Effects of supplementation of different selenium sources on lipid profile, selenium, and vitamin E concentration of yolk.

Egg preference as a source of protein also provides beneficial fatty acids, vital for human consumption. However, rich in lipid products are prone to oxidative damage. The study aims to determine the effect of supplementing biogenic selenium (Se) from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, ADS18 (ADS18) in laying hens' diet on yolk lipid oxidation status (MDA), beta-carotene (ß-carotene) content, cholesterol, fatty acids, Se, and vitamin E (VE) level. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) laying hens of Lohmann Brown strains aged 50 weeks, weighing 1500 to 2000 g were reared individually in A-shape two-tier stainless-steel cages sized 30 cm x 50 cm x 40 cm (width, depth height). The hens were randomly allotted into four treatments with six replications in a complete randomised design for the period of 12 weeks. The basal diet contains 100 mg/kg VE. Treatment diets consist of basal diet as control, SS containing 0.3 mg/kg sodium selenite, Se-yeast containing 0.3 mg/kg selenised yeast, and VADS18 containing 0.3 mg/kg of ADS18. Forty-eight eggs were collected and freeze-dried biweekly for analysis. The results of the present study showed that hens supplemented ADS18 had significantly (P < 0.05) lower MDA and cholesterol levels while their egg yolks had higher levels of Se and mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The control group had significantly (P < 0.05) higher saturated fatty acid (SFA) contents than the VE and dietary Se-supplemented groups, while the ADS18 group had the lowest SFA contents. Conversely, in comparison to the inorganic and control groups, the VE content of the egg yolk was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in organic Se-supplemented (Se-yeast and VADS18) groups. Hens with SS supplementation had significantly (P < 0.05) higher egg yolk ß-carotene content. When compared to other treatment groups, the control group had higher (P < 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content. The ADS18 is therefore deemed comparable to other Se sources. To prevent Se toxicity, however, a better understanding of the levels of ADS18 incorporation in poultry diets is required.

Effects of different extenders on epigenetic patterns and functional parameters of bull sperm during cryopreservation process.

The cryopreservation process induces alterations in cellular parameters and epigenetic patterns in bull sperm, which can be prevented by adding cryoprotectants in the freezing extenders. The purpose of this study was to compare the protective effects of two extenders based on soybean lecithin (SLE) and egg yolk (EYE) on epigenetic patterns and quality parameters of sperm such as motility parameters, mitochondrial membrane integrity, DNA fragmentation, viability, and apoptotic-like changes of bull sperm after cryopreservation. Results demonstrated that cryopreservation significantly (p < .05) reduced the level of DNA global methylation, H3K9 histone acetylation, and H3K4 histone methylation in both frozen groups compared to the fresh sperm. Also, the level of H3K9 acetylation was lower in the frozen SLE group (21.2 ± 1.86) compared to EYE group (15.2 ± 1.86). In addition, the SLE frozen group had a higher percentage of viability, progressive motility, and linearity (LIN) in SLE frozen group compared to EYE frozen group. However, no difference was observed in mitochondrial membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation between SLE and EYE frozen groups. While soybean-lecithin-based extender showed some initial positive impacts of epigenetics and semen parameters, further investigations can provide useful information for better freezing.

A calculation method for optical properties of yolk shell based on deep learning.

The yolk shell is widely used in optoelectronic devices due to its excellent optical properties. Compared to single metal nanostructures, yolk shells have more controllable degrees of freedom, which may make experiments and simulations more complex. Using neural networks can efficiently simplify the computational process of yolk shell. In our work, the relationship between the size and the absorption efficiency of the yolk-shell structure is established using a backpropagation neural network (BPNN), significantly simplifying the calculation process while ensuring accuracy equivalent to discrete dipole scattering (DDSCAT). The absorption efficiency of the yolk shell was comprehensively described through the forward and reverse prediction processes. In forward prediction, the absorption spectrum of yolk shell is obtained through its size parameter. In reverse prediction, the size parameters of yolk shells are predicted through absorption spectra. A comparison with the traditional DDSCAT demonstrated the high precision prediction capability and fast computation of this method, with minimal memory consumption.

Preparation of natural high-mannose-type oligosaccharides (Glc1Man9GlcNAc2) with the asparagine-glycine-threonine as consensus sequence from chicken egg yolk.

High-mannose-type glycan structure of N-glycoproteins plays important roles in the proper folding of proteins in sorting glycoprotein secretion and degradation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The Glc1Man9GlcNAc2 (G1M9)-type N-glycan is one of the most important signaling molecules in the ER. However, current chemical synthesis strategies are laborious, warranting more practical approaches for G1M9-glycopeptide development. Wang et al. reported the procedure to give G1M9-Asn-Fmoc through chemical modifications and purifications from 40 chicken eggs, but only 3.3 mg of G1M9-glycopeptide was obtained. Therefore, better methods are needed to obtain more than 10 mg of G1M9-glycopeptide. In this study, we report the preparation of G1M9-glycopeptide (13.2 mg) linking Asn-Gly-Thr triad as consensus sequence from 40 chicken eggs. In this procedure, λ-carrageenan treatment followed by papain treatment was used to separate the Fc region of IgY antibody that harbors high-mannose glycans. Moreover, cotton hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography was adapted for easy purification. The resulting G1M9-Asn(Fmoc)-Gly-Thr was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. G1M9-Asn(Fmoc)-Gly, G1M9-Asn(Fmoc), and G1M9-OH were also detected by mass spectroscopy. Here, our developed G1M9-tripeptide might be useful for the elucidation of glycoprotein functions as well as the specific roles of the consensus sequence.

Hydrolyzed egg yolk peptide prevented osteoporosis by regulating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in ovariectomized rats.

Hydrolyzed egg yolk peptide (YPEP) was shown to increase bone mineral density in ovariectomized rats. However, the underlying mechanism of YPEP on osteoporosis has not been explored. Recent studies have shown that Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway and gut microbiota may be involved in the regulation of bone metabolism and the progression of osteoporosis. The present study aimed to explore the preventive effect of the YPEP supplementation on osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rats and to verify whether YPEP can improve osteoporosis by regulating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway and gut microbiota. The experiment included five groups: sham surgery group (SHAM), ovariectomy group (OVX), 17-ß estradiol group (E2: 25 µg /kg/d 17ß-estradiol), OVX with low-dose YPEP group (LYPEP: 10 mg /kg/d YPEP) and OVX with high-dose YPEP group (HYPEP: 40 mg /kg/d YPEP). In this study, all the bone samples used were femurs. Micro-CT analysis revealed improvements in both bone mineral density (BMD) and microstructure by YPEP treatment. The three-point mechanical bending test indicated an enhancement in the biomechanical properties of the YPEP groups. The serum levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), bone gla protein (BGP), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) were markedly higher in the YPEP groups than in the OVX group. The LYPEP group had markedly lower levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) than the OVX group. The YPEP groups had significantly higher protein levels of the Wnt3a, ß-catenin, LRP5, RUNX2 and OPG of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway compared with the OVX group. Compared to the OVX group, the ratio of OPG/RANKL was markedly higher in the LYPEP group. At the genus level, there was a significantly increase in relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and a decrease in Escherichia_Shigella in YPEP groups, compared with the OVX group. However, in the correlation analysis, there was no correlation between these two bacteria and bone metabolism and microstructure indexes. These findings demonstrate that YPEP has the potential to improve osteoporosis, and the mechanism may be associated with its modulating effect on Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Assessing the structural and foaming property changes in egg yolk proteins due to malondialdehyde: Experimental and molecular docking studies.

This study evaluated the effects of varying levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) on the structural and foaming properties of the egg yolk proteins (EYPs), and the interaction between them was explored by molecular docking. The results showed that oxidative modification due to MDA increased the carbonyl content of EYPs by 4.49 times. Simultaneously, the total sulfhydryl content was reduced by 21.47%, and the solubility of EYPs was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Continuous oxidation disorders the previously ordered structure of EYPs. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that some proteins underwent crosslinking and aggregation with increased MDA oxidation, aligning with changes in particle size and zeta-potential. Moderate oxidation (<1 mmol/L) enhanced the foaming capacity and foam stability of EYPs. Additionally, molecular docking results uncovered favorable interactions between MDA and specific EYPs, primarily through hydrogen bonding. This research offers valuable insights into managing the functional and quality changes of yolk products during processing.

Chinese herb ultrafine powder supplementation improves egg nutritional value and quality in laying hens.

This study evaluates the effects of dietary Chinese herb ultrafine powder (CHUP) supplementation in late-phase laying hens on the quality and nutritional values of eggs. A total of 576 Xinyang black-feather laying hens (300-day-old) were randomly allocated into eight groups for a 120-day feeding trial. Each group contained eight replicates with nine hens per replicate. The experimental groups included the control (basal diet) and different levels of CHUP groups (details in 'Materials and methods'). The results showed that the eggshell strength was increased (p < 0.05) in the L, LF, L-LF, L-T, and LF-T groups on day 60 of the trial. In addition, the plasma estradiol level in the L-LF, LF-T, and L-LF-T groups and unsaturated fatty acids concentrations in egg yolk of the CHUP groups (except LF-T group) were increased, whereas total cholesterol (T, L-LF, L-T, and L-LF-T groups) in egg yolk and the atherogenicity (T, L-T, and L-LF-T groups) and thrombogenicity (T, L-LF, L-T, and L-LF-T groups) indexes were decreased (p < 0.05) on day 60 of the trial compared with the control group. Moreover, bitter amino acids in egg albumen were decreased (p < 0.05) in the L-LF group on day 60 and the L-LF-T group on day 120 of the trial. Collectively, these findings indicate that dietary CHUP supplementation could improve eggshell quality and increase plasma reproductive hormone, fatty acid and amino acid composition, and nutritional values of eggs, especially L-LF and L-LF-T.

The Chicken Egg: An Advanced Material for Tissue Engineering.

The chicken egg, an excellent natural source of proteins, has been an overlooked native biomaterial with remarkable physicochemical, structural, and biological properties. Recently, with significant advances in biomedical engineering, particularly in the development of 3D in vitro platforms, chicken egg materials have increasingly been investigated as biomaterials due to their distinct advantages such as their low cost, availability, easy handling, gelling ability, bioactivity, and provision of a developmentally stimulating environment for cells. In addition, the chicken egg and its by-products can improve tissue engraftment and stimulate angiogenesis, making it particularly attractive for wound healing and tissue engineering applications. Evidence suggests that the egg white (EW), egg yolk (EY), and eggshell membrane (ESM) are great biomaterial candidates for tissue engineering, as their protein composition resembles mammalian extracellular matrix proteins, ideal for cellular attachment, cellular differentiation, proliferation, and survivability. Moreover, eggshell (ES) is considered an excellent calcium resource for generating hydroxyapatite (HA), making it a promising biomaterial for bone regeneration. This review will provide researchers with a concise yet comprehensive understanding of the chicken egg structure, composition, and associated bioactive molecules in each component and introduce up-to-date tissue engineering applications of chicken eggs as biomaterials.

The potential of lemon peel powder as an additive in layer quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica): An experimental study.

The current research intended to examine the impact of dietary lemon peel powder (LPP) on laying quail performance, egg quality criteria, and the antioxidant capacity of the yolk. A total of 120 female Japanese quails (272.6±9.3 g), aged 21 weeks, were allotted to 6 trial groups, each with 5 replicates of 4 quails. Additions of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 g/kg of LPP to the basal diet were used to create the treatment groups. Quails were fed ad libitum for 70 days. Neither performance parameters nor egg production was affected by LPP. However, eggshell-breaking strength improved by adding 2 g/kg LPP to the diet, but worsened at 5 g/kg. Moreover, the relative weight of eggshell and yolk L* value decreased with the treatments. Dietary LPP enhanced oxidative stability, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) yolk values. The current study demonstrated that LPP, a safe and easily accessible agricultural by-product, enhanced eggshell quality when it was included in the diet of laying quails at doses of 2 g/kg. In contrast, improvement of yolk antioxidant capacity required increased amounts of LPP (4 g/kg). LPP could be advantageous to animal nutrition as an adequate substitute to reduce waste by-products.

Epigallocatechin gallate modification of physicochemical, structural and functional properties of egg yolk granules.

The aim of this study was to prepare protein-polyphenol covalent complexes by treating egg yolk granules (EYG) with alkali in the presence of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and characterize the physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of these covalent complexes. Results revealed that the optimal covalent binding occurred when the concentration of EGCG reached 0.15% (w/w), resulting in a grafting rate of 1.51 ± 0.03%. As the amount of EGCG increased, corresponding increases were observed in the particle size and ζ-potential of the complexes, thereby enhancing their stability. Furthermore, our analysis using fluorescence spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, and SDS-PAGE collectively demonstrated the formation of a covalent complex between EYG and EGCG. Notably, the covalent complexes exhibited improved antioxidant activity and emulsifying properties. Overall, this study establishes a theoretical framework for the future practical application of EYG, emphasizing the potential of EGCG to modify its structural and functional characteristics.

Use of egg yolk phospholipids to improve the thermal-oxidative stability of fatty acids, capsaicinoids and carotenoids in chili oil.

Phospholipids can act as antioxidants in food. In this study, egg yolk phospholipids (EPL) and sunflower oil were utilized in making chili oil, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was employed to quantify the concentrations of fatty acyl groups, carotenoids, capsaicinoids in chili oil according to their specific signals in the spectra. The results showed that the changes in the concentrations of fatty acyl groups in the control samples were greater than those in the EPL-treated samples at the same frying temperature, while the contents of carotenoids and capsaicinoids were significantly lower than those of the EPL-treated samples when fried at 150 °C (p < 0.05). Two-way ANOVA indicated that frying temperature and EPL treatment, as well as their interaction had significant impacts on the thermal-oxidative stability of chili oil (p < 0.05). The results suggest that EPL may act as antioxidants during frying, and EPL can improve the thermal-oxidative stability of chili oil.

Comparison between commercial media and TRIS-egg yolk extender in the refrigerated storage of collared peccary semen at 17°C.

To assist in the conservation of collared peccary, it is important to strengthen semen processing protocols. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different commercial extenders (BTS; NUTRIXcell+ and PRIMXcell Ultra) and TRIS + egg yolk on the functional and morphological aspects of collared peccary semen stored at 17 °C for 48 hours. Ten ejaculates obtained by electroejaculation were divided into 4 aliquots and diluted in the respective extenders, then stored in a biological incubator at 17 °C for 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours. The samples were evaluated for kinetic parameters, membrane functionality, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, morphology, and sperm-binding capacity. At the end of storage (48 h), promising results were found for motility parameters, with TRIS + egg yolk (71.0 ± 4.6%) being more efficient than NUTRIXcell+ (38.9 ± 10.9%) (P < 0.05) and similar to BTS (42.9 ± 11.9%) and PRIMXcell Ultra (46.8 ± 10.8%). The results for membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity were around ∼30-50%, with TRIS being the only extender to preserve both parameters (58.9 ± 5.3 and 59.2 ± 5.6%) for up to 48 hours, respectively (P < 0.05). Finally, the extenders could guarantee 60% membrane functionality and ∼ 60-70% normal sperm morphology, as well as similar binding capacity among the groups. In conclusion, TRIS + egg yolk is effective in preserving the sperm parameters of collared peccary semen at 17 °C for 48 hours, while PRIMXcell Ultra and BTS are viable alternatives for this purpose.

Divalent metal ions under low concentration environment improved the thermal gel properties of egg yolk.

To improve the thermal gel properties of egg yolk, the effect of several valence metal ions (K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Fe3+) with different concentrations (0-0.72%) on the rheological, gel, and structural properties of egg yolk were investigated. Results showed that monovalent and divalent ions were beneficial to the formation of uniform and dense gel network, especially with the addition of 0.72% magnesium ion, which further improved gel hardness, water holding capacity (WHC) and viscoelastic properties, the properties of egg yolk gel increased with the increase of the concentration of mono-bivalent metal ions. Adding ferric ion remarkably increased the average particle size (d4,3) and apparent viscosity of egg yolk, destroying the disulfide bonds and the hydrophobic interactions in gel. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and fluorescence spectra analysis revealed that metal ions promoted the hydrophobic aggregation among egg yolk proteins and induced the transition of protein secondary structure from ordered to disordered. This work will provide a theoretical reference for the development of low salt and nutrient fortified egg yolk products.

Carotenoid content and deposition efficiency in yolks of laying hens fed with dent corn hybrids differing in grain hardness and processing.

Yolk carotenoid profile reflects the hen diet when corn grain is the only source of carotenoids, but corn origin and processing may affect carotenoid utilization. In the present study, 2 commercial dent corn hybrids differing in grain hardness (soft- and hard-type) were dried at low (40°C) and high (85°C) temperature and ground through a 5- and 9-mm sieve to investigate their effects on carotenoid bioavailability in laying hens. With 3 hens per cage, 168 Lohmann Brown laying hens were allocated to 8 dietary treatments (2 hybrids × 2 drying temperatures × 2 grinding sieves) in a completely randomized design (8 treatments × 7 cages). The trial lasted 8 wk, during which eggs were collected for analysis every 3 d until carotenoid content stabilized, and then once a week until the end of the experiment. The carotenoid profile of the experimental diets and yolks was analyzed using an HPLC method and deposition efficiency was calculated based on carotenoid contents, yolk weight, egg production and diet intake. The deposition efficiency for lutein, zeaxanthin, α- and ß-cryptoxanthin, and ß-carotene averaged 27.37, 18.67, 6.29, 3,32, and 0.94%, respectively. As expected, the tested hybrids highly affected the carotenoid content in egg yolk due to their differences in carotenoid profile. Interestingly, hard- and soft-type hybrids differed in the deposition efficiency for all individual carotenoids but not for the total carotenoids. High grain drying temperature tended to increase the bioavailability of lutein and zeaxanthin in both hybrids. For the hard-type hybrid, the content of ß-carotene in egg yolk was higher when grains were dried at a high temperature, while the opposite response was found in the soft-type hybrid. The effect of grinding sieve size was important for the zeaxanthin bioavailability in the soft-type hybrid only. In conclusion, our findings showed that corn hybrid had a primary influence on the carotenoid content in the yolks of laying hens, but grain processing may change the bioavailability of carotenoids.

Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus improves production performance and egg quality of laying breeder hens by regulating reproductive hormones, antioxidant function, immunity and intestinal health.

Alpiniae oxyphylla fructus was extensively utilized both as dietary supplements and traditional herbal medicines for healthcare functions and has exhibited a positive impact on animal health. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus powder (AOP) on production performance, egg quality, egg yolk fatty acid composition, reproductive hormones, antioxidant capacity, immunity, anti-apoptosis ability, and intestinal health in hens. A total of 252 Hainan Wenchang laying hens (30-wk-old) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates, a basic diet with 0 (CON), 1 g/kg AOP (AOP1), and 3 g/kg (AOP3) mixed AOP. The AOP supplementation was found to decrease the feed conversion ratio and embryo mortality but to increase the laying rate, average egg weight, and oviduct index linearly (p < 0.05). Furthermore, AOP treatment reduced the total saturated fatty acids and palmitic acid (C16:0) in the egg yolk while increasing eggshell strength, albumen height, and Haugh unit (p < 0.05). The serum levels of albumin and phosphorus were increased, whereas total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels decreased as a result of AOP treatment (p < 0.05). The inclusion of 3 g/kg AOP had higher 17 ß-estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in serum, while it up-regulated follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and gonadotropin-releasing hormone expression in ovary (p < 0.05). Dietary AOP strengthened the expression of nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 in ovary and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity, but had a lower malondialdehyde content in serum (p < 0.05). AOP at 3 g/kg up-regulated superoxide dismutase 1 and heme oxygenase 1 expression in jejunum and ovary (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, AOP supplementation down-regulated p53 expression in ovary and bcl-2-associated x expression in liver and jejunum, especially 3 g/kg of AOP had lower caspase-8 concentrations and down-regulated bcl-2-associated x and caspase-3 expression in ovary (p < 0.05). AOP treatment increased serum levels of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M and upregulated interleukin-4 expression in the liver, while decreasing interleukin-1ß expression in liver and ovary and nod-like receptor protein 3 expression in jejunum (p < 0.05). Dietary AOP increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth but decreased crypt depth in jejunum, especially when 1 g/kg AOP increased expression levels of occludin, mucin-2, peptide-transporter 1, and sodium glucose cotransporter 1 in jejunum (p < 0.05). AOP treatment altered the composition of the cecal microbial community, as evidenced by increased abundance of Oscillospira and Phascolarctobacterium and reduced richness of Clostridiaceae_Clostridium. Dietary AOP supplementation enriched lipid, amino acid, and propanoate metabolism. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the genera Oscillospira, Blautia, and Megasphaera were related to laying performance and intestinal integrity. In brief, supplementation of AOP, especially at 3 g/kg, could improve production performance and egg quality of hens via modulating reproductive hormones, antioxidant capacity, immunity, intestinal barrier, and cecal microbiota. Overall, the present work recommends the dietary inclusion of AOP as a beneficial additive for improving the performance of hens.

Effect of Perilla seeds inclusion on the performance, egg quality characteristics, biochemical parameters and egg yolk fatty acid composition of laying hens.

This study investigates the effect of supplementation of Perilla seeds (PS) on the performance, egg quality, blood biochemical parameters, and egg yolk fatty acids composition in the diet of egg-laying chicken. A total of 1600 Lohmann laying hens were randomly assigned to four different groups with 4 replicates each (100 chickens/replicate) and were subjected to varying PS concentrations (PS0, PS6, PS12, and PS18; 0%, 6%, 12%, and 18%, respectively) for four weeks, including an acclimation period of one week. The results showed no significant differences among the groups for average egg weight (P > 0.005). The laying rate (%), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average feed intake (AFI) decreased significantly for birds fed on 18% PS as compared to the other treatments (P < 0.005). Haugh unit, albumin height, egg-shape index and eggshell thickness among hens fed PS diets were greater averaging 80.53, 7.00, 1.29, 0.34 compared to 76.84, 6.86, 1.25 and 0.32 from Control hen eggs (P < 0.05). Serum analysis showed a trend towards elevated levels of glucose (Glu), total protein (TP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) among treatments. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) decreased for the birds fed on 6% PS. The fatty acid composition of egg yolk showed a substantial reduction for α-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid increased significantly by the incorporating PS in the diet (P < 0.001). PS incorporation in diets resulted in significant improvements in both performance indicators and greater amounts of α-linolenic acid and DHA in egg yolks. These findings indicate that PS at 6% inclusion has the potential to improve fatty acid profiles of egg yolk without any adverse effect on performance of egg quality.

Design of Physicochemical Properties of Eggs as a Result of Modification of the Fat Fraction of Laying Feed.

The aim of this study was to investigate and confirm the properties of eggs produced by laying hens fed a diet consisting of pomegranate seed oil as a source of CLnA and flaxseed oil as a source of α-linolenic acid. The study involved determining the chemical composition of the eggs, including their fatty acid profile. The results showed that modifying the laying hens' feed composition resulted in eggs with high nutritional value, with a favorable change in their fatty acid profile. In most cases, the addition of linseed oil or pomegranate seed oil did not affect the physical and chemical properties of the eggs. However, the diet of laying hens had a positive effect on the fatty acid profile of the egg yolk. The presence of conjugated linolenic acid trienes in eggs produced by laying hens fed a modified diet makes them a potential source of these compounds for human consumption.

The embryo-oil drop assembly: the timing and morphology of a critical event for fish early-life history survival.

Egg specific gravity is of relevance for fish recruitment since the ability to float influences egg and larvae development, dispersal and connectivity between fishing grounds. Using zootechnics, histological approaches, optical and electronic transmission microscopy, this study describes the morphogenetic mechanism of adhesion of the oil-drop covering layer (OCL) to the oil droplet (OD) in embryos of Merluccius merluccius under physical conditions reflecting the marine environment. The herein described primordial (p)OCL is a substructure of the inner yolk syncytial layer which contains egg organella aimed to mobilize lipidic reserves from the oil drop (OD) towards the embryo blood. It is shown that the timely OD-OCL assembly is a critical morphogenetic process for embryo and larvae survival. Such assembly depends on egg buoyance because of its influence on the embryo capacity to rotate within the perivitelline space. Therefore, oil droplet adhesion (ODA) eggs are capable to complete their development while oil droplet non-adhesion eggs (ODNA) dye soon after hatching. We show that gravity-dependent egg buoyance categories exhibit different ODA/ODNA ratios (0-77%) and that relationship diminishes under incubation systems such as sprayers, that do not assure a dynamic seawater surface mixing to avoid egg desiccation. As an adaptive trait, egg gravity strongly depends on oceanic properties such as current dynamics, turbulence, oxygen, rainfall, and salinity, whose rapid changes would likely challenge the sustainability of fisheries recruitment.

Effects of the algae derivatives on performance, intestinal histomorphology, ileal microflora, and egg yolk biochemistry of laying Japanese quail.

We examined the effect of the Persian Gulf algae derivates, phycocyanin (PC) and fucoidan (FUC), on production performance, egg quality, intestinal histomorphology, ileal microflora, and egg yolk biochemistry of laying Japanese quail. A total of 250 six-wk-old Japanese quails with an average body weight of 215 ± 10 g were allocated to 5 treatments, 5 replicates and 10 birds in each replicate in a completely randomized design. The treatment groups received PC (from Spirulina platensis) and FUC (from brown seaweed) in their drinking water while control groups did not. Treatment groups received PC and FUC at 20 or 40 mg/L levels (denoted as PC20, PC40, FUC20, and FUC40, respectively). All birds were fed the same diet. All treatments significantly improved the percentage of hen day egg production (HDEP) (P = 0.002), egg mass (P = 0.002), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P = 0.022) but no difference was noted in egg weight (EW) and feed intake (FI). Different levels of PC and FUC significantly increased the thickness of eggshells (P = 0.022); however, the weight of the digestive tract (liver, spleen, proventriculus, gizzard, and pancreas) and oviduct was not affected. Algal derivates improved the villus height (P = 0.007) and crypt depth (P = 0.007) of the duodenum, as well as, the villus height (P = 0.005) and crypt depth (P = 0.026) of the jejunum. Both algal derivates positively affected the intestinal microflora (populations of Lactobacillus (P = 0.017), Coliform (P = 0.005), and Clostridium (P = 0.000)) whereas aerobic bacteria were unaffected. Yolk cholesterol P = 0.012) and yolk malondialdehyde P = 0.050) content were significantly reduced in experimental treatments compared to the control group. In conclusion, our results showed that the treatment of laying Japanese quails with algal derivates positively affects quail performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal microflora, and yolk cholesterol and malondialdehyde. Additional studies exploring optimal dosages and mechanisms of action is warranted to fully understand the scope of the algae derivates in poultry production.

Effects of replacing Na selenite in laying hen feed with selenized glucose on production performance, egg quality, egg selenium content, microbial population, immunological response, antioxidant enzymes, and fatty acid composition.

This study aimed to explore the effects of selenized glucose (SeGlu) and Na selenite supplementation on various aspects of laying hens such as production performance, egg quality, egg Se concentration, microbial population, antioxidant enzymes activity, immunological response, and yolk fatty acid profile. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, 168 laying hens at 27-wk of age were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups with 7 replications. Se source (Na selenite and SeGlu) and Se level (0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg) were used as treatments. When 0.3 mg SeGlu/kg was compared to 0.3 mg Na selenite/kg, the interaction findings revealed that 0.3 mg SeGlu/kg increased egg production percent and shell ash (P < 0.05). When compared to 0.3 mg Na selenite/kg, dietary supplementation with 0.3 and 0.6 mg SeGlu/kg resulted in an increase in albumen height, Haugh unit, and yolk color of fresh eggs (P < 0.05). SeGlu enhanced albumen height, Haugh unit, shell thickness (P < 0.01), albumen index, yolk share, specific gravity, shell ash (P < 0.05) of fresh eggs and shell thickness (P < 0.05) of stored eggs as compared to Na selenite. The interaction showed that 0.6 mg SeGlu/kg enhanced yolk Se concentration while decreasing malondialdehyde levels in fresh egg yolk (P < 0.05). SeGlu enhanced Se concentration in albumen and glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma (P < 0.05) as compared to Na selenite. 0.6 mg Se/kg increased lactic acid bacteria, antibody response to sheep red blood cells, and lowered ∑n-6 PUFA/ ∑n-3 PUFA ratio (P < 0.05). As a result, adding SeGlu to the feed of laying hens enhanced egg production, egg quality, egg Se concentration, fresh yolk lipid oxidation, and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity.