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Correlation of body weight with hatchling blood glucose concentration and its relationship to embryonic survival.

The negative correlation between selection for rapid growth and embryonic survival was investigated. Embryonic growth was assessed with hatchling weights of a closed population of commercial turkey breeders. Hatchling weights were highly significantly (P < 0.0001) and positively correlated with blood glucose concentrations at hatching. This relationship existed for both tom and hen poults. Significant differences among dams for hatchling blood glucose were observed. Further experiments examined dams selected for producing poults hatching with high (High) or low (Low) blood glucose concentrations. The High embryos were in larger-sized eggs with the same eggshell conductance but with significantly lower conductance constants than the Low embryos, suggesting that Low had longer incubation periods. High embryos grew faster than Low embryos with elevated organ glycogen concentrations. Organic acid analysis indicated elevated plasma alpha-ketoglutarate, urate, and beta-hydroxy butyrate concentrations, suggesting a greater reliance on gluconeogenesis for the High group. Posthatch growth was significantly positively correlated with hatchling blood glucose concentrations in toms but not in hens. Tom poults hatching with elevated glucose were heavier than low glucose hatch mates until 22 wk of age, but hen poults displayed no differences until 16 wk when High hens weighed less than Low hens. These data suggest that the negative correlation between rapid growth and embryonic survival is related to egg-shell conductance constants and embryonic energy metabolism.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗

The effect of feeding magnesium-enriched diets on the quality of the albumen of stored eggs.

1. Pullets were given from 1-d-old diets containing 1-6, 4-1, 8-1 and 12-0 g Mg/kg. Only small effects of these diets on live weight, food consumption, egg number, egg weights or egg-shell thickness were observed except at the highest level (12-0 Mg/kg) which caused diarrhoea and an appreciable lowering of the live weight of growing pullets. A further group was given from point-of-lay a diet containing 9-3 g Mg/kg. 2. Eggs laid on 3 consecutive days from each of eighteen hens were collected at intervals of 3 weeks until the birds were 68-5 weeks old. Eggs laid on the 3rd day were used to determine the initial proportion of thick egg-white present and also the concentration of Mg, Ca, Na and K in the thick egg-white. Eggs laid on the 1st and 2nd days were stored at 20 degrees for 20 d to establish the proportion of thick egg-white remaining after storage. 3. With the unsupplemented diet the proportion of residual thick egg-white after storage of eggs for 20 d at 20 degrees was 306, 161 and 305 mg/g total egg-white when the hens were 26-5, 53-5 and 68-5 weeks of age respectively. When the diet containing 9-3 g Mg/kg was given, the proportion of thick egg-white after storage remained approximately 400 mg/g throughout the period of the trial. 4. The mean Mg concentration in the thick egg-white of eggs laid by hens given unsupplemented diets was 5-77 mM. The addition of extra Mg to the diet increased the content of Mg in the thick egg-white, for example when the diet contained 9-3 g Mg/kg the mean concentration rose to 7-69 mM.

Animal Feed↗

The role of gonadal hormones in gene expression of calbindin (Mr 28,000) in the laying hen.

Acute and chronic changes in calbindin (Mr 28,000) mRNA and calbindin concentrations were determined to assess the roles of steroid hormones in calbindin mRNA and calbindin synthesis in the eggshell gland (ESG). The results support an earlier suggestion that calbindin gene expression in the ESG is associated with Ca2+ flux through the ESG. The evidence includes wide oscillation of the mRNA during the diurnal egg cycle, in close temporal association with egg shell calcification. Progesterone (single im injection of 1 mg/kg body weight, BW) prolonged the period of egg formation and reduced the rate of Ca2+ transport and the concentration of calbindin mRNA in the ESG. Dexamethasone (single im injection of 5 mg/kg BW) prolonged the period of egg formation, increased shell Ca2+, and reduced calbindin mRNA in the ESG and intestine. Testosterone (single im injection of 2 mg/kg BW) did not affect calbindin mRNA synthesis in the ESG. The effects of estradiol on the synthesis of calbindin mRNA in the ESG of sexually immature or laying birds were minor, while it affected plasma Ca in the same birds. The antiestrogen Tamoxifen (60 mg/kg BW, given orally) reduced plasma Ca, but did not affect the synthesis of calbindin mRNA in the ESG. The antiprogesterone RU-38486 (20 mg/kg BW, orally) increased shell Ca2+ but had no effect on plasma Ca or the synthesis of calbindin mRNA. It appears that estrogens alone cannot account for the markedly elevated synthesis of calbindin mRNA in the ESG of the laying bird. The hypothesis that the regulatory mechanism for the synthesis of calbindin mRNA in the ESG may involve a stimulator(s), associated with the onset of production, and an oscillating depressor(s) is supported and both appear to be closely linked to the reproductive cycle. The specific in vivo effect of progesterone on calbindin mRNA in the ESG, together with its already known changes during the ovulatory cycle in birds, supports the idea that it is a depressor.

Animals↗

Influence of dietary ingredients on calcium utilization in the laying hen.

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the benefit of calcium supplementation with or without other dietary ingredients on egg shell quality. A total of 250 Hyline hens, 44 weeks of age, were randomly divided among five treatments (Experiment 1). The dietary treatments were as follows: Treatment 1, controls (C) were fed a 3.5% calcium diet ad libitum; Treatment 2, hens were fed a .08% calcium diet (LC); Treatment 3, hens were intubated with limestone following 24-hr consumption of .08% calcium diet (LCI); Treatment 4, feed removed for 24 hr (NF); Treatment 5, feed removed for 24 hr and hens then intubated with limestone (NFI). All diets were restored to the control calcium level after 48 hr. Experiment 2 was identical to Experiment 1 except Dekalb XL hens, 50 weeks of age, were used. Eggs were collected daily for 5 days for egg specific gravity, egg weight, and shell weight determinations. Forty hens were sacrificed in Experiment 2 at 48 hr into the experiment to measure calcium distribution in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and feces. Results indicated that hens fed the LCI treatment produced eggs with significantly higher specific gravity and heavier shells than hens given limestone with an empty GI tract. The calcium analysis of the GI tract revealed that much of the calcium supplement did not move beyond the gizzard in hens fed the NFI treatment. It was concluded that hens not only needed other nutrients for maximum utilization of dietary and skeletal calcium, but other nutrients or dry matter may also be needed to facilitate the passage of calcium from the gizzard.

Animal Feed↗

Alligators provide evidence for the evolution of an archosaurian mode of oviparity.

The female reproductive tract of birds is different from that of other oviparous amniotes in that the eggshell membranes and calcareous layer are formed in separate regions of the uterus; the isthmus and shell gland, respectively. Phylogenetically, birds are included among the archosaurs, along with crocodilians and dinosaurs. Many dinosaurs were oviparous, producing hard-shelled eggs, yet the reproductive system of dinosaurs has proven difficult to investigate, due to poor preservation of soft anatomy. In this study, we examined functional morphology and eggshell formation in a reptilian archosaur, the American alligator, and demonstrated that the crocodilian reproductive tract has separate uterine regions for formation of the eggshell membranes and calcareous layer. These uterine regions are ultrastructurally comparable to the isthmus and shell gland of birds, and may be homologous. This similarity of reproductive functional morphology between crocodilians and birds may implicate the evolution of an archosaurian mode of oviparity that may shed light on dinosaur reproduction.

Alligators and Crocodiles↗

Recurrent outbreaks of Salmonella Enteritidis infections in a Texas restaurant: phage type 4 arrives in the United States.

In recent years infection caused by Salmonella serotype Enteritidis (SE) phage type 4 has spread through Europe but has been uncommon in the USA. The first recognized outbreak of this strain in the USA occurred in a Chinese restaurant in EI Paso, Texas, in April 1993; no source was identified. In September 1993, a second outbreak caused by SE phage type 4 was associated with the same restaurant. To determine the cause of the second outbreak, we compared food exposures of the 19 patients with that of two control groups. Egg rolls were the only item significantly associated with illness in both analyses (first control group: odds ratio [OR] 8.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3-31.6; second control group: OR 13.1, 95% CI 2.1-97.0). Retrospective analysis of the April outbreak also implicated egg rolls (OR 32.4, 95% CI 9.1-126.6). Egg roll batter was made from pooled shell eggs and was left at room temperature throughout the day. These two outbreaks of SE phage type 4 likely could have been prevented by using pasteurized eggs and safe food preparation practices.

Adolescent↗

Foodborne general outbreaks of Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 4 infection, England and Wales, 1992-2002: where are the risks?

Foodborne outbreaks of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis phage type 4 (PT4) infection (n=497), reported to the Health Protection Agency Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre between 1992 and 2002, were compared with other pathogens (n=1148) to determine factors (season, setting, food vehicles, food safety faults) associated with this pathogen. Logistic regression was applied to control for potential confounding. Foodborne general outbreaks of S. Enteritidis PT4 infection were more likely to occur in the spring and summer, and were more often linked to schools, private residences and residential institutions. Eggs, egg products and the use of raw shell egg were strongly associated with this pathogen. Most outbreaks were linked to cross-contamination and inadequate heat treatment. This paper describes the decline in the S. Enteritidis PT4 epidemic, providing evidence that control measures introduced, e.g. improved biosecurity and vaccination, have worked. Continued surveillance of human and veterinary salmonellosis is essential to detect future problems.

Disease Outbreaks↗

Effect of testing temperature on internal egg quality measurements.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of egg testing temperature on quality measurements of shell eggs. The quality measurements compared included 3 Haugh unit (HU) devices (electronic Haugh, tripod Haugh, and Haugh meter), egg weight, albumen height, albumen width, albumen index, yolk width, yolk height, yolk index, percentage of thin albumen, and vitelline membrane strength at 3 temperatures of 5, 13, and 23 degrees C from 2 strains of laying hens (Hyline W36 and Bovans White) at 2 storage times. The HU measurements averaged 72.44 at time zero and 59.99 at 7 wk. At 7 wk for all devices, HU values decreased 6 units with increased temperature (P < 0.05). The electronic Haugh and tripod Haugh devices gave equal measurements for all testing conditions. The Haugh meter gave equal values at 5 degrees C for fresh eggs but lower HU at higher temperatures and 7 wk storage. Thus, it is recommended that egg testing temperature be reported when HU are measured. Coefficient of variation generally increased for all HU methods with increasing temperature. Although there was a proportionately different amount of thin albumen detected between the strains of laying hens, no significant difference was seen in HU. From the evaluated methods for measuring quality, the electronic Haugh, which electronically measures albumen height and calculates HU, provided the lowest coefficient of variation, was sensitive to quality loss, and gave the highest quality measurement (5 degrees C).

Albumins↗

Is 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D required for reproduction?

The role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D) in avian and mammalian reproduction is examined. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D is required, in both the avian and mammalian species, for maintenance of normocalcemia, adequate intestinal calcium absorption, bone turnover, and mineral homeostasis throughout the reproductive cycle--just as it is required in the nonlaying bird or nonpregnant, nonlactating mammal. In the avian species, 1,25-(OH)2D is required for ovulation and shell formation, transfer of calcium from the egg shell across the chorioallantoic membrane to the fetal circulation, and maintenance of fetal serum calcium, bone metabolism, and mineral homeostasis. In the mammalian species, 1,25-(OH)2D is required for normal ovulation, normal fetal and neonatal bone metabolism, milk production, and maintenance of normocalcemia and mineral homeostasis in the neonate. In the absence of 1,25-(OH)2D, however, embryogenesis (rat and chick) and neonatal development (rat) can proceed in such a way as to produce viable, normal appearing offspring. The classical effects of 1,25-(OH)2D deficiency (hypocacemia, inadequate intestinal calcium absorption, and bone mineralization) become increasingly apparent with advancing age but there are no other apparent major developmental abnormalities.

Animals↗

Destruction of Salmonella Senftenberg on the shells of intact eggs by thermoultrasonication.

The combined effect of ultrasonic waves and heat treatment applied simultaneously was evaluated on the survival of strains of Salmonella Senftenberg on shells of intact eggs. This combined process has a higher killing effect than heat treatment alone. The decimal reduction times (D-values) were decreased by 65.2 to 11.1% in the temperature range studied (57.8 to 67 degrees C). In contrast to the effect on Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis in a previous study, thermoultrasonication had no important advantage for elimination of Salmonella Senftenberg. However, because 52 degrees C is a nonlethal temperature for Salmonella Senftenberg, the conditions used for the elimination of Salmonella Enteritidis (52 degrees C for 12 min) in the previous study would be equivalent to ultrasonic treatment alone in the present study. This thermoultrasonication treatment may result in a 100-fold greater reduction of Salmonella Senftenberg than that achieved by common in-shell egg pasteurization (60 degrees C for 3.5 min).

Animals↗

Ultrastructural localization of calcium in the chick chorioallantoic membrane as revealed by cytochemistry and X-ray microanalysis.

The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the chick embryo actively transports calcium from the egg shell into the embryonic circulation. To investigate the intracellular pathway of calcium transport across the CAM, ultrastructural localization of intracellular calcium in cells of the chorionic ectoderm (CE) was determined using cytochemical methods and X-ray microanalysis. Treatment of the CE with potassium oxalate, potassium ferricyanide or potassium pyroantimonate revealed large numbers of electron-dense granules (EDGs) in the ectodermal cells. These measure 30-40 nm in diameter, and are not membrane-bound. These granules were seen in all three cell types of the CE. The presence of calcium in the EDG was directly confirmed by X-ray microanalysis. When strontium or barium ions were applied to the shell membrane side of the CAM, the cells of the CE incorporated these divalent cations and sequestered them in granules (25-40 nm in diameter) in cytoplasm and mitochondria. This study indicates that calcium enters the CE cells by means other than endocytosis, as the EDGs are not membrane-bound, that all three types of the CE cells appear to function in transport of calcium from shell to embryo during embryogenesis, and that the EDG plays important roles in intracellular accumulation of calcium during the process of calcium transport across the chorioallantoic membrane.

Animals↗

Gas conductance and metabolism of shorebird eggs: variation within and between species.

Fresh egg mass (M0; g), water vapor conductance of the egg shell (GH2O; mg.[Torr.d]-1), and neonate mass (Mn; g) were measured in the ruff (Philomachus pugnax), common redshank (Tringa totanus), northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa), and Eurasian curlew (Numenius arquata). In addition, the development of embryonic O2 consumption (MO2; ml.d-1) and CO2 production (MCO2; ml.d-1) were measured in these species, except the ruff. In northern lapwing and black-tailed godwit eggs the coefficients of variation for GH2O were 3.8 and 2.3 times higher, respectively, than those for M0. In these two species only about 10% of the variation for GH2O was attributable to M0, and about 77% to differences between clutches, suggesting a strong maternal component. In the northern lapwing, embryonic MO2 plateaued prior to internal pipping, but not in the common redshank and black-tailed godwit. The latter result is in contrast to embryonic patterns previously described for other precocial species. In shorebirds the occurrence of an embryonic MO2 plateau is not related to the neonatal level of cold-induced thermogenesis.

Animals↗

Preincubation dipping of turkey hatching eggs. II. Effect of shell treatment on hatachability.

The effects of various egg-shell treatments on the hatchability of turkey eggs were investigated. Hatchability was not effected significantly by drilling a hole in the large end, or removing cuticle with dilute acid from the entire shell surface of from either end. Embryo deaths were increased significantly (P less than 0.005), however, by a pinhole pierced in the large end. Sealing the drill or pinhole with Duco cement did not significantly alter the hatchability. Hatchability of treated or untreated eggs was not effected adversely by dipping for 2.5 minutes after preheating to 36 C, or for 10 minutes without preheating.

Animals↗

Role of chicken serum in inhibiting Leucocytozoon caulleryi development in Culicoides arakawae infected by membrane-feeding of infective blood meals.

Leucocytozoon caulleryi, the most important pathogen of leucocytozoonsis in several Asian countries, is transmitted by Culicoides arakawae. Although the vector blood meal factors that influence the infectivity of L. caulleryi remain poorly understood, the factors in infected chicken serum remain vital. C. arakawae blood-fed through a membrane were used in this experiment to examine the influence of serum factors on L. caulleryi development. Experimental results indicate that C. arakawae were successfully blood-fed through a chicken-egg-shell membrane and the serum factors in infected chicks significantly affected L. caulleryi sporogony. The inhibition effect of serum factors calculated from sporozoite averages was 53.6% +/- 2.2%. The serum factors, including transmission-blocking antibody, require further detailed study.

Animals↗

Synergistic effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 on duodenal CaBP in rachitic chicks and on eggshell weight in Japanese quails.

The role of 24,25(OH)2D3 in calcium homeostasis is still controversial. In the present study the administration of low doses of 1,25(OH)2D3 and of higher doses of 24,25(OH)2D3 either alone or in conjunction with each other, were studied in rachitic chicks and in Japanese quails. Whereas 24,25(OH)2D3 alone had no significant effect on duodenal CaBP and on alkaline phosphatase in chick serum, it increased the influence of 1,25(OH)2D3 on these two parameters strongly. Also, when 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 were given simultaneously to Japanese quails, calcium excretion via the egg shell was clearly higher than when either metabolite had been administered alone. These results indicate that 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 exert a strong synergistic effect in rachitic animals.

24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3↗

Effect of selected dietary additives on the incidence of dental caries in the rat.

Weanling rats fed a cariogenic diet supplemented with carbamyl phosphate, in combination with egg shell meal and trace elements, showed a striking reduction in the incidence of caries. The cariostatic efficacy of carbamyl phosphate is significant because it stimulates fluid movement within odontoblasts via the hypothalamic-parotid gland endocrine axis.

Animals↗

Effects of dietary fat level on laying hens fed various concentrations of calcium.

The effects of supplementing laying hen diets with 0, 5, or 10% fat in the presence of 3.0, 3.6, or 4.2% dietary calcium was investigated using laying hens over a 7-week period. There was no significant effect of the fat or calcium treatments on laying hen performance as judged by feed intake, weight gain, egg production, egg weight, and egg shell deformation. Although there was an increase in fat retention with an increase in dietary fat level (P less than .01), a larger proportion (P less than .05) of unabsorbed fat was present as soap in the excreta of birds on these diets relative to those fed the control diet. There was evidence to indicate that most of the soap observed in the excreta of laying hens was formed in postabsorptive areas of the gut, thereby explaining why the detrimental effects of soap formation were not seen in the laying hen. Increasing the dietary calcium level reduced both percentage calcium (P less than .01) and magnesium (P less than .05) retention. There were no significant effects of the treatments on nitrogen and phosphorus retention. There were also no significant effects of the treatments on shell ash, shell calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus content. Increasing the dietary calcium level increased bone ash (P less than .05) while reducing bone magnesium content (P less than .05). There were no significant effects of the fat and calcium treatments on bone calcium and phosphorus content.

Animals↗