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)

Calcareous seaweed flour in the diet of Japanese quails and its effects on egg conservation / Farinha de alga calcária na dieta de codornas japonesas e seus efeitos na conservação

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of including levels of calcareous seaweed flour in replacement for calcite limestone on the diet under egg conservation at different storage periods. 140 Japanese quails were used in a completely randomized experiment consisting of a 4x4 factorial design. The factorial design was four inclusions of calcareous seaweed (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) and four storage periods (zero, seven, 14, and 21 days) with ten replications of three eggs each. The egg quality variables were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using Tukey test and polynomial regression at a 5% significance level. There was no interaction effect between the factor's storage time and inclusion of calcareous seaweed (p>0.05). There was an increasing linear effect on shell weight and thickness in relation to inclusion levels of calcareous seaweed. There was an individual effect of egg storage time (p>0.05) on egg weight, yolk color, albumen and yolk height, yolk weight and percentage, albumen, yolk index, yolk diameter, specific gravity, and Haugh unit. The inclusion of up to 30% of calcareous seaweed in replacement for calcite limestone in the diet of Japanese quails improves the weight and thickness of eggshells but does not influence the conservation of the eggs up to 21 days of storage.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência da inclusão de níveis de farinha de alga calcária em substituição ao calcário calcítico na dieta sob a conservação de ovos em diferentes períodos de armazenamento. Foram utilizadas 140 codornas japonesas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado composto por um fatorial 4x4. Sendo 4 inclusões de alga calcária (0%, 10%, 20% e 30%) e 4 períodos de armazenamento (0, 7, 14 e 21dias) com dez repetições de três ovos em cada. Foram avaliadas as variáveis de qualidade de ovos das aves. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância utilizando o teste de Tukey e regressão polinomial ao nível de 5% de significância. Não houve efeito da interação entre os fatores tempo de armazenamento e inclusão de alga calcárea (p>0,05). Houve efeito linear crescente no peso e espessura da casca em relação aos níveis de inclusão de alga calcárea. Houve efeito individual do tempo de armazenamento dos ovos (p>0,05) sobre parâmetros peso de ovo, coloração da gema, altura de albúmen e gema, peso e porcentagem da gema, albúmen, índice de gema, diâmetro de gema, gravidade especifica e unidade Haugh. A inclusão de até 30 % de alga calcária em substituição ao calcário calcítico na dieta codornas japonesas aprimora o peso e a espessura da casca do ovo, mas não influencia na conservação dos ovos até 21 dias de armazenamento.(AU)

Chitosan combined with technical cashew nut shell liquid improves in vitro ruminal parameters and gas production kinetics

The objective was to evaluate the inclusion of chitosan (CHI) and technical cashew nut shell liquid (CNSLt) as natural feed additives in cattle diets on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and in vitro gas production kinetics. We conducted a completely randomized design with 5×4 factorial arrangement, with 20, 35, 50, 65, and 100% Tifton 85 hay and four additives, monensin (200 mg/kg DM), CNSLt (500 mg/kg DM), CHI (500 mg/kg DM), and CNSLt+CHI (500 mg/kg DM/each). Dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility showed a linear reduction according to forage levels. The highest DM digestibility was observed with CHI on cattle diets. Inclusion of CHI increased DM digestibility. The highest in vitro organic matter and crude protein (CP) digestibilities were observed for CNSLt+CHI. The in vitro dry matter digestibility increased linearly with concentrate in the diet. There was interaction of forage:concentrate ratio and the additives for neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose digestibility. Chitosan, CNSLt, and CNSLt+CHI promoted the lowest acetate:propionate ratio compared with monensin. Total gas production showed interaction of the forage:concentrate ratio and additives. Lag time was lowest with CNSLt+CHI. Chitosan and CNSLt can be considered alternative fermentation modulators to ionophores by improving nutrient digestibility and increasing ruminal propionate concentrations.(AU)

Maintenance of quality of eggs submitted to treatment with propolis extract and sanitizers

This study aimed to evaluate the internal and microbiological quality of eggs submitted to different types of shell treatments. One hundred and forty-four fresh red eggs were distributed in a scheme of 4 treatments (no washing; washing and immersion in chlorine; washing and immersion in peracetic acid; and washing and spraying of propolis extract) x 5 storage periods (7, 14, 21, 28,and 35 days), stored at 25°C, in each period 6 eggs per treatment were analyzed. The parameters to assess were: weight loss; shell weight; yolk weight; albumen weight, yolk diameter; yolk height; albumen height and Haugh unit (HU). The microbiological quality of eggs was evaluated at 35 days through analysis for aerobic mesophilic bacteria, thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcusspp., Salmonellaspp. and molds and yeasts. The treatment with propolis extract was the only effective one to maintain the high HU quality of the eggs until 21 days of storage at 25°C and was effective against microbiological contamination of all bacterial groups. The results presented showed greater effectiveness of the propolis extract for maintenance of internal and microbiological quality of eggs, it can be an alternativeproduct to chemical sanitizers.(AU)

Morphology and immunolocalization of intertubular steroidogenic cell in mesonephros of Podocnemis expansa during gonadal differentiation

Sex steroid hormones are critical in gonadal differentiation in turtles. The gonads are not the only organs responsible for producing these hormones during this phase. Mesonephros play an important role in steroidogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of steroidogenic cells in mesonephros of Podocnemis expansa during gonadal differentiation and to evaluate their morphology and ultrastructure. Ten embryos of P. expansa were collected from 5 nests on day 36 of incubation, during spawning period on an artificial beach. Embryos were extracted from eggs by slicing the shell and euthanized. They were dissected under a stereoscopic microscope to collect the gonad-mesonephro complex, in which were fixed and subsequently processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy analysis. During histological analysis was observed mesonephros has typical morphological structure. Immunohistochemistry showed immunoreaction to aromatase in cells of intertubular space. Confirming these findings, it was possible to observe a type of intertubular cell in several regions of mesonephro, being more predominant in region close to blood vessels, distal and proximal tubules. In ultrastructural analysis these cells were characterized by having a clear, large, and rounded nucleus with evident nucleolus and cytoplasm rich in electron-dense droplets. This study demonstrated for the first time the presence of cells with morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characteristics similar to steroid-producing cells in P. expansa mesonephrons, suggesting that this organ may contribute to gonadal differentiation in this species.(AU)

Interrelations between productive, vegetative, and fruit quality traits in Tahiti acid lime through Bayesian inference / Inter-relações entre características produtivas, vegetativas e de qualidade de fruto em lima ácida Tahiti através de inferência Bayesiana

Although the fruit yield has a core importance in Tahiti acid lime breeding programs, other traits stand out among the quality fruit and vegetative traits as ones that still need to be improved in selection of superior genotypes. Appling efficient tools aiming selection, such as the Bayesian inference, becomes an alternative in perennial crops. This study applied Bayesian inference in the genetic evaluation of Tahiti acid lime genotypes and estimated the interrelation between vegetative, productive and fruit quality traits. Twenty-four acid lime genotypes were evaluated for number of fruits, fruit yield, canopy volume, stem diameter, soluble solids content, shell thickness, and juice yield traits. The genotypic values were estimated through Bayesian inference and models with different residual structure were tested via deviance information criterion. Pearson's correlation and the path analysis were estimated, removing the multicollinearity effect. The Bayesian inference estimates genotypic values with high selective accuracy. The correlations obtained between traits from different groups can be useful in selection strategies for improvement of Tahiti acid lime. The Bayesian inference demonstrated to be an important tool and should be considered in perennial breeding programs.

Embora a produtividade seja uma característica fundamental em programas de melhoramento da lima ácida Tahiti, outras características se destacam por proporcionar uma seleção mais eficiente ou mesmo influenciar na expressão de atributos produtivos. A aplicação de inferência Bayesiana, pode tornar o processo de identificação de indivíduos superiores e o estudo das correlações entre as características ainda mais acurado. Objetivou-se, por meio deste estudo, estimar valores genéticos em genótipos de lima ácida Tahiti através de inferência Bayesiana e estimar coeficientes de correlação e de trilha entre características vegetativas, produtivas e de qualidade de frutos. Vinte e quatro genótipos de lima ácida foram avaliados durante dois anos para peso e número de frutos, volume de copa, diâmetro de caule, teor de sólidos solúveis dos frutos, espessura de casca e rendimento de suco. Os valores genéticos foram estimados por meio de inferência Bayesiana e modelos com diferentes estruturas residuais foram testados via critério de informação de deviance. Coeficiente de correlação de Pearson e de análise de trilha foram determinados, removendo o efeito de multicolinearidade. A estimação de valores genéticos via inferência Bayesiana apresentou alta acurácia seletiva. As correlações obtidas entre caracteres de diferentes grupos podem ser úteis em estratégias de seleção para melhoramento da lima ácida Tahiti. A inferência Bayesiana demonstrou ser uma ferramenta importante e deve ser considerada em programas de melhoramento de culturas perenes.

Egg quality and coccidiosis infestation in three production systems for laying hens

A total of 240 white Shaver laying hens from 22 to 34 weeks of age were assigned to 3 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments included:i) Conventional (hens were kept in experimental building without access to outdoor area and fed with the conventional diet), ii) Semi-organic (hens were kept in experimental building with access to outdoor area and fed with the organic diet plus amino acids and vitamin-minerals supplement), and iii) Organic (hens were kept in experimental building with access to outdoor and fed with the organic diet). The results showed statistically significant differences in the feed intake, egg production, egg mass, egg weight, and change body weight(g) means among the treatments (p <0.05). The hens kept in the organic treatment had fecal highest contain of oocytes coccidia (p <0.05). The yolk color index and shell strength in the organic treatment significantly increased in comparison with that of other treatments (p <0.05). The highest HDL was in the semi-organic and organic treatments (p <0.05). The lowest egg yolk cholesterol concentration was found in hens kept in the semi-organic and organic treatments (p <0.05). It is concluded that organic production system is useful for improving egg quality.(AU)

Egg quality and coccidiosis infestation in three production systems for laying hens

A total of 240 white Shaver laying hens from 22 to 34 weeks of age were assigned to 3 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments included:i) Conventional (hens were kept in experimental building without access to outdoor area and fed with the conventional diet), ii) Semi-organic (hens were kept in experimental building with access to outdoor area and fed with the organic diet plus amino acids and vitamin-minerals supplement), and iii) Organic (hens were kept in experimental building with access to outdoor and fed with the organic diet). The results showed statistically significant differences in the feed intake, egg production, egg mass, egg weight, and change body weight(g) means among the treatments (p <0.05). The hens kept in the organic treatment had fecal highest contain of oocytes coccidia (p <0.05). The yolk color index and shell strength in the organic treatment significantly increased in comparison with that of other treatments (p <0.05). The highest HDL was in the semi-organic and organic treatments (p <0.05). The lowest egg yolk cholesterol concentration was found in hens kept in the semi-organic and organic treatments (p <0.05). It is concluded that organic production system is useful for improving egg quality.

Total electrolyte balance for laying hens / Balanço eletrolítico total para galinhas poedeiras

This study was done to determine the best value of the total electrolyte balance (BET) concerning the variables of performance and egg quality of the laying hens. We investigated 240 Hy-Line Brown laying hens, of 30 to 46 weeks of age, adopting the completely randomized experimental design, which included five treatments (1000, 1250, 1500, 1750 and 2000 μeq / kg), 8 repetitions and 6 birds per unit. The performance and quality of the birds eggs were evaluated in the different treatments. The results were subjected to the analysis of variance and, wherever significant effect was noted, the regression equations were estimated, taking into account the electrolyte balance (μeq / kg) as a concomitant variable, applying the SAS statistical program (2001). The consumption, production, and feed conversion variables by dozen eggs, final bird weight, egg density, yolk color, Haugh Unit, albumen weight, shell weight, and egg weight, were found to be unaffected by the experimental BET values. The values of the feed conversion per egg mass, yolk weight and uniformity were affected by the different BETs. The electrolyte balance values showing minimum feed conversion, higher yolk weight, and better uniformity were, respectively, BET = 1400, 1330, and 1250 in μeq / kg of loads at the different temperatures. From the regression equations, the value indicated was BET=1390 for the 30- to 46-week-old laying hens. The electrolyte balance of the diet was found to affect the laying hens in terms of performance and egg quality.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o melhor valor de balanço eletrolítico total (BET) para as variáveis de desempenho e qualidade dos ovos de galinhas poedeiras. Foram utilizadas 240 galinhas poedeiras da linhagem HyLine Brown, durante o período de 30 a 46 semanas de idade, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (1000, 1250, 1500, 1750 e 2000 μeq/kg), oito repetições e seis aves por unidade experimental. Foram avaliados o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos das aves com os diferentes tratamentos. Foi realizada análise de variância e, no caso de efeito significativo, foram estimadas equações de regressão considerando como variável concomitante o balanço eletrolítico (μeq/kg), usando o programa estatístico SAS (2001). As variáveis de consumo, produção, conversão alimentar por dúzia de ovos, peso final das aves, densidade do ovo, coloração da gema, Unidade Haugh, peso do albúmen, peso da casca e peso do ovo, não foram afetados pelos BET experimentais. Os valores de conversão alimentar por massa de ovos, peso de gema e uniformidade foram influenciados pelos diferentes BET. Os valores de balanço eletrolítico que propiciaram conversão alimentar mínima, melhor peso de gema e melhor uniformidade foram, respectivamente: BET=1400, BET = 1330 e BET = 1250 em μeq/kg de cargas nas rações. Conforme as equações de regressão indica-se o valor de BET de 1390 para poedeiras de 30 a 46 semanas de idade. O balanço eletrolítico da dieta afeta o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de galinhas poedeiras.(AU)

Ecology and genetic identification of freshwater turtles in Pakistan

The turtle population plays an important role in sustaining the water ecosystem by minimizing pollution from water. The identification and molecular investigation of freshwater fauna is essential for conservation of the species that are near to extinction. The quality of water, type of flora, fauna, and environmental condition are the major factors that directly affect the distribution of freshwater turtles. Two families including eight species of freshwater turtles are found in Pakistan. The Geoemydidae (Geoclemys hamiltonii, Hardella thurjii, Pangshura smithii, and Pangshura tecta) and Trionychidae (Chitra indica, Nilssonia gangetica, Nilssonia hurum, and Lissemys punctata andersoni). Studies on the species diversity and habitat of freshwater turtle have not been focused previously in the region. The present study was the first conducted to estimate the habitat and genetic diversity of freshwater turtles using 12S rRNA (ribosomal RNA) gene in Pakistan. A total of 26 samples were collected from various localities using hand net, cast net, gills net, steel hooks, thick chemical wire, using chicken intestine and small fishes. The collected turtle specimens were morpho-taxonomically categorized into two genera, Lissemys punctata andersoni (n=13, 50%) and Nilssonia gangetica (n=13, 50%). The collected species showed an aggressive and active behavior in captivity during summer. Genomic DNA was extracted from collected specimens and used in PCR reaction by using specific primers for the amplification of short fragments of 12S rRNA gene. Analysis of generated sequences confirmed the existence of L. p. andersoni in the region. The generated sequences of L. p. andersoni correspond to Clad A and showed a close resemblance among different species of the genus Lissemys. The climatic change such as temperature and rainfall have great effects on the occurrence of turtles. Habitat degradation occurred due to various factors such as draining wetlands, deforestation, converting clear water rivers to stagnant multi-purpose reservoirs and mortality on roads when turtles move around to feed. Current study concluded that the freshwater turtles L. p. andersoni and N. gangetica are interested in natural feeds. The analysis of 359 bp of 12S rRNA gene of the genus Lissemys turtles showed relationships of these turtles with cyclanorbines flap shell turtles, which agrees with previous reports. The African taxa are paraphyletic with respect to the Asian Lissemys. The ancestors of the extant genus cyclanorbines spread from North America to Asia [26]. It should be expected that each of the 3 taxa, L. p. andersoni, L. p. punctata and L. scutata represents a distinct genetic lineage. Present molecular investigation concluded that Clad A comprising L. p. punctata, L. scutata, L. cylonensis also include L. p. andersoni species. Clad B also contains one sequence from India, identified as L. p. andersoni. Their classification as conspecific evolutionary lineages are suggested by similar genetic divergences, the observation of mismatches between morphology (spotted vs. unspotted) and mitochondrial haplotypes in clades A and B. The clades A and B provides evidence for gene flow between the spotted subspecies L. p. andersoni and adjacent populations with unspotted flap shell turtles. This study is the first investigation about the habitat and of the endemic turtle species L. p. andersoni and N. gangetica in Pakistan. The genetic identification followed by phylogenetic analysis based on 12S rRNA partial genes revealed a closest similarity with the sequences generated for the same species from the neighboring countries. This study provided information to conduct further molecular studies that are essential to provide significant genetic data about turtle species.(AU)

Influence of Low and High-density Diets with Yeast Supplementation on Feed Intake, Nutrient Digestibility, Egg Production and Egg Quality in Hy-line Brown Laying Hens

A total of 432 laying hens (40 weeks old) were used in a 10- weeks feeding trial. The birds were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments with 18 replications (6 birds per replication) in a 2×2 factorial arrangement with low-density diet (LD), and high density (HD) diets supplemented with or without (0.1 %) of yeast. Laying hens feed intake during the 5th, 6th and 10th weeks has significantly increased (p<0.05) in LD diet and HD diet supplemented with (0.1 %) of yeast supplementation. However, egg production and broken rate was not affected with or without yeast and density diet. The quality of egg and shell color during the 5th, 6th, and 7th weeks has significantly reduced (p<0.05) by yeast supplementation with HD and LD diet. Eggshell strength was significantly improved at week 4, moreover albumin height was also significantly improved by yeast supplementation diets at week 5. During week 1 and 2 the yolk color was higher in LD diet and HD diet compared with yeast supplementation. However, eggshell strength was significantly improved on HD diets than LD diets during the 4th and 7th weeks. Eggshell color and albumen height were significantly decreased in laying hens fed HD or LD diets during week 5 and 6. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and Energy was not affected (p<0.05) by laying hens fed with or without yeast and HD than LD diets. In summary, 0.1% of yeast supplementation proved a positive impact on feed intake and egg quality of layer chicken.(AU)

Influence of Low and High-density Diets with Yeast Supplementation on Feed Intake, Nutrient Digestibility, Egg Production and Egg Quality in Hy-line Brown Laying Hens

A total of 432 laying hens (40 weeks old) were used in a 10- weeks feeding trial. The birds were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments with 18 replications (6 birds per replication) in a 2×2 factorial arrangement with low-density diet (LD), and high density (HD) diets supplemented with or without (0.1 %) of yeast. Laying hens feed intake during the 5th, 6th and 10th weeks has significantly increased (p<0.05) in LD diet and HD diet supplemented with (0.1 %) of yeast supplementation. However, egg production and broken rate was not affected with or without yeast and density diet. The quality of egg and shell color during the 5th, 6th, and 7th weeks has significantly reduced (p<0.05) by yeast supplementation with HD and LD diet. Eggshell strength was significantly improved at week 4, moreover albumin height was also significantly improved by yeast supplementation diets at week 5. During week 1 and 2 the yolk color was higher in LD diet and HD diet compared with yeast supplementation. However, eggshell strength was significantly improved on HD diets than LD diets during the 4th and 7th weeks. Eggshell color and albumen height were significantly decreased in laying hens fed HD or LD diets during week 5 and 6. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and Energy was not affected (p<0.05) by laying hens fed with or without yeast and HD than LD diets. In summary, 0.1% of yeast supplementation proved a positive impact on feed intake and egg quality of layer chicken.

Integrative taxonomy: combining molecular and morphological characteristics to identify Lymnaea (Galba) cubensis, intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica / Taxonomia integrativa: combinando características moleculares e morfológicas para identificar Lymnaea (Galba) cubensis, hospedeiro intermediário de Fasciola hepatica

Abstract Despite the epidemiological importance of the Lymnaeidae family regarding transmission of Fasciola hepatica, knowledge about the diversity and distribution of these molluscs and the role of each species in the expansion of fasciolosis remains sparse. Classical morphological (n=10) identification was performed in lymneids from Lagoa Santa, a municipality in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, along with molecular and phylogenetic analysis (n=05) based on the partial nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI mtDNA) and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer II (ITS-2 rDNA). The shell morphology made it possible to distinguish the lymneids of Lagoa Santa from Pseudosuccinea columella. Differences found in the penile complex and prostate shape allowed this species to be distinguished from Galba truncatula. However, the homogeneity of reproductive tract characteristics among Lymnaea (Galba) cubensis, L. viator and L. neotropica confirmed that these characteristics show low taxonomic reliability for identifying cryptic species. Genetic divergence analysis for the COI mtDNA gene and ITS-2 region of rDNA revealed greater similarity to Lymnaea (Galba) cubensis. Thus, correct species differentiation is important for monitoring the epidemiological risk of fasciolosis in the state of Minas Gerais, where cases of the disease have increased over recent years.

Resumo Apesar da importância epidemiológica da família Lymnaeidae na transmissão de Fasciola hepatica, o conhecimento sobre a diversidade e a distribuição desses moluscos e o papel de cada espécie, na expansão da fasciolose, ainda é escasso. Realizou-se a identificação morfológica clássica (n=10) em limneídeos de Lagoa Santa, município do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, juntamente com a análise molecular e filogenética (n=05), baseada nas sequências parciais de nucleotídeos do gene mitocondrial da subunidade I do citocromo c oxidase (COI mtDNA) e espaçador interno, transcrito do DNA ribossomal II (ITS-2 rDNA). A morfologia da concha possibilitou distinguir os limneídeos de Lagoa Santa de Pseudosuccinea columella. As diferenças encontradas no complexo peniano e na forma da próstata permitiram que essa espécie fosse distinta de Galba truncatula. No entanto, a homogeneidade das características do trato reprodutivo entre Lymnaea (Galba) cubensis, L. viator e L. neotropica confirmou que essas características apresentam baixa confiabilidade taxonômica para a identificação de espécies crípticas. A análise da divergência genética para o gene COI mtDNA e região ITS-2 do rDNA revelou maior similaridade entre os limneídeos de Lagoa Santa com Lymnaea (Galba) cubensis.

Eggshell and Bone Quality in Two Different Genetic Groups of Aged Layer Breeders

The present study was conducted on pair aged commercial laying breeder strains (Hy-Line Brown and Hy-Line W-36) to evaluate genetic differences of eggshell and bone quality. In addition, egg production performance, mortality rate, internal organs and reproductive measurements were determined. Correlation coefficients among some eggshell and bone traits were calculated. White layer breeder hens had significantly higher percentages of hen-day and hen-housed egg production compared to the brown one. Brown Hy-Line layer breeder strain had better eggshell quality compared to W-36 Hy-Line layer breeder strain. The white layer breeder strain had a significantly higher relative oviduct weight compared to the brown one. Brown layer breeder strain recorded the higher humerus width in comparison with the white one. Tibia bone weight of brown layer breeder strain was significantly heavier by 22.87% as compared to the white strain. Moreover, the brown breeder strain recorded the higher figure of tibia width, thickness, and strength. In conclusion, at the end of the laying cycle, brown Hy-Line layer breeder strain exhibited better eggshell quality, body weight and tibia bone quality than those of W-36 breeder strain. Positive correlation coefficients were detected between humerus bone strength and both eggshell thickness and strength in brown and white strains.(AU)

Eggshell and Bone Quality in Two Different Genetic Groups of Aged Layer Breeders

The present study was conducted on pair aged commercial laying breeder strains (Hy-Line Brown and Hy-Line W-36) to evaluate genetic differences of eggshell and bone quality. In addition, egg production performance, mortality rate, internal organs and reproductive measurements were determined. Correlation coefficients among some eggshell and bone traits were calculated. White layer breeder hens had significantly higher percentages of hen-day and hen-housed egg production compared to the brown one. Brown Hy-Line layer breeder strain had better eggshell quality compared to W-36 Hy-Line layer breeder strain. The white layer breeder strain had a significantly higher relative oviduct weight compared to the brown one. Brown layer breeder strain recorded the higher humerus width in comparison with the white one. Tibia bone weight of brown layer breeder strain was significantly heavier by 22.87% as compared to the white strain. Moreover, the brown breeder strain recorded the higher figure of tibia width, thickness, and strength. In conclusion, at the end of the laying cycle, brown Hy-Line layer breeder strain exhibited better eggshell quality, body weight and tibia bone quality than those of W-36 breeder strain. Positive correlation coefficients were detected between humerus bone strength and both eggshell thickness and strength in brown and white strains.

Quality of brown-shelled eggs marketed in different commercial establishments

This study aimed at evaluating the internal and external quality of brown-shelled eggs commercialized in the municipality of Parintins-AM. A total of 540 eggs were evaluated and distributed in a completely randomized design, which consisted of three treatments and six replications of 30 eggs each. The treatments were: eggs sold in supermarkets; in grocery stores; and eggs sold directly at the farm. The age of the eggs from supermarkets and grocery stores was unknown, however, the eggs bought at the farm were marketed as being from the day of laying. The collected data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey test at 5% probability. There were no differences (p > 0.05) of treatments in the percentage of dirty eggs, however, grocery and farm eggs presented higher (p < 0.05) crack percentage. The eggs at the farm presented higher incidence (p < 0.05) of internal stains of blood. The weight of the egg and albumen presented no differences (p > 0.05). However, the albumen percentage of the farm eggs was higher than the other treatments (p < 0.05). The percentages for yolk and eggshell weight from the farm eggs were lower than the supermarket and grocery eggs (p < 0.05). For the variables albumen height, Haugh unit, albumen index, yolk and albumen pH, the best results were observed for the farm eggs, however, regarding these variables, eggs sold in supermarkets and grocery stores did not differ from each other. The brown shell eggs sold in the city of Parintins/AM have high rates of external defects, and the eggs bought directly from the farm presented better internal quality, when compared to eggs sold in different establishments.(AU)

Quality of brown-shelled eggs marketed in different commercial establishments

This study aimed at evaluating the internal and external quality of brown-shelled eggs commercialized in the municipality of Parintins-AM. A total of 540 eggs were evaluated and distributed in a completely randomized design, which consisted of three treatments and six replications of 30 eggs each. The treatments were: eggs sold in supermarkets; in grocery stores; and eggs sold directly at the farm. The age of the eggs from supermarkets and grocery stores was unknown, however, the eggs bought at the farm were marketed as being from the day of laying. The collected data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey test at 5% probability. There were no differences (p > 0.05) of treatments in the percentage of dirty eggs, however, grocery and farm eggs presented higher (p 0.05). However, the albumen percentage of the farm eggs was higher than the other treatments (p < 0.05). The percentages for yolk and eggshell weight from the farm eggs were lower than the supermarket and grocery eggs (p < 0.05). For the variables albumen height, Haugh unit, albumen index, yolk and albumen pH, the best results were observed for the farm eggs, however, regarding these variables, eggs sold in supermarkets and grocery stores did not differ from each other. The brown shell eggs sold in the city of Parintins/AM have high rates of external defects, and the eggs bought directly from the farm presented better internal quality, when compared to eggs sold in different establishments.

Fat-Soluble Vitamin Supplementation Levels in Diets for Laying Hens from 28 to 44 Weeks of Age

This study aimed to examine the impact of levels of dietary supplementation with fat-soluble vitamins on the production performance and egg quality of laying hens. Three hundred Hy-Line White W-36 laying hens were evaluated from 28 to 44 weeks of age. The birds were allotted to one of six treatments in a randomized block design with 10 replicates with five birds each. Performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated in four 28-day periods. A corn and soybean meal-based basal diet was formulated so as to meet the nutritional requirements of the animals, with the exception of fat-soluble vitamins. The treatments consisted of dietary supplementation with 0%, 33.3%, 66.7%, 100.0%, 133.3% or 166.7% of fat-soluble vitamins (100% supplementation consisted of 7500 IU, 2000 IU, 10 IU and 1.8 mg of vitamins A, D3, E and K per kilogram of diet, respectively). Eggshell weight, shell thickness, shell strength, feed intake, egg weight, feed conversion per egg mass and feed conversion per dozen eggs showed a quadratic response (p0.05) to the treatments, whereas egg mass responded linearly. Optimal results were obtained at an average fat-soluble vitamin supplementation level of 109%, which corresponds to 8175 IU of vitamin A, 2180 IU of vitamin D3, 10.9 IU of vitamin E and 1.96 mg of vitamin K per kilogram of diet.(AU)

Fat-Soluble Vitamin Supplementation Levels in Diets for Laying Hens from 28 to 44 Weeks of Age

This study aimed to examine the impact of levels of dietary supplementation with fat-soluble vitamins on the production performance and egg quality of laying hens. Three hundred Hy-Line White W-36 laying hens were evaluated from 28 to 44 weeks of age. The birds were allotted to one of six treatments in a randomized block design with 10 replicates with five birds each. Performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated in four 28-day periods. A corn and soybean meal-based basal diet was formulated so as to meet the nutritional requirements of the animals, with the exception of fat-soluble vitamins. The treatments consisted of dietary supplementation with 0%, 33.3%, 66.7%, 100.0%, 133.3% or 166.7% of fat-soluble vitamins (100% supplementation consisted of 7500 IU, 2000 IU, 10 IU and 1.8 mg of vitamins A, D3, E and K per kilogram of diet, respectively). Eggshell weight, shell thickness, shell strength, feed intake, egg weight, feed conversion per egg mass and feed conversion per dozen eggs showed a quadratic response (p0.05) to the treatments, whereas egg mass responded linearly. Optimal results were obtained at an average fat-soluble vitamin supplementation level of 109%, which corresponds to 8175 IU of vitamin A, 2180 IU of vitamin D3, 10.9 IU of vitamin E and 1.96 mg of vitamin K per kilogram of diet.

The coevolution between telson morphology and venom glands in scorpions (Arachnida)

As in previous contributions to the JVATiTD, the aim of this note is to bring some general information on a particular aspect of the scorpion biology. An attempt is made to explain the possible coevolution of telson morphology and venom glands, which took place during several hundred million years and in particular since scorpions migrated from aquatic to terrestrial environments. Three components can be directly associated with predation and defensive behaviours: (1) morphology of the chelae and structure of the chelae fingers granulations; (2) morphology of the metasoma and in particular of the telson; (3) evolution of tegumentary glands in the telson toward different types of venom glands. Since a number of recent contributions already treated some of these aspects, I will limit my comments to the possible evolution of the telson in relation to the evolution of venom glands. As in previous contributions, the content of this article is basically addressed to non-specialists on scorpions whose research embraces scorpions in several fields such as venom toxins and public health.(AU)