scholarly journals Relationship between Bone Quality, Egg Production and Eggshell Quality in Laying Hens at the End of an Extended Production Cycle (105 Weeks)

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 623
Author(s):  
Clara Alfonso-Carrillo ◽  
Cristina Benavides-Reyes ◽  
Jon de los Mozos ◽  
Nazaret Dominguez-Gasca ◽  
Estefanía Sanchez-Rodríguez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Quality ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Breaking Strength ◽  
Bone Fractures ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Medullary Bone ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
Ash Weight ◽  
Skeletal Integrity

(1) Background: Nowadays the industry aims to improve lay persistency for extended cycles (100 weeks or longer) to make egg production more sustainable. However, intensive egg production challenges hen health, inducing severe osteoporosis and the incidence of bone fractures. In this study, the relationship between bone quality and egg production, and/or eggshell quality, was evaluated at the end of an extended laying cycle of 100 weeks, comparing groups of hens with different production and eggshell quality parameters; (2) Methods: Quality parameters of egg (as weight, egg white height), eggshell (as thickness, weight, breaking strength, elasticity and microstructure) and tibiae bone (weight, diameter, cortical thickness, ash weight, breaking strength, medullary bone) were determined; (3) Results: Hens from groups with a high egg production and good eggshell quality have poorer bone quality (lower ash weight and lesser amount of medullary bone). However, Pearson’s correlation analysis shows no clear relationship between bone and egg/eggshell parameters. (4) Conclusions: Bone and egg production/eggshell quality are independent and can be improved separately. Medullary bone has an important contribution to bone mechanical properties, being important to accumulate enough bone medullary bone early in life to maintain skeletal integrity and eggshell quality in old hens.

scholarly journals No evidence that selection for egg production persistency causes loss of bone quality in laying hens

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian C. Dunn ◽  
Dirk-Jan De Koning ◽  
Heather A. McCormack ◽  
Robert H. Fleming ◽  
Peter W. Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rhode Island ◽  
Bone Quality ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Breaking Strength ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
White Leghorn ◽  
Medullary Bone ◽  
Selection For

Abstract Background The physiological adaptations that have evolved for egg laying make hens susceptible to bone fractures and keel bone damage. In modern laying hen breeds, longer periods of egg laying could result in a greater risk of poor bone quality, and selection for increased egg production has frequently been stated to be a cause. However, the existing literature does not support this hypothesis. To test the hypothesis that egg production is associated with quality, breaking strength and density of bone, genetic correlations between these traits were estimated in White Leghorn and Rhode Island Red breeds. Genetic correlations of cortical and medullary bone material chemical properties with bone quality were also estimated, in order to identify methods to improve bone quality with appropriately targeted measurement of key traits. Results Estimates of heritability for bone quality traits were moderate (0.19–0.59) for both White Leghorn and Rhode Island Red breeds, except for the keel bone trait, which had a heritability estimate equal to zero. There was no evidence for genetic or phenotypic relationships between post-peak egg production and bone quality. In the White Leghorn breed, the estimate of the genetic correlation between pre-peak production/age at first egg and bone quality was significant and negative (− 0.7 to − 0.4). Estimates of heritability of thermogravimetric measurements of tibial medullary bone mineralisation were significant (0.18–0.41), as were estimates of their genetic correlations with tibia breaking strength and density (0.6–0.9). Conclusions The low genetic correlation of post-peak egg production with bone quality suggests that selection for increased persistency of egg production may not adversely affect bone quality. Onset of puberty and mineralisation of the medullary bone, which is a specialised adaptation for egg laying, were identified as important factors associated with the quality of the skeleton later during egg production. These are traits for which genetic, as well as environmental and management factors can positively impact the overall quality of the skeleton of laying hens.

scholarly journals The Effect of High-Level Dietary Supplementation with Different Zinc Sources on Performance, Eggshell Quality and Bone Characteristics in Layer Quails

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 176-182
Author(s):  
Ahmet Engin Tüzün ◽  
Osman Olgun ◽  
Alp Önder Yildiz
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Mineral Content ◽  
Zinc Concentration ◽  
Breaking Strength ◽  
Zinc Content ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Zinc Level ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
High Level

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with high levels of inorganic, organic or nano sources of two high-level zinc diets (200 and 300 mg/kg) on performance, eggshell quality and mineral content of bone in layer quails. The experiment had a 2×3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Egg production and the zinc content of tibia were significantly increased in the present experiment. Compared with zinc oxide supplementation, zinc-glycine supplementation increased zinc concentration in the tibia. The interactions between the sources and levels of zinc were a significant effect on egg production, eggshell breaking strength, eggshell weight and tibia zinc level. The highest eggshell breaking strength and eggshell weight were observed in the group was fed with diet including zinc-glycine at 300 mg/kg. These results suggested that zinc-glycine supplementation positively effects eggshell quality parameters and tibia zinc concentration when compared with other sources used in this experiment. Additionally, the supplementation layer quail diets with zinc-glycine rather than nanoparticulate sources of zinc could be recommended for optimum performance.

Keel-bone fractures are associated with bone quality differences in laying hens

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-80
Author(s):  
HD Wei ◽  
YJ Chen ◽  
XY Zeng ◽  
YJ Bi ◽  
YN Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Quality ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Bone Fractures ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Bone Volume ◽  
Tartrate Resistant Acid Phosphatase ◽  
Bone Surface ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Trabecular Thickness ◽  
Trap Activity

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bone quality in terms of metabolism, homeostasis of elements, bone mineral density (BMD), and microstructure and keel-bone fractures in laying hens (Gallusgallusdomesticus). One hundred and twenty 17 week old Lohmann White laying hens with normal keel bones were individually housed in furnished cages for 25 weeks. Birds were then euthanased and dissected to assess keel-bone status at 42 weeks. Serum and keel-bone samples from normal keel (NK) and fractured keel (FK) hens were collected to determine the previously mentioned bone quality parameters. The results showed FK hens to have higher levels of the components of osteocalcin, greater alkaline phosphatase activity in serum and keel bones, and greater tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity in keel bones, compared to NK hens. Additionally, FK hens also had higher concentrations of Li, B, K, Cu, As, Se, Sn, Hg, and Pb, but lower concentrations of Na, P, and Ca. Moreover, FK hens showed decreased bone microstructural parameters including bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular number, degree of anisotropy, connectivity density, and BMD, but increased trabecular separation. Meanwhile, no differences were detected in serum TRAP activity, trabecular thickness, bone surface, or bone surface/bone volume. Results showed laying hens with keel-bone fractures to have differences in bone metabolism, elements of homeostasis, bone microstructure parameters, and BMD. These results suggest that keel-bone fractures may be associated with bone quality.

scholarly journals Combined Effect of Genotype, Housing System, and Calcium on Performance and Eggshell Quality of Laying Hens

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2120
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ketta ◽  
Eva Tůmová ◽  
Michaela Englmaierová ◽  
Darina Chodová
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Individual Factor ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
Factor Effect ◽  
Quality Response ◽  
Floor System

The objective of this study was to evaluate hen performance and eggshell quality response to genotype, housing system, and feed calcium (Ca) level. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted on 360 laying hens of ISA Brown, Bovans Brown (commercial hybrids), and Moravia BSL (traditional Czech hybrid). Laying hens were kept in enriched cages and on littered floor and fed similar feed mixtures with different Ca content (3.00% vs. 3.50%). In terms of hen performance, ISA Brown had the highest egg production (84.2%) compared to Moravia BSL (74.3%) and Bovans Brown (71.4%). Regarding eggshell quality, Bovans Brown showed the highest values of all eggshell quality parameters. Increasing feed Ca level augmented egg production (p ≤ 0.001) but had no effect on other performance parameters. Except eggshell thickness, all eggshell quality parameters were affected by the three-way interaction of genotype, housing, and Ca. Bovans Brown, which had the strongest eggshells (5089 g/cm2) when housed on a littered floor system and fed 3.00% Ca, while Moravia BSL housed on a littered floor had the weakest eggshells (4236 g/cm2) at 3.50% Ca. The study pointed out the importance of the interactions between studied factors on performance and eggshell quality compared to an individual factor effect.

scholarly journals Chelated minerals and two limestone particle sizes on production of layers in the second laying cycle

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-112
Author(s):  
Alisson Melo de SOUSA ◽  
Silvana Cavalcante BASTOS-LEITE ◽  
Cláudia de Castro GOULART ◽  
Maria Luana da Silva BARROSO ◽  
Josefa Deis Brito SILVA
Keyword(s):  
Bone Quality ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Particle Sizes ◽  
Weight Percentage ◽  
Organic Minerals

SUMMARY The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the performance, egg quality, and bone quality of commercial white-egg layer hens in the second production cycle fed diets containing organic and inorganic minerals and two limestone particle sizes. A total of 215 birds with an average weight of 1.527 ± 0.092 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (two mineral sources and two limestone particle sizes) with six replicates. The following four treatments were tested: T1 = inorganic minerals + 100% fine limestone; T2 = inorganic minerals + 50% fine limestone + 50% coarse limestone; T3 = organic minerals + 100% fine limestone; and T4 = organic minerals+ 50% fine limestone + 50% coarse limestone. No significant interaction occurred between the studied factors for any variable. Egg production, egg mass, bone resistance and bone deformity were higher with organic supplementation. Eggshell weight, percentage of eggshell, and specific gravity were higher in the treatments with the fine+coarse limestone association. In conclusion, organic mineral supplementation improves the performance based on egg production and egg mass. The association between fine and larger-sized limestone improves the external quality of eggs. The use of organic minerals improves the bone quality of birds in the second production cycle.

scholarly journals Dietary organic trace minerals level influences eggshell quality and minerals retention in hens

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 503-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiping Bai ◽  
Gu Jin ◽  
Delong Li ◽  
Xuemei Ding ◽  
Jianping Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Breaking Strength ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Butanoic Acid ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
Organic Mineral ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Organic Trace Minerals ◽  
Organic Trace ◽  
Mn Concentrations

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of reduced levels of Cu, Zn, Mn in combination from organic mineral source on eggshell quality and mineral retention in hens. After feeding the basal diet (8.82 mg/kg Cu, 24.94 mg/kg Zn, and 16.38 mg/kg Mn) without Cu, Zn, and Mn addition for 4 weeks, hens (39-week-old) were assigned to 5 treatments according to the equal body weight and egg production for 12-week experimental trial. The 5 treatments included the basal diet without Cu, Zn, and Mn (NCON), and NCON added with 16-80-60 mg/kg Cu-Zn-Mn from sulfates (ITM100%), or 4-20-15, 8-40-30 or 16-80-60 mg/kg Cu-Zn-Mn from 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid (HMTBA) mineral chelates (OTM25%, OTM50% or OTM100%). Supplementation of Cu, Zn, and Mn had no significant influences on the performance of hens. After 12 weeks feeding, eggshell breaking strength (EBS) decreased in the following order: OTM25% and ITM100% > OTM50% > NCON and OTM100%. The eggshell weight and thickness in OTM25% were greater than that in NCON, while not differing from that in ITM100%. The EBS and eggshell weight linearly decreased with increasing level of OTM. After 12 weeks feeding, supplementation of Cu, Zn, and Mn increased the concentrations of liver Zn, tibia Zn and Mn, and Zn and Mn retention in eggs as compared with NCON. No significant difference was observed in the concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Mn in liver and plasma, and Zn and Mn in eggs between any OTM treatment and ITM100% groups. Addition of OTM at increasing level had quadratic effect on tibia Cu, Zn, Mn concentrations, with the greater retention of Cu, Zn, and Mn in OTM50%. In conclusion, the OTM25% from HMT BA mineral chelates can substitute for ITM100% evaluated by the eggshell quality in the diet of laying hens.

scholarly journals KVALITET JAJA ORGANSKIH KOKOŠI NOSILJA U RAZLIČITIM FAZAMA PROIZVODNOG CIKLUSA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simeon Rakonjac ◽  
◽  
Snežana Bogosavljevic-Boškovic ◽  
Vladimir Doskovic ◽  
Miloš Lukic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Breaking Strength ◽  
Shape Index ◽  
The Other ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Lower Weight ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One

The aim of this study was to determine the eggs and eggshell quality of organic laying hens at different stages of the one-year production cycle. Based on the results of these studies, it can be concluded that the organic eggs of 24-week-old Isa Brown layers had lower weight and a higher shape index than the eggs of 48- and 72-week-old hens. On the other hand, the eggs of 24- and 48-week-old laying hens had a higher albumen height and Haugh units, and less colored yolks compared to the eggs of 72-week-old hens. In terms of eggshell quality, 24-week-old hen eggs had a higher proportion, thickness and breaking strength and less shell deformation compared to 48- and 72-week-old hen eggs.

scholarly journals Effects on performance and eggshell quality of particle size of calcium sources in laying hens' diets with different Ca concentrations

2015 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Świątkiewicz ◽  
A. Arczewska-Włosek ◽  
J. Krawczyk ◽  
M. Puchała ◽  
D. Józefiak
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Fine Particles ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
Effect Of Particle Size

Abstract. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of particle size of a dietary Ca source on egg production and eggshell quality when added to hens' diets that have different levels of calcium. The experiment was carried out on 216 ISA Brown hens (25 to 70 weeks of age), allocated to 9 groups of 12 replicates (cages), with two birds in each cage. A 3 × 3 factorial arrangement was used, with three dietary levels of calcium (3.20, 3.70 and 4.20 %) and three levels of dietary substitutions (0, 25 and 50 %) of fine particles of limestone (FPL, diameter 0.2–0.6 mm) with large particles of limestone (LPL, diameter 1.0–1.4 mm) as a Ca source. The level of Ca in the diet had no effect on egg production, mean egg weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio or eggshell quality parameters (P > 0.05). Substitution of FPL with LPL did not affect laying performance indices or eggshell quality at 30, 43 and 53 weeks of age (P > 0.05); however, it increased (P < 0.05) eggshell percentage, thickness, density and breaking strength in older hens (69 weeks of age). In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that a level of 3.20 % Ca in a layer's diet is sufficient through the entire laying cycle to maintain good egg production and eggshell quality and that partial (25 or 50 %) substitution of fine- with large-particle limestone can, irrespective of the level of Ca in the diet, improve eggshell quality in aged laying hens.

scholarly journals Dual-Purpose Poultry in Organic Egg Production and Effects on Egg Quality Parameters

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 897
Author(s):  
Marianne Hammershøj ◽  
Gitte Hald Kristiansen ◽  
Sanna Steenfeldt
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Shell Quality ◽  
Egg Shell ◽  
Genotype A

Egg laying genotypes have been selected for generations due to their high yield and egg quality, resulting in efficient feed utilization and low body weight; hence, they are not suitable for meat production. This imposes an issue for the male layer chicks, which are killed at one day old. Because of ethical and food waste concerns, the search for suitable dual-purpose genotypes in order to avoid euthanasia of male day-old chicks has intensified. The aim of the present study is to evaluate potential dual-purpose genotypes for their egg quality compared to a representative egg laying genotype. Three dual-purpose genotypes with divergent characteristics were evaluated: genotype A represented an experimental crossbreed based on a broiler type male and an egg layer female, genotype B was a pure breed, and genotype C was a crossbreed of a layer type. These were compared to a control genotype D, which was an egg layer. Eggs were collected six times during the period of 21–54 weeks of hen age, i.e., a total of 1080 shell eggs were analyzed. Examined parameters were weights of egg, shell, yolk, and albumen, by calculating their relative proportions. Shell quality was assessed by shell strength, shell stiffness, and shell thickness. Yolk quality was determined as yolk color and inclusions of blood and meat spots, and albumen quality was evaluated in terms of pH and dry matter (DM) content. The egg layer genotype produced the smallest eggs with least blood and meat spot inclusions compared to that produced by the three dual-purpose genotypes. Shell quality was superior for the layer genotype. However, the experimental genotype A laid eggs of comparable shell quality, albumen DM, and yolk weight, but also with the darkest and most red-yellow colored yolk. The two other dual-purpose genotypes produced eggs of low-medium quality. In conclusion, the genotype A could serve as dual-purpose genotype from an egg quality perspective.

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