Search Results (112)

This study explores the development of a topical film-forming spray infused with phytobiotic herbs to extend egg shelf life and maintain its quality. Unlike traditional surface treatments, film-forming sprays provide uniform drug distribution, better bioavailability, effective CO₂ retention by sealing pores, and antibacterial effects. The spray includes a polymer to encapsulate phytoconstituents and form the film. The resulting film is highly water-resistant, glossy, transparent, and dries within two minutes. SEM analysis showed a fine, uniform morphology, while zeta analysis revealed a negative potential of −0.342 mV and conductivity of 0.390 mS/cm, indicating stable dispersion. The spray’s effectiveness was tested on 640 chicken eggs stored at varying temperatures. Eggs treated and kept at 2–8 °C showed the best results, with smaller air cells, higher specific gravity, and superior quality indicators such as pH, albumen weight, albumen height and index, Haugh unit, yolk weight, and yolk index. Additionally, the spray significantly reduced microbial load, including total plate count and E. coli. Eggs stored at 28 °C remained safe for 24–30 days, while those at 2–8 °C lasted over 42 days. This innovative film-forming spray offers a promising approach for preserving internal and external egg quality during storage. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of natural pigments, such as paprika extract and marigold flower extract, on performance, egg quality, carotenoid content in the yolk, and shelf life of Japanese quail eggs. The experiment included 160 birds, divided into 4 treatment groups, as follows: 0.8% paprika extract, 0.8% marigold flower extract, 0.8% paprika/marigold (P/M) mixture, and a control group. The experiment lasted 84 days. The inclusion of paprika, marigold, or their combination did not affect performance parameters, except for feed conversion, which was significantly poorer in the supplemented groups compared to the control. An improvement in yolk color was observed, particularly in the marigold group, which showed higher concentrations of β-carotene (40 g/kg). Yolk color intensity, measured using the L*, a*, and b* scales, was enhanced in all supplemented groups. During storage, yolk weight increased after 5.72 days, while albumen weight showed a significant reduction starting at 4.30 days, with a more pronounced decrease after 6.6 days. Albumen diameter expanded after 15.7 days of storage, and the Haugh unit was significantly affected from the 17th day onward. Yolk percentage decreased after 4.06 days, while albumen and eggshell percentages decreased after 4.10 and 3.41 days, respectively. These results suggest that paprika and marigold extracts are effective in improving yolk color and maintaining egg quality without compromising performance. However, a poorer feed conversion by mass was observed in the groups fed with the paprika, marigold, and the (P/M) mixture, compared to the control group. These natural pigments also positively impacted egg quality, particularly in terms of color intensity and internal parameters, and helped maintain egg quality during storage, meeting consumer expectations for high-quality products. Future studies should focus on evaluating the antioxidant effects of these pigments in eggs, as this could provide a deeper understanding of their potential benefits, both in terms of nutritional quality and shelf-life enhancement. Full article

The potential of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and microalgae (MA) in poultry diets has garnered increasing interest due to their high nutritional value and reduced environmental footprint. BSFL represent a sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources such as soybean meal, whereas MA contributes to improved egg quality, particularly through its enrichment with polyunsaturated fatty acids. This study assessed the effects of BSFL and MA inclusion on the growth performance and egg quality of Rhode Island Red (RIR) laying hens. Three diets were formulated: Diet A (10% BSFL), Diet B (10% BSFL + 2% MA), and Diet C (commercial control). The diets were formulated to meet the age-specific nutrient requirements of RIR hens, according to the National Research Council (NRC, 1994) guidelines. A total of 96 four-week-old chicks were randomly allocated to six pens (n = 16 per pen) and provided ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the trial. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of BSFL and MA significantly influenced the growth rate, onset of lay, and egg characteristics. Hens fed Diet B exhibited the highest average weekly body weight gain (0.034 ± 0.001 kg/week); initiated laying at 20 weeks of age, three weeks earlier than hens on Diets B and C; and produced significantly heavier eggs (51.208 ± 0.511 g). Enhanced eggshell quality and yolk pigmentation were also observed. In addition, Diet B enhanced the nutritional profile of the eggs, yielding a higher albumen protein content (76.546 ± 1.382%DM) and lower lipid concentrations (0.451 ± 0.128%DM). These findings underscore the potential of BSFL and MA as functional feed ingredients for improving poultry performance and egg quality in a sustainable production system. Full article

This study evaluates the effects of dietary selenium (Se) sources—sodium selenite (SS), nano-selenium (Nano-Se), selenocysteine (Se-C), and selenomethionine (Se-Met)—on production performance, egg quality, preservation characteristics, yolk Se content, and antioxidant capacity in Hy-Line Grey laying hens. A total of 450 healthy 18-week-old Hy-Line Grey laying hens were allocated to five groups (basal diet without Se, 0.30 mg/kg SS, Nano-Se, Se-C, or Se-Met) for an 8-week trial after a 4-week Se-depletion phase. The key results demonstrate that while no significant differences were observed in the feed intake, egg production rate, or egg weight among the groups (p > 0.05), organic Se (Se-C, Se-Met) and Nano-Se significantly improved the yolk color (p < 0.05) and yolk index (p < 0.05) and mitigated declines in the albumen height and Haugh unit during storage. Notably, Nano-Se exhibited superior efficacy in enhancing yolk color and antioxidant enzyme activity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, organic Se and Nano-Se increased yolk Se deposition (p < 0.05), increased yolk antioxidant enzyme activity (p < 0.05), and reduced lipid peroxidation (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that supplementing 0.3 mg/kg organic Se or Nano-Se enhances egg quality, extends shelf life, and improves antioxidant capacity, offering a sustainable strategy for selenium-enriched egg production. Full article

This study examined the effects of replacing corn with an aged brown rice (ABR)–wheat mixture (ABR: wheat = 85%:15%) on laying performance, egg quality, yolk fatty acid profile, economic benefits, serum biochemistry, and nutrient digestibility in laying ducks. A 12-week trial with six hundred 32-week-old Jinding ducks were randomly divided into five groups, with 10 replicates per group, and each replicate contained 12 ducks. The levels of ABR–wheat mixture in the diet were 0%, 12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, and 50%, respectively, to replace equal amounts of corn. The basic diet of the control group was corn–soybean meal (corn accounted for 50%). The experimental period was 12 weeks (from 32 to 43 weeks old). No significant differences were observed in laying performances (p > 0.05). From a numerical perspective, the duck-housed laying rate and egg mass were highest in the 37.5% group and lowest in the 50% group. Yolk color declined linearly (p < 0.05) over 12 weeks. The albumen height and Haugh unit showed a quadratic increase in weeks 4 and 8 (p < 0.05). The relative content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) increased linearly (p < 0.05), while the relative content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), ω-3 PUFA, ω-6 PUFA, and ω-6/ω-3 PUFA decreased linearly in egg yolks (p < 0.05). The triglycerides (TG) content in serum showed a significant secondary change (p < 0.05), with the 50% group significantly lower than the other treatment groups (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of ether extract (EE) in the diets decreased linearly (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) in the diets was significantly reduced with the 50% group (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the 0% and 37.5% groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, economic analysis revealed net gains of 0.04–0.10 USD/duck at ≤37.5% substitution, but a loss (−0.04 USD) at 50%. In conclusion, the ABR–wheat mixture could reduce the yolk color and yolk PUFA content, but it could improve albumen quality and increase yolk MUFA content. High-level ABR–wheat mixture (50%) significantly reduced the TG content in serum and nutrient digestibility of the diet and also showed a numerical decrease in laying rate and egg mass. Our findings suggest that up to a 37.5% ABR–wheat mixture can effectively replace corn in laying duck diets without negatively affecting laying performance, while improving albumen quality and altering yolk fatty acid composition. Full article

Two concurrent assays were conducted with the objective of evaluating the bioequivalence and determining the relative bioavailability value (RBV) of L-tryptophan biomass 60% for laying hens. In both assays, L-tryptophan 98% was used as the reference source. A total of 216 hens were used in the two assays. The first assay was performed using the direct comparison method to assess bioequivalence between the sources. In the second assay, the slope ratio method was used to determine the RBV. The variables analyzed were feed intake, tryptophan intake, egg production, egg weight, daily egg mass, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency, yolk weight, shell weight, albumen weight, albumen height, eggshell thickness, Haugh unit, body protein weight, body lipid weight, body water weight, and body ash weight. The data from both assays were submitted to analysis of variance, and we only applied linear regression to variables from the data obtained using the slope ratio method that were significant at 0.05. The results obtained via the direct comparison method showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the L-tryptophan sources when using ANOVA. In the slope ratio method, the treatments only affected the egg production and daily tryptophan intake responses of the hens and linear equations were adjusted. No differences (p > 0.05) were found for egg quality. When we applied the slope ratio in adjusted equations, we found that the RBV = 100%. The results showed that the utilization of L-tryptophan biomass 60% in the diet of laying hens was bioequivalent. Full article

This study determined the interaction between soybean hulls (SHs) and enzymes (β-mannanase) to improve the sustainability and efficacy of feeding programs for laying hens during peak production while ensuring the best health and efficiency. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 200 golden-brown hens were fed for four weeks (33 to 36 weeks) and randomly distributed into four groups, each containing four replicates of ten birds, with one group receiving a control diet (P0) and the others receiving diets that contained four combinations of SHs and enzymes (ENZs). e.g., 3% SHs and 0.02 g/kg ENZs (P1), 3% SHs and 0.03 g/kg ENZs (P2), 9% SHs and 0.02 g/kg ENZs (P3), and 9% SHs and 0.03 g/kg ENZs (P4). Although most egg quality measures remained similar, the P2 group showed enhanced (p = 0.630) egg weight, albumen weight, and height. Moreover, the P2 group improved gut (p < 0.05) shape by increasing villus width, height, crypt depth, and surface area throughout intestinal sections, while the P4 group markedly improved total cholesterol and LDL (p = 0.022) levels. The P1, P2, and P4 groups exhibited a significant enhancement in dry matter (p = 0.022) and crude fiber (p = 0.046) digestibility, while the P2 group demonstrated superior crude protein digestibility (p = 0.032), and the P1 and P2 groups showed increased crude fat digestibility compared to the other groups. In conclusion, adding 3% of SHs and 30 mg/kg of ENZs (β-mannanase) to the feed may help laying hens, enhance gut health and some egg quality indices, and decrease blood cholesterol and LDL levels without compromising nutrient digestibility. Full article

The aim of this study was to compare the performance, egg quality and economic aspects of laying hybrids of different genotypes in free-range system. In the study, three different laying genotypes (Lohmann Brown, Lohmann Sandy and ATAK-S genotype) were used. Each group consisted of four replicates and each replicate contained 20 hens. Egg production, broken–cracked egg ratio, egg weight, feed consumption, feed efficiency, and viability were determined as performance traits. Eggshell strength, Haugh unit, yolk color, and shell color were determined as egg quality traits. The costs of eggs were assessed for economic analysis. The Lohmann Sandy genotype produced more eggs than the Lohmann Brown genotype (p < 0.05). The ATAK-S genotype reached 50% egg production age sooner than other genotypes (p < 0.05). The Lohmann Sandy and Lohmann Brown genotypes produced fewer broken eggs and heavier eggs compared to the ATAK-S genotype (p < 0.05). The ATAK-S genotype consumed more feed than the Lohmann Sandy and Lohmann Brown genotypes (p < 0.05). The Lohmann Sandy and Lohmann Brown genotypes have better feed efficiency compared to the ATAK-S genotype (p < 0.05). Eggs from the Lohmann Sandy genotype exhibit greater resistance to breakage compared to those from other genotypes (p < 0.05). The highest quality of albumen was identified in the eggs of the Lohmann Brown genotype (p < 0.05). The yolk color of Lohmann Brown genotype eggs is darker than those of other genotypes (p < 0.05). The shell color of Lohmann genotype eggs is a darker brown compared to eggs of other genotypes (p < 0.05). The cheapest egg cost was determined from eggs produced from the Lohmann Sandy genotype (p < 0.05). According to the results obtained from our study, it would be more appropriate to prefer the Lohmann Sandy genotype in the free-range system. Full article

Electrolyzed acidic water (EAW) contains hypochlorous acid as its active compound, which is a potent antimicrobial. It was encapsulated in polymeric coatings and applied to the surface of eggs. The antimicrobial activity and the ability to extend the shelf life of eggs at ambient temperature for 45 days were evaluated, by physical, microbiological, and sensory analyses. The analysis also included the evaluation of mechanical, thermal, and crystallinity properties and the interaction between the coating components and the eggshell. The results showed that eggs from young, middle-aged, and adult hens, encapsulated and coated with EAW, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and chitosan, gained resistance and a glossy appearance. The thickness of the coating was 2.9 µm for young and adult hens’ eggs and 2.60 µm for those of old hens, as observed by SEM. Shelf life was extended to 45 days under refrigeration and more than 30 days at ambient temperature. Coated eggs were acceptable for 85% of the panelists compared to 57% acceptance of non-coated eggs. The encapsulation and coating with EAW as an antimicrobial agent improved the surface protection of commercial eggs, reduced albumen liquefaction, and maintained quality by acting as a barrier against air, thereby preserving sensory characteristics. Full article

This study aimed to examine the effects of supplementing a basal diet with resveratrol and black soldier fly (Hermetiaillucens) larvae meal on Manchurian Golden quail egg production and quality as well as consumer attitudes towards the quail eggs and their acceptability. Quail were allotted three treatments for a laying period of 3 months. The dietary treatment groups were those of a basal diet, a basal diet with 250 mg/kg resveratrol pliusACE, and a diet supplemented with 10% black soldier fly larvae meal (BSF). The BSF larvae meal supplement increased the live weight of the quail, but the differences in the mean egg production and egg external parameters between the experimental groups were insignificant. The egg yolk from the quail fed with resveratrol and BSF supplementation demonstrated lower (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01) pH compared with the quail fed a basal diet. Egg yolk colour showed lower (p < 0.05) lightness and lower (p < 0.01) yellowness and colour saturation in the group of quail fed with resveratrol supplement compared with BSF supplement. Resveratrol inclusion in the basal diet resulted in increased (p < 0.001) protein content in the yolk. BSF inclusion in the diet showed the effect by increasing (p < 0.001) dry matter in albumen. The total monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and cholesterol content were not affected by the dietary treatment. The inclusion of BSF larvae meal in the diet increased the proportion of total saturated fatty acids and lowered the proportion of total trans fatty acids in yolk lipids and demonstrated less favourable ratios of fatty acids and nutritional indices, except for the peroxidisability index, and showed higher oxidative status (p < 0.05), flavour score, and overall egg acceptance compared with the quail fed on a basal diet. Full article

This study was conducted to compare the fertility and hatchability performance of the Nigerian indigenous and exotic helmeted guinea fowls and predict egg weight from egg indices in Nigeria. A total of 300 randomly selected 8-month-old guinea fowls, comprising 150 indigenous (30 males and 120 females) and 150 exotic birds (30 males and 120 females), were utilized in this study. Consequently, a total of 240 randomly selected eggs (120 per genotype) were used separately for the reproductive and egg quality assessments. The fertility and hatchability parameters were subjected to descriptive statistics (numbers and percentages), while the 17 egg quality parameters were analyzed using a T-test, phenotypic correlation, principal component analysis, multiple linear regression, and a CHAID decision tree. Percentages of fertility (90.0 and 73.3%) and hatchability (66.7 and 56.8%) were higher in the exotic birds compared to their indigenous counterparts. The egg quality parameters of the exotic birds were higher (p < 0.05) than those of the indigenous birds, with the exception of egg shell index (18.88 ± 0.79 versus 16.41 ± 0.69) and Haugh unit (92.37 ± 3.13 versus 91.09 ± 3.22). However, the mean yolk/albumen ratio was similar (p > 0.05). The phenotypic correlation coefficients between egg weight and egg quality indices in both genetic groups ranged from low to high values [−0.05–0.95 (indigenous); −0.19–0.96 (exotic birds)]. Three principal components sufficiently accounted for the variations in the egg quality traits of both genetic groups. The CHAID algorithm was more consistent in egg weight prediction, with egg width as the primary explanatory variable. The present information may guide breeding and management strategies geared towards the improvement of the reproductive and egg quality traits of the helmeted guinea fowls. Full article

(1) Background: Given the problems currently posed by the use of soybean meal in poultry feeding, its replacement with black soldier fly (BSF) meal may be a suitable strategy. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of this dietary replacement on laying performance, egg quality, and yolk nutritional composition in free-range reared hens. (2) Methods: Three diets were formulated: a control diet with 210 g/kg of soybean meal, a diet with 105 g/kg of soybean meal and 80 g/kg of BSF meal, and a diet with 160 g/kg of BSF meal. This eight-week-long study was performed with 126 Bovans Brown hens aged 36 weeks (six replicates of seven hens each per dietary treatment); (3) Results: The laying performance of hens was not influenced by the diet consumed. Neither was the yolk content in fat, protein, cholesterol, choline, B vitamins, and cholecalciferol affected. The dietary inclusion of BSF meal made yolk colour score and albumen Haugh units decrease (p < 0.001) by 51.1% and 12.0%, respectively. It also reduced the yolk content in retinol (by 10.1%, p = 0.0037), but it increased that of α- and γ-tocopherol (by 27.6%, p = 0.014, and 25.8%, p = 0.0077, respectively). A negative linear effect (p < 0.001) was observed on yolk zinc concentration and on the proportions of polyunsaturated and ω-3 fatty acids with increasing dietary dose of BSF meal; (4) Conclusions: Soybean meal could be fully replaced by BSF meal in the diet of hens without affecting the laying rate or the egg weight. However, the dietary inclusion of BSF meal led to paler yolks and impaired albumen quality, while it decreased the content of retinol and zinc and the proportions of polyunsaturated and ω-3 fatty acids in egg yolk. Full article

During conventional pasteurization, eggs are submerged for 60 min at 56.7 °C, a lengthy and costly process that affects egg quality. Radio frequency (RF), a means to pasteurize eggs without affecting quality, is a novel option based on fast volumetric heating; however, there is scarce information about the quality of such treated food. This research consisted in a comprehensive quality study on eggs treated with RF. The RF system was operated at 40.68 MHz, 40 W and 16 W (8 min total), and 42 rpm. The quality assessment included the determination of Haugh unit, yolk index, compression strength, albumen turbidity, albumen and yolk pH, and yolk color. Additional analyses were conducted to quantify the mineral composition of the eggshell (40.68 MHz, 40 W, 42 rpm, 5.5, 8.5, and 10 min); these samples were observed by SEM. The results showed that RF did not significantly (p > 0.05) change any quality parameters. The mineral composition remained constant in processed eggs. The SEM images of RF-treated eggs showed some smooth spots; however, these areas could exist due to the high variability of the eggshells. RF is an option to process intact eggs, maintaining their fresh quality and keeping the integrity of the eggshell to ensure the food safety of the internal egg components. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of paprika extract supplementation on egg storage and blood biochemical parameters in 63-week-old Rhode Island Red (RIR) and Silky Fowl (SF) hens. The hens were divided into three groups: a control group with a basal diet and two groups receiving the basal diet with paprika extract. The trial lasted 28 days, with egg quality (yolk color and albumen pH) assessed after storing eggs at 25 °C for 21 days. A total of 144 eggs were used in 42 treatments (two breeds, three diets, and seven storage periods) with three eggs examined each (four eggs were used on day 0 and five eggs on day 21). Additionally, the yolk carotenoid content, yolk color, and pH of eggs stored at 4 °C and 25 °C were compared. Results showed that yolk color fan score (YCFS) decreased with storage, and SF had a higher albumen pH than RIR, with both breeds exhibiting an increase in pH over time. HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the HDL-C to total cholesterol ratio were significantly influenced by breed, diet, and their interaction. The HDL-C level in SF was affected linearly and quadratically by diet, while no such trend was observed in RIR. The study concluded that paprika extract affects egg quality and blood lipid profiles differently in different breeds, highlighting breed-specific responses to dietary supplementation. Full article

Chlorella vulgaris (CV) is a microalga with considerable nutritional value, containing high levels of protein, carotenoids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have the potential to positively influence the productive performance and egg quality of laying hens. CV emerges as a more sustainable ingredient than soybean meal (SBM) as it can be produced locally and with fewer inputs. In this regard, a study was conducted with 48 H&N Brown Nick strain laying hens, at 19 weeks of age, over a period of 16 weeks. The hens were divided into four treatments, with 12 replicates each. The treatments consisted of providing four different diets: a control diet based on corn and SBM without the inclusion of CV, and three other diets with partial substitution of SBM by 2.5, 5, and 10% of CV. The results showed that the inclusion of CV in the diets did not significantly affect feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or egg production (p > 0.05). In addition, moderate CV levels increased egg weight, while higher levels reduced it. Haugh units, yolk index, albumen index, egg surface area, specific density, and translucency were not affected (p > 0.05), while shell index and shell thickness were lower in the groups that received the CV (p < 0.0001). Yolk color improved significantly with increasing CV levels (p < 0.0001), with darker, more intensely colored yolks at higher CV concentrations. The results of this study suggest that the incorporation of CV in the diet of laying hens had a limited impact on performance parameters. In addition, CV supplementation can positively influence egg quality and yolk color, although careful consideration of optimal levels is necessary to avoid negative effects on other parameters. Full article