Hypocholesterolemic effect of karaya saponin in Japanese laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The effect of karaya saponin supplementation on the serum and egg yolk cholesterol and fatty acid composition in egg yolk were investigated in Japanese quails. A total of 80 Japanese quails aged 5 weeks were equally divided into four groups of 20. Four levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg feed) of karaya saponin were included in the basal diet and experiment was lasted for 6 weeks. The cholesterol fractions in the egg yolk and serum were measured by enzymatic assay, and the fatty acid composition in egg yolk was determined by gas chromatography. The results revealed that the supplementation of 75 mg/kg karaya saponin significantly reduced (p < 0.05) cholesterol and triglycerides concentration in serum and egg yolk. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was increased, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and the atherogenic index were decreased (p < 0.05) by the dietary supplementations. Hepatic cholesterol was reduced (p < 0.05) by the 25 mg/kg karaya saponin. A higher degree of yolk colour was improved (p < 0.05) when 75 mg/kg saponin was supplemented in the diet. The concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in egg yolk was increased (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner in quails fed the supplemented diet than the control diet. The ratio of PUFA to saturated fatty acids in egg yolk was improved (p < 0.05) by 75 mg/kg feed karaya saponin-supplemented diet. Therefore, the dietary supplementation of 75 mg/kg karaya saponin may be a feasible means of producing quail eggs with lower cholesterol and higher PUFA content for health conscious consumers.     

Effects of karaya saponin and Rhodobacter capsulatus on yolk cholesterol in laying hens

1. It has been reported that karaya saponin and Rhodobacter capsulatus individually have hypocholesterolaemic activity in laying hens. This study focuses on the effect of adding karaya saponin with R. capsulatus to hen's diet with regard to serum and egg yolk cholesterol and triglycerides.

2. A total of 56 Boris Brown laying hens were divided into 7 groups at 20 weeks of age. Combinations of 25, 50, 75 mg kg^?1 karaya saponin and R. capsulatus 200 and 400 mg kg^?1 were used as treatment groups.

3. After 8 weeks of supplementation, the effects of all the combinations of karaya saponin and R. capsulatus on serum and egg yolk cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol were greater than either karaya saponin or R. capsulatus alone. The combination of karaya saponin 50 mg kg^?1+ R. capsulatus 400 mg kg^?1 exhibited the greatest reduction of serum (32?5%) and yolk (22?5%) cholesterol and the greatest increase of faecal, liver bile acids and yolk fatty acid (oleic, linoleic and linolenic) concentrations. In addition, egg production and yolk colour were significantly improved by the combined use of karaya saponin and R. capsulatus supplementation.

4. Therefore, the dietary supplementation of karaya saponin and R. capsulatus may lead to the production of a low-cholesterol egg, with production performance maintained at a standard level.     

Effect of daily feed intake in laying period on laying performance, egg quality and egg composition of genetically fat and lean lines of chickens

1. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of feed intake on laying performance, egg quality and egg composition in a Fat line and a Lean line during the laying period (34 to 54 weeks of age). 2. The experiment was a 2 × 2 factorial design with two dietary intake levels (nutrition recommendation and 75% of recommendation) and two broiler genotypes (Fat line and Lean line). Hens (384 of each line) were randomly divided at 23 weeks of age into 4 treatments, with each treatment represented by 12 replicates of 16 birds each. The experiment started when the rate of lay reached 5% and continued until 54 weeks of age. 3. The results indicated that there was a significant interaction between daily feed intake and genotype on egg production, egg weight, percentage yolk, yolk/albumen ratio and yolk cholesterol content. Fat line hens produced significantly more eggs and had a lower incidence of cracked eggs than the Lean line hens. The reduction in feed intake decreased egg weight and increased egg production, egg-shape index and cholesterol content of yolk significantly.     

The influence of dietary palm olein, fish oil and lard on the egg yolk and plasma lipid composition, and performances of laying hens

The influence of dietary palm olein, in comparison to fish oil and lard, on lipid levels in egg yolk and blood plasma, the fatty acid composition of egg yolk, and various production parameters were studied. Brown Lohman laying hens (n=45) were randomly assigned into three groups of 15 birds, and treated with experimental diets with either 3% palm olein (PO), fish oil (FO) or lard (L) for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, feed consumption was significantly lower for hens fed the PO diet, except week 6 of the experiment. The concentration of plasma triglycerides was increased by all experimental diets, whereas there were no significant increases of plasma total lipid and total cholesterol concentrations only in the PO group. For yolk lipids a decrease in triglycerides in the FO and L groups was observed, while total cholesterol and total lipid were significantly decreased in the PO group. Feeding with the PO diet resulted in the lowest concentrations of palmitic, stearic and linoleic acid, as well as in the highest concentration of monounsaturated oleic acid in the yolk total lipid. It was concluded that the composition of yolk lipids did not closely match the concentrations of lipids observed in experimental diets or plasma. Based on the current work it seems that the PO diet modulates egg yolk lipid content best.     

The impact of phytoestrogen source supplementation on reproductive performance,plasma profile,yolk fatty acids and antioxidative status in aged laying hens

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds as a source of phytoestrogens in laying feed on productive performance, egg quality, yolk fatty acids, plasma profile and antioxidative status in aged laying hens. A total of 120 Bovans Brown hens at 65 weeks of age were housed individually in laying cages in an open‐sided building under a 16‐hr light: 8‐hr dark lighting schedule. Hens were randomly divided into four experimental treatments (n = 30 each): (a) control (basal diet without any supplementation); (b) 1 g/kg of flaxseeds; (c) 1 g/kg of fenugreek seeds; and (d) combination of 1 g/kg flaxseeds and 1 g/kg fenugreek seeds from 65 to 71 weeks of age. Hen‐day egg production and egg mass were significantly increased by dietary supplementation of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds, while feed intake was not affected; thus, feed conversion ratio was improved (p < 0.05). Weights of egg, albumen, yolk and shell were increased by the dietary treatments. Shell thickness and yolk colour were improved by supplementation of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds. Yolk crude protein was not significantly affected by treatments; however, crude fat and calcium contents in yolk were increased and egg yolk cholesterol content was decreased. Interestingly, dietary supplementation of flaxseeds, fenugreek seeds and their combination had a significant positive effect on plasma luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, oestradiol‐17β and triglycerides. Inclusion of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds in the diets enhanced the serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities and reduced the malondialdehyde and total cholesterol concentrations in plasma. Dietary supplementation of flaxseeds and/or fenugreek seeds increased α‐linolenic and linoleic acids in egg yolk. It could be concluded that inclusion of mixed sources of phytoestrogens in diets improved laying performance, egg quality, the antioxidative status, hormonal profile and steroidogenesis in aged laying hens.     

Effect of dietary inclusion of cumin seed oil on the performance,egg quality,immune response and ovarian development in laying hens under high ambient temperature

The objective of the present study was to find the effect of cumin seed oil (CSO, Cuminum cyminum L.) on the laying performance, ovarian follicular development and immune response in laying hens under high ambient temperature. A total of 162 Boven hens were randomly divided into three treatments and were fed, ad libitum, diets containing 0 (control), 250 or 500 g CSO per ton from 24 to 30 weeks of age. The experiment was done during summer season where the average temperate was 30 to 36°C. Feed intake and egg mass were recorded. Egg quality characteristics and egg‐yolk cholesterol content were evaluated. Ovary and oviduct samples were immediately weighted, and ovarian follicles were classified. Plasma total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) were measured. Yolk width, yolk weight, yolk colour, shell weight and shell thickness were increased by feeding CSO. Egg production rate was not affected. However, dietary 500 g CSO per ton had a significantly positive impact on egg weight in comparison with control. The FCR was improved by feeding 500 g CSO per ton; however, feed intake and egg mass were not affected by CSO treatments. Plasma GOT, GPT and triglycerides were significantly decreased, while, plasma HDL‐cholesterol was significantly (p < .05) increased due to CSO treatments. Yolk cholesterol content was significantly decreased; however, liver malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was insignificantly decreased due to dietary treatments. Interestingly, the inclusion of CSO in laying hens’ diets improved the antibody titres against Newcastle disease (ND, p < .05) and against avian influenza H9N1 (p > .05) when compared with the control diet. It could be concluded that dietary inclusion of CSO improved egg weight, FCR, yolk and shell quality characteristics and did not have a negative effect on the reproductive morphology parameters in laying hens.     

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.     

Effect of Energy and Protein on Performance,Egg Components,Egg Solids,Egg Quality,and Profits in Molted Hy-Line W-36 Hens

An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of dietary energy on performance, egg composition, egg solids, egg quality, and profits of Hy-Line W-36 hens fed different protein levels. The experiment was designed as a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement with 4 added dietary energy levels (0, 79, 158, and 238 kcal of ME/kg) and 3 protein levels (14.89, 16.06, and 17.38%). The basal diets of 17.38, 16.06, and 14.89% protein contained 2,751, 2,784, and 2,815 kcal of ME/kg, respectively. This study lasted 12 wk. Molted Hy-Line W-36 hens (n = 1,440) in phase 1 (70 wk of age) were randomly divided into 12 treatments (8 replicates of 15 hens per treatment). Protein had a significant effect on egg production, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion, egg weight, percentage of egg shell components, yolk color, and yolk and albumen weight. As dietary energy increased from 0 to 238 kcal of ME/kg by addition of poultry oil, feed intake linearly decreased. Increasing dietary energy also significantly increased BW and egg yolk color. As dietary energy increased, percentage yolk solids increased at the 2 greater dietary protein levels, whereas egg-specific gravity linearly decreased at the 17.38% protein level. Increasing dietary energy and protein significantly improved feed conversion. Increasing protein intake significantly increased albumen and yolk weight but had no influence on yolk, albumen, or whole egg solids. Because feed ingredient and egg prices vary, there can be no fixed ideal dietary energy level for optimal profits during molt phase 1 (70 to 81 wk).     

Effect of dietary energy,protein, and a versatile enzyme on hen performance,egg solids,egg composition,and egg quality of Hy-Line W-36 hens during second cycle,phase two

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Rovabio, dietary energy, and protein on performance, egg composition, egg solids, and egg quality of commercial Leghorns in phase 2, second cycle. A 4 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments comprising 4 dietary energy levels (2,791, 2,857, 2,923, and 2,989 kcal of ME/kg) and 2 protein levels (15.5 and 16.1%) with and without Rovabio was used. Hy-Line W-36 hens (n = 1,920, 87 wk old) were randomly divided into 16 dietary treatments (8 replicates of 15 hens per treatment). The trial lasted 12 wk. Dietary protein significantly increased feed consumption but decreased yolk color. As dietary energy increased from 2,791 to 2,989 kcal of ME/kg, feed consumption decreased from 98.0 to 94.9 g per hen daily, and yolk color increased from 5.27 to 5.56. There was a significant interaction among dietary protein, energy, and Rovabio on egg production, BW, egg mass, feed conversion, and yolk solids. Egg weight of hens fed the diets supplemented with Rovabio was significantly greater than that of hens fed the diets without Rovabio during wk 3 and 4. However, Rovabio did not significantly influence average egg weight (87 to 98 wk of age). Rovabio supplementation significantly increased BW of hens. These results suggest Rovabio had a small but significant influence on nutrient utilization of commercial Leghorns during phase 2 of the second cycle.     

Effect of feeding broccoli floret residues on leghorn layer performance and egg quality and nutrient digestibility

1. A study was conducted to determine the effects of dried broccoli floret (DBF) on egg production parameters, egg quality and apparent nutrient digestibility of laying hens. It was hypothesised that feeding DBF can improve egg quality without adversely affecting layer performance.2. Seventy-two White Leghorn layers aged 62 weeks were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments (6 cage replicates with 3 hens each) and fed diets containing 0, 40, 80 and 120 g/kg DBF in feed for 56 d.3. Inclusion of DBF had no effect on feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio or egg components. However, egg weight increased (linear effect, P < 0.05) as the level of DBF in the diet increased. Egg breakage strength, eggshell strength and Haugh unit were not influenced by dietary treatments. Egg yolk colour (quadratic effect, P = 0.002) and α-tocopherol concentration (quadratic effect, P < 0.0001) improved as a result of DBF inclusion. Egg yolk cholesterol concentration was not altered by DBF inclusion. Apparent total tract nutrient (dry matter, organic matter and crude protein) digestibility coefficients decreased (linear effect, P < 0.05) as the level of DBF increased.4. Feeding DBF to layers up to 120 g/kg of the diet had no negative effects on feed intake, egg production and feed efficiency and improved egg yolk colour and α-tocopherol concentration. However, total tract nutrient digestibility coefficients were negatively decreased as a result of DBF inclusion.     

高铁高硒日粮对鸡蛋品质的影响

用高铁高硒日粮饲喂产蛋母鸡,观察蛋品质的变化,结果表明,蛋黄重、蛋黄重／蛋重比略有下降,蛋白质／蛋重比、哈夫单位有所提高,蛋壳／蛋重比,蛋壳厚度及蛋壳密度无明显变化,提示：高铁高硒日粮不会引起蛋品质的明显下降。     

Laying hen performance,egg quality improved and yolk 5-methyltetrahydrofolate content increased by dietary supplementation of folic acid

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of folic acid (FA) on performance, egg quality and yolk 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) content. A total of 384 Hy-line W36 strain hens from 52 to 58 weeks of age were randomly assigned to 4 groups, and each group received one of following dietary treatments: 0, 5, 10 and 15 mg FA/kg diet. A completely randomized design was used. Egg production percentage, egg mass and egg weight were increased significantly (P < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) by increasing FA content in diets. No significant differences were detected among treatments on egg quality except for shell thickness. The dietary supplementations of laying hens diets with FA significantly increased yolk 5-MTHF content (P = 0.02). Overall, these data demonstrate that dietary supplementation with FA raised 5-MTHF content of yolk and productivity of egg production in laying hens.     

菊苣提取物对蛋鸡鸡蛋胆固醇、肠道菌群和生产性能的影响

本文旨在研究菊苣提取物对蛋鸡生产性能、鸡蛋品质、肠道菌群、血清胆同醇和卵黄胆同醇的影响.300只尼克红蛋鸡随机分为5组,每组6个重复,每个重复10只,各组日粮中分别添加0、0.5%、1.0%、1.5%的菊苣提取物和1.0%的菊粉,试验进行4周.结果表明:与对照相比,不同水平的菊苣提取物或菊粉对蛋鸡产蛋率、蛋重、采食量、料蛋比、破蛋率、蛋黄重、蛋壳厚度和哈氏单位没有显著影响(P>0.05),但能显著降低鸡蛋胆固醇浓度(mg/g蛋黄)和含量(mg/蛋黄)(P<0.05),1.5%菊苣提取物添加组的动脉粥样硬化指数显著降低(P<0.05);日粮添加菊苣提取物或菊粉显著降低蛋鸡盲肠大肠杆菌数量和pH(P<0.05),1.5%菊苣提取物添加组和菊粉添加组显著增加盲肠双歧杆菌数量(P<0.05);鸡蛋胆固醇含量和盲肠大肠杆菌数量随菊苣提取物添加水平的增加线性降低(r=-0.957和r=-0.977)(P<0.05).结论:本试验在蛋鸡日粮中添加菊苣提取物或菊粉能显著降低鸡蛋胆固醇和盲肠有害菌(大肠杆菌)的数量,且不影响蛋鸡生产性能和鸡蛋品质.故在蛋鸡日粮中添加菊苣提取物或菊粉可为生产低胆同醇鸡蛋提供一条途径.     

Effects of Enterococcus faecium M 74 strain on selected blood and production parameters of laying hens

1. The aim was to evaluate the functional efficiency of a probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium M 74 in the feed on selected biochemical, haematological and production parameters of ISA Brown hens. 2. Feed in the experimental group was enriched with a probiotic preparation containing of 5 × 10(9) viable E. faecium M 74 per g. Blood samples were collected during the egg-laying period at 5 (w5), 25 (w25) and 45 (w45) weeks of production. Body weight, rate of lay and egg weight were recorded every 4 weeks during the 48-week laying period. 3. Significantly lower concentrations of total cholesterol and total lipids in blood plasma were observed in the experimental group at all sampling times compared with their respective controls. Concentrations of triglycerides did not differ. Significantly lower concentrations of plasma calcium were found in the experimental group at w5 and w45. Concentrations of inorganic phosphorus in the experimental group were significantly higher at w25, but significantly lower at w45. Erythrocyte count was significantly higher in the experimental group at w25 and w45 when compared with controls. Leucocyte counts were significantly lower in the experimental group at all sampling times. Significantly lower values of haematocrit at w5 and w45 were observed in the experimental group than in controls. Body weight, the number of eggs and average egg weight were not significantly affected by probiotic addition. 4. In conclusion, the addition of probiotic strain E. faecium M 74 to the feed of ISA Brown hens reduced cholesterol, lipids, calcium, leucocyte counts and haematocrit values in blood plasma in at least two sampling times, while erythrocyte counts were increased. No significant effects of probiotic on triglyceride concentration and egg production parameters were observed.     

Effects of an aqueous alfalfa extract on production performance, egg quality and lipid metabolism of laying hens

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an aqueous alfalfa extract (AAE) on production performance, egg quality and lipid metabolism of laying hens between 28 and 36 weeks of age. Four groups of commercial hens (Hy-Line Brown) were fed with diets containing 0, 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.15% AAE. Dietary AAE had no effect on egg production parameters (p > 0.05). Shell strength was increased (linear and quadratic effects; p < 0.05) with gradient addition of AAE. Furthermore, shell strength was notably higher (p < 0.05) in 0.1% and 0.15% AAE groups than the control group. With an exception of serum low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum total triglycerides and liver cholesterol concentration (day 42), lipid indices in yolk, serum and liver were lowered (linear and quadratic effects; p < 0.05) at day 42 and day 56 as AAE in diets increased, as well as the enzyme activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase. In relation to the control group, cholesterol and triglycerides in yolk, liver and serum and serum very low density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower in 0.15% AAE-treated birds at day 42 and day 56. It also significantly decreased activities of ACC, HMG-CoA reductase and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) at day 56. The 0.1% AAE decreased triglycerides in yolk, liver and serum, as well as the activities of ACC and FAS at day 56. These data suggest that dietary AAE could be applied to improve egg shell quality and modify the lipid status of laying hens and eggs.     

日粮添加甜菜碱对夏季高温蛋鸡生产性能、蛋品质及血液理化特征的影响

本研究旨在评估夏季高温时日粮添加甜菜碱对蛋鸡生产性能、蛋品质及骨骼和血液理化特性的影响.试验将480只产蛋性能一致的罗曼粉壳蛋鸡随机分为2组,每组240只,每组10个重复(24只/重复).对照组饲喂基础试验日粮,处理组蛋鸡饲喂基础试验日粮+150?mg/kg甜菜碱,试验为期8周.结果:日粮添加150?mg/kg甜菜碱对...     

Effect of beta, beta'-tetramethyl-substituted hexadecanedioic acid (MEDICA 16) on laying hen performance and egg yolk lipid composition.

1. beta, beta'-tetramethyl-substituted hexadecanedioic acid (MEDICA 16), an inhibitor of hepatic cholesterogenesis and lipogenesis in rats, was orally administered to 24-week-old White Leghorn hens for a period of 16 d. Hens were fed maize-soya-bean meal diets containing 0, 1.5, or 3.0 g MEDICA 16/kg. 2. Although MEDICA 16 did not affect egg weight, yolk weight, egg cholesterol content, or the efficiency of food utilisation, egg production was significantly reduced in birds fed 3.0 g MEDICA 16/kg compared to those fed the other two diets. 3. Total yolk monounsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in eggs of hens fed both inclusion rates of MEDICA 16 compared to those of the control birds. In contrast, egg yolk total polyunsaturated fatty acid content and the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids were both inversely related to the dietary content of MEDICA 16. 4. These results suggest that MEDICA 16 primarily altered hepatic fatty acid metabolism, but not cholesterol synthesis, in laying hens.     

Effects of dietary red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) on production performance and egg quality of laying hens

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) on production performance and egg quality of laying hens. A total of 200 Esa Brown laying hens (23 weeks of age) were allocated equally to negative control group (no yeast supplement); positive control group (2 g/kg of Saccharomyces cerevisiae); 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg red yeast respectively. The experiment was lasted for 12 weeks. Feed intake, hen‐day egg production and egg weight were not different between control and supplemented groups. However, yeast‐supplemented groups were significantly improved feed efficiency (p < .05). Incremental levels of red yeast increased the colour score of egg yolk (p < .05). The cholesterol and triglyceride of serum and yolk were significantly (p < .05) lower in the laying hens fed dietary administration red yeast compared to the control diet; however, no significant (p > .05) differences among yeast‐supplemented groups were observed. The hepatic hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzymeA (HMG‐CoA) reductase activity was significantly lower (p < .05) in the 2 g/kg red yeast‐supplemented group compared to the control and other red yeast‐supplemented groups. Concentrations of caecal short‐chain fatty acids was increased (p < .05) in laying hens fed 1 and 2 g/kg red yeast as compared to the control group. Dietary administration of 2 g/kg red yeast (S. pararoceus) significantly improved egg yolk colour, decrease serum and egg yolk cholesterol levels.     

松针粉对蛋鸡生产性能、蛋品质、血清生化指标和抗氧化指标的影响

试验旨在研究松针粉对蛋鸡生产性能、蛋品质、血清生化指标和抗氧化指标的影响,以期为松针粉在蛋鸡生产中的应用提供参考。选用120羽40周龄健康产蛋期京粉1号蛋鸡作为试验动物,随机分为2组,每组6个重复,每个重复10羽鸡。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组用3%松针粉替代基础饲粮中的小麦麸。预试期7 d,正试期56 d。试验期间,每天按重复记录采食量、产蛋总数、总蛋重等,并以组为单位统计其平均日采食量、平均蛋重、日产蛋量、料蛋比等;在正试期第28和56天,分别从各重复中取2枚鸡蛋测定蛋壳强度、蛋壳厚度、蛋黄颜色、哈夫单位;在试验结束前1 d和结束当天,从各重复中抽取10枚鸡蛋于4℃贮藏,每次从各重复中取2枚鸡蛋,测定其贮藏后第15、20、60、105天的哈夫单位;在正试期第56天从各重复中选取试验蛋鸡1只,空腹12 h后经翅下静脉采血5 mL后分离血清,采用全自动生化仪测定血清中总胆固醇（TC）、甘油三酯（TG）、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C）、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL-C）、总蛋白（TP）、白蛋白（ALB）、尿酸（UA）、尿素（Urea）、葡萄糖（GLU）含量及丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）、碱性磷酸酶（ALP）活性;采用试剂盒法测定血清中丙二醛（MDA）含量、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）、谷胱甘肽（GSH）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）的活性和总抗氧化能力（T-AOC）。结果显示：①与对照组相比,饲粮中添加松针粉显著提高了蛋鸡产蛋率（P<0.05）,显著降低了平均蛋重和料蛋比（P<0.05）,但平均日采食量、平均日产蛋量和合格蛋率均无显著差异（P>0.05）。②试验第28天,试验组蛋黄颜色值显著高于对照组（P<0.05）,试验第56天,两组间蛋黄颜色值差异不显著（P>0.05）;其余时间点,饲粮中添加松针粉对鸡蛋的哈夫单位、蛋壳厚度和蛋壳强度均无显著影响（P>0.05）。③与对照组相比,饲粮中添加松针粉对蛋鸡血清TC、TG、HDL-C、LDL-C、TP、ALB、球蛋白（GLB）、尿素、UA和GLU含量以及ALT、AST、ALP活性均无显著影响（P>0.05）,显著提高了蛋鸡血清MDA含量和GSH-Px活性（P<0.05）,但对GSH含量和SOD、CAT活性以及T-AOC均无显著影响（P>0.05）。综上所述,饲粮中添加3%松针粉能够显著提高蛋鸡产蛋率,改善料蛋比和蛋黄颜色,显著提高蛋鸡血清MDA含量和GSH-Px活性,但未影响机体T-AOC。因此,蛋鸡饲粮中用3%松针粉替代等比例的小麦麸是可行的。     

Influence of the sex-linked dwarfing gene (dw) on the contribution of dietary lipid to yolk lipid synthesis

1. The efficiency and time course of dietary fatty acid incorporation into lipids of egg yolk and abdominal adipose tissue was compared in "White Leghorn", normal (Dw) and dwarf (dw) laying hens at 56 weeks of age, using 14C labelled linoleic acid. 2. The sex-linked dwarfing gene, dw, was shown to reduce not only body weight and abdominal fat pad deposition, but also yolk production and the average clutch size. 3. Higher peak incorporation and total recovery of the linoleic acid radioactivity into yolk lipids, but lower label recovery into adipose tissue triglycerides were found in dwarf hens. 4. The higher esterification of the dietary linoleic acid in its native form into dwarf yolk triglycerides indicates that dwarf hens use more dietary lipids to synthesise yolk lipids but these results also suggest that the dw allele might reduce the lipogenic capacities of the liver and adipose tissue in laying hens.