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Duan G, Liu W, Han H, Li D, Lei Q, Zhou Y, Liu J, Wang J, Du Y, Cao D, Chen F, Li F. Transcriptome and histological analyses on the uterus of freckle egg laying hens. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:738. [PMID: 38049727 PMCID: PMC10696746 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09828-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we explored the characteristics and causes of freckle formation. We collected 15 normal and freckled eggs each for eggshell index testing and hypothesized that the structure and function of the uterus would have a direct effect on freckled egg production given that eggshells are formed in the uterus. To test this hypothesis, we collected uterine tissue from laying hens (418 days of age) that laid normal (Group C, n = 13) and freckled (Group T, n = 16) eggs for 7 consecutive days. RESULTS When we examined the eggshell quality, we found that the L value was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the freckled site group of freckled eggs compared to the normal egg group during the detection of blunt pole, equator, and sharp pole of the eggshell color. The a-values of the three positions were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the freckled site group of freckled eggs, and the a-values of the blunt pole were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the background site group of freckled eggs, compared to the normal egg group. The b-values were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at three locations in the freckled site group of freckled eggs compared to the normal egg group. During the detection of eggshell thickness, the blunt pole was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the freckled egg site group of freckled eggs compared to the normal egg group, and there was no significant difference between the other groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the transverse and longitudinal diameters of the eggs in each group.We then performed histopathology and transcriptome analyses on the collected tissue. When compared with group C, uterine junctional epithelial cells in group T showed significant defects and cilia loss, and epithelial tissue was poorly intact. From transcriptomics, genes that met (|log2FC|) ≥ 1 and P < 0.05 criteria were screened as differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We identified a total of 136 DEGs, with 101 up- and 35 down-regulated genes from our RNA-seq data. DEGs identified by enrichment analyses, which were potentially associated with freckled egg production were: IFI6, CCL19, AvBD10, AvBD11, S100A12, POMC, and UCN3. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses showed that pathways were associated with immunoreaction and stress stimulation, e.g., complement activation, interleukin-1 cell reactions, viral responses, cell reactions stimulated by corticotropin releasing hormone, steroid hormone mediated signaling pathways, staphylococcal infections, B cell receptor signaling pathways, and natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS From these data, freckled areas deepen freckled eggshell color, but background areas are not affected. At the same time,we reasoned that freckle eggs may result from abnormal immune responses and impaired uterine functions induced by stress. Therefore, the uterus of laying hens in a state of stress and abnormal immune function can cause the appearance of freckled eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guochao Duan
- Poultry Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Poultry Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
- Poultry Breeding Engineering Technology Center of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Haixia Han
- Poultry Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
- Poultry Breeding Engineering Technology Center of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Dapeng Li
- Poultry Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
- Poultry Breeding Engineering Technology Center of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Qiuxia Lei
- Poultry Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
- Poultry Breeding Engineering Technology Center of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Poultry Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
- Poultry Breeding Engineering Technology Center of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Poultry Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
- Poultry Breeding Engineering Technology Center of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Poultry Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
- Poultry Breeding Engineering Technology Center of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Yuanjun Du
- Poultry Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Dingguo Cao
- Poultry Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
- Poultry Breeding Engineering Technology Center of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Fu Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Fuwei Li
- Poultry Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China.
- Poultry Breeding Engineering Technology Center of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250100, China.
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Wang H, Cahaner A, Lou L, Zhang L, Ge Y, Li Q, Pan Y, Zhang X. Genetics and breeding of a black-bone and blue eggshell chicken line. 3. Visual eggshell color and colorimeter parameters in 3 consecutive generations. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103052. [PMID: 37734360 PMCID: PMC10518581 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The BG line, originated by crossing 2 Chinese indigenous breeds, Dongxiang blue eggshell and Jiangshan black-bone, has been bred for black carcass and blue-greenish eggs. Aiming to study the genetic parameters and selection aspects of these eggshell colors, the 4 colorimeter parameters (L*, a*, b*, SCI = L*-a*-b*) were measured on ∼5 eggs/hen/age (200 d and 300 d) from each hen in 3 generations (G4 = 452, G5 = 508, G6 = 498). Visual eggshell color was classified as either "Light," "Blue," "Green," or "Olive," and data from G4 and G5 indicated that visual eggshell color was more accurately determined by combining the classifications of single representative egg/hen by 4 independent observers. Based on the apparent gradual variation in visual color, the 4 colors were expressed numerically (Light = 1, Blue = 2, Green = 3, Olive = 4) and the averages of the 4 observers (AveObs) were used as quantitative expression of the visual color of each egg. This expression, in the range from Blue to Olive, was highly significantly correlated with L*, b* and SCI. The a* values were also associated with AveObs, but not linearly; AveObs between 2 (Blue) and 3 (Green) had lowest a*, and it increased as AveObs was more Light (<2) or more Olive (>3). The heritability estimates of the colorimeter parameters were mostly very high; those of b* and SCI ranged between 0.7 and 0.8, and those of L* and a* between 0.6 and 0.7, indicating that they can serve as criterions to select for blue and/or green eggshells. The phenotypic and genetic correlations between the colorimeter parameters were highly significant and favorable. It is suggested that effective breeding for blue eggs can be done by selecting hens laying eggs with highest SCI/L* or lowest b* (against green and olive shades), followed by selection for low a* (against light shades). Breeding for green eggs can be done by selecting hens laying eggs with SCI ≈ 75 and/or L* ≈ 80 and/or b* ≈ 12. Breeding for hens that lay either blue or green eggs can be done by selection for low a* values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Avigdor Cahaner
- Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Lifeng Lou
- Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Ying Ge
- Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Qinghai Li
- Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yuchun Pan
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xuedong Zhang
- Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
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Zeng L, Xu G, Jiang C, Li J, Zheng J. Research Note: L*a*b* color space for prediction of eggshell pigment content in differently colored eggs. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101942. [PMID: 35679636 PMCID: PMC9189198 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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MURUZ H, ATMACA E, AKSOY A. A comparative study on egg cholesterol contents and eggshell protoporphyrin and biliverdin pigments of different poultry species. ANKARA ÜNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKÜLTESI DERGISI 2022. [DOI: 10.33988/auvfd.933798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Milovanovic B, Tomovic V, Djekic I, Solowiej BG, Lorenzo JM, Barba FJ, Tomasevic I. Color assessment of the eggs using computer vision system and Minolta colorimeter. JOURNAL OF FOOD MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11694-021-01085-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Lu MY, Xu L, Qi GH, Zhang HJ, Qiu K, Wang J, Wu SG. Mechanisms associated with the depigmentation of brown eggshells: a review. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101273. [PMID: 34214744 PMCID: PMC8258675 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Eggshell color is an important shell quality trait that influences consumer preference. It is also of particular importance with respect to sexual signaling and the physiological and mechanical properties of shell pigment. Pigments include protoporphyrin IX, biliverdin, and traces of biliverdin zinc chelates, with brown eggs being notably rich in protoporphyrin IX, the synthesis of which has a marked effect on the intensity of brown eggshell color. This pigment is initially synthesized in the eggshell gland within the oviduct of laying hens and is subsequently deposited throughout the cuticular and calcareous layers of brown eggshell. In this review, we describe the factors affecting brown eggshell color and potential targets for the regulation of pigment synthesis. Protoporphyrin IX synthesis might be compromised by synthetase-mediated pigment synthesis, the redox status of the female birds, and regulation of the nuclear transcription factors associated with δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase1. We believe that this review will provide a valuable reference for those engaged in studying eggshell depigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yuan Lu
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Li Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Guang-Hai Qi
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hai-Jun Zhang
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Kai Qiu
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Shu-Geng Wu
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
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Ramirez SY, Peñuela-Sierra LM, Ospina MA. Effects of oregano ( Lippia origanoides) essential oil supplementation on the performance, egg quality, and intestinal morphometry of Isa Brown laying hens. Vet World 2021; 14:595-602. [PMID: 33935403 PMCID: PMC8076468 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.595-602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: The use of antibiotics as growth promoters in the feed of poultry, has contributed to an increase in the antimicrobial resistance of foodborne pathogens worldwide. Hence, the development of new effective alternatives to antibiotics that do not hinder productivity is imperative. For this, the aim of the present study was to determine whether oregano essential oil (OEO) extracted from Lippia origanoides is a suitable alternative to growth-promoting antibiotics (GPAs) for improving the performance, egg quality, and intestinal morphometry of ISA Brown laying hens. Materials and Methods: A total of ninety-six 70-week-old ISA Brown laying hens were randomly assigned to four treatment groups with four replicates per treatment and six hens per replicate. The treatments consisted of four different diets that were formulated according to the nutritional requirements of the genetic line and the production phase with and without the addition of GPA and OEO: NC, which did not contain OEO or GPA; GPA, which included 50 ppm zinc bacitracin as a GPA; 80OEO, which included 80 ppm OEO and no GPA; and 150OEO, which included 150 ppm OEO and no GPA. Results: All of the OEO and GPA treatment groups had a better feed conversion ratio than the NC group. However, the addition of 150 ppm OEO to the diet improved the percentage egg production and egg mass, as well as the external and internal quality of the egg compared with the other treatments. In addition, both the 80OEO and 150OEO treatments improved the yolk color, shell thickness, and shell color, as well as parameters related to the intestinal morphometry compared with the NC group. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that 150 ppm OEO can be used as a substitute for GPA to improve the performance, egg quality, and parameters related to the intestinal morphometry of ISA Brown laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swanny Y Ramirez
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Lina M Peñuela-Sierra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Maria A Ospina
- Department of Biology, Faculty Science, University of Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
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Bari MS, Downing JA, Dyall TR, Lee C, Campbell DLM. Relationships Between Rearing Enrichments, Range Use, and an Environmental Stressor for Free-Range Laying Hen Welfare. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:480. [PMID: 32923465 PMCID: PMC7457091 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Enrichments during pullet rearing may improve adaptation and welfare of hens as they move from indoor rearing to a free-range system. Individual variation in outdoor ranging may also affect welfare. This study assessed the effects of rearing enrichments and an imposed environmental stressor on hen welfare and egg quality along with the association of welfare with ranging. Hy-Line Brown® chicks (n = 1,386) were reared indoors until 16 weeks with 3 enrichment treatments including a "control" group with standard floor litter, a "novelty" group that received novel objects that were changed weekly, and a "structural" group with H-shaped perching structures. Pullets were then moved to a free-range system with three replicates of each rearing treatment. Daily ranging was individually tracked from 25 to 64 weeks via radiofrequency identification technology. Individual hen welfare assessments were performed at 25, 33, 43, 56, and 64 weeks and correlated with ranging time prior to these dates. At 44 weeks, the range area was reduced by 80% for 11 days to induce stress. Changes in ranging behavior, albumen corticosterone concentrations and egg quality were evaluated. GLMMs showed significant interactions between hen age and rearing treatment for live weight, number of comb wounds, plumage coverage, and toenail length (all P ≤ 0.003), with the enriched hens showing more consistent live weight at the later ages, fewer comb wounds at 33 weeks, and better plumage coverage at the later ages, whereas the structural hens had shorter toenails as age increased. Plumage coverage showed a positive relationship with range use across most age points (P < 0.0001). Hens reduced ranging time following the imposed stressor but increased their number of visits with the lowest increase by the structural hens (P = 0.03). Significant interactions between rearing treatment and stressor for albumen corticosterone concentrations showed the structural hens decreased concentrations immediately post-stress, but the control and novelty groups increased (P < 0.006). The stressor increased or decreased values of most egg quality parameters across all rearing groups (all P ≤ 0.02). Overall, provision of rearing enrichments and greater range use may have positive impacts on hen welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saiful Bari
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Department of Dairy and Poultry Science, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Jeff A. Downing
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim R. Dyall
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline Lee
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Dana L. M. Campbell
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
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Stelmasiak A, Damaziak K, Riedel J, Zdanowska-Sąsiadek Ż, Bucław M, Gozdowski D, Kruziñska B. Assessment of poultry egg liking scores using sighted and blind people. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2020; 100:421-430. [PMID: 31597199 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Of the 18 043 bird species, the eggs of only hen and quail are generally available to consumers. Thus people are deprived of the opportunity to benefit from the huge diversity of eggs offered by nature. Poultry eggs can vary in their color of albumen and yolk, smell, taste and texture. In this study, sighted and blind people were employed for sensory evaluation with the aim of determining the preferences of consumers toward hard-boiled and scrambled eggs of different species of birds, and whether the appearance of these eggs has an effect on the perception of other sensory impressions. RESULTS Sighted people differently evaluated the texture of both boiled and scrambled eggs as compared with blind people. This was mainly because blind people largely used their sense of touch for evaluation. All other attributes of boiled eggs were evaluated similarly by both groups of panelists, whereas those of scrambled eggs were evaluated differently. CONCLUSION The obtained results unequivocally demonstrated that differences in taste of scrambled eggs when served hot are easier to evaluate than those of boiled eggs. On the basis of ranking by the sensory panel, it was established that eggs of birds belonging to the order Galliformes are more preferred by consumers than those of duck and goose. By contrast, eggs of ostrich and emu are characterized by unfavorable sensory profiles; moreover, the albumen of boiled ostrich eggs has an unsightly appearance. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Stelmasiak
- Department of Technique and Food Development, Division of Engineering in Nutrition, University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Damaziak
- Department of Animal Breeding and Production, Poultry Breeding Division, University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Julia Riedel
- Department of Animal Breeding and Production, Poultry Breeding Division, University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Zdanowska-Sąsiadek
- Department of Animal Improvement, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Mateusz Bucław
- Department of Poultry and Ornamental Bird Breeding, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Gozdowski
- Department of Experimental Design and Bioinformatics, University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Brygida Kruziñska
- Department of Animal Breeding and Production, Poultry Breeding Division, University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Nondestructive VIS/NIR spectroscopy estimation of intravitelline vitamin E and cholesterol concentration in hen shell eggs. JOURNAL OF FOOD MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11694-019-00361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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11
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Early rearing enrichments influenced nest use and egg quality in free-range laying hens. Animal 2020; 14:1249-1257. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731119003094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Javůrková VG, Pokorná M, Mikšík I, Tůmová E. Concentration of egg white antimicrobial and immunomodulatory proteins is related to eggshell pigmentation across traditional chicken breeds. Poult Sci 2019; 98:6931-6941. [PMID: 31420680 PMCID: PMC8913977 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Gvoždíková Javůrková
- Department of Animal Science, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague – Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Corresponding author
| | - Monika Pokorná
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Mikšík
- Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Tůmová
- Department of Animal Science, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague – Suchdol, Czech Republic
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Egg quality and safety with an overview of edible coating application for egg preservation. Food Chem 2019; 296:29-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.05.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Developments in understanding and assessment of egg and egg product quality over the last century. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s0043933913000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Lorenc Z, Paśko S, Kursa O, Pakuła A, Sałbut L. Spectral technique for detection of changes in eggshells caused by Mycoplasma synoviae. Poult Sci 2019; 98:3481-3487. [PMID: 31002107 PMCID: PMC6698189 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) is a major pathogen in chicken and turkeys, causing subclinical infection. MS infections are highly prevalent and may potentate and be involved in sinovitis, respiratory syndromes, as well as lead to eggshell apex abnormality (EAA). A deformed, inhomogeneous eggshell is susceptible to cracks and breaks through which microbes get in and additionally entails higher water loss in the egg during the entire incubation process. Not all eggs with eggshell apex abnormality possess characteristic deformation and that is why some eggs may be incorrectly classified during a visual inspection. To minimize the above risk, the spectral VIS technique and the analysis based on the classification tree method-CTM is proposed. The method makes use of specially defined parameters extracted from the shape of transmittance spectra of eggshells. Directional coefficients of the lines adjusted to the specific ranges of the transmittance spectrum are used in the process of classifying samples as those from MS-carrying hens and from healthy hens. Three CTM-based classifiers were created for a group of white, brown, and mixed shells. After comparing, it can be concluded that the best results were obtained for the group of brown shells (accuracy 88%, specificity 88%, and false negative rate 13%). The authors present a non-invasive spectral method that utilizes eggshells, i.e., the natural waste from chicken farms. The method enables entering data into the classifiers described in the article. The process provides an opportunity to correctly assign, the examined shell to the group of shells with increased risk-with approx. 86% accuracy. This means that, if a few of such results are registered, the herd is eligible more specific studies targeting MS bacteria. Regular spectral testing can support the detection of egg lesions in MS positive flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Lorenc
- Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics, Faculty of Mechatronics, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-525 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Paśko
- Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics, Faculty of Mechatronics, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-525 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Olimpia Kursa
- Department of Poultry Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Anna Pakuła
- Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics, Faculty of Mechatronics, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-525 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Sałbut
- Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics, Faculty of Mechatronics, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-525 Warsaw, Poland
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Holveck MJ, Guerreiro R, Perret P, Doutrelant C, Grégoire A. Eggshell coloration indicates female condition during egg-laying: a field experiment in blue tits. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blz082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSeveral selection pressures may explain the evolution of avian eggshell coloration patterns. In cavity-nesting species, there are two main non-exclusive hypotheses. The sexually selected eggshell colour hypothesis proposes that eggshell coloration is a sexually selected signal of female and offspring quality used by males that influences paternal care or future re-mating decisions. The structural function hypothesis proposes that pigments help strengthen the eggshell and are present at higher levels and at the blunt end of the egg when females face calcium shortages. We tested whether eggshell coloration (brown spots on a white ground colour) in blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) could reliably indicate female condition at laying by forcing females to produce two consecutive clutches, thus increasing their reproductive costs. Three measures of eggshell coloration – the area covered by spots as well as white ground UV-chroma and brightness – changed between clutches; the fourth measure, spot distribution, did not. The changes were more dramatic in young and lower-quality females. All the measures varied with female quality (i.e. body condition and/or laying date). Overall, higher-quality females produced more colourful (larger, more concentrated spotted surface area; higher UV-chroma) and less bright (i.e. putatively more pigmented) eggshells, a result that is generally in line with past research. We found a clear empirical link between eggshell coloration and female condition in blue tits, an important step in determining whether eggshell coloration is a sexual signal, but which does not exclude a potential concomitant structural function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Jeanne Holveck
- CEFE UMR 5175, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Romain Guerreiro
- CEFE UMR 5175, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Perret
- CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Claire Doutrelant
- CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Arnaud Grégoire
- CEFE UMR 5175, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
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Dunn IC, Woolliams JA, Wilson PW, Icken W, Cavero D, Jones AC, Quinlan-Pluck F, Williams GOS, Olori V, Bain MM. Genetic variation and potential for genetic improvement of cuticle deposition on chicken eggs. Genet Sel Evol 2019; 51:25. [PMID: 31164080 PMCID: PMC6549311 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-019-0467-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cuticle is an invisible glycosylated protein layer that covers the outside of the eggshell and forms a barrier to the transmission of microorganisms. Cuticle-specific staining and in situ absorbance measurements have been used to quantify cuticle deposition in several pure breeds of chicken. For brown eggs, a pre-stain and a post-stain absorbance measurement is required to correct for intrinsic absorption by the natural pigment. For white eggs, a post-stain absorbance measurement alone is sufficient to estimate cuticle deposition. The objective of the research was to estimate genetic parameters and provide data to promote adoption of the technique to increase cuticle deposition and reduce vertical transmission of microorganisms. Results For all pure breeds examined here, i.e. Rhode Island Red, two White Leghorns, White Rock and a broiler breed, the estimate of heritability for cuticle deposition from a meta-analysis was moderately high (0.38 ± 0.04). In the Rhode Island Red breed, the estimate of the genetic correlation between measurements recorded at early and late times during the egg-laying period was ~ 1. There was no negative genetic correlation between cuticle deposition and production traits. Estimates of the genetic correlation of cuticle deposition with shell color ranged from negative values or 0 in brown-egg layers to positive values in white- or tinted-egg layers. Using the intrinsic fluorescence of tryptophan in the cuticle proteins to quantify the amount of cuticle deposition failed because of complex quenching processes. Tryptophan fluorescence intensity at 330 nm was moderately heritable, but there was no evidence of a non-zero genetic correlation with cuticle deposition. This was complicated furthermore by a negative genetic correlation of fluorescence with color in brown eggs, due to the quenching of tryptophan fluorescence by energy transfer to protoporphyrin pigment. We also confirmed that removal of the cuticle increased reflection of ultraviolet wavelengths from the egg. Conclusions These results provide additional evidence for the need to incorporate cuticle deposition into breeding programs of egg- and meat-type birds in order to reduce vertical and horizontal transmission of potentially pathogenic organisms and to help improve biosecurity in poultry. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12711-019-0467-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Dunn
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK.
| | - John A Woolliams
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK
| | - Peter W Wilson
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK
| | | | | | - Anita C Jones
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Fiona Quinlan-Pluck
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Gareth O S Williams
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Maureen M Bain
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS), IBAHCM, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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Montenegro AT, Garcia EA, Molino AB, Cruvinel JM, Ouros CC, Alves KS. METHODS TO EVALUATE THE EGGSHELL QUALITY OF TABLE EGGS. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2019-1046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - CC Ouros
- São Paulo State University, Brazil
| | - KS Alves
- São Paulo State University, Brazil
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20
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Campbell DLM, Lee C, Hinch GN, Roberts JR. Egg production and egg quality in free-range laying hens housed at different outdoor stocking densities. Poult Sci 2018; 96:3128-3137. [PMID: 28431098 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-range laying hen systems are increasing in number within Australia. Variation in outdoor stocking densities has led to development of a national information standard on free-range egg labeling, including setting a maximum density of 10,000 hens per hectare. However, there are few data on the impacts of differing outdoor densities on production and egg quality. ISA Brown hens in small (150 hens) flocks were housed in identical indoor pens, each with access (from 21 weeks) to different sized ranges simulating one of three outdoor stocking densities (2 replicates each: 2,000 hens/hectare (ha), 10,000 hens/ha, 20,000 hens/ha). Hen-day production was tracked from 21 through 35 weeks with eggs visually graded daily for external deformities. All eggs laid on one day were weighed each week. Eggs were collected from each pen at 25, 30, and 36 weeks and analyzed for egg quality. There were no effects of outdoor stocking density on average hen-day percentage production (P = 0.67), egg weight (P = 0.09), percentages of deformed eggs (P = 0.30), shell reflectivity (P = 0.74), shell breaking strength (P = 0.07), shell deformation (P = 0.83), or shell thickness (P = 0.24). Eggs from hens in the highest density had the highest percentage shell weight (P = 0.004) and eggs from the lowest density had the highest yolk color score (P < 0.001). The amount of cuticle present did not differ between densities (P = 0.95) but some aspects of shell colors (P ≤ 0.01) and location of protoporphyrin IX (P = 0.046) varied. Hen age affected the majority of measurements. Stocking density differences may be related to hen diet as previous radio-frequency identification tracking of individual hens in these flocks showed birds used the range for longer in the lowest density and the least in the highest density, including depleting the range of vegetation sooner in the smaller ranges. An additional study assessing the relationship between individual hen range use, nutrition, and egg quality is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L M Campbell
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia; CSIRO, Agriculture and Food, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia.
| | - C Lee
- CSIRO, Agriculture and Food, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - G N Hinch
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - J R Roberts
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
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Wilson PW, Suther CS, Bain MM, Icken W, Jones A, Quinlan-Pluck F, Olori V, Gautron J, Dunn IC. Understanding avian egg cuticle formation in the oviduct: a study of its origin and deposition. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:39-49. [PMID: 28859284 PMCID: PMC5803769 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The cuticle is a unique invisible oviduct secretion that protects avian eggs from bacterial penetration through gas exchange pores. Despite its importance, experimental evidence is lacking for where, when, and what is responsible for its deposition. By using knowledge about the ovulatory cycle and oviposition, we have manipulated cuticle deposition to obtain evidence on these key points. Cuticle deposition was measured using staining and spectrophotometry. Experimental evidence supports the location of cuticle deposition to be the shell gland pouch (uterus), not the vagina, and the time of deposition to be within the final hour before oviposition. Oviposition induced by arginine vasotocin or prostaglandin, the penultimate and ultimate factors for the induction of oviposition, produces an egg with no cuticle; therefore, these factors are not responsible for cuticle secretion. Conversely, oviposition induced by GNRH, which mimics the normal events of ovulation and oviposition, results in a normal cuticle. There is no evidence that cuticle deposition differs at the end of a clutch and, therefore, there is no evidence that the ovulatory surge of progesterone affects cuticle deposition. Overall, the results demonstrate that the cuticle is a specific secretion and is not merely an extension of the organic matrix of the shell. Cuticle deposition was found to be reduced by an environmental stressor, and there is no codependence of the deposition of pigment and cuticle. Defining the basic facts surrounding cuticle deposition will help reduce contamination of hen's eggs and increase understanding of the strategies birds use to protect their eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W. Wilson
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, Scotland, UK
| | - Ceara S. Suther
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Maureen M. Bain
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Anita Jones
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Fiona Quinlan-Pluck
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Joël Gautron
- INRA, UR83 Recherches Avicoles, Nouzilly, France
| | - Ian C. Dunn
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, Scotland, UK
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Samiullah S, Omar AS, Roberts J, Chousalkar K. Effect of production system and flock age on eggshell and egg internal quality measurements. Poult Sci 2017; 96:246-258. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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23
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Technology and Poultry Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2016; 6:ani6100062. [PMID: 27727169 PMCID: PMC5082308 DOI: 10.3390/ani6100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Consideration of animal welfare is essential to address the consumers’ demands and for the long term sustainability of commercial poultry. However, assessing welfare in large poultry flocks, to be able to detect potential welfare risks and to control or minimize its impact is difficult. Current developments in technology and mathematical modelling open new possibilities for real-time automatic monitoring of animal welfare and health. New technological innovations potentially adaptable to commercial poultry are appearing, although their practical implementation is still being defined. In this paper, we review the latest technological developments with potential to be applied to poultry welfare, especially for broiler chickens and laying hens. Some of the examples that are presented and discussed include the following: sensors for farm environmental monitoring, movement, or physiological parameters; imaging technologies such as optical flow to detect gait problems and feather pecking; infrared technologies to evaluate birds’ thermoregulatory features and metabolism changes, that may be indicative of welfare, health and management problems. All these technologies have the potential to be implemented at the commercial level to improve birds’ welfare and to optimize flock management, therefore, improving the efficiency of the system in terms of use of resources and, thus, long term sustainability.
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24
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Samiullah S, Roberts J, Chousalkar K. Oviposition time, flock age, and egg position in clutch in relation to brown eggshell color in laying hens. Poult Sci 2016; 95:2052-7. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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25
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Eleroğlu H, Yıldırım A, Duman M, Okur N. EFFECT OF EGGSHELL COLOR ON THE EGG CHARACTERISTICS AND HATCHABILITY OF GUINEA FOWL (NUMIDA MELEAGRIS) EGGS. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2015-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - N Okur
- Abant Izzet Baysal University, Turkey
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26
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Kim E, Purswell J, Evans J, Branton S. Production characteristics of Hy-Line W36 laying hens hatched from white and tinted eggs. Poult Sci 2014; 93:2123-8. [DOI: 10.3382/ps.2013-03647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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27
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Samiullah S, Roberts J. The location of protoporphyrin in the eggshell of brown-shelled eggs. Poult Sci 2013; 92:2783-8. [DOI: 10.3382/ps.2013-03051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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28
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Willems E, Wang Y, Willemsen H, Lesuisse J, Franssens L, Guo X, Koppenol A, Buyse J, Decuypere E, Everaert N. Partial albumen removal early during embryonic development of layer-type chickens has negative consequences on laying performance in adult life. Poult Sci 2013; 92:1905-15. [PMID: 23776279 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2012-03003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To examine the importance of albumen as a protein source during embryonic development on the posthatch performance of laying hens, 3 mL of the albumen was removed. At hatch, no difference in BW could be observed. Chicks from the albumen-deprived group had a lower residual yolk weight due to higher yolk utilization. During the rearing phase (hatch to 17 wk of age), the BW of the albumen-deprived pullets was lower compared with the control and sham pullets. The feed intake of the albumen-deprived pullets was also lower than the control pullets. However, during the laying phase (18 to 55 wk of age) these hens exceeded the control and sham hens in BW, although this was not accompanied by a higher feed intake. The albumen-deprived hens exhibited a lower egg production capacity as demonstrated by the reduced egg weight, laying rate, and egg mass and increased number of second grade eggs. In addition, the eggs laid by the albumen-deprived hens had a higher proportional yolk and lower proportional albumen weight. In conclusion, prenatal protein deprivation by albumen removal caused a long-lasting programming effect, possibly by differences in energy allocation, in favor of growth and maintenance and impairing reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Willems
- Department of Biosystems, Laboratory of Livestock Physiology, Leuven, Belgium.
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29
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Avilés JM, Vikan JR, Fossøy F, Antonov A, Moksnes A, Røskaft E, Shykoff JA, Møller AP, Stokke BG. Egg phenotype matching by cuckoos in relation to discrimination by hosts and climatic conditions. Proc Biol Sci 2012; 279:1967-76. [PMID: 22237911 PMCID: PMC3311906 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2011.2498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although parasites and their hosts often coexist in a set of environmentally differentiated populations connected by gene flow, few empirical studies have considered a role of environmental variation in shaping correlations between traits of hosts and parasites. Here, we studied for the first time the association between the frequency of adaptive parasitic common cuckoo Cuculus canorus phenotypes in terms of egg matching and level of defences exhibited by its reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus hosts across seven geographically distant populations in Europe. We also explored the influence of spring climatic conditions experienced by cuckoos and hosts on cuckoo-host egg matching. We found that between-population differences in host defences against cuckoos (i.e. rejection rate) covaried with between-population differences in degree of matching. Between-population differences in host egg phenotype were associated with between-population differences in parasitism rate and spring climatic conditions, but not with host level of defences. Between-population differences in cuckoo egg phenotype covaried with between-population differences in host defences and spring climatic conditions. However, differences in host defences still explained differences in mimicry once differences in climatic conditions were controlled, suggesting that selection exerted by host defences must be strong relative to selection imposed by climatic factors on egg phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús M Avilés
- Departamento de Ecología Morfológica y Funcional, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas, C.S.I.C., Carretera de Sacramento s/n, Cañada de San Urbano, 04001 Almería, Spain.
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CASSEY PHILLIP, THOMAS GAVINH, PORTUGAL STEVENJ, MAURER GOLO, HAUBER MARKE, GRIM TOMÁŠ, LOVELL PGEORGE, MIKŠÍK IVAN. Why are birds' eggs colourful? Eggshell pigments co-vary with life-history and nesting ecology among British breeding non-passerine birds. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2012.01877.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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31
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Kim HS, Kim SM, Noh JJ, Lee JI, Lee HJ, Jo CR. Effect of Age of Laying Hens and Grade of Egg Shell Abnormality on Internal Egg Quality. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.5187/jast.2012.54.1.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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