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At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

The effect of soybean soapstock on the quality parameters and fatty acid composition of the hen egg yolk.

The effects of increasing proportions of soybean soapstock (SSS) in laying hen diets on egg quality parameters and on the fatty acid (FA) composition of the yolk were studied. One hundred sixty Babcock B-300 x laying hens, 20 wk of age, were allotted to 5 dietary treatments comprising a control diet (D5) with soybean oil at 100% or SSS in proportions of 25% (D1), 50% (D2), 75% (D3), and 100% (D4) replacing the oil source in commercial-type diets throughout the 15-wk laying period. Egg quality parameters were recorded weekly. Four pooled yolks for each treatment were collected at 0, 9, and 15 wk, and their FA profiles were determined. Egg weight, shell thickness, shape index, and Haugh unit were not influenced by dietary treatment. The concentrations of saturated FA (SFA) in yolks were generally kept at a constant level, regardless of the percentage of SSS in the hen diets. Total monounsaturated FA (MUFA) content did not vary over the course of the experiment, except for C14:1. After 15 wk of feeding, the total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) n-3 increased in yolks of all diets. Among the long-chain PUFA, the percentage of C20:4 (arachidonic acid) was less affected. Inclusion of 100% SSS allowed production of eggs with similar PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios when compared with eggs from hens fed D5. As SSS represents one-third of the oil cost, its inclusion in layer diets could represent an important economic benefit.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

The influence of dietary phosphorus level on laying hen performance, egg shell quality, and various blood parameters.

The influence of dietary phosphorus on hen performance and egg shell quality was investigated. Total dietary phosphorus levels of .17, .23, .30, .40, .50, .70, 1.50, and 2.30% were fed to four body weight groups of 23-week-old White Leghorn hens. Hens consuming the diets containing .17, .23, and .30% phosphorus, all from plant origin, consumed significantly (P less than or equal to .05) less feed, which resulted in poorer performance than hens fed diets supplemented with inorganic phosphorus. Addition of supplemental inorganic phosphorus at levels of .10 to .40% resulted in the best overall hen performance. Plasma phosphorus was directly related to dietary phosphorus level. Egg shell quality as measured by specific gravity was inversely related to dietary phosphorus levels above .50%.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Nutritional and environmental factors involved in egg shell quality of laying hens.

1. Two experiments were conducted to assess the effects of lighting regime, dietary calcium source and sodium bicarbonate on production variables and egg shell quality of White Leghorn hens. In both experiments, hens were assigned to one of three lighting programmes that provided evening, morning or intermittent (midnight) lighting supplements in addition to natural daylight. Experimental diets used in the first study were formulated to contain (1) ground oyster shell flour, (2) limestone flour, or (3) and (4) the same +2/3 of the calcium source as hen-size oyster shell grit. The same 4 diets plus those containing hen-size limestone or hen-size limestone and oyster shells were used in experiment II. Additionally, diets in the first experiment contained either 0 or 10 g/kg sodium bicarbonate. 2. Hen-day egg production and food consumption were not affected by any of the experimental treatments. Hens fed on oyster shell diets or exposed to intermittent lighting regimes laid eggs of the highest specific gravity. Shell quality, as measured by specific gravity, was not affected by the addition of dietary sodium bicarbonate. 3. As expected, elevated temperatures (greater than 32 degrees C) significantly reduced egg shell quality. However, this effect was variable particularly in experiment II which used younger hens. 4. The shell quality of eggs from hens exposed to intermittent lighting in experiment II was significantly higher in each of the 4 sampling periods: morning (08.00-12.00), afternoon (12.00-16.00), evening (16.00-20.00) and night (20.00-08.00). 5. It is suggested that midnight lighting programmes provide a means of supporting egg shell quality of older laying hens during the summer months without a significant reduction in egg production.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed1992

[Effect of the manganese content in laying hen feed with different Ca and mineral levels on the egg shell quality and bone mineralization of hens].

Four experiments with 270, 44, 432 and 66800 Leghorn hens were carried out to investigate the influence of various Mn additions to diets differed in mineral or Ca contents on egg shell quality. The addition of 300 mg Mn/kg diet improved significantly egg shell breaking strength by 4 N over one year. The supply of 50-500 mg Mn/kg diet for 10-24 weeks of the second half of laying year did not influence the egg shell quality. Addition of mineral mixture or Ca grit to layer rations with adequate or higher Mn levels did not influence egg shell strength. High mineral content in a low manganese diet increased number of cracks by 3%. Strength, weight and ash content of tibia were significantly reduced by feeding a low mineral level. Addition of 50-150 mg Mn per kg low mineral diet normalized partially tibia stability in young hens. It was concluded that supplied dietary Manganese influences calcification positively only in young hens. High levels of Ca did not influence the effects of Mn. 50 mg Mn per kg layers mixture have been considered as an essential supply.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2005

Melengestrol acetate in experimental diets as an effective alternative to induce a decline in egg production and reversible regression of the reproductive tract in laying hens. I. Determining an effective concentration of melengestrol acetate.

Induced molting increases egg quality and egg production and extends the productive life of hens. Molting is accomplished by feed withdrawal, which has been criticized for not addressing hen well-being, and current alternatives have resulted in poor postmolt performance and inadequate well-being. Molting leads to regression of follicles on the ovary and causes loss of steroidogenic support for the oviduct, leading to cessation of lay. Melengestrol acetate (MGA), an orally active progestin, may decrease support for the ovary, resulting in loss of support for the oviduct, while hens are fed a balanced diet. In this experiment, a dose response study, Hy-Line W-36 hens were fed 0, 0.1, 1, 4, or 8 mg of MGA per hen/d in a balanced diet for 28 d and then returned to a normal diet. Four birds on d 0 and 4 birds per treatment on d 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, and 44 were euthanized. The weight of the ovary with follicles, magnum, shell gland, and oviduct were determined. A decrease in egg production was observed in those groups receiving 4 and 8 mg of MGA, until removal of MGA from the diet. After d 28, egg production increased to the production level of hens fed 0, 0.1, or 1 mg of MGA. The weight of the ovary with follicles, oviduct, magnum, and shell gland were unchanged throughout in groups fed 0, 0.1, or 1 mg of MGA. However, groups fed 4 or 8 mg of MGA exhibited a decrease (P < 0.05) in the weight of the ovary with follicles, oviduct, magnum, and shell gland until d 28. Recrudescence of the large yellow follicles as well as rejuvenation of the oviduct and its components, the magnum and shell gland, in the 4 and 8 mg MGA groups occurred by d 44. Melengestrol acetate, fed to hens on a balanced layer diet, caused reversible regression of follicles and, therefore, removal and return of support for the oviduct.

Aging↗
PubMed1994

Performance of single comb White Leghorn layers fed corn-soybean meal and barley-corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with a direct-fed microbial.

An experiment was conducted with Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) layers to determine the effect of feeding either corn-soybean meal (C-S) or barley-corn soybean meal (B-C-S) diets with or without condensed cane molasses solubles (CCMS) or with or without CCMS-1,100 mg Lactobacillus (Lacto)/kg (ppm) diet on performance, nutrient retentions, digesta passage rate, and histological changes of the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. Six dietary treatments were fed for eight 28-d periods and consisted of C-S (control), C-S + CCMS, C-S + CCMS-1,100 ppm Lacto (4.4 x 107 cfu/mg Lacto), B-C-S (control), B-C-S + CCMS, and B-C-S + CCMS-1,100 ppm Lacto. The CCMS served as the carrier for the Lacto, and the CCMS-Lacto premix (55 g Lacto/kg) was incorporated at 2% of the diet. Lactobacillus supplementation in C-S diets improved (P < .05) egg weight, egg mass, egg size, and body weight gains, and in B-C-S diets improved body weight gains. There were no differences in feed consumption, feed conversion, internal egg quality, and egg specific gravity among the dietary treatments. Passage rates of digesta were increased (P < .05) when either C-S or B-C-S layer diets were supplemented with Lacto. Lactobacillus supplementations of the C-S and B-C-S diets increased (P < .05) fat and calcium, and fat, phosphorus, copper, and manganese retentions, respectively. Increased cellularity of Peyer's patches in the ileum indicated a stimulation of the mucosal immune system that responds to antigenic stimuli by secreting immunoglobulin (IgA).

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1988

Relationship of time of feeding and strain to egg shell quality and hatchability in broiler breeders.

The relationship of feeding time to egg production, egg weight, egg shell quality, fertility, and hatchability was examined in two trials. Slow and fast-feathering strain Hubbard females were used in Trial 1 and slow-feathering strain Arbor Acres females were used in Trial 2. Feeding times of 0800 or 1300 h throughout the laying periods were compared. Slow feathering females in Trial 1 exhibited significantly increased egg weight and significantly decreased percentage shell when compared with fast-feathering females. Feeding at 1300 h increased significantly egg specific gravity, egg shell weight, and percentage shell in Trials 1 and 2. Significant interactions of feeding time and strain occurred in Trial 1 with respect to fertility and hatch of all eggs set. Feeding at 1300 h increased fertility and hatch of all eggs set in fast-feathering hens but the opposite occurred in slow-feathering hens in Trials 1 and 2. Within slow-feathering hens, hatch of fertile eggs was decreased by 1.7% (Trial 1) and 1.5% (Trial 2). The results show that afternoon feeding that provides calcium intake near the time of egg shell calcification decreased significantly hatchability in eggs from two slow-feathering strains of females but not in eggs from a fast-feathering strain. These results suggest that altering time of feed intake can decrease hatchability.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Research note: Genetic background influences the relationship between age at first egg and long-term egg production in layers.

Age at first egg (AFE) is a key selection criterion in layers breeding. With the laying cycle being extended to 100 weeks, the relationship between AFE and long-term productivity and egg quality should be evaluated to ensure that selection for AFE aligns with current breeding objectives. In this study, Beijing-You chickens and White Leghorns were used to generate purebreds and crossbreds. Egg-laying performance was recorded including AFE, egg number and cumulative egg number at different stages from onset till 100 weeks, and egg quality traits at 32, 54, 72, 86, and 100 weeks. Genetic correlations were estimated, both in the combined population of purebreds and crossbreds and within each genetic group. In the combined population, a positive genetic correlation was observed between AFE and cumulative egg number till 100 weeks. Age-dependent genetic correlations between egg number at different stages and AFE further revealed that extremely early-maturing hens showed initial production advantages, but these advantages diminished at later stages. Importantly, the genetic and phenotypic correlations between AFE and egg quality traits were weak, with correlation coefficients ranging from -0.18 to 0.35. Within each genetic group, the relationships between AFE and egg production also showed consistent age-dependent patterns. For the long-term production targets, optimal AFE seems to differ by genetic backgrounds. White Leghorns showed higher egg production with earlier maturity, whereas in Beijing-You chickens, maintaining AFE at approximately 140-189 days appeared to be more favorable. Overall, these findings demonstrated that earlier AFE does not ensure higher egg production at extended laying cycles and has negligible influence on egg quality, highlighting the importance of optimizing AFE according to genetic background.

Age at first egg↗
PubMed2005

Effect of irradiating shell eggs on quality attributes and functional properties of yolk and white.

Shell eggs were irradiated and the physico-chemical, and functional properties of egg yolk and white were determined. The color of egg yolk was not affected, but the viscosity of egg white was dramatically lowered and became watery by irradiation. The foam capacity and foam stability of egg white were significantly decreased due to protein oxidation by irradiation. However, the texture characteristics of egg white were not changed by irradiation, indicating that irradiation may not alter the thermal characteristics of egg white proteins. Sulfur volatiles were generated by irradiation but disappeared during storage under aerobic conditions. Because egg white became watery, irradiation may not be advisable for table eggs but may be useful for pasteurizing liquid egg white or liquid whole egg without significant deterioration of their quality and functionality. In particular, the dramatic decrease in the viscosity of egg white by irradiation will improve flow of liquid egg white or liquid whole egg, which could be highly useful for egg processing.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Egg shell quality responses of pullets given saline drinking water at different ages.

1. Saline drinking water given to pullets before sexual maturity had no effect on their subsequent egg shell quality. 2. Hens receiving saline drinking water from or after laying their first egg produced significantly more egg shell defects than hens receiving town water. 3. The production of eggs with defective shells occurred more rapidly when saline drinking water was given to 40-week-old hens than to hens during the first few weeks of lay. 4. The high incidence of egg shell defects resulting from the use of saline drinking water was reduced to control levels when hens in early lay were given town water for 5 weeks. This response was not observed with 40-week-old hens.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1997

Comparison of n-3 fatty acid sources in laying hen rations for improvement of whole egg nutritional quality: a review.

The nutritional manipulation of the diets of laying hens to include sources of n-3 fatty acids promotes the deposition of these nutrients into egg yolk, n-3 Fatty acid-rich eggs may provide an exciting alternative food source for enhancing consumer intake of these proposed healthful fatty acids. Care must be taken when designing n-3 fatty acid-rich poultry rations, however, to assure that the resulting egg fatty acid profile is useful for promoting consumer health yet maintaining egg sensory quality. In study 1 laying hens were fed on diets supplemented with graded levels of menhaden oil (MO), rich in both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), for 4 weeks to determine maximal yolk fatty acid deposition attainable without sensory compromise. Yolk fatty acids were analysed for an additional 4 weeks, post-MO removal, to investigate yolk n-3 fatty acid tenacity. Dietary MO levels between 15 and 30 g/kg yielded the greatest yolk n-3 fatty acid content; however, only eggs from birds fed with 15 g MO/kg were considered acceptable by trained flavour panelists. Evaluation of eggs from hens fed with 15 g MO/ kg during storage verified that the shelf-life of enriched eggs was comparable with that of typical eggs. In study 2, graded levels of whole or ground flaxseed were used for the deposition of linolenic acid (LNA; 18:3n-3) and to determine in vivo production of DHA from dietary LNA for yolk deposition. Flaxseed form influenced yolk n-3 fatty acids only when given at 150 g/kg diet. In vivo production of DHA, while significant, was not enhanced by increasing the level of dietary flaxseed nor by grinding the seed. In the third study, a DHA-rich natural marine alga (MA) was investigated as an n-3 fatty acid supplement. Despite similar DHA profiles, dietary MA was found to be more efficient for yolk DHA deposition than dietary MO. These studies suggest that there are numerous viable n-3 fatty acid supplements for poultry rations. It must be realized, however, that the fatty acid profile of the final product varies substantially depending on which supplement is fed.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1989

Responses in egg shell quality to sodium chloride supplementation of the diet and/or drinking water.

1. Supplementing the drinking water of 50-week-old laying hens with sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations between 0.5 and 2 g/l for 7 weeks significantly increased the incidence of egg shell defects and significantly decreased egg shell quality. Dietary NaCl concentrations between 0 and 2 g/kg had little effect on this response. 2. At similar total NaCl intakes egg shell defects were much greater when the NaCl was obtained from the drinking water rather than from the diet. 3. Hens producing eggs with defective shells as a result of receiving saline drinking water failed to recover the ability to lay eggs with good shells after 8 weeks on normal water. 4. The increased incidence of shell damage was not related to decreased food intake or increased egg weight or production.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2003

In vivo antioxidant properties of vitamin E and chromium in cold-stressed Japanese quails.

An experiment was conducted to determine if vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol-acetate) and chromium (chromium picolinate, Cr Pic) supplementation attenuate the negative effects of cold stress on egg production, egg quality, serum metabolites, and antioxidant status in Japanese quails (Corurnix coturnix japonica). One hundred and fifty laying Japanese quails (50-day-old) were divided into five groups, 30 birds per group. The laying quails kept at 6 degrees C for 12 h/d (08.00 p.m. to 08.00 a.m.) were fed either a basal diet (low temperature-basal diet, CS group) or the basal diet supplemented with either 400 microg of Cr/kg of diet (Cr group), 250 mg of alpha-tocopherol-acetate per kg of diet (Vit. E group) or 400 microg of Cr plus 250 mg of alpha-tocopherol-acetate per kg of diet (Vit. E + Cr group) while quails kept at 18 degrees C were fed a basal diet (thermo-neutral-basal diet, TN group). Performance and egg quality were significantly reduced in CS group compared with TN group. Supplemental chromium and vitamin E significantly increased live weight change, egg production, and improved feed efficiency in cold-stressed laying hens compared with the group fed the basal diet at 6 degrees C. Egg production and egg weight were also greater (P < 0.05) in each supplemental group compared with the CS group. However, a combination of vitamin E and chromium, rather than each separately, provided the greatest performance. Supplemental vitamin E and chromium also increased serum vitamin C and E but, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (P < 0.05); the combination of vitamin E and chromium resulted in the highest levels of serum vitamin C and E within the cold-stressed quails. Results of the present study indicate that combined antioxidant supplements increased performance, egg quality and serum antioxidant levels while lowering MDA in cold-stressed quails.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2004

The effects of supplementation of humate and probiotic on egg production and quality parameters during the late laying period in hens.

This study was designed to investigate whether inclusions of humate and probiotic into diets of hens during the late laying period increases egg production and improves egg quality. Hisex Brown layers (n = 300), 54 wk of age, were fed a control diet, 0.1% humate, 0.2% humate, 0.1% probiotic, or 0.2% probiotic for 75 d. Active ingredients of humate and probiotic were polymeric polyhydroxy acids (humic, fulvic, ulmic, and humatomelanic acids) and bacterial cultures (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus spp.), respectively. Egg production and feed intake were measured daily, and egg weight was measured biweekly. Also, a sample of 12 eggs from each group was collected randomly to determine egg quality every 25 d. The data were analyzed as repeated measures with time as subplot. There were no effects of dietary treatments on feed intake and egg weight. Egg production for hens supplemented with humate and probiotic was not different but was greater than for control hens. Egg production increased linearly and mortality and feed conversion efficiency (weight of feed/weight of eggs) decreased linearly with increasing levels of supplemental humate and probiotic. There were no effects of treatments on egg quality. In conclusion, supplementation of humate and probiotic during the late laying period increased egg production, reduced mortality, and improved feed conversion efficiency but did not improve egg quality.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed2005

Investigating maternal hormones in avian eggs: measurement, manipulation, and interpretation.

The last decade has witnessed a surge in studies on steroid hormones of maternal origin present in avian eggs and affecting offspring development. The value of such studies for the understanding of maternal effects and individual differentiation is endorsed and a series of methodological and conceptual issues in the current approaches is discussed. First to be addressed is the topic of correct sampling of eggs or yolk for hormone analyses. Changes in yolk hormone levels during the incubation period and the uneven distribution of hormones within the egg are discussed. Different ways of calculating hormone levels and the importance of collecting data for specific a priori hypotheses are explained. Next to be discussed are the pros and cons of different techniques for manipulating yolk hormone levels and their proper scaling to naturally occurring levels. Third, several issues hampering the interpretation of results from descriptive and experimental studies are addressed. These concern biased embryonic mortality, clutch size, and egg quality that may confound the interpretation of the effect of egg position in the laying order, and the possibility of sex-specific effects and long-term effects. Also discussed are the probability of context-dependent results (due to, e.g., other egg components affecting egg quality, parental quality, and environmental factors), the difficulty in demonstrating adaptive effects due to individual optimization, and the lack of insight in the underlying physiological processes. Finally, it is concluded that this field has shown much progress but that it would profit from a more careful consideration of methodology and from a better integration of behavioral ecology and endocrinology.

Animals↗