration in egg yolk. Feeding the hens on diets enriched by omega-3 fatty acids led to higher levels of egg production than those fed on control diets, but their daily feed intake was generally lower (P < 0.05). Egg weight decreased in birds that were fed on diets enriched with omega-3 fatty acids without L-carnitine, or with diets which contained 100 mg/kg L-carnitine, compared to control diets which contained 0 mg/kg L-carnitine (P < 0.05). Egg mass increased in birds that were fed on diets enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and which contained 200 mg/kg L-carnitine, compared to the control diet with 0 or 100 mg/kg L-carnitine (P < 0.05). The analysis of fatty acid profiles showed that L-carnitine and omega-3 fatty acids caused a significant increase in the percentage of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), C18: 1 (n-9), arachidonic acid (ARA) C20: 4 (n-6), and Σ n-3 in the eggs of birds (P < 0.05). Based on the results, adding L-carnitine (200 mg/kg) to diets that were already enriched with omega-3 fatty acids increased the level of production and led to a longer maintenance of fatty acids in the eggs. Also, oxidative stability was enhanced in the yolk of eggs.

Competitive events during nest‐building influence offspring growth and behaviour, but not testosterone deposition in the egg yolk in Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana)

The environmental stressors that females face before egg‐laying, such as competition for resources, can impact the fitness prospects of the female as well as her offspring through hormone‐mediated maternal effects. In obligate secondary cavity‐nesting species, suitable nest‐holes are a limited resource, so gaining access to nest‐sites may require competition with other individuals. In the Western BluebirdSialia mexicana, we experimentally evaluated whether female exposure to increased competition for nest cavities (reduced available nest‐holes plus exposure to a competitor's decoy and vocalizations) during the period of nest construction affects her offspring's developmental trajectory, survival probability and behaviour through an increase in the concentration of testosterone in the egg yolk. Chicks from experimental females had a lower body mass at age 3 days, followed by a faster growth rate during the rapid growth phase, a slower growth rate during the slow growth phase and larger tarsus at age 15 days (only male offspring). Additionally, experimental chicks exhibited a lower breathing rate. However, female exposure to stronger competition for nest cavities during nest construction did not affect testosterone concentration in the egg yolk. Differential testosterone deposition in yolk is therefore apparently not the underlying mechanism of the effects observed, which may be attributed to changes in females' parental behaviour triggered by competition for breeding sites.

Effects of dietary inclusion of cassava starch-extraction-residue meal on egg production, egg quality, oxidative status, and yolk fatty acid profile in laying ducks

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of different dietary levels of cassava starch extraction residue meal (CReM) on egg production, egg quality, oxidative status, egg yolk fatty acid profile, and hepatic expression of fatty acid metabolism-related genes. In total, 288 Longyan laying ducks aged 21 wk with similar BW were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments, each consisting of 6 replicates of 12 birds. The birds were fed a typical corn-soybean meal diet, which contained 0% (control), 5%, 10%, and 15% CReM, mainly replacing wheat bran, and the experiment lasted for 16 wk. The tested CReM levels did not show significant effects on the egg production, nonmarketable egg percentage, egg weight, daily egg mass, and FCR (g feed: g egg), but daily feed intake was reduced with increased CReM level (linear P < 0.001, quadratic P < 0.05). Yolk color increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01) with the increase in CReM level, but the Haugh unit, yolk proportion, albumen proportion, shell proportion, eggshell thickness, and eggshell strength were unaffected. Yolk contents of C11:0 and C12:0 (linear, quadratic, P < 0.01) and total saturated fatty acids increased, and the C22:1 level decreased (linear P < 0.01, quadratic P < 0.05) with the increase in CReM level, but the total monounsaturated fatty acids, the individual and total polyunsaturated fatty acids and n−6 and n−3 fatty acids, triglycerides, and total cholesterol in egg yolk were not affected. Hepatic gene expression revealed a significant increase in peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors γ (linear, quadratic, P < 0.001), but the expression of fatty acid synthase, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 and apolipoprotein A1 genes were unaffected by CReM level. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated that the CReM could be included up to 15% in laying duck diets without negative effects on the egg-laying rate, egg quality, and oxidative status. Dietary inclusion of CReM increased the yolk content of total saturated fatty acids and SOD activity in the liver.

Effects of Selenium Supplementation on the Ion Homeostasis in the Reproductive Organs and Eggs of Laying Hens Fed With the Diet Contaminated With Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, and Chromium

The objective of this study was to explore the toxic effects of different heavy metals in combination with their deposition and ion homeostasis in the reproductive organs and eggs of laying hens, as well as the alleviating action of selenized yeast. A total of 160 Lohmann pink-shell laying hens (63-week-old) were randomly allocated into four treatments with 10 replicates of four hens each. The four dietary treatments were the corn-soybean meal basal dietary (control; CON); the CON dietary supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg selenium from selenized yeast (Se); the CON dietary supplemented with 5 mg/kg Cd + 50 mg/kg Pb +3 mg/kg Hg + 5 mg/kg Cr (HEM), and the HEM dietary supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg selenium from selenized yeast (HEM+Se). The dietary HEM significantly increased Cd, Pb, and Hg deposition in the egg yolk and ovary, and Cd and Hg deposition in the oviduct and in the follicular wall (p < 0.05). The HEM elevated Fe concentration in the egg yolk, ovary, and oviduct (p < 0.05). The HEM decreased Mn concentration in the egg yolk, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations in the egg white, Cu concentration in the ovary, Mg concentration in the oviduct, as well as Ca, Cu, Zn, and Mg concentrations in the follicular walls (p < 0.05). Dietary Se addition elevated Se concentration in the egg yolk, oviduct, and follicular walls and Mg concentration (p < 0.05) in the oviduct, whereas it reduced Fe concentration in the oviduct compared with the HEM-treated hens. Some positive or negative correlations among these elements were observed. Canonical Correlation Analysis showed that the concentrations of Pb and Hg in the egg yolk were positively correlated with those in the ovary. The concentration of Cd in the egg white was positively correlated with that in the oviduct. In summary, dietary Cd, Pb, Hg, and Cr in combination caused ion loss and deposition of HEM in reproductive organs of laying hens. Dietary Se addition at 0.4 mg/kg from selenized yeast alleviated the negative effects of HEM on Fe and Mg ion disorder in the oviduct and follicle wall of hens.

Supplementing safflower oil (Carthamus Tinctori L) and inocytol in feed and its effect

Investigating the effect of safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorius L) and inositol on the quality of Sentul chicken eggs. Eight one 16-week female Sentul chickens were distributed to 81 units of battery cage (3 chickens each). Basal diet was composed of corn, rice bran, soybean kernel, fishmeal, palm oil, calcium car-bonate (CaCO3), topmix, lysine and methionine, as well as safflower oil (Car-thamus tincthorius L) and inositol. The research was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 9 treatments and 3 replicates (3 chickens/unit). The treatments were R0 = Control/basal diet + 0% Safflower and 0% Inositol; R1 = Basal diet + 0.5% Safflower oil; R2 = Basal diet + 1.0% Safflower oil; R3 = Basal diet + Inositol 0.5%; R4 = Basal diet + Inositol 1.0%; R5 = Basal diet + 0.5 % Safflower oil + 0.5% Inositol; R6 = Basal diet + 0.5 % Safflower oil + 1.0% Inositol; R7 = Basal diet + 1.0 % Safflower oil + 0.5% Inositol; R8 = Basal diet + 1.0 % Safflower oil + 1.0% Inositol. The data were subjected to analysis of vari-ance (ANOVA), continued with an Honestly Significant Difference test (HSD) using SPSS ver. 17.0 with 5% error. The result showed that supplementing saf-flower oil (Carthamus tinctorius L) and inositol in feed did not significantly af-fect (P>0.05) egg weight, egg index, fat and cholesterol content of egg yolk, but significantly affected (P<0.05) egg yolk protein, and most significantly affected (P<0.01) egg production. Conclusively, supplementing 1% safflower oil in feed could increase egg production, but 1% safflower oil 1% + 0.5% 0.5% inositol could increase protein as well as decreasing fat and cholesterol of egg yolk.

Effect of Ramie on the Production Performance of Laying Hens, and the Quality, Nutrient Composition, Antioxidation of the Eggs.

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea), which is rich in protein, fatty acid, vitamins and minerals, has become a potential alternative feed resource for poultry, and has attracted more and more attentions in nutrition research. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of dietary ramie at different concentrations on the production performance of the hens, and the quality, nutrient composition, and antioxidation of the eggs. A total of 432 34-week-old Lohmann commercial laying hens were divided into four groups, that were fed with corn-soybean meal-based control diet, control mixed with ramie at concentrations of 3, 6, or 9% separately for 8 weeks. Results showed that dietary ramie did not affect production performance. And egg yolk color gradually deepened as the inclusion levels of ramie increased. Ramie at tested concentration could significantly reduce the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.002) and 3% ramie supplementation significantly increased total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) concentrations in egg yolk compared to the control group (p = 0.033). In addition, dietary supplementation with 6% ramie significantly reduced total cholesterol (T-CHO) content (p < 0.05) compared with controls. For egg nutrient composition, compared with the control group, the addition of 6% ramie significantly increased (p < 0.05) total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) and phenylalanine (Phe) in yolk. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 6% ramie was most effective in improving the color, antioxidative capability, and reducing T-CHO contents of the egg yolks without any negative impacts on the production performance of the hens.

Effect of chelated source of additional zinc and selenium on performance, yolk fatty acid composition, and oxidative stability in laying hens fed with oxidised oil

ABSTRACT 1. The following study determined whether the effects of the combined addition of zinc amino acid complex (ZA) and selenomethionine (SM) was superior to their single addition in controlling the oxidative stress induced by dietary oxidised fat in laying hens. 2. Two hundred and forty 32-week-old laying hens were divided into the following dietary treatments (each consisting of six replicates of eight birds): 1) a fresh soy oil (FSO) diet; 2) an oxidised soy oil (OSO) diet; 3) an OSO diet plus 20 mg zinc as ZA/kg (OSO+ZA); 4) an OSO diet plus 0.2 mg selenium as SM/kg (OSO+SM); and 5) an OSO diet plus ZA and SM (OSO+ZA+SM). 3. After 10 weeks of feeding hens, feed intake, egg production, and egg mass in the OSO+ZA+SM group were similar to the FSO group but better (P < 0.05) than those in the OSO group. Shell thickness and shell breaking strength were significantly improved by the OSO+ZA and OSO+ZA+SM treatments. 4. Increases in the yolk concentrations of palmitic acid and total saturated fatty acids (SFA), and decreases in yolk linoleic acid, n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), total PUFA, and PUFA/SFA ratio were induced by dietary oxidised fat which were normalised (P < 0.05) by OSO+SM and OSO+ZA+SM. 5. An increase (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde and a decrease in 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity in the yolk, induced by dietary oxidised fat, was significantly improved by all dietary supplementations, but only birds fed the OSO+ZA+SM diet exhibited similar values to those fed FSO. 6. In conclusion, the simultaneous inclusion of organic zinc plus selenium in the oxidised fat diets was beneficial for improving egg-laying performance, yolk fatty acid profile, and oxidative stability, but not for internal egg quality, compared with either zinc or selenium alone in laying hens.

Effects of dietary trace element supplementation on performance of laying hens and mineral content of egg yolk

In this experiment, 320 laying hens of Hy-Line W-36 strain were used in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design (eight treatments and eight birds in each pen). The treatments were 0 and 400 mg/kg iron salt, 0 and 450 mg/kg iodide, and 0 and 0.1 mg/kg vitamin B12. There were five replicates of each treatment combination and the birds were from 26 to 39 weeks old. The interaction of iron salt and iodide, the use of 450 mg/kg iodide and 0 levels of iron salt increased the iodide content of yolks. In the treatments with 400 mg/kg of iron salt combined with iodide and with 400 mg/kg of iron salt with 0 levels of iodine salt this caused a sharp decrease in the iodide content of the yolk. In the interaction of treatments containing iron salt and vitamin B12, the lowest amount of cobalt and the highest level of Iodide were observed at the 0 levels of both supplements, whereas the combined use of iron salt and vitamin B12 increased the level of cobalt and decreased the yolk iodine content. In the three-way effects between these salts, yolk iron and cobalt content increased, and the highest amount of Iodine was observed in the third treatment (without vitamin B12 and iron). Overall the use of iron salt, iodine, and vitamin B12 could improve the performance of hens and the composition of egg yolk.

Effects of carrot leaves on digestibility of feed, and cholesterol and β-carotene content of egg yolks

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of carrot leaf supplementation on feed digestibility and the cholesterol and β-carotene contents of the yolks of eggs produced by Lohmann Brown laying hens. A feeding trial was conducted using 240 healthy 30-week-old laying hens kept in colony cages to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with carrot leaves. Carrot leaf extract (CLE) was prepared by macerating carrot leaves in distilled water (1:1, w/w). The hens were fed diets i) without carrot leaves (C0), ii) supplemented with 2% carrot leaf flour (CLF)(C1); iii) supplemented with 2% CLE(C2); and iv) supplemented with 1% CLF and 1% CLE (C3). Supplementation of CLE, CLF and in combination increased dry matter, organic matter and protein digestibility significantly. Feed efficiency was improved, and eggshell thickness, yolk colour and β-carotene content in yolk increased. Supplementation with CFL or CLE produced significantly lower serum and yolk cholesterol contents. Dietary supplementation of laying hens with CLF and CLE also increased egg production and β-carotene contents in yolk.

Testing a simple energy-budget model for yolk-feeding stages of cleaner fish

The use of cleaner fish is an environmentally-friendly approach to combat the salmon louse, threatening commercial salmon farming. Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) modelling helps understand the bioenergetics of early life stages of the cleaner fish, and can thereby aid optimisation of their culturing. Here, we report on our attempts to parametrise DEBkiss models for the yolk-feeding stages of two cleaner fish species, ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) and lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus). A range of measurements was taken over early development, including biometry (using imaging), weight and composition, as well as measurements of respiration rate. Despite the previous success of applying the DEBkiss model to early life stages of Atlantic cod, the model failed to capture the patterns of yolk depletion for ballan wrasse. The main issues were related to substantial changes in the water content of both yolk and structure over development, and a stop of growth before disappearance of the yolk sac. These issues require further experimental work to address, especially more efficient proxies for the dry mass of yolk and structure, such that these compartments can be efficiently separated. Nevertheless, apart from the pattern of yolk depletion, the model provides a reasonable explanation of all traits simultaneously. This indicates that model modifications may only need to be minor. For lumpfish, the data set was quite limited for testing of the DEBkiss model, due to the opacity of the egg and the fact that there was only one time point with measurements post hatch. Nevertheless, the data are consistent with the model. The modelling results indicate that both cleaner-fish species may have very similar bioenergetic parameters (and quite similar to Atlantic cod as well); the conspicuous difference in early life history may be mainly caused by the larger yolk provisioning in the egg, and late hatching, in lumpfish. The DEBkiss model is a simple and promising tool for bioenergetics of fish early-life stages. However, its application and in-depth testing is currently limited by the difficulties of obtaining detailed measurements on these life stages.

Egg Yolk Antibodies: Production and applications in the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases - A review

Antibodies are extensively used in molecular biology, protein detection, cell isolation, immunopathology as well as in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases in humans and animals. Rabbit and mice are the common mammalian species used for the production of both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. However, there are many advantages of raising antibodies in poultry. Chicken are phylogenetically distant from mammals and reacts strongly against highly conserved mammalian antigens. Also, chicken has a natural tendency to concentrate immunoglobulins in higher concentrations in egg yolk which makes subsequent collection and separation of antibodies easier by non-invasive methods than the separation from serum as in rabbits or mice. Moreover, by laying eggs each day a hen can act as a small antibody production unit. Eggs or egg yolk can be included as dietary components and egg yolk antibodies (EYA) have minimal toxic or side effects. At the same time, chicken immunoglobulin (IgY) can resist almost all gastric barriers in food animals, help in reducing gastrointestinal pathogen attachment and colonization, and improve digestion, thus can act as an excellent feed additive. The EYA can also be produced against various bacterial, fungal, or other immunogenic toxins and snake venoms. This review presents an overview of the production and purification techniques of EYA, its challenges and the applications in the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases along with the conjectures on the future of IgY technology.

Effects of dietary methyl sulfonyl methane and selenium on laying performance, egg quality, gut health indicators, and antioxidant capacity of laying hens.

ObjectiveThis study investigated the effects of dietary methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) and selenium (Se) on the laying performance, egg quality, gut health indicators, egg yolk Se content, and antioxidant markers in laying hens.MethodsOne hundred ninety-two 73-wk-old laying hens were randomly divided into four groups with eight replicates of six hens each. Four diets were prepared in a 2×2 factorial arrangement with or without MSM and Se. The trial lasted for 12 wk.ResultsThere were no interaction effects or main effects (p>0.05) on laying performance and egg quality. However, feed intake increased in Se-fed hens (p = 0.051) and decreased in MSM-fed hens (p = 0.067) compared with that of hens in the control group. Dietary MSM increased (p<0.05) the ileal villus height and villus height:crypt ratio in hens compared with those receiving the non-supplemented control diet. Dietary MSM and Se did not affect the percentage of short-chain fatty acids in the ileal contents. Dietary Se enriched the Se content in egg yolk compared with that of the non-supplemented control diet (p<0.05). Dietary Se increased (p<0.05) glutathione peroxidase levels in the liver and serum samples compared to the control diet. The total antioxidant capacity in the liver increased (p<0.05) in laying hens that were fed MSM-supplemented diets than in hens fed the control diet. Dietary MSM significantly increased the relative superoxide dismutase levels in serum samples (p<0.05).ConclusionSupplementation with either MSM or Se independently improved the antioxidant capacity of laying hens. Furthermore, dietary Se produced Se-enriched eggs, but this effect was neither additive nor synergistic with dietary MSM.

Residue depletion profiles and withdrawal interval estimations of meloxicam in eggs and ovarian follicles following intravenous (Meloxicam solution for injection) and oral (Meloxidyl®) administration in domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus)

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly prescribed in an extralabel manner for treating chickens in urbanized settings. The objectives of this study were to determine meloxicam depletion profiles in eggs and ovarian follicles and to estimate associated withdrawal intervals (WDI) in laying hens following a single intravenous or repeated oral administration. The observed peak concentration of meloxicam in ovarian follicles were consistently higher than in egg yolk and egg white samples. Terminal half-lives were 31-h, 113-h and 12-h in ovarian follicles, egg yolk and egg white samples, respectively, for repeated oral administrations at 1 mg/kg for 20 doses at 12-h intervals. The terminal half-life following a single intravenous administration at 1 mg/kg was 50-h for ovarian follicles. Meloxicam WDI estimations using ovarian follicle and egg yolk concentration data following 20 doses at 12-h intervals were 36 and 12 days, respectively. Meloxicam WDI estimation using egg yolk concentration data following 8 doses at 24-h intervals was 12 days. These results improve our understanding on the residue depletion of meloxicam from chickens’ reproductive tracts and egg products and provide WDIs to help ensure food safety for humans consuming eggs from treated laying hens.

Effect of addition of marigold petals in poultry feed toincrease the carotenoids content in egg yolk and toenhance yolk colour in laying hens

An experiment was conducted in the year 2016-2017 in the Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat to determine the effect of addition of marigold petals in poultry feed for increasing the carotenoid content in egg yolk and also to enhance the egg yolk colour in laying hens. The petals were supplemented with the basal diet in terms of carotenoid content viz: T0 (Control), T1(4mg carotenoid/kg diet), T2(8mg carotenoid/kg diet) and T3(12mg carotenoid/kg diet) The treatments interacted significantly with the days of feeding for the total carotenoid content (µg/g) in egg yolk both for fresh and dried petals. On analysis of egg yolk at three days interval for total carotenoid after starting supplemented diets, it was observed that the carotenoid accumulation in egg yolk increased from 3rd day of feeding to 30th day. The highest accumulation (38.82 µg/g) and (40.81µg/g) for fresh and dried petals respectively was recorded for T3(12 mg carotenoid/kg diet) followed by T2(8 mg carotenoid/kg diet) which were 29.34 µg/g and 30.57µg/g for fresh and dried petals respectively. However, in case of the control no such accumulation of carotenoid in egg yolk was observed upto 30th day after feeding normal diet. Highest yolk colour score, as estimated by DSM yolk colour fan was recorded for both fresh petal (10.73) and dried petal (10.8) for diet supplemented with 12 mg carotenoid per kg diet (T3). The lowest colour score 7.26 was recorded for basal diet, i.e. control (T0).

Comparison of stress biomarkers in laying hens raised under a long-term multiple stress condition

The objective of the current experiment was to compare various stress biomarkers including the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H:L ratio) in blood and the corticosterone (CORT) concentrations in feathers, claws, and egg yolk and to find the potential stress biomarkers in laying hens exposed to a long-term multiple stress condition. A total of 24 Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 47 wk of age were allotted to 2 distinct conditions including normal condition (NC) and multiple stress condition (MC) with 8 replicated cages. In NC treatment, 8 hens were raised individually in the cage (0.16 m2/hen) under the temperature of 21 ± 0.6°C. In MC treatment, 16 hens were raised with 2 hens per cage to decrease space allowance (0.08 m2/hen) and the temperature was maintained at 31 ± 1.6°C. The experiment lasted for 8 wk. The common diets and water were fed on an ad libitum basis during the experiment. Results indicated no interactions between stress conditions and duration of stress exposure for all measurements. Hens in MC treatment had a greater (P < 0.01) blood H:L ratio than those in NC treatment. The greater (P < 0.05) H:L ratio for MC treatment was observed at all weeks. Hens in MC treatment had greater (P < 0.05) feather CORT concentrations than those in NC treatment. Feather CORT concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) with duration of the experiment. However, stress conditions did not influence claw CORT concentrations. A tendency (P = 0.081) was observed for greater yolk CORT concentrations in MC treatment than in NC treatment. In conclusion, the H:L ratio in blood and CORT concentrations in feathers and egg yolks are considered potential stress biomarkers in laying hens exposed to stress conditions, although each measurement has its respective limitations. However, CORT concentrations in the claw appear to be insensitive to a long-term stress exposure.

EFECTO DEL PROTECTOR DE MEMBRANA ESPERMÁTICA EN LA CONGELABILIDAD DEL SEMEN CAPRINO

&lt;pre&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Prior to freezing goat semen, it is necessary to perform seminal washing by centrifugation to eliminate Phospholipase A, with the consequent loss of elements involved in maintaining sperm functions. &lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;Determine the adequate concentration of egg yolk (YH) for freezing goat semen in a lyophilized diluent based on Tris-glucose and citric acid, without performing seminal washing by centrifugation. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology: &lt;/strong&gt;ninety ejaculates were evaluated with 12 replicates, collected twice a week by means of Artificial Vagina. Volume, motility, concentration, viability and total pathologies were measured. The fit ejaculates were united and divided into five portions, each one received the corresponding diluent: Tris-glucose-Ac. Citrus with YH (2.25%, 3.37%, 4.45% and 5.65%) and the control diluent containing lactose-skimmed milk (DC). The final sperm concentration in the samples was 1.5 x 109 mL&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;. The equilibrium period was carried out at 5°C for 2 h. Subsequently, it was frozen in 0.1 mL tablets in nitrogen vapors, and stored for 7 d in liquid nitrogen, thawed at 37°C and the percentages of motility (30 min, 120 min and 240 min), viability and total pathologies (30 min and 120 min) were determined. The diluents were compared using a Binary Logistic Regression model. &lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;YH (4.45%) and DC had the highest probability (P &amp;lt;0.05) of motility at all times. The highest probability (P &amp;lt;0.05) of viability was for YH (4.45%), and the lowest probability (P &amp;lt;0.05) of total pathologies for 4.45% YH and DC, at 30 min and 120 min. &lt;strong&gt;Implications: &lt;/strong&gt;In the freezing of goat semen, it is possible to eliminate the seminal washing process by centrifugation. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; Goat semen can be frozen in a Tris-based lyophilized extender with 4.45% egg yolk, without performing seminal washing by centrifugation.

Antibacterial Properties of TMA against Escherichia coli and Effect of Temperature and Storage Duration on TMA Content, Lysozyme Activity and Content in Eggs.

Studies on trimethylamine (TMA) in egg yolk have focused on how it impacts the flavor of eggs, but there has been little focus on its other functions. We designed an in vitro antibacterial test of TMA according to TMA concentrations that covered the TMA contents typically found in egg yolk. The change in TMA content in yolk was analyzed at different storage temperatures and for different storage durations. The known antibacterial components of eggs, including the cuticle quality of the eggshell and the lysozyme activity and content in egg white, were also assessed. The total bacterial count (TBC) of different parts of eggs were detected. The results showed that the inhibitory effect of TMA on Escherichia coli (E. coli) growth increased with increasing TMA concentration, and the yolk TMA content significantly increased with storage duration (p < 0.05). The cuticle quality and lysozyme content and activity significantly decreased with storage time and increasing temperature, accompanied by a significant increase in the TBC on the eggshell surface and in the egg white (p < 0.05). This work reveals a new role for trace TMA in yolks because it reduces the risk of bacterial colonization, especially when the antibacterial function of eggs is gradually weakened during storage.

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

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

Effects on Performance, Egg Quality Criteria and Cholesterol Level of Adding Different Ratios Flaxseed Oil Instead of Sunflower Oil to Compound Feed of Laying Hens

This study was conducted to examine the effect on performance, egg quality criteria and egg cholesterol level of adding different ratios of flaxseed oil instead of sunflower oil to the compound feed of laying hens. A total of 210, 30-week old Lohmann LSL laying hens were acquired for the study. The study groups consisted of a control group (5% sunflower oil (SO) + 0% flaxseed oil (FO) and trial 1 (4% SO + 1% FO), trial 2 (3% SO + 2% FO), trial 3 (2% SO + 3% FO), trial 4 (1% SO + 4% FO) and trial 5 (0% SO + 5% FO) groups. The study lasted for 8 weeks. The feed consumption was not different among the experimental groups. Feed utilization rate was higher in group 2 compared to those of other between 0-8 weeks (P<0.001). Between weeks 0 to 8, all trial groups were found have significantly higher levels of linoleic acid, one of the fatty acids found in yolk, compared to the control group (P<0.001). Additives were not found to affects levels of cholesterol in yolk, with no significant differences found between groups. In short, sunflower oil and flaxseed oil added to laying hen rations did not create any differences in terms of egg quality criteria or egg cholesterol levels, but higher levels of flaxseed oil added to the rations resulted in linearly higher levels of linolenic acid content of yolk, and use of the two oil additives together increased egg yields.