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Salmonella penetration of egg shells and proliferation in broiler hatching eggs--a review.

The presence of salmonellae in fertile broiler hatching eggs has been clearly identified as a critical control point in the salmonellae contamination of broiler chickens. This paper reviews the published research studies on a) the penetration and proliferation of salmonellae in hatching eggs, b) the consequences of this contamination on the contamination of the final product, and c) the egg's defenses against invading salmonellae. A better understanding of the material in this review paper will assist poultry researchers and the poultry industry in continuing to make progress in reducing and eliminating salmonellae from fertile hatching eggs, hatcheries, and breeder flocks.

Animals↗

The effect of cyclic and constant ambient temperatures on feed consumption, egg production, egg weight, and shell thickness of hens.

Groups of 18 hens, 230 days of age, were housed in each of three climatic chambers with light schedules of 14L:10D. One was maintained at a constant temperature of 23.9 C, the second was cycled between 15.6 and 37.7 C (mean, 26.7 C), and the third was cycled between 21.1 and 37.7 C (mean, 29.4 C). In Experiment 1, the high temperature peaked during the dark period at 0200 hr and in Experiment 2, the high temperature peak was at 1400 hr during the light period. The birds had free access to a commercial breeder feed in these two experiments. The results from three 2-week observation periods indicated no significant differences in percent hen-day production, grams of feed per gram of egg mass, or overall body weight change but feed intake per day, egg weight, and shell thickness were significantly reduced by mean temperatures of 26.7 and 29.4 C in cycling chambers. The pair-feeding of birds in the 23.9 C constant chamber compared with those in the cycling 29.4 C chamber resulted in production of significantly heavier eggs with thicker shells without significantly influencing any of the other parameters. The reductions in egg weight and shell thickness observed at cyclic temperatures were not simply a result of a reduction in nutrient intake at high temperatures but also the direct effect of heat stress on the hens. In the 23.9 C constant temperature chambers, a reduction in AME of the feed for the hens fed ad libitum was observed but not for hens pair-fed to hens in the 29.4 C cyclic chamber.

Animals↗

Multiplication in egg yolk and survival in egg albumen of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis strains of phage types 4, 8, 13a, and 14b.

Refrigeration of eggs is vital for restricting the multiplication of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis contaminants, but differences between Salmonella Enteritidis strains or phage types in their survival and multiplication patterns in egg contents might influence the effectiveness of refrigeration standards. The present study compared the abilities of 12 Salmonella Enteritidis isolates of four phage types (4, 8, 13a, and 14b) to multiply rapidly in egg yolk and to survive for several days in egg albumen. The multiplication of very small numbers of Salmonella Enteritidis inoculated into yolk (approximately 10(1) CFU/ml) was monitored during 24 h of incubation at 25 degrees C, and the survival of much larger numbers of Salmonella Enteritidis inoculated into albumen (approximately 10(5) CFU/ml) was similarly evaluated during the first 3 days of incubation at the same temperature. In yolk, the inoculated Salmonella Enteritidis strains multiplied to mean levels of approximately 10(3) CFU/ml after 6 h of incubation and 10(8) CFU/ml after 24 h. In albumen, mean levels of approximately 10(4) CFU/ml or more of Salmonella Enteritidis were maintained through 72 h. Although a few differences in multiplication and survival were observed between individual isolates, the overall range of values was relatively narrow, and no significant differences (P < 0.05) were evident among phage types.

Colony Count, Microbial↗

The effects of F strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, and the dual infection in commercial layer hens over a 44-week laying cycle when challenged before beginning of lay. I. Egg production and selected egg quality parameters.

In each of two trials, 160 commercial pullets were separated into four treatments with four replicates of 10 chickens in each treatment. Forty pullets were designated as controls and received no inoculation; 40 other pullets received F strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum (FMG); an additional 40 pullets received Mycoplasma synoviae (MS); and the final 40 pullets were inoculated with both FMG and MS (dual). Hen-day egg production, egg weight, eggshell strength, Haugh unit score, pimpling incidence, and blood/meat spot incidence were monitored and recorded in each trial through an entire laying cycle. No significant difference was observed among the treatments for hen-day egg production, egg weight, eggshell strength, or Haugh unit scores. Significant differences were observed for pimpling incidence among controls (1.63%), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG)-infected (2.09%), and dual-infected hens (2.41%). A significant difference in blood/meat spot incidence was observed between MG-infected hens (0.27%) and dual-infected hens (0.45%). Histopathologic examination of the ovary and all segments of the oviduct revealed no significant differences among the treatments. These results suggest that the majority of the hen reproductive tract functions similarly in FMG-vaccinated, MS-infected, or dual-infected hens as compared with Mycoplasma-clean hens.

Animals↗

Research note: influence of ahemeral light:dark cycles on egg traits in brown egg pullets.

Brown egg pullets (DeKalb Sex-Sal) were subjected to an ahemeral lighting program to determine their response in terms of egg traits. All birds were reared on a conventional lighting program of 10 h light (L):14 h dark (D) to 16 wk. At 16 wk, all birds received a schedule of 11L:13D followed by a weekly 1-h increase in photoperiod to 14L:10D at 19 wk. Control treatment (CON) birds were continued on this schedule. Ahemeral treatment (AHM) birds were given a 28-h schedule 14L:14D at 23 wk that was continued to 28 wk, then returned to a 24-h cycle of 14L:10D. Shell weight responded quickly to the ahemeral treatment and showed a significant (P less than .05) increase during the 2nd 28-h cycle. Shell thickness and total egg weight showed significant increases on the 3rd cycle; albumen weight showed an increase on Cycle 4, and yolk weight increased significantly only on the 8th cycle. When AHM treatment birds were returned to a conventional cycle (14L:10D) at 28 wk, the total weight remained significantly higher (P less than .05) as late as Cycle 6.

Animals↗

The occurrence of uridine diphosphate N-acetylgalactosamine 6-sulfate in quail egg white and characteristic distribution of sulfated sugar nucleotides in different avian eggs.

A sulfated sugar nucleotide has been isolated from quail egg white, and accounts for nearly 80% of the total sugar nucleotides found in the egg white. Evidence is presented that this nucleotide is uridine diphosphate N-acetylgalactosamine 6-sulfate, an isomer of the 4-sulfated derivative of uridine diphosphate N-acetylgalactosamine previously found in chicken egg white. Further studies on the distribution of sulfated sugar nucleotides in egg white of various birds (chicken, quail, pheasant, peafowl, turkey, goose, and duck) demonstrate that each species has a characteristic composition, differing from one another regarding the relative amounts of 4-sulfated, 6-sulfated, and 4,6-bissulfated derivatives of uridine diphosphate N-acetylgalactosamine.

Animals↗

Aplysia capsulin is localized to egg capsules and egg cordon sheaths and shares sequence homology with Drosophila dec-1 gene products.

Differential library screening of an albumen gland cDNA library, Western blot analysis, protein expression, immunolocalization studies, comparative genomics, and secretion assays identified a major Aplysia californica albumen gland protein ('capsulin') that is localized to egg capsules and to the sheaths of the egg cordon. Capsulin shared sequence homology with eggshell proteins encoded by the Drosophila dec-1 gene. The 1790-amino acid A. californica precursor contains 17 repeat sequences that are flanked by basic residue processing sites. The numerous proteolytic processing sites may facilitate the breakdown of capsulin prior to when veliger larvae break out of egg capsules as free-swimming larvae. An Aplysia brasiliana capsulin repeat sequence was 97% identical to its A. californica homolog. Capsulin fragments were not detected in the eluates of egg cordons, suggesting that capsulin is not a candidate water-borne pheromone precursor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The transition from sitting on eggs to sitting on young in ring doves, Streptopelia risoria: squab-egg preferences during the normal cycle.

Ring doves of both sexes sit on young squabs after hatching in much the same manner as they sit on eggs before hatching, but this study demonstrates that the preferred stimulus varies with the state of the animal. A simultaneous squab--egg choice test was given on days 1, 4, 10, and 13 of incubation and on the day following hatching in normal reproductive cycles of experienced and naïve male and female ring doves. Naïve doves were more likely than experienced doves to choose eggs throughout the cycle (P less than 0-005) and, overall, eggs were more likely to be chosen during early incubation and squabs posthatching (P less than 0-005).

Animals↗

Comparison of bacteriological qualities of various egg yolk sources and the in vitro and in vivo fertilizing potential of bovine semen frozen in egg yolk or lecithin based diluents.

The addition of components of animal origin (egg yolk, milk) to most commercial diluents used to freeze bull semen represents a potential risk of contamination of the doses with bacteria or mycoplasma. A series of quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed to detect microbiological contamination observed in Biociphos plus (a new lecithin-glycerol based freezing salt buffer), in an egg yolk diluent (Triladyl) or in an egg yolk + milk-based (Laiciphos) diluent of bull semen. The 2 diluents containing animal products showed moderate (10 to 60 CFU/mL) contamination (17/17 samples) with bacteria or mycoplasma, or both, while no contamination was observed in the 6 examined batches of Biociphos plus. Biociphos plus was also compared with another commercial diluent (Laiciphos) for use in freezing bull semen intended for in vitro and/or in vivo fertilization. No difference (P > 0.05) could be detected between the 2 diluents for in vitro fertility rates (percentage of cleaved zygotes: 85.7% and 88.0%, respectively, for Laiciphos and Biociphos plus). Similarly, 2 series of comparisons conducted in dairy cows artificially inseminated with semen frozen in either Biociphos plus or Laiciphos showed no difference in fertilizing capacity (tested at 60 to 90 d; P > 0.05) irrespective of the age of the bulls (Trial 1, bulls aged 14 to 15 m.o.; Trial 2, bulls aged 2 to 5 yr, field trials). It is concluded that, in addition to maintaining the fertilizing capacity of bull semen at levels comparable to those observed with standard freezing diluent, Biociphos plus also prevents microbiological contamination by bacteria or mycoplasma, both of which are generally present in the various commercially available sources of egg yolk.

Animals↗

Major histocompatibility complex class II DNA polymorphisms in chicken strains selected for Marek's disease resistance and egg production or for egg production alone.

The objective of this study was to investigate frequencies of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II restriction fragments in two groups of White Leghorn strains. Each group consisted of an unselected control, a strain selected for egg production traits, and a strain selected for egg production traits and Marek's disease (MD) resistance. PvuII-digested genomic DNA was hybridized with a chicken genomic MHC class II probe. The MHC class II DNA fragment frequencies in the selected strains differed from those in the related unselected control and in the strain selected using the same criteria from a different base population. Based on the sizes of the breeding populations, particularly those in the control strain and in the strain selected for egg production, it was considered unlikely that the observed changes of the MHC class II fragment frequencies were due to random genetic drift. The data suggested that some MHC class II bands are associated with production traits or with MD resistance, and that these associations tend to be unique to each genetic background. Hence, MHC class II genes are likely candidates for the investigation of quantitative trait loci in egg production and disease resistance traits such as those for which the studied strains were selected.

Animals↗

Effects of dietary fat and eggshell cuticle removal on egg water loss and embryo growth in broiler hatching eggs.

The effects of dietary fat and eggshell cuticle removal on egg water loss, embryo growth, and hatchability were determined in eggs from broiler breeder hens at different ages. Hens were fed isocaloric diets containing one of three different types and levels of added fat. In addition, eggs were either left intact or washed to remove the eggshell cuticle prior to set. Cuticle removal increased egg water loss between 43 and 62 wk. Cuticle removal increased relative wet embryo weight at Week 52 and relative dry embryo weight at 52 and 62 wk. Furthermore, at 62 wk, diet and day of incubation interacted to affect wet embryo weight, and diet variably affected dry embryo weight. No treatment differences were observed for cumulative hatchability, rate of hatch, and relative yolk sac weight at Day 19 of incubation. It was concluded that cuticle removal and the addition of fat to breeder diets may influence embryonic growth without having any subsequent effects on hatchability.

Animal Feed↗

Mannanoligosaccharides and aflatoxin B1 in feed for laying hens: effects on egg quality, aflatoxins B1 and M1 residues in eggs, and aflatoxin B1 levels in liver.

Ninety-six laying hens were allocated to 4 groups and fed diets (control diet (0-0), diet supplemented with 2.5 ppm aflatoxin B1 (0-AF); diet supplemented with 0.11% mannanoligosaccharide (MOS-0); diet supplemented with 0.11% MOS and 2.5 ppm aflatoxin B1 (MOS-AF) for 4 wk to evaluate the effect of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), mannanoligosaccharide (MOS), or both on egg quality and the in vivo efficacy of MOS to interact with an oral administration of AFB1. After 2 and 3 wk, egg weight decreased (P < 0.05) in the group fed MOS-0 versus groups on 0-0 and 0-AF. Egg shell weight was lower (P < 0.05) in the group fed 0-AF. Aflatoxin influenced color parameters, which were probably related to interference of AFB1 with lipid metabolism and pigmentary substances deposition in yolk. MOS appeared to increase protein percentage in albumen. No AFB1 or aflatoxin M1 (AFM1; a polar metabolite of AFB1) residues were found in eggs of the experimental groups. Livers from groups 0-0 and MOS-0 always tested negative for AFB1 and AFM1. Differences (P < 0.01) were found between AFB1 hepatic levels of group 0-AF (mean +/- SD: 4.13 +/- 1.95 ppb) and group MOS-AF (mean +/- SD: 2.21 +/- 1.37 ppb). The data demonstrated the ability of MOS to adsorb and degrade AFB1, reducing gastrointestinal absorption of AFB1 and its levels in tissues.

Aflatoxin B1↗

TEST-egg yolk buffer storage increases the capacity of human sperm to penetrate hamster eggs in vitro.

A total of 85 semen samples from infertility clinic patients were examined to study the effect of storage at 4 degrees C in TES-Tris (TEST)-egg yolk buffer for 24 h on the penetrating capacity of sperm in the zona-free hamster egg penetration assay (HEPA). The mean sperm penetration rate and the fertilization index increased significantly after storage in TEST-egg yolk buffer. Only five out of the 85 samples (5.9%) failed to show any improvement in sperm penetration rate after cold storage. The sperm penetration rate before cold storage showed no significant correlations with routine semen characteristics, semen ATP concentration or the functional integrity of sperm membranes as measured by the hypo-osmotic swelling technique. Significant but low correlations were observed between sperm penetration rate after cold storage and the following semen parameters: sperm count, % motility, total number of motile sperm, % normal sperm morphology, total number of normal sperm, semen ATP concentration and sperm penetration rate before cold storage. Partial correlation analysis revealed that the positive correlation between semen ATP concentration and sperm penetration rate after cold storage was not a direct relationship but was due to the correlation with sperm count. The combination of sperm penetration rate before cold storage, sperm count and % normal sperm morphology accounted for 26.2% of the variation in sperm penetration rate after cold storage by stepwise multiple regression analysis, while sperm penetration rate before cold storage alone explained 13.5% of the variation. The results indicate that TEST-egg yolk buffer treatment can enhance sperm penetration rate in vitro and may be useful in the treatment of impaired sperm fertility.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

A clinical and immunological study of allergy to hen's egg white. III. Allergens in hen's egg white studied by crossed radio-immunoelectrophoresis (CRIE).

Allergens in hen's egg white were studied in crossed radio-immunoelectrophoresis (CRIE). Specific IgE-antibodies against different proteins in the egg white were examined in sera from 70 atopic patients with clinical hypersensitivity, and RAST greater than or equal to 2 to egg white. Ovalbumin, ovomucoid and an unidentified protein, antigen 22, were classified as major allergens. Specific IgE-antibodies against 10 more proteins in hen's egg white were detected. IgE-antibodies against lysozyme could not be detected.

Adolescent↗

"Here's egg in your eye": a prospective study of blunt ocular trauma resulting from thrown eggs.

OBJECTIVE: To see if a public awareness campaign might be justified around Halloween with regard to the dangers of egg throwing. METHOD: A prospective study was carried out of all patients who attended the St Paul's Eye Unit's Primary Care Department with ocular injuries resulting from a thrown egg over a 14-month period from November 2004. All injuries were classified as minor, intermediate or major and patients were followed up until discharge. RESULTS: 13 ocular injuries that were attributed to assault with a raw egg were reported. In all the 13 cases, the eggs had been thrown by strangers. 12 of the patients were men and the average age of the victims was 27.9 years. 9 patients were injured in the left eye and there were no bilateral injuries. On presentation, only 1 patient had a visual acuity of 6/6, 7 presented at 6/9, with the remainder having 6/18 or worse. All the patients had closed globe injuries. 8 injuries were classified as major injuries. 4 patients had permanent sequelae, with one suffering permanent, severe visual loss. CONCLUSIONS: Although most of our patients showed improvement in visual acuity, there were severe injuries, with the potential for severe ocular morbidity. We conclude that there is sufficient injury caused by this prank to warrant a public health message. At the least this practice should not be promoted by the press.

Adolescent↗

Penetration studies and residue determinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid butyl ester in fertile hen eggs and chicks hatched from treated eggs.

Fertilized hen eggs were topically applied with 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid butyl ester (3.1 mg/egg) before starting incubation. During the incubation time 20% of the compound applied on eggs was lost by volatilization. At different incubation times (0, 1, 5, 10 and 15 days) the wash-off technique was applied to fertile hen eggs and residue analyses of 2,4-D ester were determined and quantified by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. We found that 2,4-D ester began to be detectable at the embryo from the 5th incubation day and the amount of the compound progressively increased during chick embryonic development. Furthermore chicks hatched from treated eggs showed the presence of the compound in all studied tissues and the highest levels were found in organs such as brain and kidney.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗

Effect of ahemeral light:dark cycles on egg production in early photostimulated brown-egg pullets.

A laying trial was conducted to determine the effect of an ahemeral lighting program on early photostimulated brown-egg pullets (DeKalb Sex-Sal). All birds received 24 h of light/day (24L:0D) to 3 days of age followed by 8 h of light (8L:16D) to 8 wk of age. From 8 to 16 wk the birds received 10 h of light daily. At 16 wk, the control group (CON) received 11 h of light and 13 h of darkness (11L:13D) followed by a weekly 1-h increase in photoperiod to 14L:10D at 19 wk, which was maintained for the duration of the trial (59 wk of age). Birds on the ahemeral (AHM) schedule were exposed to a 26-h schedule of 11L:15D at 16 wk with a weekly 1-h increase in the photoperiod to 14L:12D at 19 wk. The AHM schedule (14L:12D) was maintained from Weeks 19 to 30 at which time birds were returned to a 24-h cycle of 14L:10D and kept on this schedule for the remainder of the trial. Egg weight was significantly increased by the AHM treatment for 27 to 30 wk; however, there was no cumulative (Weeks 19 to 59) effect on egg weight. Percentages of eggs per hen per day (%HDP) were significantly reduced by the AHM treatment for the periods 23 to 26 wk and 31 to 34 wk. This reduction caused a significant cumulative effect on %HDP (68.9 for CON versus 66.2 for AHM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animal Feed↗

Survey of shell egg processing plant sanitation programs: effects on egg contact surfaces.

Sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs) are an integral component of process control and are often the first step in the implementation of food safety regulations. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the efficacies of sanitation programs used in a variety of shell egg processing facilities. In-line, off-line, and mixed operations were evaluated. Sixteen direct or indirect egg contact surfaces were sampled in various shell egg processing facilities in the southeast United States. Samples were collected at the end of a processing day (POST) and again the next morning before operations began (PRE). Total aerobic plate counts (APCs) were obtained and Enterobacteriacae were enumerated. No significant differences (P > 0.05) between POST and PRE bacterial counts were found for the 16 sampling sites. In general, high APCs were found on the wall of the recirculating water tank both POST and PRE. The APCs for the rewash belt were considerably high for all plants sampled. APCs were also high for the vacuum loaders. APCs for washers and washer brushes were relatively low for most plants sampled. PRE and POST levels of plant sanitation, as determined by direct microbial plating, did not differ significantly. At this point, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about how rigid SSOPs should be for the shell egg processing industry.

Animals↗