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This study was carried out to determine the effect of adding different ratios of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) extract (KHE) to layer hen rations on performance and egg internal-external quality parameters. In the study, 96 layer Atak-S hens at the age of 22 weeks were used. Chickens were divided into 4 groups, each consisting of six subgroups, and arranged in a way to have four chickens in each subgroup. The study was conducted over a period of 90 days. During the study, the control group was fed with basal feed, and the experimental groups were fed with feeds with 0.30%, 0.60% and 0.90% KHE added to the basal feed, respectively. Although there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of egg production (P>0.05), it was determined that the average egg production at the end of the study was numerically higher in the groups fed with KHE-containing feeds compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, live weight, egg yolk colour averages (P>0.05). In the study, it was determined that egg weight in the groups containing 0.90% KHE was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). Egg shell thickness were also significantly increased in 0.30% and 0.60% KHE containing groups (P<0.05). It was concluded that dandelion extract has a positive effect on egg quality in laying hens and more studies should be done on this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to determine the effect of adding different amounts of chia seeds as prebiotics to laying hen feed on egg production and the internal and external quality characteristics of eggs. In the study, 96-laying hens at the age of 25 weeks were used. Laying hens were divided into four groups, each consisting of six subgroups, and four chickens were included in each subgroup. During the 70 days, the control group was given no additive laying hen feed while other groups were given feeds containing 0.50 %, 0.75 %, and 1.00 % chia seeds, respectively. As the result, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg weight, egg specific gravity, eggshell thickness, Haugh unit, and white index (P>0.05). In terms of live weight gains, there was a difference in favour of the group that added chia seeds at the level of 1.00% (P<0.05). It was observed that the body weight gains were 71.83 g, 40.42 g, 87.85 g, and 116.9 g in the control, 0.50 %, 0.75 %, and 1.00 % chia groups, respectively. In conclusion, it is seen that adding chia seeds to the rations at different rates did not have a significant effect on other parameters except for live weight gain in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 experiment; the effects of additions sunflower oil and/or inorganic (sodium selenite) and organic selenium (selenium-enriched yeast) to laying hen diet on performance, egg quality and egg shelf life were investigated. A total of 252 42-week-old Lohmann LSL white laying hens were randomly assigned to 6 experimental groups with 7 replications (6 chickens per repeat). Experimental pattern was created according to a factorial experiment plan designed according to 2×3 random plots. Six experiment diets were created by adding two different selenium (0.3 mg/kg) to both diets prepared with/without sunflower oil (3%). The experiment was continued for 12 weeks. Although no significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of egg production, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, specific gravity, Haugh unit, albumen and yolk ratio in the experiment, significant differences were determined in egg weight, shape index, shell ratio, shell thickness, egg yolk color, albumen and yolk ratio (P=0.05). Egg yolk thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were higher (P<0.05) in group added only sunflower oil compared to other experimental groups. It was determined that selenium supplementation decreased TBARS value in groups fed a fatty diet (P<0.05). As a result; It was observed that the addition of sunflower oil and/or different sources of selenium to the laying hen diet did not affect performance and egg quality parameters in general; the addition of sunflower oil to the diet increased the egg yolk TBARS value, selenium supplementation prevented this increase and had favorable effects on egg shelf life. [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]

In this study, in the course of incubation, it was investigated that the relations and changes amongst the egg shell surface area (ESA), and the egg volume (EV) (both are calculated by different methods) with some traits such as egg weight (EW), egg shell temperature (EST), egg weight loss percentage (EWL), day-old chick weight (CW). A total of 565 hatching Japanese quail eggs from a ten weeks of aged flock were used. The ESA and EV were calculated by either the estimate equations which were developed by previous researchers, and the digital image analysis software tool. All of the estimated ESA and EV values, which were procured by equations, were found to be significantly different than the revealed ones by digital image analysis (P<0.0001). While the EST was lower than setter temperature in the first half of the embryonic development period, it was found to be higher during the subsequent half. As the eggs got heavier, the ESA decreased proportionally and EWL became more difficult. Significantly high negative correlations were found between ESA and ESA:EV ratio, and again between YH and ESA:EV (P <0.01). It was also determined that a significantly high negative correlation between CW and ESA:EV ratio (P<0.01). That is, as expected, as EW increases, ESA, EV and CW are increasing, but ESA:EV ratio decreases. As ESA and EV increase, EWL decreases, it becomes difficult to achieve optimum water loss, and problems may occur to maintain thermal balance. Indirectly, these findings also denote the importance of the uniformity in terms of breeder flock and hatchery management. Depending on the egg shape differences within and between species, the use of generalized ESA and EV estimation equations may be erroneous. It was concluded that image analysis could be preferred in terms of ease of operation and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of requirement level (60 mg/kg) of nano zinc supplementation (46 mg/kg) of breeding quail rations on egg production, weight gain, egg quality characteristics, sperm quality, hatching parameters and liver were determined. 10 week old quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) were divided into two groups: control and experiment with 10 replicates were formed under each group that having one male four female in each, a total of 100 (20 male and 80 female) quails were used in the study. At the end of 10 weeks trial period, supplementation of nano zinc does not have any significant effect on weight gain, feed consumption and egg production. In terms of egg quality characteristics, it was seen that the addition of nano zinc had a significantly decrease on egg yolk color (P<0.001) and the other parameters were not affected. Sperm morphological abnormality rates were observed similar to each other, and in the control and treatment group, they were detected as 32.2% and 30.0% respectively. It was revealed that the nano zinc was positively influenced on the fertility rate, but the effect on the hatchability was found lower and early embryonic mortality rate was found higher (P<0.05) than control group. Histopathologic evaluation of the liver revealed that there was severe lipoidosis in the liver in the nano zinc supplemented group. As a result; nano zinc oxide addition at the recommended level had no effect on performance, but had negative effects on liver, egg yolk color, hatching and early embryonic mortality rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary rosemary and fennel volatile oil supplementation on the laying performance and some egg quality parameters of quails. A total of 120 female Pharaoh quails used in the study were equally divided into three groups containing 40 quails (five replicates of 8 quails each). The study included a control group with no diet additives, and the treatment groups were as follows: 300 mg/kg rosemary volatile oil (Group 1) and 300 mg/kg fennel volatile oil (Group 2). The experiment was lasted 60 days. The feed consumption was significantly (p< 0.05) decreased in treatment groups. At the end of the experiment, there was no significant difference in egg weight, egg mass, egg shape index and egg breaking strength between the control and treatment groups. The inclusion of 300 mg/kg rosemary and fennel volatile oil caused a significant (p<0.01) improve in feed efficiency and important (p< 0.01) increase in egg production. Dietary fortification with rosemary and fennel volatile oil improved egg yolk colour and eggshell thickness compared to the control group (p<0.001). The Haugh unit was increased in treatment groups I and II compared to the control group (p<0.05). It can be concluded that diet inclusion of laying quails with rosemary and fennel volatile oil is beneficial in improving egg quality characteristics in terms of egg yolk colour, egg shell thickness and Haugh unit. Moreover, supplementation of rosemary and fennel volatile oil in the diets of quails may enhance the egg production. In the light of obtained data, It was concluded that rosemary and fennel volatile oil can be used as natural additives in order to improve the performance parameters in poultry rations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of coriander oil supplementation at different levels into diets of laying hens on performance, egg quality traits, yolk thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values and some blood parameters. A total of 96 Lohmann white layers, 24 weeks of age, were used in this study as control and three treatment groups, each containing 24 hens. Control group (K-0) was fed with diet containing a standard commercial layer diet, other treatment groups were fed with diets containing basal diet plus 0.1% (KY-1), 0.3% (KY-2), 0.5% (KY-3) coriander oil, respectively. Experiment lasted for 12 weeks. Performance parameters such as feed intake, feed conversion rate and cracked egg rate were not affected by dietary treatments (P>0.05), but adding coriander oil into layer diets increased egg production and decreased egg weight compared with the control group (P<0.01). Dietary treatment did not affected egg quality traits (P>0.05). While coriander oil supplementation decreased serum cholesterol content, other serum parameters were not affected by dietary treatment (P>0.05). Yolk TBARS values were not differed among the treatment groups (P>0.05) during storage time (0, 7, 14 and 28 days). The storage time of eggs affected TBARS formation (P<0.01) and increased yolk TBARS values significantly in egg stored during 28 days. [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]

The study was conducted to determine the effects of inorganic and organic copper, zinc and manganese supplementation at both recommended levels by NRC (1994), and at 66% and 33% proportion of those levels in laying hen rations on performance and egg quality in laying hens. In experiment, a total amount of 336 commercial laying Lohmann brown hens at 45 weeks of age was used. All hens were given a second period cage laying hens diet and study was conducted for 150 days. The mineral contents of inorganic groups were supplied using a standard inorganic mineral premix at both levels of NRC recommendations (29 mg Zn as (ZnSO4), 4 mg Cu (CuSO4) and 17 mg Mn as (MnSO4)) and 66% and 33% proportions of those levels. The mineral contents of organic groups were also supplied using an organic mineral premix (Bioplex™) at the same levels and proportions of those inorganic minerals. According to the results of the current study, it was indicated that traditional trace inorganic mineral (Cu, Zn and Mn) supplementation into laying hen diets are more than it is needed and this supplementation level can be reduced; organically complexed trace minerals (Cu, Zn, and Mn) can be used at a much lower concentration than the current recommended levels as inorganic minerals, without a negative impact on performance and egg quality in laying hens. [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]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary male and female Ferula eleaochytris root powder on performance characteristics and egg quality of white laying hens. Treatments were allocated to 5 dietary groups in which 0 (control), 5 g and 10 g female Ferula eleaochytris powder, 5 g and 10 g male Ferula eleaochytris powder doses per kg commercial laying hen diet. In total, 80 white laying hens (Super Nick) 32 week old in which 16 animals in each group were used in study. Egg yield and feed intake were monitored weekly for 8 weeks and egg quality was monitored at the midst and the end of study. The results of the study showed that male and female Ferula eleaochytris powder had no effect on performance characteristics and egg quality in laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of boric acid (BA) (60 mg/kg of feed) and plant extract mixture (Fitococci, F) (0.75 g/kg of feed), individually or in combination, on egg production, egg quality parameters and blood cholesterol concentration of laying hens in 23 wk of age. After wk 7 of the trial the level of boric acid in feeds were increased to 180 mg/kg. The feeding period lasted 14 wk. One hundred ninety-two pullets (Hyline) were randomly divided into control and 3 treatment groups each containing 48 birds and 6 replicates (each with 8 birds). At the end of the experiment there were no significant effects of dietary boric acid and plant extract mixture inclusion on feed efficiency, egg weights and egg production, egg quality parameters (shell thickness, breaking strength, and shape index) compared with control. But feed intake of hens which were supplemented with plant extract mixture and boric acid were increased (P<0.01). It was also determined that there were no effects of treatments on blood cholesterol levels. As a result, since hens which were fed with basal diet plus plant extract mixture showed better feed conversion ratio at 9-10 wks, this combination of feed additives can be added to diets without any adverse effect on laying hens. But inclusion of 60 mg/kg boric acid is considered better than 180 mg/kg with regard to feed efficiency in laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hen eggs are perishable, and their quality may change during storage. Eggs are susceptible to microbial degradation, and interior quality may reduce during storage. In this research, fresh eggs were coated with chitosan and chitosan coatings containing lysozyme (0, 10, 20 and 60% (w/w)) and stored at room temperature for 5 weeks. Enterobactericeae, coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) and yeast-mold counts were used for the evaluation of microbial quality of fresh eggs coated with different coatings. At the end of 5 weeks, Enterobactericeae, Staphylococcus aureus, total mesophilic aerobic bacteria and yeast-mold counts of the control samples were 2.35, 2.33, 2.61 and 2.76 log cfu/egg respectively. Similarly, the ranges of Enterobactericeae, Staphylococcus aureus, total mesophilic aerobic bacteria and yeast-mold counts for eggs coated with lysozyme-chitosan antimicrobial coatings were 0.91-1.6, 0.89-1.43, 1.07-2.07, and 2.17-2.46 log cfu/egg, respectively. In addition, the differences in the logarithmic counts of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Enterobactericeae, Staphylococcus aureus and mold-yeasts between control and treated fresh eggs were statistically significant. Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were not detected in any of the eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, variance components are estimated using different methods for some egg yield traits in a Japanese quail flock that is thought to be bred in terms of egg yield trait. In the study, sexual maturity age (EOY), sexual maturity weight (EOA), egg weight (YA) and egg yield (YV) traits measured on quails are used. Variance-covariance components for these traits are estimated using REML (restricted maximum likelihood), Gibbs Sampling, ML (maximum likelihood) and MIVQUE (minimum variance quadratic unbiased estimation) methods and the estimations of multiple-trait genetic parameters are obtained. The smallest error variance is obtained with Gibbs sampling, which also gave the most unbiased results. BLUP values belonging to each quail are estimated by using the variance-covariance matrices, obtained from the four different methods, in the mixed model equations. Heritabilities were estimated in the range of 0.28-0.38 for EOA, 0.18-0.21 for EOY, 0.36-0.43 for YA and 0.38-0.43 for YV. The highest positive genetic correlation was estimated between EOY and YA traits using all four estimation methods. Spearman rank correlation values between BLUP values obtained using different variance-covariance matrices are obtained in the range of 0.90-0.99 for EOY, 0.96-0.99 for EOA, 0.97-0.99 for YA and 0.96-0.99 for YV. It was thought to be appropriate to use the variance-covariance components, which were obtained via Gibbs sampling approach, in mixed model equaitons in estimation of breeding value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, variance components are estimated using different methods for some egg yield traits in a Japanese quail flock that is thought to be bred in terms of egg yield trait. In the study, sexual maturity age (EOY), sexual maturity weight (EOA), egg weight (YA) and egg yield (YV) traits measured on quails are used. Variance-covariance components for these traits are estimated using REML (restricted maximum likelihood), Gibbs Sampling, ML (maximum likelihood) and MIVQUE (minimum variance quadratic unbiased estimation) methods and the estimations of multiple-trait genetic parameters are obtained. The smallest error variance is obtained with Gibbs sampling, which also gave the most unbiased results. BLUP values belonging to each quail are estimated by using the variance-covariance matrices, obtained from the four different methods, in the mixed model equations. Heritabilities were estimated in the range of 0.28-0.38 for EOA, 0.18-0.21 for EOY, 0.36-0.43 for YA and 0.38-0.43 for YV. The highest positive genetic correlation was estimated between EOY and YA traits using all four estimation methods. Spearman rank correlation values between BLUP values obtained using different variance-covariance matrices are obtained in the range of 0.90-0.99 for EOY, 0.96-0.99 for EOA, 0.97-0.99 for YA and 0.96-0.99 for YV. It was thought to be appropriate to use the variance-covariance components, which were obtained via Gibbs sampling approach, in mixed model equaitons in estimation of breeding value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]