Allium-Based Phytobiotic for Laying Hens’ Supplementation: Effects on Productivity, Egg Quality, and Fecal Microbiota

The poultry industry is constantly demanding novel strategies to improve the productivity and health status of hens, prioritizing those based on the holistic use of natural resources. This study aimed to assess the effects of an Allium-based phytobiotic on productivity, egg quality, and fecal microbiota of laying hens. One hundred and ninety-two 14-week-old Lohmann Lite LSL hens were allocated into an experimental farm, fed with a commercial concentrate with and without the Allium-based phytobiotic, and challenged against Salmonella. Productivity, egg quality, and fecal microbiota were monitored for 20 weeks. Results showed that the phytobiotic caused an increase on the number of eggs laid (p < 0.05) and in the feed conversion rate (p < 0.05); meanwhile, egg quality, expressed as egg weight, albumin height, haugh units, egg shell strength, and egg shell thickness remained unchanged (p > 0.05), although yolk color was decreased. Fecal microbiota structure was also modified, indicating a modulation of the gut microbiota by increasing the presence of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes but reducing Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria phyla. Predicted changes in the functional profiles of fecal microbiota suggest alterations in metabolic activities that could be responsible for the improvement and maintenance of productivity and egg quality when the phytobiotic was supplemented; thus, Allium-based phytobiotic has a major impact on the performance of laying hens associated with a possible gut microbiota modulation.

Effect of the concentration of estradiol and vitellogenin in the blood serum of meat and egg breed chickens on egg productivity

The aim of the research is to determine the effect of changes in the concentration of estradiol-17β on the concentration of vitellogenin at the stage of egg shell formation and preparation of the body of meat and egg breed chickens (for example, the Pushkin breed) for ovulation.Materials and methods. The material for the study was the Pushkin breed chickens, in the amount of 28 heads. at the age of 48 weeks. Chickens were kept in individual cages. Light mode - 14C:10T. Drinking - nipple, temperature in the house and feeding - according to the standards adopted in the bioresource collection of RRIFAGB "Genetic collection of rare and endangered chicken breeds." Within 10 days prior to blood sampling, an ultrasound scan of the ovary and oviduct was performed from the studied group of chickens, which made it possible to determine the stage of egg formation. Blood from the studied chickens was taken in the morning on an empty stomach for the simultaneous determination of the concentration of estradiol and vitellogenin at the stage of egg shell formation. The concentration of estradiol and vitellogenin in the blood plasma of chickens was determined by ELISA. To clarify the effect of the concentration of estradiol (E2) on vitellogenin (VTG), the studied flock was divided into 2 groups according to the concentration of vitellogenin: 1st gr. – > Mav. (> 20 μg / ml) and 2nd gr. – < Mav. (<20 μg / ml). During the study period, eggs of chickens were evaluated according to the following morphometric parameters: the weight of the egg, yolk, protein and shell, elastic deformation, shape index, density of protein fractions, thickness of the shell and subshell, marbling. The number of eggs laid was determined in 10-day trial period.Results. It has been established that the duration of the ovulatory cycle in Pushkin breed chickens is 27-29 hours. As a result of such a long ovulatory cycle in the following days, laying of eggs occurs later with a progressive shift, as a result of which the laying cycle on average for the studied group of chickens is 3 days. The E2 level in the 1st group was 258,48 ± 30,60 pg/ml (p < 0,05), which significantly differed from the 2nd group – 181,45 ± 13,81 pg/ml. A positive correlation was found between VTG and E2, r = 0,5 (p < 0,001).Conclusion. The VTG level significantly increases in Pushkin chickens at the age of 48 weeks with an increase in the concentration of E2 in the blood. A positive correlation was noted between these features. According to the results of our research, the high content of estradiol and vitellogenin in the chickens blood serum did not have a significant effect on egg productivity.

Antimicrobial Activity of Synthesized Multi-Metallic Nanoparticles using Traditional Indian Siddha Method

In present work, multi-metallic nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical method in a controlled environment by using silver, lead, mercury, egg shell powder (contains 1% calcium phosphate, 1% magnesium carbonate, 94% calcium carbonate and 4% organic matter), potassium nitrate, potassium alum and extracts of citrus lemon by following the process defined in Traditional Indian Medicine, Siddha System of Medicine. The morphology, compositions and structure of the product were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Highly uniform spherical multi-metallic nanoparticle was subjected for the antibacterial activities. The particles were agglomerated as observed by SEM micrographs. The particles were homogeneous, spherical in shape and loosely agglomerated as seen by TEM pictures. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized multi-metallic nanoparticles against B. cereus, S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeuroginosa was demonstrated using the zone of inhibition technique. The synthesized multi-metallic nanoparticle can find plausible biological applications.

Occurrence of Hymenolepis diminuta: a potential helminth of zoonotic importance in murid rodents

The study reveals the prevalence of a potential rodent-borne zoonotic helminth species, Hymenolepis diminuta in commensal rodents caught from irrigated and rain-fed areas of Swat, Pakistan. Three hundred and fifty rodents (269 rats and 81 mice) trapped during vegetative, flowering/fruiting and mature/harvesting stages of crops were studied from 2011-2013. Hymenolepisdiminuta eggs were identified on the basis of their shape, size, colour and markings on the surface of the egg shell and three pairs of embryonic hook-lets. Overall prevalence of H. diminuta was 3.14% (n=11/350). The highest prevalence 3.49% (n=5/143) of H. diminuta was noted at harvesting stages of the crops whereas the lowest 2.59% (n=2/77) during vegetative stage. Infection was higher in males 3.25% (n=7/215) than females 2.96% (n=4/135). Adult rodents were highly infected while no sub-adult was found infected. Infection was higher in mice 3.70% (3/81) than rats 2.69% (8/269) while no significance (p=1.0000:0.1250 to 32.00 CI). Rats and mice appears to show the most suitable reservoirs by hosting H. diminuta a zoonotic helminth. The presence of these rodents in all possible habitats can act as a main channel of transferring parasites through various habitats and can pose a hazard to humans in the area.

Penerapan Algoritma Convolutional Neural Network dalam Klasifikasi Telur Ayam Fertil dan Infertil Berdasarkan Hasil Candling

Fertile chicken eggs are eggs that can hatch because these eggs have a development in the form of dots of blood and blood vessels or can be called an embryo, while infertile chicken eggs are a type of egg that cannot be hatched because there is no embryo development in the hatching process. Inspection of infertile chicken eggs must be carried out especially for breeders who will carry out the selection and transfer of fertile chicken eggs and infertile chicken eggs. However, currently, the selection of fertile and infertile chicken eggs is still using a less effective way, namely only by looking at the egg shell or called candling, this process is certainly less accurate to classify which eggs are fertile and infertile eggs because not all breeders are able to see the results of the eggs properly. candling so that the possibility of prediction errors. Therefore, in this study, a classification of fertile chicken eggs and infertile chicken eggs will be carried out based on candling results using the Convolutional Neural Network method. From the results of the classification carried out, the percentage of accuracy obtained for the classification of fertile and infertile chicken eggs is 98% and an error of 5%.

phytanoyl-CoA dioxygenase domain-containing protein 1 plays an important role in egg shell formation of silkworm (Bombyx mori)

Yun7Ge is a giant egg mutant found in the silkworm variety Yun7. In comparison with the giant mutant Ge, the eggs of Yun7Ge are larger. The number of laid eggs and hatching rate of Yun7Ge are reduced, which is not conducive to reproduction. In this work, the target gene controlling giant egg trait is located on the Z chromosome and was determined through genetic analysis. Transcriptome results showed that phytanoyl-CoA dioxygenase domain-containing protein 1 (PHYHD1) on the Z chromosome was silenced, and the 25 chorion genes on chromosome 2 were remarkably downregulated. Sequence analysis showed that the 73.5 kb sequence including the PHYHD1 was replaced by a ~3.0 kb sequence. After knocking out the PHYHD1 by using CRISPR/Cas9, the chorion genes were significantly downregulated. Hence, the silencing of PHYHD1 leads to the downregulation of many chorion protein genes, thus directly causing giant eggs.

Bacterial contamination of chicken food egg with automated and manual sorting and packaging

Chicken eggs are a staple food for humans and are consumed all over the world. Chicken eggs have a leading position among food products in terms of nutritional value and taste. During storage, under the influence of air oxygen and microorganisms, eggs deteriorate, contamination of opportunistic and pathogenic microflora increases. Purpose: analysis of the results of bacteriological studies of eggs of various producers during automatic and manual sorting and packaging from the trading network in Sumy and the Sumy region in accordance with DSTU 5028:2008 “Edible hen eggs. Specifications” and Microbiological Criteria for Establishing Food Safety Indicators. Materials and methods. Bacteriological studies of shell washings and egg contents were carried out according to standard methods. Samples of edible chicken eggs with automatic and manual sorting and packaging corresponded to DSTU 5028:2008, Microbiological criteria for establishing food safety indicators and BIE No. 5061-89. Pathogenic and opportunistic pathogens of bacterial diseases were not isolated from the surface of eggs of the control group during automated sorting and packing, spore bacteria of the genus Bacillus (Bacillus subtilis) were isolated. In washes from the egg shell surface with manual sorting and packaging, Streptococcus spp was found – 12 % of the number of samples examined, E. faecalis – 34 %, P. aeruginosa – 11 %, and spore bacteria of the genus Bacillus (B. subtilis) – 43 %. The number of QMA&OAMO and CGB (coli-forms) in both groups corresponded to the established norms, but the QMA&OAMO indicator in the products of enterprises with manual collection and packaging was 34 % higher compared to eggs from enterprises with automated sorting and packaging. Automation of the process of sorting and packing eggs provides the best microbiological indicators of the safety of edible hen eggs in comparison with those when using manual labor during sorting and packing. A complete transition to the automation of production processes for the production of edible eggs in Ukraine is required.

Effect of pack carburizing with chicken egg shell powder agent and vibrator quenching on the mechanical properties of AISI 9310 steel

The effects of vibrator quenching (QV) on the carbon content, microstructure, and mechanical properties (surface hardness number, wear resistance) in the pack carburizing of AISI 9310 steel were studied. The aim of this research is to increase the surface hardness and improve the wear resistance of AISI 9310 steel. The problem that often occurs in the quenching treatment after pack carburizing is that the thick cooling medium does not evenly wet the surface of the specimen, so that the cooling rate is not uniform, the impact is the distribution of the specimen surface hardness is not the same. Therefore, it is necessary to research the implementation of the vibrator in the quenching treatment. The specimens were treated with pack carburizing at a temperature of 875 °C, soaking time for 3 hours. The carburizing agent consisted of chicken egg shell powder (CESP) and rice husk charcoal (RHC) with various weight ratios of 5 %:95 %, 15 %:85 %, and 30 %:70 %. Followed by quenching treatment using a 10 % cane molasses cooling medium and vibrator. Hardness testing was carried out using a Vickers microhardness tester, wear resistance test using the pin-on-disc method, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDX) was used to observe changes in the microstructure and carbon elemental content on the specimen surface. The results showed that the application of VQ caused the formation of a small martensite microstructure while without VQ it was large martensite and a few of residual ferrite. The highest surface hardness number is 685 kg/mm2, the wear resistance is 0.32 cm/mg for pack carburizing, using carburizing agent 70 % RHC, 30 % CESP and VQ. VQ causes a more even distribution of the thick cane molasses cooling medium so that the cooling rate of the specimens is uniform.

Evaluation of mechanical and thermal properties of fabricated Sansevieria and Kaans fiber/Egg shell powder reinforced with polyester matrices

Purpose The purpose of this study is to fabricate and compare the mechanical and thermal properties of Sansevieria and Kaans fiber reinforced polyester matrices composites. Design/methodology/approach Treated Sansevieria and Kaans fiber was used as reinforcement for the fabrication of polymer matrix composites. Kaans fiber, which was available plenty in the delta region, but physical and mechanical properties of Kaans fiber were low when it compared with Sansevieria fiber. To make use of Kaans fiber for the fabrication of composite, the physical and mechanical properties have to be enhanced. So Egg shell powder was selected as a filler material to enhance the Kaans fiber reinforced composite. The selected fibers were properly weaved after alkali treatment. A three-layered (0°/45°/0°) Sansevieria fiber reinforced polymer (S-FRP) and Kaans fiber reinforced polymer (K-FRP) composite plates were fabricated using the compression molding method. As per American Society for Testing and Materials standards, the specimens were cut and mechanical, thermal and absorption properties of Sansevieria and Kaans fiber composites were investigated experimentally. Findings Tensile and flexural test reveals that K-FRP composite has good ductility and bending property than S-FRP composite plate. But from the other test results, S-FRP possesses high elongation capability than K-FRP. Thermo gravimetric analysis, moisture absorption and swelling test too done which clearly appeared S-FRP composite plate has prevalent execution than K-FRP composite plate. Originality/value This original research study enlists the mechanical, thermal properties and absorption properties of fabricated S-FRP and K-FRP composite plates.

Art Paper for Large Wood Relief Block Printing – A Paper Development Study

Wood relief block printing was developed in China in the seventh century and is used today for many art printing applications. The presented research project describes the development of an art paper product applicable for large wood relief block printing from laboratory scale to large semi commercial production of art paper for printing image sizes of up to 44-inch (1118 mm) by 96-inch (2400 mm) at outdoor steam roller printing events or smaller indoor printing press applications. The improvement of the paper properties from laboratory development, small laboratory paper machine and semi commercial paper machine run for the production of the final art paper showed an improvement throughout the process development for the optical and mechanical paper properties and exceeded the set values set by the artist using the art paper. The produced art paper with a basis weight of 260 g/m² and a thickness of 171 µm is produced from a mixture of 70% northern bleached hardwood Kraft pulp and 30% northern bleached softwood Kraft pulp. The ISO brightness of the art paper off-white (egg-shell) colour was at 63.2% and the ISO color value for L, a, b. at 90.8, 1.1, and 12.6 respectively. The art papers surface roughness and porosity as a parameter for ink attachment and penetration is for the top side 2179 ml/min and for the bottom side (wire side) 2326 ml/min, whereas porosity was measured at 1668 ml/min. Bending stiffness in machine direction and cross machine direction was measured at 157mN and 70 mN respectively. Burst strength was measured at 2.24 kPA·m²/g.