scholarly journals Different Non-cage Housing Systems Alter Duodenal and Cecal Microbiota Composition in Shendan Chickens

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Wan ◽  
Ruiyu Ma ◽  
Hongyi Zhang ◽  
Ling Li ◽  
Lilong Chai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hen ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Diversity Analysis ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Intestinal Microbes ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
Cecal Microbiota

Housing systems are among the most important non-genetic factors affecting hen production performance and intestinal microbes. With increased interest in animal welfare, cage-free laying hen housing systems have become common, providing behavioral freedom and health benefits. The present study aimed to compare the effects of plastic net housing system (NRS) and floor litter housing system (LRS) on the composition and function of the duodenal and cecal microbiota in Shendan chicken, one of the most popular laying hen strains in China. The associations between the differential microbiota abundance and production traits and intestinal morphological parameters were determined. Compared with the LRS, the NRS improved the laying rate (p < 0.05) and increased the villus height (VH) of the duodenum (p < 0.05) and the VH-to-crypt depth ratio (VCR) of the cecum (p < 0.05). Alpha diversity analysis showed that LRS chickens had a significantly higher diversity and richness than NRS chickens. Beta diversity analysis demonstrated differences in the microbiota composition based on housing systems. Within the cecum, Proteobacteria and Kiritimatiellaeota were significantly more abundant in the LRS than in the NRS (p < 0.05), while Bacteroidetes were significantly less abundant in the LRS (p < 0.05). Phascolarctobacterium and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 were significantly less abundant in the LRS (p < 0.05) compare to the NRS. Within the duodenum, Lactobacillus was significantly less abundant in the LRS (p < 0.05) than in the NRS, while Pseudomonas was significantly more abundant in the LRS (p < 0.05). Cecal Phascolarctobacterium and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 were significantly positively correlated with eggshell strength (R = 0.608, p < 0.01) and egg weight (R = 0.526, p < 0.05), respectively. Duodenal Lactobacillus was significantly positively correlated with VH and VCR (R = 0.548 and 0.565, p < 0.05), while Pseudomonas was significantly negatively correlated with the Haugh unit (R = −0.550, p < 0.05). In conclusion, there are differences in the cecal and duodenal microbiota compositions of Shendan laying hens reared in different non-cage housing systems, and the NRS was superior to the LRS in improving the laying performance and intestinal morphology and microecological environment.

scholarly journals Effects of Different Non-Cage Housing Systems on the Production Performance, Serum Parameters and Intestinal Morphology of Laying Hens

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1673
Author(s):  
Yi Wan ◽  
Huan Yang ◽  
Hongyi Zhang ◽  
Ruiyu Ma ◽  
Renrong Qi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Morphological Observation ◽  
Villus Height ◽  
Serum Parameters ◽  
Antioxidative Status ◽  
Laying Performance

This study investigated the effects of plastic-net housing system (NRS) and floor-litter housing system (LRS) on the production performance, serum parameters and intestinal morphology of Shendan laying hens. A total of 1200 30-week-old hens were randomly allocated to the NRS and LRS groups, each of which included five replicates with 120 chickens in each replicate. The experiment was conducted from 32 to 40 weeks of age. Indoor airborne parameters were measured every 2 weeks, and indoor ground contamination was measured monthly. The laying rate and mortality of hens were recorded daily, and egg quality traits and serum parameters were measured every 2 weeks. At 40 weeks of age, four birds per replicate from each experimental group were selected for intestinal morphological observation. The results showed that the airborne bacteria number in the LRS was significantly higher than that in the NRS (p < 0.05) for most of the experimental period (except at 32 and 38 weeks of age), and the bacterial numbers on the surfaces of the floor and floor eggs in the LRS were approximately 10 times higher than those in the NRS (p < 0.05). Compared with the LRS, the NRS improved the laying rate (p < 0.05), reduced serum malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations and increased serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, indicating favourable effects on antioxidative status. The NRS was significantly associated with an increased villus height (VH), villus height to crypt depth ratio (VCR) in the small intestine (p < 0.05) and increased VCR in the caecum (p < 0.05). Overall, the lower rate of bacterial contamination in the NRS than in the LRS indicated better environmental hygiene. The NRS enhanced the laying performance and antioxidant capacity of hens and was superior to the LRS in improving intestinal health. The current findings support the advantages of the NRS for the health and welfare of Shendan chickens during the peak laying period.

scholarly journals Effect of the Pellet and Mash Feed Forms on the Productive Performance, Egg Quality, Nutrient Metabolism, and Intestinal Morphology of Two Laying Hen Breeds

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 701
Author(s):  
Yi Wan ◽  
Ruiyu Ma ◽  
Anam Khalid ◽  
Lilong Chai ◽  
Renrong Qi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Villus Height ◽  
Nutrient Metabolism ◽  
Feed Form

One of the most important factors that determine feed utilization by chickens is the feed form. Although it is generally believed that pellet diets have a positive effect on chicken growth, there are some studies that have indicated no difference between pellet and mash on chickens performance. This study was conducted to assess the effects of feed form on production performance, egg quality, nutrient metabolism and intestinal morphology in two breed laying hens. Two hundred and sixteen 25-week-old Hy-Line brown (n = 108) and Hy-Line grey (n = 108) hens were selected. Each breed was randomly allocated into two treatments with 6 replications (9 birds in each replication), which were fed mash and pellet diets, respectively. Production performances were recorded daily and egg quality traits were measured every two weeks. At 42 weeks of age, one bird per replication from each experimental group was selected for metabolism determination and intestine morphology observation. Compared with mash diets, pellet diets improved laying rate (p < 0.05), ADFI (average daily feed intake, p < 0.05), egg weight, shell strength, yolk proportion and Haugh unit (p < 0.05) in both breeds and reduced the FCR (feed conversion ratio, p < 0.05) in Hy-Line grey. The apparent digestibility of DM% (dry matter) and CP% (crude protein) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in both breed laying hens fed pellet than those fed mash. The apparent digestibility of P% (phosphorus) and Ca% (calcium) was higher in Hy-Line grey fed pellet and was higher in Hy-Line brown fed mash. Compared to mash diets, pellet diets increased the VH (villus height), CD (crypt depth) and VCR (ratio of villus height to crypt depth) of the small intestine of Hy-Line grey, and increased the VH and CD of duodenum and ileum of Hy-Line brown. Overall, pellet diets improved production performance and nutrition metabolism through positive changes in the laying rate, feed intake, egg albumen quality and apparent digestibility of laying hens. The current findings provided support for the advantages of feeding pellets during the peak egg laying period for the two popular laying hen strains, Hy-Line brown and Hy-Line grey.

scholarly journals Effect of housing system on reproductive results in ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus L.) 

2014 ◽  
Vol 59 (No. 7) ◽  
pp. 319-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Kontecka ◽  
S. Nowaczewski ◽  
S. Krystianiak ◽  
M. Szychowiak ◽  
K. Kupś
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Lower Mortality ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Phasianus Colchicus ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Laying Performance

A comparative analysis of reproduction parameters and hatchability results of pheasants raised under two different housing systems (cages and aviaries) was performed. In the first system the pheasants were housed in 420 cages, 3780 from the total were females. In the second housing system, 3200 pheasant hens were placed in eight aviaries, where 50 cocks and 400 hens were kept in each. The following parameters were calculated: laying rate, the percentage of hatching, small and cracked eggs, hatchability from set and fertilized eggs, dead embryos up to day 8 of incubation and, finally, dead embryos after day 8 of incubation as well as unhatched, crippled, and weak chicks. The laying rate for the whole period of reproduction in pheasants kept in cages was significantly higher in comparison with aviaries (59.6 vs 27.2%). A higher (P &le; 0.05) percentage of small and damaged eggs (&nbsp;&nbsp;= 13.6) was recorded in aviaries. The percentage of dead embryos for eggs derived from aviaries, up to day 8 of incubation, was also significantly higher (&ndash;x = 4.7%). There were no significant differences between the housing systems with respect to the remaining features. The results of the investigation made it possible to conclude that pheasants kept in cages were characterized by a higher laying performance with fewer eggs unsuitable for incubation. A lower mortality of embryos during the incubation process was found in eggs derived from pheasants reared in cages. Although there were no significant differences between the analyzed housing systems in terms of hatchability, a higher laying rate for pheasants kept in cages implies that more chicks could be obtained from every female.

scholarly journals Eggshell characteristics and cuticle deposition in three laying hen genotypes housed in enriched cages and on litter

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ketta ◽  
E. Tumova
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Eggshell Thickness ◽  
System Effect ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
System P

The objective of the present study was to compare the eggshell characteristics and cuticle deposition of Lohmann Brown, Hy-Line Silver Brown, and Isa Brown layers kept in two different housing systems. The three laying hen genotypes were housed in enriched cages (100 hens, 750 cm<sup>2</sup>/hen, 10 hens/cage) and in littered pens (100 hens, 9 hens/m<sup>2</sup>, 10 hens/pen). The experiment was carried out in weeks 40–56 of hens age. Non-significant interactions of genotype and housing system for eggshell quality parameters and cuticle deposition were detected in this study. Egg weight was significantly affected by genotype (P ≤ 0.001) and housing system (P ≤ 0.043). The heaviest eggs were laid by Lohmann Brown, while the lightest eggs were produced by Hy-Line Silver Brown. Eggshell strength was not affected by genotype and housing system, however, genotype had a significant effect on eggshell thickness (P ≤ 0.033). Isa Brown eggs had thicker eggshells compared to Lohmann Brown and Hy-Line Silver Brown. However, a non-significant effect of housing system on eggshell thickness was observed. Eggshell percentage was significantly affected by both genotype and housing system. Genotype of laying hens had a significant effect on cuticle deposition; significantly higher cuticle deposition was observed in Lohmann Brown eggs (P ≤ 0.001). It could be concluded that genotype had a significant effect on eggshell quality parameters and cuticle deposition. However, the housing system effect was less important in these characteristics.

scholarly journals Edible Environmental Enrichments in Littered Housing Systems: Do Their Effects on Integument Condition Differ Between Commercial Laying Hen Strains?

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2434
Author(s):  
Ruben Schreiter ◽  
Klaus Damme ◽  
Markus Freick
Keyword(s):  
Study Design ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Skin Injuries ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
Practical Recommendations

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of additional enrichment materials (EMs; pecking stones and alfalfa bales) on the occurrence of plumage damage, skin injuries, and toe injuries, with an emphasis on the possible differences between commercial hybrid strains of laying hens. During rearing (weeks 1–18, 16 compartments, 4000 pullets) and laying periods (weeks 21–72, 24 compartments, 2808 hens) in a littered housing system, EMs were permanently provided to the study groups (EXP), while control groups (CON) did not receive additional EM. In a two-factorial study design (two groups with four strains) with 351 hens per variant, the brown egg-laying Lohmann Brown classic (LB) and Bovans Brown (BB) strains as well as the white egg-laying Lohmann Selected Leghorn classic (LSL) and Dekalb White (DW) strains were investigated. Compared to the CON, the EXP showed reduced body mass during rearing (p < 0.001) and reduced albumen consistency in the laying period (p < 0.001). Regarding integument condition, the LSL in the EXP showed more toe injuries than in the CON (p = 0.018). Remarkably, genotype-environment interactions between strains and groups were evident (p < 0.001). In groups with an EM supply, plumage damage decreased in LB (p ≤ 0.033) and LSL (p ≤ 0.005) but increased in BB (p ≤ 0.003). Moreover, there were fewer skin injuries in LSL (p = 0.001) but more in BB (p = 0.001) in groups with access to EM. In view of the diverging effects between strains, future practical recommendations for laying hen husbandry should be strain-specific.

scholarly journals The effects of housing systems and age of hens on the weight and cholesterol concentration of the egg

2008 ◽  
Vol 52 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 110-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ľ. Zemková ◽  
J. Simeonovová ◽  
M. Lichovníková ◽  
K. Somerlíková
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Cholesterol Concentration ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Housing Systems

The effects of laying hen age and the housing of laying hens in conventional cages, enriched cages, litter system and outdoor system on egg weight and yolk and egg cholesterol concentration were studied. ISA brown laying hens were used in the experiment. The characteristics were measured at 39, 50, 59, 68 and 75 weeks of age. Fifteen eggs were always collected from each housing system. In total, 300 eggs were analyzed. There were not any significantly different results in the eggs from the hens living in the different housing systems or from the age of laying hens on the weight of eggs. But the housing system and the age of hens had a significant (<i>P</i> &le; 0.01) effect on both yolk and egg cholesterol concentration. The concentration of yolk and egg cholesterol was the lowest (<i>P</i> &le; 0.01) in the enriched cages (12.5 mg/g yolk and 211.2 mg/egg) and the highest in the litter technology (14.1 mg/g yolk and 242.6 mg/egg). Further, there was a significant (<i>P</i> &le; 0.01) influence of the interaction between the housing system and the age of hens on egg weight and on yolk and egg cholesterol concentration.

scholarly journals Effects of laying hens housing system on laying performance, egg quality characteristics, and egg microbial contamination

2014 ◽  
Vol 59 (No. 8) ◽  
pp. 345-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Englmaierová ◽  
E. Tůmová ◽  
V. Charvátová ◽  
M. Skřivan
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Total Count ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
Egg Shells

The objective of this study was to compare the performance, egg quality, and microbial contamination of egg shells from hens maintained in different housing systems, such as conventional and enriched cages, litter, and aviaries. The housing system significantly (P &lt; 0.001) influenced the performance characteristics. The highest egg production, lowest daily feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio were measured in conventional cages compared to litter and aviaries. Higher egg shell and albumen qualities were observed in conventional cages, whereas hens housed in enriched cages and aviaries laid eggs with a higher yolk index (P&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.001). The housing system significantly (P &lt; 0.001) influenced the total count of bacteria on the egg surface and the microbial contamination of Enterococcus and Escherichia coli. The lowest values for the total count of bacterial contamination (P &lt; 0.001) were found in eggs from conventional cages (4.05 log colony-forming units (CFU)/egg) and enriched cages (3.98 log CFU/egg). Eggs from aviaries had 5.49 log CFU per egg, and the highest level of contamination was observed in eggs that were laid on litter (6.24 log CFU/egg). The level of the microbial contamination of egg shells from litter and aviaries was by 2 log CFU higher than in eggs from cages. It could be concluded, from the viewpoint of egg safety, a more suitable substitute for conventional cages are enriched cages and aviaries than litter. &nbsp;

scholarly journals Effects of supplementing laying hen diets with different proprietary vitamin-mineral premixes and housing systems on egg properties and shelf-life stability

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 279-295
Author(s):  
O. A. Ogunwole,
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Thiobarbituric Acid ◽  
Egg White ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Shelf Life Stability

Egg quality and durability have been directly linked to the nutrition of laying hen thus, the effects of five different supplemental vitamin-mineral premixes (VmP) in the diets of laying hens housed in battery cage (BC) and deep litter (DL) on the egg properties and shelf life stability in 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of egg storage (DOS) were investigated in this study. In a 4-week feeding trial, Bovans Nera Black laying hens (n=480) aged 71-week were allocated to five treatments in each housing system (HS) (BC and DL). Each treatment was replicated six times and a replicate comprised eight hens. The basal isocaloric and isonitrogenous diet was appropriately supplemented with 0.25% of any of the five proprietary VmP and the diets were offered with water ad libitum to respective experimental hens in both HS. The experiment was a 2x5x5 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (2 HS X 5VmP X 5DOS). Foaming capacity, foaming stability, viscosity, emulsion stability, least gelation concentration and shelf life stability of egg white and whole egg from both HS decreased significantly (P<0.05)in DOS while the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS mg/MA/100g) increased in DOS. The TBARS of respective whole and egg white from hens fed VmP1 (0.048 and 0.051), 2 (0.049 and 0.054), 3(0.056 and 0.155), 4(0.156 and 0.156) and 5 (0.153 and 0.151) differed significantly (P<0.05). Interactions of HS X VmP, HS X DOS on all attributes of both whole and egg white, except specific gravity and emulsion capacity, were significantly different (P<0.05). Eggs deteriorated in DOS irrespective of dietary VmP or HS but much more for eggs from DL compared with BC.  

Litter Use in an Aviary Laying Hen Housing System

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica D. Jenkins ◽  
Rebecca L. Parsons ◽  
Morgan Hayes ◽  
Hongwei Xin ◽  
Suzanne T. Millman
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hen ◽  
Housing System

A Retrospective Study of Dogs Infected with Ehrlichia canis from 2017-2019 in the Thonburi Area of Bangkok Province, Thailand

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Liver Enzymes ◽  
Serum Biochemistry ◽  
Ehrlichia Canis ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Mixed Breed ◽  
Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis ◽  
Open Housing

Ehrlichia canis is a tick-borne rickettsia. It can cause canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). Infected dogs are often reported to have changes in their blood values, such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, increased liver enzymes, and increased kidney function values. This study aimed to collect data that may be related to infected dogs, including age, gender, breed, weight, close-open housing system, the use of ectoparasiticides products. The sample comprised 57 infected dogs. Collecting hematology and serum biochemistry changes in comparison with the reference values of dogs detected with Ehrlichia canis from 2017-2019, Thonburi District, Bangkok, Thailand was also carried out. In summary, dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis mostly included mixed-breed dogs aged between 1 and 10 years. There were no differences in body weight or housing systems. Dogs that had never used ectoparasiticide products or used them intermittently were infected more often (by 7.14 times) than protected. Clinical hematology and serum biochemistry found anemia, thrombocytopenia, and increased liver enzymes.

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