Influência do sistema de criação em piso sobre cama e gaiola sobre as características ósseas e a qualidade físico-química e microbiológica de ovos de galinhas / Influence of the floor and cage creation system on the bony characteristics and the physical-chemical and microbiological quality of hen eggs

O experimento foi realizado no setor de avicultura/UFRRJ, utilizando 348 galinhas semipesadas (linhagem Dekalb Brown), com 52 semanas de idade, criadas sob dois sistemas de produção: cage-free e em gaiolas. Os dados obtidos pela análise físico-química e microbiológica dos ovos e a resistência óssea à quebra foram submetidos à análise de variância. No caso de ocorrerem efeitos dos diferentes sistemas de produção, foi aplicado o teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade para comparação das médias. A qualidade físico-química foi igualmente favorecida pelos dois sistemas de produção, indicando que as circunstâncias experimentais propiciaram condições adequadas para a formação de ovos de boa qualidade. O sistema de gaiola não desfavoreceu as características ósseas das galinhas, apontando que, em densidades adequadas, a gaiola pode não exercer um fator prejudicial para a qualidade óssea. O sistema de produção cage-free piorou a contaminação da casca, comprovando que ovos postos em ninhos são mais contaminados em comparação aos produzidos em gaiolas.(AU)

The experiment was carried out in the poultry sector / UFRRJ, using 348 semi-heavy hens (Dekalb Brown line), 52 weeks old, raised under two cage-free production systems and cages. The data obtained by the physical-chemical and microbiological analysis of the eggs and the bone resistance to the break were submitted to analysis of variance, in case of effects of the different production systems, the Tukey's test was applied at 5% of probability for comparison of the means. The physical-chemical quality was also favored by the two production systems, indicating that the experimental circumstances provided adequate conditions for the formation of good quality eggs. The cage system did not disfavor the bony characteristics of the hens, indicating that at suitable densities, the cage may not exert a detrimental factor to bone quality. The cage-free production system worsened shell contamination by proving that nesting eggs are more contaminated compared to those produced in cages.(AU)

Influência do sistema de criação em piso sobre cama e gaiola sobre as características ósseas e a qualidade físico-química e microbiológica de ovos de galinhas / Influence of the floor and cage creation system on the bony characteristics and the physical-chemical and microbiological quality of hen eggs

O experimento foi realizado no setor de avicultura/UFRRJ, utilizando 348 galinhas semipesadas (linhagem Dekalb Brown), com 52 semanas de idade, criadas sob dois sistemas de produção: cage-free e em gaiolas. Os dados obtidos pela análise físico-química e microbiológica dos ovos e a resistência óssea à quebra foram submetidos à análise de variância. No caso de ocorrerem efeitos dos diferentes sistemas de produção, foi aplicado o teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade para comparação das médias. A qualidade físico-química foi igualmente favorecida pelos dois sistemas de produção, indicando que as circunstâncias experimentais propiciaram condições adequadas para a formação de ovos de boa qualidade. O sistema de gaiola não desfavoreceu as características ósseas das galinhas, apontando que, em densidades adequadas, a gaiola pode não exercer um fator prejudicial para a qualidade óssea. O sistema de produção cage-free piorou a contaminação da casca, comprovando que ovos postos em ninhos são mais contaminados em comparação aos produzidos em gaiolas.(AU)

The experiment was carried out in the poultry sector / UFRRJ, using 348 semi-heavy hens (Dekalb Brown line), 52 weeks old, raised under two cage-free production systems and cages. The data obtained by the physical-chemical and microbiological analysis of the eggs and the bone resistance to the break were submitted to analysis of variance, in case of effects of the different production systems, the Tukey's test was applied at 5% of probability for comparison of the means. The physical-chemical quality was also favored by the two production systems, indicating that the experimental circumstances provided adequate conditions for the formation of good quality eggs. The cage system did not disfavor the bony characteristics of the hens, indicating that at suitable densities, the cage may not exert a detrimental factor to bone quality. The cage-free production system worsened shell contamination by proving that nesting eggs are more contaminated compared to those produced in cages.(AU)

Is the eggshell quality influenced by the egg weight or the breeder age?

For a long time, it has been said that eggshell quality decreases as eggs increase in size, but this increase is seen as the breeder age advances. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the age and egg weight effect on Cobb 500 broiler breeders on eggshell quality. The quality measures tested were eggshell and mineral matter percentage, eggshell surface, shape and eggshell index, eggshell and membrane thickness and specific gravity. Eggs from 27, 31, 36, 40, 46, 48, 53, 58 and 63 week-old breeders were classified as eggs with a constant weight ranging from 63.8 ± 0.2; and eggs with increasing weight, according to age, being: 55.8g; 60g; 62.2g; 64.2g; 65.2g, 66.6g, 68.1g, 69.9g and 72.5g, respectively. The eggs weight did not influence the eggshell percentage and the specific gravity in seven of the nine tested ages, while for mineral matter in six of the nine studied ages. The shape and shell index, shell and membrane thickness are characteristics independent of egg weight. As the Cobb 500 broiler breeder age advanced, the mineral matter concentration and specific gravity maintained constant, the membrane thickness (R2>70) reduced, and other studied variables were influenced in the same way for both treatments. Thus, the eggshell quality decrease with the advancing age cannot be attributed solely to the increase of egg weight with consequent increase in the eggshell volume and the surface, but there are also age-related factors.(AU)

Is the eggshell quality influenced by the egg weight or the breeder age?

For a long time, it has been said that eggshell quality decreases as eggs increase in size, but this increase is seen as the breeder age advances. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the age and egg weight effect on Cobb 500 broiler breeders on eggshell quality. The quality measures tested were eggshell and mineral matter percentage, eggshell surface, shape and eggshell index, eggshell and membrane thickness and specific gravity. Eggs from 27, 31, 36, 40, 46, 48, 53, 58 and 63 week-old breeders were classified as eggs with a constant weight ranging from 63.8 ± 0.2; and eggs with increasing weight, according to age, being: 55.8g; 60g; 62.2g; 64.2g; 65.2g, 66.6g, 68.1g, 69.9g and 72.5g, respectively. The eggs weight did not influence the eggshell percentage and the specific gravity in seven of the nine tested ages, while for mineral matter in six of the nine studied ages. The shape and shell index, shell and membrane thickness are characteristics independent of egg weight. As the Cobb 500 broiler breeder age advanced, the mineral matter concentration and specific gravity maintained constant, the membrane thickness (R2>70) reduced, and other studied variables were influenced in the same way for both treatments. Thus, the eggshell quality decrease with the advancing age cannot be attributed solely to the increase of egg weight with consequent increase in the eggshell volume and the surface, but there are also age-related factors.

Eggshell qualities as indicative of eggshell strength for layer selection

The study aimed at investigating which of four traits is the most representative of eggshell strength (destructive eggshell thickness measurement, eggshell weight, egg specific gravity, ultrasonic measurement of eggshell thickness) and could be used for selection purposes. To date, investigations focused mostly on pairwise (eggshell strength vs. another eggshell feature) analyses, resulting in two-, maybe three-trait, models when eggshell traits are considered. Since the covariance estimates are also model dependent, we collected five eggshell traits within one analysis, which better reflects what occurs in nature. The eggs were collected from 4571 Rhode Island White and 2426 Rhode Island Red hens. A multiple-trait animal model and the REML method were employed to compute variance components for calculation of heritabilities and genetic correlations between the traits. On average, the highest correlations were found between the destructive measurement and the other quality traits. It is concluded, however, that the ultrasonic eggshell thickness measurement, also with high genetic correlations with the other traits and leaving an egg intact for further handling, can suit best, as an indirect criterion, the selection for eggshell strength.(AU)

Eggshell qualities as indicative of eggshell strength for layer selection

The study aimed at investigating which of four traits is the most representative of eggshell strength (destructive eggshell thickness measurement, eggshell weight, egg specific gravity, ultrasonic measurement of eggshell thickness) and could be used for selection purposes. To date, investigations focused mostly on pairwise (eggshell strength vs. another eggshell feature) analyses, resulting in two-, maybe three-trait, models when eggshell traits are considered. Since the covariance estimates are also model dependent, we collected five eggshell traits within one analysis, which better reflects what occurs in nature. The eggs were collected from 4571 Rhode Island White and 2426 Rhode Island Red hens. A multiple-trait animal model and the REML method were employed to compute variance components for calculation of heritabilities and genetic correlations between the traits. On average, the highest correlations were found between the destructive measurement and the other quality traits. It is concluded, however, that the ultrasonic eggshell thickness measurement, also with high genetic correlations with the other traits and leaving an egg intact for further handling, can suit best, as an indirect criterion, the selection for eggshell strength.

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.

Poultry egg incubation: integrating and optimizing production efficiency

Due to its central position in the production chain, in-ovo development is influenced by pre-incubation factors that affect the quality of embryonated eggs and incubation conditions themselves, and both may influence egg hatchability and chick quality, as well as bird survival, growth performance, and phenotype in the field. The evolution of the incubation process over the years is characterized by significant scientific and technological development. Presently, the main current focuses of research are the manipulation of thermal incubation conditions, eggshell temperature, and the integrated effects of factors that influence incubation. In this context, one of the questions that needs to be asked is how effective are the current physical conditions of incubation to promote greater hatchability and better quality chicks, and higher survival and better performance in the field under adverse conditions or not. What are the new and future prospects for incubation? The purpose of this paper was to review the role of the physical agents of incubation, such as temperature, relative humidity, O2 and CO2 concentration, and egg turning and position from an integrated perspective, considering egg incubation as the transitional link between egg and poultry production.

Ácido ascórbico na alimentação de codornas criadas em ambiente tropical sobre consumo de nutrientes, desempenho produtivo e qualidade dos ovos / Effect of dietary ascorbic acid supplementation in japanese quail raised in a tropical environment on nutrient intake, productive performance and egg quality

Objetivou-se avaliar a adição de 0%; 0,01%; 0,02% e 0,03% de ácido ascórbico na alimentação de codornas japonesas em postura na região tropical sobre o consumo, desempenho produtivo e a qualidade de ovos. Foram utilizadas 80 codornas japonesas, distribuídas em quatro níveis de adição de ácido ascórbico. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado e os dados das variáveis estudadas foram submetidos a análise de variância e as diferenças observadas foram analisadas por meio de regressão a 5% de significância. A adição de 0%; 0,01%; 0,02% e 0,03% de ácido ascórbico na alimentação de codornas não influenciou o consumo de matéria seca (CMS), matéria orgânica (CMO) e proteína bruta (CPB), expressos em g/animal/dia; g/kg0,75 e % do peso corporal. Os valores médios do CMS, CMO e CPB foram de 46,53; 44,00 e 11,00 g/animal/dia, respectivamente. Porém, houve efeito quadrático no consumo de fibra em detergente neutro (CFDN) das aves, e o CFDN máximo foi de 9,19 g/animal/dia obtido para o nível de adição de 0,01% de ácido ascórbico na ração de codornas japonesas em postura. A adição do ácido ascórbico na alimentação de codornas em postura não alterou (P>0,05) a produção de ovos e a produtividade, com valores médios observados para a produção de ovos foi de 3,06 ovos/gaiola/dia e 0,77 ovos/animal/dia, e produtividade média foi de 76,50%. A adição de 0%; 0,01%; 0,02% e 0,03% de ácido ascórbico na alimentação de codornas em postura não alterou o peso dos ovos, das gemas e albúmens, e o diâmetro dos ovos e das gemas. Contudo, a adição de ácido ascórbico na alimentação das codornas propiciou efeito quadrático (P<0,05) para a altura dos ovos e peso da casca dos ovos. Os menores valores da altura e peso da casca dos ovos foram de 2,99 mm e 1,25 g, respectivamente, para os níveis de adição de 0,017% e 0,023% de ácido ascórbico nas rações de codornas. Entretanto, para espessura da casca e altura da gema dos ovos..

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding 0, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03% ascorbic acid to the diet of laying Japanese quail raised in the tropics on nutrient intake, productive performance and egg quality. Eighty Japanese quail were divided to receive four inclusion levels of ascorbic acid. A completely randomized design was used and the results were submitted to analysis of variance. The differences observed were analyzed by regression at a 5% level of significance. The addition of 0, 0.01, 0.02% and 0.03% ascorbic acid to the diet of quail did not influence dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI) or crude protein intake (CPI), expressed as g/animal/day, g/kg0.75 and % body weight. Mean DMI, OMI and CPI were 46.53, 44.0 and 11.0 g/animal/day, respectively. However, there was a quadratic effect on neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI). Maximum NDFI was 9.19 g/animal/day for the inclusion level of 0.01% ascorbic acid in the diet of laying Japanese quail. The addition of ascorbic acid to the diet of laying quail did not alter (P>0.05) egg production or productivity, with a mean egg production of 3.06 eggs/cage/day and 0.77 eggs/animal/day and mean productivity of 76.5%. The addition of 0, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03% ascorbic acid also did not alter egg weight, yolk and albumen weight, or egg and yolk diameter. However, the addition of ascorbic acid to the quail diet exerted a quadratic effect (P<0.05) on egg height and shell weight. The lowest egg height and shell weight were 2.99 mm and 1.25 g, respectively, for inclusion levels of 0.017% and 0.023% ascorbic acid in the quail diets. For shell thickness and yolk height...

Poultry egg incubation: integrating and optimizing production efficiency

Due to its central position in the production chain, in-ovo development is influenced by pre-incubation factors that affect the quality of embryonated eggs and incubation conditions themselves, and both may influence egg hatchability and chick quality, as well as bird survival, growth performance, and phenotype in the field. The evolution of the incubation process over the years is characterized by significant scientific and technological development. Presently, the main current focuses of research are the manipulation of thermal incubation conditions, eggshell temperature, and the integrated effects of factors that influence incubation. In this context, one of the questions that needs to be asked is how effective are the current physical conditions of incubation to promote greater hatchability and better quality chicks, and higher survival and better performance in the field under adverse conditions or not. What are the new and future prospects for incubation? The purpose of this paper was to review the role of the physical agents of incubation, such as temperature, relative humidity, O2 and CO2 concentration, and egg turning and position from an integrated perspective, considering egg incubation as the transitional link between egg and poultry production.(AU)

Ácido ascórbico na alimentação de codornas criadas em ambiente tropical sobre consumo de nutrientes, desempenho produtivo e qualidade dos ovos / Effect of dietary ascorbic acid supplementation in japanese quail raised in a tropical environment on nutrient intake, productive performance and egg quality

Objetivou-se avaliar a adição de 0%; 0,01%; 0,02% e 0,03% de ácido ascórbico na alimentação de codornas japonesas em postura na região tropical sobre o consumo, desempenho produtivo e a qualidade de ovos. Foram utilizadas 80 codornas japonesas, distribuídas em quatro níveis de adição de ácido ascórbico. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado e os dados das variáveis estudadas foram submetidos a análise de variância e as diferenças observadas foram analisadas por meio de regressão a 5% de significância. A adição de 0%; 0,01%; 0,02% e 0,03% de ácido ascórbico na alimentação de codornas não influenciou o consumo de matéria seca (CMS), matéria orgânica (CMO) e proteína bruta (CPB), expressos em g/animal/dia; g/kg0,75 e % do peso corporal. Os valores médios do CMS, CMO e CPB foram de 46,53; 44,00 e 11,00 g/animal/dia, respectivamente. Porém, houve efeito quadrático no consumo de fibra em detergente neutro (CFDN) das aves, e o CFDN máximo foi de 9,19 g/animal/dia obtido para o nível de adição de 0,01% de ácido ascórbico na ração de codornas japonesas em postura. A adição do ácido ascórbico na alimentação de codornas em postura não alterou (P>0,05) a produção de ovos e a produtividade, com valores médios observados para a produção de ovos foi de 3,06 ovos/gaiola/dia e 0,77 ovos/animal/dia, e produtividade média foi de 76,50%. A adição de 0%; 0,01%; 0,02% e 0,03% de ácido ascórbico na alimentação de codornas em postura não alterou o peso dos ovos, das gemas e albúmens, e o diâmetro dos ovos e das gemas. Contudo, a adição de ácido ascórbico na alimentação das codornas propiciou efeito quadrático (P<0,05) para a altura dos ovos e peso da casca dos ovos. Os menores valores da altura e peso da casca dos ovos foram de 2,99 mm e 1,25 g, respectivamente, para os níveis de adição de 0,017% e 0,023% de ácido ascórbico nas rações de codornas. Entretanto, para espessura da casca e altura da gema dos ovos..(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding 0, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03% ascorbic acid to the diet of laying Japanese quail raised in the tropics on nutrient intake, productive performance and egg quality. Eighty Japanese quail were divided to receive four inclusion levels of ascorbic acid. A completely randomized design was used and the results were submitted to analysis of variance. The differences observed were analyzed by regression at a 5% level of significance. The addition of 0, 0.01, 0.02% and 0.03% ascorbic acid to the diet of quail did not influence dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI) or crude protein intake (CPI), expressed as g/animal/day, g/kg0.75 and % body weight. Mean DMI, OMI and CPI were 46.53, 44.0 and 11.0 g/animal/day, respectively. However, there was a quadratic effect on neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI). Maximum NDFI was 9.19 g/animal/day for the inclusion level of 0.01% ascorbic acid in the diet of laying Japanese quail. The addition of ascorbic acid to the diet of laying quail did not alter (P>0.05) egg production or productivity, with a mean egg production of 3.06 eggs/cage/day and 0.77 eggs/animal/day and mean productivity of 76.5%. The addition of 0, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03% ascorbic acid also did not alter egg weight, yolk and albumen weight, or egg and yolk diameter. However, the addition of ascorbic acid to the quail diet exerted a quadratic effect (P<0.05) on egg height and shell weight. The lowest egg height and shell weight were 2.99 mm and 1.25 g, respectively, for inclusion levels of 0.017% and 0.023% ascorbic acid in the quail diets. For shell thickness and yolk height...(AU)

The effect of different feeding schedules on egg quality, blood, and bone parameters in broiler breeders

The aim of this study was to evaluate different feeding schedules and their relationship to calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) plasma levels and egg quality of broiler breeders. The feeding schedules were: single feeding at 8:00 AM; twice daily feeding (50% at 8:00 AM and 50% at 3:00 PM) and single feeding at 3:00 PM. 330 female and 45 male Cobb 500 broiler breeders were used from 40 to 60 weeks of age. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of 3 treatments with 5 replicates each, with 22 females and 3 males. The nutritional requirements were according to guideline recommendations. The following parameters were assessed weekly: total egg production, egg specific gravity, egg and eggshell weight, and eggshell thickness. Ca and P plasma levels, tibia weight and its length and Seedor index were evaluated at the end of the study. To determine the effect of feeding schedules, the total calcium and phosphorus plasma at oviposition time and 21 h after oviposition was evaluated. At 60 weeks of age, tibias were taken from the right leg, dried, measured and weighted. There were no differences among treatments regarding egg production, tibia length and Seedor index. Hens fed at 8:00 AM showed higher tibia weight than hens fed twice daily. Broiler breeders fed at 3:00 PM had higher egg (P = 0.0105) and shell (P = 0.0066) weight than others, and hens fed at 3:00 PM had more specific gravity (P = 0.0219) and eggshell thickness (P = 0.0419) than hens fed at 8:00 AM. Ca (P = 0.758) and P (P = 0.811) plasma levels were higher in hens fed at 8:00 AM than hens fed at 3:00 PM after 21 h of oviposition. Broiler breeders fed at 3:00 PM had better egg quality without any change in production, as well as these hens showing higher available Ca and P plasma levels.

The effect of different feeding schedules on egg quality, blood, and bone parameters in broiler breeders

The aim of this study was to evaluate different feeding schedules and their relationship to calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) plasma levels and egg quality of broiler breeders. The feeding schedules were: single feeding at 8:00 AM; twice daily feeding (50% at 8:00 AM and 50% at 3:00 PM) and single feeding at 3:00 PM. 330 female and 45 male Cobb 500 broiler breeders were used from 40 to 60 weeks of age. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of 3 treatments with 5 replicates each, with 22 females and 3 males. The nutritional requirements were according to guideline recommendations. The following parameters were assessed weekly: total egg production, egg specific gravity, egg and eggshell weight, and eggshell thickness. Ca and P plasma levels, tibia weight and its length and Seedor index were evaluated at the end of the study. To determine the effect of feeding schedules, the total calcium and phosphorus plasma at oviposition time and 21 h after oviposition was evaluated. At 60 weeks of age, tibias were taken from the right leg, dried, measured and weighted. There were no differences among treatments regarding egg production, tibia length and Seedor index. Hens fed at 8:00 AM showed higher tibia weight than hens fed twice daily. Broiler breeders fed at 3:00 PM had higher egg (P = 0.0105) and shell (P = 0.0066) weight than others, and hens fed at 3:00 PM had more specific gravity (P = 0.0219) and eggshell thickness (P = 0.0419) than hens fed at 8:00 AM. Ca (P = 0.758) and P (P = 0.811) plasma levels were higher in hens fed at 8:00 AM than hens fed at 3:00 PM after 21 h of oviposition. Broiler breeders fed at 3:00 PM had better egg quality without any change in production, as well as these hens showing higher available Ca and P plasma levels.(AU)

Effect of the Inclusion of Organic Copper, Manganese, And Zinc in The Diet of Layers on Mineral Excretion, Egg Production, and Eggshell Quality

This study aimed at evaluating the replacement of inorganic copper, manganese, and zinc sources by organic sources in the diet of laying hens during the second laying cycle in trace mineral excretion, egg production, and eggshell quality. Two hundred and fifty 100-week-old Dekalb hens were distributed according to a completely randomized design into five treatments with five replicates of ten birds each. The control treatment consisted of a basal diet with all trace minerals in the inorganic form. The other treatments consisted of a basal diet with a mixture of the minerals copper, manganese, and zinc in the organic form with concentrations of 100%, 90%, 80%, and 70% of the levels of inclusion of inorganic mineral sources in the control treatment. Trace mineral excretion was determined in five layers per treatment by the method of total excreta collection. Excreta trace mineral contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Egg production and eggshell quality were determined by the mass of the eggs and the egg specific gravity, respectively. For all trace minerals examined, the dietary supplementation with organic sources reduced trace mineral excretion compared with the control group, even at 70% inclusion level, without compromising egg production or eggshell quality. The replacement of the inorganic trace mineral sources by organics source effectively reduced the excretion of copper, manganese, and zinc by laying hens in the second laying cycle.

Effect of the Inclusion of Organic Copper, Manganese, And Zinc in The Diet of Layers on Mineral Excretion, Egg Production, and Eggshell Quality

This study aimed at evaluating the replacement of inorganic copper, manganese, and zinc sources by organic sources in the diet of laying hens during the second laying cycle in trace mineral excretion, egg production, and eggshell quality. Two hundred and fifty 100-week-old Dekalb hens were distributed according to a completely randomized design into five treatments with five replicates of ten birds each. The control treatment consisted of a basal diet with all trace minerals in the inorganic form. The other treatments consisted of a basal diet with a mixture of the minerals copper, manganese, and zinc in the organic form with concentrations of 100%, 90%, 80%, and 70% of the levels of inclusion of inorganic mineral sources in the control treatment. Trace mineral excretion was determined in five layers per treatment by the method of total excreta collection. Excreta trace mineral contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Egg production and eggshell quality were determined by the mass of the eggs and the egg specific gravity, respectively. For all trace minerals examined, the dietary supplementation with organic sources reduced trace mineral excretion compared with the control group, even at 70% inclusion level, without compromising egg production or eggshell quality. The replacement of the inorganic trace mineral sources by organics source effectively reduced the excretion of copper, manganese, and zinc by laying hens in the second laying cycle.(AU)

Effects of Ascorbic Acid Injection in Incubated Eggs Submitted to Heat Stress on Incubation Parameters and Chick Quality

Dose-dependent positive effects on hatchability and hatchling weight have been attributed to ascorbic acid (AA) when eggs were submitted or not to intermittent heat stress during incubation. Fertile breeder (Cobb(r)) eggs were used to determine if the pre-incubation injection of AA in ovo affects the incubation and hatchling quality of egg incubated under thermoneutral or intermittent heat stress conditions. Eggs were not injected or injected with 0, 2,4, or 6% AA/100µL water and incubated at continuous thermoneutral (37.5ºC) or hot (39.0ºC) temperature. Eggshell temperature (EST) increased in the second half of the incubation period in all experimental groups. The EST of non-injected eggs and of those injected with water was higher when incubated at 39°C than at 37.5°C, but EST was not different among eggs injected with AA. Egg mass loss and eggshell conductance were higher in the eggs incubated at 39°C than at 37.5°C.Hatchability was lower in the eggs injected with AA. Liver and yolk sac weights were higher, whereas heart and liver weights were lower in hatchlings from eggs incubated at 39°C; however, hatchling weight was not affected by incubation temperature. The results showed that AA doses affected egg conductive heat loss and hatchability, and that they did not minimize the effects of high incubation temperature on liver and heart development.(AU)

The Effects of Different Eggshell Temperatures Between Embryonic Day 10 and 18 on Broiler Performance and Susceptibility to Ascites

The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of low (33.3-36.7 C), control (37.8-38.2 C) and high (38.9-40.0 C) eggshell temperatures (ESTs) between days 10-18 of incubation on broiler performance and susceptibility to ascites. The effects of different ESTs on hatchling weight were significant. The highest residual yolk sac weight (7.7 g) and relative yolk sac weight (18.7%) were observed in high EST group, whereas the highest yolk-free body weight (36.22 g) was obtained in the control group. Relative post-hatch heart weight was lower in the high EST group (0.64%) compared with the control (0.84%) and low (0.88%) EST groups. At 6 weeks of age, body weights of broilers of the low, control, and high EST groups were 2172.6, 2543.9, 2282.6 g respectively. During the 6-week life span, the feed conversion ratio of broilers in the low (1.86) and high (1.83) EST groups was significantly worse than of those in the control EST group (1.68). Higher packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) values were obtained in the high EST group relative to the other groups, whereas hemoglobin (Hb) level was lower in the control group than in the others. The relative heart weights and right ventricular to total ventricular (RV:TV) ratio for low, control, and high EST group were 0.46, 0.40, 0.37 g and 0.27, 0.28, 0.33% respectively. In conclusion, incubation length, yolk sac absorption, residual yolk sac weight, yolk-free BW, post-hatch performance, and heart, blood parameters, abdominal fluid accumulation at slaughter age are affected by changes in EST between incubation days 10 to 18.(AU)

Effects of Ascorbic Acid Injection in Incubated Eggs Submitted to Heat Stress on Incubation Parameters and Chick Quality

Dose-dependent positive effects on hatchability and hatchling weight have been attributed to ascorbic acid (AA) when eggs were submitted or not to intermittent heat stress during incubation. Fertile breeder (Cobb(r)) eggs were used to determine if the pre-incubation injection of AA in ovo affects the incubation and hatchling quality of egg incubated under thermoneutral or intermittent heat stress conditions. Eggs were not injected or injected with 0, 2,4, or 6% AA/100µL water and incubated at continuous thermoneutral (37.5ºC) or hot (39.0ºC) temperature. Eggshell temperature (EST) increased in the second half of the incubation period in all experimental groups. The EST of non-injected eggs and of those injected with water was higher when incubated at 39°C than at 37.5°C, but EST was not different among eggs injected with AA. Egg mass loss and eggshell conductance were higher in the eggs incubated at 39°C than at 37.5°C.Hatchability was lower in the eggs injected with AA. Liver and yolk sac weights were higher, whereas heart and liver weights were lower in hatchlings from eggs incubated at 39°C; however, hatchling weight was not affected by incubation temperature. The results showed that AA doses affected egg conductive heat loss and hatchability, and that they did not minimize the effects of high incubation temperature on liver and heart development.

The Effects of Different Eggshell Temperatures Between Embryonic Day 10 and 18 on Broiler Performance and Susceptibility to Ascites

The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of low (33.3-36.7 C), control (37.8-38.2 C) and high (38.9-40.0 C) eggshell temperatures (ESTs) between days 10-18 of incubation on broiler performance and susceptibility to ascites. The effects of different ESTs on hatchling weight were significant. The highest residual yolk sac weight (7.7 g) and relative yolk sac weight (18.7%) were observed in high EST group, whereas the highest yolk-free body weight (36.22 g) was obtained in the control group. Relative post-hatch heart weight was lower in the high EST group (0.64%) compared with the control (0.84%) and low (0.88%) EST groups. At 6 weeks of age, body weights of broilers of the low, control, and high EST groups were 2172.6, 2543.9, 2282.6 g respectively. During the 6-week life span, the feed conversion ratio of broilers in the low (1.86) and high (1.83) EST groups was significantly worse than of those in the control EST group (1.68). Higher packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) values were obtained in the high EST group relative to the other groups, whereas hemoglobin (Hb) level was lower in the control group than in the others. The relative heart weights and right ventricular to total ventricular (RV:TV) ratio for low, control, and high EST group were 0.46, 0.40, 0.37 g and 0.27, 0.28, 0.33% respectively. In conclusion, incubation length, yolk sac absorption, residual yolk sac weight, yolk-free BW, post-hatch performance, and heart, blood parameters, abdominal fluid accumulation at slaughter age are affected by changes in EST between incubation days 10 to 18.