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BACKGROUND: Trace elements, such as zinc, magnesium and copper, are essential for improving the performance and health of broiler breeders and the development of chicken embryos. These elements are integral to various proteins involved in metabolism, hormone secretion and the immune system, necessitating their inclusion in small amounts in poultry diets. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the optimal level and effect of different zinc sources on performance, egg quality and the immune system of laying hens at the end of the production period. METHODS: The experiment involved 520 Lohmann LSL laying hens, aged 80 weeks, divided into 13 treatments with 5 replications and 8 birds per replication. The hens were fed diets supplemented with 40, 60 and 80 mg/kg of zinc from various sources: mineral zinc oxide, mineral zinc sulphate, organic zinc chelated with glycine and organic zinc chelated with an organic acid. Key parameters measured included body weight, egg weight and immune response. RESULTS: The basal diet contained 63.58 mg/kg of zinc, with the requirement per the Lohmann LSL guideline being 80 mg/kg. Zinc supplementation significantly increased body weight in the second month, with 80 mg/kg being the optimal dose. Zinc oxide notably increased egg weight compared to the control. The hens utilized zinc from all sources, resulting in weight gain and improved parameters such as egg quality. Immune parameters were also positively influenced by zinc supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc supplementation at appropriate levels enhances the performance and egg quality of laying hens, particularly at the end of the production period. It improves bioavailability, enriches eggs and mitigates age-related declines in productivity.

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The Cameroon Kabir chicken has several production traits which makes it desirable by many farmers and hobbyists. This study was aimed at evaluating the potential of P. ginseng as a feed additive in the diet of Cameroon kabir hens reared under intensive conditions. A total of 84 kabir chickens were weighed and assigned to four dietary treatments. The birds in T0 were fed the control diet (0 % PGRM), while those in T1, T2, T3, were fed diets containing 0.5, 0.75 and 1 % PGRM respectively. The results showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the egg lay, egg mass and hen-day egg production of the birds between the 0.5 % and 0.75 % PGRM groups. The 0.75 % PGRM group recorded the highest mean egg weight, and it was significantly (p < 0.05) different from the other PGRM groups, but similar (p > 0.05) to the control. There was also a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the hatchability percent between the 0.5 % and 0.75 % treatments groups, with the 0.5 % group recording the highest hatchability percent of 65.14 %, and the 0.75 % group recording the least hatchability percent of 12.94 %. Results for the chick hatching weights showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the 0.75 % PGRM group and the control. In conclusion, P. ginseng as a feed additive in the diet of Cameroon kabir hens at 0.5 % improved their reproductive performance, and also improved the survivability of their offspring better but not in the number of eggs laid by chicks.

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Antinutritional factors in feedstuffs may limit their utilization in livestock production, but fermentation process can be used to improve feed quality; however, studies on fermented soybeans for laying hens remain limited. We investigated the effect of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) at various inclusion levels as a partial replacement for soybean meal (SBM) on egg production, egg quality, amino acid digestibility, gut morphology and microbiota, antioxidant capacity and immune response of young laying hens. A total of 360 Hy-line Brown laying hens aged 18 weeks were selected and divided into 5 groups of 6 replicates each and 12 birds per replicate. The control group received a basal diet while the trial group received the basal diet with FSBM included at 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10.0%, respectively, for 12 weeks. Our findings revealed that the nutritional value of FSBM was higher compared to that of SBM in terms of reduced content of trypsin inhibitors and increased contents of crude protein, amino acids and minerals. FSBM enhanced egg production (P < 0.05), feed-to-egg ratio (P < 0.05), and albumen quality (albumen height and Haugh unit) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, FSBM improved apparent fecal amino acid digestibility (P < 0.05), gut morphology (increased villus height, villus width, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio and decreased crypt depth) (P < 0.05), antioxidant capacity (reduced malondialdehyde and increased catalase, total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity) (P < 0.05) and immune function (increased concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM; increased levels of transforming growth factor beta and Toll-like receptor 2; and reduced levels of interleukin 1ß and tumor necrosis factor alpha) (P < 0.05). Further analysis showed that FSBM altered the composition of the gut microbiota favoring beneficial microbes. These findings suggest that probiotic fermentation improved the nutritional value of SBM. The inclusion of FSBM in the diets of laying hens at 2.5% or 5.0% improved amino acid digestibility, gut health, immune function, egg production and egg quality.

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The continuous increasing demand for egg quality and quantity, and the expanding market share have enabled the egg industry to achieve significant benefits through genetic improvement. This study aims to estimate the genetic parameters and explore selectable breeding traits in the purebred Rhode Island Red (RIR) and White Leghorn (WL), which are 2 high-yielding layer breeds, and better understand their underlying genetic basis and accelerate genetic progress. The DMU software was utilized to analyze 12 egg quality traits, including egg length (EL), egg width (EW), egg shape index (ESI), egg weight (EWT), albumen height (AH), yolk color (YC), Haugh unit (HU), yolk weight (YW), albumen weight (AW), albumen-to-egg weight ratio (AWR), yolk-to-albumen ratio (YAR), and yolk-to-egg weight ratio (YWR). In RIR, the heritability of egg quality traits ranged from 0.196 to 0.427, while the repeatability ranged from 0.395 to 0.668. In WL, the heritability of egg quality traits ranged from 0.203 to 0.347, and the repeatability ranged from 0.424 to 0.656. In both RIR and WL, highly strong genetic correlations were observed between AW and EW, as well as between AW and EWT. The genetic correlations for AW and EW were 0.902 in RIR and 0.864 in WL, while the genetic correlations for AW and EWT were 0.981 in RIR and 0.960 in WL. The egg quality traits in both breeds showed moderate heritability, indicating great genetic potential for improvement through selective breeding. This can help breeders meet the increasingly diverse egg preferences of consumers through genetic selection. Additionally, there is a highly strong correlation between egg width/egg weight, and albumen weight in both breeds. In practical production, it is feasible to estimate albumen weight by measuring egg width and egg weight, which can simplify the method for measuring albumen weight. In conclusions, our finding provided valuable insights into the genetic architecture of egg quality traits in RIR and WL chickens. They help our understanding of the potential for genetic improvement of these traits through selective breeding programs.

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The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary fermented blueberry pomace (FBP) supplementation on production performance, egg quality and nutritional value, plasma biochemical parameters, follicle number, reproductive hormones, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant capacity of laying hens during the late laying period. A total of 320 (345-d-old) Yukou Jingfen No. 8 laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups, with eight replicates per group and 10 hens per replicate. The birds were fed a basal diet (control group) and a basal diet supplemented with 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0% FBP. The trial lasted 56 d. The results showed that FBP (0.25-1.0%) supplementation increased the egg albumen height and Haugh unit compared with the control group on d 14, while 0.5 to 1.0% FBP increased the eggshell thickness compared with the 0.25% FBP group on d 28 of the trial (P < 0.05). The methionine content in egg white was higher (P < 0.05) in the 1.0% FBP group compared with the 0.25% FBP group. The CAT activity in the ovary was increased (P < 0.05) in the FBP groups compared with the control group, while plasma GSH-PX activity was higher (P < 0.05) in the 1.0% FBP group compared with the 0.25% FBP and 0.5% FBP groups. Dietary FBP supplementation up-regulated (P < 0.05) gene expressions related to lipid metabolism in the liver (ACC, FAS, SCD1, and SREBP1) and yolk precursor synthesis (ESR2 and VTG II). Moreover, CYP11A1 expression in the ovary was up-regulated (P < 0.05) in the FBP groups compared with the control group, as well as in the 0.25% FBP group compared with the 1.0% FBP group. In summary, dietary FBP supplementation improved egg quality and nutritional value, ovarian antioxidant capacity, and yolk precursor synthesis, while 1.0% FBP had better effects than 0.25 and 0.5% doses.

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Turmeric improves performance in nonruminants, but results in laying hens are not consistent. This meta-analysis assessed the performance of laying hens fed turmeric powder (TP)-based diets. Nineteen studies retrieved from Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used for the meta-analysis. The outcome variables analysed were productive indices (feed intake [FI], feed conversion ratio [FCR], hen day production [HDP], egg weight [EW], egg mass [EM]), egg quality (Haugh unit [HU], shell thickness [SHT], shell strength [SHS], yolk cholesterol [YC]), serum biochemical parameters (serum cholesterol [SC], alanine transferase [ALT], and aspartate transferase [AST]), and moderator variables (layer strains, inclusion level, feeding duration, and hen's age). All analyses were performed on OpenMEE software and the R package. A random-effects model (REM) was used and results were presented as standardised mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). The results showed that dietary TP improved FCR (SMD = -0.31; 95% CI: -0.61, -0.01; p = 0.046) and HDP (SMD = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.69; p < 0.001), but not EW, EM, HU, SHT, SHS, YC, and serum AST in layers. On the other hand, dietary TP decreased FI (SMD = -0.15; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.05; p = 0.004), SC (SMD = -75.18; 95% CI: -102.55, -47.80; p < 0.001), and ALT (SMD = -3.55; 95% CI: -4.71, -2.40; p < 0.001) in laying hens with proof of significant heterogeneity. However, meta-regression showed that layer strains and feeding duration accounted for most of the sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, results suggest that dietary TP increased HDP and reduced FI, FCR, SC, and ALT in laying hens.

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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.

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Chlorella vulgaris (CV) is a microalga with considerable nutritional value, containing high levels of protein, carotenoids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have the potential to positively influence the productive performance and egg quality of laying hens. CV emerges as a more sustainable ingredient than soybean meal (SBM) as it can be produced locally and with fewer inputs. In this regard, a study was conducted with 48 H&N Brown Nick strain laying hens, at 19 weeks of age, over a period of 16 weeks. The hens were divided into four treatments, with 12 replicates each. The treatments consisted of providing four different diets: a control diet based on corn and SBM without the inclusion of CV, and three other diets with partial substitution of SBM by 2.5, 5, and 10% of CV. The results showed that the inclusion of CV in the diets did not significantly affect feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or egg production (p > 0.05). In addition, moderate CV levels increased egg weight, while higher levels reduced it. Haugh units, yolk index, albumen index, egg surface area, specific density, and translucency were not affected (p > 0.05), while shell index and shell thickness were lower in the groups that received the CV (p < 0.0001). Yolk color improved significantly with increasing CV levels (p < 0.0001), with darker, more intensely colored yolks at higher CV concentrations. The results of this study suggest that the incorporation of CV in the diet of laying hens had a limited impact on performance parameters. In addition, CV supplementation can positively influence egg quality and yolk color, although careful consideration of optimal levels is necessary to avoid negative effects on other parameters.

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Due to consumer demands and institutional pressure, the egg production sector, is looking for alternative protein sources for laying hen feed to support more sustainable, circular production. black soldier fly (BSF) larvae could be used as a protein source. In addition to protein the larvae contain large quantities of fat and can either be fed to laying hens unprocessed (alive) or processed (meal and oil). The current study was performed with 560 Brown Nick laying hens from 20 to 27 wk of age. The laying hens were divided over 5 treatments, each replicated 8 times. Treatments consisted of standard laying hen feed (control) and standard feed in which soybean meal was partly exchanged with live BSF larvae or BSF larvae meal and oil combined, at 2 inclusion levels. During the experiment production parameters, egg-quality, and length and weight of various organs were measured. Laying hens fed BSF larvae products consumed less feed compared to those of the control group. Most egg production parameters were similar, however laying hens fed diets with BSF larvae meal plus oil produced eggs with lower egg weight during the last 2 wk of the experiment, compared to the control group. All egg-quality characteristics remained the same across treatments, except for darker yolk colors when feeding BSF meal and oil and high inclusion of live BSF larvae. This is a favorable characteristic for European consumers. The weight of intestinal organs was largely unaffected by the treatments. The jejunum and ileum weight of laying hens fed live larvae was lower compared to the control group. As FCRs were similar or improved compared to the control group, we assume that nutrient utilization was not impaired. For most detected differences the type of BSF larvae product (live larvae or meal plus oil) rather than inclusion level was of significance.

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This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different environmental enrichment tools on behavior, welfare, productive performance, and egg quality traits of Naked Neck chickens. A total of 1080 Naked Neck female chickens (30 weeks old) were used in the present study. A completely randomized experimental design, with 3 treatments having 4 replicates of 90 birds each, was applied. Treatments consisted of 3 different range areas A (121.9 m2), B (152.4 m2), and C (190.5 m2). Behavior (walking, feeding/foraging, sitting, aggressiveness wing flapping, perching, dust bathing, and range use), welfare (foot pad dermatitis, lameness, gait score, and feather pecking), productive performance (egg weight, egg production %, egg mass, and feed intake), egg quality traits (morphometry, egg weight, shell, albumen, and yolk characteristics) were evaluated. There was no influence (P > 0.05) of different range area on bird's behavior, and egg quality traits except walking and rang usage. The range area C promoted productive performance including egg weight, egg production %, egg mass and feed intake, but it did not influence welfare traits. It might be concluded that Naked Neck chicken when reared in free range with different range enrichments did not reveal any difference regarding behavioral parameters, egg morphometry, and egg quality traits. The range area within minimum length and effectively used environmental enrichments (perching and dust bathing area) should be used for backyard poultry to obtain ideal performance.

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Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) from family Euphorbiaceae is a plant has leaves similar to papaya leaves but with dark green leaf color. This plant contains phytochemical compounds such as alkaloid, flavonoid, triterpenoids, glycoside, and tannin that can function as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. Chaya leaf infusion are processed into infusion before given to the quails through drinking water, this method is used to obtain the phytochemical compounds contained in chaya leaves. This study aimed to evaluate chaya leaf infusion (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) as a phytogenic source on the productivity and egg quality of japanese laying quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) aged 17-20 weeks. Chaya leaf infusion is given through drinking water and is expected to increase the productivity and quality of quail egg. The variables observed consisted of productivity (water intake, feed intake, egg weigh, QDP, egg mass, FCR, mortality) and egg quality (yolk, albumen, shell weight and percentage, egg index, yolk index, albumen index, shell thickness, yolk color, and haugh unit). This study was analyzed using the T test with 2 treatments and 4 replications: T0 = drinking water without any additives and T1 = drinking water with a concentration 10% of chaya leaf infusion. The results showed that chaya leaf infusion had a significant effect (P≤0.05) on quail day production, egg mass, albumen index, and yolk color. Besides that, supplementation chaya leaf infusion significantly reduces (P<0.05) feed convertion ratio. So that the use of 10% chaya leaf infusion in drinking water by giving it 2 times a week can increase the productivity and egg quality of laying quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) 17-20 weeks old.

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The increasing emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance accelerate the desire for antibiotic alternatives. Plant extracts have emerged as a promising and relatively unexplored area of research as potential substitutes. Herein, we investigated the prevalence and distribution patterns of bacteria on egg surfaces and evaluated the inhibitory effects of mangosteen extract on these surface bacteria. In addition, we examined the antioxidant activity and egg quality in improving the ability of mangosteen extract. The results showed that the predominant bacteria isolated from eggshells were Gram-positive, with Staphylococcus and Micrococcus as the dominant genera. Notably, mangosteen extract exhibited significant bactericidal activity, effectively inhibiting Gram-positive bacteria on the surface of chicken eggshells. Moreover, the supplementation of mangosteen extract in the feed of laying hens yielded a noteworthy improvement in egg quality, accompanied by positively shaped structure and function of microbial communities on the egg surface and in the feces. Collectively, our findings suggested that mangosteen extract was an effective alternative to traditional antibiotics, offering valuable insights for animal husbandry development.

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Oxidative stress is a frequent concern in the breeding of laying hens, and limit the healthy development of poultry. Dexamethasone (DXM) has been demonstrated to induce oxidative stress. Conversely, betaine is an alkaloid with a potent antioxidant activity. The study was designed to investigate the ameliorative effect of betaine on DXM-induced oxidative stress in laying hens. The results revealed that DXM treatment significantly decreased laying rate, shell strength, albumen height, Haugh unit, egg weight, folk weight and albumen weight, alongside increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum and liver (P < 0.05). In contrast, dietary betaine addition reversed those parameters mentioned above (P < 0.05). Hepatic RNA-seq analysis showed that there existed 110 up- and 88 down-regulated genes in DXM group when compared with the control. Meanwhile there were 117 upregulation and 169 downregulation genes in BT group when compared with DXM group. Besides, we found that dietary betaine addition significantly down-regulated cell adhesion molecules, glycerolipid metabolism and glycolysis gluconeogenesis pathways. In addition, a total of 44 and 94 differential metabolites were identified respectively from Con vs. DXM and DXM vs BT. More importantly, dietary betaine addition significantly increased the levels of pantothenic acid, gamma-Aminobutyric acid, equol and choline, all of which were related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, gut microbiota analysis indicated that the Chao and Observed_species indexes were remarkably higher in BT group (P<0.05). Heatmap analysis revealed that Subdoligranulum, Prevotella, Blautia, YRC22, Bacteroides, Ruminococcus and Coprococcus were notably restored in BT group (P<0.05). Taken together, our findings collectively illustrate that dietary betaine addition could attenuate DXM-induced oxidative stress, improve egg quality and gut microbes of laying hens.

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During storage, irreversible changes occur in eggs, resulting in a decline in their quality, predominantly affecting the albumen. Ovomucoid, a major protein found in egg white, belongs to the Kazal-type serine proteinase inhibitors and serves to protect the embryo from microorganisms. Notably, in chicken eggs, it is a significant allergen. There is a possibility that its polymorphism also influences the quality and stability of table eggs. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of polymorphism in the ovomucoid gene and protein on quality changes during the storage of eggs derived from 2 strains of Japanese quail, encompassing various utility types. Eggs from selected females of laying and meat-type breeds were stored for 14 wk, with egg quality traits assessed 10 times during this duration. DNA was isolated from each female, and sequencing was conducted on all exons of the ovomucoid gene. In total, 5 SNPs were identified in exons and adjacent intronic sequences, with SNP1 (13:12355585), SNP4 (13:12356594), and SNP5 (13:12358538) leading to amino acid substitutions in the ovomucoid protein. Notably, all SNPs except SNP5 were identified in the ovomucoid gene of Japanese quail for the first time. The results demonstrated that in the F33 strain, SNP1, SNP3, and SNP4 exhibited significant associations with egg weight, whereas in the S22 strain, SNP5 significantly affected yolk color and various eggshell quality traits, including eggshell weight, eggshell thickness, and breaking strength, throughout the storage period. Furthermore, a haplotype block containing 2 SNPs (3 and 4) was identified, exhibiting 2 distinct haplotypes that significantly affected egg weight, eggshell weight, and breaking strength at various storage time points during egg quality analyses. These findings provide novel insights into the genetic basis of egg quality during storage and have the potential to be integrated into breeding programs for these strains.

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Enhancing the sustainability of chicken farming involves improving health and productivity and product qualities. This study explores the influence of Spirulina platensis (SP) supplementation on the productivity, egg quality, shelf life during storage, and blood biochemistry of laying hens. A total of 192 thirty-nine-week-old White Leghorn hens were randomly divided into 4 dietary groups: a control group and 3 treatment groups receiving 2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg, or 10 g/kg of SP, respectively. The study was conducted for six weeks with measuring feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg quality, shelf life, and blood biochemistry. The results demonstrated significant enhancements in egg weight (p < 0.05) and egg mass (p < 0.05) in the treatment of SP groups. The SP treated hens showed significant improvements in yolk color (p < 0.05) and Haugh unit scores (p < 0.05). The SP supplementation showed a hepatoprotective effect, as indicated by significant reduction in Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.05) levels; however, increases in total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were observed. Furthermore, the egg quality of stored eggs for 21 days linearly increased with increments in the SP levels. In conclusion, it can be speculated that adding SP at 2.5 g/kg and 5 g/kg can significantly improve the productivity of laying hens, eggs' quality, shelf life, and blood biochemistry, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and efficient chicken production.

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STUDY QUESTION: Do the molecular signatures of cumulus cells (CCs) and follicular fluid (FF) of adolescents undergoing fertility preservation differ from that of oocyte donors? SUMMARY ANSWER: The microenvironment immediately surrounding the oocyte, including the CCs and FF, is altered in adolescents undergoing fertility preservation compared to oocyte donors. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Adolescents experience a period of subfecundity following menarche. Recent evidence suggests that this may be at least partially due to increased oocyte aneuploidy. Reproductive juvenescence in mammals is associated with suboptimal oocyte quality. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION: This was a prospective cohort study. Adolescents (10-19 years old, n = 23) and oocyte donors (22-30 years old, n = 31) undergoing ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval at a single center between 1 November 2020 and 1 May 2023 were enrolled in this study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS: Patient demographics, ovarian stimulation, and oocyte retrieval outcomes were collected for all participants. The transcriptome of CCs associated with mature oocytes was compared between adolescents (10-19 years old, n = 19) and oocyte donors (22-30 years old, n = 19) using bulk RNA-sequencing. FF cytokine profiles (10-19 years old, n = 18 vs 25-30 years old, n = 16) were compared using cytokine arrays. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: RNA-seq analysis revealed 581 differentially expressed genes in CCs of adolescents relative to oocyte donors, with 361 genes downregulated and 220 upregulated. Genes enriched in pathways involved in cell cycle and cell division (e.g. GO: 1903047, P = 3.5 × 10-43; GO: 0051983, P = 4.1 × 10-30; GO: 0000281, P = 7.7 × 10-15; GO: 0044839, P = 5.3 × 10-13) were significantly downregulated, while genes enriched in several pathways involved in cellular and vesicle organization (e.g. GO: 0010256, P = 1.2 × 10-8; GO: 0051129, P = 6.8 × 10-7; GO: 0016050, P = 7.4 × 10-7; GO: 0051640, P = 8.1 × 10-7) were upregulated in CCs of adolescents compared to oocyte donors. The levels of nine cytokines were significantly increased in FF of adolescents compared to oocyte donors: IL-1 alpha (2-fold), IL-1 beta (1.7-fold), I-309 (2-fold), IL-15 (1.6-fold), TARC (1.9-fold), TPO (2.1-fold), IGFBP-4 (2-fold), IL-12-p40 (1.7-fold), and ENA-78 (1.4-fold). Interestingly, seven of these cytokines have known pro-inflammatory roles. Importantly, neither the CC transcriptomes nor FF cytokine profiles were different in adolescents with or without cancer. LARGE SCALE DATA: Original high-throughput sequencing data have been deposited in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database with the accession number GSE265995. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study aims to gain insights into the associated gamete quality by studying the immediate oocyte microenvironment. The direct study of oocytes is more challenging due to sample scarcity, as they are cryopreserved for future use, but would provide a more accurate assessment of oocyte reproductive potential. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our findings have implications for the adolescent fertility preservation cycles. Understanding the expected quality of cryopreserved eggs in this age group will lead to better counseling of these patients about their reproductive potential and may help to determine the number of eggs that is recommended to be banked to achieve a reasonable chance of future live birth(s). STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This project was supported by Friends of Prentice organization SP0061324 (M.M.L. and E.B.), Gesualdo Family Foundation (Research Scholar: M.M.L.), and NIH/NICHD K12 HD050121 (E.B.). The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exists.

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Micelle silymarin (MS) is recognized for its diverse range of beneficial properties, which encompass anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects. The main objective of this study was to examine the effects of micelle silymarin on the performance, egg quality, blood profile, and absorption rate of silymarin in laying hens. In experiment 1: 288 Hy-Line brown laying hens, 28 wk old, were utilized for this experiment. The hens were randomly allocated into 3 dietary treatment groups, with each group comprising eight replicates of 12 hens, each housed in individual pens with access to feed and water. Over a 12-wk feeding trial, the hens were provided with a basal diet supplemented with different levels of MS: 0, 0.03, and 0.06%. In experiment 2: For this experiment, 192 Hy-Line Brown laying hens were divided into 2 dietary treatment groups, with each group comprising eight replications of 12 hens. The dietary treatments were: TRT1, basal diet + powder silymarin 4%; TRT2, basal diet + MS 4%. From the first experiment, the findings revealed that incorporating micelle silymarin (MS) into the hens' diet significantly increased egg weight at wk 6 (P < 0.05). Similarly, at wk 12 and throughout the entire experiment, significant effects were observed on downgraded egg count, egg production, egg weight, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). Moreover, Haugh Units (HU) and albumen height showed a linear improvement (P < 0.05) at wk 4 with MS supplementation. Furthermore, there was a linear increase in egg yolk color, albumen height, and eggshell thickness at wk 8 with MS supplementation (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a layers-fed diet supplemented with MS showed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in HU, egg weight, yolk color, albumen height, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness in wk 12. Regarding blood profile parameters, the study revealed linear reductions for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P < 0.05), whereas there was a tendency for albumin, triglyceride, and cholesterol (P < 0.10). In the second experiment, it was observed that the blood absorption rate of silymarin was higher in TRT2 compared to TRT1 at 2- and 4-h intervals following administration. In summary, increasing MS supplementation in the diet of laying hens enhanced egg production, egg quality, and blood profile. Additionally, silymarin absorption was higher in its micelle form than in its powder form.

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This study investigated the effects of dietary chlorogenic acid (CGA) on the productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, antioxidant function, and intestinal microenvironment of laying hens. Thus, 162 healthy Hy-Line Brown breeding hens (63 weeks old) were randomly allocated to 3 groups, each receiving a basal diet plus supplementation: 0, 250, and 500 mg/kg CGA, respectively. Per the in vitro test, CGA had obvious inhibitory effects on Salmonella enteritis and avian pathogenic Escherichia coli and strong free radical scavenging ability. Per the breeder laying hen experiment, the CGA diets had no significant influence on egg production or reproductive performance (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, compared with the control diet, 250 mg/kg CGA significantly increased eggshell thickness, egg weight, yolk color, and Haugh unit (P < 0.05). Compared with the control diet and 500 mg/kg CGA, 250 mg/kg CGA significantly (P < 0.05) elevated antioxidant capacity by reducing serum malondialdehyde content, upregulating heme oxygenase-1, and downregulating heat shock proteins mRNA levels in the ileum. Compared with the control diet and 500 mg/kg CGA, 250 mg/kg CGA (P < 0.05) enhanced intestinal barrier function, shown by the upregulation of ileal Occludin and Mucin-2 mRNA levels; furthermore, 250 mg/kg CGA (P < 0.05) increased anti-apoptotic capacity by increasing B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 gene expression and downregulated Bcl2 Associated X mRNA levels in the liver and ileum of late breeder laying hens (P < 0.05). Lastly, 250 mg/kg CGA (P < 0.05) increased cecal g_CHKCI001 and short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria g_Prevotellaceae UCG-001, positively related to gut health, and in the cecum, 500 mg/kg CGA significantly (P < 0.05) increased g_Shuttleworthia abundance, negatively related to gut health. Our findings suggest that dietary inclusion of 250 mg/kg CGA promotes egg quality, intestinal microbial composition, gut barrier integrity, and the antioxidant capacity of aged breeder laying hens.

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Genistein (GEN) and Glycitein (GLY), are types of isoflavone extracted mainly from soy plants, although GEN is associated with stronger antioxidant and growth-promoting effects. The impact of dietary GEN and GLY on reproductive performance, egg quality, and bone quality were investigated in the study. Additionally, to explore the underlying mechanism of action, the serum hormone levels and reproductive-related genes were investigated. A total of 378 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (120 days old) were randomly allocated to 3 dietary groups (Control), (GLY, and GEN at 50 mg/kg respectively) for a period of 8 wk. Each treatment has 126 birds (7 replicates of 18 birds each). Results were analyzed in 2 phases: wk 1 to 4, and 5 to 8 of feeding trial. The results indicated that supplemental GEN significantly increased egg number, hen-day production (HDP), and egg mass during wk 1 to 4, whereas, both glycitein and genistein increased egg number, egg weight, egg mass, HDP and improved feed-egg-ratio during wk 5 to 8. Egg quality analysis revealed significant improvements in eggshell quality; gloss, thickness, strength, and albumen quality indices (albumen height, Haugh unit, thick albumen fraction) due to dietary treatments. Also, the tibia strength, Ca content in the tibia ash and bone mineral content, were significantly increased by the dietary treatments. Significant increases in the serum levels of E2, LH, FSH, T3, T4, and GH, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes; SOD, CAT, GSH while reducing the level of MDA, was notable with the treatments. Additionally, reproductive-related genes: ESR1, FSHR, PRLR, GNRH1 were significantly upregulated by the supplementation of GEN and GLY. The efficacy of GEN in relation to the evaluated parameters was superior to that of GLY. Conclusively, we speculate that the improvement on laying performance, egg quality and tibia quality may be related to promoting effect of isoflavones on calcium metabolism, antioxidant function, reproductive hormones and related genes. Therefore, supplemental GEN at a dosage level of 50 mg/kg, can be used to promote laying performance, sustain egg production and maintain the physiological function of young laying hens.

RESUMEN

Yeast culture (YC) plays a significant role in enhancing the performance and health of poultry breeding. This study investigated the impact of different YC supplementation concentrations (basal diet with 1.0 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg of YC, YC1.0, and YC2.0) on egg production performance, egg quality, antioxidant properties, intestinal mucosal structure, and intestinal flora of laying hens. Both YC1.0 and YC2.0 groups significantly enhanced the egg protein height, Haugh unit, and crude protein content of egg yolks compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The supplementation with YC2.0 notably increased the egg production rate, reduced feed-to-egg ratio, and decreased the broken egg rate compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, YC supplementation enhanced serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05). Moreover, YC supplementation promoted duodenal villus height and villus ratio in the duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05). Analysis of cecal microorganisms indicated a decrease in Simpson and Shannon indices with YC supplementation (p < 0.05). YC1.0 reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria, while YC2.0 increased the abundance of Bacteroidales (p < 0.05). Overall, supplementation with YC improved egg production, quality, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbial composition in laying hens, with significant benefits observed at the 2.0 g/kg supplementation level.