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Structural characterization and immunolocalization of egg antigens cross-react with Toxocara vitulorum, Fasciola gigantica and Moniezia expansa mature flukes.

A structural homology between eggs of Toxocara vitulorum, Fasciola gigantica and Moniezia expansa was proved by the use of SDS-PAGE. In immunoblot, 9, 11 and 7 polypeptides were recognized in F. gigantica, M. expansa and T. vitulorum eggs respectively by their respective rabbit anti-adult antisera. Moreover, components of 240 KD and 206 KD were recognized in the three eggs by different anti-adult antisera. The anatomic localization of the crossreactive epitopes in eggs was determined by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. The cross-reactive epitopes were mainly associated with embryonted cells of F. gigantica, egg shell, larvae and vitelline membranes of T. vitulorum and egg shall and granular layer of M. expansa.

Animals↗

The effects of management program and social rank on behavior and productivity of white leghorn layers in cages.

The effects of three management programs for behavioral and production performance traits of caged layers were evaluated. Management programs consisted of 5 birds per cage; (1) in deep cages, (2) shallow cages, both with full feed, and (3) shallow cages with restricted feeding. Feeding frequencies, aggressive activity, egg production, egg weights, body weights, and egg shell strengths were determined for social ranks within cage groups. Feed usage was determined for management programs only. Social rank effects for feeding frequencies were observed (P less than or equal to .05) with reduced feedings for the lowest rank in Programs 1 and 3. Egg production was significantly (P less than or equal to .05) reduced for the lowest social rank with the feed restriction program. No differences for body weights, weight gains, egg size, and shell breaking strength were observed among social ranks. Management program significantly (P less than or equal to .05) affected aggressive activity, body weights and feed usage. Birds in shallow cages with full feeding recorded the fewest number of total aggressive acts, whereas birds in shallow cages with feed restriction recorded the most total aggressive acts. Birds in shallow cages with full feeding had larger body weights, weight gains, and used more feed.

Aggression↗

Contamination of hands and work surfaces with Salmonella enteritidis PT4 during the preparation of egg dishes.

Salmonella enteritidis PT4 was recovered from fingers following the breaking of intact shell eggs artificially contaminated in the contents with the bacterium. Kitchen utensils used to mix egg dishes were salmonella-positive, sometimes after washing. Following the preparation of batter or the mixing of eggs, S. enteritidis was recovered from work surfaces over 40 cm from the mixing bowl. The bacterium survived well in thin, dry films of either batter or egg and, from an initial level of one cell per cm2, could be recovered from formica work surfaces 24 h after contamination.

Cooking and Eating Utensils↗

The respiratory gas exchange of sea turtle nests (Chelonia, Caretta).

Sea turtles lay about 100 leathery-shelled eggs in a 25 cm diameter chamber carefully excavated about 50 cm deep in a nesting beach, where the eggs exchange gases (at approximately 28 degrees C) during their 60-day incubation period. The sand surrounding the spherical nest chamber restricts the diffusion of gases into and out of the nest so that as embryonic development progresses, PO2 decreases and PCO2 increases in the gas inside the nest. PO2 falls to 80-100 torr and PCO2 rises to 40-60 torr inside 100-egg man-made Chelonia and Caretta nests. The change in gas tensions in the nest during development is very similar to that seen in the air cell of the chicken egg. Gas tensions inside the turtle nest and in the sand surrounding the nest can be described by a radial steady-state diffusion model. The rate of diffusion of gases in the sand is 30-50% of the rate found in the nest and 6-12% of the rate found in an equal volume of air. The sand surrounding the turtle nest appears to determine the gas exchange of the eggs in the nest and is functionally analogous to the shell surrounding the chicken embryo. The female sea turtle may construct her nest so as the maximize its gas exchange and minimize gas partial pressure gradients inside the nest.

Animals↗

Scanning electron microscopy of egg hatching of Anopheles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Scanning electron and light microscopic observations showed that egg hatching in Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann is aided by a chisel-shaped spine. This hatching tooth is surrounded by a thin flexible membrane fixed to a groove in the head of the larvae. Increased intracranial pressure may force the spine against the egg shell until a fissure is produced. Further opening of the egg is achieved by movements of the head and the entire body of the larva.

Animals↗

Dietary methionine intake effects on egg component yield, composition, functionality, and texture profile analysis.

The influence of supplemental Met levels ranging from 413 to 556 mg per hen per d (mg/HD) on liquid egg component yield, composition, and functionality was examined in mature layers (29 wk of age). Egg weight, component yield, solids, and CP content of albumen and yolk were determined. Texture profile analysis, feed ingredient functionality testing, and PAGE were conducted to determine whether increased egg total solids and CP content resulted in altered egg component functionality or electrophoretic protein banding pattern. Albumen component yield increased significantly on a mass basis at 507 and 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 mg/HD Met. Yolk mass yield was significantly increased at 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 mg/HD Met. Consumption above 413 mg/HD Met resulted in significantly increased albumen total solids and protein. Yolk solids were not significantly different; however, yolk CP was significantly increased at 507 and 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 mg/HD Met. Albumen and yolk functionality at 413 and 507 g/HD Met were not significantly different in relation to cake volume or height. Emulsion separation at 120 min was significantly increased for 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 and 507 g/HD Met. There were no significant differences in hardness or springiness of albumen and yolk gel plugs and electrophoretic protein banding patterns. Increased understanding of the influence of Met on liquid egg yield and composition may provide the egg producer with an effective and advantageous management technique for shell egg production specifically managed to maximize liquid egg product.

Albumins↗

Osmotic balance in the eggs of the turtle Chelodina rugosa during developmental arrest under water.

The tropical Australian turtle Chelodina rugosa normally lays its hard-shelled eggs in mud, under shallow freshwater, during the monsoon season. The eggs undergo developmental arrest until the water recedes and oxygen is able to diffuse into the embryo. This period of arrest can exceed 12 wk without embryonic mortality. To understand how the eggs avoid osmotic absorption of water leading to shell rupture and embryonic death, this study investigates the solute concentrations and volumes of the albumen and yolk compartments during submergence in distilled water. The albumen loses considerable sodium through the shell, particularly during the first week, and its osmotic concentration drops from 234 mmol/kg at laying to about 23 mmol/kg. Meanwhile, water from the albumen slowly moves through the vitelline membrane into the yolk compartment, which enlarges at a constant rate until it approaches the inside of the shell at about 22 wk. Osmotic uptake dilutes yolk solutes, decreasing the osmotic concentration from 281 mmol/kg at laying to 132 mmol/kg at 157 d. Loss of embryonic viability is associated with contact of the vitelline membrane with the inside of the shell. The principal adaptation of this species for protracted developmental arrest under water is a vitelline membrane of such low permeability to water that the expansion of the yolk compartment occurs about 10 times more slowly than in other chelonians.

Animals↗

Occurrence of Salmonella spp. in consumption eggs in Poland.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Salmonellae on egg shells in markets in Olsztyn, Poland. An investigation carried out by the Sanitary and Epidemiological Station into cases of food poisoning caused in Poland by Salmonella spp. in recent years showed that the largest number of outbreaks is connected with consuming foods containing hens eggs which had not undergone heat treatment, such as mayonnaise, creams, ice-cream and other products. The world egg production amounts to 400 billion, in Poland it reaches the level of around 8 billion per year. A total of 1200 eggs were purchased in 40 local markets in Olsztyn were examined for the presence of Salmonella between June 1997 and December 1998. Salmonella was not found on the shell or inside the eggs. From this study it would appear that the incidence of Salmonellae on eggs from Olsztyn shops is very low.

Eggs↗

The efficacy of oxamniquine in acute schistosomiasis: a clinical analysis of 28 treated patients.

During the summer of 1980, acute Manson's Schistosomiasis occurred in 28 pediatric patients, swimming in two ponds with no watershed connections between them, in the rural area of Juncos and Cidra, Puerto Rico. Clinical and immunological events were studied and Oxamniquine (Vansil, Pfizer) was administered to all of them and followed closely for 3 years. Fever and general malaise recorded in 93% of the patients, diarrhea and abdominal pain in 68% and urticaria or facial edema in 64%. Hepato and/or splenomegaly was recorded in 71% of them. Twenty seven of the patients had evidence of immunoserological activity against adult schistosomal antigens (GASP and PSAP). Two patients had intense immunologic activity, even before the recovering of fresh Schistosoma mansoni eggs in their stool. This was a response to GASP and PSAP antigens. When they started passing fresh eggs of schistosoma and COP (Circumoval Precipitation Test) turned positive, their clinical status worsened and antibodies to GASP antigen increased two fold. The oviposition phase elicited a strong antibody and immunological reaction with significant eosinophilia and cross reaction was observed between adult schistosomal and egg shell antigens. Severe clinical manifestations were seen in spite of low egg excretion. Oxamniquine was effective in obtaining a coprological cure and in altering the immunologic response as compared with other untreated groups in literature.

Acute Disease↗

[Lipid composition of eggs from hens fed with marine protein and fat products].

This study describes the composition of shell eggs produced by hens fed marine sources of feeds and eggs from hens fed only vegetable ingredients, as a control group. The nutritional characteristics of eggs, yolk fatty acids profile and their cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipid contents, were determined. Hens fed marine feeds produced eggs with significantly less cholesterol and more triglycerides and phospholipids, than those produced by hens fed only vegetable feeds. Even though there were no significant differences between saturated, mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, marine products significantly increased n-3 fatty acids (7.13 +/- 0.83 in marine fed hen's eggs vs. 1.77 +/- 0.55 g/100 g in vegetable fed hen's eggs) and n-6 fatty acids (15.71 +/- 2 in marine fed hen's eggs vs. 20.88 +/- 2.32 g/100 in all vegetable fed hen's eggs). The eggs produced from hens fed marine products compares favorably with eggs known as "enriched" can have an important place in the diet especially for high risk population groups.

Animal Feed↗

Calcium and carbonate supply in the shell gland of hens laying eggs with strong and weak shells and during and after a rest from lay.

The concentration of calcium-binding protein (CaBP) and the activities of calcium adenosine triphosphatase (Ca(2+)-ATPase) and carbonic anhydrase (CA) were determined in the shell gland mucosa of hens in two experiments. In Experiment 1, laying hens on a proprietary layer mash were compared with hens rested from lay by the feeding of whole grain barley. In Experiment 2 comparisons were made of laying hens fed the proprietary layer mash and producing eggs with either strong or weak shells. These latter comparisons were also made when the shell gland was quiescent or active with respect to daily eggshell formation. Feeding whole grain barley reduced egg production to zero after 11 days. This reduction in rate of lay was accompanied by significant reductions in all three markers, the effect on Ca(2+)-ATPase and CaBP being less than for CA. Control values were regained between 10 and 16 days after the barley was replaced with the layer mash. Relative shell strength and the physiological status of the shell gland with respect to time of daily eggshell formation had no significant effect on any marker in Experiment 2.

Animal Feed↗

The hatching sequence of ostrich (Struthio camelus) embryos with notes on development as observed by candling.

1. The hatching sequence of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) was determined by observing embryos during candling, those in the process of hatching and in dead-in-shell eggs. 2. Candling showed that there was a progressive increase in dark shadowing within the egg but fine details were not easily seen. Nevertheless candling is considered to be an important method of assessing development of ostrich eggs during incubation. 3. The ostrich embryo adopts a hatching position and follows a hatching sequence different from that of the fowl. During internal pipping, the air space is pulled towards the beak in the former but the beak moves to the air space in the latter. The right foot has an important role in breaking the shell during hatching. 4. The hatching process is considered to reflect an adaptation to the egg having a hard, brittle shell. 5. Malpositions in the ostrich may have been misinterpreted in the past because of the unusual hatching position. The commonest malposition described here was head-in-the-small-end.

Animals↗

The relationship of circulating levels of estrogens, corticosterone and calcium to production performance of adult turkey hens under conditions of increasing ambient temperature.

Turkey hens were exposed to stepwise increases in ambient temperature from 21degreesC. to 25degreesC. to 30degreesC. to 35degreesC. at two-week intervals. Dietary calcium levels of 1.54, 2.01 and 2.48% were fed. Production data and circulating levels of estrone, estradiol-17-beta, corticosterone, total calcium, bound calcium, and unbound calcium were studied. The dietary calcium levels had no significant influence on any of the results. The temperature increase caused a significant (P less than .05) decrease in plasma levels of calcium and estrone, egg production, shell thickness and egg weight. The temperature increase caused a significant (P less than .05) fluctuation in plasma corticosterone levels but had no apparent effect on the plasma estradiol levels. With the temperature increase, unbound plasma calcium levels and plasma corticosterone levels showed a significant (R greater than or equal to 0.50, P less than 0. less than .01) positive correlation to egg production.

Animals↗

Effects of cage and floor pen management on behavior, production, and physiological stress responses of laying hens.

Behavior, physiology, health, egg production, and egg quality characteristics of laying hens housed either 1/1394-cm2 cage (S), 2/1394-cm2 cage (HD), 2/2788-cm2 cage (LD), or in floor pens (P), each containing 25 hens, were monitored in order to assess hen welfare in different management systems. Egg production was highest in P and S hens. There were no differences among treatment groups in feed efficiency, egg weight, or egg taste, although egg shell breaking strengths were lower in HD hens despite their relatively low egg production. Blood spots were most common in eggs from caged hens. With respect to behavior, penned hens locomoted more, spent less time in stationary exploration than caged birds, and utilized nest boxes for activities in addition to egg laying. The HD hens fed less frequently than did the LD, and HD cage pairs engaged less frequently in simultaneous feeding, drinking, and resting behavior than LD pairs. Plasma corticosterone levels were initially found to be higher in pens than cages; this difference disappeared when the use of trap-nesting to capture P birds for sampling was discontinued. Nighttime corticosterone levels were higher in HD hens. In contrast, primary and secondary hemagglutination titers to sheep erythrocyte (SRBC) antigen, heterophil to lymphocyte ratios, hepatic zinc metallothionein, serum zinc, and body weights did not differ among treatments. Mortality, however, was lower in pens. It was concluded that, although there were striking dissimilarities in behavior between the pen and cage environments, physiological and production data did not provide evidence of stress associated with cage housing per se. High density caging, however, may be a stressor; this is discussed with reference to other research.

Animals↗

Bioavailability of fluorine in sepiolite for laying hens.

The purpose of the present work was to compare the bioavailability of structural fluorine contained in sepiolite and in sodium fluoride for laying hens. Three hundred 27-wk-old laying hens were fed one of three diets: 1) a control based on corn, barley, and soybean meal containing 21 mg/kg of fluorine; 2) a sepiolite diet in which 2% sepiolite replaced 2% barley in the control diet and which contained 217 mg/kg of fluorine; and 3) a NaF diet, consisting of the same control diet to which NaF was added to contain 217 mg/kg of fluorine (the same level of F- as the sepiolite diet). The experiment ended when hens were 64 wk old. Fluorine concentration in the tibial bone of hens fed the NaF diet was four times higher than in the control, and twice as high in eggshell. In contrast, hens fed sepiolite had fluorine concentrations in tibial bone and eggshell not significantly higher than fluorine concentrations in the controls. These results indicate that fluorine from sepiolite was not available. The effects of the different diets on egg production, feed intake, feed conversion, egg weight, shell and interior egg quality, dry matter of feces, and body weight gain were also determined but no significant differences due to the dietary treatment were observed.

Animals↗

A new Huffmanela species, H. schouteni sp. n. (Nematoda: Trichosomoididae) from flying fishes in Curaçao.

A new nematode species, Huffmanela schouteni sp. n., has been established on the basis of its egg morphology and biological characters (adult nematodes are unknown). The dark-shelled eggs of this histozoic parasite occur in masses in the abdominal cavity, serose covers of internal organs and in the liver of the flying fishes Hirundichthys affinis Günther (type host) and Cypselurus cyanopterus Cuvier et Valenciennes in Curaçao. The eggs of H. schouteni sp. n. differ from those in other congeneric species mainly in the absence of small spines on the surface of the transparent envelope enclosing the egg proper, measurements (size of eggs 0.069-0.075 x 0.027-0.030 mm) and their localization in the host. A key to Huffmanela species based on egg morphology has been provided.

Animals↗

The membranous structure of eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides as revealed by scanning electron microscopy.

The fine-structure of the egg shell and the oocyte of A. lumbricoides were examined with SEM. DMSO freeze fracture was used to obtain images of the eggs. Numerous filamentary fibers occur on the outer surface of the protein layer. These fibers are arranged in a network-like structure between the external projections of adjacent eggs. Twelve to 16 mammillated projections appear around the external periphery of each freeze fractured egg. Beneath the projection is a chitinous shell consisting of three layers; the outerlimiting membrane, the middle chitinous zone and the inner limiting membrane. Because the lipoid layer is dissolved by alcohol, it is not revealed with the freeze fracture technique. The oocyte is spherical or subspherical and possesses a continuous unit membrane. Particles, such as dense granules and refringent bodies, occur within the cytoplasm. Occasionally one or two first polar bodies, which will extrude into the perivitelline space, can be seen. The oocyte is frequently surrounded with a layer of deutoplasm.

Animals↗

Study on the vertical transmission of arthropathic and amyloidogenic Enterococcus faecalis in a flock of brown layer chickens.

Enterococcus faecalis-related amyloid arthropathy was diagnosed in a sample of birds from a flock of brown layer parent chickens aged 57 weeks. E. faecalis was isolated from amyloidotic knee joints and from blood samples from lame birds. From this flock a smaller one was kept for production purposes to study the vertical transmission of arthropathic and amyloidogenic E. faecalis. Three batches of non-soiled and thoroughly disinfected eggs, to prevent egg-shell contamination, were collected for 6 weeks and submitted for incubation every 2 weeks. No joint pathology was found in the offspring chicks (n = 458) monitored for joint disease until 16 or 21 weeks of age. Fresh and candled eggs (infertiles and dead embryos) obtained at day 18 of the incubation period had negative results at bacteriological examination of the yolk sac, except one non-hatched egg (late embryonal death in shell) from which E. faecalis was isolated. Genotyping by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of all E. faecalis isolates obtained from blood and joints (except one) of the parent birds and of the non-hatched egg after Sma I digestion showed that all isolates were genetically closely related or identical to a known arthropathic and amyloidogenic E. faecalis strain. In this study, vertical transmission of E. faecalis, although it may occur on a small scale as shown by PFGE, did not seem to play a significant role. Conversely, the chronicity of the condition and the development of an immune response may have affected the efficiency of its transmission.

Amyloidosis↗