Influence of Hen Age and Number of Inseminated Sperm on the Number of Holes Hydrolyzed in the Inner Perivitelline Layer of Turkey Eggs

Eggs from young turkey breeder hens have a higher rate of early embryonic mortality (EEM) than eggs from older hens. Preliminary field data indicated that increased sperm concentration decreased the incidence of EEM in eggs from young hens. Possible explanations for decreased EEM following insemination with more concentrated sperm may include altered sperm binding and hydrolyzing of the inner perivitelline layer (IPVL) of eggs from hens of different ages. The current study examined differences in the number of sperm penetration (SP) holes hydrolyzed in the IPVL in hens at 2 different ages when inseminated with 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, or 800 million viable sperm. Hens (12/treatment) were inseminated on d 14 and 21 after photostimulation (32 and 33 wk of age) and were inseminated again at 12 and 13 wk of egg production (44 and 45 wk of age). The SP holes hydrolyzed in the IPVL were counted in the 1,098 eggs produced in the 3 wk following each insemination period. The number of SP holes hydrolyzed in the IPVL was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater in younger hens than older hens. Furthermore, the number of SP holes was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.01) with the 400 and 800 million insemination doses as compared with the other 4 insemination doses. There was no interaction between hen age and sperm insemination dose. In conclusion, the absence of an interaction between hen age and insemination dose suggests that factors other than numbers of sperm binding to the IPVL influence EEM. These factors may be a combination of oviduct influences and IPVL properties that change as the hen ages.     

Effect of dietary manipulation and vaccination of turkey breeder hens on immunoglobulin levels of yolk,yolk sac and neonate poults

Two hundred turkey breeder hens and 24 viable toms of 30–35 weeks age of small white variety were distributed into two treatment groups having four replicates of 25 hens and three toms in each treatment. First four replicates were offered a turkey breeder diet (Diet A) (Nutrient requirements of poultry, 1994, National Academic Press, Washington, DC) and the rest four replicates were maintained on a higher plane of nutrition (Diet B) for 8‐week duration. After 6 weeks of experimental feeding, two replicates from each treatment groups were vaccinated with ND (R₂B) vaccine. Yolk sac of embryo from birds fed Diet B had a significantly higher (p < .05) IgG, IgM level and HI titre (log 2) than those fed Diet A. HI titre values of embryonic yolk sac from the vaccinated birds fed Diet B were significantly higher (p < .05) than that of the control groups. In addition, HI titre values were significantly higher (p < .05) in the day‐old poults of the birds fed Diet B than that of those fed Diet A. There was significantly (p < .01) positive correlation between serum IgG and IgM of the breeder birds and day‐old chicks. Similarly, there was significantly (p < .05) positive correlation between yolk IgG and IgM after 1‐month experimental feeding and yolk sac IgG and IgM. Positive correlation (p < .05) also existed between yolk sac IgM and day‐old chick serum IgM. Furthermore, the HI titres of breeder birds' serum at 14 days post‐vaccination were positively correlated with their egg yolk after 10 and 15 days post‐vaccination, yolk sac and day‐old chicks. Thus, the study envisaged that a higher immunity in neonate poults from turkey breeders maintained on a higher plane of nutrition may be elicited as there was maternal transfer of antibodies from the serum of breeder birds to their offsprings through their yolk sac.     

LH responses to chicken luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone I and II in laying,incubating, and out of lay turkey hens

An experiment was conducted to assess the relative in vivo and in vitro activities of chicken LH-RH-I and -II in laying, incubating and out-of-lay turkey hens. The highest plasma concentrations of LH were measured in laying turkey hens, whereas hypophyseal concentrations were highest in incubating hens (I) and lowest in the laying hens at the end of the laying period (EL). Hypophyseal and plasma concentrations of LH decreased with aging in laying hens (L) and the greater decrease occurred in the hypophyses. An in vitro hypophyseal acute challenge with 2-min pulses of cLHRH I or II (10⁻⁷ M) using a perifusion technique resulted in an increase in the release of LH in out-of-lay (OL) and incubating (I) hens, but not in laying (L) hens. Although both peptides elicited comparable responses in I hens, cLHRH II was more effective in OL hens. This difference was attributable to a greater amplitude of the response, whose duration was unchanged. Hypophyseal desensitization to a subsequent stimulation was observed in OL hens when the interval between stimulations was 30 min, but this did not occur at 60- or 120-min intervals. In vivo, the injection of cLHRH I or II, at doses of 10⁻⁸ and 10⁻¹⁰M/kg B.W. stimulated increases in the plasma concentrations of LH, which were initiated within 1 min of injection in OL and I hens but from 5 to 20 min postinjection in L hens. The responses were dose-related and greater immediate responses were measured with cLHRH I than with cLHRH II. Also, after the injection of cLHRH II at the 10⁻⁸ M/kg B.W. dose, the shape of the LH response consisted of an initial increase, followed by a more sustained phase during which LH concentrations were either stable (I hens) or continued to increase (L and OL hens) from 20 to 60 min after injection. In contrast, the injection of cLHRH I at doses of 10⁻⁸ or 10⁻¹⁰ M/kg or cLHRH II at a dose of 10⁻¹⁰ M/kg in I and OL hens, produced a peak of LH concentrations in plasma within 5 min and thereafter declined gradually. The difference in the in vivo responses to LHRH I and II could not be attributed to a greater potency of cLHRH II, but to a more prolonged action. In summary, the responses to both forms of chicken LH-RH varies markedly with the stage of the reproductive cycle (L, I, and OL) and differs between the in vivo and in vitro situations. Although cLHRH II may be more active than cLHRH I, controversy still surrounds its precise physiological role.     

Effects of ad libitum feeding on performance of different strains of broiler breeders

(1) Tolerance to ad libitum feeding was compared in three genotypes of broiler breeder hens: a standard broiler breeder fed ad libitum (SA) or restricted (SR), a slow growing 'label' broiler breeder (L) and an experimental dwarf heavy broiler breeder (E). Two similar experiments were conducted in two distinct research centres. (2) Feed intake and body weight were measured every 3 weeks from hatch to 40 to 49 weeks of age. Egg production and egg abnormalities were recorded. The number of yellow follicles in ovaries was counted at the age of 32 weeks. (3) Body weight was stabilised at 2.2, 3.7 and 5.4 kg after 24 weeks of age in L, E and SA hens, respectively. Growth of the SR hens was similar to that of L up to 20 weeks and stabilised at a similar level to that of E hens after 30 weeks of age. (4) Sexual maturity was delayed by 6 weeks in restricted breeders compared to ad libitum fed hens that started to lay at 20 weeks. SA hens had low egg production and a high proportion of defective eggs, which was largely compensated for by feed restriction. However, productivity of SR hens remained lower than that of L breeders. (5) Compared to the low viability and reproductive fitness observed with SA hens, the E dwarf broiler breeder tolerated ad libitum feeding and had better egg production, fewer egg abnormalities and yellow follicles per ovary and a higher egg production. However, laying rate was still lower than that of the SR and L groups. Energy conversion (kJ/g egg) from 32 to 40 weeks of age was much higher in the SA group than in the other three groups. 6. The feasibility of feeding a dwarf broiler breeder ad libitum calls for further research on implications of specific IGF and GH-receptor expression at the level of the ovary in dw chickens.     

Clinical outbreak of Bordetella avium infection in two turkey breeder flocks

An acute upper respiratory disease was observed in two broad-breasted white (BBW) turkey primary breeder flocks. Associated clinical signs included sneezing, depression, and a deep dry cough originating from large conducting airways. Morbidity reached approximately 15-20% of the hens in an affected house. None of the turkeys died, and total feed consumption was not affected. A minimal effect upon egg production was noticed. Sera from an acutely affected flock exhibited a marked rise in titer to Bordetella avium compared with preinfection sera samples. In Case 1, B. avium was isolated in pure culture from affected birds. In Case 2, B. avium was diagnosed by serological results and clinical signs; bacteriological examination was not attempted. The findings presented here are consistent with an acute clinical outbreak of B. avium-induced turkey rhinotracheitis (turkey coryza) in BBW turkey breeder hens.     

Vertical transmission of reticuloendotheliosis virus in breeder turkeys

Epizootiological studies were conducted on a commercial turkey breeder flock naturally infected with nondefective reticuloendotheliosis (RE) virus. Although RE virus was isolated from 27 (46%) of the 59 hens studied, only 4 of the 45 hens tested transmitted RE virus to progeny during a 6-week observation period and the overall transmission rate was 1.8%. The transmitter hens were of two types: three hens were consistently viremic and antigenemic and lacked antibody; one hen was viremic but lacked detectable viral antigen and possessed antibody. Toms appeared to play no role in vertical transmission of the infection. Of several tests evaluated for detection of transmitter hens, the direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on albumen was probably best, since it detected three of four transmitter hens, detected relatively few nontransmitter hens, and had the best consistency of any test. No significant differences in hatchability were found between eggs from viremic and non-viremic hens. These findings can be utilized in the development of programs for eradication of RE virus from turkey breeding flocks.     

Intramuscular Selenium Administration in Selenium-Deficient Cattle

Nine recently weaned Hereford heifers were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 3) or a treatment group (n = 6). The animals were selenium (Se) deficient (mean ± SD blood Se concentration = 0.024 ± 0.012 μg/mL). They were maintained on a selenium-deficient diet, and on day 0 of the study the treatment group was given 0.05 mg Se/kg body weight intramuscularly, while the control group received a placebo. The Se concentration of blood, serum, and urine as well as the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity of blood and serum was measured over an 84-day period. Peak blood Se and serum Se concentrations (mean ± SD) in the treatment group occurred at 5 hours postinjection and were 0.131 ± 0.028 μg/mL and 0.154 ± 0.027 μg/mL, respectively. The mean blood Se concentration of the treatment group was greater (P < .05) than that of the control group for the first 28 days after injection. The mean serum Se concentration of the treatment group was greater (P < .05) than that of the control group for all times after injection, except for day 56. The mean (±SD) blood GSH-Px activity of the treatment group (12.0 ± 2.3 mU/min/mg hemoglobin) was increased (P < .05) over the control group (2.0 ± 1.4 mU/min/ mg hemoglobin) by day 28 and continued to be greater (P < .05) throughout the 84 day postinjection period. The blood GSH-Px activity and the blood Se concentrations in the treatment group heifers did not reach concentrations considered indicative of Se adequacy (30 mU/min/mg hemoglobin and 0.10 μg/mL, respectively) except briefly, at 5 hours postinjection when the blood Se concentration of the treatment group was 0.131 ± 0.028 μg/mL. The mean serum GSH-Px activity of the treatment group did not differ at any time from that of the control group (P≥ .17). The mean (±SD) fractional excretion (FE) of Se, as an estimate of Se excretion, was greater (P < .05) in the treatment group heifers (n = 5; 6.2 ± 2.5%) than in the control heifers (n = 3; 1.3 ± 0.6%) at 24 hours postinjection. The mean (±SD) weight gain, from day 0 to day 84, for the treatment group heifers was 63.0 ± 18.1 kg and the mean weight gain for the control group heifers was 53.1 ± 7.3 kg at 84 days postinjection and there was no difference between the groups (P < .39). Conclusions drawn from this study include: 1) the increase in blood GSH-Px activity occurs approximately 28 days after Se injection given to Se-deficient heifers, 2) a single label dose of injectable Se does not result in blood Se concentrations or blood GSH-Px activity normally considered to be adequate, 3) the label dose of injectable Se, although therapeutically beneficial for nutritional myodegeneration (NMD), does not seem to be a desired method for long-term Se supplementation of cattle consuming a Se-deficient diet, and 4) blood Se is a better predictor of Se status than serum Se. (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1993; 7:342–348. Copyright © 1993 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)     

Comparison of the basal and luteinising hormone-releasing hormone induced luteinising hormone release by perifused hypophyses from turkey hens (Meleagris gallopavo) at different physiological stages.

1. An experiment was performed to investigate the weight of the ovary, the oviduct, the pituitary gland, the plasma concentrations of luteinising hormone (LH), progesterone, oestradiol and the responsiveness of the pituitary gland in vitro to doses of Luteinising Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) ranging from 10(-10) to 10(-5) M in laying (L), incubating (I) and out-of-lay (OL) turkey hens. 2. Pituitary weights did not differ between the groups but the weights of the ovary and oviduct and the plasma concentrations of progesterone and oestradiol were lower in I and OL than in L hens. The plasma concentrations of LH were lower in I than in L hens. 3. In vitro, the basal release of LH was similar in L and I hens, but significantly higher in OL hens. A slow and linear increase in basal LH release by the glands from I and OL hens was observed throughout the experiment. 4. No clear dose-response relationship was found in any of the reproductive states with respect to LH release in vitro following LH-RH stimulation, probably as a result of partial cell desensitisation. On the other hand, the amount of LH released over basal level in responses to stimulation with different doses of LH-RH were not significantly different between L and I hens, but they were between 5- to 10-fold higher in OL hens, except at the lowest dose. 5. These findings confirm that there is no correlation between circulating LH in turkey hens and the capacity of the hypophysis to release LH in vitro passively or in response to LH-RH. Therefore, the low circulating concentrations of LH in I and OL turkey hens cannot be accounted for by decreased adenohypophyseal responsiveness to LH-RH. They may indicate a low level of hypothalamic secretion of LH-RH and/or to the existence of an inhibitory mechanism on LH secretion in vivo in both OL and I hens.     

Reoccurrence of histomonosis in turkey breeder farm

Histomonosis is a severe disease caused by the protozoan parasite Histomonas (H.) meleagridis, which can lead to high losses in turkeys. The present report describes the reoccurrence of histomonosis in a turkey breeder farm. The first outbreak occurred in 2005 in 17 weeks old hens, the second in 2009 in 8 weeks old hens. The disease remained restricted in one house and one compartment, respectively. Mortality rose to 26 and 65% respectively within few days in spite of therapy with various compounds. Both flocks had to be euthanized. In both cases H. meleagridis belonging to genotype A was detected. The source of infection remained unclear in both cases.     

Effect of dosage and application mode of l‐carnitine on plasma lipid and egg‐yolk cholesterol of turkeys,hatchability of eggs and post‐hatch growth of their offsprings

The effect of dosage and application mode of l ‐carnitine on plasma lipid and egg‐yolk cholesterol of breeder turkeys, hatchability of eggs and post‐hatch growth response was investigated using 180 breeder hens. The hens were assigned to six dietary treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangements of two application modes of l ‐carnitine (diet and drinking water) supplemented at 0, 50 and 100 ppm (mg/kg or mg/l) levels, respectively. Each treatment was replicated five times with six hens per replicate. Dietary inclusion of 50 ppm l ‐carnitine showed the lowest (p < 0.01) plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein concentration (LDL). Breeder hens offered 50 ppm l ‐carnitine with no regard to application mode recorded the highest (p < 0.01) plasma high‐density lipoprotein (HDL). Hens offered 50 and 100 ppm l ‐carnitine irrespective of application mode also showed reduced (p < 0.01) egg‐yolk TC concentration at 32 weeks of age. Dietary supplementation of 50 ppm l ‐carnitine for breeder turkeys recorded the lowest (p < 0.01) egg‐yolk triglyceride (TG) at 40 weeks of age. Hens offered 50 ppm l ‐carnitine irrespective of application mode recorded the highest (p < 0.05) hen‐day egg production. Incidence of dead‐in‐shell also reduced (p < 0.05) with increasing dosage of l ‐carnitine. Dietary supplementation of 50 ppm and oral application in drinking water of 100 ppm l ‐carnitine for breeder turkeys resulted in highest (p < 0.05) egg fertility. Offsprings from breeder hens fed diets supplemented with l ‐carnitine recorded no post‐hatch mortality. Highest (p < 0.05) post‐hatch final live weight and weight gain was obtained with poults obtained from hens fed diet supplemented with 50 ppm l ‐carnitine. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 50 ppm l ‐carnitine for turkey hens showed improved serum lipid profile, egg fertility, reduced dead‐in‐shell, egg‐yolk cholesterol and resulted in improved post‐hatch growth performance.     

Low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses infect chicken layers by different routes of inoculation

In order to develop better control measures against avian influenza, it is necessary to understand how the virus transmits in poultry. In a previous study in which the infectivity and transmissibility of the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus was examined in different poultry species, we found that no or minimal infection occurred in chicken and turkeys intranasally (IN) inoculated with the virus. However, we demonstrated that the virus can infect laying turkey hens by the intracloacal (IC) and intraoviduct (IO) routes, possibly explaining the drops in egg production observed in turkey breeder farms affected by the virus. Such novel routes of exposure have not been previously examined in chickens and could also explain outbreaks of low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) that cause a decrease in egg production in chicken layers and breeders. In the present study, 46-wk-old specific-pathogen-free chicken layers were infected by the IN, IC, or IO routes with one of two LPAI viruses: a poultry origin virus, A/chicken/CA/1255/02 (H6N2), and a live bird market isolate, A/chicken/NJ/12220/97 (H9N2). Only hens IN inoculated with the H6N2 virus presented mild clinical signs consisting of depression and anorexia. However, a decrease in number of eggs laid was observed in all virus-inoculated groups when compared to control hens. Evidence of infection was found in all chickens inoculated with the H6N2 virus by any of the three routes and the virus transmitted to contact hens. On the other hand, only one or two hens from each of the groups inoculated with the H9N2 virus shed detectable levels of virus, or seroconverted and did not transmit the virus to contacts, regardless of the route of inoculation. In conclusion, LPAI viruses can also infect chickens through other routes besides the IN route, which is considered the natural route of exposure. However, as seen with the H9N2 virus, the infectivity of the virus did not increase when given by these alternate routes.     

Selected blood chemistry values in mobility-impaired broiler breeder hens with suspected calcium tetany using the i-STAT handheld clinical analyzer

Calcium tetany is a poorly defined disease of broiler breeder hens that results from acute hypocalcemia. It is characterized by impaired mobility, increased mortality, and absence of gross lesions that would explain the impaired mobility. To evaluate if hens with impaired mobility had calcium tetany or other abnormalities, blood values from normal and affected hens were determined using the i-STAT handheld clinical analyzer. Three flocks were evaluated weekly prior to peak production (range 25-30 wk of age) comparing normal hens to hens with clinically apparent calcium tetany. Calcium tetany suspect (CaTS) hens from four additional flocks were also evaluated. Significant hypocalcemia (P < 0.001) was observed in CaTS hens (average = 1.14 mmol/L ionized calcium [iCa]) compared to normal hens (average = 1.53 mmol/L iCa) in only one of three flocks sampled weekly. Clinically affected hens from one of the other four flocks also had hypocalcemia. Blood value abnormalities in mobility-impaired hens without hypocalcemia included hypernatremia. Findings in this study indicate calcium tetany is one cause of impaired mobility in breeder hens, but mobility impairment without hypocalcemia can also occur. Calcium tetany should be confirmed by finding significantly decreased levels of iCa in the blood, as diagnosis based on clinical presentation and necropsy results can be inaccurate. The i-STAT handheld clinical analyzer is an efficient, relatively low-cost method to determine iCa and other blood chemistry values that may be associated with impaired mobility in broiler breeder hens.     

Organic matrix composition and ultrastructure of eggshell: a comparative study.

1. The avian eggshell is a biomineralised composite ceramic consisting of calcium carbonate embedded in an organic matrix. Matrix components are supposed to be involved in the control of mineralisation, crystallographic texture and biomechanical properties of eggshell. 2. The structure and eggshell matrix composition of various domesticated bird species were compared to gain insight into the universality of the eggshell mineralisation process. 3. The SDS-PAGE profiles of soluble eggshell matrix were specific within groups of birds (a: laying hen, breeder hen, quail, pheasant and possibly turkey; b: guinea fowl; c: duck and goose) but some of the protein bands were common to all groups. 4. Analogies between species were confirmed by Western blotting using hen protein antibodies. Ovocleidin-17 (OC-17) and ovalbumin were revealed in all species (except quail for OC-17). Lysozyme was present only in hen eggshell. Another egg white protein: ovotransferrin showed a positive signal in hens, turkey and quail. Osteopontin was observed in laying and breeder hens and quail. 5. Different proteoglycans were localised to discrete regions within the eggshell. Dermatan sulphate was observed within the matrix of the calcified shell of all species except quail which contained chondroitin-6-sulfate. Keratan sulphate was observed in mammillary bodies of breeder and laying hen, quail, pheasant and turkey while chondroitin sulphate was also present in guinea fowl and duck. 6. The general structural organisation of the different avian eggshells was similar but specific differences were observed in the ultrastructure of the mammillary layer. Species of the same taxonomic family could be grouped according to their structural analogies: breeder hen, turkey and pheasant resembled that of the domestic fowl. Guinea fowl was unique. Goose and duck were quite similar with large and confluent mammillary bodies. 7. Some matrix components are therefore common to eggshells of various species but more information is needed to relate differences in matrix composition between taxonomic groups with differences in ultrastructure.     

Characteristics of oviposition patterns of turkey hens and the influence of different wavelengths of light

1. Characteristics of individual oviposition patterns of turkey breeder hens were determined for 160 d of photostimulation with fluorescent blue, green or red light and with incandescent light. 2. In all treatments most eggs were laid during the afternoon and evening. The maximum frequency occurred at 14.00 to 15.00 h (8 to 9 h after light onset); about 15% of all eggs were laid in the dark period. 3. The hourly oviposition distribution remained unchanged and was specific to individual hens throughout the study period. However, it was highly variable between hens, ranging from highly dispersed to tightly clustered. 4. The total number of clutches per hen did not differ between treatments and eggs were laid in relatively short clutches; 65% were of two eggs or fewer, 30% of three to 5 eggs and only 5% of 6 eggs or more. 5. The oviposition time of the first egg in a clutch was very variable; however, oviposition time became more clustered and uniform as the position of the egg in a clutch increased. 6. Mean time of lay, mean interval between eggs and total lag time were not influenced by light treatment. Mean interval was about 27 h for all eggs and was not influenced by clutch size. 7. Light quality at the intensity used in this study did not appear to play an important role in oviposition patterns of turkey hens.     

Serological investigations on reticuloendotheliosis in turkey flocks

Four meat turkey and one turkey breeding flocks were surveyed for antibodies against reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) at different intervals using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In addition, serum samples collected from 18 flocks at different ages were also tested for antibodies against REV. No antibodies were detected in any of the four meat turkey flocks that were surveyed. In the breeder flock, 20%) of tested samples from 1-day-old poults were positive. Between the fourth and 12th weeks all samples that were tested yielded negative results. At 16 weeks of age 15% of samples yielded a positive reaction, but antibodies could not be detected 4 weeks later. Examination of serum samples from 18 different flocks at various ages revealed that antibodies could be detected in five flocks. The percentage of positive sera per flock ranged between 10 and 40%.     

The Impact of Yeast Culture Residue on the Suppression of Dietary Aflatoxin on the Performance of Broiler Breeder Hens

A study was conducted to examine the effect of yeast culture residue (YCR) on the suppression of aflatoxicosis in broiler breeder hens. One hundred twenty, 35-wk-old, Cobb broiler breeder hens of the same cross were fed diets supplemented with aflatoxin (AF) (0 or 3 mg/kg) and YCR (0 or 2 lb/ton) singly and combined in a 2 × 2 factorial designed experiment. The birds were randomly assigned to pens with 3 replicates of 10 females and 1 male per treatment. Eggs laid by the hens were collected daily, stored at room temperature, and incubated every 7 d for 3 wk. Response variables analyzed were mean percentage of fertility, hatchability, hen-day egg production, egg weight, chick weight at hatch, and embryonic mortality over the 3-wk treatment period. At the end of 3-wk treatment, blood was collected from the hens and analyzed for total protein, globulin, and albumin. Aflatoxin did not negatively affect fertility. However, hen-day egg production (57.6%), percentage of hatchability (67.6%), embryonic mortality (24%), serum total protein, globulin, and albumin were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by AF. Hatch of fertile eggs from the AF-fed hens was significantly lower than the control (67.6 vs. 78.5%). The inclusion of YCR in the AF-treated diet raised the level of hatchability (74.9 vs. 67.6%), egg production (65.83 vs. 57.26%), and lowered embryonic mortality (16.8 vs. 24%). Serum globulin and albumin were lowered in the AF-fed hens but was partially restored with the addition of YCR. The data demonstrated that YCR may enhance the performance of broiler breeder hens that are provided feed contaminated with AF.     

Binding profile of spiramycin to oviducal proteins of laying hens

In vitro protein binding of spiramycin (SP) in the plasma and oviducts of laying hens was studied. The data for SP were compared with those for oxytetracycline (OTC), sulphadimidine (SDD), sulphamonomethoxine (SMM) and sulphaquinoxaline (SQ). The two oviduct segments, magnum (M) and isthmus plus shell gland (IS), were collected. The soluble (cell sap) fractions from the magnum (M-S9) and the isthmus plus shell gland (IS-S9) were used as samples. Plasma protein binding was highest for SQ (81.4%) (P < 0.01), and lowest for SDD (30.9%) (P < 0.01). No M-S9 protein binding of OTC was found. The IS-S9 protein binding of SP (60.4%) was very much higher than those of OTC (0.8%), SDD (4.1%), SMM (4.0%) and SQ (12.3%) (P < 0.01). Biological half-lives of these drugs in egg albumen were directly correlated to the extent of their binding to IS proteins. Of plasma, M-S9 and IS-S9, variation in SP concentration in the ranges from 1 to 20 micrograms/ml did not alter the binding properties of the drug.     

副干酪乳杆菌KL1制剂对蛋鸡生产性能、蛋品质及鸡蛋中胆固醇含量的影响研究

旨在利用从藏灵菇中筛选的可显著降低血清胆固醇和耐受胃肠道逆环境的副干酪乳杆菌KL1菌株制备微生态制剂,探讨该制剂在低胆固醇鸡蛋生产中对蛋鸡生产性能、蛋品质及鸡蛋中胆固醇含量的影响。本试验将120只30周龄健康状态良好且产蛋率接近的农大3号矮小蛋鸡随机分为低、中、高剂量试验组和对照组,每组5个重复,每个重复6只蛋鸡,试验组在基础饲粮中分别添加10⁵、10⁶、10⁷ CFU·（只·d）^-1副干酪乳杆菌KL1微生态制剂,对照组饲喂基础饲粮,连续饲喂10周。对蛋鸡的生产性能、蛋品质和鸡蛋中的胆固醇进行测定和计算。结果表明：1）中剂量组的蛋鸡饲养日产蛋率与对照组相比有显著提高（P<0.05）;2）与对照组相比,中、高剂量组的蛋壳强度、蛋壳厚度和血清钙水平有显著提高（P<0.05）,蛋黄相对重有极显著提高（P<0.01）;3）低、中、高剂量组的蛋黄胆固醇含量及血清总胆固醇（TC）、甘油三酯（TG）含量均极显著低于对照组（P<0.01）;高剂量组的血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C）和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL-C）含量分别极显著高于对照组（P<0.01）和显著低于对照组（P<0.05）。在饲粮中添加副干酪乳杆菌KL1微生态制剂可显著提高蛋鸡生产能力和蛋壳品质,降低鸡蛋中胆固醇含量,总体来看,以10⁶ CFU·（只·d）^-1作为最终添加剂量效果最佳,在低胆固醇鸡蛋的生产中具有良好的应用价值。     

Pulsatile secretion of prolactin in laying and incubating turkey hens

Incubation behavior in the turkey hen is associated with a large increase in prolactin secretion. Previous research using hourly sampling of incubating hens has shown that prolactin levels fluctuate widely throughout a 24-hr period, suggestive of pulsatile secretion. This study compared the prolactin secretory patterns of laying and incubating turkeys to determine if prolactin is secreted episodically and if the high prolactin levels characteristic of the incubating hen may result, at least in part, from a change in the amplitude or frequency of secretory pulses. Blood samples were collected from cannulated, unrestrained laying and incubating hens at 10-min intervals for up to 24 hr. Data were analyzed with the PULSAR program to determine baseline prolactin levels and to establish the magnitude, frequency, and duration of episodic secretory peaks. The results revealed that prolactin is secreted in a pulsatile pattern in both laying and incubating turkey hens. Incubating hens had ninefold higher mean and baseline plasma prolactin levels than laying hens. The prolactin pulses were of approximately 12-fold greater amplitude in incubating hens than in laying hens, but the duration and frequency of pulses were the same in both groups. Therefore, the high prolactin levels required for incubation do not appear to result from an increase in the frequency of lactotroph stimulation, but rather from an increase in the prolactin secretion rate.