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Infections by gastrointestinal parasites are found in a variety of animals worldwide. For the diagnosis of such infections, the flotation method is commonly used to detect parasitic microorganisms, such as oocysts or eggs, in feces. Instead of adding a flotation solution after the final centrifugation step and using a cover slip to collect the parasites, the method using a wire loop for the recovery of the organisms has been reported as one of alternative methods. However, the recovery rates of microorganisms from the flotation method have not been analysed. In the present study, the utility of a flotation method with the use of a wire loop of 8 mm in diameter (the loop method) was evaluated using different numbers of E. tenella oocysts and Heterakis gallinarum eggs, and chicken fecal samples collected at the farms. Consequently, we found that the oocysts and eggs in tubes could be collected at a ratio of 2.00 to 3.08. Thus, our results indicate that the loop method is a simple and time saving method, implicating the application for the estimated OPG/ EPG (Oocysts/Eggs per gram) of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is ranked as the 2nd largest egg producer in the world. Despite the prevalence of backyard poultry (free range), a majority of the commercial egglaying hens in the country are still housed in battery cages. There is a global shift toward cage-free eggs, due to regulations and increased demand from conscious consumers and food corporations. However, there are very few commercial cage-free facilities in India to meet this demand. The aim of this study was to undertake a needs-assessment survey of Indian egg producers on cage-free production, and understand what support is needed to build the capacities of the cage-free egg production sector to develop it into a viable and sustainable alternative to battery cage eggs. The results showed that nearly all producers agreed on the need for additional support in shifting to, and operating in, the cage-free sector. This included support in the form of financial assistance, technical training, and promotion of the cage-free sector. The results of this study highlight the pressing need for government and private support, in the absence of which cage-free producers are compelled to compete with battery cage poultry producers on prices, which will result in increased losses and failure of the sector, since they have not yet achieved economies of scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the diet modification (soybean and lupine addition) on the content of protein and amino acids (AA) in eggs was studied. Both the sampling day and the diet influenced the total protein content. In albumen, the lowest protein content (10.6%) was noted after administering a diet containing 25% lupine; in the same egg the yolk contained the most proteins (16.7%). In the content of nonessential AA (NAA) in egg yolks, differences were noted only for cysteine, with its the highest content in the yolks of the control group. The stable content of essential yolk amino acids (EAA) was observed only for isoleucine, leucine, tryptophan and phenylalanine. The highest contents of EAA and NAA were recorded in the yolks of the control group (~47 and ~53 g/100 g of protein, respectively) and in the group with 25% additions of lupine (~42 and ~51 g/100 g of protein, respectively). AA with constant content in the tested albumens were methionine, tryptophan and alanine. The highest content of EAA (>~42 g/100 g of protein) and NAA (>~62 g/100 g of protein) were determined in albumen of eggs determined in the group with at least 20% additions of lupine. The highest content of EAA for humans delivered eggs from groups 4–6 (with the addition of soy into the diet ≤5%). The protein sources used in the hen diet significantly influenced the content of protein and individual AA in the produced eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to determine the combined effect of fiber degrading enzymes (β-Mannanase) and soybean hulls (SH) on the egg quality parameters in the laying hens during the early (29 to 32 weeks) peak production period. Two hundred golden brown (RIR × Fayoumi) layer birds, 28 weeks old, were used for the experimental purpose and were assigned into five groups CON, T1, T2, T3, and T4. Each group contained 4 replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The CON group had a corn-soybean basal diet while the T1 group had 3%SH+20mg/kg enzyme, T2 3%SH+30mg/kg enzyme, T3 9%SH+20mg/kg enzyme, and T4 group 9%SH+30mg/kg enzyme in the feed. Results indicated overall significantly lower egg shell thickness in the control group while all other overall internal and external egg quality parameters were not affected (P>0.05). It is concluded that the replacement of soybean meal in the diet of laying hens by 3 and 9%SH in combination with enzyme (β-Mannanase) at the level of 20 and 30mg/kg feed has a positive effect on the egg quality parameters during early peak egg production period in the laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variation in egg quality parameters of traditional/native hen breeds with good freshness and antibacterial properties of egg albumen may determine the attractiveness of these eggs for modern consumers looking for high quality products. The objective of this study was to evaluate external and internal physical quality parameters and enzymatic activity of lysozyme of eggs from three traditional hens bred in Poland and to compare these egg quality parameters to those obtained from commercial hybrids kept under the same management conditions in extensive farming production system. The study was carried out on eggs collected from 4 genetic groups of hens, i.e. Polish Liliputy Bantams (PLB), native Polish Crested Chickens (PCr, CP-22 strain), Gold Laced Polish Chickens (GLP) and from Hy–Line Brown hybrids (HLB). In total 135 PLB, 75 PCr, 75 GLP and 75 HLB hens were kept on litter (3 pens) and fed commercial feed. The eggs (n = 33/genotype/age) were collected at the 33 and 55 weeks of age. The study concluded that with the age of the hens, there was an increase (P<0.05) in the weight of the egg and the proportion of its main fractions, as well as a decrease (P<0.05) in the quality parameters of the albumen and the eggshell. However the eggs from traditional breeds retain good parameters of albumen quality even at the end of production period. The eggs of traditional hens were characterized by higher (P<0.05) yolk proportion and its color and albumen lysozyme parameters, and a lower (P<0.05) eggshell and albumen height and Haugh unit score in relation to commercial hybrids. The highest (P<0.05) content of lysozyme and enzymatic activity of lysozyme were found in eggs from Gold Laced Polish Chickens. Thus, eggs obtained from traditional hens may meet requirements of modern consumers because of specific physical characteristics, good albumen lysozyme activity and freshness parameters. Particularly noteworthy are Polish Liliputy Bantams eggs, characterized by the low weight and a high proportion of more intensely colored yolk and good Haugh unit score at the end of production period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of STP1, a combination of ibudilast and bumetanide, tailored for the treatment of a clinically and biologically defined subgroup of patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), namely ASD Phenotype 1 (ASD-Phen1). We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group phase 1b study with two 14-day treatment phases (registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04644003). Nine ASD-Phen1 patients were administered STP1, while three received a placebo. We assessed safety and tolerability, along with electrophysiological markers, such as EEG, Auditory Habituation, and Auditory Chirp Synchronization, to better understand STP1's mechanism of action. Additionally, we used several clinical scales to measure treatment outcomes. The results showed that STP1 was well-tolerated, with electrophysiological markers indicating a significant and dose-related reduction of gamma power in the whole brain and in brain areas associated with executive function and memory. Treatment with STP1 also increased alpha 2 power in frontal and occipital regions and improved habituation and neural synchronization to auditory chirps. Although numerical improvements were observed in several clinical scales, they did not reach statistical significance. Overall, this study suggests that STP1 is well-tolerated in ASD-Phen1 patients and shows indirect target engagement in ASD brain regions of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of yacon root extracts (YREs) on productive performance and health of laying hens. Methods Six hundred 30-week-old Xiaoshan Chicken layers were divided into 5 groups, control group, antibiotic positive control group, and 3 YREs treatment groups. In a 9-wk feeding experiment, at the end of wk 3, 6, and 9, twenty eggs were collected from each replicate to measure egg qualities. At the end of wk 9, three hen serum samples, and 5 hen cecal content samples were collected from each replicate. Results Compared to the control group, 0.8%, 1.6%, and 2.4% YREs treatments could increase hens’ daily feed intake, and YREs supplementation affected daily feed intake in linear manner. YREs did not change egg size, but 0.8% and 2.4% YREs changed egg shape by decreasing the egg shape index and sphericity, and 0.8% YREs tended to improve the eggshell breaking strength. Diet supplemented with 1.6% YREs might decrease yolk color grade but optimize the pH of thick egg white in fresh egg; moreover, 1.6% and 2.4% YREs might be helpful for eggs to inhibit water loss during storage, and YREs supplementation affected water loss rate in linear manner. 2.4% YREs could decrease the serum lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) level, and YREs supplemental levels linearly affected serum LDH content. Finally, YREs could enrich the diversity of intestinal microbiota of hens fed with 0.8% and be beneficial for the relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidota and Halobacterota; 2.4% YREs might increase the abundance of phylum Actinobacteriota and genus Bifidobacterium, while decrease genus Bacteroides; YREs supplemental levels affected the abundance of phylum Actinobacteriota, and genera Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides in linear manner. Conclusion Dietary supplementation with YREs could affect egg quality, protect the health of organs and exhibit prebiotic activity.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of yacon root extracts (YREs) on productive performance and health of laying hens. Methods: Six hundred 30-week-old Xiaoshan Chicken layers were divided into 5 groups, control group, antibiotic positive control group, and 3 YREs treatment groups. In a 9-wk feeding experiment, at the end of wk 3, 6, and 9, twenty eggs were collected from each replicate to measure egg qualities. At the end of wk 9, three hen serum samples, and 5 hen cecal content samples were collected from each replicate. Results: Compared to the control group, 0.8%, 1.6%, and 2.4% YREs treatments could increase hens’ daily feed intake, and YREs supplementation affected daily feed intake in linear manner. YREs did not change egg size, but 0.8% and 2.4% YREs changed egg shape by decreasing the egg shape index and sphericity, and 0.8% YREs tended to improve the eggshell breaking strength. Diet supplemented with 1.6% YREs might decrease yolk color grade but optimize the pH of thick egg white in fresh egg; moreover, 1.6% and 2.4% YREs might be helpful for eggs to inhibit water loss during storage, and YREs supplementation affected water loss rate in linear manner. 2.4% YREs could decrease the serum lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) level, and YREs supplemental levels linearly affected serum LDH content. Finally, YREs could enrich the diversity of intestinal microbiota of hens fed with 0.8% and be beneficial for the relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidota and Halobacterota; 2.4% YREs might increase the abundance of phylum Actinobacteriota and genus Bifidobacterium, while decrease genus Bacteroides; YREs supplemental levels affected the abundance of phylum Actinobacteriota, and genera Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides in linear manner. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with YREs could affect egg quality, protect the health of organs and exhibit prebiotic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tiger barb (Puntius tetrazona) is a freshwater ornamental fish native to Indonesia, predominantly found in Sumatra and Kalimantan. This research investigated the mass induction of tiger barb propagation through the hormone immersion method using Ovaprim, aiming to optimize its dosage for improved reproductive outcomes. The study systematically evaluated different hormone doses, ranging from 0.0 to 2.0 mL/L, and assessed critical parameters including latency period, total egg production, fertilization rate, hatching rate, and larval survival rate. The results revealed dose-dependent effects, with 1.5 mL/L as the optimal dosage. This concentration resulted in a latency period of 5.50 ± 0.83 h, total egg yield of 448.00 ± 35.18, fertilization rate of 99.04 ± 0.49%, hatching rate of 96.40 ± 1.73%, and larval survival rate of 95.52 ± 1.05%. This study provides valuable insights for the aquaculture industry, offering optimum parameters for the mass propagation induction in tiger barbs using Ovaprim immersion. This study does not only highlight the effectiveness of Ovaprim immersion but also underscores its potential as a powerful tool to improve breeding protocols and address the growing demand for ornamental fish.

This study assessed the husbandry practices, egg production performances, egg quality traits, and constraints and opportunities for chicken production in Baka Dawula district. Six kebeles were selected based on production practices and availability of different chicken breeds. A total of 168 respondent households were interviewed and 108 eggs (36 from each breed) were evaluated based on their internal and external qualities. The majority of respondent households (86.9%) practiced scavenging type of feeding with maize, wheat and sunflower supplementation. All the respondent households provided free water access to their chickens. The majority (66%) of respondents kept their chickens in separate houses. The health care practiced was mainly traditional using plants extracts. The main purpose for chicken keeping was income generation followed by stock replacement. The average ages at first-egg laying for local and exotic (Sasso and Bovans brown) breeds were 7 and 5 months, respectively. The total number of eggs produced per hen per year was 206.79, 192.35 and 55.75 for Sasso, Bovans brown, and local breeds respectively. Most external and internal egg quality traits varied significantly (P

Abstract Background This paper investigates the effects of price volatility spillover in the poultry industry’s input markets, including soybean meal, day-old chicks and corn, and the foreign exchange market as an independent market, on the wholesale egg market in Iran. The experimental investigation is based on dynamic conditional correlation (GARCH-DCC). It is one of the most powerful and accepted methods for studying market volatility, whose representation is based on conditional variance. On the other hand, eggs are one of the main food items in the food basket of Iranian households, playing an important role in ensuring part of the food security of the country. However, the price volatilities of its inputs, which make up more than 70% of egg production costs, cause the instability of its price and the confusion of the producers of this sector. This is although in the relevant literature, there is little research on the issue of volatility spillover effects on agricultural product markets, especially in the country. Results The findings show that any shock in the input market leads to volatility and instability in the market; on the other hand, these volatilities maintain their stability. In addition, there is a spillover of exchange market volatility into corn and soybean meal input markets. Conclusions In that context, this article emphasizes the knowledge of market relationships and their consequences, thereby suggesting appropriate policies to control and support the domestic poultry industry.

Abstract The study of the functional genome in mice and humans has been instrumental for describing the conserved molecular mechanisms regulating human reproductive biology, and for defining the etiologies of monogenic fertility disorders. Infertility is a reproductive disorder that includes various conditions affecting a couple’s ability to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing technologies have facilitated the identification and characterization of genes and mechanisms that, if affected, lead to infertility. We report established genes that regulate conserved functions in fundamental reproductive processes (e.g., sex determination, gametogenesis, and fertilization). We only cover genes the deletion of which yields comparable fertility phenotypes in both rodents and humans. In the case of newly-discovered genes, we report the studies demonstrating shared cellular and fertility phenotypes resulting from loss-of-function mutations in both species. Finally, we introduce new model systems for the study of human reproductive biology and highlight the importance of studying human consanguineous populations to discover novel monogenic causes of infertility. The rapid and continuous screening and identification of putative genetic defects coupled with an efficient functional characterization in animal models can reveal novel mechanisms of gene function in human reproductive tissues.

Among vertebrate species, fishes are considered to be the most developmentally diverse taxa exhibiting remarkable gonadal plasticity with capacity of sex reversal. Sex determination in teleost fishes is governed via a complex regulatory network involving multiple genetic, environmental (temperature, population density, pH), social interaction/stress factors. Piscine germ-line originates as Primordial germ cells (PGC) from cleavage blastomeres/endoderm and gets specified by maternal inheritance of Vasa, Nanos, Tdrds, Dnd, Dazl etc and subsequently migrates to reach the embryonic gonadal primordium. Post-hatching, mitotically active germ cells (Gc) continue to proliferate via two distinct pathways-firstly, stem cell-like mode followed by meiosis-committed cystic division. In Japanese rice fish medaka, Oryzias latipes sex gets determined on the chromosomal basis, where XY becomes a male because of testicular Dmy transcription and XX develops as female owing to Gc restricted Foxl3 expression. Sex specific germ-line stem cell systems also have been found in adult O. latipes. Intriguingly in teleost fishes, the developmental fate of transplanted Gc do not depend on the sex of the donor rather solely relies upon the sex of the recipient. Furthermore, sexually mature piscine gonads remain developmentally plastic showing extensive responsiveness towards sex steroids. The critical regulation of gonadal differentiation is directed by female specific 17β-estradiol (E2) and bio-active male androgen 11-keto-testosretone (11-kT). Various transcription factors (TFs) e.g.- Dmrt1, DAX1, Ad4BP/SF-1, Foxl2 regulate the bio-conversion rate of testosterone (T) to either E2 or 11-kT. Similarly, multiple endocrine factors (EFs) e.g.- LH, FSH, E2, 11-kT and growth factors (GFs) e.g- AMH, GSDF, IGF-1/3, GDF-9/BMP-15 critically induce Gc differentiation to regulate the gametogenic output. In this article we have precisely discussed the endocrine regulation of Gc development during gonadal maturation of teleosts.

BACKGROUND: Numerous feed additives, such as probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, and enzymes, have the potential to optimize weight gain, feed efficiency and maintain the acid-base balance which eventually contributes to improve production performance. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the possible advantages of lemon juice (LJ) on laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemical properties, and layers' ability to recover from heat stress. METHODOLOGY: Ninety-six Hy-Line Brown layers all 29 weeks were randomly assigned to four treatments, each with six replications, and were given a six-hour daily drinking experiment. The birds were provided with 0% (control), 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% LJ respectively for 6 weeks. The temperature, humidity, hen day egg production (HDEP) and egg weight (EW) were recorded. Egg quality indices were measured bi-weekly. An analysis of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), packed cell volume (PCV), heterophil (H), lymphocyte (L) count, and heterophil-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio was performed on the blood sample collected at the end of the experiment. KEY FINDINGS: The studied parameters among the various treated groups showed that the egg weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg quality parameters, HDL, TG, AST, heterophil count, lymphocyte count and H/L ratio did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). HDEP, egg mass output (EMO) and FI differed significantly (P < 0.01) compared to the control group. The significant reduction in TC, LDL, glucose, ALT, increase in feed intake, HDEP and PCV showed that LJ had a positive effect in reducing the adverse effects of heat stress in laying pullets. CONCLUSION: Taken together, it may be concluded that LJ can be used to improve the laying performance and reduce the heat stress in layers. [Fundam Appl Agric 2024; 9(2.000): 104-112]

ABSTRAK. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh ransum yang mengandung azolla (Azolla microphylla) terhadap indeks kuning telur, indeks putih telur dan haugh unit telur ayam. Azolla merupakan tanaman paku air yang pertumbuhan cepat dan dapat dijadikan bahan pakan alternatif untuk ayam petelur. Penelitian menggunakan 48 ekor ayam petelur strain ISA Brown berumur 54 minggu di Fakultas Peternakan, Universitas Padjadjaran. Penelitian ini dilakukan secara eksperimental dengan metode Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan 4 perlakuan (P0= ransum tanpa azolla; P1= ransum dengan 5% azolla; P2= ransum dengan 10% azolla; dan P3= ransum dengan 15% azolla) dan 6 ulangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ransum yang mengandung azolla berpengaruh tidak nyata (P0,05) terhadap indeks putih telur, indeks kuning telur dan haugh unit telur. Penggunaan azolla sampai taraf 15% menghasilkan nilai yang sama terhadap indeks kuning telur, indeks putih telur dan haugh unit telur ayam. (Growth and production of Indigofera zollingeriana in post-sand mining land with addition Fertilizer and mycorrhizae) ABSTRACT. This study aimed to determine the effect of a ration containing azolla (Azolla microphylla) on the yolk index, albumen index, and haugh unit of layers. Azolla is a water fern that grows fast and can be used as an alternative feed ingredient for laying hens. The study used 48 laying hens of the ISA Brown strain aged 54 weeks at the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Padjadjaran University. This research was conducted experimentally using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 6 replications for each treatment, P0 (ration without azolla), P1 (ration with 5% azolla), P2 (ration with 10% azolla), and P3 (ration with 15% azolla). The results showed that the ratio containing Azolla had no significant effect (P0.05) on the yolk index, albumen index, and haugh unit of layers. The use of Azolla up to 15% level produces the same value on the yolk index, albumen index, and haugh unit of layers.

Abstract Background Epigenetic marks are reprogrammed during sexual reproduction. In flowering plants, DNA methylation is only partially remodeled in the gametes and the zygote. However, the timing and functional significance of the remodeling during plant gametogenesis remain obscure. Results Here we show that DNA methylation remodeling starts after male meiosis in rice, with non-CG methylation, particularly at CHG sites, being first enhanced in the microspore and subsequently decreased in sperm. Functional analysis of rice CHG methyltransferase genes CMT3a and CMT3b indicates that CMT3a functions as the major CHG methyltransferase in rice meiocyte, while CMT3b is responsible for the increase of CHG methylation in microspore. The function of the two histone demethylases JMJ706 and JMJ707 that remove H3K9me2 may contribute to the decreased CHG methylation in sperm. During male gametogenesis CMT3a mainly silences TE and TE-related genes while CMT3b is required for repression of genes encoding factors involved in transcriptional and translational activities. In addition, CMT3b functions to repress zygotic gene expression in egg and participates in establishing the zygotic epigenome upon fertilization. Conclusion Collectively, the results indicate that DNA methylation is dynamically remodeled during male gametogenesis, distinguish the function of CMT3a and CMT3b in sex cells, and underpin the functional significance of DNA methylation remodeling during rice reproduction.

The tiger barb (Puntius tetrazona) is a freshwater ornamental fish native to Indonesia, predominantly found in Sumatra and Kalimantan. This research investigated the mass induction of tiger barb propagation through the hormone immersion method using Ovaprim, aiming to optimize its dosage for improved reproductive outcomes. The study systematically evaluated different hormone doses, ranging from 0.0 to 2.0 mL/L, and assessed critical parameters including latency period, total egg production, fertilization rate, hatching rate, and larval survival rate. The results revealed dose-dependent effects, with 1.5 mL/L as the optimal dosage. This concentration resulted in a latency period of 5.50 ± 0.83 h, total egg yield of 448.00 ± 35.18, fertilization rate of 99.04 ± 0.49%, hatching rate of 96.40 ± 1.73%, and larval survival rate of 95.52 ± 1.05%. This study provides valuable insights for the aquaculture industry, offering optimum parameters for the mass propagation induction in tiger barbs using Ovaprim immersion. This study does not only highlight the effectiveness of Ovaprim immersion but also underscores its potential as a powerful tool to improve breeding protocols and address the growing demand for ornamental fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anbar Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Kirkuk University for Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study of the functional genome in mice and humans has been instrumental for describing the conserved molecular mechanisms regulating human reproductive biology, and for defining the etiologies of monogenic fertility disorders. Infertility is a reproductive disorder that includes various conditions affecting a couple's ability to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing technologies have facilitated the identification and characterization of genes and mechanisms that, if affected, lead to infertility. We report established genes that regulate conserved functions in fundamental reproductive processes (e.g., sex determination, gametogenesis, and fertilization). We only cover genes the deletion of which yields comparable fertility phenotypes in both rodents and humans. In the case of newly-discovered genes, we report the studies demonstrating shared cellular and fertility phenotypes resulting from loss-of-function mutations in both species. Finally, we introduce new model systems for the study of human reproductive biology and highlight the importance of studying human consanguineous populations to discover novel monogenic causes of infertility. The rapid and continuous screening and identification of putative genetic defects coupled with an efficient functional characterization in animal models can reveal novel mechanisms of gene function in human reproductive tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eggs and embryo manipulation is an important biotechnological challenge to enable positioning, entrapment, and selection of reproductive cells to advance into a new era of nature‐like assisted reproductive technologies. Oviductin (OVGP1) is an abundant protein in the oviduct that binds reversibly to the zona pellucida, an extracellular matrix that surrounds eggs and embryos. Here, the study reports a new method coupling OVGP1 to magnetic nanoparticles (NP) forming a complex (NPOv). NPOv specifically surrounds eggs and embryos in a reversible manner. Eggs/embryos bound to NPOv can be moved or retained when subjected to a magnetic force, and interestingly only mature‐competent eggs are attracted. This procedure is compatible with normal development following gametes function, in vitro fertilization, embryo development and resulting in the birth of healthy offspring. The results provide in vitro proof‐of‐concept that eggs and embryos can be precisely guided in the absence of physical contact by the use of magnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although early embryonic protein production relies exclusively on maternal molecules such as messenger RNAs (mRNAs) incorporated into ovarian follicles, knowledge about any thermally induced, intergenerational effects is scarce in ectotherms. Here, we investigated how elevated temperatures (9°–12°C vs. 6°C) during oogenesis influenced the next generation by targeting maternal mRNAs in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) embryos, in view of up- and down-regulated genes in ovarian follicles of pre-spawning adults. Overall, the spawning female liver showed significantly higher levels of free amino acids and N-metabolites at 9°C than at 6°C. Higher-than-optimal temperatures induced adjustments in embryo transcriptome proportional to the temperature increase relative to the control group. The adjustments included alterations in maternal-effect genes, which are developmentally conserved among vertebrates. The transcriptomic differences for a selection of genes in embryos were reflected in ovarian follicles (containing multiple cell types) several months ahead of the spawning season, implying that environmental conditions of the adults are key for adjusting the genetic instructions for offspring development. This programming of fundamental traits from mother to offspring appears part of a sophisticated process to adapt the offspring to a changing ocean, though within life stage-specific, physiological thermal tolerance windows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The daily intake of excessive cholesterol plays an important role in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), while the main contributors are foods of animal origin. However, animal-based foods are also common components of many cereal products, which can then play a role of hidden cholesterol source. Thus, this study aims to decrease cholesterol content in three types of commonly consumed cereal products (biscuits, pasta, and muffins) by replacing original animal-based components (milk and eggs) with the same components, from which the cholesterol was removed using β-cyclodextrin treatment procedure. The cholesterol content in the original and treated samples was then analyzed using the validated HPLC–UV method. So, while the cholesterol content in the original biscuits, pasta, and muffins was observed at 329.2, 1117.1, and 487.2 mg/kg levels, the same products containing low cholesterol animal-based components exhibited a considerable decrease in cholesterol content by 93.1, 91.6, and 89.5%, respectively. The optimum β-cyclodextrin level was observed at 4.0, 10.0, and 2.0% (w/w) for butter, egg melange, and milk, respectively. Furthermore, it is notable that the β-cyclodextrin treatment procedure itself did not significantly change the organoleptic profiles of the cereal products, such as colour, culinary, and texture properties. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of animal-based low cholesterol components in cereal food products could be one of the effective tools in the overall strategy to decrease the total daily cholesterol intake. Thus, this study presents a novel strategy that could have substantial health benefits in relation to the incidence of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among vertebrate species, fishes are considered to be the most developmentally diverse taxa exhibiting remarkable gonadal plasticity with capacity of sex reversal. Sex determination in teleost fishes is governed via a complex regulatory network involving multiple genetic, environmental (temperature, population density, pH), social interaction/stress factors. Piscine germ-line originates as Primordial germ cells (PGC) from cleavage blastomeres/endoderm and gets specified by maternal inheritance of Vasa, Nanos, Tdrds, Dnd, Dazl etc and subsequently migrates to reach the embryonic gonadal primordium. Post-hatching, mitotically active germ cells (Gc) continue to proliferate via two distinct pathways-firstly, stem cell-like mode followed by meiosis-committed cystic division. In Japanese rice fish medaka, Oryzias latipes sex gets determined on the chromosomal basis, where XY becomes a male because of testicular Dmy transcription and XX develops as female owing to Gc restricted Foxl3 expression. Sex specific germ-line stem cell systems also have been found in adult O. latipes. Intriguingly in teleost fishes, the developmental fate of transplanted Gc do not depend on the sex of the donor rather solely relies upon the sex of the recipient. Furthermore, sexually mature piscine gonads remain developmentally plastic showing extensive responsiveness towards sex steroids. The critical regulation of gonadal differentiation is directed by female specific 17ß-estradiol (E2) and bio-active male androgen 11-keto-testosretone (11-kT). Various transcription factors (TFs) e.g.-Dmrt1, DAX1, Ad4BP/SF-1, Foxl2 regulate the bioconversion rate of testosterone (T) to either E2 or 11-kT. Similarly, multiple endocrine factors (EFs) e.g.-LH, FSH, E2, 11-kT and growth factors (GFs) e.g-AMH, GSDF, IGF-1/3, GDF-9/BMP-15 critically induce Gc differentiation to regulate the gametogenic output. In this article we have precisely discussed the endocrine regulation of Gc development during gonadal maturation of teleosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating algae into poultry diets offers a promising avenue for enhancing nutrition, boosting sustainability efforts, and potentially stimulating disease resistance. This comprehensive review delves into the essence, diversity, chemical composition, and nutritional merits of algae, spotlighting their emergence as innovative nutrient sources and health supplements for poultry. The growing interest in algae within poultry nutrition stems from their diverse nutritional profile, boasting a rich array of proteins, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, thus positioning them as valuable feed constituents. A key highlight of incorporating both macroalgae and microalgae lies in their elevated protein content, with microalgae varieties like Spirulina and Chlorella exhibiting protein levels of up to 50-70%, outperforming traditional sources like soybean meal. This premium protein source not only furnishes vital amino acids crucial for muscular development and overall health in poultry but also serves as an exceptional reservoir of omega-3 fatty acids, notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), presenting multiple health benefits for both poultry and consumers alike. Moreover, algae boast antioxidant properties attributed to bioactive compounds like phycocyanin and astaxanthin, mitigating oxidative stress and boosting the bird's immune response, thereby fostering robust health and disease resilience. Incorporating macroalgae and microalgae into poultry diets yields positive impacts on performance metrics. Research evidence underscores the enhancement of growth rates, feed conversion ratios, carcass quality, and meat attributes in broilers, while in layers, supplementation promotes increased egg production, superior egg quality, and increased concentrations of beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, algae hold promise for mitigating the environmental footprint of poultry production, though significant outcomes from trials remain sporadic, necessitating further research to elucidate optimal dosages and blends for different algae species in poultry diets. Standardizing the composition of algae utilized in research is imperative, paving the way for potential applications in poultry nutrition as growth stimulants and substitutes for antibiotics. Nonetheless, a deeper understanding of dosage, combination, and mechanism of action through rigorous scientific investigation is key to unlocking algae's full potential within poultry nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chicken egg, an excellent natural source of proteins, has been an overlooked native biomaterial with remarkable physicochemical, structural, and biological properties. Recently, with significant advances in biomedical engineering, particularly in the development of 3D in vitro platforms, chicken egg materials have increasingly been investigated as biomaterials due to their distinct advantages such as their low cost, availability, easy handling, gelling ability, bioactivity, and provision of a developmentally stimulating environment for cells. In addition, the chicken egg and its by-products can improve tissue engraftment and stimulate angiogenesis, making it particularly attractive for wound healing and tissue engineering applications. Evidence suggests that the egg white (EW), egg yolk (EY), and eggshell membrane (ESM) are great biomaterial candidates for tissue engineering, as their protein composition resembles mammalian extracellular matrix proteins, ideal for cellular attachment, cellular differentiation, proliferation, and survivability. Moreover, eggshell (ES) is considered an excellent calcium resource for generating hydroxyapatite (HA), making it a promising biomaterial for bone regeneration. This review will provide researchers with a concise yet comprehensive understanding of the chicken egg structure, composition, and associated bioactive molecules in each component and introduce up-to-date tissue engineering applications of chicken eggs as biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wall paintings are integral to cultural heritage and offer rich insights into historical and religious beliefs. There exist various wall painting techniques that pose challenges in binder and pigment identification, especially in the case of egg/oil-based binders. GC-MS identification of lipidic binders relies routinely on parameters like the ratios of fatty acids within the plaster. However, the reliability of these ratios for binder identification is severely limited, as demonstrated in this manuscript. Therefore, a more reliable tool for effective differentiation between egg and oil binders based on a combination of diagnostic values, specific markers (cholesterol oxidation products), and PCA is presented in this study. Reference samples of wall paintings with egg and linseed oil binders with six different pigments were subjected to modern artificial ageing methods and subsequently analysed using two GC-MS instruments. A statistically significant difference (at a 95% confidence level) between the egg and oil binders and between the results from two GC-MS instruments was observed. These discrepancies between the results from the two GC-MS instruments are likely attributed to the heterogeneity of the samples with egg and oil binders. This study highlights the complexities in identifying wall painting binders and the need for innovative and revised analytical methods in conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work evaluated ß-carotene content, colour (L*, a*, b*), and consumer preference for egg yolks from chicken, guinea fowl, and quail, sampled from intensive or semi-intensive rearing systems in Ghana. The ß-carotene content of guinea fowl yolk was almost seven times greater (p < 0.001) than that of chicken and quail yolks. The yellowness of guinea fowl yolk (82.18; p < 0.01) was approximately 1.5 and 1.3 times greater than that of chicken and quail yolks, respectively. A consumer preference test showed a significantly greater score (5; p < 0.001) for guinea fowl than for the other egg types. The yellowness of egg yolks had strong positive relationship with ß-carotene content (r = 0.943; p = 0.216) and consumer preference (r = 0.995; p = 0.064). Therefore, enhancing the yellowness of egg yolks on the Ghanaian market, especially those from chicken, could lead to increased egg consumption in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Infections by gastrointestinal parasites are found in a variety of animals worldwide. For the diagnosis of such infections, the flotation method is commonly used to detect parasitic microorganisms, such as oocysts or eggs, in feces. Instead of adding a flotation solution after the final centrifugation step and using a cover slip to collect the parasites, the method using a wire loop for the recovery of the organisms has been reported as one of alternative methods. However, the recovery rates of microorganisms from the flotation method have not been analysed. In the present study, the utility of a flotation method with the use of a wire loop of 8 mm in diameter (the loop method) was evaluated using different numbers of E. tenella oocysts and Heterakis gallinarum eggs, and chicken fecal samples collected at the farms. Consequently, we found that the oocysts and eggs in tubes could be collected at a ratio of 2.00 to 3.08. Thus, our results indicate that the loop method is a simple and time saving method, implicating the application for the estimated OPG/ EPG (Oocysts/Eggs per gram) of the samples.

Embryo development is stimulated by calcium (Ca2+) signals that are generated in the egg cytoplasm by the fertilizing sperm. Eggs are formed via oogenesis. They go through a cell division known as meiosis, during which their diploid chromosome number is halved and new genetic combinations are created by crossing over. During formation the eggs also acquire cellular components that are necessary to produce the Ca2+ signal and also, to support development of the newly formed embryo. Ionized calcium is a universal second messenger used by cells in a plethora of biological processes and the eggs develop a “toolkit”, a set of molecules needed for signaling. Meiosis stops twice and these arrests are controlled by a complex interaction of regulatory proteins. The first meiotic arrest lasts until after puberty, when a luteinizing hormone surge stimulates meiotic resumption. The cell cycle proceeds to stop again in the middle of the second meiotic division, right before ovulation. The union of the female and male gametes takes place in the oviduct. Following gamete fusion, the sperm triggers the release of Ca2+ from the egg’s intracellular stores which in mammals is followed by repetitive Ca2+ spikes known as Ca2+ oscillations in the cytosol that last for several hours. Downstream sensor proteins help decoding the signal and stimulate other molecules whose actions are required for proper development including those that help to prevent the fusion of additional sperm cells to the egg and those that assist in the release from the second meiotic arrest, completion of meiosis and entering the first mitotic cell division. Here I review the major steps of egg formation, discuss the signaling toolkit that is essential to generate the Ca2+ signal and describe the steps of the signal transduction mechanism that activates the egg’s developmental program and turns it into an embryo.

This study evaluated heterosis and reciprocal effects in across of White Leghorn with Fayoumi, White Leghorn with Koekoek in comparison to their pure line breeds for the productive and reproductive traits. Data were purposively collected from 357 layers based on their genetic groups and each genotype was reared in three replicates on a deep litter system from 20-72 weeks. Results showed that genotype groups were found to have no significant differences (p > 0.05) for age at first egg (AFE) and hen- housed egg production (HHEP). Purebred Koekoek and crossbred of male White Leghorn and female Koekoek were superior for body weight at first egg (BWAFE). Purebred Fayoumi has exhibited the least values for egg number. Purebred White Leghorn was the best by their feed conversion ratio. Effects of heterosis were non-significant (p > 0.05) for AFE and BWAFE, and hen-housed egg production. A negative heterosis percentage was noted for AFE in all crossbred genotypes. Crossing between male Koekoek and female White Leghorn gave the highest heterosis effect for feed intake while crossing between male White Leghorn and female Fayoumi gave the highest estimates of heterosis for total egg number per hen. The main crossbred between male White Leghorn and female Fayoumi hybrids outperformed in AFE and HHEP while the main crossbred between male White Leghorn and female Koekoek outperformed in BWAFE and HHEP. On the contrary, reciprocal crossbreds between male Fayoumi and female White Leghorn and male Koekoek and female White Leghorn had higher feed intake and better feed conversion ratio.

India is ranked as the 2nd largest egg producer in the world. Despite the prevalence of backyard poultry (free range), a majority of the commercial egg-laying hens in the country are still housed in battery cages. There is a global shift toward cage-free eggs, due to regulations and increased demand from conscious consumers and food corporations. However, there are very few commercial cage-free facilities in India to meet this demand. The aim of this study was to undertake a needs-assessment survey of Indian egg producers on cage-free production, and understand what support is needed to build the capacities of the cage-free egg production sector to develop it into a viable and sustainable alternative to battery cage eggs. The results showed that nearly all producers agreed on the need for additional support in shifting to, and operating in, the cage-free sector. This included support in the form of financial assistance, technical training, and promotion of the cage-free sector. The results of this study highlight the pressing need for government and private support, in the absence of which cage-free producers are compelled to compete with battery cage poultry producers on prices, which will result in increased losses and failure of the sector, since they have not yet achieved economies of scale.

ABSTRACT: The demand for the use of fluralaner in an extra label manner is increasing due to lack of efficacious treatment to combat mites and bed bugs in the poultry industry in the United States. Fluralaner residue data in eggs is lacking and residues might cause risks to human health. The present study aimed to determine the depletion profiles of fluralaner in eggs and estimate the drug withdrawal interval in whole eggs by adopting the US Food and Drug administration tolerance limit method with single intravenous (0.5 mg/kg) or transdermal administration (average 58.7 mg/kg) in healthy shaver hens. Hens were treated intravenously or trans-dermally with fluralaner. The eggs were collected daily for 28 d for intravenous treated and for 40 d from the transdermal route group. Fluralaner concentrations in yolk and albumen were determined by mass spectrometry. The greater percentage of fluralaner was observed in yolk when compared to the albumen for both administration routes. Noncompartmental analysis was used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters in yolk, albumen and whole egg. The longest apparent half-life confirmed in yolk was 3.7 d for intravenous and 14.3 d for the transdermal route. The withdrawal intervals in whole egg for fluralaner following the intravenous and transdermal administration were 7 d and 81 d, respectively, with maximum residue limits (1.3 µg/g) at 13 d and 171 d, respectively, based on the limit of quantification (0.4 µg/g) from the analytical assay reported by EMA and APVMA.

Hen egg weight is one of the most important traits in the egg production industry; however, the egg traits influencing it are poorly understood. Random forest (RF), multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), classification and regression trees (CART), bagging MARS, chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID), and exhaustive CHAID were used in egg weight (EW) prediction from selected egg quality characteristics in chicken. A total of 400 egg weight (EW), egg length (EL), egg width (EWD), shell weight (SW), yolk weight (YW), and albumen weight (AW) predictors were turned into account. The goodness-of-fit criteria were used to select the best model to estimate Lohman Brown hen egg weight. The data was separated into train and test datasets for validation using a 10-fold cross-validation. The most significant EW predictors were albumen weight, egg width, and egg length. The correlation coefficient (r) value ranged from 0.957 (CHAID) to 0.99999 (MARS and Bagging MARS). The lowest RMSE (0.001) was found for MARS and bagging MARS algorithms and the highest (2.154) was obtained for CHAID. In general, the implemented algorithms excellently predicted the EW of hens. The ascertainment of the egg quality characteristics associated with EW using data mining algorithms can be considered an indirect selection criterion for further chicken breeding programs.

Efforts to increase tilapia fish yields to obtain productive seeds cannot be separated from regular care and monitoring starting from the spawning process, hatching of fish eggs, and rearing of larvae until they become fish seeds. The hatching funnel is a technique for naturally hatching eggs. The research aims to analyze the hatchability of tilapia eggs in a funnel system. The research will begin in August - December 2023, which will be carried out in Beringin Village of South Kalimantan. The treatment design in this study with variations in tilapia egg stocking density in the hatching process using a funnel system, can be seen as follows: Treatment A: Stocking density 100 eggs/volume, Treatment B: Stocking density 125 eggs/volume, Treatment C: Egg density 150 grain/volume. The best value was obtained for the effect on egg hatchability in the funnel system in treatment A (33.33%) followed by treatment B (9.60%) and the lowest in treatment C (6.67%).

ABSTRACT: Egg production performance is an important economic trait in the poultry industry. In previous studies, attention has often been paid to the growth and development of the ovaries, while there has been less research on the testicular tissue of male goose. Due to various factors, there are usually significant differences in the process of testicular spermatogenesis among different goose breeds. The Jilin white goose (JL) is a high-production local goose species in China, domesticated from Anser cygnoides, which has a high egg-laying performance and the egg-laying period can last from February to July. In the production of goose within Jilin Province, the female goose of Jilin White goose is considered as an important maternal parent of synthetic lines, and ganders from Hungarian white goose (HU), Wanxi white goose (WX) and Jilin white goose are the main male parents. Each year, all 3 gander species begin to exhibit breeding capacity in February and reach the peak of reproductive capacity by April, marked by high fertilization rates. With the gradual increase in temperature, the testicular tissue of Hungarian and Wanxi goose gradually diminishes in its ability to produce sperm. the testicular tissue undergoes significant shrinkage by the end of June, resulting in a near loss of sperm production capability, thereby yielding low fertilization rates. However, the Jilin White goose demonstrates the ability to maintain a stable sperm production capacity. Individuals with low sperm motility contribute to increased seed production costs and pose constraints on the industrial development of livestock and poultry varieties. In this study, transcriptomics and proteomics data from gooses testicular of 3 different goose breeds inclouding Jilin white goose, Wanxi white gooseand Hungary white goose sampled in 2 stages, peak of laying cycle (PLC) and end of laying cycle (ELC). In a comparative analysis between PLC and ELC groups (ELC vs. PLC) of 3 breeds, we identified 401,340,6651 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 18,225,323 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), respectively. Differentially expressed genes and proteins were significantly enriched in Gene Ontology (GO) terms such as phosphotransferase activity, cytoskeletal protein binding, microtubule motor activity, channel activity and carbohydrate metabolic process. The KEGG enrichment analysis of the DEGs in testicular showed that most differentially expressed mRNAs participate in the KEGG pathways, including ECM-receptor interaction, MAPK signaling pathway, carbon metabolism, Cell cycle, VEGF signaling pathway, Lipoic acid metabolism and p53 signaling pathway. The differential expression of 4 selected DEGs (SPAG6, NEK2, HSPA4L, SERF1A) was verified by qRT-PCR, and the results were consistent with RNA-seq data. In conclusion, this study reveals the differences in gene expression regulation in testicular tissues of different goose species, and screening candidate genes and proteins related to spermatogenesis.

ABSTRACT: The utilization of full-fat high-oleic soybean meal in layer diets could lead to value-added poultry products. To test this idea, 336 hens were randomly assigned to 4 isonitrogenous (18.5% CP) and isocaloric (2,927 kcal/kg) formulated diets and fed the following diets for eight weeks: conventional control solvent-extracted defatted soybean meal (CON); extruded-expelled defatted soybean meal (EENO); full fat normal-oleic soybean meal (FFNO); or full fat high-oleic soybean meal (FFHO). Body weights (BW) were collected at week 0 and week 8. Eggs were collected daily, and the totals counted each week. Feed consumption was measured weekly, and egg quality was measured bi-weekly. Eggs were collected at wk 0 and wk 8 for fatty acid analysis. There were no significant treatment differences in any of the production parameters measured, BW, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio or egg production (P > 0.05). Eggshell strength was significantly greater in eggs produced from the EENO group as compared to the control (P < 0.01), while egg yolk color was significantly darker in eggs of the control and EENO treatment groups relative to the FFNO and FFHO treatments (P < 0.0001). Eggs produced by hens fed the FFHO diet had a 52% increase in monounsaturated n-9 oleic acid content (P < 0.0001) and reduced palmitic (P < 0.01) and stearic (P < 0.0001) saturated fatty acid levels as compared to the conventional controls. These results validate the utilization of FFHO as a value-added poultry feed ingredient to enrich the eggs and/or poultry meat produced.

Food authorities aim to safeguard our food. This requires sensitive analyses to guarantee detection of both banned and regulated substances at low concentrations. At the same time, broad screening methods are needed to identify new emerging risks. For this purpose, effect-based bioassays combined with mass spectrometric analyses offer an advantage. During the regular monitoring of dioxins in agricultural products, a discrepancy was observed between the results of the DR CALUX (Dioxin-Responsive Chemical Activated Luciferase gene Expression) bioassay and the confirmatory gas chromatographic high resolution mass spectrometric (GC-HRMS) analysis in egg and broiler fat samples. The response in the bioassay was high, suggesting a clear exceedance of the maximum limits of dioxins in these samples, yet regulated dioxins or dl-PCBs were not detected by GC/HRMS analysis. Ultimately, a broad screening analysis using GC-HRMS resulted in the identification of 2,3,7,8-tetrabromo-dibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TBDF) in both egg and broiler fat. To investigate the potential source of this brominated furan contaminant, different samples were analyzed: bedding material, poultry feed, feed additives (choline chloride and l-lysine), and seaweed. The poultry feed and feed additives all contained 2,3,7,8-TBDF. Using a feed-to-food transfer model, it became clear that the poultry feed was probably the source of 2,3,7,8-TBDF in broilers and eggs through a feed additive like L-lysine or choline chloride. This study underlines the importance of using a combination of effect-based screening assays with sensitive analytical methods to detect potential new and emerging risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this study was to obtain egg-derived peptides with facilitating alcohol metabolism (EPs) by enzymolysis, to identify their structures, and screen small polypeptides with higher activity by molecular docking. The optimum conditions for preparing EPs with facilitating alcohol metabolism were obtained by a single factor experiment, adding 2% Protamex and performing enzymolysis for 3 h with a liquid–material ratio of 35:1. The dose–response relationship experiment showed that 800 mg/kg·bw EPs played a better role in facilitating alcohol metabolism. EPs contained 40% hydrophobic amino acids (HAA), including 9.24% Leu. Eighty-four peptides were identified by HPLC-MS/MS and four peptides with potential activation of alcohol dehydrogenase were further selected by molecular docking. The tetrapeptide Trp-Ile-Val-Asp (WIVD) with the highest binding energy reached −7.16 kcal/mol. These findings suggest that egg is a good source for the preparation of peptides with facilitating alcohol metabolism activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet is one of the factors that prevents the development and death from cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It has been proposed that diets high in protein, which increase satiety, and with a high content of antioxidants, help reduce cardiovascular risk factors. The egg is one of the foods that produces greater satiety and provides antioxidants. In addition, due to its lipophilic matrix, it could improve the bioavailability of other dietary antioxidants such as Annatto. Objective. This study evaluated the effects of egg and annatto-enriched egg consumption on satiety markers and CVD risk factors in healthy adults from Colombia. Methods. A parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted, where one hundred and five (n = 105) men and women, divided into three groups, consumed daily for 8 weeks: (a) two eggs (egg group), or (b) two eggs with annatto (egg + annatto group), or (c) two egg whites (placebo group). RESULTS. The three groups were similar in gender distribution. No significant changes were found over time (before vs. after) in any of the groups nor between the groups in anthropometric variables, physical activity, eating profile, and ghrelin as an objective marker of satiety. In the egg + annatto group, subjective satiety increased (effect size 0.431; p < 0.05) after consumption. Conclusions. In healthy adults, the intake of two eggs, or two eggs with annatto daily for 8 weeks, did not result in significant changes in ghrelin; but eggs with annatto tend to increase the perception of satiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many studies have examined the biochemical metabolic pathways by which an egg (egg yolk) lowers blood lipid levels, data on the molecular biological mechanisms that regulate and induce the partitioning of hepatic glycerolipids are missing. The aim of this study was to investigate in vivo monitoring in four study groups using an animal nutrition biomodel fitted with a jugular-vein cannula after egg yolk intake: CON (control group, oral administration of 1.0 g of saline), T1 (oral administration of 1.0 g of pork belly fat), T2 (oral administration of 1.0 g of smart-farm egg yolk), and T3 (oral administration of T1 and T2 alternately every week). The eggs induced significant and reciprocal changes in incorporating 14C lipids into the total glycerolipids and releasing 14CO2, thereby regulating esterification and accelerating oxidation in vivo. The eggs increased phospholipid secretion from the liver into the blood and decreased triacylglycerol secretion by regulating the multiple cleavage of fatty acyl-CoA moieties' fluxes. In conclusion, the results of the current study reveal the novel fact that eggs can lower blood lipids by lowering triacylglycerol secretion in the biochemical metabolic pathway of hepatic glycerolipid partitioning while simultaneously increasing phospholipid secretion and 14CO2 emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hen egg weight is one of the most important traits in the egg production industry; however, the egg traits influencing it are poorly understood. Random forest (RF), multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), classification and regression trees (CART), bagging MARS, chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID), and exhaustive CHAID were used in egg weight (EW) prediction from selected egg quality characteristics in chicken. A total of 400 egg weight (EW), egg length (EL), egg width (EWD), shell weight (SW), yolk weight (YW), and albumen weight (AW) predictors were turned into account. The goodness-of-fit criteria were used to select the best model to estimate Lohman Brown hen egg weight. The data was separated into train and test datasets for validation using a 10-fold cross-validation. The most significant EW predictors were albumen weight, egg width, and egg length. The correlation coefficient (r) value ranged from 0.957 (CHAID) to 0.99999 (MARS and Bagging MARS). The lowest RMSE (0.001) was found for MARS and bagging MARS algorithms and the highest (2.154) was obtained for CHAID. In general, the implemented algorithms excellently predicted the EW of hens. The ascertainment of the egg quality characteristics associated with EW using data mining algorithms can be considered an indirect selection criterion for further chicken breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ evaluations of the metabolic rates (i.e., respiration and excretion) of salmonid eggs are mostly indirect, focusing on the sampling of hyporheic water from wild or artificial nests. Comparatively, experimental studies carried out under controlled, laboratory conditions are less abundant due to methodological difficulties. This study presents a novel experimental setup aimed to address this issue and enable the measurement of oxygen and dissolved inorganic nitrogen fluxes in simulated rainbow trout (O. mykiss) egg pockets. The experimental setup consists of reconstructed egg pockets in cylindrical cores under flow-through conditions. Live and dead eyed-stage eggs were incubated in a natural, sterilised gravel substrate. Hyporheic water circulation was ensured using peristaltic pumps, with the possibility to collect and analyse inflowing and outflowing water for chemical analyses. Microcosm incubations, with closed respirometry of eggs in water alone, were also carried out in order to infer the importance of microbial respiration in the simulated egg pockets. The results show an increasing trend in oxygen demand, due to the development of biofilm in the reconstructed egg pockets and increased egg respiration rates. Moreover, egg pockets showed positive ammonium net fluxes connected with the advancing developmental egg stage, while nitrate removal peaked during the last phase of the experiment, mainly due to the formation of oxic-hypoxic interfaces, leading to couple nitrification–denitrification processes. The suggested approach enables to test a number of in situ situations, including the effects of extreme hydrological conditions, sediment clogging and sudden changes in water chemistry or temperature on the survival and metabolic performances of nests, at different egg development stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oocyte is considered to be the largest cell in mammalian species. Women hoping to become pregnant face a ticking biological clock. This is becoming increasingly challenging as an increase in life expectancy is accompanied by the tendency to conceive at older ages. With advancing maternal age, the fertilized egg will exhibit lower quality and developmental competence, which contributes to increased chances of miscarriage due to several causes such as aneuploidy, oxidative stress, epigenetics, or metabolic disorders. In particular, heterochromatin in oocytes and with it, the DNA methylation landscape undergoes changes. Further, obesity is a well-known and ever-increasing global problem as it is associated with several metabolic disorders. More importantly, both obesity and aging negatively affect female reproduction. However, among women, there is immense variability in age-related decline of oocytes' quantity, developmental competence, or quality. Herein, the relevance of obesity and DNA-methylation will be discussed as these aspects have a tremendous effect on female fertility, and it is a topic of continuous and widespread interest that has yet to be fully addressed for the mammalian oocyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry products such as meat and eggs are rich sources of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a good indicator of healthy food. Keeping in view, the present study is designed to evaluate the prevalence of toxic heavy metals (lead, nickel, cadmium, and chromium) in chicken eggs and feed. For this purpose, five samples of egg and feed were collected from five different commercial markets in Skardu City. Each sample was prepared using the wet digestion method and analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that lead, nickel, and chromium were present in varying amounts in the feed and egg, with nickel being the most concentrated metal, followed by lead and chromium in egg samples, while the feed samples showed the highest concentration of chromium followed by lead and nickel. However, concentrations of selected heavy metals except cadmium were all above the permissible limit of the World Health Organization. The self-organizing map-artificial neural network is employed for the identification of patterns of heavy metals in chicken feed and egg samples. The lower left neurons of the maps showed higher heavy metal concentrations found in samples taken from Bazar, whereas the rest of the samples showed varied concentrations. A comparison of feed and egg concentrations showed that nickel concentration was lower in feed samples than in egg samples. The lead concentration decreased in eggs except in the Krasmathang feed sample. Chromium concentration presented a negative correlation due to the extremely high concentration found in the Bazar feed sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipids are commonly incorporated into the diets of laying hens at a rate of 1% to 2% during production. However, the effects on egg quality can vary based on the source and timing of lipid addition. Hence, this experiment was conducted to investigate the impacts of adding the same concentration of soybean oil, lard, and mixed oils (1.5%) to the daily feed of layer during two feeding periods. This study aimed to assess the changes in nutritional composition and functional properties and offer valuable insights to determine suitable types of oils and fat. In this study, the experiment was conducted in two test periods, 7 days and 21 days after the addition of the lipids, to assess the effects on the nutritional composition and functional properties of eggs. The study revealed the following results: (1) Changes in the yolk's nutritional composition. Compared to the 7-day addition period, the inclusion of lard significantly increased the unsaturated fatty acids after 21 days; (2) Changes in the albumen's nutritional composition. Compared to the 7-day addition period, the inclusion of lard and mixed oils significantly reduced the essential and nonessential amino acids after 21 days; (3) Changes in the functional characteristics of the eggs. After 21 days of addition, the eggs from the soybean oil group exhibited significantly higher foaming and emulsifying properties compared to the groups supplemented with lard and mixed oils; (4) Changes in the antioxidant capacity of the eggs. Compared to the 7-day addition period, the inclusion of all oils and fat significantly increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) content in egg yolk after 21 days. The aim of this experiment was to provide valuable scientific data to assist producers in making informed decisions regarding the utilization of feeding oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]