Assessing Differences in the Quality Properties and Ultrastructure of Eggshell as Affected by Chicken Strain and Flock Age During Incubation Period

Three hundred hatching eggs from two layer breeder flocks (Hy-Line Brown and hy-Line W-36; 150 each) were obtained at three different periods of laying cycle (early, middle and late stages). The hatching eggs were randomly taken to assess the impact of chicken strain, age, and hatching time on some eggshell measurements and structures. Results indicate that egg weight, shell percentage and shell thickness were significantly affected by strain, breeder age, and incubation time. Increasing rate of calcium absorption and utilization by the embryos during the embryonic stage clearly reflects the decrease occurred in eggshell strength. The differences of eggshell breaking strength during incubation time periods were 0.41 and 0.55 kg/cm2, the differences due to the incubation time may be due to the higher demand for calcium utilization in the late incubation period (18 days), observed on the10th day of incubation. Brown eggs recorded significant higher calcium percentage in eggshell compared to the white ones. The brown breeder hens recorded significant higher total pores per egg compared to the white egg. Concerning eggshell ultrastructure, total thickness of the brown eggshell was significantly higher than those of the white eggshell by about 3.7%. All parameters, except for total thickness, were significantly affected by the interaction between strain and breeder age. Finally, we conclude that some traits including egg weight, shell percentage, shell thickness, calcium percentages in eggshell, and total pores per egg were significantly affected by strain, breeder age, and incubation time. Eggshell ultrastructure of brown egg was better compared to the white ones.(AU)

Correlation and path analysis of assessment methodologies of bone quality from brown egg layers at final of the production cycle

This study aimed to investigate direct and indirect correlations of methodologies of bone quality analysis from brown egg layers, at final of the production cycle. Twelve femurs ofDekalb Brown laying hens, euthanized at 85-week-old, were assessed to evaluate breaking strength (BS), Seedor index (SI), mineral matter (MM), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) contents, besides cortical (CorD), medullar (MedD)and epiphysis (EpiD) diameters. Correlations and path analysis were obtained with the aid of SAS®University (p≤0.05). The BS directly represented the bonequality and was compared toother methodologies. Greater linear correlations occurred betweenBS and MM (r = 0.82), MM and Ca (r= 0.72), and BS and Ca (r =0.70). The MM content displayedthe greatest direct effect on the BS (r = 0.53). The Ca content showeda reduced direct effect on the BS (r = 0.18), with indirect effects throughMM content (r = 0.44) and EpiD (r = 0.15), however, presented a great total correlation (r = 0.78). Determination of mineral matter content is the main methodology associated with femur breaking strength from brown egg layers at final of the productive cycle. Because of that, this methodologyis more reliable to determine bone quality.(AU)

Production Performance and Egg Quality of Laying Hens as Influenced by Genotype and Rearing System

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rearing systems and genotypes on production performance and egg quality. Isa Brown and New Hampshire genotypes were used in this study. These two genotypes were housed in floor and organic rearing systems. During the experimental period, which lasted one year (52 weeks), the following production performance parameters were recorded: egg production, daily egg mass, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, and mortality. Fifteen eggs per group were collected for analysis at 64 weeks of hen age. These samples were evaluated for external parameters (egg weight and egg shape index), internal parameters (albumen height, Haugh unit, and the proportions of albumen, yolk and shell), eggshell quality parameters (shell thickness, shell deformation and shell breaking strength), and eggs chemical composition (dry matter, minerals, protein and lipids). Generally, Isa Brown hens had better production performance than New Hampshire hens. At the same time, organic New Hampshire layers performed better than floor-reared ones. Genotype had a significant effect on all ten egg quality parameters (external, internal and eggshell quality), rearing system independently affected only egg weight, and the interaction of the observed factors significantly influenced seven parameters. Genotype had a significant effect on three of the four chemical composition parameters, while no significant effect of the rearing system was established on the chemical composition of eggs. The rearing system x genotype interaction significantly affected the eggs protein content.

In ovo feeding with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol influences bone mineral density of chicks

The purpose of this study was to determine if in ovo feeding with 25(OH)D3 could influence the incubation parameters of bone mineral composition, mineral density, and bone breaking strength in post-hatch broilers. Fertile eggs from Cobb® broiler breeders were either non-injected or injected with 0, 1.2, 2.4, or 3.6 µg of 25(OH)D3/100 µL olive oil at eight days of incubation. The data were subjected to variance analysis using the General Linear Model procedure (GLM) of SAS®. There was a contrast-1 effect (non-injected eggs vs. injected eggs) for tibial bone mineral density and egg mass loss, with higher bone mineral density in non-injected eggs (0.836 mmAl) compared with injected eggs (0.790 mmAl) and lower egg mass loss in non-injected eggs (11.25%) compared with injected eggs (12.10%). Tibial and femur bone mineral density responded quadratically, and injections of 0.47 and 0.68 µg of 25(OH)D3 increased tibia and femur bone mineral density, respectively. Egg mass loss responded quadratically, and 25(OH)D3 injections of 2.21 µg reduced egg mass loss (11.60%). In ovo feeding of 25(OH)D3 can compromise bone mineral density of post-hatch chicken.

Effect of crushed sugarcane on performance, bone characteristics and intestinal morphology of free-range chicken lines / Efeito da cana-de-açúcar triturada sobre desempenho, características ósseas e morfologia intestinal de linhagens de frangos caipiras

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of crushed sugarcane in the diet on the performance, bone characteristics and intestinal morphology of slow-growing broiler strains. A total of 448 chickens at 35 days of age were allotted to two randomized blocks in a 4×2 factorial arrangement (levels of feed replacement with crushed sugarcane, on a fresh-matter basis: 0, 15, 30, and 45%) and two strains (Pesadão and Label Rouge (LR)). Two replicates were used per block over time (containing the treatments and the strains), and 14 individuals were used per experimental unit. Weight gain and feed intake decreased linearly in response to the increasing sugarcane levels. Feed intake was higher in the Pesadão strain than in LR. Chicken foot weight was lower in Pesadão than in LR. There were no effects of sugarcane levels or strains on the tarsometatarsal bone weight, breaking strength, maximum load and deformation. The drymatter (DM) content of the tarsometatarsal bone was lower in LR than in Pesadão. The replacement of feed with sugarcane induced a linear increase in bone ash content and a decrease in bone phosphorus and calcium contents. Label Rouge chickens showed a greater crypt depth and lower values of villus/crypt ratio and mucosal layer thickness. The performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens are negatively affected by increasing sugarcane levels in the diet. In addition, the increasing intake of sugarcane changesthe bone mineral composition without reducing mechanical resistance, in both the Pesadão and Label Rouge strains.

O presente estudo foi realizado objetivando avaliar o desempenho, as características ósseas e a morfologia intestinal de duas linhagens de frangos tipo caipira alimentados com dietas contendo cana-de-açúcar triturada. Foram utilizados 448 frangos aos 35 dias de idade, distribuídos em dois blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4x2, sendo quatro níveis de substituição (0; 15; 30 e 45%) da ração por cana-de-açúcar triturada e duas linhagens (Pesadão e Label Rouge (LR)), em duas repetições por bloco e 14 aves por unidade experimental. Foi observado redução linear com o aumento dos níveis de cana-de-açúcar sobre o ganho em peso e consumo de ração. O consumo de ração foi maior na linhagem Pesadão em relação à linhagem LR. No entanto, o peso do pé das aves foi menor para a linhagem Pesadão em comparação com a linhagem LR. Não foi observado efeitos da substituição da ração por cana-de-açúcar e das linhagens sobre o peso do osso tarsometatarso, carga de ruptura, força máxima e deformação. O teor de matéria seca do osso tarsometatarso foi menor para os animais LR em comparação com a linhagem Pesadão. A substituição da ração por cana-de-açúcar aumentou linearmente o teor de cinzas dos ossos e diminuiu o teor de fósforo e o de cálcio. A linhagem LR apresentou maior profundidade de criptas, menor relação vilosidade/cripta e espessura da camada da mucosa. O desempenho e a morfologia intestinal de frangos caipiras são afetados negativamente com o aumento dos níveis de cana-de-açúcar na dieta. Além disso, o aumento da ingestão de cana-de-açúcar altera a composição mineral óssea, sem prejudicar a resistência mecânica das linhagens Pesadão e LR.

Effect of crushed sugarcane on performance, bone characteristics and intestinal morphology of free-range chicken lines / Efeito da cana-de-açúcar triturada sobre desempenho, características ósseas e morfologia intestinal de linhagens de frangos caipiras

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of crushed sugarcane in the diet on the performance, bone characteristics and intestinal morphology of slow-growing broiler strains. A total of 448 chickens at 35 days of age were allotted to two randomized blocks in a 4×2 factorial arrangement (levels of feed replacement with crushed sugarcane, on a fresh-matter basis: 0, 15, 30, and 45%) and two strains (Pesadão and Label Rouge (LR)). Two replicates were used per block over time (containing the treatments and the strains), and 14 individuals were used per experimental unit. Weight gain and feed intake decreased linearly in response to the increasing sugarcane levels. Feed intake was higher in the Pesadão strain than in LR. Chicken foot weight was lower in Pesadão than in LR. There were no effects of sugarcane levels or strains on the tarsometatarsal bone weight, breaking strength, maximum load and deformation. The drymatter (DM) content of the tarsometatarsal bone was lower in LR than in Pesadão. The replacement of feed with sugarcane induced a linear increase in bone ash content and a decrease in bone phosphorus and calcium contents. Label Rouge chickens showed a greater crypt depth and lower values of villus/crypt ratio and mucosal layer thickness. The performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens are negatively affected by increasing sugarcane levels in the diet. In addition, the increasing intake of sugarcane changesthe bone mineral composition without reducing mechanical resistance, in both the Pesadão and Label Rouge strains.(AU)

O presente estudo foi realizado objetivando avaliar o desempenho, as características ósseas e a morfologia intestinal de duas linhagens de frangos tipo caipira alimentados com dietas contendo cana-de-açúcar triturada. Foram utilizados 448 frangos aos 35 dias de idade, distribuídos em dois blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4x2, sendo quatro níveis de substituição (0; 15; 30 e 45%) da ração por cana-de-açúcar triturada e duas linhagens (Pesadão e Label Rouge (LR)), em duas repetições por bloco e 14 aves por unidade experimental. Foi observado redução linear com o aumento dos níveis de cana-de-açúcar sobre o ganho em peso e consumo de ração. O consumo de ração foi maior na linhagem Pesadão em relação à linhagem LR. No entanto, o peso do pé das aves foi menor para a linhagem Pesadão em comparação com a linhagem LR. Não foi observado efeitos da substituição da ração por cana-de-açúcar e das linhagens sobre o peso do osso tarsometatarso, carga de ruptura, força máxima e deformação. O teor de matéria seca do osso tarsometatarso foi menor para os animais LR em comparação com a linhagem Pesadão. A substituição da ração por cana-de-açúcar aumentou linearmente o teor de cinzas dos ossos e diminuiu o teor de fósforo e o de cálcio. A linhagem LR apresentou maior profundidade de criptas, menor relação vilosidade/cripta e espessura da camada da mucosa. O desempenho e a morfologia intestinal de frangos caipiras são afetados negativamente com o aumento dos níveis de cana-de-açúcar na dieta. Além disso, o aumento da ingestão de cana-de-açúcar altera a composição mineral óssea, sem prejudicar a resistência mecânica das linhagens Pesadão e LR. (AU)

Comparative Effect of Zinc Concentration and Sources on Growth Performance, Accumulation in Tissues, Tibia Status, Mineral Excretion and Immunity of Broiler Chickens

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding different concentrations and sources of zinc (Zn) on the growth performance, tissue mineral status, bone morphology and immunity responses in 0-4-week broiler chickens. Four hundred and forty 1-d-old broiler chickens were assigned randomly to 11 dietary treatments with 4 cages per treatment and 10 broiler chickens per cage in a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments were: corn-soybean meal basal diet (negative control), basal diet supplemented with 5 g yeast/kg (yeast), and basal diet supplemented with 20, 50, or 80 mg of added Zn/kg as ZnSO4, Zn-Met, or Zn-yeast in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. The results showed that broilers fed Zn supplemented diets had greater average weight gain and average feed intake than chickens fed the negative control diet (p 0.05). The Zn deposition in tibia, meat (thigh and breast) and excreta increased (p 0.01), regardless of source, in response to increasing dietary Zn concentrations. Zinc level increased dry weight of tibia bone and its large diameter. The strength of tibia bone as judged by Seedor index and breaking strength was improved (p 0.01) with Zn concentration in increased diets. Furthermore, supplemental Zn up to 50 mg/kg improved immunity responses of broiler chickens (p 0.01). It is concluded that supplementation with 50 mg Zn may be sufficient for normal broiler growth up to 28 d of age and the dietary inclusion of organic Zn could be utilized more effectively when compared to inorganic sources.(AU)

Comparative Effect of Zinc Concentration and Sources on Growth Performance, Accumulation in Tissues, Tibia Status, Mineral Excretion and Immunity of Broiler Chickens

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding different concentrations and sources of zinc (Zn) on the growth performance, tissue mineral status, bone morphology and immunity responses in 0-4-week broiler chickens. Four hundred and forty 1-d-old broiler chickens were assigned randomly to 11 dietary treatments with 4 cages per treatment and 10 broiler chickens per cage in a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments were: corn-soybean meal basal diet (negative control), basal diet supplemented with 5 g yeast/kg (yeast), and basal diet supplemented with 20, 50, or 80 mg of added Zn/kg as ZnSO4, Zn-Met, or Zn-yeast in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. The results showed that broilers fed Zn supplemented diets had greater average weight gain and average feed intake than chickens fed the negative control diet (p 0.05). The Zn deposition in tibia, meat (thigh and breast) and excreta increased (p 0.01), regardless of source, in response to increasing dietary Zn concentrations. Zinc level increased dry weight of tibia bone and its large diameter. The strength of tibia bone as judged by Seedor index and breaking strength was improved (p 0.01) with Zn concentration in increased diets. Furthermore, supplemental Zn up to 50 mg/kg improved immunity responses of broiler chickens (p 0.01). It is concluded that supplementation with 50 mg Zn may be sufficient for normal broiler growth up to 28 d of age and the dietary inclusion of organic Zn could be utilized more effectively when compared to inorganic sources.

Effect of preconditioning and postoperative hyperbaric oxygen therapy on colonic anastomosis healing with and without ischemia in rats

Purpose To investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on colonic anastomosis healing with and without ischemia in rats. Methods Forty female rats underwent segmental resection of 1 cm of the left colon followed by end-to-end anastomosis. They were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10 each), a sham group; two groups were submitted to Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) with and without induced ischemia and the induced ischemia group without HBOT. The HBOT protocol evaluated was 100% O2 at 2.4 Atmosphere absolute pressure (ATA) for 60 minutes, two sessions before as a preconditioning protocol and three sessions after the operation. Clinical course and mortality were monitored during all experiment and on the day of euthanasia on the fourth day after laparotomy. Macroscopic appearance of the abdominal cavity were assessed and samples for breaking strength of the anastomosis and histopathological parameters were collected. Results There was no statistically significant difference in mortality or anastomosis leak between the four experimental groups. Anastomosis breaking strength was similar across groups. Conclusion The HBOT protocol tested herein at 2.4 ATA did not affect histopathological and biomechanical parameters of colonic anastomotic healing, neither the clinical outcomes death and anastomosis leak on the fourth day after laparotomy.(AU)

Correlation among the main parameters of eggshell quality analysis of hen and quail eggs / Correlação entre os principais parâmetros de análise de qualidade de casca para ovos de galinha e de codorna

Sixty fresh hen eggs and 60 quail eggs were used in an experiment conducted at UFRRJ in order to survey the correlation between the eggshell quality measurements by average of the following parameters: specific gravity, breaking strength, percentage and thickness of the shell. For hen eggs, specific gravity demonstrated a higher correlation (p 0.05) between specific gravity with the other shell quality analyses. There was a correspondence between breaking strength with the percentage and the thickness of the shell, this ratio was higher for the percentage of shell. For hen eggs, the measurement of the specific gravity method used in commercial poultry farms was adequate to indicate good shell quality in accordance with great correlation with shell thickness. However, the evaluation of shell quality through the specific gravity for quail eggs needs adaptation in the methodology for egg morphology for this species. The parameters of shell quality surveyed: specific gravity, breaking resistance, percentage of shell and thickness of shell in hen eggs showed a positive correlation to a moderate degree (0.54). For quail eggs, the shell percentage shows moderate match (0.60) only with breaking strength and shell thickness.

Utilizou-se 60 ovos de galinhas e 60 ovos de codornas frescos, em um experimento conduzido na UFRRJ a fim de analisar a correlação entre as medidas de qualidade da casca ovos por meio dos seguintes parâmetros: gravidade específica, resistência à quebra, porcentagem e espessura da casca. Para os ovos de galinha, a gravidade específica demonstrou maior correlação (p 0,05) entre a gravidade específica com as outras análises de qualidade de casca. Houve correspondência entre a resistência à quebra com a porcentagem e a espessura da casca, sendo essa relação maior para a porcentagem de casca. Para ovos de galinha, a mensuração do método da gravidade especifica utilizado em granjas comerciais, é adequado para indicar boa qualidade de casca em função da maior correlação com a espessura da casca. Contudo, a avaliação da qualidade da casca através da gravidade específica para ovos de codorna necessita de adaptação na metodologia para a morfologia dos ovos dessa espécie. Os parâmetros de qualidade de casca analisados: gravidade específica, resistência a quebra dos ovos, porcentagem de casca e espessura da casca em ovos de galinha apresentam correlação positiva com grau moderado (0,54). Para ovos de codorna, a porcentagem de casca apresenta correspondência moderada (0,60) somente com resistência à quebra e espessura da casca.

Correlation among the main parameters of eggshell quality analysis of hen and quail eggs / Correlação entre os principais parâmetros de análise de qualidade de casca para ovos de galinha e de codorna

Sixty fresh hen eggs and 60 quail eggs were used in an experiment conducted at UFRRJ in order to survey the correlation between the eggshell quality measurements by average of the following parameters: specific gravity, breaking strength, percentage and thickness of the shell. For hen eggs, specific gravity demonstrated a higher correlation (p <0.05) with shell thickness as compared to other methodologies; the breaking strength correlated with the shell percentage and shell thickness. In quail eggs, there was no correlation (p> 0.05) between specific gravity with the other shell quality analyses. There was a correspondence between breaking strength with the percentage and the thickness of the shell, this ratio was higher for the percentage of shell. For hen eggs, the measurement of the specific gravity method used in commercial poultry farms was adequate to indicate good shell quality in accordance with great correlation with shell thickness. However, the evaluation of shell quality through the specific gravity for quail eggs needs adaptation in the methodology for egg morphology for this species. The parameters of shell quality surveyed: specific gravity, breaking resistance, percentage of shell and thickness of shell in hen eggs showed a positive correlation to a moderate degree (0.54). For quail eggs, the shell percentage shows moderate match (0.60) only with breaking strength and shell thickness.(AU)

Utilizou-se 60 ovos de galinhas e 60 ovos de codornas frescos, em um experimento conduzido na UFRRJ a fim de analisar a correlação entre as medidas de qualidade da casca ovos por meio dos seguintes parâmetros: gravidade específica, resistência à quebra, porcentagem e espessura da casca. Para os ovos de galinha, a gravidade específica demonstrou maior correlação (p <0,05) com a espessura da casca em comparação com as outras metodologias; a resistência à quebra se correlacionou com a porcentagem de casca e este parâmetro com a espessura da casca. Em ovos de codorna, não houve correlação (p >0,05) entre a gravidade específica com as outras análises de qualidade de casca. Houve correspondência entre a resistência à quebra com a porcentagem e a espessura da casca, sendo essa relação maior para a porcentagem de casca. Para ovos de galinha, a mensuração do método da gravidade especifica utilizado em granjas comerciais, é adequado para indicar boa qualidade de casca em função da maior correlação com a espessura da casca. Contudo, a avaliação da qualidade da casca através da gravidade específica para ovos de codorna necessita de adaptação na metodologia para a morfologia dos ovos dessa espécie. Os parâmetros de qualidade de casca analisados: gravidade específica, resistência a quebra dos ovos, porcentagem de casca e espessura da casca em ovos de galinha apresentam correlação positiva com grau moderado (0,54). Para ovos de codorna, a porcentagem de casca apresenta correspondência moderada (0,60) somente com resistência à quebra e espessura da casca.(AU)

Methods to Evaluate the Eggshell Quality of Table Eggs

The objectives of this study were to determine the most suitable probe diameter and egg position to perform the eggshell breaking strength test using a texturometer, as well as the most reliable parameter to estimate eggshell quality when no electronic devices are available. Eggshell quality (eggshell breaking strength, eggshell weight, eggshell percentage, eggshell thickness, shell weight per unit surface area) was evaluated as a function of texturometer probe diameter (2, 10, and 75mm), egg type (white and brown) and egg position (horizontal and vertical). In the experiment, 2520 eggs from 60-week-old commercial layers were separated by specific gravity measured by flotation method in saline solution (1.070 to 1.100 g/cm3 with intervals of 0.005 g/cm3).Data were submitted to analysis of variance in a completely randomized design, and means were compared by Tukeys test (p 0.05). Correlations between characteristics were calculated using the Pearsons method. The results showed that the most suitable probe diameter for the analysis of eggshell breaking strength was 75 mm, independently of egg positioning or type egg. White eggs should be positioned vertically in relation to the probe, whereas brown can be placed in any position. When it is not possible to evaluate eggshell quality using electronic devices, the measurement of shell weight per unit surface area is recommended.(AU)

Methods to Evaluate the Eggshell Quality of Table Eggs

The objectives of this study were to determine the most suitable probe diameter and egg position to perform the eggshell breaking strength test using a texturometer, as well as the most reliable parameter to estimate eggshell quality when no electronic devices are available. Eggshell quality (eggshell breaking strength, eggshell weight, eggshell percentage, eggshell thickness, shell weight per unit surface area) was evaluated as a function of texturometer probe diameter (2, 10, and 75mm), egg type (white and brown) and egg position (horizontal and vertical). In the experiment, 2520 eggs from 60-week-old commercial layers were separated by specific gravity measured by flotation method in saline solution (1.070 to 1.100 g/cm3 with intervals of 0.005 g/cm3).Data were submitted to analysis of variance in a completely randomized design, and means were compared by Tukeys test (p 0.05). Correlations between characteristics were calculated using the Pearsons method. The results showed that the most suitable probe diameter for the analysis of eggshell breaking strength was 75 mm, independently of egg positioning or type egg. White eggs should be positioned vertically in relation to the probe, whereas brown can be placed in any position. When it is not possible to evaluate eggshell quality using electronic devices, the measurement of shell weight per unit surface area is recommended.

Some physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) eggs

The physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of eggs play an important role in the processes of embryo development and hatching. Some physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo; Zagorje breed) eggs collected during two laying cycles from same turkey hens were determined in this study. The average values of length, width, geometric mean diameter, weight, surface area, volume, sphericity, eggshell thickness, and eggshell density were determined as 66.61 mm, 46.84 mm, 52.66 mm, 77.74 g, 8712.42 mm2, 76553.49 mm3, 79.31%, 0.354 mm and 3.13 g cm-3, respectively. Eggs collected during second laying cycle were, on average, larger and heavier in comparison with those collected during first cycle. Average albumen, yolk and eggshell percentages of the eggs collected during two laying cycles were 58.11%, 29.50% and 12.39%, respectively. The highest breaking strength was obtained when the eggs were loaded along the X-front axis and the least breaking strength was required along the Z-axis. The average breaking strength, absorbed energy and firmness in loading along the X-front axis were found to be 73.80 N, 9.75 N mm and 280.30 N mm-1, respectively.(AU)

Some physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) eggs

The physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of eggs play an important role in the processes of embryo development and hatching. Some physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo; Zagorje breed) eggs collected during two laying cycles from same turkey hens were determined in this study. The average values of length, width, geometric mean diameter, weight, surface area, volume, sphericity, eggshell thickness, and eggshell density were determined as 66.61 mm, 46.84 mm, 52.66 mm, 77.74 g, 8712.42 mm2, 76553.49 mm3, 79.31%, 0.354 mm and 3.13 g cm-3, respectively. Eggs collected during second laying cycle were, on average, larger and heavier in comparison with those collected during first cycle. Average albumen, yolk and eggshell percentages of the eggs collected during two laying cycles were 58.11%, 29.50% and 12.39%, respectively. The highest breaking strength was obtained when the eggs were loaded along the X-front axis and the least breaking strength was required along the Z-axis. The average breaking strength, absorbed energy and firmness in loading along the X-front axis were found to be 73.80 N, 9.75 N mm and 280.30 N mm-1, respectively.

Decreased levels of vitamin D3 and supplementation with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-glycoside on performance, carcass yield and bone quality in broilers

ABSTRACT: An experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of decreased levels of vitamin D3 in the premix and 1,25-dyhydroxyvitamin D3-glycoside (1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside) supplementation on performance, carcass yield and bone quality in 42d old broilers. Seven-d-old male chickens Cobb500® were distributed in a randomized design with six treatments: a control diet with inclusion of vitamin D3 in the premix, without supplementation of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside, and five diets with decreased levels of vitamin D3 (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 0% about the control) plus the addition of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside, 50g ton-1 of diet. The main results were to reduce the tenor of Vitamin D3 in the premix when the addition of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside did not affect (P>0.05) the performance, carcass yield and bone quality variables. However, performance (feed intake, gain weight, feed conversion), yield (warm carcass weight) and bone quality (dry weight, length, mineral matter and breaking strength) of broilers fed with diets without vitamin D3 in the premix and with addition of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside, which was the single source of vitamin D, had as a result very low (P 0.05) values comparing to the control. For the purposes of the present research, it was concluded that is possible the reduction of vitamin D3 tenor in the premix up to 75% when the diet of male broilers is supplemented with 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside. However, the use of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside as a single source of vitamin D, as tested here, is not recommended for broilers diets.

RESUMO: Um experimento foi realizado para avaliar o efeito da diminuição dos níveis de vitamina D3 no premix e a suplementação de 1,25-dihidroxivitamina D3-glicosídeo (1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo) sobre o desempenho, rendimento de carcaça e qualidade óssea em frangos de corte de 42 dias. Machos Cobb500® de sete dias de idade foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos: uma dieta controle com inclusão de vitamina D3 no premix, sem suplementação de 1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo, e cinco dietas com níveis decrescentes de vitamina D3 (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% e 0% em relação ao controle) mais a adição de 1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo (50g ton-1 de dieta). Entre os principais resultados, foi observado que a redução do teor de vitamina D3 no premix quando adicionado 1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo não afetou (P>0,05) o desempenho, o rendimento da carcaça e as variáveis da qualidade óssea. No entanto, as variáveis do desempenho e o rendimento (consumo de ração, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, peso da carcaça quente) e da qualidade dos ossos (peso seco, comprimento, matéria mineral e resistência à ruptura) de frangos alimentados com dietas sem vitamina D3 no premix, com a adição de 1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo como a única fonte de vitamina D, teve como resultado valores muito baixos (P 0,05) em comparação ao controle. Para os propósitos da presente pesquisa, concluiu-se que é possível a redução do teor de vitamina D3 no premix até 75% quando a dieta de frangos de corte machos é suplementada com 1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo. No entanto, o uso de 1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo como única fonte de vitamina D, conforme testado aqui, não é recomendado para dietas de frangos de corte.

1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol from Solanum glaucophyllum supports normal growth and reduces the negative effects of calcium and phosphorus restriction on broilers' bone tissue / 1, 25 dihidroxicolecalciferol de origem herbal (Solanum glaucophyllum) suporta o desempenho normal e diminui os efeitos negativos da restrição de cálcio e fósforo sobre o desenvolvimento ósseo de frangos de corte

Feed supplementation with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3) has been studied as a means to decrease the incidence of bone abnormalities in broilers and reduce dietary inclusion of calcium and phosphorus. The objective of this research was to determine the optimal level of feed supplementation with 1,25(OH)2D3 from Solanum glaucophyllum for growing broilers restricted in calcium and available phosphorus. A total of 648 day-old male chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design with six dietary treatments and six replications of 18 birds. Treatments consisted of one positive control (PC: corn-soybean-meal diet formulated to reach or exceed Rostagno et al. (2011) nutritional recommendations), one negative control (NC: PC diet with 15% reduction of calcium and available phosphorus), and four NC diets supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 µg kg-¹ of 1,25(OH)2D3. Performance and bone development characteristics were evaluated at days 21 and 33. Negative control did not modify broilers' performance in comparison with PC, but birds fed with NC plus 1.0 µg kg-¹ of 1,25(OH)2D3 showed higher (p=0.01) daily weight gain than PC at day 21. Negative control reduced (p < 0.01) tibia weight, ash, breaking strength, and Seedor index at day 21, but supplementation with 1,25(OH)2D3 mitigated all these negative effects. A quadratic effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 level was found for daily weight gain (p=0.03), tibia weight (p < 0.01), breaking strength (p < 0.01), and Seedor index (p < 0.01) at this age. At day 33, NC broilers still had lower tibia weight (p=0.01), ash (p < 0.01), and Seedor index (p < 0.01) than those fed PC. Only tibia ash did not return to the same value as that observed in PC after NC supplementation with 1,25(OH)2D3. A quadratic effect (p < 0.01) of 1,25(OH)2D3 level was found for tibia ash and Seedor index at this age. On average, dietary supplementation of 1.15 µg kg-¹ of 1,25(OH)2D3 was identified as the optimal level for bone...(AU)

A suplementação da dieta com 1,25-dihidroxicolecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3) vem sendo estudada como alternativa para redução da incidência de desordens esqueléticas em frangos de corte e diminuição nos níveis dietéticos de cálcio e fósforo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o melhor nível de inclusão de 1,25(OH)2D3 de origem herbal (Solanum glaucophyllum) para frangos restritos em cálcio e fósforo. Para tanto, 648 pintainhos de corte machos de um dia foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos e seis repetições de 18 aves. Os tratamentos consistiram em um controle positivo (CP: dieta à base de milho e farelo de soja, formulada para atender às recomendações nutricionais de Rostagno et al. (2011), um controle negativo (CN: dieta CP com 15% de redução nos níveis de cálcio e fósforo disponível), e quatro dietas CN suplementadas com 0,5; 1,0; 1,5 ou 2,0 µg kg-¹ de 1,25(OH)2D3. Desempenho produtivo e características ósseas foram avaliados nos dias 21 e 33. O consumo do CN não reduziu o desempenho das aves em comparação ao CP; porém, as aves alimentadas com o CN+1,0 µg kg-¹ de 1,25(OH)2D3 apresentaram maior (p=0,01) ganho de peso do que as alimentadas com o CP aos 21 dias. A dieta CN reduziu (p < 0,01) o peso, a matéria mineral, a força de quebra e o índice de Seedor da tíbia aos 21 dias; porém, a suplementação com 1,25(OH)2D3 reverteu todos esses efeitos adversos. Efeito quadrático dos níveis de 1,25(OH)2D3 foi observado para ganho de peso (p=0,03), peso da tíbia (p < 0.01), força de quebra (p < 0,01), e índice de Seedor (p < 0,01) nessa idade. Aos 33 dias, frangos alimentados com a dieta CN continuaram apresentando menores peso de tíbia (p=0,01), matéria mineral (p < 0,01) e índice de Seedor (p < 0,01) do que os que receberam a dieta CP. Somente a matéria mineral da tíbia não retornou a valor semelhante ao observado nas aves CP após a suplementação com 1,25(OH)2D3. Efeito quadrático (p < 0,01) dos níveis de...(AU)

Decreased levels of vitamin D3 and supplementation with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-glycoside on performance, carcass yield and bone quality in broilers / Diminuição dos níveis de vitamina D3 e suplementação com 1,25-dihidroxivitamina D3 glicosídeo sobre o desempenho, o rendimento da carcaça e a qualidade dos ossos em frangos de corte

An experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of decreased levels of vitamin D3 in the premix and 1,25-dyhydroxyvitamin D3-glycoside (1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside) supplementation on performance, carcass yield and bone quality in 42d old broilers. Seven-d-old male chickens Cobb500® were distributed in a randomized design with six treatments: a control diet with inclusion of vitamin D3 in the premix, without supplementation of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside, and five diets with decreased levels of vitamin D3 (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 0% about the control) plus the addition of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside, 50g ton-1 of diet. The main results were to reduce the tenor of Vitamin D3 in the premix when the addition of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside did not affect (P>0.05) the performance, carcass yield and bone quality variables. However, performance (feed intake, gain weight, feed conversion), yield (warm carcass weight) and bone quality (dry weight, length, mineral matter and breaking strength) of broilers fed with diets without vitamin D3 in the premix and with addition of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside, which was the single source of vitamin D, had as a result very low (P 0.05) values comparing to the control. For the purposes of the present research, it was concluded that is possible the reduction of vitamin D3 tenor in the premix up to 75% when the diet of male broilers is supplemented with 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside. However, the use of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside as a single source of vitamin D, as tested here, is not recommended for broilers diets.

Um experimento foi realizado para avaliar o efeito da diminuição dos níveis de vitamina D3 no premix e a suplementação de 1,25-dihidroxivitamina D3-glicosídeo (1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo) sobre o desempenho, rendimento de carcaça e qualidade óssea em frangos de corte de 42 dias. Machos Cobb500® de sete dias de idade foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos: uma dieta controle com inclusão de vitamina D3 no premix, sem suplementação de 1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo, e cinco dietas com níveis decrescentes de vitamina D3 (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% e 0% em relação ao controle) mais a adição de 1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo (50g ton-1 de dieta). Entre os principais resultados, foi observado que a redução do teor de vitamina D3 no premix quando adicionado 1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo não afetou (P>0,05) o desempenho, o rendimento da carcaça e as variáveis da qualidade óssea. No entanto, as variáveis do desempenho e o rendimento (consumo de ração, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, peso da carcaça quente) e da qualidade dos ossos (peso seco, comprimento, matéria mineral e resistência à ruptura) de frangos alimentados com dietas sem vitamina D3 no premix, com a adição de 1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo como a única fonte de vitamina D, teve como resultado valores muito baixos (P 0,05) em comparação ao controle. Para os propósitos da presente pesquisa, concluiu-se que é possível a redução do teor de vitamina D3 no premix até 75% quando a dieta de frangos de corte machos é suplementada com 1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo. No entanto, o uso de 1,25(OH)2D3-glicosídeo como única fonte de vitamina D, conforme testado aqui, não é recomendado para dietas de frangos de corte.(AU)

Experimental Study on the Geometrical and Mechanical Properties of Goose Eggshells

ABSTRACT This paper examined the properties of goose eggshells to determine possible areas of improvement in egg transport and storage. First, we measured goose egg sizes and performed statistical tests, and found that the major axis, minor axis, and egg-shape index presented normal distribution. Eggshell thickness first increased and then decreased from the blunt end to the sharp end. Second, the shape of individual goose eggshell was measured using a 3D scanner. Volume equation, surface equation, and contour function of goose eggshell shape were obtained, exhibiting a highly symmetrical structure. Finally, goose eggs were compressed along their major and minor axes between two plates. Breaking strength was highly dependent on the shape index. A crack was found on the force point along the major axis of each goose egg.(AU)

Experimental Study on the Geometrical and Mechanical Properties of Goose Eggshells

ABSTRACT This paper examined the properties of goose eggshells to determine possible areas of improvement in egg transport and storage. First, we measured goose egg sizes and performed statistical tests, and found that the major axis, minor axis, and egg-shape index presented normal distribution. Eggshell thickness first increased and then decreased from the blunt end to the sharp end. Second, the shape of individual goose eggshell was measured using a 3D scanner. Volume equation, surface equation, and contour function of goose eggshell shape were obtained, exhibiting a highly symmetrical structure. Finally, goose eggs were compressed along their major and minor axes between two plates. Breaking strength was highly dependent on the shape index. A crack was found on the force point along the major axis of each goose egg.