Search Results (189)

Omega-3 fatty acids transferred from breeder hens to their developing offspring via the egg may affect the offspring’s emotional reactivity and fearfulness. In one experiment, broiler (meat) parent flocks were fed flaxseed or control diets during rearing, laying, or both. In a second experiment, ISA Brown and Shaver White layer (egg) parent flocks were fed flaxseed or control diets throughout rearing and laying. Male and female broiler offspring and female layer offspring underwent a five-minute social isolation test at 4–6 days of age. Vocalisations, escape attempts, and freezing (immobility) durations were recorded. In the broiler experiment, maternal laying diet and sex interacted to affect vocalisation frequency (χ² = 5.57, p = 0.02). Male broiler chicks from the flaxseed maternal laying diet vocalised most frequently (p < 0.04). An interaction between the rearing diet, laying diet, and sex affected escape attempts in broiler offspring (χ² = 6.03, p = 0.01). Control-control males made the fewest escape attempts. In the layer experiment, no maternal diet effects were observed in any offspring, but Brown chicks vocalised substantially more than White chicks (χ² = 4.56, p = 0.03), and White chicks spent more time frozen (χ² = 5.86, p = 0.02). We found sex-specific effects of maternal flaxseed diets on measures of anxiety and fear of broiler chickens in social isolation. Genetic strain-dependent effects in layer chickens suggest differing behavioural responses to isolation. Full article

Background. Newborn ruminants are born agammaglobulinemic, and colostrum quality (IgG concentration) is often insufficient, especially in heifers, leading to high morbidity and mortality from diarrheal infections. Objective. To develop and evaluate colostrum enrichment with specific egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY) for the prevention of diarrhea in newborn calves. Methods. Hens were hyperimmunized with an inactivated vaccine against rotavirus, coronavirus, and E. coli. Yolk melange was prepared. Total and specific IgY were measured by chromatography and ELISA. Trials were conducted in three farms with high diarrhea incidence: experimental calves (n = 25) received 100 mL of melange (5 yolks) with the first two colostrum feedings; controls (n = 25) received native colostrum. Results. One yolk contained up to 100 mg of polyclonal IgY, with 8% specific antibodies. Diarrhea occurred in 12% of experimental calves (mild, no drugs) vs. 76% in controls (24% required antibiotics/rehydration). Testing in two other farms (n = 42, n = 38) reduced incidence 5.2–6.8-fold compared to the previous period. Conclusions. Enriching colostrum with specific IgY from hyperimmunized hens is highly effective and affordable for preventing diarrheal infections in newborn calves, especially in herds with poor colostrum quality in heifers. Full article

Background: Measles has re-emerged in recent years as a public health concern in the context of insufficient vaccination coverage. Some children experience significant delays in receiving, or refuse to take, the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination, often due to concerns related to hen’s egg allergy (HEA). Methods: In this study, we retrospectively assessed the safety of MMR vaccination (Priorix^®, GlaxoSmithKline, Belgium) in patients with HEA hospitalised at our clinic. Detailed medical histories were collected, along with skin prick tests and measurements of specific IgE against milk and egg proteins or extracts. The study included 39 patients with a mean age of 19 months, of whom 15 had previously experienced an anaphylactic reaction after egg ingestion. Results: None of these patients experienced a systemic reaction to vaccination. One patient developed a generalised maculopapular rash, which resolved after a single dose of an antihistamine. Vaccination was postponed in 63% of patients, with the longest delay extending to 113 months. Conclusions: Severe adverse reactions following MMR vaccination in patients with HEA are generally rare and are outweighed by the risks associated with natural infection and its complications. Effective communication of vaccine safety data and strengthening public trust in healthcare professionals are crucial. Full article

US egg production is undergoing a transition to cage-free (CF) housing systems. This transition has increased the need for automated monitoring tools to support welfare management and reduce production costs. While CF houses allow hens to perform natural behaviors such as dust bathing and foraging, a persistent challenge is severe feather pecking. Pecking block enrichment is used as a managemental approach to control severe feather pecking. However, manual quantification of such behavior is subjective and labor-intensive. This study evaluated the performance of small and large variants of both YOLOv10 and YOLO11 models for automatic detection of enrichment block pecking behavior in CF research environment. A total of 1061 color images were used to train and evaluate the models using 70:20:10 split for training, validation, and testing. Performance was assessed using precision, recall, mean average precision at 50% intersection over union (mAP50), confusion matrices, and F1–confidence curve. All models demonstrated robust performance, with precision, recall and mAP50 values greater than 0.94. YOLO11l achieved the highest precision with 0.969 and mAP50 with 0.988, while YOLOv10s achieved the highest recall of 0.962. Evaluation on test datasets showed robust generalization capability of the model, with high confidence detections. Overall, the findings show that YOLO models provide a consistent, objective, and scalable method for automatic quantification of pecking enrichment block related pecking behavior in a CF system. It offers potential as an automated monitoring tool for poultry researchers and may support future development of tools for commercial CF system. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fungal keratitis remains a vision-threatening infection, and current amphotericin B (AmphB) eye drops suffer from low corneal residence time, poor aqueous solubility, and the need for frequent dosing. This study develops electrospun nanofiber-based ophthalmic inserts combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gamma-cyclodextrin (γ-CD), and sodium taurocholate (STC) to enhance AmphB solubility and provide a non-invasive, rapidly dissolving ophthalmic dosage form. Methods: γ-CD and STC-enhanced AmphB-loaded PVA nanofiber-based ophthalmic inserts with varying γ-CD and STC concentrations were prepared by electrospinning and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Drug content, in vitro release (Weibull modeling), antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Fusarium solani, and Aspergillus fumigatus, ocular cytocompatibility using the Hen’s Egg Test on Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM), and accelerated stability (40 ± 2 °C, 75 ± 5% relative humidity, 4 weeks) were evaluated. Results: Bead-free nanofibers with mean diameters between 216 ± 33 nm and 310 ± 35 nm were obtained, and XRD confirmed complete amorphization of AmphB within the PVA nanofiber matrix, forming an amorphous solid dispersion. All formulations showed rapid and nearly complete AmphB release (≈100% within 60 min), with Weibull β values < 0.75, indicating Fickian diffusion-controlled release. AmphB-loaded PVA nanofiber-based ophthalmic inserts produced inhibition zones and broth susceptibility profiles comparable to AmphB in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), demonstrating preserved antifungal activity. HET-CAM scores (0–0.9) classified the inserts as practically non-irritant, and SEM/FTIR after accelerated storage showed no relevant morphological or physicochemical changes. Conclusions: These γ-CD and STC-enhanced AmphB-loaded PVA nanofiber-based ophthalmic inserts provide a non-invasive, rapidly dissolving ophthalmic dosage form that combines amorphous AmphB, immediate drug availability, and good ocular tolerance, supporting their further development as a patient-friendly treatment option for fungal keratitis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Compounded vaginal creams are widely used for conditions such as hormone replacement therapy, vaginal dryness, low libido, vaginal infections, etc. Recent research highlights the potential of using anhydrous bases to extend shelf life, particularly when combined with self-emulsifying and mucoadhesive properties that improve mucosal retention and enhance drug bioavailability. This study provides in vitro and ex vivo evaluation of an anhydrous vaginal base. Methods: Key quality indicators such as irritation potential, leakage potential, pH compatibility, mucoadhesion, and self-emulsification were assessed using the chorioallantoic membrane Hen’s Egg Test, MTT assay, texture analysis, and fluorescence microscopy. Results: The anhydrous vaginal base demonstrated high cell viability (>78%) and non-irritant potential (IS = 2.5) in in vitro assays. It maintained physiological vaginal pH (4.56 ± 0.05), showed strong mucoadhesive properties comparable to commercial products, and exhibited minimal leakage. Ex vivo studies confirmed its prolonged retention on vaginal tissues. The anhydrous vaginal base formed stable emulsions upon contact with vaginal fluid simulant, effectively distributing both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds. Conclusions: Compared to water-containing bases, an anhydrous vaginal base shows advantages: longer retention time and lower leakage; adaptability to varying vaginal fluid levels; and efficient dispersion of both hydrophilic and lipophilic active pharmaceutical ingredients. These features support its potential use in compounded vaginal products, minimizing stability risks and enhancing patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. Full article

Background: Egg proteins are among the most common triggers of allergic reactions. This study aimed to evaluate whether changes in the protein source in hen diets may influence the immunoreactivity of eggs and recognize the ELISA limits in egg allergen detection. Methods: This study used eggs from laying hens fed various feeds (including soy and lupin). Determinations of selected allergens were performed using the immunoenzymatic ELISA method. Results: Studies have shown that including legumes in hens’ diets reduces egg immunoreactivity. The highest detected reactivity using a commercial test for the immunoreactivity of egg albumen was twice as high in whites from hens fed the control diet, and this result was most likely due to the Gal d 1 and Gal d 3 detection. Still, the use of this diet reduced the lysozyme (Gal d 4) content in the egg white by approximately 10%. The applied method did not allow for Gal d 5 determination in the tested eggs. The results of the immunoreactivity of the studied eggs with anti-soy and anti-lupine antibodies were outside the limits of detection. Conclusions: The obtained results confirm that the studied allergen content in eggs can be modified by nutritional factors. Full article

Background: Plant-derived essential oils possess valuable bioactivities, but their application is limited by volatility and irritation, which may be addressed through natural polymer encapsulation. This study aimed to investigate the bioactivity of Hedychium coronarium rhizome essential oil and evaluate the effect of microencapsulation on its physicochemical characteristics, biological stability, and irritation profile. Methods: Essential oil was extracted from H. coronarium rhizomes by hydrodistillation and chemically characterized. Enzyme inhibitory activities against elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase were assessed. Microencapsulation was performed using gum Arabic or maltodextrin at 1–5% w/w oil loadings. The resulting powders were evaluated for morphology, entrapment efficiency, hygroscopicity, water activity, biological stability, and irritation potential using the hen’s egg test on the chorioallantoic membrane. Results: The essential oil demonstrated strong enzyme inhibition, particularly against hyaluronidase (IC₅₀ = 0.1 ± 0.0 µg/mL), along with notable elastase and tyrosinase inhibition. Encapsulation significantly reduced irritation scores from 13.3 ± 1.4 for the free oil to 3.6–4.2 for encapsulated systems (p < 0.05). Gum Arabic produced rough, porous particles with lower hygroscopicity, while maltodextrin yielded smoother particles with lower water activity. Both encapsulated powders significantly enhanced biological stability compared with the ethanolic solution. Conclusions: Natural polymer-based microencapsulation effectively reduced the irritation potential and improved the handling properties of H. coronarium essential oil, supporting its potential application in topical bioactive delivery systems. Full article

Zoonotic Salmonella is one of the most important foodborne zoonoses worldwide, with Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) being the most important serovars, which may be transmitted via poultry meat and eggs. Vaccination of breeding- and laying-hen flocks using live vaccines administered via drinking water has long been a well-recognized tool and contributed significantly to decreasing cases of salmonellosis in humans and its prevalence in the chicken sector. However, if a vaccine strain is detected in feces from recently vaccinated birds, it is imperative to have methods for reliably distinguishing between field and vaccine strains. In this study, we validated a disc diffusion method based on the antimicrobial resistance patterns of the vaccine strains contained in a live bivalent vaccine conferring protection against SE and ST. Discs from eight suppliers were sourced and tested for their suitability for reliably distinguishing between field and vaccine strains, a requirement fulfilled by discs from four suppliers. This method serves as an alternative approach for laboratories equipped to perform disc diffusion assays, and it is also a more cost-effective solution than real-time PCR assays. Full article

This study evaluated Apis mellifera brood fat extracts as a sustainable alternative to beeswax for anti-inflammatory topical delivery, including their formulation into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). Brood fat was extracted using acetone, ethyl acetate (EA), and hexane, and the resulting extracts were characterized for fatty acid composition and physicochemical properties. Safety was assessed using the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane test and cytotoxicity testing in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production. The most suitable extract was formulated into NLCs using sugar squalane as liquid lipid, and the effects of lipid ratio and preparation method were investigated. The results showed that the ethyl acetate extract had the highest yield. Compared with beeswax, all fat extracts exhibited a favorable oleic acid–rich fatty acid profile with comparable crystallinity and thermal behavior, while showing significantly enhanced anti-inflammatory activity (p < 0.05). All extracts and their NLCs were non-irritating and non-cytotoxic. Ethyl acetate extract-based NLCs exhibited favorable particle sizes (72.1 ± 0.3 nm) and narrow polydispersity (0.14 ± 0.00), with high-pressure homogenization producing smaller particles compared to probe sonication without affecting IL-6 or TNF-α inhibition. Therefore, A. mellifera brood fat extract is a sustainable anti-inflammatory lipid source with strong potential as an alternative to beeswax in topical nano-formulations. Full article

Fermentation-based feed processing has been proposed as a nutritional approach to improve nutrient availability and metabolic efficiency in laying hens. However, information on its impact on production performance and egg quality remains limited. This meta-analysis statistically assessed the impact of fermented feed supplementation on the production performance and egg quality parameters of laying hens while investigating potential sources of heterogeneity across studies. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials and controlled intervention studies with non-fermented control diets. Two primary outcomes were examined: (1) production performance and (2) egg quality. Multilevel random-effects meta-analyses employing restricted maximum likelihood were conducted to address multiple effect sizes. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q statistic and I² estimates. Meta-regression analyses were performed considering dietary inclusion level, trial duration, and total hens, with subgroup analyses based on fermented feed type, assessment of publication bias using Egger’s test and trim-and-fill methods, and leave-one-study-out sensitivity analysis. Twenty-four studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Supplementation with fermented feed markedly enhanced the egg-laying rate (MD = 2.11 percentage points; 95% CI: 0.92–3.30; p = 0.0005), Haugh unit (MD = 1.99; 95% CI: 0.61–3.38; p = 0.0048), and eggshell thickness (MD = 0.0081 mm; 95% CI: 0.0037–0.0124; p = 0.0003), whereas no significant overall effect was noted on the feed-to-egg ratio (MD = −0.0384 g feed/g egg; 95% CI: −0.0871–0.0103; p = 0.1218). Significant heterogeneity was observed across outcomes (I² ≈ 73–93%). Subgroup analyses revealed notable feed-type-specific effects, whereas meta-regression indicated that dietary inclusion level is a significant moderator of the feed-to-egg ratio. Sensitivity analysis validated the robustness of the pooled estimates, and publication bias did not significantly influence the results. Supplementation with fermented feed was associated with improvements in egg-laying rate, albumen quality (Haugh unit), and eggshell thickness in laying hens. However, substantial heterogeneity across studies and variability in effect sizes indicate that responses may depend on feed type, inclusion level, and study conditions. These findings should therefore be interpreted with caution, and further well-designed and standardized trials are needed to confirm the consistency and magnitude of these effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Insect oils have gained attention as sustainable cosmetic ingredients due to their bioactive lipid content. This study aimed to characterize oils from cricket and to evaluate their safety, biological activities, and performance in sunscreen formulations. Methods: Oils were extracted from Gryllus bimaculatus, Teleogryllus mitratus, and Acheta domesticus by cold pressing following hot-air drying. Fatty acid composition was determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Safety was assessed by cytotoxicity testing in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) assay. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO^•) assays. Based on biological performance, T. mitratus oil (TMO) was incorporated into sunscreen creams containing physical and chemical ultraviolet (UV) filters. Physical stability, viscosity, pH, sun protection factor (SPF), persistent pigment darkening/ultraviolet A protection factor (PPD/UVA-PF), and blue light protection were evaluated. Results: All cricket oils were non-cytotoxic to NHDF cells and were classified as non-irritating in the HET-CAM assay. TMO exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, reducing intracellular ROS and significantly inhibiting NO^• production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells. Only TMO showed measurable UVA protection (PPD/UVA-PF = 12.1, PA+++). Sunscreen creams formulated with TMO achieved higher photoprotective efficacy than olive oil-based creams, with SPF values up to 40.51 and PPD/UVA-PF up to 39.17. The inclusion of foundation pigments further increased SPF to 43.09 and enhanced blue light protection to 35.1%. Conclusions: TMO is a safe and effective multifunctional ingredient that enhances sunscreen performance and supports sustainable cosmetic formulation. Full article

The current investigation examined the effect of inclusion of Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) dry larvae in hens’ diet on egg quality and hen performance. A total of 260 brown egg-laying hens (RIR × RIW) were divided into four groups (65 hens/group; 5 pens/group) and fed with control and experimental diets (inclusion rates 3%, 6%, 9%). Although the four-week feeding period did not influence production parameters, yolk color responded positively to the test diets, showing a linear increase with the percentage of BSF inclusion rate (p < 0.001). This was reaffirmed by the increased levels of yolk carotenoids (astaxanthin and β-carotene) and α-tocopherol, with notable differences in 6% and 9% BSF-fed groups (p ≤ 0.003). Lipids are an important factor in carotenoid absorption and assimilation, and the combination of fat content and carotenoids in BSF suggests the potential of this system for egg enrichment. Along with the increased antioxidant levels, a novel finding is the positive correlation between BSF inclusion rates and hens’ egg yolk levels of C:15 and C:17 fatty acids, key players in the core mechanisms of cell health and longevity. Altogether, the results provide evidence of the potential of BSF for enrichment of eggs with carotenoids and vitamins with strong antioxidant activity, which would have a positive effect on human health. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Cordia verbenacea essential oil (EOCV) and to develop and characterize a gel-based nanoemulsion of C. verbenacea essential oil (NECV). Methods: The EOCV was chemically characterized by gas chromatography (GC-FID and GC-MS). The nanoemulsion was prepared using EOCV, the surfactants Cremophor and Plurol Oleique, and phosphate buffer at pH 5.5, and was subjected to experiments to determine its stability, irritant potential and in vitro skin permeation. Results: The main chemical compounds identified in EOCV were α-pinene (33.05%) and β-caryophyllene (25.11%). The EOCV exhibited antimicrobial activity with MIC and MBC values ranging from 6.3 to 25.0 µL/mL for the yeasts Candida albicans and C. krusei, 11.3 to 25.0 µL/mL for the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis, and 12.5 to 75.0 µL/mL for the Gram-negative bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. The NECV showed a droplet size of 126.80 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.49, a zeta potential of −18.50 mV and a pH of 5.3 and remained stable for 60 days of storage at 25 °C and 4 °C. The HET-CAM irritation test showed that the formulation is non-irritating. The in vitro skin permeation assay showed that the NECV penetrated the deeper layers of the skin, demonstrating its ability to overcome the Stratum corneum barrier. Conclusions: These results are highly promising regarding the potential use of NECV for topical application for the treatment of infected skin wounds. Full article

A novel co-encapsulation platform based on curcumin-loaded liposomes (Cur-Lip) incorporated into thermosensitive hydrogels (TSH) was developed to address the physicochemical and biological limitations of topical curcumin (Cur) delivery. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize Pluronic^® F-127, glycerol, and alginate concentrations with respect to gelation time and viscosity. The optimized formulation (22% Pluronic^® F-127, 5% glycerol, and 0.5% alginate) exhibited rapid time sol–gel transition (~86 s), suitable viscosity (~377 mPa·s), excellent model fitting (R² = 0.99) and prediction accuracy. Three formulations (TSH, Cur-TSH, and Cur-Lip-TSH) were subsequently prepared and displayed appropriate thermoresponsive behavior. The Cur-Lip system showed high encapsulation efficiency (~78%). Upon incorporation into the TSH, Cur-Lip-TSH displayed increased viscosity and mechanical strength at physiological temperature. In vitro studies confirmed its cytocompatibility toward human keratinocytes, significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and no irritation potential as assessed by the Hen’s Egg Test on the Chorioallantoic Membrane assay (HET-CAM). Overall, Cur-Lip-TSH represents a safe and robust thermosensitive platform that provides a foundation for future studies on controlled curcumin release and topical performance. Full article