Age-related changes in egg yolk composition between conventional and organic table eggs

The aim of this study was to investigate fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, malondialdehyde and cholesterol in conventional and organic eggs obtained from hens of different ages (30 and 60 weeks). A total of 360 egg yolks were used in this study. Polyunsaturated fatty acid, omega-3, and omega-6 levels were higher in the organic eggs from the 30-week-old hens. The monounsaturated fatty acid level was higher in the conventional eggs but was the same between the two age groups. Cholesterol and vitamin A levels were not influenced by either the rearing system or the age of the hens. The malondialdehyde, vitamin D2, and vitamin K2 were higher in the organic eggs; however, vitamin E was higher in the conventional eggs. The results showed that the rearing system and age, as well as the diet, had an impact on the composition of the egg. Total levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid, omega-3, and omega-6 are higher in organic eggs produced by younger hens

Application of Some Proteome Analysis Techniques in Animal Reproduction

This chapter focuses on the application of proteome analysis techniques to animal reproduction and provides general information on one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis, chromatographic methods, and mass spectrometer (MS), widely used in proteomics studies. Proteome consists of an entire complement of proteins expressed by a cell, tissue, or organism. Proteomics reveals functions of proteins encoded in the genome. These functions include posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and alterations in the protein synthesis. Animal reproduction takes a key role in livestock, and increasing the reproduction rate in flocks plays an important role in livestock management. Studying the proteins related to reproduction could guide on how to increase fertility. Recent studies addressed the proteome constitution of both male and female reproductive system. Follicular fluid, endometrium, and ovary proteins were analyzed in females by proteomics study, while in males, sperm proteomics was more focused. Information obtained on this issue is also beneficial for the development of reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Strategies to increase fertility in animals can be revealed by proteomic studies, and a more profound knowledge on proteomics may become helpful to develop and enhance the efficiency of reproductive technologies

Morphometric identification of bursa oynarı pigeon varieties

Aim: This study was carried out to make morphometric identification of male and female individuals of Karabaş, Yaşmaklı, Muskalı, Kalaça and Beyaz genotypes in Bursa Oynarı pigeons. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, a total of 100 pigeons, 10 females and 10 males, 12-14 months from each genotype, were examined. Results: The Oynar breed's average live weight was determined to be 306.27±1.32 g. Average body weights for males and females, genotypes, and gender x genotypes were discovered to be similar (p>0.05). Males were found to have longer heads (p<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between males and females in terms of other body traits (p>0.05). Different averages were determined in the genotypes in terms of beak length, beak depth, trunk length, body length, wing length, chest circumference, chest depth, and tail length (p<0.05). In general, the averages were lower in the Yaşmaklı genotype than in other genotypes, and higher in the Beyaz and Muskalı genotypes (p<0.05). The interaction between gender and genotypes was significant in beak depth (p Conclusion: As a result, it was anticipated that the characteristics detected for the first time in the Oynar breed varieties would contribute to the definition of this breed. It was also estimated that differences in the body structures of the varieties may impact their flight characteristics, and the findings on this subject will attract the attention of pigeon breeders. Considering their body structures, it was determined that the Kalaça, Muskalı, and Beyaz genotypes may have superior characteristics in terms of flight time, and the Yaşmaklı genotype may have superior characteristics in terms of flight speed

Yumurtacı japon bıldırcınlarında diyete ilave edilen zeytin yaprağı özütü ve zarlı yumurta kabuğunun performans, yumurta kalitesi, kan biyokimyasal ve kemik parametreleri üzerine etkileri

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of olive leaf extract (OLE), eggshell with the membrane (ESM), and the ESM that absorbed the OLE (OLE+ESM) on the performance, egg quality, biochemical, and bone parameters in laying Japanese quail. A total of 112 quail, being 45-day-old, were divided into 4 groups with 4 replicates. The quail were fed with four diets: i) basal diet ii) basal diet supplemented with 400 ppm OLE iii) basal diet supplemented with 2% ESM, and iv) basal diet supplemented with 2% ESM that absorbed with 400 ppm OLE. Egg weight was observed to be higher in the OLE group (P0.05). There was no statistical difference in tibia bone parameters (P>0.05). The lowest concentration of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was observed in control group (P<0.01). Serum uric acid level decreased in ESM group (P<0.01). OLE supplementation had limited impacts on quail nutrition. Consequently, while the individual usage of OLE and ESM did not show remarkable effects, the mixture of OLE and ESM has been found to positively affect the egg quality and performance parameters

The stimulatory effects of boron on Japanese quail spermatological activity, histopathology, and oxidative stress

This study looked at how spermatogenesis, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and histological changes in testicular, hepatic, and renal tissues were affected by boric acid (H3 BO3) added to mixed feed and drinking water at different concentrations for 14 weeks. For this purpose, 60 male Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica f. domestica) were used. From the age of 35 days, the birds were given boric acid added to regular soybean meal maize mixed feed as well as drinking water. Experimental groups: Control (no additive), F100: 100 mg/kg boric acid into feed, F300: 300 mg/kg boric acid into feed, W100: 100 mg/l boric acid into drinking water, and W300: 300 mg/l boric acid into drinking water. Both primordial (P < 0.001) and mature (P < 0.05) sperm counts increased in F300 and W300 groups. Supplemented boric acid in drinking water (300 mg/l) increased the tubule diameters of the testicle (P < 0.05). Because of the rising levels of boric acid in the feed and water groups, lipid peroxidation levels increased in testicular (P < 0.001), hepatic, and renal tissues (P < 0.01). Glutathione (GSH) levels rose in high boric acid groups in testicular and hepatic tissues (P < 0.001). Different tissues responded differentially to high amounts of boric acid in terms of antioxidant enzyme activity (P < 0.001). As a result, boric acid at high doses showed beneficial effects on spermatological activity; however, continued use caused lipid peroxidation in tissues and some pathological problems in liver tissue

Investigation of the effects of in ovo taurine injection on hatching characteristics and stress reduction potential

Abstract Background In ovo application is the process of administering some nutrients or components into the egg. The main purpose of this application is to ensure that some nutrients are provided to chicks with a short incubation period. Few studies were conducted with taurine in fertile eggs; especially, no observation of hatchability and chick quality has been found. In addition, taurine has an anti‐stress impact that fights oxidative factors. Objective To assess the hatchability and chick quality after in ovo taurine administration. To determine the stress that may occur as a result of in ovo application and whether taurine has a stress‐reducing effect. Methods A total of 1200 fertile eggs from a 34‐week‐old broiler breeder (Ross 308) flock were categorized into 4 groups with 75 eggs per replicate: control (uninjected), taurine group (0.30 mL dissolved taurine in distilled water), sham control (sterile distilled water) and perforation (eggs perforated and then waxed). On day 14 of incubation, an in ovo injection was administered to the albumen. Data on hatching parameters and hepatic HSP70 levels were obtained using relevant formulas and western blotting, respectively. Results Control chicks exhibited higher hatchability than other groups, with the taurine group showing the lowest hatchability. The HSP70 levels were the highest in the perforation group compared to the control group. An increase of 21.37% in the taurine group and 83.45% in the sham control group was observed compared to the control group. Conclusions The findings suggest that in ovo application may induce increased stress, whereas taurine may have positive effects in mitigating the stress caused by in ovo application

Potential effect dietary supplementation of calcium tetraborate in quails exposed to cadmium: Its impact on productive performance, oxidative stress, cecal microflora, and histopathological changes

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, and Cd exposure harms human health, agriculture, and animal husbandry. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of dietary supplementation of calcium tetraborate (CTB) on productive performance, oxidative stress, cecal microflora, and histopathological changes in quail exposed to Cd. A total of one hundred twenty, 6-week-old Japanese quail (four females and two males/replicate) were divided into four groups (30 quails/group): the control group (feeding basic diet), CTB group (basic diet containing 300 mg/kg CaB4O7, 22.14% elemental B/kg diet), the Cd group (basic diet containing 100 mg/kg cadmium chloride (CdCl2) (total Cd content of 92.1 mg/kg)) and the CTB + Cd group (basic diet containing 300 mg/kg CTB and 100 mg/kg CdCl2). The results showed that Cd exposure caused decreased performance, increased the proportion of broken and soft-shelled eggs, induced oxidative stress, affected cecal microflora, epicardial hemorrhages in the heart, focal necrosis in the liver, degeneration in the kidneys, and degenerated and necrotic seminiferous tubules in the testicles. CTB prevented Cd-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue by increasing total antioxidant status and reducing total oxidant status. In addition, CTB improved egg production and feed conversion ratio (FCR). CTB protected the cecal microflora by inhibiting Enterobacteriaceae and promoting Lactobacillus. CTB also reduced Cd-induced histopathological damage in the heart, liver, kidneys, and testicles. In conclusion, these findings suggest that CTB could be used in Cd-challenged quail, and this compound provides new insights into the toxicity of environmental Cd