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Simple Summary: The European Union's poultry industry relies heavily on imported ingredients such as soybean meal. In this study, we tested three diets on 120 laying hens over 15 weeks: a soybean–corn diet, an alternative diet with locally sourced plant-based ingredients (peas, distillers' dried grains with solubles, and sunflower meal), and this alternative feed supplemented with 5% whole dried black soldier fly larvae. The results suggest that a novel alternative diet using fewer conventional ingredients could be developed into a flexible formulation that ensures productivity, sustainability, egg quality, and hen health. Given the significant environmental consequences of current poultry feed practices and the heavy dependence of the European Union on imported soybeans, studying alternatives is crucial. This study evaluated the potential benefits of using locally sourced alternative plant-based ingredients and whole dry black soldier fly larvae in the diet of laying hens. The experiment involved 120 Isazul hens at 23 weeks old, which were divided into three groups with five replicates each (eight hens per replicate): a control diet (CON) based on soybean meal and cereals, an alternative diet (ALT) replacing the soybean meal with locally sourced plant-based resources (peas, distillers' dried grains with solubles, and sunflower meal), and the ALT diet supplemented with 5% whole dry black soldier fly larvae (ALT+DBSFL). Over 15 weeks, the hens were fed ad libitum, and the production performance, egg quality, and plasma biochemical parameters were assessed across three experimental sub-periods. The results showed no significant differences in body weight, feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, or feed conversion ratio across the diets (p > 0.05). The egg quality remained consistent across all the groups; however, the hens fed the ALT+DBSFL diet exhibited higher Haugh units in the first experimental sub-period (p < 0.05) and lower plasma cholesterol and triglycerides at 32 weeks of age (p < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that incorporating these alternative ingredients and whole DBSFL into layers' diets does not compromise production performance, egg quality, or biochemical parameters related to health status, supporting their potential as sustainable feed alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. A study was conducted to assess the possibility of totally replacing supplemental phosphorus sources in White Leghorn (WL) layer diets (aged 28 to 45 weeks of age) with microbial phytase supplementation. One thousand commercial layers (HyLine White) of 28 weeks of age were housed in California cages fitted in open-sided poultry shed at the rate of 20 layers in each replicate. Ten replicates were randomly allotted to each treatment, and the respective diet was fed from 28 to 45 weeks of age. 2. A control diet (CD) containing the recommended levels of non-phytate phosphorus (3.6 g/kg NPP) and four other test diets (2–5) having sub-optimal levels of NPP (2.4, 2.0, 1.6 and 1.2 g/kg), but with supplemental microbial phytase (600 FTU/kg) were prepared and fed for the trial duration. 3. The layers fed with lower levels of NPP with phytase had the same laying performance as the group fed the CD. Egg production, feed efficiency, egg mass, shell defects, egg density, shell weight, shell thickness, ash content and breaking strength of the tibia and sternum were not affected by feeding the lowest concentration of NPP (1.2 g/kg) plus microbial phytase. 4. Phytase supplementation in diets with sub-optimal levels of NPP (2.4, 2 and 1.6 g/kg) significantly improved the Haugh unit score compared to those fed the CD. 5. It was concluded that supplemental phosphorus can be completely replaced with microbial phytase (600 FTU/kg) in a diet without affecting egg production, shell quality or bone mineral variables in WL layers (28 to 45 weeks). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was designed to evaluate the advantages of using multi-strain probiotics feed (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Clostridium butyricum) (PRO) and alpha-monolaurin (AML) on laying performance, criteria of egg quality, blood parameters, and yolk fatty acids' profile in laying hens. One hundred forty of Bovans brown laying hens at 45 weeks old (25th week of egg production) were randomly allocated into four groups, with seven replicates of five birds each in a complete randomized design. The first group was fed a basal diet without feed additives (0 g/kg diet), and the second, third, and fourth groups received diets containing 1 g PRO, 1 g AML, and 1 g PRO + 1 g AML/kg diet, respectively. No significant impacts of PRO, AML, or their mixture on body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), or egg weight. Egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were enhanced by 1 g PRO/kg and /or 1 g AML/kg supplementation in laying hen diets. Furthermore, egg shape index, eggshell thickness, and yolk color were statistically higher by PRO and AML supplementation at 55 weeks. However, oviduct, infundibulum, and uterus weights were significantly decreased by 1 g PRO or/and 1 g AML. Additionally, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), glucose, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) levels were decreased by PRO and AML supplementation. In conclusion, it seems that dietary inclusion with 1 g PRO/kg, 1 g of AML/kg, and 1 g PRO + 1 g AML improved egg production, egg mass, FCR, and yolk fatty acids profile and lowered total cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Copy number variation (CNV) consist of deletion, insertion, and duplications. It is an important source of genetic variation in organisms and thus influences on the gene expression and phenotypic variation. Copy number variation (CNV) is one of the structural variant with an intermediate size class larger than 50bp which involves unbalanced rearrangements that increase or decrease the amount of DNA (Pirooznia et al 2015, Alkan et al 2011). The size of CNVs is larger than 50bp, while smaller segments are known as insertions or deletions (indels). Thereupon these structural variations comprise more polymorphic than SNPs because of enormity, detection of them and their effect on phenotype has caught the attention of many researchers recently. It has been reported that CNVs changes in gene dosage and regulation as well as in transcript structure, and thus contribute to phenotypic variability (Pirooznia et al 2015, Alkan et al 2011). The pea-comb phenotype is caused by a CNV mapping to intron 1 of the SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 5 (SOX5) gene (Wright et al 2009). Late feathering in chickens is due to incomplete duplication in PRLR and SPEF2 genes (Elfrink et al 2008). In swine, dominant white colour has been related with a duplication of a 450-kb fragment of the KIT gene (Giuffra et al 1999) and a splice mutation causing the skipping of exon 17 (Giuffra et al 1999). In sheep, doubling in the ASIP gene results in the regulation of pigment in body coat (Norris et al 2008). Doubling the 4.6 k base pair into the six introns of the STX17 gene results in a gray body color in the horse with age. Deletion of the intergenic region with a length of 11.7 kbp in the goat genome leads to the removal of horns (Clop et al 2012). Chicken is the most intensively farmed animal on earth and is a major food source with billions of birds used in meat and egg production each year. A big share of chicken CNVs involves protein coding or regulatory sequences. A comprehensive study of chicken CNV can provide valuable information on genetic diversity and assist future analyses of associations between CNV and economically important traits in chickens. Unique chicken genome with macro and micro chromosomes and its biology make it an ideal organism for studies in development and evolution, as well as applications in agriculture and medicine (Burt 2005). In the last several years, there has been an increasing interest in the study of CNVs in the chicken. This study focuses on comparison of CNV between the broilers and layers chicken to find evidence of domestication on the genome using whole genome sequencing Material and methods: we used n=90 female birds of two commercial broiler (n=40) and layer (n=50) chicken. The broilers (BRs) were represented by 20 DNA samples of each of two lines (BRA and BRB) established independently and previously collected as part of the AVIANDIV project. In the layer group (LRs), data from 25 birds each from purebred white (WL) and brown (BL) egg laying populations, sequenced in the frame of the SYNBREED project (http://www.synbreed.tum.de/index.php?id=2(, were included. The paired-end reads with a read length of 101bp were mapped against the current reference genome assembly Galgal6 using the Burrows-Wheeler aligner (bwa, 0.6.2-r126 Version, with default parameters. Duplicate reads were masked during post-processing using the Picard tool set (version 2.9.2, http://picard.sourceforge.net). Finally, Genome Analysis Toolkit-3.3.0 was used to realign reads for correcting errors caused by indels. Using GATK software package and Depth of Coverage function (McKenna et al 2010), the depth of readings was calculated for each sample. Then filter out reads with mapping quality below 20. Because comparing the genomes of individuals in different groups was time consuming and computationally difficult for all parts of the genome, the genomes of each individual were divided into 1000 bp non-overlapping windows and the average reading depth per window was calculated. Then the results were normalized against the BL sample that showed highest average depth. In short, we created a correction factor per population and applied it on the depth of coverage value for each window. For all the contrasts, we performed an analysis of variance (ANOVA) as described (Carneiro et al 2014). For the Broilers-Layers contrast we scanned 935247 windows. 69522windows showed significant by FDR with P < 0.001, with ANOVA using the Benjamini-Hochberg FDR method for multiple corrections (Benjamini and Hochberg 1995). Results and discussion: Mapping sequencing data to galGal6 assembly showed an average 98.61% mapping rate and 11.51 depth. Manhattan plot was plotted for regions of the genome that differed significantly between the two groups (FDR = 0.001). The points above the hypothetical line were identified and examined in a 25 Kbp confidence interval to identify possible genes. 39 regions were identified that half of them does not contain any genes. Although Long noncoding RNAs are under lower selective pressure than protein-coding genes (Batista and Chang 2013), the other 11 regions contained 16 genes related to long non-coding RNAs. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in organizing the 3-dimensional genome architecture and regulating gene activity in cis or in trans through multiple mechanisms (Zhang et al. 2019, Batista and Chang 2013). 6 Othere regions also contained 12 coding genes. Most of the identified genes were somehow linked to the immune system disease or cancer. Genes such as DEDs and TNFAIP8 are involved in programmed cell death (apoptosis) and two genes NPAL3 and RCAN, which are involved in the immune system, had a copy number variation in the studied samples. In addition, RCAN is involved in Down syndrome. The PFDN gene, located on chromosome 25, is also involved in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) non-typhoidal Salmonella in poultry food chain are emerging worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the serotypes diversity, virulence and antimicrobial resistance traits of nontyphoidal Salmonella in commercial and backyard egg production systems in Kafrelsheikh Governorate, Egypt. A total of 610 samples (200 egg shells, 200 egg contents, and 210 environmental samples) were collected from 10 commercial layers farms and 170 samples (50 egg shells, 50 egg contents, and 70 environmental samples) were collected from 10 backyard layers flocks. The overall prevalence of Salmonella was 4.1% for each production system. Six commercial flocks (60%) and three backyard layers flocks (30%) harbored at least one Salmonella isolate. The prevalence rates of Salmonella spp. in eggs and environmental samples from commercial layers flocks were 2.5% (10/400) and 7.1% (15/210), respectively. The prevalence rates of the same samples in backyard production were 6% (6/100) and 1.4% (1/70), respectively. The egg shell contamination positively associated with Salmonella detection in egg cartoon trays in commercial layers farms (Pearson’s R= 0.8, P= 0.004). The serotype distribution was as follows: S. Typhimurium 1.3%, S. Enteritidis 1.03%, S. Kentucky 0.8%, S. Infantis 0.3%, S. Molade 0.3%, S. Tamale 0.3%, S. Labadi 0.1%, and S. Papuana 0.1%. The fimH, hilA, stn, and sopA virulence genes were detected in 46.8%, 37.5%, 31.3%, and 40.6% of isolates, respectively. Around two thirds (59.4%) of Salmonella strains were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 12 isolates (37.5%) were MDR. The study highlighted the wide-spread of MDR Salmonella in egg production systems in study region. Extended surveillance and veterinary monitoring of antibiotics use in this sector are mandatory for public safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are inconsistent results on the effect of dietary lactobacillus supplementation on laying performance. Therefore, this study ascertained the effect of lactobacillus supplementation on laying hen performance. A total of 348 publications were identified from a methodical search done in five databases, of which 12 met the eligibility conditions for the meta-analysis. Eligibility criteria were information on feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg production (EP), egg weight (EW), egg mass (EM), Haugh unit (HU), eggshell thickness (EST), egg yolk, blood cholesterol, and moderators (i.e., treatment duration, Lactobacillus spp. and supplementation dose, hen age, and strains). Data obtained were analyzed in OpenMEE software, and pooled results showed that FCR, EP, EM, HU, EST, egg yolk, blood and egg yolk cholesterol levels were better in the lactobacillus-supplemented group than the controls, taking significant heterogeneity into consideration. Furthermore, results indicate that studied moderators influenced the results of the meta-analysis and explained the variabilities across studies utilized for the meta-analysis. In conclusion, dietary lactobacillus supplementation improved feed conversion ratio, egg production, aspects of egg quality, and blood cholesterol levels in laying hens and could be added to chicken feed to boost laying performance and egg quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spin coating is a key method for thin film preparation due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, relying on the number of layers deposited. This study investigates the impact of sample thickness on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanocomposites doped with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, focusing on structural, optical properties, and photocatalytic activity. Different numbers of layers (15, 20, 25, and 30) were synthesized via sol–gel spin coating using tetrahydrofuran as a solvent. X-ray diffraction revealed ZnO crystallites in 30-layer films, with a wurtzite structure and 32 nm crystallite size. Raman and infrared spectra confirmed ZnO incorporation. Optical transmittance ranged from 75 to 86%, with band gap energies between 3.45 and 3.94 eV. Photoluminescence spectra indicated ultraviolet and green luminescence attributed to ZnO defects. Photocatalytic efficiency, tested with methylene blue under UV irradiation, showed the 30-layer sample achieving 79% removal efficiency at 60 min, outperforming others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigating the effects of partially replacing the commercial soybean meal (SBM) by locally produced raw, full-fat soybean (RFFSB) in diets of layers. After cleaning, the tested ingredient (RFFSB) was hammered to pass through a 0.2-mm sieve. Then, four experimental diets were formulated by replacing the SBM by RFFSB at 0, 15, 30 or 45% (equivalents to 0, 30, 60 or 90 g/kg of diet, respectively). Before the commencement of this feeding trial, birds were uniformly managed and fed as per their requirements (i.e., starter, grower and pullet diets). This feeding trial was started when birds’ age was 24 weeks. Every treatment was replicated 4 times and 17 laying birds per replicate. The results revealed that replacing the commercial SBM by raw soybean (up to 45%) in the layer diets had no negative effects on the final live BWT and also on the vital organ developments, such as pancreas, duodenum, intestines and gizzard. Hen-day egg production, hen-housed egg production and egg quality measuring parameters were not significant affected by that of partially replacing the commercially SBM by the raw soybean. It is concluded that without compromising the productivity and health, a hammered RFFSB can replace (up to 45%) the commercial SBM in diets of the laying hens.

1. Keel bone damage, such as deformations and fractures, is a severe problem regarding animal welfare in layers. To identify risk factors under commercial conditions, 33 layer flocks (22 barn, 11 free range) with white (n = 18), brown (n = 11) and mixed (n = 4) genotypes were examined. 2. Keel bone status was frequently scored by palpation throughout the laying period. Data on housing and management conditions were collected. Multiple regression and Generalized Estimating Equations procedure were used for analysis. 3. At 65–74 weeks of age, the prevalence of keel bone damage ranged between 26% and 74%. White genotypes and those kept in multi-tier systems developed significantly (p < 0.05) more keel bone damage than brown genotypes or those kept in single-tier systems. Wing feather condition was associated with keel bone damage (p < 0.05), while other investigated variables regarding health, housing and management were not associated. 4. In conclusion, housing and management should be adapted to meet the birds' specific needs in multi-tier systems, which may vary for brown and white genotypes. Whether those differences result from genotype associated predispositions or other individual traits remains to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Kirkuk University for Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Kirkuk University for Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Al-Anbar University for Islamic Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We study positive stationary solutions for the following Neumann problem in one-dimension space arising from population genetics: { u t = D u x x + g (x) u 2 (1 − u) in (0 , 1) × (0 , ∞) , u x (0 , t) = u x (1 , t) = 0 in (0 , ∞) , where g changes sign once in (0 , 1) and D is a positive parameter. This equation has a stationary positive solution u , where u − 1 has n zeros in (0 , 1). We denote this solution by an M (n) -solution (n = 1 , 2 , ⋯). We show that the M (n) -solution branch bifurcates from the trivial solution u = 1 and the M (n) -solution branch does not meet other bifurcating points and is extended globally to D → 0. When D is sufficiently small, the M (n) -solution has a very characteristic shape. Especially when n = 1 , we will show all possible shapes of M (1) -solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a severe, highly contagious immunosuppressive disease. This study aimed to investigate a suspected Infectious bursal disease field infection with apparent morbidity and elevated mortality in a floor-reared Hy-line layer flock in Khartoum State, Sudan. The investigated flock showed depression, dullness, ruffled feathers, diarrhea, pasted vent, and decreased feed and water intake. The affected birds were underweight (800gm to 870gm). The mortality rate was found to be 14.7%. A post-mortem examination revealed enlarged, edematous bursae with various degrees of petechial hemorrhage in the serosal and mucosal surfaces. Hyperemia, inflammation, yellowish exudate, and atrophy were also seen in some of the affected bursae. Extremely distended ureters filled with a whitish material were detected. Enlarged kidneys with degenerative changes and obvious necrotic foci were detected grossly. Agar Gel Immuno-diffusion (AGID) tests and inoculation of the virus in chick embryos were found to be negative. Indirect IBD conventional ELISA test for VP3 for serum of 20 birds revealed 100% positive cases. Creatinine, uric acid, and urea in the serum of 22 infected birds from the diseased flock and 19 noninfected birds from the original flock showed a recognizable elevation in the three parameters that reached about 5 times, 6 times, and 2 times respectively. The presence of bursae with obvious lesions in a layer flock of 21 weeks of age was considered the main criterion for the diagnosis. The flock was diagnosed with IBD. ELISA results support the diagnosis. Infection with IBD at this age (21 weeks) could be attributed to bad management in general and bad nutrition in specific which led to being underweight and delayed the regression and disappearance of the bursa of Fabrecious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carla de Sanctis Pecora Dermatologie Private Practice, São Paulo, BrazilCorrespondence: Carla de Sanctis Pecora, Dermatologie Private Practice, Avenida Dr. Cardoso de Melo, 1308, conj 121, São Paulo, 04548-004, Brazil, Tel +5511 99621-9162, Email carla@dermatologie.com.brAbstract: Restructuring an aging face from bone structure to the surface of the skin can be metaphorically compared to building and renovating a house. While each anatomical layer of the face undergoes an aging process of its own, there is also an interdependency of superficial structures on deeper layers, so that a change in one layer may lead to changes to the adjacent layers. This interaction among the structures deep into the skin, along with the skin’s ability to envelope them is what determine the aspect of the aging face. Thus, a careful assessment of all the layers is imperative and we describe herein a step-by-step facial layering assessment and facial restructuring approach from bone structure to the surface of the skin to implement a treatment plan able to deliver a harmonious rejuvenating outcome.Keywords: layers, assessment, anatomy, aging process, combined treatment

Abstract Background The gut microbiota influences chicken health, welfare, and productivity. A diverse and balanced microbiota has been associated with improved growth, efficient feed utilisation, a well-developed immune system, disease resistance, and stress tolerance in chickens. Previous studies on chicken gut microbiota have predominantly focused on broiler chickens and have usually been limited to one or two sections of the digestive system, under controlled research environments, and often sampled at a single time point. To extend these studies, this investigation examined the microbiota of commercially raised layer chickens across all major gut sections of the digestive system and with regular sampling from rearing to the end of production at 80 weeks. The aim was to build a detailed picture of microbiota development across the entire digestive system of layer chickens and study spatial and temporal dynamics. Results The taxonomic composition of gut microbiota differed significantly between birds in the rearing and production stages, indicating a shift after laying onset. Similar microbiota compositions were observed between proventriculus and gizzard, as well as between jejunum and ileum, likely due to their anatomical proximity. Lactobacillus dominated the upper gut in pullets and the lower gut in older birds. The oesophagus had a high proportion of Proteobacteria, including opportunistic pathogens such as Gallibacterium. Relative abundance of Gallibacterium increased after peak production in multiple gut sections. Aeriscardovia was enriched in the late-lay phase compared to younger birds in multiple gut sections. Age influenced microbial richness and diversity in different organs. The upper gut showed decreased diversity over time, possibly influenced by dietary changes, while the lower gut, specifically cecum and colon, displayed increased richness as birds matured. However, age-related changes were inconsistent across all organs, suggesting the influence of organ-specific factors in microbiota maturation. Conclusion Addressing a gap in previous research, this study explored the microbiota across all major gut sections and tracked their dynamics from rearing to the end of the production cycle in commercially raised layer chickens. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of microbiota structure and development which help to develop targeted strategies to optimise gut health and overall productivity in poultry production.

This study was conducted to assess the effects of the supplementation of a multicarbohydrase-phytase complex (MCP) which contains xylanase, glucanase, arabinofuranosidase, and superdose phytase, and a combination of a xylanase-glucanase and a phytase (XGP) products in a corn-soybean diet with reduced apparent metabolizable energy (AME), digestible amino acids (DAA), and minerals (calcium and phosphorus) on egg production performance, egg quality, and economics of laying hens. Dekalb White layers (n = 480, BW = 1.56 ± 0.03 kg, 42 weeks old) with a mean hen-day egg production rate of 91.43 ± 1.31% were assigned to four diets with 15 replicates of eight layers per group: standard layer diet (SLD), low-density diet 1-(LD1, SLD less 65 kcal/kg AME, 2% DAA, 0.20% Ca, and 0.15% P) + MCP (0.01%), low-density diet 2-(LD2, SLD less 85 kcal/kg AME, 4% DAA, 0.20% Ca, and P) + MCP (0.01%), and LD2 + XGP (0.01% XG and 0.015% P). Diets supplemented with MCP and XGP had comparable production and egg quality to SLD. The LD1 + MCP, LD2 + MCP, and LD2 + XGP had a poor feed conversion ratio (FCR) and a higher mean daily feed intake (FI) than SLD. Eggshells were thicker for LD1 + MCP and LD2 + MCP than SLD and LD2 + XGP from 58 to 61 weeks of age. The income over feed cost (IOFC) was similar among layers fed the test diets. The findings indicated that enzyme supplementation compensated satisfactorily for the reduced amount of DAA and minerals in the diet. Reduction of 65–85 kcal/kg AME caused an adverse effect on FCR and FI of layers.

H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the Asian lineage (A/goose/Guangdong/1/96) belonging to clade 2.3.4.4 have spread worldwide through wild bird migration in two major waves: in 2014/2015 (clade 2.3.4.4c), and since 2016 up to now (clade 2.3.4.4b). Due to the increasing risk of these H5 HPAI viruses to establish and persist in the wild bird population, implementing vaccination in certain sensitive areas could be a complementary measure to the disease control strategies already applied. In this study, the efficacy of a novel DNA vaccine, encoding a H5 gene (A/gyrfalcon/Washington/41088-6/2014 strain) of clade 2.3.4.4c was evaluated in specific pathogen-free (SPF) white leghorn chickens against a homologous and heterologous H5 HPAI viruses. A single vaccination at 2 weeks of age (1 dose), and a vaccination at 2 weeks of age, boosted at 4 weeks (2 doses), with or without adjuvant were characterized. The groups that received 1 dose with or without adjuvant as well as 2 doses with adjuvant demonstrated full clinical protection and a significant or complete reduction of viral shedding against homologous challenge at 6 and 25 weeks of age. The heterologous clade 2.3.4.4b challenge of 6-week-old chickens vaccinated with 2 doses with or without adjuvant showed similar results, indicating good cross-protection induced by the DNA vaccine. Long lasting humoral immunity was observed in vaccinated chickens up to 18 or 25 weeks of age, depending on the vaccination schedule. The analysis of viral transmission after homologous challenge showed that sentinels vaccinated with 2 doses with adjuvant were fully protected against mortality with no excretion detected. This study of H5 DNA vaccine efficacy confirmed the important role that this type of so-called third-generation vaccine could play in the fight against H5 HPAI viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we investigated decreased hatchability and increased embryonic mortality in two farms of layer breeders (flocks A1 and B1) and a farm of broiler breeders (flocks C1 and C2) from Austria, which also presented discoloration of eggshells in 2% of the eggs. After conducting clinical evaluations and the approval that the feed operator was common for flocks A1 and B1, and C1 and C2, it was decided to investigate the feed. Our findings revealed that the feed contained levels of nicarbazin and narasin up to five and 14 times, respectively, above the maximum limits allowed by the European Union for nontarget species. On the other hand, there were no significant abnormalities in vitamin levels, which were also described as the etiology of the noticed abnormalities. Switching to a noncontaminated feed resulted in the clinical signs and production parameters returning to expected ranges. This report emphasizes the significance of considering feed contamination by nicarbazin and narasin as a potential cause of hatchery losses in nontarget species, even in the absence of other clinical signs. Reporte de caso- Pérdidas en la eclosión de parvadas de reproductoras ponedoras y pollos de engorde debido a la contaminación del alimento con nicarbazina y narasina: Reporte de un caso. En el presente estudio, se investigó la disminución de la incubabilidad y el aumento de la mortalidad embrionaria en dos granjas de reproductoras ponedoras (parvadas A1 y B1) y una granja de reproductoras de pollos de engorde (parvadas C1 y C2) de Austria, que también presentaron decoloración del cascarón en el 2% de los huevos. Luego de realizar evaluaciones clínicas y la aprobación de que el operador de alimento era común para las parvadas A1 y B1, y C1 y C2, se decidió investigar el alimento. Nuestros hallazgos revelaron que el alimento contenía niveles de nicarbazina y narasina de hasta cinco y 14 veces, respectivamente, por encima de los límites máximos permitidos por la Unión Europea para especies no objetivo. Por otro lado, no se observaron anomalías significativas en los niveles de vitaminas, lo que también se describió como la etiología de las anomalías observadas. El cambio a un alimento no contaminado provocó que los signos clínicos y los parámetros de producción regresaran a los rangos esperados. Este informe enfatiza la importancia de considerar la contaminación del alimento por nicarbazina y narasina como una causa potencial de pérdidas en la eclosión de especies no objetivo, incluso en ausencia de otros signos clínicos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The gut microbiota influences chicken health, welfare, and productivity. A diverse and balanced microbiota has been associated with improved growth, efficient feed utilisation, a well-developed immune system, disease resistance, and stress tolerance in chickens. Previous studies on chicken gut microbiota have predominantly focused on broiler chickens and have usually been limited to one or two sections of the digestive system, under controlled research environments, and often sampled at a single time point. To extend these studies, this investigation examined the microbiota of commercially raised layer chickens across all major gut sections of the digestive system and with regular sampling from rearing to the end of production at 80 weeks. The aim was to build a detailed picture of microbiota development across the entire digestive system of layer chickens and study spatial and temporal dynamics. Results: The taxonomic composition of gut microbiota differed significantly between birds in the rearing and production stages, indicating a shift after laying onset. Similar microbiota compositions were observed between proventriculus and gizzard, as well as between jejunum and ileum, likely due to their anatomical proximity. Lactobacillus dominated the upper gut in pullets and the lower gut in older birds. The oesophagus had a high proportion of Proteobacteria, including opportunistic pathogens such as Gallibacterium. Relative abundance of Gallibacterium increased after peak production in multiple gut sections. Aeriscardovia was enriched in the late-lay phase compared to younger birds in multiple gut sections. Age influenced microbial richness and diversity in different organs. The upper gut showed decreased diversity over time, possibly influenced by dietary changes, while the lower gut, specifically cecum and colon, displayed increased richness as birds matured. However, age-related changes were inconsistent across all organs, suggesting the influence of organ-specific factors in microbiota maturation. Conclusion: Addressing a gap in previous research, this study explored the microbiota across all major gut sections and tracked their dynamics from rearing to the end of the production cycle in commercially raised layer chickens. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of microbiota structure and development which help to develop targeted strategies to optimise gut health and overall productivity in poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is little information on the layer-specific failure properties of the adult human abdominal aorta, and there has been no quantification of postfailure damage. Infra-renal aortas were thus taken from forty-seven autopsy subjects and cut into 870 intact-wall and layer strips that underwent uni-axial-tensile testing. Intact-wall failure stress did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from the medial value longitudinally, nor from the intimal and medial values circumferentially, which were the lowest recorded values. Intact-wall failure stretch did not differ (p > 0.05) from the medial value in either direction. Intact-wall prefailure stretch (defined as failure stretch-stretch at the initiation of the concave phase of the stress-stretch response) did not differ (p > 0.05) from the intimal and medial values, and intact-wall postfailure stretch (viz., full-rupture stretch-failure stretch) did not differ (p > 0.05) from the adventitial value since the adventitia was the last layer to rupture, being most extensible albeit under residual tension. Intact-wall failure stress and stretch declined from 20 to 60 years, explained by steady declines throughout the lifetime of their medial counterparts, implicating beyond 60 years the less age-varying failure properties of the intima under minimal residual compression. The positive correlation of postfailure stretch with age counteracted the declining failure stretch, serving as a compensatory mechanism against rupture. Hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease adversely affected the intact-wall and layer-specific failure stretches while increasing stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper presents an experimental and numerical study to evaluate the impact energy dissipation, proposing a friction damper with the use of layers (LFD) for the dissipation of kinetic energy generated as a consequence of dynamic loads in an accidental fall due to work at heights. Methods: The study is performed by experimentation using a free-fall bench and numerical modeling using the finite element software Abaqus. The energy dissipation analysis is presented by comparing the system displacements for different impact masses. The geometry of the dissipator elements for a particular case of working at heights is proposed. Results: The results show the feasibility of applying the LFD for dynamic loads by dissipating 100% of the kinetic energy caused by an accidental fall for particular conditions. Conclusions: The use of layer elements as a preload mechanism allows the increase of the friction force with respect to the displacement of the system, increasing the energy dissipation capacity. In addition, the relationship of the geometrical parameters of the LFD allows the sizing of the layer elements and, in turn, the increase in the energy dissipation capacity according to the user's needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work studies the technological preparation conditions, morphology, structural characteristics and elemental composition, and optical and photoluminescent properties of GaSe single crystals and Eu-doped β–Ga2O3 nanoformations on ε–GaSe:Eu single crystal substrate, obtained by heat treatment at 750–900 °C, with a duration from 30 min to 12 h, in water vapor-enriched atmosphere, of GaSe plates doped with 0.02–3.00 at. % Eu. The defects on the (0001) surface of GaSe:Eu plates serve as nucleation centers of β–Ga2O3:Eu crystallites. For 0.02 at. % Eu doping, the fundamental absorption edge of GaSe:Eu crystals at room temperature is formed by n = 1 direct excitons, while at 3.00 at. % doping, Eu completely shields the electron–hole bonds. The band gap of nanostructured β–Ga2O3:Eu layer, determined from diffuse reflectance spectra, depends on the dopant concentration and ranges from 4.64 eV to 4.87 eV, for 3.00 and 0.05 at. % doping, respectively. At 0.02 at. % doping level, the PL spectrum of ε–GaSe:Eu single crystals consists of the n = 1 exciton band, together with the impurity band with a maximum intensity at 800 nm. Fabry–Perrot cavities with a width of 9.3 μm are formed in these single crystals, which determine the interference structure of the impurity PL band. At 1.00–3.00 at. % Eu concentrations, the PL spectra of GaSe:Eu single crystals and β–Ga2O3:Eu nanowire/nanolamellae layers are determined by electronic transitions of Eu2+ and Eu3+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the effect of dietary inclusion of bone dust as a calcium source on performance, egg quality characteristics, serum parameters, blood minerals and bone mineralisation of laying chickens. A total of 128 point of lay birds (1470-1550g) were allotted on a weight equalisation basis to four dietary treatments. Each treatment consists of four replicates having 8 birds per replicate. The diets were designated T1, T2, T3 and T4 in which T1 is the diet with dicalcium phosphate (DCP), T2 is the diet with bone meal, T3 is the diet with 50% bone dust and 50% DCP and T4 is the diet with 100% bone dust. The experiment lasted for eight weeks; laying performance and egg qualities (internal and external) were evaluated on a weekly basis. Serum parameters, blood minerals and bone mineralisation were carried out at the end of the study. Data collected were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance using Minitab statistical software (17.0) and significant means were separated using Tukey’s test. The inclusion of 50% and 100% dust resulted in increased (P<0.05) daily feed intake (DFI). The use of 100% bone dust in the diet of layers resulted in the highest (P<0.05) number of eggs laid (NEL) (293.00) and Hen-day egg production (HDEP) (118.33 %). Eggshell thickness (EST) was highest for layers fed T3 and T4 diets. The highest (P<0.05) albumin height (AH) (10.04 mm) and Haugh unit (Hu) (94.62 %) was observed for layers fed T4 diet. Layers fed T1 and T4 diets had higher (P<0.05) total protein and globulin than other treatments. Calcium and phosphorus content in blood was highest (P<0.05) for layers fed T1 diet. Bone calcium and phosphorus were highest (P<0.05) for layers fed the T3 diet but lowest for those fed the T1 diet. It was concluded that bone dust can be included in the diet of layers at 50 and 100% for better performance and egg quality without negative effects on blood and mineral composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor eggshell quality of eggs laid by aged laying hens is the major problem affecting the length of the rearing period in the laying hen industry. Trace elements are required and play vital roles in the eggshell quality of laying hens. Appropriate dose of organic microelements is environmentally friendly and sufficient to satisfy the needs of hens because of their greater bioavailability and lower excretion than inorganic forms. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of manganese (Mn) glycine (MG) on eggshell quality, elemental deposition, and eggshell ultrastructure in aged laying hens. A total of 720 Hy-Line Brown hens 70 weeks old were assigned equally to four groups with six replicates of 30 birds each. The hens were fed basal diets (without Mn supplementation) supplemented with 120 mg/kg of Mn from manganese sulfate monohydrate (MSM), or 40, 80, or 120 mg/kg Mn from MG for 12 weeks. Dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG resulted in the greatest eggshell strength after 6 weeks of treatment (P = 0.047), and in greater eggshell strength than observed in the MSM control after 12 weeks of treatment (P = 0.025). After 12 weeks of treatment, the eggs of hens in the MG groups showed lower mammillary layer thickness in the blunt end, equator, and acute end than observed in the MSM control group (P

AbstractGrape by-products represent outstanding alternatives to replace conventional and unsustainable feed sources, given the substantial quantities generated annually by the winery industry. Regrettably, the majority of these by-products are wasted, resulting in significant environmental and economic repercussions. This study was conducted to assess the growth performance, feed efficiency, egg production and quality, lipid peroxidation, fertility and hatchability of reproductive laying hens during their early production stage. A total of 720 golden laying hens, all approximately 25 weeks old and with similar body weights, were randomly assigned to four experimental treatments (six replicates) as follows: control group receiving only the standard diet, (2) a group receiving the standard diet supplemented with grape seed extract at a rate of 250 g/kg (GSE1), (3) a group receiving the standarddiet supplemented with grape seed extract at a rate of 500 g/kg (GSE2), and (4) a group receiving the standarddiet supplemented with grape seed extract at a rate of 750 g/kg (GSE3). There were no significant change (p > 0.05) in feed intak, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio between the control and the experimental groups. Egg weight, egg shell thickness and egg shell weight were significantly (p

Given the significant environmental consequences of current poultry feed practices and the heavy dependence of the European Union on imported soybeans, studying alternatives is crucial. This study evaluated the potential benefits of using locally sourced alternative plant-based ingredients and whole dry black soldier fly larvae in the diet of laying hens. The experiment involved 120 Isazul hens at 23 weeks old, which were divided into three groups with five replicates each (eight hens per replicate): a control diet (CON) based on soybean meal and cereals, an alternative diet (ALT) replacing the soybean meal with locally sourced plant-based resources (peas, distillers’ dried grains with solubles, and sunflower meal), and the ALT diet supplemented with 5% whole dry black soldier fly larvae (ALT+DBSFL). Over 15 weeks, the hens were fed ad libitum, and the production performance, egg quality, and plasma biochemical parameters were assessed across three experimental sub-periods. The results showed no significant differences in body weight, feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, or feed conversion ratio across the diets (p > 0.05). The egg quality remained consistent across all the groups; however, the hens fed the ALT+DBSFL diet exhibited higher Haugh units in the first experimental sub-period (p < 0.05) and lower plasma cholesterol and triglycerides at 32 weeks of age (p < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that incorporating these alternative ingredients and whole DBSFL into layers’ diets does not compromise production performance, egg quality, or biochemical parameters related to health status, supporting their potential as sustainable feed alternatives.

Egg production is an important factor that helps to meet the nutritional needs of the growing populations in developing countries. Commercial egg production is a source of high quality protein and income compared to other livestock production activities. The study used a multiple regression profit model to estimate the effect of breeds and housing system on profitability. Data were collected from 100 randomly selected layer farms in (Al Sharkia and Ismailia) during the period from 2019 to 2022, through research questionnaires. Results showed that hen reared in closed system had higher egg production, higher total return than those reared in the opened system. Lohman breed are more tolerable to the Egyptian conditions in the study area as shown by lower mortality % and lower values of total veterinary management (TVM). Layer farms in the study area were operating in the second stage of production. Therefore, layer farms are considered a good investment for both private and government sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of research on the evaluation of the quality of coating layers made by a laser. The base material, which was Dievar steel (1.2343), was coated with a single layer using additional materials in the form of a wire with a diameter of ø 1.0 mm. As additional material, wires with chemistry corresponding to steels 1.2343 and 1.6356 were used. The primary objective was to verify the possibilities of innovative use of additive materials based on maraging steels, which were chosen from the production of two manufacturers with slightly different chemical compositions. The experiment verified the influence of the cladding parameters on the residual stress values around the fabricated maraging layers. Metallographic analysis by light microscopy was carried out in order to identify the individual structures as well as to assess the occurrence of internal defects in the coatings. The effect of the mixing of the coating metal with the base material was also assessed by means of a low-load hardness assessment, which was carried out in accordance with EN ISO 4063-2. Based on the results, it can be concluded that, in terms of residual stresses, the measured values were approximately the same for all the additive materials used; however, due to the desired mechanical properties of the additively formed layers, it is possible to recommend additive materials based on medium- and high-alloy steels for additive manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) infection in laying hens is a significant threat to public health and food safety. Host resistance against enteric pathogen invasion primarily relies on immunity and gut barrier integrity. This study applied the ST infection model and a dual live vaccine containing Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) strain Sm24/Rif12/Ssq and ST strain Nal2/Rif9/Rtt to investigate the cellular cytokine expression profiles and the differential community structure in the cecal microbiota of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks and field-raised layers. The results showed that ST challenge significantly upregulated expressions of IL-1β in SPF chicks. Vaccination, on the other hand, led to an elevation in IFNγ expression and restrained IL-1β levels. In the group where vaccination preceded the ST challenge (S.STvc), heightened expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12β were observed, indicating active involvement of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity in the defense against ST. Regarding the cecal microbiota, the vaccine did not affect alpha diversity nor induce a significant shift in the microbial community. Conversely, ST infection significantly affected the alpha and beta diversity in the cecal microbiota, reducing beneficial commensal genera, such as Blautia and Subdoligranulum. MetagenomeSeq analysis reveals a significant increase in the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the groups (S.STvc and STvc) exhibiting protection against ST infection. LEfSe further demonstrated Faecalibacterium prausnitzii as the prominent biomarker within the cecal microbiota of SPF chicks and field layers demonstrating protection. Another biomarker identified in the S.STvc group, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, displayed an antagonistic relationship with Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, suggesting the limited biological significance of the former in reducing cloacal shedding and tissue invasion. In conclusion, the application of AviPro Salmonella DUO vaccine stimulates host immunity and modulates cecal microbiota to defend against ST infection. Among the microbial modulations observed in SPF chicks and field layers with protection, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii emerges as a significant species in the ceca. Further research is warranted to elucidate its role in protecting layers against ST infection.

Egg production is an important factor that helps to meet the nutritional needs of the growing populations in developing countries. Commercial egg production is a source of high quality protein and income compared to other livestock production activities. The study used a multiple regression profit model to estimate the effect of breeds and housing system on profitability. Data were collected from 100 randomly selected layer farms in (Al Sharkia and Ismailia) during the period from 2019 to 2022, through research questionnaires. Results showed that hen reared in closed system had higher egg production, higher total return than those reared in the opened system. Lohman breed are more tolerable to the Egyptian conditions in the study area as shown by lower mortality % and lower values of total veterinary management (TVM). Layer farms in the study area were operating in the second stage of production. Therefore, layer farms are considered a good investment for both private and government sectors.

In 2009, a new European regulation came into force that forbade the use of animals in the cosmetics industry. As a result, new alternatives were sought, taking into account the new ethical considerations. The main objective of this article is to continue a line of research that aims to build a physical model of skin from a biomaterial scaffold composed of collagen, chitosan or a combination to investigate whether they offer similar behavior to human skin. Collagen, the major component in the dermis, was crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GTA) to develop three formulations for studying some properties of the skin through rheological tests like swelling index, elasticity or water loss. In addition, this article makes a comparison with the results obtained in the previous article where the membranes were made of chitosan and tripolyphosphate (TPP). The results obtained highlight that the tri-layered membranes scaffold better than the mono-layered ones to increase the elastic modulus (G′) and the permeability. Furthermore, they offer a protective effect against water loss compared to mono-layered membranes. As regards chitosan membranes, these have a higher G′ modulus than collagen membranes when the degree of deacetylation (DDA) is 85%. However, collagen membranes are more elastic when the DDA of chitosan is 76%, and their linear viscoelastic limit (LVL) doubles that of chitosan membranes, both for the degree of acetylation of 76 and 85%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]