Search

This study was conducted to inspect the environmental hygiene of the farms for Lohmam layer's brown egg production by conventional cage and floor-house feeding, and measure the qualities of fresh eggs produced by 42 - 44 week-old hens. Testing of A farm (conventional cage feeding, CV) and B - D farms (B, D were opened floor house feeding, FH ; C was closed drencher system floor house feeding), and the densities were 3 chickens/cage, 8 - 10 chickens/m², 8 - 10 chickens/m² and 6 - 8/m², ambient temperature and humidity were 23 - 30°C, 70 - 90%. The TPC of coops in farms A, B and D were 250 - 340 cfu/15 mins, C farm was 450 - 500 cfu/15 mins. TPC of drinking water in farm A and B was 1.50 x 1010 cfu/mL, C and D farms were 6 x 106 and 5.8 x 109 cfu/mL. C farm used nipple drinking system, so avoid pollution causing TPC lower than flowing and bell drinking system. Haugh units (HU) of fresh eggs in all testing farms were 75 - 101, while the HUs of B, C and D farms were in 85 - 101, slightly higher than A farm. On the ratio of HU being over 60 score of the egg after stored at 30°C for 5 days, A to D farms were about 25%, 60%, 40% and 75%. That showed FH feeding farms was better than CV feeding farm, further the opened FH feeding was superior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of chitosan from black soldier fly on immune traits and blood chemical parameters of broilers. A total of 400-day old male broiler chicks were randomly allotted into the basic diet, 0.01% chitosan, 0.05% chitosan, 0.05% commercial chitosan and 0.05% larvae. The results indicated that IL-1β titer in 0.05% commercial chitosan and 0.05% larvae group was significantly higher than that in basic diet group (P < 0.05). The GOT in 0.05% commercial chitosan group was significantly lower than that in the basic diet group (P < 0.05). The A/G ratio in 0.05% commercial chitosan group and 0.05% larvae group was significantly lower than that in the basic diet group (P < 0.05). The LDL in 0.05% larvae group was significantly higher than that in the basic diet group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.05% commercial chitosan and 0.05% larvae can stimulate serum IL-1β concentration. In addition, 0.05% commercial chitosan can regulate liver function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of acid-tolerance microbial and chitin diatomaceous earth complex agent (ATMCD) on growth performance and immune traits of broilers. A total of 240- day old broiler chicks were randomly allotted into a basic diet, 0.5% and 1% ATMCD groups. Blood of birds was collected for the determination of immune traits at 35 weeks of age. The results indicated that the body weight in 0.5% ATMCD group was significantly higher than that in 1% ATMCD group at 35 d of age and 0-35d weight gain (P < 0.05). The IgG in 0.5% ATMCD group was significantly lower than that in the basic diet group (P < 0.05). The TNF-α in 1% ATMCD group was significantly lower than that in the basic diet group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.5% and 1% ATMCD can not improve growth performance, but it can reduce the concentration of IgG and TNF-α. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is intended to investigate the physiological and blood biochemical values of layer hen during the cool and hot seasons to understand the effects of extreme weather on the performance of poultry species. The temperature, humidity and THI values in and outside the poultry house during the cool season (January-February) and the hot season (June- August) were measured. The physiological values of poultry such as basic body temperature, breathing, body weight, week of age were determined. Blood biochemical values, hematology and immunoglobulins were also determined in cool and hot seasons. The results indicated that the THI values of broiler house in cool and hot seasons were 68.6 and 83.4, respectively (P < 0.05). The physiological and blood biochemical values had significant differences in cool and hot seasons including body temperature, breathing frequency, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, albumin, albumin/globulin, sodium, potassium, amylase, glucocorticoids, hematocrit, red blood cell, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, white blood cell, heterophils, monocytes, thrombocytes and chicken Immunoglobulin G(P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is intended to investigate the physiological and blood biochemical values of broiler during the cool and hot seasons to understand the effects of extreme weather on the performance of poultry species. Broiler was selected as experimental animals. The temperature, humidity and THI values in and outside the poultry house during the cool season (January-February) and the hot season (June- August) were measured. The physiological values of poultry such as basic body temperature, breathing, body weight, week of age were determined. Blood biochemical values, hematology and immunoglobulins were also determined in cool and hot seasons. The results indicated that the THI values of broiler house in cool and hot seasons were 72.2 and 84.1, respectively (P < 0.05). The physiological and blood biochemical values had significant differences in cool and hot seasons including body temperature, body weight at 5 weeks of age, blood glucose, creatinine, creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, albumin/globulin, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, triglyceride, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, glucocorticoids, hematocrit, red blood cell, hemoglobin, white blood cell, heterophils, monocytes, basophils, thrombocytes, fibrinogen, chicken Immunoglobulin G and chicken Immunoglobulin A (P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to compare the GO and G1 egg production and reproductive performance of LRI white silky chicken after selection for hatching number. One hundred and fifty five, 163 and 255 females in GO, G1 and G2 at 33-35 weeks of age were used. Twenty males semen were collected and 1:1 mixed to inseminated females with a volume of 0.03-0.04 mL twice a week for three weeks. Eggs were collected and incubated at the 7th day after AI. The number of hatched chicks was collected for each hen. Egg production was collected at 40 weeks of age. Results indicated that the number of hatched eggs in G1 were significantly higher than those in G2 (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in GO. Fertilized eggs, hatched chick number, fertility and hatch rate of G1 were significantly higher than those of GO and G2 (P < 0.05). In age at the first egg, GO was significantly higher than G2 (P < 0.05). G2 was significantly higher than GO and G1 in bodyweight, egg weight at the first egg and body weight at 40 weeks of age (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in egg weight and egg number at 40 weeks of age among the generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate the self-made feed, egg production and egg quality in the farms of Mei-si tribal village, Ren'ai Township, Nantou County in 2020 for the advisory the layer farms. Feed composition, heavy metals, egg production performance and egg quality were analyzed and recorded. The results indicated that moisture, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber, calcium and phosphorus of feeds were 21.0%, 9.2%, 21.9%, 5.5%,2.2%, and 0.4%, respectively. Pb, Hg, Cd, As, Cu and Zn of heavy metals were 0.4 ppm, ND, 0.1 ppm, 0.4 ppm, 9.8 ppm and 44.0 ppm, respectively. In egg production performance, because of 2 year old Lohmann layers and nature farming, although 100% livability, egg production rate was only 6.1 ± 2.6% and average egg weight and feed conversion ratio was 60 ± 9 g and 32.9 ± 24.6, respectively. In egg quality, average egg weight, Haugh unit, albumin height, egg shape coefficient, egg shell thickness, egg shell strength and egg yolk color were 61.9 ± 4.3g, 45.3 ± 8.3, 3.104 ± 0.522 mm, 0.73 ± 0.02, 0.359 ± 0.024 mm, 3.666 ± 1.188 kg/cm² and 5.3 ±1.6, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to collect production information of the growing pullet farms following the COA policy of one item one team (egg). Five growing pullet farms were recommended by the ROC Chicken Association. Collected production information in 2020. The results indicated that capacity of each batch was between 9,600 - 60,000 birds. The main breeds were Hy-Line and HENDRIX. There were two stages with stock density between 45 - 67 birds/Ping or 26 birds/cage. Infrared beak trimming was at day old. Hot blade trimming was at 6 - 11 days of age. Lighting was 24 hr long except using antiparasitic drugs in close house then reducing to 12.5 hr. Vaccines included MD, ND, IB, IBD, ILT, IC and POX. Livability was between 98.9 - 99.9%. Marketing ages were at 75, 90 and 105 days, respectively. Prices for each bird were 112-115, 115- 142 and 140 NT dollars, respectively. The uniformity of the flock can reach 85% and above. A few farms can not reach recommended body weight. Most farms can not reach protected antibody titer of ILT and IB. Reaction of leukemia virus strain (J) and pullorum disease were negative. Parts of the farms need more biosecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egg production is not only an important economic trait of commercial layers, but also an important trait that directly affects economic benefits for breeder and commercial broiler producers. The LRI-L7 native chickens were selected for high egg production. Chickens were selected based on the body weight of the individual chickens at 16 weeks of age (BW16), egg numbers produced by the hens up to 40 weeks of age (EN40), and the fertilization rate and hatchability of parents for breeding newer generations. After five generations of selection, the average 16-week-old body weight of roosters and hens were increased significantly (P < 0.05), and the average age at first egg (AFE), average egg weight at first egg (EWFE), average egg weight at 40 weeks of age (EW40), and EN40 in hens were improved significantly (P < 0.001). The average BW16 and EW40 did not decrease due to the increase in EN40. In this trial, we used a small ethnic group of native chicken with pedigrees and the independent elimination method to conduct the program for the selection of high egg production in native chickens. It can indeed effectively increase EN40 of hens and improve the BW16 of chickens. And it can be used as a breeding technology platform for private breeders to improve egg production of hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the doping and surface electron accumulation layer properties of tin dioxide (SnO2), the Fermi level and surface band bending of unintentionally-, antimony (Sb)-, and indium (In)-doped SnO2 (101) films were investigated by aluminum and hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which probe surface and bulk regions, respectively. The Fermi level was above the conduction band minimum (CBM) for unintentionally-doped films and for highly Sb-doped films, which showed the conduction band feature, and deep in the band gap for In-doped films. The band bending and surface Fermi level indicated a surface Fermi level pinning in the CBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary with Asteraceae and Lamiaceae supplements on the growth performance and carcass traits of black silkie chicken. Two hundred and eighty chickens were divided into the control diet group, supplement with 2% Asteraceae group, with 2% Lamiaceae group, with 1% Asteraceae and 1% Lamiaceae group, and with 50 ppm tylosin group according to the hatching weight. Growth performance and feed conversion efficiency were determined during the feeding period. Carcass traits were measured at 16 weeks of age. The results showed that there were no significant differences among groups of body weight, feed intake, feed efficiency and survival rate. However, the control dietary group and supplement with 1% Asteraceae and 1% Lamiaceae group had higher dressing rate (P < 0.05) compared to 2% Lamiaceae group and 50 ppm tylosin group. The results could be used as a reference for dietary supplementation of black silkie chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian leucosis is caused by avian leucosis viruses (ALVs) are prevalent in the poultry industry worldwide and cause severe economic losses. The subgroup J of ALV (ALV-J) has emerged as an important pathogen of meat-type chickens since 1989 and causes serious economic losses in poultry industry. In order to monitor ALV-J disease in the selection population of LRI native inbreeding lines, we collected blood samples of candidate breeder chicken by the blood collection device with anticoagulant EDTA-K3 in 2019. The DNAs of blood samples were extracted with nucleic acid extraction reagent and the primer kits (H5/H7) was used for ALV-J PCR detection. Four inbreeding lines of LRI native chicken were monitored in this program. Totally 868 blood samples of candidate breeder chickens including 263 Line 7, 202 Line 9, 212 Linell and 191 L12. All of the samples were ALV-J negative. It shows that the selection population of LRI native inbreeding lines is an avian leukemia J virus free population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate the semen quality of LRI white silky chicken at 30 weeks of age. Seventy night males had semen collection training at 28 weeks of age for 2 weeks. Semen collected at 30 weeks of age for quality test. Results indicated that semen volume, concentration, activity, forwarding and survival rate were 0.4 ± 0.2mL, 4.3 ± 0.6 Ø 109 /mL, 62.1 ± 17.8%, 25.7 ± 17.4% and 64.4 ± 12.9%, respectively. Recommended semen quality of the Division of Breeding and Genetics in concentration, activity, forwarding and survival rate were above 3 Ø 109 /mL, 70%, 30% and 60%, respectively. In this experiment, there were 100%, 37%, 39% and 71%, of in concentration, activity, forwarding and survival rate respectively that meet the recommended levels of the Division of Breeding and Genetics. Only 5% of the semen meets all the recommended quality levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, coccidiosis problems have been become more and more important, especially in a lot of economic loss. The clinical administration of anti-coccidiosis drugs are added in the feed. To detect anti-coccidiosis drugs residues, each egg sample was extracted and cleaned according to a version of the method recommended by the TFDA. The detection limits of seven anti-coccidiosis drugs were lower than 10 ng/g in egg matrixes. The average recoveries were 70 ~ 120% in all analytics in eggs at lower spiked levels of 10 ng/g for LCMS/MS assay. In total, 288 egg samples were collected from school lunch eggs supplier in 18 cities from Taiwan between Jan. and Jun. 2019. Our results revealed no residues of 7 anti-coccidiosis drugs in egg samples, indicating that no violated ration of anti-coccidiosis drugs residues in eggs was found. Thus, this proposed method is satisfactorily considered for routine monitoring of anti-coccidiosis drugs residues in eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate the number of hatched chicks of LRI white silky chicken during 33 ~ 35 weeks of age. 138 hens were inseminated with pooled semen of 20 cockerels at 33 ~ 35 weeks of age. Each hen was inseminated with 0.03 ~ 0.04 ml semen. Hens were inseminated twice a week for 3 weeks. After 24 hours, breeder eggs were stored at 15ºC room. Eggs were incubated at the 8th day after AI. Eggs were recorded the number of hatched chicks for each hen. Results indicated that the number of incubated eggs, fertilized eggs and hatched chicks for LRI white silky chicken during 33 ~ 35 weeks of age were16.8 ± 2.7, 12.8 ± 3.7 and 11.2 ± 4.0, respectively. Conversion to fertilized rate and hatch rate of fertilized eggs were 76.2% and 87.5%, respectively. Number of fertilized eggs at 33 weeks was significantly lower than that of 35 weeks of age (3.9 ± 1.4 vs. 4.4 ± 1.5) (P < 0.05). There was no significant in number of incubated eggs and hatched chicks during 33 ~ 35 weeks of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of phytogenics on serum antibody titer and blood characteristics of silky chickens. Three hundred and twenty day-old black male silky chicks were divided into group A (com-soybean diets), group B (added with 2% Artemisia argyi), group C (added with 2% Plectranthus amboinicus), group D (added with 1% Artemisia argyi and 2% Plectranthus amboinicus) and group E (added with tylosin 50 ppm during 1 ~ 14 weeks of age). Each treatment had 4 replicates and each replicate had 12 birds. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. In blood characteristics, white blood cell of group B was significantly higher than group E and D (P < 0.05). Heterophil of group C was significantly higher than group A and D (P < 0.05). The others had no significant difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to determine the fatty acid compositions of blue shell silky chicken eggs and brown eggs for the reference of nutritional value. Four birds from blue shell silky hens and brown egg hens at 40 weeks of age and fed the same diets for 21 days were taken eggs for determination of fatty acid compositions. The results indicated that the fatty acid compositions of silky chicken egg and brown egg were saturate fatty acid 35.3 vs. 33.4%, mono-unsaturated fatty acid 9.7 vs. 19.2%, poly-unsaturated fatty acid 19.7 vs. 19.2%, co-3 fatty acid 2.89 vs. 1.56%, DPA 0.23 vs. 0.13%, DHA 2.28 vs. 0.80%. Comparing blue silky chicken eggs with brown eggs, silky chicken eggs had significantly higher co-3 fatty acid, DPA and DHA. DPA and DHA are essential fatty acids for human. Those are important for growth maintenance, brain development and eyesight, especially in infant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to determine the amino acid composition of blue shell silky chicken eggs and brown eggs for the reference of nutritional value. Four birds from blue shell silky hens and brown egg hens at 40 weeks of age and fed the same diets for 21 days were taken eggs for determination of amino acid composition. The results indicated that the amino acid composition of silky chicken egg and brown egg were threonine 0.59 vs. 0.53%, valine 0.74 vs. 0.82%, methionine 0.38 vs. 0.38%, isoleucine 0.59 vs. 0.60%, leucine 1.06 vs. 1.01 %, tyrosine 0.50 vs. 0.45%, phenylalanine 0.63 vs. 0.64%, lysine 0.94 vs. 0.85%, histidine 0.27 vs. 0.27% and arginine 0.79 vs. 0.71 %, respectively. Comparing blue silky chicken eggs with brown eggs, silky chicken eggs had higher threonine, leucine, tyrosine, lysine and arginine. Brown eggs had higher valine, isoleucine, phenylalanine. Contents of threonine, tyrosine, lysine and arginine had significant difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to determine the nutrient contents of LRI blue shell silky chicken eggs and brown eggs for the reference of nutritional value. Four birds from blue shell silky hens and brown egg hens at 40 weeks of age and fed the same diets for 21 days were taken eggs for determination of eggs content including moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, calcium, zinc, iron, potassium and lecithin. The results indicated that the contents of blue shell silky chicken eggs and brown eggs were moisture 71.5 vs. 76.1 %, crude protein 12.8 vs. 13.2%, crude fat 12.9 vs. 8.6%, crude ash 1.5 vs. 0.88%, calcium 507 vs. 230 ppm, zinc 20.3 vs. 10.3 ppm, iron 24.6 vs. 18.2 ppm, potassium 15.8 vs. 13.5 ppm and lecithin 3,823 vs. 2,643 mg/100 g, respectively. Silky chicken eggs had higher crude fat, crude ash, calcium, zinc, iron, potassium, selenium and lecithin. Brown eggs had higher moisture and crude protein. There were significant differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]