• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.319-325
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• 2021

In this study, we investigated the effects of feeding diets with different levels of energy and nutrient density on the egg quality of laying hens during the pre-peak and peak periods. A total of 192 (Hy-line brown) laying hens were used in a 15-week trial. The hens were randomly allotted to one of four treatments, each with four replicates (12 hens per replication). We assessed the effects of four level of dietary energy (2,710, 2,850, 2,870 and 2,890 kcal/kg) and three levels of nutrient density (Methionine + Cysteine: 0.56%, 0.85%, 0.80% and Crude Protein: 14.5%, 19%, 18%). Differences in the energy and nutrient density contents of diets showed no significant effect (P>0.05) on the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, or egg production of hens during the pre-peak and peak periods. However, hens subjected to 2,890 kcal/kg during the pre-peak period were found to lay eggs with significantly thicker shells, and yolk color was found to be significant enhanced in hens fed this diet during the pre-and peak periods. In contrast, we detected no significant effects of dietary energy or nutrient density on the Haugh unit or eggshell strength. In summary, increasing the energy level of diets from 2,710 to 2,890 kcal/kg was found to have positive effects on the shell thickness and yolk color of eggs produced by laying hens.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.8
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• pp.1252-1262
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• 2023

Objective: Microencapsulation technologies have been developed and successfully applied to protect the probiotic bacterial cells damaged by environmental exposure. This study aimed to investigate the effects of microencapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum MB001 on the growth performance, ileal nutrient digestibility, jejunal histomorphology and cecal microbiome of broiler chickens in a tropical climate. Methods: A total of 288 one-day-old female broilers (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into 4 groups (6 replicates of 12 birds). Treatments included, i) a basal diet (NC), ii) NC + avilamycin (10 mg/kg) (PC), iii) NC + non-encapsulated L. plantarum MB001 (1×10⁸ colony-forming unit [CFU]/kg of diet) (N-LP), iv) NC + microencapsulated L. plantarum MB001 (1×10⁸ CFU/kg of diet) (ME-LP). Results: Dietary supplementation of ME-LP improved average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio of broilers throughout the 42-d trial period (p<0.05), whereas ME-LP did not affect average daily feed intake compared with NC group. Both N-LP and ME-LP improved apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein and ether extract compared with NC group (p<0.05). The broilers fed ME-LP supplemented diet exhibited a beneficial effect on jejunal histomorphology of villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD) and villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) of broilers compared to NC group (p<0.05). At the phylum level, Firmicutes was enriched (p<0.05) and Proteobacteria was decreased (p<0.05) only in the ME-LP group. At the genus level, the ME-LP diets increased (p<0.05) the number of both Lactobacillus and Enterococcus compared to NC, PC, and N-LP groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Microencapsulation assists the efficient functioning of probiotics. ME-LP could be potentially used as a feed additive for improvement of cecal microbiota, gut integrity and nutrient utilization, leading to better performance of broilers.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.59-69
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• 2011

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of CS682, a fermentation product of Actinomycetae(Nocardia sp. CS682), and its commercial product DSC682$^{(R)}$ on the performance, blood parameters, intestinal microflora, and immune response in laying hens. Hy-Line Brown$^{(R)}$ laying hens were housed in two bird cages. Feeding trial lasted 5 wk under 16.5 h:7.5 h(L:D) lighting regimen. In Exp.1, a total of 480 birds of 86 wk old were assigned to four dietary treatments: Control, Antibiotics (6 ppm avilamycin), CS682-0.1 (CS682 0.1%) and CS682-1.0 (CS682 1.0% supplementation). Each treatment was replicated five times with 24 birds (or 12 cages) per replication. In Exp. 2, a total of 1,000 birds of 26 wk old were assigned to five dietary treatments: Control, Antibiotics (6 ppm avilamycin), DCS682-0.05 (DCS682 0.05%), DCS682-0.1 (DCS682 0.1%), DCS682-0.2 (DCS682 0.2% supplementation). Each treatment was replicated five times with 40 birds (or 20 cages) per replication. In Exp. 1, there were no significant differences among treatments in egg production, egg weight, broken & soft egg production, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Also, there were no significant differences among treatments in eggshell thickness, eggshell color and Haugh unit. However, eggshell strength was significantly (p<0.05) greater in CS682 and Antibiotics treatments than Control, and egg yolk color was significantly (p<0.05) higher in CS682-1.0 than Control. In Exp. 2, feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) lower in DSC682-0.05 than Control. Lightness(L) of Hunter Lab color of eggshell of DCS and Antibiotics treatments was significantly (p<0.05) lower than Control. Egg yolk color of DCS 0.1 and 0.2 treatments was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Control. Haugh unit increased significantly (p<0.05) in Antibiotics and DCS682-0.1 treatments. The immunoglobulin levels of plasma (IgG and IgA) and eggyolk (IgY) were not significantly affected by treatments. Antibiotics and CS682 or DCS682 treatments significantly (p<0.05 or 0.01) influenced some of the erythrocytes and leukocytes parameters in blood. In Exp.1, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) decreased by CS682 treatments and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was highest in Antibiotics treatments. In Exp.2, the level of monocyte (MO) decreased in DCS682-0.10 and 0.20 treatments. The cfu of C. perfringens and S. typhimurium in small intestinal content were highest in Control and lowest in Antibiotics in both experiments. In Exp. 2, DSC682-0.05 and -0.1 treatments were highest and Antibiotic treatment was lowest in Lactobacilli spp. The results of the present layer experiments indicated that supplementation of 0.1~0.2% CS682 or DCS682 may increase eggshell strength, color of eggshell and eggyolk, Haugh unit, and control harmful intestinal microbes.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.63-71
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• 2018

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of age of laying hens on egg internal and external qualities. A total of 8,300 eggs were randomly collected from 15 grading & packaging (GP) centers, and 50 eggs per farm during April to May in 2015. Age of laying hens ranged from 18 to 65 weeks of age and they were classified into 5 age groups (18~25, 26~35, 36~45, 46~55, and 56~65 weeks). Egg weight increased, but the Haugh unit decreased as the age of laying hens increased. Yolk color was higher in eggs laid from 25~35 weeks of laying hens compared with that of 18~25-weeks-old chickens. The incidence of dirty eggs was highest (P<0.05) in 18~25 week group and remained constant after 26 weeks. Among eggshell defects, speckled and pimpled eggs increased as the age of laying hens increased. The incidence of calcium deposits and misshapen eggs was highest during 18~25 weeks of age and remained constant after 26 weeks. The percentage of total eggshell cracks increased as the age of laying hens increased. Among eggshell cracks, star- and hair-like cracks were frequently noted. The percentage of meat spot was higher than that of blood spot and their incidence was highest among the 56~65 week group. Age of laying hens significantly increased egg weight, incidence of pimpled or speckled eggs, star- or hair-like cracks, and meat spot. On the other hand, a significant negative interaction between age of laying hens and the Haugh unit was noted. In conclusion, our study revealed that the age of laying hens affected internal and external egg qualities.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.173-180
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• 2007

This study was conducted to evaluate conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) precursor and produce supplementation on egg production, egg quality and blood immunological parameters in laying hens. The total of 252 (32-wk) Hy-line brown commercial hens were used for 5 weeks. Dietary treatments included 1) CON (basal diet + oat 1% + soybean oil 1%), 2) WOS (basal diet + whey 0.5% + oat 0.5% + soybean oil 1%), 3) WS (basal diet+ whey 1% + soybean oil 1%), 4) WOCLA (basal diet + whey 0.5% + oat 0.5% + CLA produce 1%), 5) WCLA (basal diet + whey 1% + CLA produce 1%) and 6) FOCLA (basal diet + Fish oil 0.5% + oat 1% + CLA produce 0.5%). For 4 weeks egg shell thickness was higher in WOS and FOCLA treatments than WOCLA and WCLA treatments (P<0.05). Egg weight was significantly increased (P<0.05) in WOS and FOCLA treatments compared to WS and WCLA treatments for 4 weeks. From 4 to 5 weeks yolk high, yolk color and haugh unit were significantly higher in FOCLA treatment than CON treatment (P<0.05). IgG concentration of blood was increased in WOS and FOCLA treatments compared to CON, WS and WOCLA treatments(P<0.05). In conclusion, fish oil, CLA produce and oat supplementation in laying hens diet improve egg shell thickness, yolk high, yolk color and haugh unit, also, CLA precursor supplementaion in laying hens diet improve IgG concentration of blood higher than CON treatment.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.323-329
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• 2014

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of copper-soy proteinate (Cu-SP) and herbal mixture (HBM) on growth performance, blood parameter, and immune response in laying hens. A total 800 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (60 weeks old) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments : (1) Control : control diet, (2) Cu-SP : control diet + 100 mg/kg Cu-soy proteinate, (3) HBM : control diet + 0.15% herbal mixture, and (4) Cu-SP + HBM : control diet + 100 mg/kg Cu-soy proteinate + 0.15% herbal mixture. Each treatment was replicated 5 times with forty birds units were arranged according to randomized block design. Feeding trial lasted 5 weeks under 16L : 8D lighting regimen. The diet and water were available ad libitum. Result indicated that during feeding trial of the experiment, hen-day egg production was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Cu-SP and HBM treated groups than control. However, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, broken and shell less egg production were not significantly influenced by treatments. Eggshell strength was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Cu-SP than control. Eggshell thickness, eggshell color, egg yolk color, Haugh unit were not significantly influenced by treatments. The level of WBC and stress index (heterophil : lymphocyte) were higher in supplemented groups than the control. The concentration of plasma IgG was higher in supplemented groups than the control. The result of this experiment showed that dietary copper-soy proteinate or herbal mixture tended to improve egg production and affect positively on immune response of laying hens.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.271-278
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• 2007

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of fermented wild-ginseng culture by-product on egg production, egg quality and blood characteristics in laying hens. A total of 216 ISA Brown laying hens, 55 wk of age, were used in the 6-wk feeding trial. Experimental diets were consisted of basal diet (CON), 2.5% fermented wild-ginseng culture by-product replaced lupin in basal diet (WG1) and 5.0% fermented wild-ginseng culture by-product replaced lupin in basal diet (WG2). Birds were randomly allotted to 18 replicate pens. There were 6 replicates per treatment, and 12 laying hens per replicate. Through the 6-wk feeding trial, egg production was significantly increased in WG1 and WG2 treatments compared to CON (P<0.05). Egg weight was significantly higher in WG2 than CON (P<0.05). WG1 resulted higher yolk color than CON (P<0.05). Albumen height and Haugh unit were significantly improve in WG1 compared to WG2 (P<0.05). Red blood cell was significantly lower in WG2 than CON (P<0.05). LDL-cholesterol was significantly decreased in CON compared to WG2 (P<0.05). In conclusion, fermented wild-ginseng culture by-product could improve egg production and egg weight in laying hens.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.573-581
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• 2006

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of supplemental methionine, lysine, choline, and sulfur on laying performance, metabolic parameters, and egg quality of hens fed diets containing sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) during the peak laying period. Lohman layers (n = 144), 30-wk of age as 6 replicate cages of 4 hens, were allocated randomly to receive basal diets containing either 22% corn (B) or 22% sorghum (BS) and diets BS plus 0.57% methionine, 0.66% lysine, 0.47% choline, or 0.05% sulfur for 98 d. Feed intake (FI) and egg production (EP) were recorded daily, egg weight (EW) was measured bi-weekly, and body weight (BW) was measured monthly. A sample of 12 eggs from each experimental group was collected every month to evaluate egg quality. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for metabolite concentrations. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA as repeated measures and significant differences between the experimental groups were assessed using Duncan's Multiple Range test. Partial replacement of corn with sorghum in the basal diet did not affect BW, EP, and FCR but increased FI by 5.7% and EW by 2.4%. The effects of additives on laying performance were variable. Except for serum total protein (STP) concentration, other metabolic parameters were not affected by partial replacement of corn with sorghum in the basal diet. Hens fed diet BS had lower SPT concentration than hens fed diet B. Except for methionine supplementation, other supplements ameliorated depression in STP concentration. The additives did not affect other metabolic parameters. Egg quality responses to the experimental diets were also variable. Partial replacement of corn with sorghum in the basal diet did not affect eggshell characteristics (both thickness and stiffness), whereas it had variable effects on inner egg quality parameters (increased yolk index, depressed yolk color, and unaltered albumen index and Haugh unit). In conclusion, laying hen diets could include low-tannin sorghum (0.26%) up to 22% without necessitating extra supplements to overcome compromised performance.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.788-801
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• 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of diets containing different wet rice distillers' by-product (RDP) levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles and gut microbiome of weaned piglets. Methods: A total of 48 weaned castrated male crossbred pigs, initial body weight 7.54±0.97 kg, and age about 4 wks, were used in this experiment. The piglets were randomly allocated into three iso-nitrogenous diet groups that were fed either a control diet, a diet with 15% RDP, or a diet with 30% RDP for a total of 35 days. Chromium oxide was used for apparent digestibility measurements. On d 14 and d 35, half of the piglets were randomly selected for hemato-biochemical and gut microbiota evaluations. Results: Increasing inclusion levels of RDP tended to linearly increase (p≤0.07) average daily gain on d 14 and d 35, and decreased (p = 0.08) feed conversion ratio on d 35. Empty stomach weight increased (p = 0.03) on d 35 while digestibility of diet components decreased. Serum globulin concentration decreased on d 14 (p = 0.003) and red blood cell count tended to decrease (p = 0.06) on d 35, parallel to increase RDP levels. Gene amplicon profiling of 16S rRNA revealed that the colonic microbiota composition of weaned pigs changed by inclusion of RDP over the period. On d 14, decreased proportions of Lachnospiraceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, and Bacteroidales_ge, and increased proportions of Prevotellaceae_ge, Prevotella_2, and Prevotella_9 were found with inclusion of RDP, whereas opposite effect was found on d 35. Additionally, the proportion of Lachnospiraceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, and Bacteroidales_ge in RDP diets decreased over periods in control diet but increased largely in diet with 30% RDP. Conclusion: These results indicate that RDP in a favorable way modulate gastrointestinal microbiota composition and improve piglet performance despite a negative impact on digestibility of lipids and gross energy.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.235-243
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• 2017

This experiment was aimed at investigating the effects of dietary supplementation with fermented rice bran (FRB) or fermented broken rice (FBR) on egg-laying performance, egg quality, blood parameters, and cholesterol level in egg yolk of Hy-Line Brown egg-laying hens. Altogether, 144 Hy-Line Brown egg-laying hens (32-week-old) were randomly allocated to one of 4 dietary treatment groups, with 4 replicates per treatment. Of them, 3 treatments diets were prepared by supplementing the basal diet with 0.1% probiotics (PRO), 1% fermented rice bran (FRB), or 1% fermented broken rice (FBR) at the expense of corn. Hen-day egg production was higher (P<0.05) in PRO and FRB treatment groups than in the basal treatment groups. However, feed intake, egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio did not differ among the treatment groups. Additionally, supplementation with FRB or FBR did not affect eggshell strength, eggshell thickness, egg yolk color, and Haugh unit during the feeding trial. There was no significant difference in leukocyte count. Total cholesterol level was lower (P<0.05) in the FRB treatment group than in the basal treatment groups. Asparate aminotransferase, alanine transferase, glucose, and albumin levels were unaffected by dietary supplementation with FRB or FBR. Egg yolk cholesterol level was lower (P<0.05) in the FRB and FBR treatment groups than in the basal treatment groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with FRB or FBR improved egg-laying performance, and reduced the levels of total serum cholesterol and cholesterol in egg yolk of Hy-Line Brown egg-laying hens.