Evaluation of Reproductive Histology Response of Adult Fasciola hepatica in Goats Vaccinated with Cathepsin L Phage-Exposed Mimotopes.

Fasciolosis, a globally re-emerging zoonotic disease, is mostly caused by the parasitic infection with Fasciola hepatica, often known as the liver fluke. This disease has a considerable impact on livestock productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the fluke burdens and faecal egg counts in goats that were administered phage clones of cathepsin L mimotopes and then infected with F. hepatica metacercariae. Additionally, the impact of vaccination on the histology of the reproductive system, specifically related to egg generation in adult parasites, was examined. A total of twenty-four goats, which were raised in sheds, were divided into four groups consisting of six animals each. These groups were randomly assigned. The goats were then subjected to two rounds of vaccination. Each vaccination involved the administration of 1 × 1013 phage particles containing specific mimotopes for cathepsin L2 (group 1: PPIRNGK), cathepsin L1 (group 2: DPWWLKQ), and cathepsin L1 (group 3: SGTFLFS). The immunisations were carried out on weeks 0 and 4, and the Quil A adjuvant was used in combination with the mimotopes. The control group was administered phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (group 4). At week 6, all groups were orally infected with 200 metacercariae of F. hepatica. At week 22 following the initial immunisation, the subjects were euthanised, and adult F. hepatica specimens were retrieved from the bile ducts and liver tissue, and subsequently quantified. The specimens underwent whole-mount histology for the examination of the reproductive system, including the testis, ovary, vitellaria, Mehlis' gland, and uterus. The mean fluke burdens following the challenge were seen to decrease by 50.4%, 62.2%, and 75.3% (p < 0.05) in goats that received vaccinations containing cathepsin L2 PPIRNGK, cathepsin L1 DPWWLKQ, and cathepsin L1 SGTFLFS, respectively. Animals that received vaccination exhibited a significant reduction in the production of parasite eggs. The levels of IgG1 and IgG2 isotypes in vaccinated goats were significantly higher than in the control group, indicating that protection is associated with the induction of a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response. The administration of cathepsin L to goats exhibits a modest level of efficacy in inducing histological impairment in the reproductive organs of liver flukes, resulting in a reduction in egg output.

Environmental Impacts of the Brazilian Egg Industry: Life Cycle Assessment of the Battery Cage Production System.

Brazil stands as one of the world's leading producers of animal protein, ranking sixth in global egg production. However, estimated growth in production demand, along with environmental impacts, represents a potential threat to the sustainability of the food system. Methods for assessing and quantifying the environmental impacts generated by Brazilian egg production remain scarce, lacking current reports on comparative effects or guiding standards. The objective of this study was to conduct a life cycle assessment from cradle to farm gate, adhering to ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, for the battery cage egg production systems and associated products in Brazil, with the aim of supporting and promoting sustainability improvements in the Brazilian egg industry. The entire life cycle modeling and process sustainability analysis were executed using the openLCA software, integrated with the Ecoinvent database. Emissions related to egg production yielded results of 65.06 kg SO2 eq., 27.74 kg N eq., 3086.71 kg CO2 eq., 75,152.66 CTUe, 2.75 × 10-5 CFC-11 eq., and 10,044.68 kg MJ eq. per ton of eggs produced. These findings can serve as comparative benchmarks for future studies and for analyzing data across different egg production systems in Brazil.

The Impact of Phytase and Different Levels of Supplemental Amino Acid Complexed Minerals in Diets of Older Laying Hens.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different sources and levels of supplemental amino acid-complexed minerals (AACM), with and without enzyme phytase (EZ). A total of 512 Dekalb White laying hens at 67 weeks of age were used in a 2 × 3 + 2 factorial arrangement of 8 treatments and 8 replications each. The main effects included EZ supplementation (10,000 FTU kg-1) and AACM inclusion level (100, 70, and 40% of inorganic mineral recommendations), plus 2 control treatments. The group of hens fed AACM-100 showed lower feed intake than the inorganic mineral (IM) group. The diet containing AACM-EZ-70 provided a higher (p < 0.05) laying percentage and a lower (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio than both the IM and IM-EZ diets. The groups fed AACM-EZ-40, AACM-EZ-100, and AACM-70 produced heavier yolks (p < 0.05). Hens fed IM laid eggs with the lowest yolk and albumen weights (p < 0.05). Layers fed with AACM-100 and AACM-70 produced the most resistant eggshells to breakage (p < 0.05). In diets containing phytase, the optimal AACM recommendations for better performance and egg quality in older laying hens are: 42, 49, 5.6, 28, 0.175, and 0.70 mg kg-1 for Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se, and I, respectively.

A small survey of introduced Zaprionus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in orchards of the eastern United States.

The African fig fly, Zaprionus indianus (Gupta), is a generalist fruit fly that typically breeds in decaying fruits from over 70 plant species. The species has spread globally from its native range in tropical Africa, becoming an invasive pest on ripening figs in Brazil. First reported in the United States in 2005 in Florida, Z. indianus has since been documented as far north as Canada and is hypothesized to recolonize northwards from southern refugia each year. We sampled drosophilid communities over the growing season at 2 orchards in Virginia from 2020 to 2022 and 11 orchards along the East Coast during the fall of 2022 to quantify the abundance of Z. indianus relative to other drosophilids across locations, seasons, and fruit crops. Massachusetts had the northernmost population, with no Z. indianus detected in Maine and no correlation between latitude and relative abundance. Variation in Z. indianus relative abundance was high between nearby orchards and abundance was higher on peaches relative to apples within orchards. Comparisons of seasonal abundance curves between 2 Virginia orchards showed similar dynamics across years with individuals first detected around July and becoming absent around December, with peaks in late summer and mid-fall. The variation in seasonal and latitudinal abundance shown here highlights a need for broader sampling to accurately characterize the range, spread, and environmental tolerances of Z. indianus in North America.

Organic or Inorganic Zinc for Laying Hens? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effects of Zinc Sources on Laying Performance, Egg Quality, and Zinc Excretion.

The higher availability of zinc (Zn) from organic than inorganic sources is already established, but more assertive and cost-friendly protocols on the total replacement of inorganic with organic Zn sources for laying hens still need to be developed. Because some discrepancy in the effects of this replacement in laying hen diets is noticeable in the literature, the objective of this meta-analysis was to properly quantify the effect size of total replacing inorganic Zn with organic Zn in the diet of laying hens on their laying performance, egg quality, and Zn excretion. A total of 2340 results were retrieved from Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, WOS, and Science Direct databases. Of these, 18 primary studies met all the eligibility criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, the replacement of inorganic Zn with organic Zn, regardless of other factors, improved (p < 0.01) egg production by 1.46%, eggshell thickness by 0.01 mm, and eggshell resistance by 0.11 kgf/cm2. Positive results of the same nutritional strategy on egg weight and Zn excretion were only observed at specific conditions, especially when organic Zn was supplemented alone in the feed, not combined with other organic minerals. Therefore, there is evidence in the literature that the total replacement of inorganic Zn with organic Zn improves egg production, eggshell thickness, and eggshell resistance. Factors such as hen age and genetics, organic Zn source, concentration of Zn in the feed, and the strategy of its supplementation have to be more carefully considered in protocols designed to address egg weight and Zn excretion by the hen.

A novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant improves the responses of laying hens fed an inorganic phosphorus-free diet with reduced energy and nutrients from 23 to 72 wk of age.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) on egg productivity, eggshell quality, and body composition of laying hens fed inorganic phosphate-free diets with reduced energy and nutrients from 23 to 72 wk of age. Five treatments were randomly assigned, performing 28 replicates per treatment with 4 hens each, totaling 560 Hy-Line W80 birds. A positive control (PC) feed was formulated to contain adequate levels of energy and nutrients. A negative control (NC) feed was formulated without added inorganic phosphate (0.12% nonphytic phosphorus [nPP]) and reduced in Ca, Na, dig AA, and metabolizable energy in comparison with PC feed. Phytase was supplemented in the NC feed at 0, 300, 600, and 900 FTU/kg of feed. The responses evaluated were performance, egg quality, economic analysis, body composition, and tibia composition. Data were analyzed by a 2-factor (diet and age) repeated measure analysis. Overall, the feed intake, hen-day egg production, egg mass, and egg revenue were reduced by the complete removal of dicalcium phosphate (DCP) (P < 0.05). Supplement phytase in the NC diet elicits a positive response on each one of those variables. Laying hens consuming the NC feed with 900 FTU/kg of phytase produced more eggs per hen-housed compared with the phytase dosages of 300 and 600 FTU/kg. Body composition was not affected by dietary nPP, Ca, Na, dig AA, and energy reductions (P > 0.05). At 72-wk-old, tibia ash was reduced in hens consuming the NC diet vs. PC (P < 0.05) and no difference was observed between hens supplemented with phytase and the PC feed. Margin over feeding cost increased in a dose-dependent manner with phytase supplementation. Supplementation with 900 FTU/kg of phytase is recommended to improve the number of eggs produced per hen-housed and the number of marketable eggs produced through 23 to 72 wk of age, under this dietary setting.

Research Note: Preliminary assessment of the impact of dietary yeast products on egg production and cecal microbial profiles of laying hens.

The objective of the current study was to conduct an initial comparison of commercial yeast products in layer hen diets on egg production parameters and the corresponding impact on the cecal microbiota. A short-term feeding study was conducted with 35 laying hens receiving either a control, or 1 of 4 different yeast fermentation products, Immunowall, Hilyses (both from ICC, São Paulo, Brazil), Citristim (ADM, Decatur, IL), and Maxi-Gen Plus (CBS Bio Platforms, Calgary, Canada) with 7 hens per treatment from 40 to 46 wk of age. At the end of the trial, hens were euthanized, the ceca removed and prepared for denatured gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) microbial compositional analyses. Although initial shell weight and shell thickness were similar among the treatment groups, hens fed Hilyses had lower shell weight and thickness at the end of the experiment. The most predominant DGGE bands with the strongest intensity were identified as Lactobacillus species and excised double bands were identified as Bacillus, Clostridium, or Lachnospiraceae. In this short-term feeding trial, the commercial yeast products tested had little effect on egg production and shell quality, and only moderately impacted the composition of mature layer hen cecal microbiota.

Effects of phytase supplementation to reduced-nutrient diets on performance, egg quality, and economic parameters in commercial layers / Efectos de la suplementación con fitasa en dietas bajas en nutrientes sobre el rendimiento, la calidad del huevo y los parámetros económicos en ponedoras comerciales / Efeitos da suplementação de fitasse em dietas com nutrientes reduzidos sobre o desempenho, qualidade do ovo e parâmetros econômicos em poedeiras comerciais

Abstract Background: Exogenous enzyme supplementation is an effective and cost-saving mechanism for increasing the availability of dietary nutrients by increasing digestion and reducing excretion. Objective: To evaluate the effects of phytase supplementation on performance, egg quality, and economic parameters in commercial laying hens fed reduced-nutrient diets from 70 weeks of age. Methods: Novogen White® commercial laying hens (n=256) were randomly allocated to four treatment groups, with eight replicates of eight hens in each group: PC (positive control): conventional diet not supplemented with phytase; diet with reduced levels (RN) of P (-0.12%), Ca (-0.10%), and ME (-14 kcal/kg), and supplemented with 300 phytase units (FTU/kg; RN300FTU); diet with reduced levels of P (-0.16%), Ca (-0.13%), ME (-18 kcal/kg), CP (-8%), synthetic amino acids (-0.01%), and supplemented with 600 FTU phytase/kg (RN600FTU); and diet with reduced levels of P (-0.18% P), Ca (-0.15%), ME (-20 kcal/kg), CP (-20%), synthetic amino acids (-0.01%), and supplemented with 900 FTU phytase/kg (RN900FTU). Results: The layers fed the RN300FTU diet had 2.68% higher egg production than those fed the PC diet. Egg mass produced by PC- and RN300FTU-fed hens was statistically similar. Eggshell thickness was increased in PC-fed hens. Feed cost for the RN900FTU diet was approximately 9% lower compared with that of the PC diet. Conclusion: The best performance and economic results were achieved when layers were fed a reduced-nutrient diet supplemented with 300 FTU phytase.

Resumen Antecedentes: La suplementación con enzimas exógenas es un mecanismo eficaz y económico para aumentar la disponibilidad de nutrientes dietéticos al aumentar la digestión y reducir la excreción. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de una dieta con reducción de nutrientes y suplementada con niveles incrementales de fitasa en ponedoras a partir de las 70 semanas de edad sobre su desempeño, calidad del huevo y parámetros económicos. Métodos: Un total de 256 ponedoras Novogen White® se asignaron al azar a cuatro grupos de tratamiento, con ocho réplicas de ocho gallinas en cada unidad experimental: Control positivo (PC) dieta convencional sin fitasa; dieta con niveles reducidos (RN) de P (-0,12%), Ca (-0,10%) y ME (-14 kcal/kg) y suplementada con fitasa (300 FTU/kg: NR300FTU); dieta con NR de P (-0,16%), Ca (-0,13%), ME (-18 kcal/kg), PB (-18%), aminoácidos sintéticos (-0,01%) y suplementada con fitasa (600 FTU/kg: NR600FTU); y dieta con RN de P (-0,18%), Ca (-0,15%), ME (-20 kcal/kg), PB (-20%), aminoácidos sintéticos (-0,01%) y suplementada con fitasa (900 FTU/kg: RN900FTU). Resultados: Las ponedoras alimentadas con RN300FTU presentaron una producción de huevos 2,68% mayor al PC. La masa de huevos producida por gallinas alimentadas con PC y RN300FTU fue estadísticamente semejante. El grosor de cáscara del huevo fue mayor para las gallinas alimentadas con dieta basal. El costo de alimentación de la dieta RN900FTU fue aproximadamente 9% menor que la dieta basal. Conclusión: Las ponedoras alimentadas con la dieta RN300FTU presentaron los mejores resultados económicos y zootécnicos.

Resumo Antecedentes: A suplementação de enzimas exógenas é um mecanismo eficaz e econômico para aumentar a disponibilidade de nutrientes da dieta, aumentando a digestão e reduzindo a excreção. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos das dietas com redução de nutrientes suplementadas com fitasse a galinhas poedeiras comerciais a partir das 70 semanas de idade sobre desempenho, qualidade dos ovos e parâmetros econômicos. Métodos: Um total de256 poedeiras Novogen White® foram distribuídas aleatoriamente a quatro grupos de tratamento, com oito repetições de oito galinhas em cada unidade experimental: PC (controle positivo): dieta convencional, sem fitasse; dieta com níveis reduzidos (RN) de P (-0,12%), Ca (-0,10%) e ME (-14 kcal/kg) e suplementada com fitasse de 300 FTU/kg (RN300FTU); dieta com níveis reduzidos de P (-0,16%), Ca (-0,13%), ME (-18 kcal/kg), PB (-18%), aminoácidos sintéticos (-0,01%) e suplementados com 600 Fitasse de FTU / kg (RN600FTU); e dieta com níveis reduzidos de P (-0,18% P), Ca (-0,15%), ME (-20 kcal / kg), PB (-20%), aminoácidos sintéticos (-0,01%) e suplementados com fitasse de 900 FTU/kg (RN900FTU). Resultados: As poedeiras alimentadas com NR300FTU apresentaram produção de ovos 2,68% maior do que as com a dieta PC. A massa de ovos produzida por galinhas alimentadas com PC e RN300FTU foi estatisticamente semelhante. A espessura da casca dos ovos foi melhor para galinhas alimentadas com PC. O custo de alimentação da dieta RN900FTU foi aproximadamente 9% menor em comparação com o da dieta de PC. Conclusão: Este estudo mostrou que as poedeiras alimentadas com dieta RN300FTU apresentaram os melhores resultados econômicos e zootécnico.

Life Cycle Assessment Project for the Brazilian Egg Industry.

Brazil is among the ten largest egg producers in the world. The domestic consumption of Brazilian eggs is 99.6%, the rest being exported to more than 82 countries, with an expectation of growth in the foreign market. The Brazilian egg industry has evolved considerably in recent decades, incorporating new technologies and smart practices. However, there is no assessment of how production could become more sustainable over the years. The LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) approach aims to recognize the polluting potential, identify the environmental impacts generated and reduce these impacts throughout production. On a global scale, researchers approach LCA as a constructive and quantitative technique, and there is great interest in implementing an LCA for the Brazilian egg production sector. With the aim of introducing the LCA methodology to the Brazilian egg industry, this review presents the concept and accounting structure of LCA through LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) and LCIA (Life Cycle Impact Assessment), based on the ISO 14040 and 14044:2006 standards, to quantify the environmental performance of production and identify areas for future improvement, thus promoting the environmental footprint of the Brazilian egg industry.

Effect of different lighting sources on the performance of broiler breeder hens

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of using light-emitting diode (LED) lamps versus incandescent/tungsten (Inc) bulbs on broiler breeder hens' productive performance during the brooding and rearing periods (25 weeks), as well as the first 15 weeks of production. A total of 46600 one-day-old Arbor Acres Plus breeder chicks were placed in eight enclosed houses and randomly/evenly divided into two groups (four houses for each group): birds raised under yellow LED lighting, and birds raised under orange Inc lighting. Several traits have been studied to determine productive performance, including body weight at different ages, body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate, uniformity, age and weight at sexual maturity, egg number, egg production rate, egg number per bird, egg weight, and egg mass. According to the findings, using LED lighting instead of Inc lighting during the rearing period resulted in a significant improvement in all studied traits, and this positive effect continued until the production period, yielding excellent results for all studied production traits. LED lighting proved to be an effective source of lighting in broiler breeders' houses.(AU)

Emulsifiers in diets with energy reduction for laying hens

Emulsifiers in animal diets are an interesting and effective strategy for nutritionists to improve the digestion of dietary lipids and, consequently, provide better performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the supplementation of diets with emulsifier based on mono-and diglycerides (120 g t-1of feed) associated with different energy levels (2,775; 2,725; 2,675 and 2,625 kcal of metabolizable energy kg-1of feed) on performance and egg quality of Hisex Brown laying hens. The laying hens weredistributed in 50 experimental plots with eight birds each. A completely randomized design with five treatments and ten replicates/treatments was used. The treatments in this study were: control diet (C) with 2,775 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME) kg-1of feed; C + E: diet C supplemented with an emulsifier (E) at 120 g t-1of feed; diet C with reduction of 50 kcal ME and supplemented with E (NC50 + E); diet C with reduction of 100 kcal ME and supplemented with E (NC100 + E); and diet C with reduction of 150 kcal ME and supplemented with E (NC150 + E). All diets had the same inclusion level of degummed soybean oil (2%). There was no influence of the treatments on the performance and quality of the eggs (p >0.05). The current study has shown that diets supplemented with emulsifiers based on mono-and diglycerides (120 g t-1) allows reducing the metabolizable energy level up to 150 kcal kg-1of feed, without impairment on performance and egg quality of Hisex Brown laying hens.(AU)

Effects of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Supplemented Diet on Production Performance, Egg Quality and Humoral Immunity in Black Australorp and Fayoumi Layers

The present study intended to identify the effects of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast on production performance and parameters related to the quality of layers' eggs. Effects of yeast on immune titers after routine vaccinations against Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis were also studied. Fayoumi chicken (n=288) were divided in four groups (72 in each), and Black Australorp (n=288) in four groups (72 in each). Both had 12 weeks of age and were kept in 08 groups (3 replicates per treatment). Hens were fed a controlled diet along with the addition of 0.5g, 1.0 g, and 1.5 g of S. cerevisiae per kg of feed, till 25 weeks of age. Feed intake and egg production were measured on a daily basis, while body weight gain and egg weight were measured weekly. Egg quality parameters were evaluated by picking 5 eggs from every group weekly. Birds were vaccinated for Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bronchitis (IB) at the 18th week. Subsequently, 10 days after vaccination, antibody titers were determined by Hemagglutination Inhibition and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay for both diseases. Results showed no significant effect of S. cerevisiae on layers' weight gain and feed intake. However, egg production was increased in the experimental group. Moreover, yeast supplementation impacted positively on birds' immune system. In conclusion, probiotic supplementation improved birds' egg production and immunity.(AU)

Prevalence of Salmonella in Eggs from Conventional and Cage-Free Egg Production Systems and the Role of Consumers in Reducing Household Contamination.

Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne disease worldwide, usually related to contaminated poultry or poultry products, such as eggs. Since egg contamination with Salmonella depends on multiple factors that make it challenging to control, consumers' knowledge about food safety and the proper handling of eggs is crucial. The aims of the study were (1) to determine the prevalence of Salmonella in eggs from conventional and alternative production systems, (2) to characterize the Salmonella isolates according to phenotypic-genotypic and antimicrobial-resistant traits, and (3) to understand how consumers manage the hazards related to egg contamination in the household. A total of 426 egg samples were analyzed (conventional systems = 240; alternative systems = 186). Culture-based and molecular microbiological methods were used to identify Salmonella and bioinformatics analysis of whole genome sequences was used to determine the serotype and antimicrobial-resistant genes. Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis was detected only in eggs from alternative systems (1.1%, 2/186). Isolates showed resistance to nalidixic acid (100%, 2/2), and the aac(6')-Iaa gene and a mutation in the gyrA gene were identified in both isolates. Overall, consumers demonstrated knowledge regarding food safety; however, many still engage in practices that pose a risk of acquiring foodborne illnesses.

Response of Laying Hens to Repletion and Depletion in Dietary Balanced Protein.

This study was carried out to investigate the response of laying hens given a repletion or depletion in dietary balanced protein (BP) during the laying phase period. At the beginning of the rearing period (eight w-old), four-hundred pullets were equally distributed and received one of two experimental feeds: 1-Low BP (L) and 2-High BP (H). For the laying period (19 to 102 w-old), four feeding programs were designed based on the same treatments for rearing phases (LL, HH, LH, HL), where subsequent letters indicate the feed received during the rearing and laying period, respectively. The performance responses, egg quality, and body composition were periodically collected during the laying period. Two-way ANOVA repeated measures analysis was applied to evaluate the data. Nonlinear regression models with groups were used to compare treatments in the laying phase, with the treatments being the group evaluated. All performance traits were somehow influenced by the level of BP in the feed (p < 0.050). Hens subjected to the repletion treatment (LH) demonstrated a recovery in performance after 38 w-old. The opposite result was observed for hens on the depletion treatment (HL). All egg components were affected by dietary BP (p < 0.050). Laying hens demonstrated a limited capacity to overcome a reduction in dietary BP during production, but they were able to recover from a previous deficient feed once they were given an opportunity to do so.

Influence of homeopathy on the quality of quail eggs stored for different periods of time

The purpose of this trial was to assess the influence of homeopathy products on the diet of quails based on egg quality when submitted to different storage periods. Methodology: Two hundred, 45 day old Japanese quails and 80% of production were used, in a completely randomized design comprised of a 4x3 factorial, and 4 diets (basal feed, inert vehicle and 2 homeopathic products: Fertsigo® (Sulphur10 CH, Sepia 15CH ) and Ovosigo® (Belladonna 12CH,Silicea 12 CH, Natrum mur. 30CH, Calcarea phos. 30CH, Sulphur 12CH) and 3 storage periods (0 days, 7 days and 14 days) with ten repetitions of three eggs per treatment. The weight, percentages of yoke, albumen and shell, albumen height and yolk color, specific gravity, Haugh unit, yolk index and shell thickness were evaluated. The data were submitted to variance analysis to verify whether there was a interaction effect between homeopathy factors and storage time, and when absent, the isolated effects. Results: An interaction between the homeopathic products and time was found for the parameters of albumen height and yolk, Haugh unit and yolk index, which reduced over time. For egg weight, yolk, albumen and shell, a significant effect (p<0.05) was found only in the case of homeopathy for the percentages of albumen and shell. For egg and albumen weights, yolk and albumen percentages, specific gravity and colorimetry there was an effect for time, however these parameters reduced over the storage time in days. The addition of the homeopathic based products Ovosigo® and FertSigo® are indicated for the diets of Japanese quail during the laying phase since it resulted in better weights for the egg and its components. Conclusion: The different homeopathic products did not have an influence on conserving the quality of the Japanese quail eggs during the periods evaluated.

Arginine requirement for egg production in Japanese quail.

The objective of this study was to determine the ideal arginine intake for egg production in Japanese quail using the dilution technique. A completely random design was used, with 8 treatments (seven concentrations of arginine plus a control diet) and ten replicates, totaling 80 Japanese quails. The digestible arginine levels included in the study were 0.361%, 0.603%, 0.843%, 1.084%, 1.204%, 1.311%, and 1.460%. The variables analyzed were feed intake, egg production (EP), egg weight, egg output (EO), feed conversion ratio, and body weight were performed using a mixed model. When the effect of arginine levels (P ≤ 0.05) was detected, the model's broken line linear-plateau (BL), quadratic-plateau (BLq), and the first intercept of the BLq in the plateau of BL were adjusted to determine the ideal arginine intake. It observed that the arginine levels modified the quail responses (P < 0.001). Egg production was 10% with the 0.361% arginine in diet and recovered (97%) with the 1.311% arginine diet. The BL and BLq models estimated 232 mg/quail per day and 351 mg/quail per day for EO, respectively. The first intercept obtained was 290 mg/quail per day or 1,411%, which was considered the optimum level arginine intake for EO in Japanese quail.

Use of Mathematical Models in the Analysis of Growth and Commercial Performance of Brown Layers

Small and medium-sized table egg producers have a large volume of data and information on daily production, which is not used in the decision-making process. It is important to define the best mathematical model for the prediction of both the growth and the egg production of brown layers to relate pullet growth traits with productivity in a commercial cycle. For the above purpose, growth and production data were obtained from 15 brown layer flocks, six mathematical models of growth and five of egg production were tested. Correlations were made between the parameters of growth and egg production, as well as between the parameters derived from the mathematical models. The prediction equations for the egg production indicators were estimated.As a result,the best model for predicting layer growth (Gompertz) and for egg production was obtained (Yang). The growth parameters with the greatest influence on egg production were the maximum growth rate (MGR) and the theta value (TV). Body weight at 8, 9, 10, 12, and 16 weeks of age had effects on egg production. As a conclusion maximizing the growth of the brown layer in key stages of its development has positive effects on egg production.(AU)

Effect of Temperature and Feeding Time on Shell Thickness

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of ambient temperature (T) and feeding time (FT) on eggshell thickness (ST) and egg weight (EW) of broiler breeder hens. Thirty 44-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeder hens were randomly distributed into six environmentally controlled chambers and kept in individual cages. Three thermal treatments were applied: 20 ºC (T1), cyclic 20-30 ºC (30 °C between 1000 h and 1800 h) (T2), and 30 ºC (T3). Birds received 180 g of commercial breeder food at 0730 h (FT1) or 1530 h (FT2). There were two replications per treatment and egg collection was performed for seven days. The eggs from the birds at T1 and T2 fed at 1530 h (T1FT2 and T2FT2 respectively) were significantly heavier than those laid by hens at the same T when fed in the morning (T1FT1 and T2FT1); eggs from T1FT1 and T2FT1 were heavier than the eggs from T3, but there were no significant differences between them. Both T and FT had significant effects on ST, but no significant interactions were found. Birds fed at 1530 h had the highest ST, whilst birds at T3 showed the lowest. Birds on T2 produced the thickest shells due to a higher ST in birds fed at 1530 h. Birds fed at 1530 h consumed their food between 1800 h and 2030 h, resulting in a higher dietary Ca2 + available during shell mineralization. The effect of FT and biphasic T treatments on ST in feed restricted broiler breeders should be interpreted considering the length of the high T phase to the actual food consumption time.(AU)

Estrategia de cruzamientos para el mejoramiento de pollos Camperos. Un proyecto colaborativo INTA-universidad / Crossing strategy for breeding Campero chickens. An INTA-university collaborative project

RESUMEN El pollo campero es un ave destinado a sistemas productivos alternativos al industrial. Campero INTA es un cruzamiento simple entre poblaciones sintéticas generadas por INTA en Pergamino. Estas poblaciones se han mantenido cerradas y con bajo tamaño efectivo con el consiguiente efecto detrimental asociado a fenómenos de depresión endogámica. Con el objetivo de disponer de una población doble propósito con adecuados niveles productivos de carne y huevos y de rusticidad para ser utilizada en sistemas semi-intensivos que preservan el bienestar animal, se implementó un programa de relevamiento del recurso genético disponible y se diseñó un plan de cruzamientos dirigido a la producción de un híbrido terminal de tres vías. La secuencia incluyó la evaluación de cinco poblaciones sintéticas maternas (A, E, DE, ES y CE), la selección de dos de ellas (ES y A), su caracterización en cruzamientos simples recíprocos [(ESxA) y (AxES)], la elección de la alternativa (ESxA) como progenitor femenino y su cruzamiento por gallos de la estirpe paterna mejorada AH' para la obtención como producto final del pollo Campero Casilda. La evaluación de su patrón de crecimiento, conformación corporal, relación de conversión y caracteres productivos a la faena indican que tanto los machos como las hembras cumplen, como aves destinadas a la producción de carne, con las exigencias establecidas en el protocolo respectivo. La evaluación de los caracteres productivos a la madurez sexual, el patrón dinámico de aumento de peso del huevo y las curvas de postura califican a las hembras para su utilización como ponedoras.

ABSTRACT Campero chicken is a bird destined to production systems alternative to the industrial one. Campero INTA is a two-way cross between synthetic populations generated by INTA in Pergamino. These populations have remained closed and with a low effective size with the consequent detrimental effect associated with inbreeding depression. To have a dual-purpose population with adequate meat and egg production levels and rusticity to be used in semi-intensive systems that preserve animal welfare, a survey program of the available genetic resource was implemented and a crossbreeding plan to produce a terminal three-way hybrid was designed. The sequence included the evaluation of five maternal synthetic populations (A, E, DE, ES and CE), the selection of two of them (ES and A), their characterization in two-way reciprocal crosses [(ESxA) and (AxES)], the choice of the alternative (ESxA) as female parent and its crossing by roosters of the improved paternal line AH' to obtain the Campero Casilda chicken as the final product. The evaluation of their growth pattern, body conformation, conversion ratio and productive characters at slaughter indicate that both males and females satisfied the requirements as birds destined for meat production established in the respective protocol. The evaluation of productive characters at sexual maturity, dynamic pattern of egg weight gain and laying curves allowed to qualify the females as layers.

The effect of dried white mulberry (Morus alba) pulp supplementation in diets of laying quail / El efecto de suplemento de pulpa de mora blanca seca (Morus alba) en la dieta de codorniz ponedora

ABSTRACT Objective. This study was conducted to research the effects of different levels of dried white mulberry (Morus alba) pulp supplementation in diets of laying quail on yield performances, egg quality, blood parameters, yolk fatty acid profiles and cholesterol concentrations. Materials and Methods. A completely randomized experimental design, with four treatments and four replicates, was applied. The experimental treatments were M0: control diet; M4: dietary inclusion of 4% mulberry pulp; M8: dietary inclusion of 8% mulberry pulp; M12: dietary inclusion of 12% mulberry pulp. This experiment was carried out for 4 weeks, and 128 7-week-old female quail were used. Results. Addition of dried mulberry pulp to the diet significantly affected weekly feed intake, egg yield, albumin index, yolk weight, triglyceride, LDL, serum cholesterol and yolk cholesterol levels (p<0.05, p<0.01). The feed conversion ratio, egg weight, and egg yolk fatty acid profile were not significantly affected by the dried mulberry pulp in the diet. Conclusions. As a result, it may be stated that adding dried mulberry pulp up to 8% of the diets of laying quail does not cause any adverse effects and may be used without any problems.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El presente estudio tiene por objetivo investigar los efectos de los diferentes niveles de suplemento de la pulpa de mora blanca seca (Morus alba) en las dietas de la codorniz ponedora, el rendimiento, la calidad del huevo, los parámetros sanguíneos, perfiles de los ácidos grasos de la yema y las concentraciones de colesterol. Materiales y Métodos. Fue aplicado un diseño experimental totalmente aleatorio, con cuatro tratamientos y cuatro réplicas. Los tratamientos experimentales fueron M0: dieta de control; M4: introducción de 4% de pulpa de mora en la dieta; M8: introducción de 8% de pulpa de mora en la dieta; M12: introducción de 12% de pulpa de mora en la dieta. Este experimento se llevó a cabo durante 4 semanas, y se utilizaron 128 codornices hembras de 7 semanas de edad. Resultados. La agregación de pulpa de morera seca a la dieta influyó notablemente en la ingesta semanal de piensos, la producción de huevos, el índice de albúmina, el peso de la yema, el triglicérido, LDL, los niveles de colesterol en el suero y el colesterol en la yema (p<0.05, p<0.01). La tasa de proporción de conversión del pienso, el peso del huevo y el perfil de ácidos grasos de la yema de huevo no se vieron afectados significativamente por la pulpa de mora seca en la dieta. Conclusiones. Como resultado, se puede señalar que la agregación de pulpa de more seca hasta el 8% de las dietas de codorniz ponedora no causa ningún efecto adverso y se puede utilizar sin ningún problema.