Effect of Breed and Diet Type on the Freshness and Quality of the Eggs: A Comparison between Mos (Indigenous Galician Breed) and Isa Brown Hens

Authentication of Laying Hen Housing Systems Based on Egg Yolk Using 1H NMR Spectroscopy and Machine Learning

(1) Background: The authenticity of eggs in relation to the housing system of laying hens is susceptible to food fraud due to the potential for egg mislabeling. (2) Methods: A total of 4188 egg yolks, obtained from four different breeds of laying hens housed in colony cage, barn, free-range, and organic systems, were analyzed using 1H NMR spectroscopy. The data of the resulting 1H NMR spectra were used for different machine learning methods to build classification models for the four housing systems. (3) Results: The comparison of the seven computed models showed that the support vector machine (SVM) model gave the best results with a cross-validation accuracy of 98.5%. The test of classification models with eggs from supermarkets showed that only a maximum of 62.8% of samples were classified according to the housing system labeled on the eggs. (4) Conclusion: The classification models developed in this study included the largest sample size compared to the literature. The SVM model is most suitable for evaluating 1H NMR data in terms of the hen housing system. The test with supermarket samples showed that more authentic samples to analyze influencing factors such as breed, feeding, and housing changes are required.

Housing and dietary effects on production performance, quality index, and chemical composition of Japanese quail eggs

Quail housing and diet significantly impact egg yield and quality. This study assessed the impact of diets and housing arrangements on Japanese quail's egg production, egg index, and quality. In two trials, birds were reared in cages and on the floor with a commercial layer diet (CLD), and an experimental diet (ED) for 32 weeks. Compared to floor-reared birds, cage birds achieved 50% egg production and sexual maturity first. With dietary effects, the CLD diet showed similar results. Furthermore, their feed efficiency, hen house egg production (HHEP), and hen day egg production (HDEP) were significantly higher in cage birds that consumed CLD. Bird livability was unaffected by the housing system, while birds fed CLD had longer lifespans. The housing system had no discernible effects on egg dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), or ash percentage. Nevertheless, the egg albumen's DM, CP, ash%, yolk's DM, CP, and CF were greater in the birds fed CLD. Barring shell thickness, weight, and Haugh unit, birds raised in cages exhibited higher egg exterior index values. Besides the yolk ratio, yolk index, and albumen weight ratio, birds given CLD exhibited enhanced egg interior quality. Ultimately, the most optimal egg production performance, improved egg quality, and prolonged lifespan of Japanese quail were obtained with cage raising and feeding practices utilizing CLD.

Identification of candidate genomic regions for egg yolk moisture content based on a genome-wide association study

BACKGROUND

Eggs represent important sources of protein and are widely loved by consumers. Egg yolk taste is an important index for egg selection, and the moisture content of the egg yolk affects the taste. To understand the molecular mechanism underlying egg yolk moisture content, this study determined the phenotype and heritability of egg yolk water content and conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a mixed linear model.

RESULTS

We determined the phenotype and heritability of thermogelled egg yolk water content (TWC) and found that the average TWC was 47.73%. Moreover, significant variations occurred (41.06-57.12%), and the heritability was 0.11, which indicates medium-low heritability. Through the GWAS, 48 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to TWC (20 significantly, 28 suggestively) were obtained, and they were mainly located on chromosomes 10 and 13. We identified 36 candidate genes based on gene function and found that they were mainly involved in regulating fat, protein, and water content and embryonic development. FGF9, PIAS1, FEM1B, NOX5, GLCE, VDAC1, IGFBP7, and THOC5 were involved in lipid formation and regulation; AP3S2, GNPDA1, HSPA4, AP1B1, CABP7, EEF1D, SYTL3, PPP2CA, SKP1, and UBE2B were involved in protein folding and hydrolysis; and CSF2, SOWAHA, GDF9, FSTL4, RAPGEF6, PAQR5, and ZMAT5 were related to embryonic development and egg production. Moreover, MICU2, ITGA11, WDR76, BLM, ANPEP, TECRL, EWSR1, and P4HA2 were related to yolk quality, while ITGA11, WDR76, BLM, and ANPEP were potentially significantly involved in egg yolk water content and thus deserve further attention and research. In addition, this study identified a 19.31-19.92 Mb genome region on GGA10, and a linkage disequilibrium analysis identified strong correlations within this region. Thus, GGA10 may represent a candidate region for TWC traits.

CONCLUSION

The molecular genetic mechanism involved in TWC was revealed through heritability measurements and GWAS, which identified a series of SNPs, candidate genes, and candidate regions related to TWC. These results provide insights on the molecular mechanism of egg yolk moisture content and may aid in the development of new egg traits.

Egg Yolk Fat Deposition Is Regulated by Diacylglycerol and Ceramide Enriched by Adipocytokine Signaling Pathway in Laying Hens

The mechanism which regulates differential fat deposition in egg yolk from the indigenous breeds and commercial laying hens is still unclear. In this research, Chinese indigenous Huainan Partridge chickens and Nongda III commercial laying hens were used for egg collection and liver sampling. The weight of eggs and yolk were recorded. Yolk fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Lipid metabolites in the liver were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Yolk weight, yolk ratio and yolk fat ratio exhibited higher in the Huainan Partridge chicken than that of the Nongda III. Compared to the Nongda III, the content of total saturated fatty acid was lower, while the unsaturated fatty acid was higher in the yolk of the Huainan Partridge chicken. Metabolites of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine from glycerolphospholipids, and metabolites of diacylglycerol from glycerolipids showed higher enrichment in the Huainan Partridge chicken than that of the Nongda III, which promoted the activation of the adipocytokine signaling pathway. However, metabolites of phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and lysophosphatidylcholine from glycerol phospholipids, and metabolites of triacylglycerol from glycerolipids showed lower enrichment in the Huainan Partridge chicken than that of the Nongda III. The high level of yolk fat deposition in the Huainan Partridge chicken is regulated by the activation of the adipocytokine signaling pathway which can promote the accumulation of diacylglycerol and ceramide in the liver.

Data mining-based discriminant analysis as a tool for the study of egg quality in native hen breeds

Despite the wide biodiversity of avian species of zootechnical interest in Spain, projects aimed at characterizing these genotypes and their products are necessary. External and internal egg quality traits were measured in 819 eggs laid by hens of 10 different genotypes: White, Franciscan, Black and Partridge varieties of Utrerana, Blue Andalusian, Spanish White-Faced, Andalusian Tufted White and Black varieties, Araucana; and Leghorn Lohmann LSL-Classic lineage (commercial hybrid line) hen breeds. After multicollinearity analysis of egg quality-related traits was performed (VIF ≤ 4), major diameter, minor diameter, egg weight, and albumen height were deemed redundant explanatory variables and discarded. A stepwise discriminant canonical analysis was developed to cluster eggs across hen genotypes considering egg quality attributes. Shell a* and b* variables reported the highest discriminant power (Wilks' lambda: 0.699 and 0.729, respectively). The first two discriminant functions captured 60.48% of the variance across groups (F1: 39.36%; F2: 21.12%). Clear quality differentiation signs are evidenced for Mediterranean native breeds' eggs when compared to Leghorn's eggs. Consequently, this evidence of egg quality differentiation may favor the standardization of breed- and variety-linked distinctive products, which may open new market opportunities based on the existence of a wide spectrum of diet or culinary applications.

Carcass Characteristics, Digestive System Traits of Spent Broiler Breeder and Dual-Purpose Hens

Raising dual-purpose hens for meat is believed to bring more economic benefits to farmers selling products directly to consumers. The aim of the study was to determine the differences between the carcass features and the digestive system of multipurpose hens and spent broiler breeders. In the experiment, 20 carcasses of 70-week-old Rosa 1 dual-purpose hens and 20 carcasses of 62-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeders were used. Measurements of the length of various sections of the intestine and the diameter of individual intestinal segments were made. During the gutting, proventriculus, gizzard, liver, heart, and spleen were separated and then weighed. Dual-purpose hens differed significantly (p < 0.05) from broiler breeders in weight and carcass dimensions. Multipurpose hens were characterized by significantly lower (p < 0.05) percentages of breast muscles, leg muscles, skin with subcutaneous fat, wings, and carcass remainders. Broiler breeders were characterized by significantly longer (p > 0.05) total intestinal length, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and terminal intestine. Significant differences were confirmed in terms of the diameter of some segments of the intestine. Broiler breeder hens also had a greater mass of internal organs compared to the dual-purpose layer hens.

Discriminant Analysis of the Nutritional Components between Organic Eggs and Conventional Eggs: A 1H NMR-Based Metabolomics Study

The difference of nutrient composition between organic eggs and conventional eggs has always been a concern of people. In this study, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique combined with multivariate statistical analyses was conducted to identify the metabolite different in egg yolk and egg white in order to reveal the nutritional components information between organic and conventional eggs. The results showed that the nutrient content and composition characteristics were different between organic and conventional eggs, among which the content of glucose, putrescine, amino acids and their derivatives were found higher in the organic eggs yolk, while phospholipids were demonstrated higher in conventional eggs yolk. Organic acid, alcohol, amine, choline and amino acids were higher in conventional eggs white, but glucose and lactate in organic egg were higher. Our study demonstrated that there are more nutritive components and higher nutritional value in organic eggs than conventional eggs, especially for the growth and development of infants and young children, and conventional eggs have more advantages in promoting lipid metabolism, preventing fatty liver, and reducing serum cholesterol. Eggs have important nutritional value to human body, and these two kinds of eggs can be selected according to the actual nutrient needs.

Effect of Breed and Diet on Carcass Parameters and Meat Quality of Spent Hens

Two spent hen breeds (Mos and Isa Brown) fed with three different diets [commercial feeding (CF); corn, pea, and triticale (CPT); and corn and wheat (CW)] were studied to assess their laying performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality parameters (breast and drumstick). A total of 48 hens reared in a traditional free-range system were used. Birds were slaughtered at 72 weeks of age after the moulting in an accredited abattoir, and measurements (for each bird) of carcass and meat started at 24 h post-mortem. The results demonstrated a breed and diet effect (P<0.05) on laying performance, carcass, and meat quality. The Mos breed showed lower laying performance, higher live weight (P<0.001), carcass weight (P<0.001), dressing percentage (P<0.001), and carcass fat (P<0.001) than Isa Brown. The breed also affected physicochemical parameters of drumstick and breast (P<0.05). Concerning the diet effect, spent hens fed with commercial feeding showed heavier live weight (P<0.01) and carcass weight (P<0.01). Diet significantly affected most of meat quality parameters, CPT being the formulation that most affected (P<0.05) drumstick composition, while in the breast was CF (P<0.001). Significant (P≤0.005) effects on breast colour, cooking loss and hardness were observed in animals fed with alternative diets to CF. Regarding nutritional quality, no breed or diet effect (P<0.05) was observed in MUFA s, PUFA s and n-6 contents of meat. Overall, both breeds showed a high protein and low-fat content in the breast, showing these hens as an opportunity for the development of meat products as well as an economic purpose for spent hens that reach the end of their productive lives.

Genotype affects free amino acids of egg yolk and albumen in Japanese indigenous breeds and commercial Brown layer chickens

Using a variety of genetic resources, the aim of this study is to see how genetic background affects egg traits in chickens. Three different chicken genotypes (a commercial Brown layer, BOR; 2 Japanese indigenous breeds, NGY and YKD) were investigated effects on genotype in 10 external and internal egg quality traits along with 20 yolk and albumen free amino acid traits. Significant effects on genotype in 10 external and internal egg quality traits and 18 yolk and 17 albumen amino acid traits were found (P < 0.05). In sizes and weights of egg and eggshell redness, there were significant differences among all combinations of genotype (BOR > NGY > YKD). In 14 yolk (Asn, Ser, Gln, Gly, His, Arg, Ala, Pro, Tyr, Val, Met, Leu, Phe, and Lys) and 8 albumen amino acid traits (Gln, Gly, His, Arg, Val, Ile, Leu, and Lys), BOR was significantly higher than NGY and YKD, while the opposite relations were seen in 2 amino acid traits (Cys and GABA). Moreover, phenotypic correlation analyses revealed that positive correlations among amino acid traits within each yolk and albumen were broadly seen (0.30 < r < 0.98, P < 0.05). However, there are almost no phenotypic correlations in amino acids between yolk and albumen in BOR and NGY, but negative correlations in YKD, which implying a potential use of untapped genetic resources for modifying amino acid balance. These results indicate genetic background affects not only sizes and weights of egg but also amino acid contents and their balance of yolk and albumen.

Short-Term Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) Supplementation and Laying Hen Strain Effects on Eggs' Lipid Profile and Stability

Simple Summary

Spirulina is an alga rich in micronutrients of interest for improving the nutritional value and quality of the products. This study evaluates the transfer of some of these micronutrients (vitamins and fatty acids) in egg yolk when short periods of supplementation are used in hens of two different strains, and its consequent effects on some quality parameters. Short-term spirulina supplementation markedly modified vitamin content and color in yolk. Hen strain mainly affected the fatty acid profile, and a different response to retinol content and fatty acid proportions (mainly monounsaturated and desaturase activity) according to spirulina supplementation and breed of hens was observed.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of short-term dietary spirulina supplementation (1% and 3%) and the strain of laying hens (White Leghorn: WL and Rhode Island Red: RIR) on color, nutritional value, and stability of yolk. Egg weight was not affected by any of the studied effects. Yolks from 3%-spirulina supplemented hens had higher retinol and lower α-tocopherol content (p = 0.0001) when compared to control. The supplementation with 1%-spirulina markedly decreased luminosity and increased redness (p = 0.0001) and yellowness (p = 0.0103). Short-term spirulina supplementation slightly modified the fatty acid composition of yolk. The C16-desaturase index increased with the algae, whereas other egg quality indices (hypocholesterolemic, thrombombogenic, n-6/n-3) were not modified. Hen strain mainly affected to the lipid profile. The RIR hens accumulated greater yolk retinol with supplementation doses of 3% (p < 0.05), while the WL hardly suffered changes in the accumulation. Also, yolks from RIR hens had lower C16:0 (p = 0.0001), C18:0 (p = 0.0001), saturated (SAT) (p = 0.0001), and thrombogenic index (p = 0.0001), C20:3n-6 (p = 0.0001), n-6/n-3 ratio (p = 0.003), Δ-6+5-desaturase (p = 0.0005), total elongase indices (p = 0.0001) when compared to WL. Moreover, RIR had higher monounsaturated (MUFA), Δ-9-desaturase and hypocholesterolemic indices (p < 0.05) than WL. A different response to spirulina supplementation was observed for C18:1n-9, MUFA, Δ-9-desaturase and thiesterase indices (p < 0.05) according to hen strain. Yolks from RIR had higher MUFA and Δ-9-desaturase indices than WL at 1%-spirulina supplementation, whereas these parameters were less affected in RIR supplemented with 3%. SAT and Δ-9-desaturase were significantly correlated (r = −0.38 and 0.47, respectively) with retinol content according to a linear adjustment (p < 0.05). Lipid oxidation of yolk was slightly modified by the dietary treatment or hen strain. It was detected a relationship between TBARS and α-tocopherol, C22:5n-3 or C22:6n-3 (p < 0.05). L* and a* were also inversely or positively related with yolk retinol content according to a linear response (p < 0.05). The administration of 1% of spirulina in diets of red hens would be an interesting alternative to get healthier eggs from the nutritional point of view, obtaining an adequate color and without modifications in other yolk quality traits.

Dual-Purpose Poultry in Organic Egg Production and Effects on Egg Quality Parameters

Egg laying genotypes have been selected for generations due to their high yield and egg quality, resulting in efficient feed utilization and low body weight; hence, they are not suitable for meat production. This imposes an issue for the male layer chicks, which are killed at one day old. Because of ethical and food waste concerns, the search for suitable dual-purpose genotypes in order to avoid euthanasia of male day-old chicks has intensified. The aim of the present study is to evaluate potential dual-purpose genotypes for their egg quality compared to a representative egg laying genotype. Two dual-purpose genotypes with divergent characteristics were evaluated: genotype A represented an experimental crossbreed based on a broiler type male and an egg layer female, and genotype C was a crossbreed of a layer type. These were compared to a rustic genotype B and a control genotype D, which was an egg layer. Eggs were collected six times during the period of 21–54 weeks of hen age, i.e., a total of 990 shell eggs were analyzed. Examined parameters were weights of egg, shell, yolk, and albumen, by calculating their relative proportions. Shell quality was assessed by shell strength, shell stiffness, and shell thickness. Yolk quality was determined as yolk color and inclusions of blood and meat spots, and albumen quality was evaluated in terms of pH and dry matter (DM) content. The egg layer genotype produced the smallest eggs with least blood and meat spot inclusions compared to that produced by the three dual-purpose genotypes. Shell quality was superior for the layer genotype. However, the experimental genotype A laid eggs of comparable shell quality, albumen DM, and yolk weight, but also with the darkest and most red-yellow colored yolk. The two other dual-purpose genotypes produced eggs of low-medium quality. In conclusion, the genotype A could serve as dual-purpose genotype from an egg quality perspective.

Comparative characteristics of eggs of chickens of domestic and foreign selection in their diverse age

At this juncture, more and more attention is drawn to the preservation of the gene pool of local breeds of poultry, which have a set of valuable features, including high-quality eggs. In this study, the quality parameters of eggs (egg weight, weight, and proportion of yolk, weight, and proportion of albumen, yolk-albumen ratio, energy value, lipid and fatty acid content in the yolk) of chickens of Ukrainian selection(such hybrids as Plymouth white, Poltava Clay, Birkivska Barvysta and their interbreed hybrids) and foreign commercial crosses (Tetra SL, Tetra H, Super Harko, Lohmann Brown, Highsex White and Brown, High Line W36), at different ages (26, 34, 44 weeks of age) were studied in the comparative aspect. The average egg weight of Ukrainian breeds and hybrids was 51.9 g, 56.5 g, and 61.2 g at the age of 26, 34, and 44 weeks, respectively, in foreign crosses it was much higher - 59 g, 61.2 g, and 64.5 g, respectively (p <0.01). At the same time, there was a probable advantage of the Ukrainian selection bird over the foreign selection bird in the proportion of yolk (by 4.3%, 2.9%, and 4.1% at the age of 26.34 and 44 weeks, respectively), the yolk-albumen ratio (by 0.12, 0.07 and 0.08, respectively) and the energy value of the egg (76, 48 and 60 kJ, respectively). Higher lipid content was found in the egg yolks of domestic chickens in comparison with the foreign hybrid Tetra SL. The total content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the egg yolks in hens of local breeds is higher than in foreign cross. High-quality characteristics of eggs of local breeds and populations are evidence of the presence of a valuable set of genes that require comprehensive study, preservation, and use in the creation of new selectively significant forms.

Biometric Characterization of the Portuguese Autochthonous Hens Breeds

Simple Summary

Autochthonous poultry breeds have been forsaken, forgotten even, since they have always been of less importance in the rural socio-economic context, associated with the domestic economy and, above all, regards from a perspective of self-consumption. The study, protection, improvement and dissemination of breeds, has had an almost inexplicable absence of works on the subject with the first reference to Portuguese poultry breeds in the 30’s of the last century. The biometric study of the breeds is fundamental for the knowledge of the morphological characteristics and the productive potentialities. The aim of this study is to characterize the Portuguese hens breeds (“Pedrês Portuguesa”, “Preta Lusitânica”, “Amarela” and “Branca”), using different biometric measures and live weight and to evaluate, under production conditions specific to the artisanal system, the effect of several factors in each of the studied breeds. The results revealed a high sexual dimorphism and that the “Branca” breed stands out in all the biometric measures. Autochthonous Portuguese hens present morphological traits which would made them more prone to meat production (“Branca”), although the dimensions of certain morphological variables could make them suitable for double-purpose production (“Pedrês Portuguesa” and “Amarela”) and is imperative to consider breeding programs that underline their productive potential.

Abstract

Promotion of the conservation and preservation of local breed’s biodiversity combined with the concept of sustainable agriculture and development of economically marginal areas are important policies to implement in modern society. The biometric characterization, contributing to maintain phenotypic traits, is a significant tool in breeding programs, which revaluate local breeds, allow the preservation of animal biodiversity and support consumer demands. This paper approaches the biometric characterization of the Portuguese poultry breeds through the study of sexual dimorphism and breed differentiation using six zoometric measures as differentiation criteria. A total of 429 fowl (66 males and 426 females) were studied and the parameters recorded were body weight, body length, chest circumference, shank length, shank diameter and wingspan. A highly sexual dimorphism was evident, in all breeds, with the “Branca” breed being the most zoometrically distant. Concerning Principal Component Analysis, the highly correlations observed between body length, wingspan and shank length, determined the generalized animal form and could be used as selection criteria for improving body size. Breeding programs aiming to preserve these local genetic resources should consider the dual purpose of these breeds: sustainability and cultural legacy, and the offer to urban consumers a source of differentiated high-quality products.

Impact on genetic differences among various chicken breeds on free amino acid contents of egg yolk and albumen

Eggs play important roles as food resources and nutraceuticals, to alleviate malnutrition and to improve health status in the world. Since free amino acids contribute to the nutritional values and food tastes, we investigated a total of 81 eggs from five chicken breeds, which are Australorp, Nagoya (NGY), Rhode Island Red (RIR), Shamo (SHA), Ukokkei, and two F₁ hybrids (NGYxRIR and SHAxRIR) to test impact on genetic differences in 10 egg traits, 20 yolk amino acid traits, and 18 albumen amino acid traits. One-way ANOVA revealed significant breed effects on 10 egg traits, 20 yolk amino acid traits, and 15 albumen amino acid traits. Moreover, a significant heterosis effect on yolk aspartic acid was identified. In addition, positive correlations were found broadly among traits within each trait category (egg traits, yolk amino acid traits, and albumen amino acid traits), whereas there were basically no or weak correlations among the trait categories. These results suggest that almost all traits can be dramatically modified by genetic factor, and there will be partially independent production systems of amino acids into yolk and albumen. Since there will be typical quantitative genetic architecture of egg contents, further genetic analyses will be needed.

Assessment of Dietary Selenium and Vitamin E on Laying Performance and Quality Parameters of Fresh and Stored Eggs in Japanese Quails

The effect of dietary supplementation with VE and Se on the laying productive performance, immunity, and the quality parameters of fresh and stored eggs was assessed. For this study, five treatments, namely control (basal diet), control plus 30 mg of VE and 0.4 mg kg-1 sodium selenite (VE30SS), control plus 30 mg of VE and 0.4 mg kg-1 of Sel-Plex® (VE30SP), control plus 120 mg VE and 0.4 mg kg-1 Sodium selenite (VE120SS), and control plus 120 mg VE and 0.4 mg kg-1 Sel-Plex (VE120SP), were examined. There was no huge impact of VE and Se on feed consumption, FCR and egg yield rate. Quality parameters of fresh egg including egg surface area, eggshell thickness, yolk selenium concentration, albumen height, and Haugh unit were significantly increased following VE and Se supplementation (p < 0.05). For stored eggs, VE and Se significantly increased egg yolk color intensity (p < 0.05). Regardless of storage temperature, eggs from birds fed with VE and Se had less weight loss during 30 days of storage. Albumen height was significantly higher in VE and Se fed birds in eggs stored at 5 °C for 15 and 30 days. The combination of Sel-Plex with either levels of VE had significantly higher blood total antioxidant capacity. Dietary VE and Selenium, notably Sel-Plex, improved the antioxidant potential of blood and egg quality of laying quails.