Real-time analysis of chicken embryo sounds to monitor different incubation stages

The objective of this paper is to develop an algorithm that could be used in order to reduce the spread of chicken hatching in industrial incubators for chicken eggs. The approach that is used is based on frequency analysis of sounds recorded inside the industrial incubator and aims at identifying the time at which all the eggs inside the incubator have reached the internal pipping stage. The developed algorithm is able to be calibrated automatically in order to adjust for sounds around the incubator and the acoustics of every incubator. The algorithm has been implemented in a Digital Signal Processor and applied in real-time in an industrial environment. It is shown that the algorithm can correctly identify the time at which 93-98% of the eggs have had been in the internal pipping stage. This level of accuracy is considered adequate for a practical application focusing on reduction of the hatching window.     

Hypolipidemic effects of Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau juice in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet

Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau fruits have been traditionally utilized, in Calabria (Italy), as a popular remedy for their hypolipidemic properties. C. bergamia juice total phenol content (2474.35+/-38 microg/mL) was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method; moreover, HPLC analysis led to the identification of naringin (520 ppm), neoeriocitrin (370 ppm), and neohesperidin (310 ppm). The present study was designed to investigate the hypolipidemic effects of C. bergamia juice and its protective effect on liver of hyperlipidemic rats. Chronic administration of C. bergamia (1 mL/rat/day) provoked a significant reduction in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels; moreover, histopathological observations showed, in rats submitted to C. bergamia treatment, a protection of hepatic parenchyma. In addition, fecal neutral sterols and fecal bile acid excretion was found to be increased after C. bergamia treatment. These results suggest that the hypocholesterolemic effect of C. bergamia may be mediated by the increase in fecal neutral sterols and total bile acids excretion. In addition to the hypolipidemic effect, the juice shows radical scavenging activity in the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test; probably the two effects are related. These observations suggest that the positive intake of C. bergamia may reduce the risk of some cardiovascular diseases through its radical scavenging function and hypocholesterolemic action.     

Effects of graded levels of minerals in a multi‐nutrient package on Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fed a plant‐based diet

Replacement of fish meal (FM) and oil (FO) by plant sources can alter the feed mineral profile. However, requirements of these nutrients have not been established for gilthead sea bream. The aim of the present study was to obtain information about the adequate levels of some of these minerals (such as Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, Co, Fe and Ca) in diets with low FM and FO levels. Six plant‐based practical diets were supplemented with increasing levels of a multi‐nutrient package for 155 days. Performance parameters, biochemical analyses of whole body, vertebrae, plasma and blood cells; haematocrit; expression of several genes in liver and vertebrae were conducted. Increasing multi‐nutrient package affected fish growth, expression of molecular markers and mineral content in different tissues. A regression method was used to establish a relation between multi‐nutrient package levels and different indicators. However, nutrient interactions made it difficult to obtain clear results and so specific effects of each mineral must be studied in more detail. Mineral supplementation was required for Zn, Cu, Mn, Se and Co, whilst basal levels of Ca were sufficient to cover the optimum levels. On the other hand, there is evidence regarding a possible interaction between Fe and Zn which reduced Fe availability and absorption.