Dietary Wolffia arrhiza meal as a substitute for soybean meal: its effects on the productive performance and egg quality of laying Japanese quails

Wolffia arrhiza meal (WAM) was evaluated as a protein replacement for soybean meal (SBM) in the diet of laying Japanese quails. A total of 480 4-week-old laying quails were randomly allocated to form six groups in a completely randomized design. Each group contained four replicates, with 20 quails per replicate. WAM was incorporated into the diets at levels of 0, 4.00, 8.00, 12.0, 16.0 and 20.0%. The results showed that feed intake per bird per day, daily egg-laying rate, feed cost per 100 egg weight, egg width, egg length, egg weight, eggshell thickness, yolk height and shell quality characteristics in terms of breaking time, Young's modulus, work, maximum force, fracturability, breaking stress, stiffness and power showed no statistically significant differences (P?>?0.05) among the 0 to 16.0% levels of WAM. However, these performance measures were significantly lower with 20.0% WAM in the formulated ration (P?<?0.05). Mortality showed no significant differences among dietary treatments (P?>?0.05). The color intensity of the yolk increased as SBM was replaced with increasing amounts of WAM (P?<?0.05). In conclusion, WAM could be successfully used in place of SBM. However, the amount used should not exceed 16.0%.     

Physical and mechanical properties of eggshell as affected by chicken breed and flock age

ABSTRACT

1. A study was conducted to evaluate the relationship among physical and mechanical properties of the eggshell, as affected by breed and hen’s age.

2. Data on eggshell quality (external characteristics and derived measurements) were obtained from 322 laying hens, from three breeds (Fayoumi, Dandarawi and Hy-Line Brown) during the laying cycle, starting from 38 wks of age for four experimental periods (38, 46, 54 and 62 wks).

3. Eggs obtained from the Fayoumi breed exhibited the highest shell thickness and breaking force. There was a linear improvement in eggshell quality attributes associated with hen’s age up to 54 wks, thereafter a deterioration was found for all breeds.

4. Generally, eggs laid by native breeds (Fayoumi and Dandarawi) had better mechanical properties compared to those produced by the commercial strain (Hy-Line Brown). In addition, the interaction between breed and hen’s age was not significant for any physical property or mechanical attribute. There was a highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) positive correlation between the breaking force and either eggshell toughness or shell thickness, and regression analyses suggested that eggshell toughness was the best predictor for breaking force, followed by shell thickness.     

Effect of lighted incubation on embryonic growth and hatchability performance of two strains of layer breeder eggs

1. Eggs from two layer-type breeder flocks (ISA-W vs Leghorn) between 30 and 45 weeks of age were used in 4 trials to study the effects of lighted incubation on embryonic growth from 5 to 18 d of age and hatchability per cent (HP). The physical dimensions, eggshell characteristics and conductance (EC) of eggs of the two strains were compared. 2. Eggs were set in an incubator on trays either in the dark-control or under two tubes of 20-watt white fluorescent light during the first 18 d of incubation. The light intensity ranged from 1230 to 1790 lux at the surface of the eggs. Eggs were transferred to dark hatching compartments at d 19 of incubation. 3. The genetic make-up of birds influenced the physical dimensions and eggshell characteristics of eggs. ISA-W eggs had higher weight, surface area (ESA), volume (EV), width, EC, shell volume and HP, and lower ESA:EV ratio, per cent shell, shell density and dead embryos than those of Leghorn eggs. 4. Lighted incubation increased daily embryonic growth (mg/d) and HP by 3.9 and 5.9%, respectively, when compared with the dark-control incubation. 5. The physical dimensions and eggshell characteristics of eggs influenced the effects of lighted incubation on embryonic growth and HP. Lighted incubation increased embryonic growth and HP of ISA-W eggs. The increase in embryonic growth and HP of the Leghorn eggs was not significant. 6. The genetic make-up of birds influenced the physical dimensions and eggshell characteristics of their eggs and these differences in the characteristics of hatching eggs influenced embryonic growth and HP when incubated under light.     

Effect of dietary dried milky sludge on productive performance and egg quality in laying Japanese quails

The experiment was conducted to study the effectiveness of dried milky sludge (DMS) as a feed source for laying Japanese quails. The DMS was incorporated into the experimental diets at levels of 0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0%. Four hundred quails were used in a completely randomized design. The results revealed that the daily egg-laying rate, feed cost/100 egg weight, egg width, egg length, egg weight, shell quality characteristics in terms of breaking time, Young's modulus, work, max force, fracturability, breaking stress, stiffness and power, as well as color intensity and yolk height improved significantly with increasing levels of DMS in the diet ( P  < 0.05), while feed intake/bird/day, mortality and eggshell thickness showed no significant differences ( P  > 0.05). From this experiment, it was found that DMS incorporated into the experimental diet at the 20.0% level yielded the most productive performance and best egg quality.     

Determination and Correlation Analysis on the Egg Quality of Egg-laying Ducks Reared in Cages and on Floor

The purpose of this test was to evaluate the egg quality from two breeds of ducks reared in cages and on floor.30 eggs were chosen from each type of eggs,which were from Jinding (green shell) and Shan Partridge ducks (white shell)at 40 weeks-old reared in cages and on floor for egg quality evaluation.The results showed that the egg weight of caged duck was extremely significantly larger than the floor duck (P<0.01) in the same breed,there were very significant positive correlations between the egg weight and eggshell weight,egg-white weight and egg yolk weight (P<0.01),but no significant difference among the egg yolk weights of different types of ducks (P>0.05).The shell strength of green egg was obviously higher than that of white shell eggs (P<0.05),and the shell strength of green egg from caged ducks was higher than that of the green egg ducks on floor.The correlation coefficients of the egg specific gravity and eggshell thickness,the specific gravity and eggshell strength were 0.503 (P<0.01) and 0.536 (P<0.01) respectively.Haugh units of four types of ducks all reached 72 or more.Although there was significant positive correlation between egg-white weight and egg yolk weight (P<0.01),significant negative correlation was existed between egg-white weight and egg yolk ratio (P<0.01).There were significant negative correlations between egg specific gravity and egg yolk weight (P<0.05) and egg yolk ratio (P<0.05).In conclusion,the mode of cage feeding and the breed with green shell were appropriate choices in laying-egg duck production for high egg quality.     

Measuring the eggshell strength of 6 different genetic strains of laying hens: techniques and comparisons

1. Eggshell quality was compared in 6 different strains of laying hens. Three strains were commercial; the three others were experimental. 2. Four different variables describing the strength of eggshells were investigated. Three of them were the classical ones eggshell thickness, shell stiffness measured during quasi-static compression and breaking force. Dynamic stiffness, introduced by Coucke (Ph.D. Thesis, KU Leuven, 1998), was the 4th. The fact that this measurement is dynamic could be helpful in genetic selection for eggshell breakage, because forces applied to the egg in practice are dynamic, rather than static. 3. Hisex White hens produce eggs with the strongest eggshell, in terms of all 4 eggshell variables. However, their shell quality in terms of breaking force did not remain constant over the laying period, unlike 4 other strains. 4. All strains showed a decline in quasi-static stiffness over time. 5. The eggshell thickness of three strains showed a decline over time. 6. Dynamic stiffness remained constant or improved in all strain. 7. All variables describing the mechanical eggshell strength gave different information.     

鸡蛋暗斑对蛋品质及抗氧化能力的影响

[目的]研究鸡蛋暗斑对蛋品质及其抗氧化能力的影响。[方法]从饲喂同种日粮、饲养环境相同、同日龄褐壳蛋鸡同一批次所产的褐壳蛋中,用灯光照射法挑选出24枚典型正常蛋、24枚典型暗斑蛋进行试验,并分别对正常蛋和暗斑蛋进行蛋品质、蛋黄抗氧化指标的测定及比较。[结果]蛋品质比较:暗斑蛋与正常蛋相比,其蛋形指数、蛋壳强度、蛋重、哈氏单位、蛋白高度、鸡蛋等级、蛋黄颜色、蛋黄重、蛋壳重、蛋清重、蛋壳厚度、蛋黄比重、蛋壳比重、蛋清比重均差异不显著(P>0.05);暗斑蛋蛋壳颜色极显著深于正常蛋(P<0.01)。抗氧化指标比较:暗斑蛋蛋黄的总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)显著低于正常蛋蛋黄的总抗氧化能力(P<0.05),暗斑蛋蛋黄的丙二醛(MDA)含量与正常蛋蛋黄的丙二醛含量相比差异不显著(P>0.05)。[结论]与正常蛋相比,暗斑蛋的蛋壳颜色较深,总抗氧化能力较差。     

固始鸡蛋壳质量性状分析

实验对56个固始鸡鸡蛋的蛋壳颜色、蛋壳重占总蛋重的比例和蛋不同部位蛋壳厚度进行测定。结果表明,浅褐色和灰色蛋壳颜色占绝大多数,没有灰白色和白色;蛋壳重占总蛋重的比例平均为10.97%;平均蛋壳厚度0.339mm,大多数鸡蛋锐端蛋壳厚度比钝端和中间高。     

Relationship between egg‐shell colour and two measurements of shell strength in the Vasca breed

1. Egg‐shell colour, egg specific gravity, shell thickness and egg weight were determined for 2080 eggs from three varieties of the Vasca, a Spanish brown‐egg‐laying hen.

2. Intermediate, positive and significant (P < 0·01) correlation coefficients were found between egg‐shell colour and specific gravity (0·25), or shell thickness (0·21). There was a very high (0·84), significant (P < 0·01) correlation between the measures of shell strength.

3. Shell thickness was accurately predicted with both specific gravity and egg weight as independent variables (determination coefficient 0·74); eggshell colour did not explain any further variation.

4. All traits showed considerable departure from normality in the form of negative kurtosis (shell colour and specific gravity), positive kurtosis (shell thickness and egg weight), negative skewness (shell thickness) or positive skewness (egg weight).

5. Egg‐shell colour, specific gravity and shell thickness were less in July, in old birds and in eggs laid in the morning. Differences in egg quality traits between the three varieties were not significant.

     

不同笼位对鹌鹑生产性能及羽毛评分的影响

试验旨在研究不同笼位对鹌鹑生产性能及羽毛评分的影响,以期为鹌鹑的饲养管理提供参考.鹌鹑48周龄时,在鹌鹑舍的中间区域随机取一排作为研究对象,共60笼,分为6层10列.其中,从上至下分别为第1～6层,从南到北将前3列设为A组,中间4列设为B组,其余3列设为C组.每笼饲养鹌鹑50只,每天统计产蛋数和蛋重.连续统计7 d.于...     

笼养与平养蛋鸭蛋品质测定与相关性分析

试验旨在比较笼养和平养方式对不同品种蛋鸭蛋品质的影响,以期为评价不同饲养方式下的鸭蛋品质提供参考依据。随机选取40周龄笼养和平养的金定鸭（青壳蛋）和山麻鸭（白壳蛋）鸭蛋各30枚于产后24 h内进行蛋品质测定。结果表明,同一品种笼养蛋鸭蛋重极显著大于平养蛋鸭蛋重（P<0.01）,蛋重与蛋壳重、蛋白重和蛋黄重之间均存在极显著正相关（P<0.01）,但不同类型鸭蛋的蛋黄重之间差异不显著（P>0.05）。青壳蛋的蛋壳强度显著高于白壳蛋（P<0.05）,笼养青壳蛋的蛋壳强度亦高于平养青壳蛋（P<0.05）。蛋的比重与蛋壳厚度呈极显著正相关（0.503,P<0.01）,与蛋壳强度的相关系数亦达到0.536（P<0.01）。4种类型鸭蛋的哈氏单位均达到72以上。虽然蛋白重与蛋黄重之间呈极显著正相关（P<0.01）,但蛋白重与蛋黄比率之间却呈极显著的负相关（P<0.01）。蛋的比重与蛋黄重和蛋黄比率之间亦存在显著负相关（P<0.05）。以上结果表明,就蛋品质而言,蛋鸭养殖以采用笼养模式、选择青壳蛋鸭品种为宜。     

不同品种鸡蛋品质的比较研究

随机抽取40周龄尼克粉鸡、仿草鸡、苏禽黄鸡、青壳蛋鸡的蛋各100个,进行蛋品质测定。结果表明不同品种鸡蛋的蛋品质存在着差异,除蛋形指数差异不显著外,4种鸡蛋的蛋壳颜色和蛋黄颜色相互间存在极显著差异(P<0.01);尼克粉鸡蛋、苏禽黄鸡蛋与仿草鸡蛋及青壳蛋鸡蛋的蛋重相互间存在极显著差异;尼克粉鸡蛋、青壳蛋鸡蛋与仿草鸡蛋、苏禽黄鸡蛋的蛋黄比率存在极显著差异;尼克粉鸡蛋与仿草鸡蛋、苏禽黄鸡蛋、青壳蛋鸡蛋的蛋壳厚度存在极显著差异;4种鸡蛋的哈氏单位相互间表现出显著(P<0.05)或极显著的差异;蛋壳强度只在尼克粉鸡与仿草鸡之间有显著差异。     

Eggshell apex abnormalities associated with Mycoplasma synoviae infection in layers

Eggs exhibiting eggshell apex abnormalities (EAA) were evaluated for changes in shell characteristics such as strength, thickness, and ultrastructure. Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) infection was confirmed by serological assay along with isolation of MS from the trachea and oviduct. Changes in eggshell quality were shown to be statistically significant (p < 0.01). We also identified ultrastructural changes in the mammillary knob layer by Scanning Electron Microscopy. While eggs may seem to be structurally sound, ultrastructural evaluation showed that affected eggs do not regain their former quality. In our knowledge, this is the first report describing the occurrence of EAA in Korea.     

New approach of testing the effect of heat stress on eggshell quality: mechanical and material properties of eggshell and membrane

1. The effect of high temperature on eggshell quality was investigated by measuring the mechanical and material properties of shell and membranes. 2. Heat exposure resulted in a decrease in zootechnical performance and eggshell thickness, increase in egg breakage, and unchanged egg shape index. 3. The static stiffness (Kstat), dynamic stiffness (Kdyn) and modulus of elasticity of the eggshell were not significantly affected by high temperature. Membrane prolongation increased significantly while membrane attachment strength and breakage strength tended to decrease and increase, respectively. The relationships between these variables were changed by high temperature. 4. Neither Kstat nor Kdyn could give a reasonable explanation for the changed eggshell quality induced by heat stress. The decreased eggshell thickness and changed properties of shell membrane may be responsible, at least partially, for the decreased shell quality of eggs from heat-stressed hens.     

Effect of organic selenium in quail diet on its accumulation in tissues and transfer to the progeny

1. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects on the eggs and hatchlings (up to 2 weeks post-hatch) of feeding a relatively large amount of so-called organic selenium to breeder quail. 2. Two groups of quail (3 families in each group consisting of 4 females and 1 male) were formed at the beginning of their reproductive period. The quail were fed on a commercial maize-based diet containing 0.096 mg/kg feed-derived selenium (Se), supplemented with 0.2 mg/kg selenite (control group) or 0.5 mg/kg organic selenium in the form of Sel-Plex (Alltech Ltd, USA) for 6 months. Eggs were collected at 6 months of age and Se in the egg yolk, egg white and shell was analysed. Five quail at 1, 7 and 14 d post-hatch were killed to provide samples of liver, brain, breast and leg muscles for Se analysis. After egg collection for analysis and incubation, adult quail were killed and liver, kidney, lung, brain, breast and leg muscles were collected for Se analyses. 3. Inclusion of high doses (0.5 mg/kg) of organic Se in the quail diet was associated with a significant increase in Se concentration in all tissues studied of adult quail as well as in egg yolk, egg albumin and eggshell. 4. Increased Se concentration in the quail egg was associated with increased Se concentration in the liver, breast and leg muscles and brain of newly hatched quail. This difference was shown to be significant for 2 weeks post-hatch. Therefore, it has been suggested that the maternal effect of dietary selenium can be seen beyond the hatching time and more emphasis should be given to this effect in future. 5. It was shown that it is possible to produce Se-enriched quail meat and eggs by adding organic selenium to the diet.     

Feeding value of rice distiller’s dried grains with solubles as protein supplement in diet of laying hens

A feeding trial of 10 weeks duration was undertaken on laying hens (n = 240) to evaluate feeding value of rice distiller’s dried grains with soluble (rDDGS) with or without enzyme supplementation (α-amylase, β-glucanase, xylanase, carboxymethylcellulase, pectinase, proteinase, α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, lipase, and phytase), following 4 × 2 factorial design, on egg production, nutrient utilization, and cost economics of egg production. The birds were randomly assigned to eight dietary treatments with 30 birds/treatment. The birds were housed individually in layer cages and each bird was taken as an experimental unit. Eight experimental diets were prepared by incorporating four levels (0, 50, 75, and 100 g/kg) of rDDGS with and without enzyme supplementation. The results revealed a significant (P < 0.01) increase of egg mass, feed intake, egg production, and body weight gain in dietary treatments with up to 75 g rDDGS though the values were statistically similar to the hens fed 100 g rDDGS. Enzyme supplementation resulted in significant (P < 0.01) improvement of egg mass, egg production, feed conversion ratio (FCR) per dozen eggs, FCR per kilogramme egg mass, and net FCR. The significantly (P < 0.01) higher yolk index was observed at 100 g rDDGS level, while shell thickness improved significantly (P < 0.01) up to 75 g rDDGS level. No significant effect of rDDGS inclusion was observed on shape index, albumin index, and Haugh unit. Enzyme supplementation significantly improved the shell thickness and yolk colour of eggs. Nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus retention and dry matter metabolizability did not show any significant treatment effects. There was significant (P < 0.01) reduction in feed-cost per kilogramme egg mass or per dozen eggs with the increased DDGS levels and dietary enzyme supplementation. It was concluded that rDDGS can be used up to 100 g/kg diet of laying hens along with enzyme supplementation for better productivity of layer hens.

     

Effect of Feed Structure on Performance and Welfare in Laying Hens Housed in Conventional and Furnished Cages

A small-scale experiment was conducted to examine layers' selection pattern of whole wheat (WW), protein concentrate (PC) and coarse shell meal (SM) throughout the light day. Consumption of all feed components increased prior to darkness. However, an interaction between SM and the other feed components was found (P<0.05), caused by a greater increase in SM consumption prior to darkness than WW and PC. This interaction is probably related to the requirement for calcium for eggshell formation. Energy (WW)/ Protein (PC) consumption ratio did not vary throughout the light day. In a large-scale experiment, a diet with 40% whole wheat incorporated into 3 mm pellets was compared with a complete diet, also as 3 mm pellets, but containing no whole wheat. Coarse shell meal was added in the feed trough for the experimental diet. These diets were examined in conventional 3-hens cages and two furnished cage systems. The hybrids LSL and Shaver 2000 were used. A tendency towards a lower (P=0.07) feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found in the experimental diet relative to the control diet. This may be a result of a better plumage condition for birds fed the experimental diet. Weight of gizzard and gizzard contents was higher among birds on the experimental diet. Self-selection of shell meal did not affect eggshell strength and legbone strength. Birds housed in furnished cages with 16 birds per cage unit showed higher (P<0.05) feed consumption than birds housed in furnished cages with 8 hens per cage and birds housed in conventional 3-hens cages. Egg production was similar in all cage systems, except for a tendency for lower (P=0.06) egg production in the 8-hens cages in the second half of the experiment period. Plumage condition was generally poorer (P<0.05) in the furnished cages than in the conventional 3-hens cages. Fewer comb lesions were found among birds in furnished cages, which may indicate less aggression in layers housed in furnished cages compared with conventional barren 3-hens hen cages.     

不同锰源与水平对蛋鸡产蛋后期生产性能和蛋品质的影响

试验旨在研究添加不同锰源与水平羟基蛋氨酸锰对蛋鸡产蛋后期生产性能和蛋品质的影响。对照组饲喂加含106 mg/kg硫酸锰(以锰计)的基础日粮,其余各组分别添加30、50、70 mg/kg的羟基蛋氨酸锰(以锰计)来替代基础日粮中的硫酸锰。结果表明:与对照组相比,试验第14 d,日粮中添加30 mg/kg羟基蛋氨酸锰显著提高了蛋壳厚度(P<0.05),添加50 mg/kg羟基蛋氨酸锰显著提高了蛋壳重(P<0.05);试验第28 d,日粮中添加50 mg/kg羟基蛋氨酸锰显著提高了蛋壳厚度(P<0.05),添加30 mg/kg羟基蛋氨酸锰显著改善蛋壳颜色(P<0.05);试验第42 d,蛋壳厚度与添加量呈二次曲线关系,蛋壳厚度在添加量为50 mg/kg时达到最大值(P<0.01)。与对照组相比,试验第14 d,日粮中添加30 mg/kg羟基蛋氨酸锰显著降低了鸡蛋的哈夫单位和蛋黄比例(P<0.05)。试验第42 d,与对照组相比,日粮中添加30 mg/kg羟基蛋氨酸锰显著降低了鸡蛋的蛋黄比例(P<0.05)。试验结果表明,添加50 mg/kg的羟基蛋氨酸锰来替代基础日粮中的硫酸锰效果最好。     

Dietary inclusion of dehydrated bocaiuva pulp increases the antioxidant potential of quail eggs

The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary supplementation of different levels of dehydrated bocaiuva pulp (DBP) on the productive performance of laying quails, and on lipid oxidation, and quality in their eggs. A total of 120 quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with six treatments (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% of DBP), five replicates and four birds per experimental unit. To evaluate lipid oxidation, the eggs were collected on five consecutive days at the end of the trial and distributed in a completely randomized experimental design in a 6 × 5 factorial scheme (eggs from quails fed different levels of DBP × evaluated fresh and after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days). The antioxidant potential of diets was improved (p < 0.05) when the DBP was added estimated as 2,2'‐azinobis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazolin‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging capacity. No effect (p > 0.05) was observed on feed intake, hen‐day egg production and feed conversion (kg/kg and kg/dz). There were no changes (p > 0.05) in the egg weight, Haugh unit, yolk index or eggshell percentage. Although no difference was observed (p > 0.05), when comparing each level with the control, a negative linear effect (p < 0.05) on specific gravity was observed. In addition, only the treatment with 0.5% pulp exhibited lower (p < 0.05) eggshell thickness compared with the control (0%). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) analysis showed that as the dietary pulp level was increased, malondialdehyde content decreased linearly (p < 0.05) in the egg yolks, regardless of the storage period. Inclusion of DBP in the diets had no effect (p > 0.05) on the concentration of conjugated dienes in the eggs. The diets containing DBP showed a potential antioxidant effect, reducing the degree of lipid oxidation in egg yolk. However, no beneficial effects were observed on performance and egg quality.     

Effect of environmental enrichment during the rearing phase on subsequent eggshell quality in broiler breeders

This study set out to investigate if access to an enriched environment during the rearing phase influences subsequent production and eggshell quality in broiler breeders. Broiler breeder pullets were reared under standard rearing conditions (control treatment) or under standard conditions with an environmental enrichment of bales of plastic-wrapped wood shavings (enriched treatment). At 19 weeks of age both groups were transported to a laying facility and housed in standard pens according to treatment type. Egg weight, shape, shell thickness, non-destructive deformation, breaking strength, stiffness and ultrastructural quality were compared at beginning of lay (25 weeks old), peak production (31 weeks old), mid-lay (45 weeks old) and end of lay (57 weeks old). Production and hatchery data were also collected throughout lay. Significant treatment-age interactions were detected for non-destructive deformation, breaking strength and stiffness, such that birds which had received prior enrichment went on to maintain a better shell quality with age. The measurements of total shell thickness, mammillary thickness and effective shell thickness all showed a trend for a treatment-age interaction. Significant age effects were found for weight, shape index, shell thickness, breaking strength and stiffness. All production and hatchery data also demonstrated significant changes with age. It is concluded that early enrichment with bales of wood shavings may provide a novel approach to the maintenance of eggshell quality at a time when calcium metabolism begins to reduce in efficiency.