Search

The study was carried out to demonstrate the effects of the use of water-extracted propolis (PE) as a coating material on shelf life, storage temperature, time, and egg quality parameters obtained from free-range laying hens. The idea of coating an egg with a product to preserve its freshness for a longer time has been the subject of research by researchers. For this purpose, there are studies using samples of propolis extracted using different alcohols. In this study, the effects of coating eggs obtained from free-range reared chickens with water extracted PE and keeping them in different storage conditions on the internal and external quality parameters of the eggs were investigated. For this purpose, 80 eggs were collected from 64-week-old Lohmann brown layers. Egg samples were divided into groups of 8 treatments [2 storage times (10 and 20 days) × 2 storage temperatures (4°C and 22°C) × propolis coating on the shell (coated / uncoated)] and arranged to contain 10 eggs per treatment. In the study, it was seen that PE caused positive effects on the shelf life and internal quality characteristics of eggs stored at room and refrigerator temperature, as it covers the pores on the shell. As a result of coating with propolis extract, specific gravity and egg yolk index values increased (P <0.05). In addition, the number of mesophilic bacteria has decreased. Due to these positive effects, propolis can be considered as a natural alternative product that can be used for eggshell coating. It was determined at the end of the research that coating with the water-derived extract of propolis, a by-product of beekeeping activities, might have positive effects on long-term storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis) added to laying hen diets on performance, egg quality, serum lipid profile, some antioxidant enzymes and liver fat ratio. A total of 120 Lohman LSL hybrid laying hens at the age of 70 weeks was used in the study, divided into five groups (n=24) and each group was carried out with six replications. The first group was with basal feed (control), the second group was with high energy (3000 kcal kg-1) feed, and the 3rd, 4th and 5th groups were with feeds that added 5, 10 and 15 g kg-1 rosemary leaves, respectively, to high energy (HE) diet. It was fed for 8 weeks. At the beginning of experiment, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in initial body weight, feed conversion ratio and egg weight. At all treatment groups final body weight decreased except control group. Feed consumption and egg production decreased in the group that fed with high energy (HE) feed that was not added rosemary. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in albumen, yolk and shell weight, Haugh units, shape index and shell thickness (P>0.05). Although, the addition of rosemary to laying hen rations significantly increased yolk color and shell breaking strength. Serum GPx value was found to increase significantly with the addition of HE+15 g kg-1 rosemary leaf (P<0.001). It has been determined that the addition of rosemary to the feed decreases the plasma triglyceride and VLDL ratio. Liver weight was found to be high in HE+0 g kg-1 group (P<0.001). The liver fat rate was low in all groups that added rosemary leaves. As a result; it might be said that the addition of rosemary leaves to high energy laying hen diets positively affects shell breaking strength, yolk color, serum triglyceride value, VLDL ratio, liver weight, liver fat ratio and GPx enzyme activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of four different levels (0, 100, 200, 300 ppm) of propionic acid supplementation into diets of laying hens on performance, egg quality and some blood parameters. The trial consisted of a total of 96, 28 wks old, Lohmann white layers were allocated randomly four experimental groups. During the study, each experimental group of six replicates of four birds was fed with four treatment diets. Results showed that supplementation of different levels propiyonic acid into layer diet linearly improved feed conversion ratio, and increased egg production. Egg quality traits such as shape index, albumen index, yolk index, shell strength, shell thickness, yolk color and Haugh unit were not affected by propiyonic acid supplementation into layer diet. Except for triglyceride, AST and P, other serum parameters such as cholesterol, glukoz, ALP, ALT and Ca did not affected by the propionic acid supplementation. Adding at different levels of propionic acid to diets of laying hens affected quadratically serum triglyceride, P and AST as cubically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of feeds containing boron and zeolite, either alone or in combination, on aged laying hens was assessed in the study. A total 576 laying hens of commercial white strain (Super Nick), 65 wk of age, were used in this experiment which was lasted for 15 weeks. Experimental feeding groups were as follows: basal diet without boron and zeolite (control), basal diet with added boron (100 mg/kg diet), basal diet with zeolite (8 g/kg diet) and basal diet with combination of boron (B) and zeolite (100 mg/kg boron + 8 g/kg zeolite), respectively. B and zeolite, either alone or combination, reduced egg weight (P<0.01) and egg mass output (P<0.05), but did not influence statistically egg yield. The differences in the feed intake and feed conversion ratio among the groups were not statistically significant. While egg shell thickness in egg quality (internal and external quality) characteristics increased in the boron-zeolit group (P<0.01), the effect of treatment on the other egg quality properties were not statistically significant. Dietary treatments with added boron increased (P<0.01) serum concentrations of B, whereas had no effect on serum calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels. Fecal excretion of Ca, P and B were affected by dietary modifications (P<0.01). The diets with zeolite and B increased Ca level (P<0.05) and B (P<0.01) concentrations in tibia. All of the supplemental regimens increased ash content of the eggshell (P<0.01), but did not affect statistically mineralization of Ca, P and B in eggshell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color in Some Quality Characteristics and Quail Eggs In this study, the applicability of discriminant analysis, which is a multivariate statistical method, on the estimation of plumage color in Japanese quail was investigated. A research was made white, dark brown, yellow and original feathered color including 45 pieces from each on a total of 180 quail. Discriminant function of plumage color was determined by egg quality characteristics. In stepwise quadratic discriminant analysis, egg weight, shape index, specific gravity, albumen index, yolk index, yolk weight, albumen weight, shell thickness, shell weight and Haugh units obtained significant in discrimination were found as sufficient in measurements classification. As a result of research, discriminant models, which predicted 48.90% white color, 62.20%, dark brown color, 77.80% yellow color and 100% original colors correctly, were developed. Japanese quail plumage color was 72.20% correctly classified with discriminant function gathered from quadratic discriminant analysis. Use of discriminant analysis in livestock practical was required in terms of correct classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the applicability of discriminant analysis, which is a multivariate statistical method, on the estimation of plumage color in Japanese quail was investigated. A research was made white, dark brown, yellow and original feathered color including 45 pieces from each on a total of 180 quail. Discriminant function of plumage color was determined by egg quality characteristics. In stepwise quadratic discriminant analysis, egg weight, shape index, specific gravity, albumen index, yolk index, yolk weight, albumen weight, shell thickness, shell weight and Haugh units obtained significant in discrimination were found as sufficient in measurements classification. As a result of research, discriminant models, which predicted 48.90 % white color, 62.20 %, dark brown color, 77.80 % yellow color and 100% original colors correctly, were developed. Japanese quail plumage color was 72.20 % correctly classified with discriminant function gathered from quadratic discriminant analysis. Use of discriminant analysis in livestock practical was required in terms of correct classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]