Comparative evaluation of the effect of two maternal diets on fatty acids, vitamin E and carotenoids in the chick embryo.

1. The fatty acid profile of egg yolk and vitamin E and carotenoid accumulation in the egg yolk and embryonic tissues were investigated in relation to the maternal diet. 2. Two hundred fertile eggs (Ross 308 Broiler Breeder), obtained from hens fed on a maize-based (M-diet) or a wheat-based diet (W-diet), were incubated using standard conditions. 3. The egg yolk and embryo tissues (residual yolk, yolk sac membrane, liver, kidney, lung, muscles, adipose tissue and plasma) were collected on d 18 of incubation and on d 21 (newly-hatched chicks) and analysed for fatty acids, vitamin E and carotenoids. 4. The diets did not differ in terms of fatty acid or alpha-tocopherol concentrations. The concentration of carotenoids in the M-diet was 11.8 mg/kg and in the W-diet was 5.6 mg/kg with lutein and zeaxanthin being major carotenoids. 5. Eggs from the M-group contained higher (P<0.01) concentrations of beta+gamma-tocopherols, total carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. Chickens hatched from those eggs were characterised by the increased concentrations of total carotenoids and zeaxanthin in all the tissues studied. The concentration of beta+gamma-tocopherol was enhanced only in the liver and yolk sac membrane. 6. It is concluded that the maternal diet plays an important role in antioxidant systems formation during chick embryonic development; the M-diet can increase the antioxidant potential of the egg yolk and embryonic tissues compared to the antioxidant potential provided by parent birds fed the W-diet.     

Chromatographic analysis of lypophilic compounds in eggs from organically fed hens

Egg yolks represent a common foodstuff in the human diet and are an important source of nutrients including lipids and carotenoids. The aim of this study was to compare the carotenoid, fatty acid and vitamin E contents of the yolk of eggs from nine hen breeds (Barred Plymouth Rock, Speckled Italian, Black Italian, Red Italian, Rhode Island, Silver Laced Wyandotte, Gold Araucana, Partridge Brahma and Yellow Cochin) raised in barns in an enclosed house. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the fatty acid analyses, and reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (RP-HPLC-PDA) for carotenoids and vitamin E quantification. The major carotenoids identified were lutein and zeaxanthin, which together represented more than 93% of the total carotenoids, followed by β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene.The results indicated that the total carotenoid content of the eggs ranged from 16.84–87.31 μg/g egg yolk (average value 49 μg/g egg yolk). The most representative fatty acids found were palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid. Significant differences in the proportions of α-linolenic acid were observed among the samples. The α-tocopherol content was directly correlated with the total carotenoid content. The results show that the chemical composition of egg yolk varies greatly among hen breeds.     

Effects of carotenoids from lucerne, marigold and tomato on egg yolk pigmentation and carotenoid composition

1. The effects of various sources of natural carotenoids (Px alfalfa concentrate, tomato powder and marigold extract) as feed additives in quail diets on egg yolk pigmentation and carotenoid composition were investigated. 2. Adult Japanese quail were fed one of 5 different diets for 23 d: three diets each contained Px alfalfa concentrate (PX) or tomato powder (TP) or marigold extract (MG), one diet contained marigold extract and tomato powder (MG + TP) and a control diet (wheat/barley based) was low in carotenoid. All products were added at a rate of 2%, apart from marigold extract which was added at a rate of 0.2%. 3. Visual assessment of yolk colour (Roche colour fan) showed a stabilised yolk colour of 1.6, 7.7, 8.5, 8.8 and 10.6 for the control, PX, TP, MG and MG + TP treatments, respectively. 4. The total carotenoid concentration of the egg yolks were 2.2, 22.4, 4.1, 39.0 and 37.7 microg/g for the experimental groups fed the following diets: control, PX, TP, MG and MG + TP, respectively. Deposition of retinol, alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol in the egg yolk was unaffected by treatments. 5. Lutein was shown to be the major carotenoid in the egg yolk, comprising 1.65, 17.97, 2.03, 31.14 and 28.57 microg/g in control, PX, TP, MG and MG + TP, respectively. Inclusion of TP in the quail diet resulted in lycopene transfer to the egg. 6. It was concluded that, in comparison with the control group, there was an increase in the yolk concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and beta-carotene in eggs produced by female quail fed diets supplemented with natural carotenoids.     

Effects of Adding Marine Biological Fortified Material to Diets on Egg Quality

The experiment was aimed to study the effects of adding marine biological fortified material to diets on egg quality.600 healthy Highland Brown egg-shell chicken were chosen and randomly divided into control group and experimental group. The chicken in control group were fed with Jiuzhou diets and that in experimental group were fed with Jiuzhou diets supplemented with marine biological fortified material,and the egg quality and nutrient components such as amino acids,fatty acids and carotenoids were compared.The experiment lasted for 56 d. The results showed that the yolk color of marine vitalized egg was orange-red to bright red,and the ordinary yolk color was yellow. The ratio of yolk weight to egg white weight of the marine vitalized egg was 0.424,which was much higher than that of ordinary egg (0.365).The total amino acids content of the marine vitalized egg achieved 13.22 g/100 g,and the contents of essential amino acids were higher than ordinary egg in different degrees. The percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the marine vitalized egg was 30.53%,meanwhile,the content of carotenoids was 0.75 mg per egg,which were significantly higher than that in ordinary egg (0.52 mg per egg)(P<0.05).The astaxanthin was only detected in the marine vitalized egg,and the ratio of lutein to zeaxanthin was 1.12. The content of organic selenium was about 290 to 490 μg/kg in the marine vitalized egg. These results suggested that marine biological fortified material supplenmentary diets could comprehensively improve the egg quality and nutrition.     

饲料中添加海洋生物营养强化剂对蛋品质的影响

试验旨在研究饲料中添加海洋生物营养强化剂对鸡蛋蛋品质的影响,将600只健康海兰褐壳蛋鸡随机分为两组,分别饲喂普通九洲鸡饲料和含有海洋生物营养强化剂的九洲鸡饲料,对比分析其鸡蛋蛋品质及其功能性营养物质（必需氨基酸、脂肪酸及类胡萝卜素）的变化,试验期56 d。结果显示,试验组海兰褐壳蛋鸡所产鸡蛋（海洋生命蛋）的蛋黄颜色为橙红到鲜红色,蛋黄重/蛋清重为0.424,而普通鸡蛋的蛋黄为黄色和橘黄色,蛋黄重/蛋清重为0.365。海洋生命蛋的总氨基酸含量为13.22 g/100 g,其中各必需氨基酸含量较普通鸡蛋均有不同程度的提高;海洋生命蛋中多不饱和脂肪酸高达30.53%,类胡萝卜素含量达到0.75 mg/枚,而普通鸡蛋仅为0.52 mg/枚;同时,在海洋生命蛋中检测出虾青素,其叶黄素/玉米黄素为1.12,且其有机硒含量为290~490 μg/kg。上述结果表明,添加海洋生物营养强化剂的饲料可较全面地提高鸡蛋的蛋品质。     

叶黄素对蛋鸡应用效果的研究

将144只52周龄绿壳商品产蛋鸡随机分为6组,各组在相同日粮基础上分别添加0、20、40、60、80、100mg/kg叶黄素,探讨叶黄素在蛋黄中的沉积规律以及对蛋黄色泽和蛋鸡生产性能的影响。结果说明,蛋黄中叶黄素的含量随日粮中叶黄素添加水平的增加而提高,最大沉积量达1.09mg/60g,是对照组0.23mg/60g的近5倍;日粮中叶黄素能显著(P<0.05)提高蛋黄的罗氏等级(RCF),降低亮值(L),提高红值(a),对黄值(b)无显著影响(P>0.05);日粮中添加高水平叶黄素对蛋鸡生产性能无显著影响(P>0.05)。     

Optimizing xanthophyll concentrations in diets to obtain well-pigmented yolks

The color of the egg yolk depends on the absorption and deposition of the carotenoids in the hen diet and represents a visual characteristic of great effect on the product acceptance. Corn is commonly used as an energy value ingredient for the hen diet formulations, but its pigmenting potential should also be considered for egg yolk color. The objective of this research was to optimize the proportions between yellow and red carotenoids in corn-based rations to provide the maximization of a yolk's color. For our study, Dekalb laying hens were individually allotted in cages to receive the 15 experimental diets defined by means of a central composite design in which the variables were the yellow xanthoplhylls from the diets (yellow corn + corn gluten meal), the yellow supplementary xanthoplhylls (lutein + zeaxanthin), and the red supplementary xanthoplhylls (cantaxanthin) at 3 concentrations each. Production traits were not influenced by treatments. Seven distinct colors were identified with the yolk color fan; the preferred one (9) was provided by the highest yellow pigment concentrations with no red pigments, whereas the most rejected one (14) was provided by the highest concentration of red pigment. The objective color was derived from the interaction between yellow and red xanthophylls, with an important effect of red supplementary xanthophylls on redness. Using response surface analyses, 0.5 mg/hen per day of red pigments and 1.5 mg/hen per day of total yellow pigments were enough to reach maximum redness (color index 14), whereas 2.0 mg/hen per day of total yellow xanthophylls were enough to reach local consumer preference (color index 9).     

Absence of effects of dietary α‐tocopherol on egg yolk pigmentation

1. Three experiments were carried out in which yolk colour and carotenoid content were measured in hens fed diets containing soyabean oil or tallow and supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 or 320 mg tocopheryl acetate.

2. Fat type had no consistent effect on yolk carotenoid content but yolk α‐tocopherol concentrations were lower with the soyabean oil diet.

3. Yolk concentrations of all carotenoids measured and yolk colour were unaffected by dietary α‐tocopherol concentration.     

Administration of RRR‐α‐tocopherol to pregnant mares stimulates maternal IgG and IgM production in colostrum and enhances vitamin E and IgM status in foals

This study assessed the effect of a vitamin E supplement given to pregnant mares on immunoglobulins (Ig) levels in foals. In addition, the fatty acid (FA) content and composition of the mares’ milk was assessed. Milk α‐tocopherol concentrations were compared between pregnant Danish Warmblood mares (n = 17) given a daily oral supplement of 2500 international units (IU) RRR‐α‐tocopherol in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy and a group of unsupplemented mares (n = 17) receiving 170–320 IU vitamin E daily originating from the feed. Milk α‐tocopherol was higher in supplemented mares (36.7, 12.4 and 9.8 μmol/l respectively) in relation to control mares (13.1, 6.4 and 5.8 μmol/l on days 1, 2 and 3 respectively; p < 0.001). Milk IgG was higher on days 2 and 3 post‐partum (PP) in supplemented mares (1.03 and 0.73 mg/ml respectively) in relation to control mares (0.79 and 0.56 mg/ml respectively; p < 0.05). Milk IgM was higher on days 2 and 3 post‐partum (PP) in supplemented mares (0.19 and 0.17 mg/ml) in relation to control mares (0.13 and 0.11 mg/ml respectively; p < 0.05). Plasma α‐tocopherol in foals was higher from supplemented mares on days 1, 2 and 3 (5.7, 14.8 and 19.2 μmol/l respectively) in relation to foals from control mares (3.6, 6.1 and 7.6 respectively; p < 0.001). Foal plasma IgM was higher from supplemented mares on day 3 (0.50 mg/ml) in relation to foals from control mares (0.32 mg/ml; p < 0.001). The total FA content in milk was highest on day 1 (21.6 g FA/kg milk) in relation to days 2 and 3 (13.6 and 13.5 g FA/kg milk respectively; p < 0.001). In conclusion, a daily oral supplement of 2500 IU RRR‐α‐tocopherol increased α‐tocopherol content in mare milk and foal plasma, IgG and IgM in mare milk and IgM in foal plasma.     

Effect of the mycotoxin aurofusarin on the antioxidant composition and fatty acid profile of quail eggs.

1. The effect of the mycotoxin aurofusarin on the antioxidant composition and fatty acid profile of quail eggs was investigated. 2. Thirty eight 45-d-old Japanese quails were divided into two groups (experimental and control, 15 females +4 males in each group) and were fed on a maize-soya diet balanced in all nutrients. The diet of the experimental quails was supplemented with aurofusarin at the level of 26.4 mg/kg feed in the form of Fusarium graminearum culture enriched with aurofusarin. At the beginning and after 2, 4 and 8 week supplementation periods, eggs were collected and analysed. After 8 weeks of supplementation, experimental quails were fed on unsupplemented diet during the next 4 weeks and eggs were collected after 2 and 4 weeks on such a diet and analysed. 3. Aurofusarin caused a significant (P<0.05) decrease in vitamins E, A, total carotenoid, lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations and significantly (P<0.05) increased egg yolk susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. During two weeks on the diet without aurofusarin the levels of carotenoids in the egg yolk returned to the initial level, vitamins A and E returned to the initial level during 4 weeks on the same unsupplemented diet. 4. Dietary supplementation with aurofusarin was associated with a significant (P<0.01) decrease in the docosahexaenoic acid proportion in the phospholipid, cholesteryl ester and free fatty acid fractions of the egg yolk. At the same time the proportion of linoleic acid in the phospholipid, free fatty acid and triacylglycerol fractions significantly (P<0.05) increased. 5. It is concluded that mycotoxin aurofusarin is detrimental to the nutritional quality of eggs.     

叶黄素对鹌鹑繁殖性能及母源IgG向后代转移的影响

本试验旨在研究叶黄素对鹌鹑繁殖性能及母源IgG向后代转移的影响。试验选取1日龄朝鲜龙城父母代鹌鹑144羽,按体质量随机分为4个处理组,每组设3个重复,每个重复12羽。采用小麦-豆粕型基础日粮,分别添加0、50、1001、50 mg.kg-1叶黄素。10周龄时,每个重复取2羽,ELISA法检测血清IgG含量。收集种蛋并孵化,计算孵化率、受精率、死胚率。子代鹌鹑在相同条件下饲养,日粮中不添加叶黄素,分别在1、3、7、14、21日龄时,每重复取2羽心脏采血,检测血清中IgG含量。结果表明:叶黄素可以显著提高种蛋的受精率和孵化率(P0.05),降低死胚率(P0.05);对雌鹌鹑血清中IgG的含量没有显著影响(P0.05),但可以显著提高卵黄IgG水平(P0.05);子代鹌鹑血清IgG的含量与叶黄素的添加量成正比,高剂量叶黄素可显著提高1日龄血清IgG水平(P0.05)。结论:叶黄素可以显著改善鹌鹑的繁殖性能,并通过促进母源IgG在卵黄内的沉积从而提高后代血清中IgG水平。     

Comparative Pigmentation Efficiency of High Dietary Levels of Apo-Ester and Marigold Extract on Quality Traits of Whole Liquid Egg of Two Strains of Laying Hens

This trial was carried out to compare the effect of the dietary supplementation of high doses of either synthetic pigment ethyl ester of β-apo-8′-carotenoic acid (apo-ester) or natural pigments, mainly lutein and zeaxanthin, extracted from Tagetes erecta, on egg quality of hens laying brown shell eggs (ISA Brown) and white shell eggs (Hy-Line White W-36). The hens of each strain were divided into 6 groups and fed a corn-soybean basal diet supplemented either with 40, 60, and 80 ppm of apo-ester (APO) or with 120, 180, and 240 ppm of marigold extract (MAR). Egg pigmentation rose linearly and significantly (P < 0.01) as the dietary levels of apo-ester increased, but this did not occur when MAR supplementation was used. The amount of β-carotene equivalents in whole liquid egg of MAR treatments was almost constant with varying pigment dietary dose and was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than in APO treatments. In both hen strains, whole liquid egg redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) were higher with APO supplementation. The egg component weights were highly affected (P < 0.01) by the hen strain, with yolk:egg ratio higher in the Hy-Line. The trial confirms that in spite of the higher level of MAR supplementation, APO has a better efficiency in whole liquid egg pigmentation. The ISA Brown hens showed a better ability to absorb dietary carotenoids than did the Hy-Line White.     

Influence of conjugated linoleic acids and vitamin E on milk fatty acid composition and concentrations of vitamin A and α‐tocopherol in blood and milk of dairy cows

The objective of this trial was to investigate the influences of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA ) and vitamin E (Vit. E) and their interactions on fatty acid composition and vitamins in milk (α‐tocopherol, retinol and β‐carotene) as well as on α‐tocopherol in blood of pluriparous cows from week 6 ante partum until week 10 post‐partum (p.p.). We assigned 59 pluriparous German Holstein cows to four treatment groups with the treatment factors CLA and Vit. E at two levels in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Milk fatty acid composition and milk vitamins were analysed on lactation days 7 and 28. α‐tocopherol in blood serum was analysed on days ?42, ?7, 1, 7, 14, 28 and 70 relative to parturition. Milk concentration of α‐tocopherol was influenced by Vit. E (p  < .001) and CLA (p  = .034). Percentage of cis ‐9, trans ‐11 CLA in total milk fat was influenced by treatment with CLA (p  < .001), while for percentage of trans‐ 10, cis ‐12 CLA an interaction between treatment and day (p  = .019), driven by an increase in both CLA groups from day 7 to day 28, was found. Serum ratios of α‐tocopherol to cholesterol were influenced by Vit. E (p  < .001). Results suggest that treatment with CLA during late pregnancy and early lactation is suitable to enhance the proportion of trans‐ 10, cis ‐12 CLA in milk and thereby influencing nutritional properties. As treatment with Vit. E did not have an impact on milk fatty acid composition, it might be possible to increase the antioxidative capacity of the dairy cow without affecting milk properties. Consequently, combined treatment with CLA and Vit. E might elicit synergistic effects on the cow and milk quality by increasing the proportion of CLA in milk fat as well as the excretion of Vit. E and the Vit. E levels in serum.     

Egg production performance,egg yolk antioxidant profile and excreta concentration of corticosterone in golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus) fed diets containing different levels of green vegetables

In order to study the effect of feeding graded levels of green vegetables on egg production performance and egg yolk antioxidant status, 27 female golden pheasants (GP) were randomly distributed into three groups of nine each in an experiment based on completely randomized design. The diets of the birds in groups T₁, T₂ and T₃ contained 1.4%, 2.7% and 5.0% of green vegetables respectively. Feeding of experimental diets started on 12th February (day 1) and was continued till 30 June 2012. Average number of eggs laid and egg mass produced by the hens in group T₃ was higher (p < 0.004) than those of T₁ and T₂. Hen day egg production was lowest (p < 0.001) in group T₁. Roche yolk colour score was highest (p < 0.01) in T₃ followed by T₂ and was lowest in T₁. Other external and internal egg quality parameters were similar among the groups. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of egg yolk was higher (p < 0.04) in group T₃ as compared to other two groups. Egg yolk concentration of total carotenoids, β‐carotene, total sulfhydryl, protein‐bound sulfhydryl and non‐protein‐bound sulfhydryl was higher (p < 0.05), whereas concentration of malondialdehyde was lower (p < 0.024) in group T₃ as compared to other two groups. Excreta concentration of corticosterone was highest (p < 0.012) in T₁, followed by T₂, and was lowest in T₃. Egg yolk concentration of TAC and TSH was positively and that of malondialdehyde was negatively correlated with carotenoids intake. Excreta concentration of corticosterone was negatively correlated with carotenoids intake. It was concluded that incorporation of green vegetables in the diet at 5% on dry matter basis would improve egg production, egg yolk antioxidant status and the ability of the captive GP to combat stress.     

Conversion of α‐linolenic acid to long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acid derivatives and alterations of HDL density subfractions and plasma lipids with dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus)

The effect of α‐linolenic acid from a flaxseed (FLX)‐enriched diet on plasma lipid and fatty acid metabolism and possible atherosclerosis risk factors was studied in Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus). Twenty‐four Monk parrots were randomly assigned to diets containing either 10% ground SUNs or 10% ground FLXs. Feed intake was calculated daily. Blood samples, body condition scores and body weights were obtained at ?5 weeks, day 0, 7, 14, 28, 42 and 70. Plasma samples were analysed for total cholesterol, free cholesterol, triacylglycerols and lipoproteins. Phospholipid subfraction fatty acid profiles were determined. By day 70, the FLX group had significantly higher plasma phospholipid fatty acids including 18:3n‐3 (α‐linolenic acid), 20:5n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 22:6n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid). The sunflower group had significantly higher plasma phospholipid levels of 20:4n‐6 (arachidonic acid). By day 70, the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) peak shifted resulting in significantly different HDL peak densities between the two experimental groups (1.097 g/ml FLX group and 1.095 g/ml SUN group, p = 0.028). The plasma fatty acid results indicate that Monk parrots can readily convert α‐linolenic acid to the long‐chain omega‐3 derivatives including docosahexaenoic acid and reduce 20:4n‐6 accumulation in plasma phospholipids. The reason for a shift in the HDL peak density is unknown at this time.     

不同来源色素对蛋黄颜色及叶黄素沉积的影响

为研究不同蛋鸡日粮类型中添加不同来源色素对蛋黄着色及叶黄素沉积的影响,试验1在玉米-豆粕日粮中添加天然或合成虾青素,测定蛋黄色度值(RYCF)和蛋黄中叶黄素含量;试验2在玉米-豆粕和小麦-豆粕日粮中添加混合天然色素(橙黄素∶辣椒红素=1∶1),测定RYCF及叶黄素含量。结果显示:天然虾青素对蛋黄着色无显著影响(P>0.05);合成虾青素可以显著提高RYCF(P<0.05)。不同来源虾青素对叶黄素的沉积无显著影响(P>0.05)。小麦日粮中添加混合天然色素可以显著提高蛋黄叶黄素含量和RYCF(P<0.05),且RYCF与蛋黄叶黄素含量有极显著的相关关系(P<0.01)。对混合色素添加量与RYCF进行拟合,预测RYCF达到8时,需添加混合天然色素2 340 mg/kg。结果表明:合成色素不会增加蛋黄叶黄素含量。在小麦-豆粕基础中添加1.2 g/kg的天然色素可以改善蛋黄色泽,若使RYCF达到8则需添加混合色素2 662 mg/kg。     

Assessment of antioxidative and selenium status by seleno‐dependent glutathione peroxidase activity in different blood fractions using a pig model: issues for clinical nutrition and research

Blood seleno‐dependent glutathione peroxidase (SeGPX ) activity is widely used as a metabolic indicator of systemic antioxidative status despite inconsistent responses in the literature. This study aimed to compare SeGPX activity profiles in different blood fractions, expressed with different reference units, and assess their impact on interpretation of results. Two studies on selenium (Se) metabolism in gilts, including long‐term and peri‐oestrus SeGPX activity profiles, were submitted to analysis of variance with double repeated measures, after data set standardization. Differences between studies were experimental period (three post‐pubertal oestrus or five post‐pubertal oestrus +30 days of gestation) and sample type (whole blood or blood plasma). No difference was observed between whole‐blood long‐term profiles (three oestrus) for SeGPX activity/mg haemoglobin (SeGPX hb) vs. SeGPX activity/ml whole blood (SeGPX wb; p = 0.29). No long‐term difference was observed in whole blood between profiles according to dietary Se provision (basal and dietary Se‐supplemented groups; p ≥ 0.12). Blood plasma long‐term profiles (five oestrus + 30 days gestation) for SeGPX /mg blood plasma protein (SeGPX pro) were different from SeGPX /ml blood plasma (SeGPX pla) according or not to Se provision (p ≤ 0.007 and p < 0.001 respectively). However, regardless of Se provision (p ≥ 0.80), when excluding gestation from the model, blood plasma profiles were similar. During the peri‐oestrus period (day ?4 to +3), regardless of Se provision, SeGPX activity profiles differed according to reference units in both studies (p < 0.001). However, considering Se provision, similar profiles were observed in whole blood and blood plasma (p ≥ 0.27) for basal Se groups, whereas in Se‐supplemented groups they differed for both sample types (p ≤ 0.02). In conclusion, reference units influence interpretation of SeGPX activity according to physiological state. During oxidative stress periods, this effect depends upon dietary Se provision.     

Effect of Different Levels of Silymarin and Caproic Acid on Storage of Ram Semen in Liquid Form

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of silymarin on stored spermatozoa using four rams. In experiment 1, silymarin was evaluated as a supplement for Tris–glucose extender. Semen samples (n = 20) were diluted with extender containing 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 μg/ml silymarin and incubated at 5°C for 72 h. Membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, sperm viability and motility were evaluated at 72 h. Concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined after 48 h. Membrane integrity was higher in 100 μg/ml silymarin (65.2%) than control group (43.2%, p < 0.05). Acrosome integrity was highest in 100 μg/ml silymarin (71.3%, p < 0.05). Progressive motility was higher in 100 (58.5%), 150 (60.62%) and 200 μg/ml silymarin (54.7%) than control group (30.7%, p < 0.05). The highest MDA concentration was observed in control group (400 mm /10 × 10⁶ sperm; p < 0.05). The goal of experiment 2 was to determine the interaction between silymarin and caproic acid on ram stored sperm. Ejaculates (n = 20) were diluted by Tris–glucose extender, added 0 (S_?) or 100 μg/ml (S₊) silymarin and 0 (C_?) or 0.3125% (C₊) caproic acid, and thereafter, aliquots were incubated at 5°C for 72 h. Membrane integrity was lower in C_?S_? (57.6%) than C_?S₊ (73.2%), C₊S_? (80.2%) and C₊S₊ (72.1%, p > 0.05). The highest sperm viability and acrosome integrity were observed in C₊S_‐ (82.4 and 80.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). There was no difference between C_‐S₊ and C₊S₊ on sperm viability and membrane integrity, progressive motility and MDA concentration (p > 0.05). Therefore, the supplementation of extender with silymarin and caproic acid improved sperm quality and caproic acid was superior to caproic acid plus silymarin.     

Tomato powder in laying hen diets: effects on concentrations of yolk carotenoids and lipid peroxidation

1. The effects of tomato powder supplementation on performance, egg quality, serum and egg yolk carotenoids, vitamins and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in were investigated in laying hens in mid-lay.

2. A total of 90 laying hens, 49 weeks old, were divided into 3 groups consisting of 6 replicate cages, 5 birds per cage. Birds were randomly fed on one of three diets: basal diet and basal diet added with 5 or 10?g tomato powder per kg diet.

3. As tomato powder concentration increased, there were linear increases in feed intake, egg production, egg weight and yolk colour and a linear decrease in feed conversion. Shell weight, shell thickness and Haugh unit remained unchanged in response to dietary treatments.

4. Concentrations of serum and egg yolk lycopene, β-carotene, lutein and vitamin A increased for both diets including tomato powder, whereas MDA decreased linearly with increasing supplemental tomato powder concentration.

5. Tomato powder supplementation increased egg production persistency and increased carotenoids and vitamin A contents in egg yolk, accompanied by reduced yolk lipid peroxidation.     

天然产物转化为蛋黄色素的研究进展

文章阐述了蛋黄色素的组成、来源、含量的测定及分级,沉积效率的影响因素,加深蛋黄颜色的方法,探讨类胡萝卜素添加量,天然色素叶黄素的理化性质、植物性来源,在蛋鸡体内的吸收沉积机理和叶黄素对蛋黄着色影响的主要因素等。