scholarly journals Effect of high concentrations of dietary vitamin D3 on pullet and laying hen performance, skeleton health, eggshell quality, and yolk vitamin D3 content when fed to W36 laying hens from day of hatch until 68 wk of age

2019 ◽  
Vol 98 (12) ◽  
pp. 6713-6720 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Wen ◽  
K.A. Livingston ◽  
M.E. Persia
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D3 ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
High Concentrations

scholarly journals Eggshell characteristics and cuticle deposition in three laying hen genotypes housed in enriched cages and on litter

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ketta ◽  
E. Tumova
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Eggshell Thickness ◽  
System Effect ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
System P

The objective of the present study was to compare the eggshell characteristics and cuticle deposition of Lohmann Brown, Hy-Line Silver Brown, and Isa Brown layers kept in two different housing systems. The three laying hen genotypes were housed in enriched cages (100 hens, 750 cm<sup>2</sup>/hen, 10 hens/cage) and in littered pens (100 hens, 9 hens/m<sup>2</sup>, 10 hens/pen). The experiment was carried out in weeks 40–56 of hens age. Non-significant interactions of genotype and housing system for eggshell quality parameters and cuticle deposition were detected in this study. Egg weight was significantly affected by genotype (P ≤ 0.001) and housing system (P ≤ 0.043). The heaviest eggs were laid by Lohmann Brown, while the lightest eggs were produced by Hy-Line Silver Brown. Eggshell strength was not affected by genotype and housing system, however, genotype had a significant effect on eggshell thickness (P ≤ 0.033). Isa Brown eggs had thicker eggshells compared to Lohmann Brown and Hy-Line Silver Brown. However, a non-significant effect of housing system on eggshell thickness was observed. Eggshell percentage was significantly affected by both genotype and housing system. Genotype of laying hens had a significant effect on cuticle deposition; significantly higher cuticle deposition was observed in Lohmann Brown eggs (P ≤ 0.001). It could be concluded that genotype had a significant effect on eggshell quality parameters and cuticle deposition. However, the housing system effect was less important in these characteristics.

scholarly journals Super-doses of dietary vitamin D3 intake in aged laying hens illustrates limitation of 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol conversion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew F. Warren ◽  
Pete M. Pitman ◽  
Dellila D. Hodgson ◽  
Kimberly A. Livingston
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D3 ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Plasma Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin D Metabolites ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Blood Calcium ◽  
Reduce Risk ◽  
Dietary Vitamin D

Background: Humans take vitamin D supplements to reduce risk of vitamin D deficiency and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. However, it is unclear how dietary super-dose (10,000x greater than requirement) can affect vitamin D status in aged animals. Aged laying hens could potentially be a model to compare with women in peri- or postmenopausal stages of life because their bone health is physiologically taxed from egg production and they are highly susceptible to osteoporosis. Objective: We investigated dietary super-dose impacts of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) on vitamin D status in aged laying hens in production. Methods: Forty-eight 68-wk old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were individually housed in cages with eight hens per dietary treatment for eleven weeks. Hens were randomly assigned to one of six groups of dietary vitamin D3 supplementation and fed ad libitum. Supplementation levels were 400 (recommended dosage for hens), 800, 7,400, 14,000, 20,000, and 36,000 IU D3/kg of feed. At termination of the study, all hens were euthanized and we collected blood, feces, and tibia and humerus bones. Ionized (free) blood calcium, fecal calcium, bone calcium, and plasma vitamin D metabolites were measured. Results: We did not discern any dietary effects in tissue and fecal calcium. We observed that increasing dietary vitamin D3 increased plasma vitamin D3, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, and 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol concentrations (p < 0.0001 for all 3 metabolites). We also observed super-dose fed hens had decreased kidney 24-hydroxylase expression (p = 0.0006). Conclusions: Although dietary vitamin D3 super-doses did not affect calcium status in our aged laying hens, it is possible there is an age-related effect of not being as sensitive to vitamin D efficacy. We suggest future research should explore how 24-hydroxylation mechanisms are affected by vitamin D supplementation. Further understanding of 24-hydroxylation can help ascertain ways to reduce risk of vitamin D toxicity.

scholarly journals A Comparison of Production Performance, Egg Quality, and Cecal Microbiota in Laying Hens Receiving Graded Levels of Vitamin B12

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Wang ◽  
Yan Bai ◽  
Yu Yang ◽  
Xiaotian Wu ◽  
Ruirui Li
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Cecal Content ◽  
Metabolic Functions ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
Cecal Microbiota ◽  
Dietary Treatments

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of fortified diets with standard vs. high levels of vitamin B12 on cecal microbiota composition, production performance, and eggshell quality of laying hens. Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet with no supplementation of vitamin B12 or supplemented with 25, 100, and 400 μg/kg vitamin B12, respectively. A total of 432 laying hens were randomly assigned to four treatments with six replicates per treatment. No significant effect of dietary treatments on the production performance of hens was detected. The shell thickness of eggs from hens fed diet supplemented with 100 μg/kg of vitamin B12 was higher (P &lt; 0.01) than that of eggs from hens fed control diet or supplemented with 25 μg/kg vitamin B12. The shell percentage of eggs from hens fed diet supplemented with 400 μg/kg of vitamin B12 was higher (P &lt; 0.01) than that of eggs from hens fed other treatment diets. Dietary vitamin B12 did not modulate diversity of the cecal microbiota of the layers. At genus level, the cecal content from layers fed diet with supplemental level of 100 or 400 μg/kg of vitamin B12 had higher (P &lt; 0.01) abundance of Faecalibacterium and lower (P &lt; 0.05) abundance of Acinetobacter compared with the cecal content from layers fed other two diets. The abundance of Lactobacillus in the cecal samples from layers fed 100 μg/kg of supplemental level of vitamin B12 was higher (P &lt; 0.05) than that from layers fed other three diets. The abundance of Butyricicoccus was higher (P &lt; 0.05), while Bilophila was lower (P &lt; 0.05) in the cecal content of layers fed 400 μg/kg of vitamin B12 diet compared with those from layers fed other three diets. The results of PICRUSt analysis indicated that 10 predicted metabolic functions of the cecal microbial communities were positively correlated to dietary vitamin B12 level. Overall, dietary supplementation of 100 or 400 μg/kg of vitamin B12 had equivalent effects and caused the significant change in composition and metabolic functions of cecal microorganisms, which could positively impact eggshell quality, metabolism, and gut health of laying hens.

scholarly journals Mitigation Effects of Bentonite and Yeast Cell Wall Binders on AFB1, DON, and OTA Induced Changes in Laying Hen Performance, Egg Quality, and Health

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 156
Author(s):  
Ling Zhao ◽  
Yue Feng ◽  
Jing-Tao Wei ◽  
Meng-Xiang Zhu ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Liver Weight ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Villus Height ◽  
Crypt Depth ◽  
Induced Changes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of mycotoxin binders in reducing the adverse effects of co-occurring dietary aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) on laying hens. Three hundred and sixty 26-week-old Roman laying hens were randomly allocated into four experimental groups with 10 replicates of nine birds each. The four groups received either a basal diet (BD; Control), a BD supplemented with 0.15 mg/kg AFB1 + 1.5 mg/kg DON + 0.12 mg/kg OTA (Toxins), a BD + Toxins with Toxo-HP binder (Toxins + HP), or a BD + Toxins with TOXO XL binder (Toxins + XL) for 12 weeks. Compared to the control, dietary supplementation of mycotoxins decreased (P < 0.10) total feed intake, total egg weight, and egg-laying rate, but increased feed/egg ratio by 2.5–6.1% and mortality during various experimental periods. These alterations induced by mycotoxins were alleviated by supplementation with both TOXO HP and XL binders (P < 0.10). Furthermore, dietary mycotoxins reduced (P < 0.05) eggshell strength by 12.3% and caused an accumulation of 249 μg/kg of DON in eggs at week 12, while dietary supplementation with TOXO HP or XL mitigated DON-induced changes on eggshell strength and prevented accumulation of DON in eggs (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary mycotoxins increased relative liver weight, but decreased spleen and proventriculus relative weights by 11.6–22.4% (P < 0.05). Mycotoxin exposure also increased alanine aminotransferase activity and reduced immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgM, and IgG concentrations in serum by 9.2–26.1% (P < 0.05). Additionally, mycotoxin exposure induced histopathological damage and reduced villus height, villus height/crypt depth, and crypt depth in duodenum, jejunum and (or) ileum (P < 0.05). Notably, most of these histological changes were mitigated by supplementation with both TOXO HP and XL (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the mycotoxin binders TOXO HP and XL can help to mitigate the combined effects of AFB1, DON, and OTA on laying hen performance, egg quality, and health.

scholarly journals Effect of the Pellet and Mash Feed Forms on the Productive Performance, Egg Quality, Nutrient Metabolism, and Intestinal Morphology of Two Laying Hen Breeds

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 701
Author(s):  
Yi Wan ◽  
Ruiyu Ma ◽  
Anam Khalid ◽  
Lilong Chai ◽  
Renrong Qi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Villus Height ◽  
Nutrient Metabolism ◽  
Feed Form

One of the most important factors that determine feed utilization by chickens is the feed form. Although it is generally believed that pellet diets have a positive effect on chicken growth, there are some studies that have indicated no difference between pellet and mash on chickens performance. This study was conducted to assess the effects of feed form on production performance, egg quality, nutrient metabolism and intestinal morphology in two breed laying hens. Two hundred and sixteen 25-week-old Hy-Line brown (n = 108) and Hy-Line grey (n = 108) hens were selected. Each breed was randomly allocated into two treatments with 6 replications (9 birds in each replication), which were fed mash and pellet diets, respectively. Production performances were recorded daily and egg quality traits were measured every two weeks. At 42 weeks of age, one bird per replication from each experimental group was selected for metabolism determination and intestine morphology observation. Compared with mash diets, pellet diets improved laying rate (p < 0.05), ADFI (average daily feed intake, p < 0.05), egg weight, shell strength, yolk proportion and Haugh unit (p < 0.05) in both breeds and reduced the FCR (feed conversion ratio, p < 0.05) in Hy-Line grey. The apparent digestibility of DM% (dry matter) and CP% (crude protein) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in both breed laying hens fed pellet than those fed mash. The apparent digestibility of P% (phosphorus) and Ca% (calcium) was higher in Hy-Line grey fed pellet and was higher in Hy-Line brown fed mash. Compared to mash diets, pellet diets increased the VH (villus height), CD (crypt depth) and VCR (ratio of villus height to crypt depth) of the small intestine of Hy-Line grey, and increased the VH and CD of duodenum and ileum of Hy-Line brown. Overall, pellet diets improved production performance and nutrition metabolism through positive changes in the laying rate, feed intake, egg albumen quality and apparent digestibility of laying hens. The current findings provided support for the advantages of feeding pellets during the peak egg laying period for the two popular laying hen strains, Hy-Line brown and Hy-Line grey.

scholarly journals Prolonged scotophase within a 24-h light regime improves eggshell quality by enhancing calcium deposition in laying hens

2021 ◽  
pp. 101098
Author(s):  
Qian Xin ◽  
Minghui Wang ◽  
Hongchao Jiao ◽  
Jingpeng Zhao ◽  
Haifang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Light Regime ◽  
Calcium Deposition ◽  
Eggshell Quality

scholarly journals Effect of the Feed Additive Clinoptilolite (ZeoFeed) on Nutrient Metabolism and Production Performance of Laying Hens

2010 ◽  
Vol 79 (9) ◽  
pp. S29-S34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miroslav Macháček ◽  
Vladimír Večerek ◽  
Nora Mas ◽  
Pavel Suchý ◽  
Eva Straková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Indicator Method ◽  
Balance Tests ◽  
Gross Energy

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of two levels of clinoptilolite administered in feed (2% and 4%) on some selected performance indicators, metabolic utilization of basic nutrients and the health status of laying hens. The selected 24 Bovans Goldline hybrid laying hens were divided into three equal groups, two experimental groups (E1 and E2) and one control group (C). The laying hens were housed individually in cages with an automatic supply of drinking water, manual feeding, in a setting with controlled light and temperature regimens. Hens from individual groups were all fed a complete feed mix of the same composition and the only difference was in clinoptilolite supplementation: feed mixes for E1 and E2 groups contained 2% and 4% of clinoptilolite (commercial additive ZeoFeed) respectively, replacing the same amounts of wheat. The hens received feed mixes and drinking water ad libitum. During this 28-day experiment, feed consumption and the number and weight of eggs laid were monitored individually for each hen. At the end of the experiment, the balance test using the indicator method (Cr2O3) was performed in all eight hens in each of the groups. The results of balance tests were then used to calculate the metabolic utilization of selected nutrients (nitrogen, fat, ash, nitrogen-free extracts, starch, gross energy, Ca, P). After the balance tests, blood samples for haematological and biochemical examinations were collected via puncture of the vena basilica. The addition of 2% clinoptilolite to feed mix resulted in a highly significant (P ⪬ 0.01) increase in mean egg weight to 64.69 g, but the addition of 4% clinoptilolite in group E2 resulted in a highly significant (P ⪬ 0.01) decrease in mean egg weight to 62.20 g compared to the control (63.73 g). Moreover, daily feed mix consumption in group E1 decreased to 114 g per one laying hen/day compared to the controls (118 g per one laying hen/day). In group E2 (4% clinoptilolite), daily consumption of feed mix increased compared with the controls to 124 g. The 2% clinoptilolite supplementation of E1 group feed slightly increased metabolic utilization of fat, nitrogen-free extracts, starch and gross energy compared to group C. Results of haematological test of the hens’ blood showed significant changes in haemoglobin, whose values in groups C and E1 were significantly higher (P ⪬ 0.05) than in group E2. Differences in the values of the biochemical indicators monitored (total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerols, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and the AST enzyme) between group C and experimental groups E1 and E2 were not significant and remained within the range of reference values.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document