The effects of replacing wheat and soyabean meal with duckweed (Lemna minor) and including enzymes in the diet of laying hens on the yield and quality of eggs, biochemical parameters, and their antioxidant status.

Duckweed is a rapidly growing aquatic plant, which could be used in the diet of laying hens to enhance carbon capture and improve land use efficiency. Digestion may be improved by supplementation with exogenous enzymes. We replaced soyabean meal and wheat with duckweed in a 10-week study with 432, 60-week-old Hy-Line W-36 layers, divided into six isocaloric and isonitrogenous dietary treatments, each with eight replicates. Two factors were investigated: first, duckweed substituted for wheat gluten meal and soyabean meal at 0, 7.5 and 15% of the diet, and second, with and without a multi-enzyme supplement (500 mg/kg). Duckweed did not affect egg output or weight, but it improved yolk color (P = 0.01) and reduced the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.04) and alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.02) in serum, suggesting hepatoprotective effects. Enzyme addition did not alter the effects of including duckweed in the diet, but it increased feed intake (P = 0.03). It is concluded that, as well as offering the potential to increase land productivity, inclusion of duckweed in the diet of laying hens enhances egg yolk color and hepatoprotection, without detrimental effects on performance.

The effects of canthaxanthin microencapsulation on yolk color and canthaxanthin deposition in egg yolk of laying hens.

Canthaxanthin is widely used as a feed additive to improve skin and yolk color in poultry. It is insoluble in water and sensitive to oxidation, so commercial canthaxanthin is often microencapsulated with wall materials to improve its solubility and stability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of canthaxanthin microencapsulation on yolk color and canthaxanthin deposition in egg yolk of laying hens. A total of 288 Hyline Brown laying hens (48 wk of age) were allocated to 4 groups with 6 replicates of 12 hens each, and fed a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 5 mg/kg canthaxanthin microencapsulated with modified starch (CMMS), gelatin (CMG), and sodium lignosulfonate (CMSL), respectively. Canthaxanthin supplementation did not affect laying performance of hens, but improved (P < 0.05) yolk color of fresh, fried, boiled, and stored (4 and 25°C) eggs. The improvement of yolk color of fresh eggs was greatest in the CMSL group and least in the CMG group (P < 0.05). Both CMMS and CMSL resulted in higher (P < 0.05) yolk canthaxanthin concentration than CMG. The CMSL resulted in higher (P < 0.05) yolk color score of fried eggs than CMMS and CMG and higher (P < 0.05) yolk color score of boiled eggs than CMG, but no difference was observed in stored eggs among three canthaxanthin groups. In conclusion, CMMS and CMSL were more effective in yolk pigmentation than CMG, and CMSL was slightly better than CMMS.

Effects of Linseed Meal and Carotenoids from Different Sources on Egg Characteristics, Yolk Fatty Acid and Carotenoid Profile and Lipid Peroxidation.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementing the diet of laying hens with linseed meal and carotenoids from different sources on egg characteristics, yolk fatty acid and carotenoid profile, and lipid peroxidation. A 4-week experiment was conducted on 168 Lohmann Brown layers (43 weeks of age), assigned to four dietary treatments (42 hens/group; 21 replicate/groups with 2 birds/pen) consisting of a control diet (C) and three diets simultaneously supplemented with 6% linseed meal and 2% dried kapia pepper (E1), 2% dried sea buckthorn pomace (E2) and 2% dried carrot (E3). Every 2 weeks, 18 eggs/group/period were collected randomly from each group and used to determine the egg quality and nutritional parameters. The results showed that dietary linseed meal and carotenoids sources improved egg color, carotenoids' accumulation in egg yolk and fatty acid profile, especially the n-3 PUFA content. Dietary carotenoids supplementation reduced, n-6/n-3 ratio, cholesterol content of the egg yolk and improved yolk pH, egg thickness and yolk oxidative stability. In conclusion, the use of these sources of carotenoids in the linseed meal enriched diets could be an effective way to improve the nutritional properties of the eggs without affecting their quality and consumer's safety.

Comparison of Performance, Egg Quality, and Yolk Fatty Acid Profile in Two Turkish Genotypes (Atak-S and Atabey) in a Free-Range System.

Consumer interest in buying eggs from animal welfare-friendly systems with outdoor access is increasing, leading to an increase in the need for knowledge on genotypes suitable for free-range systems. Two Turkish laying hen genotypes, Atak-S (brown, n = 210) and Atabey (white, n = 210), were reared in a free-range system from 19-72 weeks of age, and their suitability for the system was assessed based on laying performance, egg quality, and yolk fatty acid profile. Mean hen-day and hen-housed egg production were found to be higher in Atabey than Atak-S (p < 0.01). The brown eggs from Atak-S hens tended to be heavier than the white eggs from Atabey hens (p < 0.01). Brown eggs obtained from Atak-S hens had a stronger shell structure (p < 0.01), while white eggs from Atabey hens had higher mean yolk index, albumen index, and Haugh unit than brown eggs (p < 0.05). At 56 weeks of age, total saturated fatty acid content in yolk was higher in white eggs than in brown eggs (p < 0.01). These findings related to genotype could help free-range egg producers in their choices for more profitable production and for meeting consumer demands on egg quality and egg yolk fatty acid levels.

Biofortified orange corn increases xanthophyll density and yolk pigmentation in egg yolks from laying hens.

Plant breeding has developed corn genotypes with grain higher in levels of carotenoids. Dietary consumption of specific carotenoids by humans has been associated with improved eye health, notably with some protection against age-related macular degeneration. Increasing dietary sources of macular carotenoids in the standard American diet might be accomplished by using high carotenoid Orange Corn in poultry diets to increase macular carotenoid concentrations in egg yolks. Three hundred sixty laying hens (Novogen White) were fed three different diets over 31 days. Each diet had six replicates of 20 hens housed in enrichable colony cages. The only difference was the type of corn included - white, yellow, and orange, in order to assess the impact of each type of corn on egg production, yolk pigmentation, and carotenoid deposition. This study assessed yolk color and carotenoid densities using a portable colorimeter and the DSM YolkFan, and by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on eggs from the feeding study and on 43 cartons of 12 eggs commercially available and produced in various production settings: conventional cage, cage-free, cage-free organic, free-range/pasture, and free-range/pasture organic. Yolks from hens fed with the Orange Corn diet produced eggs with higher (P < 0.01) DSM yolk color (6 to 10) and total xanthophylls (23.5 to 35.3 µg/g of egg yolk) compared to the yellow diet (5 to 6 DSM and 12.3 to 17.7 µg/g xanthophylls) and white diet (1 to 2 DSM and 2.5 to 3.0 µg/g xanthophylls). Egg yolks reached a maximum xanthophyll accumulation with the Orange Corn diet (35.3 µg/g of egg yolk) after twelve days of treatment and maintained steady levels at subsequent time points. In general, xanthophyll levels in yolks from the Orange Corn diet were superior (30-61% higher) to any of the commercial egg brands, suggesting that feeding high carotenoid Orange Corn increases xanthophyll density in eggs.

Assessment of Response to Moderate and High Dose Supplementation of Astaxanthin in Laying Hens.

In this study, we evaluated the impact of moderate and high dose dietary supplementation of astaxanthin on production performance, quality of eggs, and health status of laying hens. The experiment involved 480 laying hens, divided into four groups of eight replicates. The different groups named A1, A2, A3, and A4 were allocated the same diet supplemented with Haematococcus pluvialis powder to provide 0, 21.3, 42.6, and 213.4 mg of astaxanthin per kilogram of feed, respectively. One-way ANOVA and linear and quadratic regression analysis were used to assess the differences between the groups. The results showed that the production performance of laying hens and the physical quality of eggs did not significantly differ between the groups (p > 0.05). Astaxanthin distribution in tissues was typical per bird, whereas the egg yolk coloration and astaxanthin concentration increased with the supplementation dose (p < 0.001). However, there was a decrease in concentration and coloration efficacy of astaxanthin at high dose supplementation (213.4 mg/kg) compared to moderate doses (21.3 and 42.6 mg/kg). Blood biochemical tests showed some discrepancies that were not ascribed to the effect of diets, and the increase in liver weight in the A4 group compared to others was equated with an adaptation of laying hens to the high dose supplementation. Astaxanthin improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and diminished malondialdehyde (MDA) content in both liver and serum; meanwhile, the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in serum were similar between the moderate doses and high dose supplementation. Additionally, astaxanthin alleviated interleukin 2, 4, and 6 (IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6, respectively) in serum, showing the best effect in A3 and A4 groups. Besides, immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM), as well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and beta (TNF-α and TNF-ß), were not much affected. It was concluded that although astaxanthin has no obvious adverse effect on the performance and health status of laying hens, it may not be valuable for egg fortification and health status improvement of laying hens at high dose supplementation. The high dose astaxanthin supplementation up to 213.4 mg/kg in the diet might be avoided.

Effect of Sodium Selenite, Selenium Yeast, and Bacterial Enriched Protein on Chicken Egg Yolk Color, Antioxidant Profiles, and Oxidative Stability.

The chicken egg is one of nature's flawlessly preserved biological products, recognized as an excellent source of nutrients for humans. Selenium (Se) is an essential micro-element that plays a key role in biological processes. Organic selenium can be produced biologically by the microbial reduction of inorganic Se (sodium selenite). Therefore, the possibility of integrating Se enriched bacteria as a supplement in poultry feed can provide an interesting source of organic Se, thereby offering health-related advantages to humans. In this study, bacterial selenoproteins from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was used as a dietary supplement with other Se sources in Lohman brown Classic laying hens to study the egg yolk color, egg yolk and breast antioxidant profile, oxidative stability, and storage effect for fresh and stored egg yolk at 4 ± 2 °C for 14-days. The results showed that dietary Se supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) improved egg yolk color, the antioxidant profile of egg yolk, and breast meat (total carotenoid and phenol content). When the Se treated groups were compared to control groups, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in total cholesterol in fresh and stored egg yolk and breast muscle. In hens that were fed ADS18-Se, the primary oxidation products (MDA) concentrations in the eggs, breast, and thigh muscle, and plasma were significantly (p < 0.05) lower. However, the MDA content increased (p < 0.05) with an extended storage time in egg yolk. In comparison to inorganic Se and basal diets, egg yolk from hens fed organic Se remained fresh for two weeks. The egg yolk color, antioxidant profile, and oxidative status of egg yolk and tissue improve with dietary Se organic supplementation (ADS18 > Se-Yeast). The source of supplemented organic Se is critical for egg enrichment and antioxidant properties. As a result, ''functional eggs'' enriched with organic Se becomes possible to produce.

Dietary Supplementation with Microencapsulated Lutein Improves Yolk Color and Lutein Content in Fresh and Cooked Eggs of Laying Hens.

This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of diet supplemented with non-microencapsulated lutein (NL) and microencapsulated lutein (ML) in laying hens. A total of 270 Hy-line Brown laying hens (54 weeks old) were allocated to three groups with six replicates of 15 hens and were adapted to a wheat-soybean meal basal diet for two weeks. Next, the control birds were fed the basal diet, and the test birds were fed the basal diet supplemented with 600 mg/kg NL (12 mg/kg available lutein) or 90.1 mg/kg ML (10 mg/kg available lutein) for 35 days. Supplementation of lutein did not affect the productive performance of laying hens, but improved (P<0.05) the yolk color and red/green value (a*), with eggs from the ML group displaying improved color and a* values from the 15th day of the experimental period. The blue/yellow value (b*) for the yolk showed an increase (P<0.05) through both NL and ML supplements. The yolk color of fried and boiled eggs and a* value of the yolk in fried eggs were improved (P<0.05) only through ML supplemented diet. Both NL and ML supplements resulted in lower (P<0.05) lightness and higher (P<0.05) a* values of yolk in boiled eggs, as well as higher (P<0.05) b* values in fried and boiled eggs. Yolk lutein content in fresh, fried, and boiled eggs was increased (P<0.05) in NL and ML groups with the latter being higher. In conclusion, ML improved yolk pigmentation and lutein retention in laying hens better than NL.

Dual-Purpose Poultry in Organic Egg Production and Effects on Egg Quality Parameters.

Egg laying genotypes have been selected for generations due to their high yield and egg quality, resulting in efficient feed utilization and low body weight; hence, they are not suitable for meat production. This imposes an issue for the male layer chicks, which are killed at one day old. Because of ethical and food waste concerns, the search for suitable dual-purpose genotypes in order to avoid euthanasia of male day-old chicks has intensified. The aim of the present study is to evaluate potential dual-purpose genotypes for their egg quality compared to a representative egg laying genotype. Two dual-purpose genotypes with divergent characteristics were evaluated: genotype A represented an experimental crossbreed based on a broiler type male and an egg layer female, and genotype C was a crossbreed of a layer type. These were compared to a rustic genotype B and a control genotype D, which was an egg layer. Eggs were collected six times during the period of 21­54 weeks of hen age, i.e., a total of 990 shell eggs were analyzed. Examined parameters were weights of egg, shell, yolk, and albumen, by calculating their relative proportions. Shell quality was assessed by shell strength, shell stiffness, and shell thickness. Yolk quality was determined as yolk color and inclusions of blood and meat spots, and albumen quality was evaluated in terms of pH and dry matter (DM) content. The egg layer genotype produced the smallest eggs with least blood and meat spot inclusions compared to that produced by the three dual-purpose genotypes. Shell quality was superior for the layer genotype. However, the experimental genotype A laid eggs of comparable shell quality, albumen DM, and yolk weight, but also with the darkest and most red-yellow colored yolk. The two other dual-purpose genotypes produced eggs of low-medium quality. In conclusion, the genotype A could serve as dual-purpose genotype from an egg quality perspective.

Folate Content and Yolk Color of Hen Eggs from Different Farming Systems.

This study aimed to compare folate contents in hen eggs from four different farming systems, namely organic, free range, barn, and cage one. Folate retention during egg boiling was studied as well. The contents of individual folate vitamers were determined using the high-performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC), following trienzyme treatment. Folate content in eggs differed significantly (p < 0.05) due to the rearing system, with the highest mean content determined in the eggs from organic farming (113.8 µg/100 g). According to this study, one egg (60 g) may provide 40-86 µg of folates, which corresponds to 10-22% of the recommended daily intake for adults, 400 µg according to the Nutrition Standards for the Polish Population. The predominant folate form found in egg was 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which showed considerably greater stability under boiling compared to 10-formylfolic acid present in a lower amount. In most eggs tested, the losses in total folate content did not exceed 15%. The color of yolk of the most folate-abundant organic eggs, had the highest value of lightness (L*) and the lowest value of redness (a*). This, however, does not correspond to consumer preferences of intense golden yolk color.

Genome-Wide Association Study-Based Identification of SNPs and Haplotypes Associated With Goose Reproductive Performance and Egg Quality.

Geese are one of the most economically important waterfowl. However, the low reproductive performance and egg quality of geese hinder the development of the goose industry. The identification and application of genetic markers may improve the accuracy of beneficial trait selection. To identify the genetic markers associated with goose reproductive performance and egg quality traits, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for body weight at birth (BBW), the number of eggs at 48 weeks of age (EN48), the number of eggs at 60 weeks of age (EN60) and egg yolk color (EYC). The GWAS acquired 2.896 Tb of raw sequencing data with an average depth of 12.44× and identified 9,279,339 SNPs. The results of GWAS showed that 26 SNPs were significantly associated with BBW, EN48, EN60, and EYC. Moreover, five of these SNPs significantly associated with EN48 and EN60 were in a haplotype block on chromosome 35 from 4,512,855 to 4,541,709 bp, oriented to TMEM161A and another five SNPs significantly correlated to EYC were constructed in haplotype block on chromosome 5 from 21,069,009 to 21,363,580, which annotated by TMEM161A, CALCR, TFPI2, and GLP1R. Those genes were enriched in epidermal growth factor-activated receptor activity, regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway. The SNPs, haplotype markers, and candidate genes identified in this study can be used to improve the accuracy of marker-assisted selection for the reproductive performance and egg quality traits of geese. In addition, the candidate genes significantly associated with these traits may provide a foundation for better understanding the mechanisms underlying reproduction and egg quality in geese.

Krill Meal Enhances Antioxidant Levels and n-3 Fatty Acid Content of Egg Yolk from Laying Hens Fed a Low-Pigment Diet.

This study was conducted to determine effects of krill meal supplementation on production performance, egg quality, antioxidant substances, and fatty acid composition of egg yolk from hens fed a low-pigment diet. A total of 640 laying hens (Lohmann Brown), which were each 25 weeks old, were divided into 4 dietary treatment groups. Each treatment consisted of 8 replications with 20 laying hens per replication. The treatments were corn-soybean meal basal diet (CS), CS with 7.5% cassava meal (low-pigment; LP), and LP with 1.5 or 3% krill meal. All dietary treatments were formulated to be isocaloric (2,750 kcal/kg metabolizable energy) and isonitrogenous (17.5% crude protein). Birds were raised in an evaporative cooling system house for 8 weeks (25-33 weeks of age). Water was provided ad libitum and feed was provided according to breed requirement recommendations. The LP diets supplemented with krill meal had no effect on production performance and egg quality compared to those of the CS group (P>0.05). However, the LP diet caused a significant reduction in yolk color score, and astaxanthin, vitamin A, and vitamin E contents of egg yolk (P<0.05). However, the contents of these nutrients increased as the level of krill meal was increased in the diets (P<0.05). The highest yolk color score, and astaxanthin, vitamin A, and vitamin E contents were observed in laying hens fed 3% krill meal (P<0.05). The LP diet had no effect on n-3 fatty acid content; however, a significant reduction in the content of n-6 fatty acids, especially linoleic acid was observed (P<0.05). Further reduction occurred when higher level of krill was used in the diets (P<0.05). An increase in krill meal level significantly increased docosahexaenoic acid but not linolenic acid content of egg yolk. Krill meal, therefore, could be used to produce docosahexaenoic acid and antioxidant enriched eggs.

Inclusion of crude corn oil with high acidity in the feed of laying hens: analysis of egs production and quality / Inclusão de óleo de milho bruto com alta acidez na alimentação de poedeiras: análise da produção e qualidade de ovos

The objective of this study was to evaluate egg production and quality after including crude corn oil with high acidity (CCOHA) in the feed of laying hens. The design was completely randomized to three treatments and six replicates each. The sample included 90 hens of the Lohmann LSL lineage, housed in cages; each cage contained five animals and constituted an experimental unit. The evaluated feeds were corn-based feed with degummed soybean oil (CSO), corn-based feed with CCOHA (CC) and sorghum-based feed with CCOHA (SC). At the end of the 28-day cycle, the following productivity parameters were evaluated: egg weight at laying (EWL), laying percentage (LP), feed conversion per dozen eggs (FCDZ) and feed conversion per egg mass (FCEM). The evaluated internal and external quality parameters of the eggs were yolk percentage (YP), yolk index (YI), and yolk pH (YpH); albumen percentage (AP), albumen index (AI), and albumen pH (ApH); percentage shell (PS) and shell surface area (SSA); Haugh unit (HU) and egg yolk color (EYC). There were no significant differences in EW, LP, FCDZ, and FCEM between the experimental feeds. Moreover, the use of crude corn oil with high acidity in laying hens rations did not influence the parameters of YP, YI, YpH, AP, AI, ApH, PS, SSA, HU, and EYC.

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão do óleo bruto de milho com alta acidez (OBMAA) em rações de galinhas poedeiras sobre a produção de ovos e sua qualidade interna e externa. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos e seis repetições cada, com 90 galinhas da linhagem Lohmann LSL®, alojadas em número de cinco aves por gaiola, constituindo cada gaiola uma unidade experimental. Os tratamentos foram: rações base milho com óleo degomado de soja (MOS), milho com OBMAA (MOM) e sorgo com OBMAA (SOM). Ao final do ciclo de 28 dias determinou-se os parâmetros de produtividade: peso dos ovos na postura (POP), porcentagem de postura (POS) e conversões alimentares por dúzia (CAD) e por massa de ovos (CAM). Em seguida foram realizadas as análises de qualidade interna e externa dos ovos: percentagem, índice e pH da gema (GE%, IGE, pHGE), percentagem, índice e pH do albúmen (AL%, IAL, pHAL), percentagem e superfície de área de casca (CAS%, SACAS), unidade Haugh (UH) e colorimetria da gema. Não houve diferença para POS e POP, CAD e CAM das rações experimentais. A utilização do óleo bruto de milho com alta acidez nas rações de galinhas poedeiras não influenciou nos parâmetros de GE%, IGE, pHGE, AL%, IAL, pHAL, CAS%, SACAS, UH e colorimetria da gema

Arthrospira Platensis (Spirulina) Supplementation on Laying Hens' Performance: Eggs Physical, Chemical, and Sensorial Qualities.

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of spirulina on laying hens' performances: Eggs' physical, chemical, and sensorial qualities. A total of 45 Lohman White hens, 44 weeks of age, were randomized into 3 groups of 15 birds. Hens were given 120 g/d of a basal diet containing 0% (control), 1.5%, and 2.5% of spirulina for 6 weeks. Albumen height and consequently Haugh unit were significantly affected by dietary supplementation of spirulina (p < 0.05) and by weeks on diet (p < 0.05). This supplement did not affect (p > 0.05) egg yolk weight or height. However, spirulina increased egg yolk redness (a*) from 1.33 (C) to 12.67 (D1) and 16.19 (D2) and reduced (p < 0.05) the yellowness (b*) parameter from 62.1(C) to 58.17 (D1) and 55.87 (D2). Egg yolks from hens fed spirulina were darker, more red, and less yellow in color than egg yolks from hens fed the control-diet (p < 0.0001). However, spirulina did not affect (p > 0.05) egg yolks' total cholesterol concentration. In conclusion, a significant enhancement of egg yolk color was found in response to spirulina supplementation. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the impact of spirulina on egg yolks' fatty acids profile.

Egg Yolk Antioxidants Profiles: Effect of Diet Supplementation with Linseeds and Tomato-Red Pepper Mixture before and after Storage.

This study evaluated the effect of dietary incorporation of linseed alone or along with dried tomato paste-pepper powder mix on egg physical characteristics, antioxidant profiles, lipid oxidative status, and yolk coloration before and after storage at 4 °C for one month. Sixty Novogen White laying hens, 27 weeks-old, were divided into three groups and given 100 g/hen/day of a standard diet (C), standard diet containing 4.5% of ground linseed (L), linseed diet containing 1% of dried tomato paste and 1% of sweet red pepper (LTP). Linseeds increased (p < 0.05) egg yolk antioxidant capacity but not lipid oxidative stability (p > 0.05). However, dietary inclusion of LTP did not improve fresh egg yolk antioxidant activity and lipid oxidation stability (p > 0.05). With reference to the stored eggs, only antioxidant activity measured by phosphomolybdenum reduction and lipid oxidative stability were influenced (p < 0.05) by the dietary treatment. Fresh egg yolk of hens fed on linseeds tended to have a slightly more yellow, redder, and less light color than the eggs of hens fed with the control diet. Dietary supplementation of LTP increased (p < 0.05) the Roche yolk color fan (RYCF) score and redness (a*) and decreased (p < 0.05) lightness (L*) without affecting (p > 0.05) saturation (C*). Storage of hens' eggs fed on the control diet did not influence (p > 0.05) yolk color.

Quality and oxidative stability of eggs laid by hens fed marigold extract supplemented diet.

The research objective was to determine the influence of marigold extract and storage duration on the indicators of egg quality and on the oxidative stability of eggs. The 5-wk long research was carried out on 300 laying hens. Laying hens were divided into control group (C-without marigold extract supplementation) and 2 experimental groups (E1-supplemented 1 g/kg of marigold extract and E2-supplemented 2 g/kg of marigold extract to diet). The eggs were analyzed on 2 occasions, as fresh eggs (1 D after collecting in the facility) and after 28 D of storage in a refrigerator on +4°C. On both occasions, there were 30 eggs analyzed per each group. Statistical analysis of the research results proved influence of marigold extract supplementation and storage duration on the weight of eggs (P < 0.05) and on the eggshell thickness (P < 0.001), but they did not have any influence on other indicators of external egg quality. Storage duration affected (P < 0.001) all indicators of internal egg quality, whereas supplementation of marigold extract influenced (P < 0.001) only the pH value of yolk. Supplementation of marigold extract influenced (P < 0.001) the yolk color intensity. There was a significant increase in the value of yolk color, starting with 9.63 in the C group and raising to 12.77 (E1) and 13.50 (E2) in fresh eggs. Yolk color of stored eggs was more intensive than the yolk color of fresh eggs in all 3 groups (P < 0.001). Supplemented marigold extract did not influence the obtained results of lipid oxidation in yolks, whereas storage duration had influence (P < 0.05) on oxidation intensity. The most favorable value of oxidation in fresh eggs was determined in the E2 group (0.545 µg MDA/g), and in stored eggs in the E1 group (0.615 µg MDA/g). Based on the research results, it was concluded that the supplementation of marigold extract had favorable influence on the yolk color intensity and on the oxidative stability of eggs without having negative influence on other egg quality indicators.

Effects of dietary marigold extract on lutein content, yolk color and fatty acid profile of omega-3 eggs.

BACKGROUND: Lutein is a plant pigment very important for eye health in humans. Its bioavailability in humans is better from egg yolk than from dietary supplements. The aim of this research was to determine the influence of lutein (marigold extract powder) supplemented to laying hens' feed rich in omega-3 fatty acids on the content of lutein, fatty acid profile in egg yolks and yolk color. The diets that contained 5% of oils as a source of omega-3 fatty acids were supplemented with 0, 1 and 2 g kg-1 of marigold powder. RESULTS: The best enrichment of eggs with lutein was achieved by supplementing 2 g marigold kg-1 of feed. Yolk color was significantly intensified (P < 0.001) by supplementing 1 g marigold kg-1 of feed. The content of total saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) remained unchanged, whereas the content of total n-3 PUFA (P = 0.017) and docosahexaenoic acid (P < 0.001) was higher in the group with 2 g marigold kg-1 of feed. This group also had the most favorable ratio of n-6:n-3 PUFA. CONCLUSION: Results of this research showed that addition of marigold powder to laying hens' feed significantly increased egg lutein content and yolk color, and altered the fatty acid profile in yolk. Eggs with increased lutein content and a favorable profile of fatty acids are a good source of these ingredients in human nutrition. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Deinococcus spp. supplement on egg quality traits in laying hens.

To counter the ill effects of synthetic dyes, bacterial pigment production as an alternative is now one of the promising and emerging fields of research. This study was conducted to evaluate the applicability of Deinococcus genus on the egg quality traits in laying hens. In study I, 24 single comb White Leghorn layers were fed with various 1 wt % Deinococcus bacterial strains for 10 d. In study II, 84 brown Hendrix layers were fed with one of 4 diets containing 0, 0.2, 1, or 5 wt % Deinococcus sp. GKB-Aid 1995 powder for 12 wk. In study III, 60 White Leghorn laying hens were fed either with or without 1 wt % Deinococcus sp. GKB-Aid 1995 powder, 1 wt % Deinococcus sp. GKB-Aid 1995 granules, or 1 wt % Deinococcus sp. GKB-Aid 1995 oily granules for 10 successive d. In all of the experiments, feeding Deinococcus powder did not affect egg quality traits except for the yolk color. In particular, supplementation with all Deinococcus powder treatments changed the yolk color (P < 0.05) in study I, with the best pigmentation score obtained by D. grandis and Deinococcus sp. GKB-Aid 1995. Moreover, longer supplementation of Deinococcus sp. GKB-Aid 1995 in study II had a significant effect on feed conversion ratio. With these findings under consideration, the present study suggests that the Deinococcus species, especially Deinococcus sp. GKB-Aid 1995, can be an excellent candidate for improving egg yolk color in laying hens.

Effect of dietary addition of unprocessed, autoclaved, or pre-germinated fenugreek seeds on laying hens' performance and egg quality / Efecto de la adición de semillas de alholva no tratadas, tratadas en autoclave o pre-germinadas en dietas de gallinas ponedoras sobre el rendimiento y la calidad de los huevos / Efeito da adição de sementes de feno-grego não tratados, autoclavados ou pre-germinadas em rações de poedeiras no rendimento e na qualidade dos ovos

Abstract Background: previous studies have shown that fenugreek seed given at 6 g/hen/d in an attempt to reduce yolk cholesterol tended to reduce laying performance and that autoclaving and pre-germination improved its in vitro nutritional values. Objective: to evaluate the effect of dietary addition of unprocessed (UPFS), autoclaved (AFS) or pre-germinated (PGFS) fenugreek seeds on laying hens' performance, egg physical characteristics and chemical composition. Methods: forty-eight 31 week-old Novogen white laying hens were divided into four groups and given 100 g/hen/d of a basal diet containing 0 (control) or 5.7 g of UPFS, AFS, or PGFS during nine weeks. Repeated and non-repeated data were analyzed using the Mixed and GLM procedures, respectively. Results: diet, week on diet and their interaction affected consumption (p<0.05). Laying rate was not affected (p>0.05) by week on diet but was reduced (p<0.05) by UPFS-diet. Moreover, UPFS-diet reduced (p<0.05) daily egg mass production. Feed conversion ratio was not affected (p>0.05) by dietary treatment or by week on diet. Egg, yolk, albumen and shell weights were affected (p<0.05) by week on diet but not by diet nor diet-week interaction. Dietary inclusion of fenugreek seeds did not affect total egg crude protein, yolk lipids, and triglyceride nor yolk cholesterol contents. Conclusion: unprocessed fenugreek reduced laying rate and daily egg mass production, but these effects were removed by autoclaving or pre-germination. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the impact of fenugreek seeds dietary supplementation on fatty acids profile and lipid peroxidation.

Resumen Antecedentes: estudios anteriores sugirieron que el suministro de 6 g/gallina/día de semillas de alholva utilizadas con el fin de bajar el contenido en colesterol en la yema, tendió a reducir el rendimiento en gallinas ponedoras y que el tratamiento en autoclave y la pre-germinación mejoraron su valor nutritivo in vitro. Objetivo: evaluar los efectos de la adición de semillas de alholva no tratadas (UPFS), tratadas en autoclave (AFS) o pregerminadas (PGFS) en dietas de gallinas ponedoras sobre la producción, la composición química y la calidad física del huevo. Métodos: cuarenta y ocho gallinas ponedoras blancas de 31 semanas de edad de la línea Novogen white fueron divididas en cuatro grupos, a las cuales se les suministró 100 g/gallina/día de una dieta base que contenía 0 (control) o 5,7 g de UPFS, AFS o PGFS durante nueve semanas. Los datos con o sin repeticiones fueron analizados mediante los modelos mixtos y GLM, respectivamente. Resultados: la dieta, la semana en la dieta y su interacción afectaron el consumo (p<0,05). El porcentaje de puesta no varió (p>0,05) por la semana en las dietas, sin embargo, fue reducida (p<0,05) solamente por la dieta UPFS. Además, la dieta UPFS disminuyó (p<0,05) la producción diaria de masa de huevo. El índice de conversión alimenticio no varió (p>0,05) ni por la dieta ni por la semana en la dieta. Los pesos del huevo, de la yema, de la albúmina y de la cáscara fueron afectados (p<0,05) por la semana en la dieta, pero no por la dieta ni su interacción. La inclusión de semillas del alholva en la dieta no influyó (p<0,05) en la concentración total de proteína bruta del huevo, de lípidos, triglicéridos ni en los contenidos de colesterol en la yema. Conclusión: las semillas de alholva no tratadas redujeron el porcentaje de puesta y la producción diaria de masa de huevo, pero estos efectos fueron removidos por el autoclavado o la pregerminación. Se necesitan más investigaciones para evaluar el impacto de la incorporación dietética de las semillas de la alholva sobre el perfil de los ácidos grasos y la peroxidación lipídica.

Resumo Antecedentes: estudos anteriores mostraram que as sementes de feno-grego dado em 6 g/galinha/dia na tentativa de reduzir o colesterol na gema tendiam a reduzir o desempenho e que a autoclavagem e pré- germinação melhorou os valores nutricionais in vitro. Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos da adição de sementes de feno-grego não tratadas (UPFS), autoclavadas (AFS) ou pré-germinadas (PGFS) em dietas em galinhas poedeiras no desempenho, características físicas dos ovos e composição química. Métodos: quarenta e oito galinhas poedeiras Novogen white de 31 semanas de idade foram divididas em quatro grupos e fornecidos 100 g/galinha/dia de uma dieta basal contendo 0 (controle) ou 5,7 g de UPFS, AFS ou PGFS durante nove semanas. Os dados repetidos e não-repetidos foram analisados utilizando os procedimentos mistos e GLM, respectivamente. Resultados: a dieta, a semana sobre a dieta e a sua interação afetaram o consumo (p<0,05). A taxa de postura não foi afetada (p>0,05) por semana na dieta, mas foi reduzida (p<0,05) apenas por a dieta UPFS. Além disso, a dieta UPFS reduziu (p<0,05) a produção diária de massa de ovos. A taxa de conversão de alimentação não foi afetada (p>0,05) nem pela dieta nem pela semana na dieta. Os pesos do ovo, da gema, da albumina e da casca foram afetados (p<0,05) pela semana na dieta mas não pela dieta ou a interação. A inclusão de sementes de feno-grego na dieta não afetou (p>0,05) o conteúdo de proteína bruta total dos ovos, dos lipídios, triglicérides nem do conteúdo de colesterol da gema. Conclusão: sementes de feno-grego não tratadas reduziu a taxa de postura e a produção diária de massa de ovos, mas estes efeitos foram removidos pela autoclavagem e pré-germinação. São necessárias novas investigações para avaliar o impacto da suplementação alimentar sobre a semente de feno-grego no perfil de ácidos graxos e peroxidação lipídica.

Effect of Syzygium cumini leaves on laying hens performance and egg quality

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Syzygium cumini leaves (SCL) in laying hens diets on productive performance, egg quality and lipid oxidation of yolk. A total of 108 Hysex White laying hens were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments and six replicates of six birds each. The treatments consisted of SCL inclusion at dietary levels of 0, 5 and 10 g/kg. There was no significant effect of SCL inclusion on feed intake, laying percentage, weight and egg mass, feed conversion ratio, Haugh units, specific gravity, percentage of yolk, albumen and egg shells and shell thickness. However, the inclusion of SCL significantly influenced the yolk color and yolk lipid oxidation measured by TBARS values. Yolk color increased and TBARS values ​​decreased with the inclusion of SCL. The inclusion of SCL in laying hens diets improves pigmentation and lipid stability of yolk.