Search

This study investigated the welfare of a slow-growing broiler with a commercially available fast-growing breed housed in a free-range and conventional deep litter housing system. There were four main groups (2 genotypes x 2 housing systems), and each main group consisted of 5 replicates. Ante-mortem and postmortem health-based welfare indicators wıth fear reactıons and distribution of severity of them in 200 male chicks (100 slow growing, 100 fast growing) were investigated. All welfare parameters investigated were found to be significantly different between both broiler genotypes. No significant differences were detected for all broiler welfare parameters between the two housing systems. There were significant genotype x housing system interactions for breast dirtiness and feather cover of the birds (P < 0.001). In conclusion, it can be said that slow-growing broilers express more health-based indicators of positive welfare, and they might be more suitable for free-range broiler meat production. Planning further studies especially in commercial conditions that take into account economic efficiency as well as animal welfare and growth performance would be very beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The breeding of layers emphasizes the continual selection of egg-related traits, such as egg production, egg quality and eggshell, which enhance their productivity and meet the demand of market. As the breeding process continued, the genomic homozygosity of layers gradually increased, resulting in the emergence of runs of homozygosity (ROH). Therefore, ROH analysis can be used in conjunction with other methods to detect selection signatures and identify candidate genes associated with various important traits in layer breeding. Results: In this study, we generated whole-genome sequencing data from 686 hens in a Rhode Island Red population that had undergone fifteen consecutive generations of intensive artificial selection. We performed a genome-wide ROH analysis and utilized multiple methods to detect signatures of selection. A total of 141,720 ROH segments were discovered in whole population, and most of them (97.35%) were less than 3 Mb in length. Twenty-three ROH islands were identified, and they overlapped with some regions bearing selection signatures, which were detected by the De-correlated composite of multiple signals methods (DCMS). Sixty genes were discovered and functional annotation analysis revealed the possible roles of them in growth, development, immunity and signaling in layers. Additionally, two-tailed analyses including DCMS and ROH for 44 phenotypes of layers were conducted to find out the genomic differences between subgroups of top and bottom 10% phenotype of individuals. Combining the results of GWAS, we observed that regions significantly associated with traits also exhibited selection signatures between the high and low subgroups. We identified a region significantly associated with egg weight near the 25 Mb region of GGA 1, which exhibited selection signatures and has higher genomic homozygosity in the low egg weight subpopulation. This suggests that the region may be play a role in the decline in egg weight. Conclusions: In summary, through the combined analysis of ROH, selection signatures, and GWAS, we identified several genomic regions that associated with the production traits of layers, providing reference for the study of layer genome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of different doses of limestone, light durations, light intensities, and vitamins on both the productive performance and egg quality. The study utilized two rearing houses (control and treatment), each accommodating 75000 Lohmann Brown Classic chicks reared in open-sided rearing cages from one day old until they reached 89 weeks of age. Throughout the laying period, the hens were subjected to a specific light regimen (light = 14 h; dark = 10 h a day). At the end of experiment, the treatment group displayed significant (p<0.05) differences compared to the control group across various parameters. Notably, the treatment group exhibited lower daily feed intake (treatment: 112 g/bird vs control: 115 g/bird), 9.6% higher egg production (treatment: 78.5% vs control: 68.9%), lower body weight (treatment: 2057 g vs control: 2073 g), lower feed conversion ratio (FCR)/egg (treatment: 1.44 vs control: 1.69), higher egg weight (treatment: 69.4 g vs control: 68.5 g), greater egg mass (treatment: 56.14 vs control: 48.76), greater shell thickness (treatment: 3.52 mm vs control: 3.44 mm), and greater shell weight (treatment: 9.3 g vs control: 8.79 g). However, the albumin weight, yolk weight, yolk diameter, shape index, and Haugh units (HU) were not significantly (p˃0.05) affected after 75 weeks of treatment when compared with those of the control group. Therefore, this study is the first of its kind to demonstrate that different ratios of limestone, different durations and intensities of light, and different vitamin supplementation doses in the treatment group (subjected to the novel rearing recommendations described in this study) may yield a profit of 180,541 USD, exceeding the baseline profit of the control group (subjected to conventional rearing methods). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effectiveness of plasma‐activated water (PAW) and plasma‐activated hydrogen peroxide (PAHP) in reducing egg‐associated pathogens. The antimicrobial activity of these solutions against Salmonella Enteritidis, Campylobacter jejuni, and Staphylococcus aureus on eggs was evaluated at different plasma treatment durations. The results demonstrated that increasing the duration of plasma treatment enhanced the antimicrobial efficacy of both PAW and PAHP. The bacterial counts of the egg‐associated pathogens significantly decreased from 7.61, 7.59, and 7.54 log (CFU/egg) to 5.4 and 3.09, 5.36 and 3.11, and 5.08 and 3.73 log (CFU/egg) for PAW and PAHP, respectively. The characteristics of the plasma solutions, including electrical conductivity, pH, H2O2, NO3¯, and NO2¯, synergistically acted as antimicrobial agents in both PAW and PAHP treatments. The storage study revealed that PAHP treatment had no adverse effects on the eggs' pH, albumen and yolk color, Haugh unit, and yolk index. However, it did result in reduced eggshell strength and compromised cuticle integrity. Overall, this study demonstrates the successful application of PAW and PAHP in effectively inhibiting egg‐associated pathogens while preserving essential egg quality attributes. Further research is needed to optimize the treatment conditions and investigate the long‐term effects of PAW and PAHP on eggs in larger‐scale applications. This research contributes to developing innovative and sustainable approaches for enhancing the safety and quality of eggs in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation has analyzed the buckling of bi-directional functionally graded conical micro-shells bearing axial loading. The dominant equations serve on the basis of the theory of first-order shear deformation in the modified couple stress theory (MCST). The Ritz technique is used so as to solve the governing equations. Bi-directional functionally graded material is the material used to construct the shell, and in a predefined composition profile, the volume fractions pertaining to the constituent materials constantly vary through the conical edge directions and thickness. The model predictions are compared and successfully validated using the ones available in the literature. According to the results, in comparison with the classical theory, the micro-shell buckling load is higher in the MCST. In addition, the contribution of a number of geometrical and mechanical parameters, for example, radius-to-thickness ratio, thickness-to-length scale ratio, length-to-radius ratio, semi-vertex angle, homogenization schemes, and material gradient indexes, to the buckling performance of conical micro-shells has been investigated. It is noteworthy that this investigation is the first effort to present a buckling analysis for the purpose of bi-directional functionally graded truncated conical micro-shells in accordance with the MCST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the effect of adding Spirulina platensis to replace zinc bacitracin on performance, egg quality, blood profile, total gut bacteria, and liver histopathology of local indigenous Arab chicken (Gallus turcicus). One hundred and eight 28-week-old laying hens were distributed randomly to three treatments: T0 (control diet), T1 (T0 + 1% S. platensis), and T2 (T0 + 0.04% zinc bacitracin). The treatment was applied for 49 days. S. platensis and zinc bacitracin decreased feed intake (p<0.05), but the egg mass had no significant effect; this provides a good improvement in feed conversion ratio (p<0.05). S. platensis helped maintain persistent egg production (p<0.05). S. platensis and zinc bacitracin provided the best results on haugh unit (p<0.05). S. platensis increased the yolk score (p<0.05). Zinc bacitracin decreased erythrocytes (p<0.05) but was not significantly different from S. platensis. S. platensis and zinc bacitracin increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p<0.05). Blood chemical profile and total gut bacteria were not affected by the treatments. S. platensis was the best at maintaining liver's health (p<0.05). This research concludes that S. platensis can efficiently optimize feed consumption, enhance performance, maintain egg quality, and protect the liver damage of Arab chicken. Therefore, S. platensis could be considered to replace the use of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial fraction of those who had Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathology on autopsy did not have dementia in life. While biomarkers for AD pathology are well-developed, biomarkers specific to cognitive domains affected by early AD are lagging. Diffusion MRI (dMRI) of the fornix is a candidate biomarker for early AD-related cognitive changes but is susceptible to bias due to partial volume averaging (PVA) with cerebrospinal fluid. The purpose of this work is to leverage multi-shell dMRI to correct for PVA and to evaluate PVA-corrected dMRI measures in fornix as a biomarker for cognition in AD. Thirty-three participants in the Cleveland Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (CADRC) (19 with normal cognition (NC), 10 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 4 with dementia due to AD) were enrolled in this study. Multi-shell dMRI was acquired, and voxelwise fits were performed with two models: 1) diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) that was corrected for PVA and 2) neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI). Values of tissue integrity in fornix were correlated with neuropsychological scores taken from the Uniform Data Set (UDS), including the UDS Global Composite 5 score (UDSGC5). Statistically significant correlations were found between the UDSGC5 and PVA-corrected measure of mean diffusivity (MDc, r = −0.35, p < 0.05) from DTI and the intracelluar volume fraction (ficvf, r = 0.37, p < 0.04) from NODDI. A sensitivity analysis showed that the relationship to MDc was driven by episodic memory, which is often affected early in AD, and language. This cross-sectional study suggests that multi-shell dMRI of the fornix that has been corrected for PVA is a potential biomarker for early cognitive domain changes in AD. A longitudinal study will be necessary to determine if the imaging measure can predict cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Our study investigates the genetic basis of translucent eggshell formation by analyzing gene expression in the oviduct's isthmus region of hens laying translucent eggs. Our findings highlight that alterations in collagen-related pathways are central to changes in the eggshell's physical structure, leading to translucence. This research offers insights for strategies to reduce translucent egg formation. The presence of translucent eggshells is a type of egg quality issue that impacts egg sales. While many researchers have studied them, the exact mechanisms behind their formation remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a transcriptomic differential expression analysis of the isthmus region of the oviduct in both normal egg- and translucent egg-laying hens. The analysis revealed that differentially expressed gene pathways were predominantly concentrated in the synthesis, modification, and transport of eggshell membrane proteins, particularly collagen proteins, which provide structural support. These findings suggest that variations in the physical structure of the eggshell membrane, resulting from changes in its chemical composition, are the fundamental cause of translucent eggshell formation. This research provides a theoretical reference for reducing the occurrence of translucent eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Calcium and phosphorus are essential minerals required for animal health, especially in laying hens since they are important components in bone and eggshell formation. Diets with inadequate calcium and phosphorus can interfere with their absorption and digestibility, resulting in eggshell quality losses and reduced productive life, affecting egg production and welfare. Although mineral metabolism has been widely studied in young laying hens, the mechanisms of absorption, reabsorption, and mineral homeostasis of laying hens with advancing age are not well known. Therefore, we studied eight genes involved in Ca and P metabolism and observed that two of them (CYP24A1 and TRPC3) showed differential expression according to the Ca/P ratios provided in the diet. These results contribute to understanding how Ca and P metabolism are regulated in hens during their late laying cycle, allowing the development of new nutritional strategies to improve hens' productive life as well as their egg quality. Ca and P homeostasis across the egg-laying cycle is a complex process involving absorption in the small intestine, reabsorption/excretion in the kidneys, and eggshell gland secretion. Diets with inadequate calcium and phosphorus can interfere with their absorption and digestibility, resulting in eggshell quality losses and reduced productive life, affecting egg production and welfare. A better understanding of gene expression profiles in the kidneys of laying hens during the late egg-laying period could clarify the renal role in mineral metabolism at this late stage. Therefore, the performance, egg quality and bone integrity-related traits, and expression profiles of kidney candidate genes were evaluated in 73-week-old laying hens receiving different Ca and P ratios in their diet: a high Ca/P ratio (HR, 22.43), a low ratio (LR, 6.71), and a medium ratio (MR, 11.43). The laying hens receiving the HR diet had improved egg production and eggshell quality traits compared to the other two groups. Humerus length was shorter in the HR than in the other groups. The CYP24A1 and TRPC3 genes were differentially expressed (p.adj ≤ 0.05) among the groups. Therefore, their expression profiles could be involved in calcium and phosphate transcellular transport in 73-week-old laying hens as a way to keep mineral absorption at adequate levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was designed to study the effects of a bacteria enzyme complex product on egg production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical index, and ammonia emissions in manure of laying hens. One thousand and eight hundred 400-day-old commercial generation Hyline brown laying hens were selected for the experiment and randomly divided into 3 groups with 600 hens in each group. There were 3 replicates within each group with 200 hens in each replicate. The control group was fed with basic diets. Group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ were fed with basic diets supplemented with 0.5 g/kg and 1.0 g/kg of bacterial enzyme complex products, respectively. The experimental period was conducted for 42 days. Results showed that, compared with the control group, the egg production rate of the experimental groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the feed to egg ratio and egg breaking rate were significantly reduced (P<0.05). The eggshell thickness, eggshell strength, and Hastelloy unit of the two experimental groups were also significantly increased (P<0.05), with the group Ⅱ significantly higher than the group Ⅰ (P<0.05). The serum uric acid (UA) content in the experimental groups of laying hens was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the ammonia concentration in the manure of the experimental group was significantly reduced (P<0.05), with the group Ⅱ significantly lower than the group Ⅰ (P<0.05). These results indicat that the bacterial enzyme complex product increases egg production performance and egg quality, decreases the ammonia concentration in the manure of laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experiment, in order to screen excellent Tibetan chicken breeds, common Tibetan chickens in Shigatse city were divided into four feather colors: black, white, red, and yellow based on feather color. The egg production performance and egg quality were measured separately, providing technical support for cultivating excellent egg type Tibetan chicken breeds. According to feather color, the Tibetan chickens were divided into four experimental groups, each experimental group had 160 Tibetan chickens of 150 days of age, and the three-dimensional 3-layer cage mode was implemented, with 8 replicates in each group and 20 chickens in each replicate. The experiment period was 30 days. All the four experimental groups were fed a basic laying diet, freely collected food and water, and were regularly immunized. The results showed that the average laying rate in black feather group was significantly higher than that in yellow feather group and red feather group (P<0.05); the average egg weight and average feed to egg ratio in yellow and red feather groups were significantly higher than those in black feather groups and white feather groups (P<0.05); the survival rate was not significantly different (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in egg quality index; eggshell strength and egg shape index among experimental groups (P>0.05); eggshell thickness was significantly different among all groups (P<0.05); the protein height of black feather group was significantly higher than that of white feather group, red feather group and yellow feather group (P<0.05); the Hagar unit of black feather group, white feather group and red feather group was significantly higher than that of yellow feather group (P<0.05); black feather group was slightly better than other experimental groups. There were no significant differences in egg color index and brightness among experimental groups (P>0.05); in terms of redness and yellowness, the red feather group was significantly higher than the other three experimental groups (P<0.05). The results show that the black feather Tibetan egg shell is white, and its egg production performance and egg quality are superior to the other three feather colors, making it suitable for further selection and breeding towards egg type Tibetan chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poultry industry in India has become a prominent and rapidly expanding sector of the agro-animal industry, and is recognized as an important source of animal protein in the country. Through genetic analysis, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) can help identify variations in DNA sequences that are linked to traits such as egg quality, quantity, fertility, hatchability, and other important aspects of egg production in poultry or other egg-laying species. The aim of the present study was to screen the SNPs in the candidate genes associated with egg production, viz., MC4R, MTNR1A, DRD1, PRLR and VLDLR and their association with egg production at the age of 64 weeks in two strains of White Leghorn, viz., Anand Bantamized White Leghorn (ABWLH) and Anand Synthetic White Leghorn (ASWLH). The amplicon-sequenced data of a total of 96 birds for these genes were collected in 'fastq' format and various SNPs were identified. A total of 143 detected SNPs were filtered based on read depth and QUAL score and 60 SNPs were discarded after filtering variants. Out of the remaining 83 SNPs, 69 SNPs were previously reported, while 14 were found as novel. Association analysis showed that one of the SNPs found in the MC4R gene was significantly associated with the egg production in both ABWLH and ASWLH population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The vocalisations that an animal produces could provide a window into its emotional state. More knowledge on how emotional states are expressed in the vocalisations of birds could even be used to improve the welfare of farmed poultry. The present study introduced a novel device designed to trigger different emotional states in hens using different physical and chemical stimuli. The final device was able to elicit a broad range of vocalisations without any human interference. It was found that the hens not only actively used the device as a feeder but also responded vocally to both positive and negative stimuli. Preliminary findings indicate that the vocal responses of the hens vary as a function of the intensity of the emotional state they experience. This research contributes to understanding poultry emotions and has the potential to open new opportunities in understanding and improving their welfare in farming environments. Understanding the emotional states of animals is a long-standing research endeavour that has clear applications in animal welfare. Vocalisations are emerging as a promising way to assess both positive and negative emotional states. However, the vocal expression of emotions in birds is a relatively unexplored research area. The goal of this study was to develop an interactive feeding system that would elicit positive and negative emotional states, and collect recordings of the vocal expression of these emotions without human interference. In this paper, the mechatronic design and development of the feeder is described. Design choices were motivated by the desire for the hens to voluntarily interact with the feeder and experience the different stimuli that were designed to induce (1) positive low-arousal, (2) positive high-arousal, (3) negative low-arousal, and (4) negative high-arousal states. The results showed that hens were motivated to engage with the feeder despite the risk of receiving negative stimuli and that this motivation was sustained for at least 1 week. The potential of using the interactive feeder to analyse chicken vocalisations related to emotional valence and arousal is being explored, offering a novel proof of concept in animal welfare research. Preliminary findings suggest that hens vocalised in response to all four stimulus types, with the number of vocalisations, but not the probability of vocalising, distinguishing between low- and high-arousal states. Thus, the proposed animal–computer interaction design has potential to be used as an enrichment device and for future experiments on vocal emotions in birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The objective of this study was to apply multivariate data analytical methods to evaluate the effect of both storage conditions (cold and room temperature) and production systems (cage and free range) on the physical properties of chicken eggs produced under tropical conditions. The results of this study indicated that most of the physical quality parameters (Haugh units, egg weight, albumin height, yolk colour, shell breaking and shell thickness) measured in the egg samples stored at room temperature (RT) were lower compared with egg samples stored in cold room (CT) conditions. The weight loss rate (WLR) was higher in the egg samples from RT compared with CT conditions. Both egg samples from either CT storage conditions or FR production system had the best quality parameters (high Haugh units, heavy egg weights and low WLR). The highest classification rate using linear discriminant analysis was obtained for the prediction of systems of production where egg samples from cage (C) and FR were 83% and 80% correctly classified. However, the classification of weeks of storage provides with intermediate classification results based on the physical parameters measured where 75% and 72% of the samples were correctly classified as stored in CT or RT storage conditions, respectively. The utilisation of multivariate data analysis allowed for the analysis of all the variables at the time without the need to isolate effects such as birds age, housing systems or by the solely interpretation of a single parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of different proportions of soft acid in drinking water on the production performance, egg quality, and serum biochemical indexes of Jingfen No.2 laying hens at the late of laying peak. A total of 270 Jingfen No.2 laying hens with normal body condition and similar weight at 556 days old were randomly divided into three groups with six replicates in each group and 15 laying hens in each replicate. The control group (CON group) drank tap water. 500 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of soft acid were added to tap water in the soft acid 500 group and 800 group, respectively. The pre-test period was seven days, and the formal test period was 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the unqualified egg rate of the soft acid 500 group and the soft acid 800 group decreased significantly (P<0.05), the average egg weight increased significantly (P<0.05), and the feed to egg ratio of the soft acid 800 group decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the eggshell scores of soft acid 500 group and soft acid 800 group increased significantly (P<0.05), and the egg weight, yolk weight, eggshell strength, yolk ratio and yolk score all showed an increasing trend (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the total protein content in serum of the soft acid 800 group increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of serum IgA and IgG in the soft acid 500 group and 800 group increased significantly (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding 500 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg soft acid in drinking water has positive effects on improving production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical indexes, and immune function of Jingfen No.2 laying hens, and the effect of adding 800 mg/kg soft acid is better than that of 500 mg/kg soft acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on protein digestibility of egg yolk and egg yolk granule was evaluated by static in vitro digestion using the standardized INFOGEST 2.0 method. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) and the phospholipid content were determined during digestion, and the protein and peptide profiles were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and reverse phase‐high pressure liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). The results showed that HHP induced protein aggregation in egg yolk and granule, mainly by disulfide bridges, which were not disrupted in the oral phase. Proteolysis during the gastric phase improved egg yolk and granule protein solubility, regardless of whether HHP was applied. However, the extent of the samples' digestibility was not affected, with DH values ranging from 15% to 20%. During the intestinal phase, the DH of egg yolk protein (∼40%) was higher than that of the granule (∼25%), probably due to the denser structure of the granule reducing the accessibility of intestinal enzymes. The DH, peptide, and protein profiles of control and HHP‐treated egg yolk showed similar protein digestion behaviors for both gastric and intestinal phases. Among the different proteins, only the digestibility of β‐phosvitin in HHP‐treated granule was enhanced. Consequently, applying HHP to granules represents an interesting process that improves the digestibility of phosvitin with the potential to generate bioactive phosvitin‐derived phosphopeptides. Practical Application: High hydrostatic pressure, mainly used as a preservation process, did not impair the nutritional quality of the egg yolk and granule proteins but improved the susceptibility of phosvitin (protein contained in egg yolk) proteolysis to produce bioactive phosphopeptides. Consequently, applying HHP to granules represents an interesting process that improves the digestibility of phosvitin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Agaricus blazei polysaccharide (ABP) at varying concentrations on the performance, egg quality, blood biochemistry, intestinal morphology, and microflora of quail. Methods: The study involved a total of 2,700 Korean quails, which were randomly divided into three groups. The measured variables encompassed productive performance, egg parameters, carcass parameters, serum metabolites, immune response parameters, antioxidative properties, and gut microbiome. Results: The addition of ABP did not have a significant effect on average daily feed intake. However, it was found to increase the average daily egg weight and egg production rate, reduce the feedegg ratio. There were no significant impacts on egg quality measures such as egg shape index, egg yolk index and color, egg yolk and protein content. However, ABP supplementation significantly increased the Hough unit (p<0.01) and decreased the rate of unqualified eggs (p<0.01). Regarding serum parameters, the inclusion led to an increase in total protein concentration (p<0.05) and a reduction in lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05). There were no significant effects observed on immune indicators such as immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgM. ABP supplementation increased the levels of serum antioxidant indicators, including glutathione peroxidase, total superoxide dismutase (p<0.05), and total antioxidant capacity colorimeter (p<0.05). Furthermore, ABP supplementation significantly elevated the intramuscular fatty acid content in quail meat. Additionally, ABP supplementation demonstrated a significant improvement in the diversity of gut microbiota and induced alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that dietary supplementation of ABP enhanced production performance and antioxidant capacity while increasing the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in quail muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Bacillus-based probiotics supplemented at two different levels to modulate the productive performance, egg quality, tibia traits, and specific cecal bacteria counts of Hy-Line Brown layers from 25 to 37 weeks of age. Methods: A total of 216 twenty-five-week-old hens were randomly distributed into 3 experimental diets with 12 replicates of 6 birds per cage. Diets included basal diet supplemented with 0 (CON), 3x108 (PRO1), or 3x109 (PRO2) colony-forming unit (CFU) of the test probiotic containing Bacillus subtilis PB6, Bacillus subtilis FXA, and Bacillus licheniformis G3 per kilogram of feed. Results: Improved egg weights and mass at 29 weeks; and feed intake at 31 weeks (p<0.10) were noticed with the probiotic-supplemented PRO1 and PRO2 diets. Considering egg quality, the shell thickness, Haugh units, and yolk color were improved; but yolk cholesterol was lowered (p<0.05) with PRO1 and PRO2 diets at 29 weeks. At both 33 and 37 weeks, the egg-breaking strength, shell color and thickness, albumen height, Haugh units, and yolk color were improved; but yolk cholesterol was similarly lowered (p<0.05) with the PRO1 and PRO2 diets. Improved tibia Ca, ash, weights, and density; and raised cecal counts of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli (p<0.05) were noticed with PRO1 and PRO2 diets. Improved tibia P but reduced Clostridia counts (p<0.10) were also observed with the PRO1 and PRO2 diets. Conclusion: Probiotic supplementation of Bacillus subtilis PB6, Bacillus subtilis FXA, and Bacillus licheniformis G3 at 3x108 CFU/kg of feed is adequate to significantly improve egg quality, lower yolk cholesterol, enhance several tibia traits, and raise the populations of beneficial cecal bacteria. Modest improvements in several productive parameters and tibia P but reduced Clostridia were also observed; and could warrant further investigation of probiotic effects beyond the current test period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ramps facilitate earlier access to complex environments and increase early life voluntary exercise, which may positively affect the cognitive development of chickens. This study focused on quantifying individual differences in ramp use and its impact on spatial cognition of laying hen pullets. Sixteen identical pens were housed with Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) chicks of which eight chicks from each pen were colour marked from one day of age (DoA) to serve as focal birds. We quantified overall ramp use (walk/run, wing-assisted incline running, and jump/fly to and from ramps) by scan sampling recorded videos for 6, 10, 12, 20, 27, 41, and 55 DoA for all focal birds. From 56 to 95 DoA, long and short-term spatial memory of three focal birds per pen were assessed in a holeboard test in three consecutive phases: cued, uncued and reversal. Mixed model analysis showed that the spatial cognitive abilities of the birds were linked to differences in ramp use frequency averaged across all observation days. Birds with higher ramp use made fewer reference (Estimate ± Confidence Interval = 0.94 [0.88, 0.99], p = 0.08) and working memory errors (Est ± CI = 0.77 [0.59, 1.00], p = 0.06) in the cued phase than birds with lower ramp use. In contrast, birds with higher ramp use made more reference memory errors (Est ± CI = 1.10 [1.01, 1.20], p = 0.05) in the reversal phase. Birds with higher ramp use also made more reference memory errors compared to birds with lower ramp use as the phases changed from cued to uncued (p = 0.001). Our results indicate that there might be a relationship between early life ramp use and spatial cognition of laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The utilization of computer vision technology and automation for monitoring and collecting pigeon eggs is of significant importance for improving labor productivity and the breeding of egg-producing pigeons. Currently, research both domestically and internationally has predominantly focused on the detection of eggs from poultry such as chickens, ducks, and geese, leaving pigeon egg recognition largely unexplored. This study proposes an effective and lightweight network model, YOLOv8-PG, based on YOLOv8n, which maintains high detection accuracy while reducing the model's parameter count and computational load. This approach facilitates cost reduction in deployment and enhances feasibility for implementation on mobile robotic platforms. In response to the high breakage rate of pigeon eggs and the significant labor costs associated with egg-producing pigeon farming, this study proposes an improved YOLOv8-PG (real versus fake pigeon egg detection) model based on YOLOv8n. Specifically, the Bottleneck in the C2f module of the YOLOv8n backbone network and neck network are replaced with Fasternet-EMA Block and Fasternet Block, respectively. The Fasternet Block is designed based on PConv (Partial Convolution) to reduce model parameter count and computational load efficiently. Furthermore, the incorporation of the EMA (Efficient Multi-scale Attention) mechanism helps mitigate interference from complex environments on pigeon-egg feature-extraction capabilities. Additionally, Dysample, an ultra-lightweight and effective upsampler, is introduced into the neck network to further enhance performance with lower computational overhead. Finally, the EXPMA (exponential moving average) concept is employed to optimize the SlideLoss and propose the EMASlideLoss classification loss function, addressing the issue of imbalanced data samples and enhancing the model's robustness. The experimental results showed that the F1-score, mAP50-95, and mAP75 of YOLOv8-PG increased by 0.76%, 1.56%, and 4.45%, respectively, compared with the baseline YOLOv8n model. Moreover, the model's parameter count and computational load are reduced by 24.69% and 22.89%, respectively. Compared to detection models such as Faster R-CNN, YOLOv5s, YOLOv7, and YOLOv8s, YOLOv8-PG exhibits superior performance. Additionally, the reduction in parameter count and computational load contributes to lowering the model deployment costs and facilitates its implementation on mobile robotic platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The poultry industry suffers substantial economic losses under heat stress conditions, which detrimentally impact the productivity, physiology, and immune status of the birds. This study focused on the investigation of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented product supplementation on the growth and productivity of laying ducks experiencing heat stress. The results showed that B. licheniformis-fermented products could be a valuable dietary supplement for enhancing the growth performance and resilience of ducks under heat-stress conditions, possibly offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to antibiotics in poultry production. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of various concentrations of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) on the growth and productivity of laying ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) subjected to heat stress during eight weeks of a feeding trial. A total of 150 one-day-old Brown Tsaiya ducks of both sexes were divided into five groups, with each group having three replicates and 10 ducks each for evaluation of growth performance. The treatment groups received dietary supplements of BLFP at levels of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%, along with a group receiving flavomycin (F) at 5 ppm, all over a 24-week period. The fermentation process in this study utilized a B. licheniformis strain (ATCC 12713) for the production of the spores through solid-state fermentation. The control group was given a basal diet consisting of yellow corn and soybean meal. The results showed that as compared to the flavomycin group, ducks in the 0.3% BLFP group had significantly higher body weights and better feed conversion rates. In addition, during the three weeks, the BLFP group showed higher feed consumption as compared to the control group. The jejunum villi length was significantly increased in the 0.2% BLPF group as compared to the control and flavomycin groups. This study also found that the flavomycin group had a significantly higher egg conversion rate, while the 0.1–0.3% BLFP groups had improved feed intake and the 0.3% group had significantly enhanced egg yolk color. Additionally, the 0.2% BLFP group showed substantial decreases in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels in the liver as well as an uptick in the tight junction protein Occludin gene expression in the colon when compared to the control group. Furthermore, the expression of the heat shock protein 70 in the gut upregulated in the 0.1% and 0.2% BLFP groups. In conclusion, these observations demonstrate that dietary supplementation of 0.2% BLFP is an ideal concentration to increase gut morphology, alleviate inflammatory response, and promote gut integrity in heat-stressed laying ducks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to explore the effects of compound organic acidifiers on the production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical indexes, and economic benefits of laying hens in the late laying period. Five hundred and forty 72-week-old Jingfen No.2 laying hens with similar body condition were selected and randomly divided into three groups (CON group, L-COA group, and H-COA group), with six replicates in each group and 30 hens in each replicate. Each group was fed the same diet. The CON group drank tap water throughout the whole process. The L-COA group and H-COA group added 0.10% and 0.15% compound organic acidifiers to the drinking water, respectively. The test period was 42 days. The results showed that compared to the CON group, the egg production rate and egg qualified rate of the L-COA group were significantly increased (P<0.05), the egg production rate, average egg weight, and egg qualified rate of the H-COA group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The eggshell strength and egg yolk score of the L-COA group were significantly improved (P<0.05). The serum low-density lipoprotein content and alanine aminotransferase activity in the L-COA group and H-COA group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). The breeding profits of the L-COA group and H-COA group increased by 1.08% and 13.64%, respectively. The study indicates that adding compound organic acidifiers to the drinking water of laying hens during the late laying period has a positive effect on egg production efficiency, egg quality, serum biochemical indexes, and economic benefits, and the better effect is achieved when the added amount of compound organic acidifiers is 0.15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate the effects of bacterial-enzyme complex on the production performance, egg quality, egg composition, and nutrient apparent metabolic rate in wheat-based laying hens. A total of 360 Jinghong laying hens were randomly divided into three groups with 10 replicates in each group and 12 laying hens in each replicate. The control group was fed with corn-soybean meal diet. The wheat group used 10% wheat to replace the same proportion of corn in the control group diet. The bacterial-enzyme complex group was supplemented with 0.02% bacterial-enzyme complex on the basis of wheat group diet. The pre-test period was three days, and the formal test period was 28 days. The results showed that there was no significant difference in production performance, egg quality, and egg composition among the control group, wheat group, and bacterial-enzyme complex group (P>0.05). The lutein content of egg yolk in wheat group decreased gradually with the increase of experiment time. On the 22nd, 25th, and 28th day, the lutein content of egg yolk in wheat group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05), and the lutein content of egg yolk in bacterial-enzyme complex group was significantly higher than that in wheat group (P<0.05). The apparent metabolic rates of dry matter, crude protein, calcium, and phosphorus in wheat group were lower than those in control group (P>0.05), while the apparent metabolic rates of crude protein and phosphorus in bacterial-enzyme complex group laying hens were significantly higher than those in the control group and wheat group (P<0.05). The study indicates that using 10% wheat instead of corn can not affect egg quality and egg composition, but can reduce yolk color and lutein content. Bacterial-enzyme complex can increase yolk lutein content of wheat group, improve yolk color and improve nutrient apparent metabolic rate of laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of different levels of quercetin in diets on the laying performance, egg quality, and lipid metabolism of Hyline brown laying hens in late laying period, and to determine the optimal supplemental level of quercetin in laying hens. A total of 1 600 sixty-week-old healthy Hyline brown laying hens were randomly divided into four groups with four replicates per group and 100 laying hens per replicate. Hens in control group were fed a basal diet, and hens in experimental groups were fed diets supplemented with 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg quercetin, respectively. The pre-test lasted for one week and the formal test lasted for 60 days. The results showed as follows: Compared with the control group, the laying rate of Hyline brown laying hens in all quercetin groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), the egg weight and average daily egg weight of the test group 2 and group 3 were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the ratio of feed to egg was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the eggshell thickness and egg weight of the test group 2 and group 3 were significantly increased (P<0.05), the eggshell strength and eggshell weight in the test group 2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the yolk color and Haugh unit were significantly improved in all quercetin groups (P<0.05). The crude protein content in yolk of the test group 2 and group 3 was significantly increased (P<0.05), the cholesterol and triglyceride content in yolk of the test group 2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the phospholipid content in yolk of all quercetin groups was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum adiponectin content in the test group 2 and group 3 was significantly increased (P<0.05), the serum leptin content in all quercetin groups was increased (P<0.05), and the serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose content in the test group 2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The serum free fatty acid content in the test group 2 and group 3 was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The results show that adding proper quercetin to the production of Hyline brown laying hens can improve the laying performance and egg quality, regulate the metabolism of blood lipids, and improve the body's health. The appropriate supplemental level of quercetin is 400 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our study examined the impact of propriety blends of Bacillus strain probiotics on the performance, egg quality, and faecal microflora of laying hens. Methods: A total of 183 Institut de selection Animale (ISA) brown laying hens aged 23 weeks with an average body weight of 1,894±72 g were randomly allocated into 3 groups as control (corn-soybean meal based diet, CON), 0.5 g/kg Enterosure probiotics (ET1, 3x108 colony-forming unit [CFU]/kg feed), and 5 g/kg Enterosure probiotics (ET2, 3x109 CFU/kg feed) administered in mashed form. At the completion of each phase hen day egg production (HDEP), average egg weight (AEW), feed intake, and faecal microbiota were evaluated. Results: HDEP and AEW were higher (p<0.05) in the ET2-supplemented diet in phase 3 (week 9 to 12) compared with CON. Egg mass (EM) was higher (p<0.05) in phase 2 at ET2, and also higher (p<0.05) in phase 3 at the ET1 and ET2-supplemented diets compared with CON. Feed conversion ratio was lower (p<0.05) in phase 3 at the ET1 and ET2-supplemented diets, with ET2 being the lowest compared with ET1 and CON. Yolk colour was higher (p<0.05) in the ET-supplemented diets at phase 3 compared with CON. Bifidobacterium spp. was higher (p<0.05) in the ET2-supplemented diet compared with CON in phase 2, while in In phase 3, Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. were higher (p<0.05) in the ET-supplemented diets compared with CON. Coliforms were lower (p<0.05) in the ETsupplemented diets compared with CON in phase 3. Conclusion: The propriety blends of Bacillus strain probiotics supplements at 0.5 g/kg and 5 g/kg could improve the production and quality of eggs with more significance at 5 g/kg for HDEP, AEW and EM, which was achieved via the increase of beneficial microbiomes such as Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and the decrease of pathogenic microbiomes like Escherichia coli and Coliforms which was speculated to improve gut barrier function and the reproductive hormone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eggs are a rich source of protein and a portion of food that satisfies human demands and supplies the body with amino acids, metal elements and vitamins that are beneficial for general health. This research aimed to determine the influence of storage duration and hen breed on the internal and external quality characteristics of brown- and white-shelled eggs under different domestic storage circumstances. Methods: A total of 240 eggs from the two species were randomly selected. They were stored at a humidity of 65% and temperatures of ±1°C for 0, 15 and 30 days. All eggs were cracked to determine the egg coefficient, egg weight, egg weight loss and air chamber depth. Egg-specific density, Haugh unit values, yolk color, the presence of flesh and blood spots, white weight, yolk weight, shell integrity, white weight percentage, percentage of shell weight, yolk weight ratio and yolk weight ratio. Shell thickness, density, cleanliness, surface area and weight relative to shell area. Result: The Haugh unit, specific density, air chamber depth and shell thickness were all significantly (P>0.05) affected by the length of time eggs were stored. It had a favorable influence on shell density and weight for brown and white-shell eggs, but the Huff unit values of the eggs were negatively affected the longer they were stored. This effect was more pronounced the longer the eggs were stored. Due to the difference in shell color and the extended period of storage, there was a major change in all of the components of the egg. This was caused by the storage duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abrupt decrease in egg production and quality in laying hens can be brought on by the avian adenovirus known as the egg drop syndrome virus (EDSV). So far, there are no efficient commercial diagnostic approaches for EDSV. In the present study, we first purified two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs 5G4 and 6G6) specifically against the EDSV fibre protein. The mAb 5G4 was then employed as capture antibody. Additionally, the detection antibody 6G6 (HRP-6G6) was conjugated with horseradish peroxidase. Consequently, based on these two mAbs, we developed a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for EDSV detection. Specificity evaluation demonstrated that only EDSV gave a positive result while other avian viruses showed negative results. Sensitivity investigation showed that the limit of detection of EDSV was 102.9 TCID50/ml and the limit of detection of the purified His-Fiber was 5 ng/ml. Furthermore, the screening of samples from infected chickens showed that this method was very effective and could be applied to the detection of EDSV in infected samples. In summary, the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay developed here provides an efficient, sensitive, and large-scale method for the specific diagnosis of EDSV. A sandwich ELISA was developed to detect EDSV using the mAbs 5G4 and HRP-6G6. The sandwich ELISA maintained high specificity and sensitivity. The sandwich ELISA had equivalent consistency with real-time PCR assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) is the main native species reared in aquaculture in Brazil and in its neighboring countries. Currently, the production of fries is based on the use of carp pituitary extract (CPE), which has intrinsic disadvantages such as impurity, the presence of unknown components, and discontinuity of supply. Three GnRH analogs (GnRHa) were tested to stimulate artificial reproduction in tambaqui. A total of 28 mature females were used in the following treatments: T1: synthetic salmon GnRHa—5.0 μg/kg combined with domperidone (2.5 mg/kg); T2: gonadorelin—60 μg/kg; T3: buserelin acetate—0.7 μg/kg; and T4: CPE—5.5 mg/kg. Spawning success under strip spawning, quantity and quality of the eggs were evaluated. The plasma concentrations of 17β-estradiol, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one were assessed before hormonal treatment and after stripping. All CPE-treated females released eggs via stripping, as occurred in 86% of the females treated with sGnRHa, 86% released eggs with gonadorelin, and 57% released eggs with buserelin. Degree-hour (DH) for strip spawning was higher in the GnRHa groups than for CPE (p ≤ 0.001). Total mass of the eggs, number of eggs/g of spawn, relative fecundity, fertilization index, and the rate of embryo survival were similar in all groups. There was a significant increase in steroid levels in all groups after receiving the hormones, including in the fish that did not release eggs under stripping. Although the commercial GnRHa did not stimulate the final maturation and/or ovulation in all females, they induced the ovulation of eggs in equal quality and quantity to the CPE, thus confirming the great potential of such drugs in the artificial reproduction of native neotropical fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heritability of fertility, hatchability, and their relationship with egg quality traits was studied in fully pedigreed records of a Japanese quail population. A restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedure was applied in univariate and bivariate analyses. According to the heritability values of FERT, HFE, and HTE in this population of Japanese quail, the role of genes is low, and it is feasible to improve these traits through environmental conditions effectively. Percentage of fertility (FERT) showed positive genetic correlations with AH, YH, YW, and YI (from 0.18 to 0.65) and negative genetic correlations with AW (-0.21). The high genetic correlations were obtained between HFE and ESI (0.62), between HFE and EST (0.56), between HTE and ESI (0.53), and between HTE and EST (0.51). In conclusion, reproductive traits (fertility and hatchability) can improve through selection for high egg quality traits such as EST, ESI, YH, YW, and YI in Japanese quail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three hundred and sixty, 42-day-old Japanese quail (JQ) hens were randomly divided into six experimental groups with 5 replicates/group. Each replicate consisted of 12 birds (8 females and 4 males). During the growing period, chickens were fed restricted (FR) during only the second week of age at days 7, 9, 11, and 13. Three levels of FR were applied: 0.0 (control), 12.5 (12.5FR), and 25.0% (25FR) of the ad libitum intake of chickens measured on the previous day (groups 1, 2 and 3). In the other three groups (4, 5 and 6) the control, 12.5FR and 25.0FR diets were supplemented with coated organic acid + essential oils (COAWEO) at 100 g/ton feed. The trial lasted from 6 to 18 weeks of age. Feed intake was significantly reduced by 12.5% FR compared with the control group. FR improved all external and internal egg quality of JQ hens except for egg weight, while albumen % decreased in the group fed 12.5FR diet. Coated organic acid with essential oils did not affect all JQ hens' external and internal egg quality. Feed restriction did not affect fertility, pipped and dead chicks, and hatchability, as total and fertile egg percentage. COAWEO increased fertility and hatchability percentage. FR did not affect blood serum biochemistry and immunity characteristics except for high density lipoprotein (HDL) and hemagglutination inhibition test for infectious bursal disease virus (HI IBDV). Coated organic acid with essential oils did not affect quail blood characteristics but significantly decreased total lipids and increased IL6 at 18 weeks of age. Dietary COAWEO decreased E. coli, Clostridia, and Salmonella while increasing Lactobacillus counts. It can be concluded that 25.0% FR supplemented with COAWEO considerably improved the sustainability of productive performance of JQ hens without adverse effects on egg production, quality, fertility and hatchability traits, serum biochemistry and immune markers, and gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the dried fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (omicha tincture), when used as a sensory additive in feed for horses, cats, dogs, and in feed and in water for drinking for poultry. The product is a water/ethanol (55:45 v/v) solution, with a dry matter content of not more than 4% (w/w) and a content of 0.01%–0.15% (w/w) for the sum of schisandrin and deoxyschisandrin. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that omicha tincture is safe at the following concentrations in complete feed: 16 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 12 mg/kg for chickens for fattening and other poultry for fattening or reared for laying/reproduction, 18 mg/kg for laying hens and other laying/reproductive birds, 56 mg/kg for dogs and 47 mg/kg for horses and cats. The additive is considered safe for consumers when used up to the highest safe level in feed for poultry species and horses. Omicha tincture should be considered as irritants to skin and eyes, and as dermal and respiratory sensitisers. The use of omicha tincture as a flavour in feed for poultry species and horses was not considered to be a risk to the environment. Since it was recognised that the fruit of S. chinensis can influence sensory properties of feedingstuffs, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary for the tincture under assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: ε-polylysine hydrochloride (ε-PLH) is a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide extensively utilized in the food and medical industries. However, its impact on animal husbandry remains to be further explored. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of ε-PLH on laying hens' health and laying performance. RESULTS: Dietary supplementationwith ε-PLH to the diet significantly increased average egg weight during weeks 1-8. Meanwhile, compared with the control group, supplementation with ε-PLH decreased the feed egg ratio during weeks 9-12 and egg breakage rate during weeks 9-16, whereas it increased eggshell strength during weeks 1-4 and 13-16 . The ε-PLH 0.05% group increased yolk percentage during weeks 5-8 and yolk color during weeks 1-4 . Furthermore, ε-PLH supplementation significantly increased the concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin and reproductive hormones estradiol, as well as decreased interleukin-1 beta and malondialdehyde in the serum. Compared with the control group, supplementation with 0.05% ε-PLH significantly increased the relative abundance of Cyanobacteria and Gastranaerophilales and decreased the abundance of Desulfovibrio and Streptococcus in the cecum microbiota. In addition, ε-PLH 0.1% supplementation also increased acetic acid content in the cecum. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation with ε-PLH has a positive impact on both productive performance and egg quality in laying hens. Furthermore, ε-PLH can also relieve inflammation by promoting the immunity and reducing oxidative damage during egg production. ε-PLH has been shown to improve intestinal morphology, gut microbial diversity and intestinal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Improving the production performance and egg quality of laying hens in the late-laying period has become an urgent problem. This study confirmed that dietary supplementation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD3) instead of vitamin D3 (VD3) improved production performance and egg quality, maintained the jejunal morphology, and enhanced tibia quality by increasing the concentration of circulating 25-OHD3 and Ca absorption in late-laying-period hens. The superiority of 25-OHD3 over VD3 indicates that it has the potential to prevent an age-induced decrease in production performance and osteoporosis in laying hens, thereby contributing to extending the feeding cycle of laying hens. This study aimed to investigate whether a dietary 25-OHD3 addition improved the performance, egg quality, blood indexes, antioxidant status, jejunal morphology, and tibia quality of aged laying hens compared to a dietary VD3 addition. A total of 270 Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 55 wk of age were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments with six replicates (15 birds per replicate with 3 birds per cage). Chickens were fed a corn–soybean meal diet supplementation of 4000 IU/kg VD3 (control group), 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 and 2000 IU/kg VD3 (experimental group 1), or 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 and 4000 IU/kg VD3 (experimental group 2) for 12 weeks. The results demonstrated that 25-OHD3 caused a significant increase in the laying rate, especially in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 2000 IU/kg VD3 group; the laying rate reached the maximum compared with other groups after 12 weeks (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant effects on the average egg weight, average daily feed intake, or feed-to-egg ratio (p > 0.05). A dietary supplementation of 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 and 2000 IU/kg VD3 provided an improved eggshell strength, thick albumen height, and Haugh unit after 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Further analysis of the blood indexes showed that alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphorus were enhanced significantly in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 2000 IU/kg VD3 group, while the content of total bilirubin decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, the 25-OHD3 addition in diets improved the calcium and phosphorus contents in the serum (p < 0.05). The concentrations of 25-OHD3, parathyroid hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone, and progesterone were increased in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 2000 IU/kg VD3 group, and the levels of cortisol, calcitonin, bone gla protein, and endotoxin in the serum reached a minimum in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 4000 IU/kg VD3 group (p < 0.05), which constitutes an advantage for the aged laying hens. The antioxidant enzyme activities and free radical scavenging abilities in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 2000 IU/kg VD3 group increased markedly, and the MDA level decreased significantly in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 4000 IU/kg VD3 group (p < 0.05). Improvements in jejunal morphology and intestinal integrity resulted in an increased villi-length-to-crypt-depth ratio in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 2000 IU/kg VD3 group (p < 0.05). Dietary 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 and 2000 IU/kg VD3 additions improved the tibia quality, including fresh tibia weight, strength, mineral content (Ca), and trabeculae area (p < 0.05). Taken together, compared with the dietary VD3 addition, dietary supplementation of 25-OHD3 supported a stable physiological status for sustained egg production, egg quality, and bone quality in late-phase laying hens, and the addition levels of 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 and 2000 IU/kg VD3 had the best effect. Therefore, this could provide a theoretical basis for the use of 25-OHD3 as a substitute forVD3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Promoting sustainability in food production has become essential to meet market demands, mainly due to its tendency to expand throughout the world. Life cycle assessment is a methodology recognized for providing quantitative information on the environmental impacts caused throughout the production cycle in different categories. The objective of this study was to carry out an assessment of the life cycle, from the cradle to the farm gate, following ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, for the battery cage egg production systems and associated products in Brazil. The results showed that interventions focused on feed formulation, manure management, and the welfare of laying hens play a fundamental role in promoting sustainability in battery cage egg production systems. Brazil stands as one of the world's leading producers of animal protein, ranking sixth in global egg production. However, estimated growth in production demand, along with environmental impacts, represents a potential threat to the sustainability of the food system. Methods for assessing and quantifying the environmental impacts generated by Brazilian egg production remain scarce, lacking current reports on comparative effects or guiding standards. The objective of this study was to conduct a life cycle assessment from cradle to farm gate, adhering to ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, for the battery cage egg production systems and associated products in Brazil, with the aim of supporting and promoting sustainability improvements in the Brazilian egg industry. The entire life cycle modeling and process sustainability analysis were executed using the openLCA software, integrated with the Ecoinvent database. Emissions related to egg production yielded results of 65.06 kg SO2 eq., 27.74 kg N eq., 3086.71 kg CO2 eq., 75,152.66 CTUe, 2.75 × 10−5 CFC-11 eq., and 10,044.68 kg MJ eq. per ton of eggs produced. These findings can serve as comparative benchmarks for future studies and for analyzing data across different egg production systems in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incubation, the process of successfully transferring the content of an egg into a living day old chick, and it is difficult to even imagine the complexity of the processes that are required inside of the egg to make it happen. However, the success of incubation is, next to the quality of the hatching egg to start with, highly determined by our ability to create the required climatic conditions around the eggs. To be able to successfully incubate, we have to first of all understand the requirements of the embryo, and then design, set and operate our machines in a way that meets the requirements of the embryo in the most adequate way. To create this optimum environment around the egg, we have to understand the physics that are involved in the process, as physics will determine the environment in the machines. To understand the requirements of the embryo, in theory we can simply look at the way mother hen does her incubation. With her millions of years of experience, she without any question will know the best what the embryo requires. However, this not necessarily guide us in the way to develop and set the machines, as she uses some different methods to create those conditions compared to our machines with many thousands of eggs. Within our machines, several factors are interacting with each other that are determining the outcome in a way that mother hen doesn't have to worry about. But nevertheless, we can learn some important lessons from her, especially lessons about the importance of conditions for the embryo versus importance of factors that are involved in an adequate functioning of the machines. If we look at the way mother hen incubates her eggs, it is clear that she only cares about temperature and turning. She doesn't even care about storage conditions, as the first egg from a clutch of 10 eggs will have to wait at least 10 days before she decides that incubation will start, and in that period she doesn't control conditions like storage temperature or humidity. But once incubation starts, she focusses on keeping the temperature on the required level and turning the eggs on a regular base. In fact, its not only mother hen that regulates the temperature, also the embryo plays an active role by directing more or less blood towards the cooler nest side of the egg (TZSCHENTKE and RUMPF, 2011), in that way finetuning the temperature inside of the egg. But mother hen doesn't control factors that are important in our process of artificial incubation like relative humidity (RH) and carbon dioxide (CO2). This suggests that controlling RH and CO might have more relation with the functioning of the machines than with the requirements of the embryo by itself (MEIJERHOF, 2009; OWEN, 1991). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the effects of a mixture of glycerol monolaurate and cinnamaldehyde (GCM) supplementation on the laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and serum parameters of laying hens. A total of 1120 14‐week‐old Jingfen‐1 strain laying hens with similar performance were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: control, and GCM groups supplemented with 250, 500, or 1000 mg kg−1 for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, GCM‐supplemented groups significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the rate of unqualified eggs of laying hens aged 17–24 weeks. Supplementation of GCM significantly increased (P < 0.05) yolk color and serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity but decreased (P < 0.05) the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content in the serum of laying hens at the age of 20 weeks. Furthermore, groups supplemented with GCM showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in Haugh unit, yolk color, activities of total superoxide dismutase and GSH‐Px, and the glucose content in serum, and a decrease (P < 0.05) in the content of urea nitrogen and H2O2 and malondialdehyde in serum of laying hens at the age of 24 weeks. 500 mg kg−1 GCM supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) the number of large white follicles and 1000 mg kg−1 GCM supplementation decreased the number of large yellow follicles in 28‐week‐old laying hens. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that GCM supplementation has positive effects on reducing egg loss and improving egg quality in the early laying period of laying hens. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the application of the A-priori algorithm for defining the rule-based relationships between individual defects caused during the lamination process, affecting the deformation defect of the yacht shell. The data from 542 yachts were collected and evaluated. For the proper development of the algorithm, a technological process of the yacht lamination supported by expert decisions was described. The laminating technology is a complex process of a sequential application of individual laminates according to a special strategy. The A-priori algorithm allowed for obtaining the set of association rules defining the relationships between the defects resulting from the lamination process and influencing the deformation defect of the yacht shell, which is one of the most common errors in yacht production. The obtained aggregated rules were compared with the expert knowledge of the employees of the production, quality control, mould regeneration, and technology departments of the yacht yard. The use of the proposed A-priori algorithm allowed for the generation of relationship rules consistent with the general opinion of experts. Associative rules additionally took into account detailed causes of a specific error, which were not always noticed by employees of specific departments. The assessment of the lamination process using an artificial intelligence algorithm turned out to be more objective, which made it possible to gradually reduce the total number of errors occurring in the yacht shell lamination process, and thus shorten the time needed to repair errors and the total time of producing the yacht. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary inclusion of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) can improve egg shell quality through changing the membrane structure. This study aimed to compare the responses of egg shell to different mineral sources. In this study, 60-week-old laying hens (n = 378) were assigned to one of seven treatments with 18 replicates each in an RCBD. Treatments included the following: control (basal + sulfated minerals (CuSO4, MnSO4, and ZnSO4)), and basal + amino acid complexed (AAC) minerals (AAC Cu, AAC Mn, AAC Zn, AAC Cu + Mn, AAC Mn + Zn, AAC Zn + Cu). Trace minerals were added to a basal diet containing 20 ppm MnSO4 and 20 ppm ZnSO4 to achieve overall target concentrations of 20 ppm Cu, 60 ppm Mn, and 60 ppm Zn. The hens were fed the treatment diet for 15 weeks, and egg production and egg quality were assessed during weeks 5, 10, and 15 of the experiment. Egg shells, egg contents, and excreta were analyzed for Cu, Mn, Zn, Ca, and P during weeks 10 and 15. No treatment differences (p > 0.05) were observed for production or egg quality. Differences between excreta mineral content were observed. The mineral content of egg shells and egg contents did not differ (p > 0.05) at any time point. The mineral source did not affect egg mineral deposition and egg quality measures (p > 0.05). Some AAC trace minerals enhanced retention of zinc, calcium, and manganese, although AAC Cu increased Cu excretion. Taken together, feeding AAC trace minerals does not significantly affect egg production or egg quality during the late-lay period. More research is needed to demonstrate whether Cu excretion is increased when feeding AAC Cu due to increased bioavailability or other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Antrodia cinnamomea culture on performance, egg quality and serum antioxidant indexes of laying hens in late peak period. A total of 288 Hyline white laying hens (400 days of age) with similar body condition and laying performance in the late peak period of laying were randomly divided into four groups: control group and low, medium and high dose groups. Laying hens in control group were fed a basal diet, and laying hens in low, medium and high dose groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg Antrodia cinnamomea culture, respectively. The pre-test lasted for seven days and the experiment lasted for 28 days. The results showed as follows: compared with the control group, the laying rate, daily feed intake and daily egg weight in the Antrodia cinnamomea culture group were slightly increased, and the ratio of feed to egg in the 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg Antrodia cinnamomea culture groups were slightly lower than that in the control group, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05); Antrodia cinnamomea culture had no significant effect on egg quality. The proportion of dark red liver in 200 mg/kg Antrodia cinnamomea culture group was 83.33% with the increase of Antrodia cinnamomea culture dosage. With the increase of Antrodia cinnamomea culture, the pathological changes of liver tissue slices of laying hens could be reduced or disappeared; the superoxide dismutase (SOD) content of 200 mg/kg Antrodia cinnamomea culture group was significantly higher than that of 50 mg/kg group and control group (P<0.05), but the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were not significantly different among all groups (P>0.05). When 50 g and 100 g Antrodia cinnamomea culture were added to the diet per ton, 72 laying hens fed for 28 days could gain an additional profit of 34.4 yuan and 58.4 yuan, respectively. In conclusion, Antrodia cinnamomea culture can improve the production performance of laying hens in the late peak period, reduce the incidence of fatty liver of laying hens, improve serum antioxidant indexes, and increase the breeding income of farmers, among which the 100 mg/kg group of Antrodia cinnamomea has the best profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of biofermented feed on the performance, egg quality and intestinal microflora of laying hens. A total of 18 000 healthy laying hens at 43 weeks of age with similar egg production rate and average egg weight were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups (6 replicates per group). The control group was fed the basic diet, and the experimental group was fed the basic diet with 5% fermented feed. The experimental period was 60 days. The results were as follows: ① compared with the control group, the egg production rate of the experimental group increased, and the feed to egg ratio, egg breakage rate and dead rate were reduced. ② On the 60th day, the average egg weight, egg white height, yolk color, eggshell weight and yolk weight of the test group were all extremely significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.01), and the eggshell thickness was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). ③ Compared with the control group, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities of the test group were significantly increased (P<0.05); malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly decreased (P<0.05); and the immunoglobulin G (IgG) content was highly significantly increased (P<0.01). ④ Compared with the control group, the experimental group of laying hens showed an increase in the abundance of the intestinal thick-walled phylum, a decrease in the abundance of the anaplastic phylum, an increase in the intestinal thick-walled phylum/anaplastic phylum (F/B) ratio, and an increase in the diversity of the community. It can be seen that the addition of biofermented feed to the ration can improve the production performance of laying hens, improve egg quality, enhance the antioxidant capacity and immunity of laying hens, and improve the intestinal microflora of laying hens. Therefore, it is important to use biofermented feeds to improve the performance and intestinal health of laying hens, and this paper can pro‐ vide a reference for the popularization and application of biofermented feeds in laying hens' diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Due to current selection practices for increased egg production and peak persistency, the production profile, age at maturity, and body weight criteria for commercial layers are constantly changing. Body weight and age at the time of photostimulation will thus always be the factors that need to be adequately addressed among various production systems. The current study was carried out to determine the effects of pullets' body weight (low, medium, and heavy) on their performance, welfare, physiological response, and hormonal profile. Methods: With regard to live weight, 150 16-week-old pullets were divided into three groups using a completely randomized design (CRD) and held until the 50th week. One-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the data under the CRD, and the least significant difference test was used to distinguish between treatment means. Results: In comparison to the medium and light birds, the heavy birds had higher body weight at maturity, an earlier age at maturity, and higher egg weight, eggshell weight, eggshell thickness, egg yolk index, breaking strength, egg surface area, egg shape index, egg volume, and hormonal profile except corticosterone. However, the medium and light birds had lower feed consumption rates per dozen eggs and per kilogram of egg mass than the heavy birds. Light birds showed greater body weight gain, egg production, and egg specific gravity than the other categories. At 20 weeks of age, physiological response, welfare aspects, and catalase were non-significant; however, at 50 weeks of age, all these factors—aside from catalase—were extremely significant. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that layers can function at lower body weights during photostimulation; hence, dietary regimens that result in lighter pullets may be preferable. Additionally, the welfare of the birds was not compromised by the lighter weight group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to determine the effect of enzymatic pre-digestion of fermented palm kernel cake in the laying hen's diet on the performance production, nutrient digestibility, egg quality, and egg chemical content. Palm kernel cake (PKC) was added with 3% ammonium sulfate and then fermented by using Saccharomyces cerevisiae for 5 days (FPKC). The FPKC was hydrolyzed with mannanase to produce enzymatic pre-digestion of FPKC (EPFPKC). The study used a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 6 replications. The EPFPKC-containing diets were fed to 240 Lohmann Brown laying hens aged 19 weeks old for 3 months. The diets were D-1 (without EPFPKC), D-2 (5% EPFPKC), D-3 (10% EPFPKC), D-4 (15% EPFPKC), and D-5 (20% EPFPKC). Feed and drinking water were available at all times. Total fecal discharges were collected for three consecutive days to measure feed digestibility. The variables measured were feed digestibility, production performance, egg quality, lauric acid, cholesterol, and beta-carotene content of eggs. Data were analyzed with the variance analysis. The results showed that fermentation could increase the protein content of PKC and decrease the crude fiber content. The addition of EPFPKC in the diets increased dry matter, protein, and crude fiber digestibility and improved the quality of albumen and yolk during 28 days of storage at room temperature. Adding EPFPKC also increased the concentration of lauric acid and beta-carotene in eggs. In conclusion, the addition of 15% of enzymatic pre-digestion of fermented palm kernel cake (D-4) in the diet improves the quality of eggs stored for 28 days, and increases the concentration of lauric acid and beta carotene in eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of selenium yeast and vitamin E supplementation on hematological parameters, egg production, and quality in laying hens aged beyond 94 weeks. The experiment adhered to ethical regulations and employed a Completely Randomized Design Dietary treatments included a basal diet (T0), or a basal diet supplemented with 0.450 mg selenium yeast and 100 mg vitamin E (T1), 0.675 mg selenium yeast and 100 mg vitamin E (T2), 0.450 mg selenium yeast and 200 mg vitamin E (T3), 0.675 mg selenium yeast and 200 mg vitamin E per kg diet (T4). There were 125 hens divided in five treatments and five replicates that contained five hens per replicate. Hematological parameters, egg production, and egg quality were determined. The T4 treatment reduced red blood cell counts (P<0.05), potentially impacting erythropoiesis. The T3 treatment increased lymphocyte content and decreased heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (P<0.05), which concurs with an increase in egg weight, egg mass, and Haugh Unit, and decreased feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). Thus, this study demonstrated that incorporating these supplements with the specified dosage (0.450 mg selenium yeast and 200 mg vitamin E per kg diet) in aged laying hens can enhance productivity and egg quality at the end of the production cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of Chinese herbal medicine on the laying performance, egg quality, and serum indexes of Bashang long-tailed chickens in the late laying stage. A total of 240 Bashang long-tailed chickens aged 470 days were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates in each group and 10 chickens in each replicate. The control group was fed with basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed with 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% Chinese herbal medicine additives, respectively. The pre-test period was seven days, and the formal test period was 56 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the laying rate of the 1.5% dosage group increased significantly (/k0.05), and the average egg weight of the 1.0% and 2.0% dosage groups increased significantly (P<0.05). The Huff unit of the 1.0% and 1.5% dosage group tended to increase (jP>0.05), and the eggshell thickness of the 1.5% dosage group increased significantly (/kO.05). The activity of glutathione superoxide dismutase (GSH-Px) in serum of the 1.5% dosage group increased significantly (/k0.05). Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Prog) were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the serum levels of FSH were significantly increased in the 1.5% and 2.0% dosage groups (P<0.01). The serum levels of interferon-y (DFN-y) in the 1.5% and 2.0% dosage groups were significantly increased (PcO.Ol), and the serum levels of interleukin-2 (EL-2) in the 2.0% dosage group were significantly increased (fkO.Ol). The result shows that dietary Chinese herbal additives can increase laying rate, improve egg quality, enhance antioxidant capacity, promote the secretion of reproductive hormones, and improve the immune function of Bashang long-tail chickens in late laying period. The suitable supplemental level of Chinese herbal medicines is 1.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of poultry aspergillosis and evaluate the accuracy of histopathology (test under evaluation) and mycological culture (an imperfect reference test). Farms raising layer and breeder or broiler birds, with suspected aspergillosis cases, clinical or subclinical, were eligible and visited for sampling. After necropsy, histopathology and mycological culture examinations were conducted by two evaluators. A Bayesian latent class model was used to estimate the accuracy of histopathology when compared to the imperfect reference test, mycological culture. A total of 142 chicken farms, 96 laying and breeding hen farms, and 46 broiler farms were used for the study. True aspergillosis median prevalence was estimated at 63.7% (95% credibility intervals, CrI: 53.8%, 73.0%) in layers and breeders and at 65.2% (95% CrI: 50.2%, 78.3%) in the broiler farms' population. The median diagnostic sensitivity of histopathology and culture were estimated at, respectively, 98.8% (95% CrI: 94.6%, 100.0%) and 90.4% (95% CrI: 83.6%, 95.3%). Tests' diagnostic specificity was estimated at, respectively, 97.3% (95% CrI: 87.7%, 99.9%) and 95.7% (95% CrI: 91.8%, 98.2%). Both tests had very high and comparable positive predictive values, but, in a population where disease prevalence was 25%, histopathology had a higher negative predictive value than culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine in adult chickens which of 3 CPR techniques, sternal compressions (SC), SC with interposed caudal coelomic compressions (ICCC), or lateral compressions (LC), results in the highest mean systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) as measured directly from the carotid artery. Design: Prospective, nonblinded, experimental crossover study. Setting: University teaching hospital laboratory. Animals: Ten retired laying hens. Interventions: Birds were sedated, anesthetized, and placed in dorsal recumbency. A carotid artery catheter was placed to directly measure arterial pressure. Ventricular fibrillation was induced with direct cardiac stimulation using a 9‐Volt battery. Each bird then received 2 minutes of the 3 different cardiac compression techniques in a random order by 3 different compressors, with the compressor order also randomized. Birds were subsequently administered IV epinephrine, and transthoracic defibrillation was attempted. At the end of experimentation, each bird was euthanized, and simple gross necropsies were performed. Linear mixed models followed by pairwise paired t‐tests were performed to evaluate differences in pressures generated by each technique. Measurements and Main Results: The primary study outcomes were SAP, DAP, and MAP over 2 minutes of compressions for each compression technique. Pressures from ICCC (SAP: 27.6 ± 5.3 mm Hg, DAP: 18.7 ± 5.2 mm Hg, MAP: 21.7 ± 5.2 mm Hg) were significantly higher than those from LC (SAP: 18.9 ± 5.4 mm Hg, DAP: 11.6 ± 4.1 mm Hg, MAP: 14.1 ± 4.5 mm Hg). Pressures from SC (SAP: 24.5 ± 6.4 mm Hg, DAP: 15.2 ± 4.3 mm Hg, MAP: 18.3 ± 5.0 mm Hg) were not significantly different from ICCC or LC. Conclusions: External compressions can generate detectable increases in arterial pressure in chickens with ventricular fibrillation. SC with ICCC generated significantly higher arterial pressures than LC. SC alone generated blood pressures that were not significantly different from those generated by SC with ICCC or LC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study explores the effectiveness of the use of cactus pear meal in the feeding of laying hens to improve production and reduce costs. The objective was to evaluate the impact of different proportions of this flour on the birds' diet. The variety "Miúda" of cactus pear was found to be the most efficient, improving energy utilization and nutrient digestibility. Although the birds' productive performance was not significantly affected by the use of up to 9% of flour in the diet, improvements were observed in egg quality, including in the texture and color of the yolk, as well as a healthier composition in terms of fatty acids and cholesterol. The study concludes that a 3% inclusion of cactus pear meal is the most economically suitable, offering benefits without compromising quality or performance. These findings are important for egg farmers who seek sustainable and economical alternatives, thus contributing to a more conscious society regarding food production and nutrition. Little information is available in the literature on the use of cactus pear meal (CPM) in poultry diets; therefore, it is important to evaluate diets that provide excellent performance and lower production costs. Our objective was to study the use of Miúda CPM in the diets of laying hens. In the first study, two diets for male and female chicks were used—1: 80% reference diet + 20% Miúda cactus pear meal (CPM) and 2: 80% reference diet + 20% Gigante cactus pear meal (CPM). The variety Miúda provided a better use of metabolizable energy, as well as a greater digestibility coefficient of dry matter, protein, and mineral matter. In the second study, a control diet was compared to three diets with different levels of Miúda CPM for laying hens in the proportions of 3%, 6%, and 9%. No significant differences were found in productive performance. However, there were significant differences in the some parameters egg quality, texture and color profile of the cooked yolk, egg composition, fatty acids and cholesterol in the yolk. It is possible to use 9% Miúda CPM in the diet of laying hens in a semi-intensive system that does not compromise performance and egg quality, and using 3% Miúda CPM provides a higher economic return. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally assumed that larger juveniles are more physiologically mature, hence their overall condition and subsequent performance are higher.Some taxa face extreme workload transitions during development (e.g. nest departure in birds), which may select for non‐linear growth profiles that decouple relationships between body size and physiological state, making the links between metrics of development (e.g. body mass) and juvenile performance uncertain.We manipulated perceived mass in European starlings approaching fledging using 4.0 g weighted backpacks, measuring subsequent growth trajectories (mass, wing length) and physiological state (aerobic capacity, energy state, oxidative status) to test whether body size and physiology are coupled during a non‐linear developmental phase (pre‐fledging mass recession). Nanotag radio transmitters were then used to track post‐fledging performance (activity, activity‐slope, dispersal).Weighted nestlings had greater pre‐fledging mass recession and marginally reduced wing growth when compared to controls. Consequently, weighted birds had lower body mass at fledging, while also displaying markers of oxidative stress (increased reactive oxygen metabolites), yet aerobic capacity and energy state were equal between treatment groups.Previously weighted birds showed no correlation between fledgling state (body size, physiology) and subsequent performance. However, control fledglings that had decreased mass recession and greater wing growth prior to fledging dispersed earlier, while longer wings at fledging were associated with more rapid increases in post‐fledging activity (activity‐slope). In addition, control fledglings with lower haemoglobin also dispersed earlier, while increased reactive oxygen metabolites were associated with decreased activity levels. Body mass and energy state were unrelated to any metric of post‐fledging performance.Our data suggest mass‐independent development of some physiological traits in species with non‐linear growth profiles, potentially with a context‐dependent oxidative cost, and that physiology may predict some measures of post‐fledging performance not captured by body size. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]