Four diets were formulated to study the influence of varying crude protein levels on the performance, egg quality, serum and haematological characteristics at the first phase of laying cycle of sixty Bovan Nera laying...Four diets were formulated to study the influence of varying crude protein levels on the performance, egg quality, serum and haematological characteristics at the first phase of laying cycle of sixty Bovan Nera laying birds that were randomly allotted to dietary treatments. The four experimental diets had five replicates each and three birds per repli-cate. Diet 1 contained 14% crude protein (CP), while diet 2 contained 15% CP, diets 3 and 4 contained 16% and 17% CP respectively. The experimental birds were fed for 10 weeks and the data collected were statistically analysed. Apparent variations recorded for all the performance characteristics such as Egg number, Hen-day production, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and weight gain were significantly different (p < 0.05). The best FCR value were recorded by birds fed 17% CP (3.45), while the highest weight gain mean value were also recorded by birds fed 17% CP value. Findings indicated a direct relationship between dietary crude protein values and performance.展开更多
[ Objective ] This experiment was conducted to study the effects of dietary betaine on peiformance, egg quality and serum biochemical parameters of lay- ing hens under heat stress condition. [ Method] A total of 600 2...[ Objective ] This experiment was conducted to study the effects of dietary betaine on peiformance, egg quality and serum biochemical parameters of lay- ing hens under heat stress condition. [ Method] A total of 600 22-week-old commercial Roman laying hens were randomly divided into five groups, with eight repli- cates in each group and 15 hens in each replicate. Group I was taken as the positive control group, and laying hens in group ] were fed with basal diets in anrmal thermal environment. Temperature humidity index of group 1 was between 64.9 and 68.9. Group II was taken as the negative control group, and laying hens in group II were fed with basal diets under heal stress condition. Temperature humidity index of group II was higher than 72. laying hens in groups llI-V were fed with basal diets supplemented with 200,400 and 600 mg/kg betaine under heat stress condition respectively, and temperature humidity indexes in groups III-V were all higher than 72. The experiment lasted for 14 weeks. [ Results ] Results showed that there were no significant differences in average daily feed intake, feed egg ratio and broken egg rate among different test groups （P 〉 0.05 ）. Hen-housed laying rate, hen-housed egg yield, serum total protein （TP） content and serum alkaline phosphatase （AKP） activity in group II were significantly lower than those in group I（ P 〈0.05 ）. However, activities of glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase （GOT）, creatine kinase （CK） and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase （GPT） in group II were significantly higher than those in group i （P 〈0.05 ）. Hen-housed laying rate, hen-housed egg yield and serum TP content in group IV were significantly higher than those in group II（ P 〈 0.05 ）. Hen-housed egg yield, serum TP eontent and serum albumin （ALB） content in group V were significantly higher than those in group II（P 〈0.05）. Activities of serum CK and Girl in groups IV and V were significantly lower than those in group II （ P 〈 0.05 ）, serum triglyceride （TG） content in group V was significantly lower than that in group 11 （ P 〈 0.05 ）. [ Conclusion] Metabolism and physiological function of laying hens could be affected by heat stress, and which caused a decline in performance. Adding of dietary betaine in diets could improve hen-housed egg production and hen-housed laying rate, which could also improve the health of laying hens under heat stress condi- tion. The appropriate dietary adding content of betaine was 400 mg/kg.展开更多
[ Objective] This paper aimed to study the effects of different facilities on laying performance, egg quality and air quality for commercial layers under free range system. [Metbod] The single factorial arrangement wa...[ Objective] This paper aimed to study the effects of different facilities on laying performance, egg quality and air quality for commercial layers under free range system. [Metbod] The single factorial arrangement was used in the tdal. 2 800 commercial Beijing You Chicken （BYC） at 23 weeks of age were chosen and randomly divided into four groups, three replicates each group, and 210 birds each replicate. The layers lived in loose housing condition with deep litter inside. Group 1 was the control, equipped with standard laying boxes, and flat-type perches; group 2 was e- quipped with common laying boxes, and flat-type perches; group 3 was equipped with common laying boxes, and erect-type perches, and group 4 was equipped with standard laying boxes, and erect-type perches. The laying performance, laying position and egg quality of birds during 24 to 32 weeks of age were recorded and measured, and average NH3, CO~ concentration of each group at 32 weeks of age were measured and detected. [Result] The results showed that laying performance of commercial BYC under loose housing condition were significantly different during 24 -32 weeks of age. The laying rate of the control group equipped with flat-type porches and standard laying boxes （33.25%） was significantly higher than in group equipped with flat-type perches and common laying boxes （21.83%） （P〈0.05）, and other two groups （26.04% and 27.48%） （P 〈0.05）. The ratio of floor eggs was significantly lower in groups with standard laying boxes than in the groups with common laying boxes （P 〈0. 05）, and the laying proportion in the first floor of layer boxes were much higher than those in the second floor （ P 〈 0.05）. There were no significant differences on egg quality among the groups （P〉0.05）. Average NH3, CO2 concentration of group 3 and 4 at 82 weeks of age were both signifi- cantly higher than of group 1 and 2 （P 〈0.05）. [ Conclusion] All of the above indicated that the utilization of facilities could improve layer＇s laying rate, especially with flat-type perches and standard laying boxes, and the indoor air quality was also affected to some extent.展开更多
Cage layer osteoporosis(CLO)is a common bone metabolism disease in the breeding industry of China.However,effective prevention for CLO has not been developed.Icariin(ICA),the main bioactive component of the Chinese he...Cage layer osteoporosis(CLO)is a common bone metabolism disease in the breeding industry of China.However,effective prevention for CLO has not been developed.Icariin(ICA),the main bioactive component of the Chinese herb Epimedium,has been shown to have good therapeutic effects on bone-related diseases.In this study,the effects of ICA were further evaluated in a low-calcium diet-induced CLO,and a serum metabolomics assay was performed to understand the underlying mechanisms.A total of 14431-wk-old Lohmann pink-shell laying hens were randomly allocated to 4 groups with 6 replicates of 6 hens per replicate.The 4 dietary treatment groups consisted of a basal diet(3.5%calcium),a low-calcium diet(2.0%calcium),and a low-calcium diet supplemented with 0.5 or 2.0 g/kg ICA.The results showed that ICA exerted good osteoprotective effects on low-calcium diet-induced CLO.ICA significantly increased femur bone mineral density,improved bone microstructure,decreased bone metabolic level,and upregulated mRNA expression of bone formation genes in femoral bone tissue.Serum untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that 8 metabolite levels were significantly changed after ICA treatment,including increased contents of 7-dehydrocholesterol,7-oxocholesterol,desmosterol,PC(18:1(9Z)/18:1(9Z)),PS(18:0/18:1(9Z)),N,N-dimethylaniline and 2-hydroxy-butanoic acid and decreased N2,N2-dimethylguanosine.Metabolic pathway analysis based on the above 8 metabolites indicated that ICA mainly perturbed steroid biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism.These findings suggest that ICA can effectively prevent bone loss in low-calcium diet-induced CLO by mediating steroid biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism and provide new information for the regulation of bone metabolic diseases.展开更多
The ZrTiON gate-dielectric GaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor （MOS） capacitors with or without ZrAION as the interfacial passivation layer （IPL） are fabricated and their properties are investigated. The experimental r...The ZrTiON gate-dielectric GaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor （MOS） capacitors with or without ZrAION as the interfacial passivation layer （IPL） are fabricated and their properties are investigated. The experimental results show that the GaAs MOS capacitor with the ZrAION IPL exhibits better interracial and electrical properties, including lower interface-state density （1.14 × 10^12 cm^-2eV^-1）, smaller gate leakage current （6.82 × 10^-5 A//cm^2 at Vfb ＋1V）, smaller capacitance equivalent thickness （1.5 nm）, and larger k value （26）. The involved mechanisms lie in the fact that the ZrAION IPL can effectively block the diffusion of Ti and O towards the GaAs surface, thus suppressing the formation of interracial Ga-/As-oxides and As-As dimers, which leads to improved interracial and electrical properties for the devices.展开更多
This study was aimed to determine the effects of dried black cumin and tamarind supplementation on egg performance and lipids concentration in egg yolk of layer hens. Sixty laying hens at the age of 18-34 weeks were d...This study was aimed to determine the effects of dried black cumin and tamarind supplementation on egg performance and lipids concentration in egg yolk of layer hens. Sixty laying hens at the age of 18-34 weeks were divided into 4 treatments （control, 1% black cumin, 4% tamarind and 1% black cumin ＋ 4% tamarin in diets） with 4 replications each （15 birds/replication）. The experimental treatments were subjected to completely randomized design. Feed and drinking water were provided ad-libitum. 16 h per day for lighting program during experimental period. The results found that feed efficiency ratio, egg production and egg weight were no significant between treatments. However, average daily feed intake was highest in 4% tamarind and 1% black cumin ＋ 4% tamarin in diets. Egg yolk color score, yolk index, white index and shell tickness were no significantly different, However, haugh unit was lowest in control group. Egg yolk lipids concentration was founded that black cumin and tamarind in diet were reduced cholesterol and triacyl-glycerol concentration with statistical significance （P 〈 0.05）. So that dried black cumin and tamarind supplementation in diets were no any effect on egg production and egg weight. Furthermore, egg yolk cholesterol and triacyl-glycerol concentration were decreased. Hence, supplementation of dried black cumin and tamarind in diets could benefit to consumer health.展开更多
Thermal stability of thermoelectric devices plays a pivotal role in their practical applications.Chemical reaction/diffusion between thermoelectric materials and electrodes is one of the primary factors contributing t...Thermal stability of thermoelectric devices plays a pivotal role in their practical applications.Chemical reaction/diffusion between thermoelectric materials and electrodes is one of the primary factors contributing to the degradation/failure of device performance at elevated temperatures.Introducing barrier layers to impede the behavior of chemical reactions has emerged as an effective approach for averting the failure of these devices.In this work,the FeSi is revealed to be a potent material of barrier layer in high-performance Mg_(2)Si_(0.3)Sn_(0.7)thermoelectric material based on the considerations of interfacial reaction energy and sinterability.The well-established bond in Mg_(2)Si_(0.3)Sn_(0.7)/FeSi joint results in a low contact resistivity of∼20μΩ·cm^(2)and a conversion efficient of∼6.5%for the Mg_(2)Si_(0.3)Sn_(0.7)single-leg device is achieved at a temperature difference of∼290 K.Long-term measurements of the device at a hot-side temperature of 600 K reveal that the performance remains nearly invariable as time further increases,which suggests that the FeSi layer retards the chemical reaction/diffusion.展开更多
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary ME and CP levels on laying performance, egg quality and serum biochemical indices of Fengda-1 layers. In a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, 2,400 Fengda-...This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary ME and CP levels on laying performance, egg quality and serum biochemical indices of Fengda-1 layers. In a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, 2,400 Fengda-1 layers(32 wk of age) were randomly assigned to 6 experimental diets with 2,650 and 2,750 kcal of ME/kg of diet, each containing 14.50%, 15.00% and 15.50% CP, respectively. Each dietary treatment was replicated 5 times, and feed and water were provided ad libitum. The trial lasted for 10 wk, including a2-week acclimation period and an 8-week experimental period. Our results showed that ADFI decreased as the ME level of diet increased from 2,650 to 2,750 kcal/kg(P< 0.05). Layers fed diets with 2,750 kcal/kg ME exhibited higher mortality than those fed with 2,650 kcal/kg ME(P < 0.05). Birds fed with 14.50% and15.00% CP had higher egg production(EP) and egg mass(EM) than those fed with 15.50% CP(P < 0.05).Yolk color increased as the ME level of the diet increased from 2,650 to 2,750 kcal/kg, however, the eggshell thickness decreased(P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of uric acid and triglyceride in layers fed diets with 2,750 kcal/kg ME were higher than those fed diets with 2,650 kcal/kg ME(P < 0.05). There was no significant interaction between ME and CP on laying performance, egg quality, or serum biochemical indices(P > 0.05). Based on the data under the experimental conditions, the optimal dietary ME and CP levels of Fengda-1 layers are 2,650 kcal/kg and 15.00%(33 to 41 wk of age).展开更多
Last November,track-laying began for the WenlingYuhuan section of the Hangzhou-Taizhou highspeed railway in Zhejiang Province-China's first highspeed rail line controlled by private capital,which became operationa...Last November,track-laying began for the WenlingYuhuan section of the Hangzhou-Taizhou highspeed railway in Zhejiang Province-China's first highspeed rail line controlled by private capital,which became operational in 2022.Both Wenling and Yuhuan are county-level cities administered by the prefecture-level Taizhou City,and Hangzhou is capital of Zhejiang.展开更多
The rise of portable electronic devices and Internet of Things(IoT)has spurred significant interest in flexible triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs)as sustainable energy solutions.The electrical performance of TENGs is...The rise of portable electronic devices and Internet of Things(IoT)has spurred significant interest in flexible triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs)as sustainable energy solutions.The electrical performance of TENGs is profoundly influenced by nanoscale factors,including interface properties and material characteristics,highlighting the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of these parameters to unlock their full potential.This paper summarizes the recent advances in advanced fiber composite TENGs(FC-TENGs),especially electrospun nanofibers,with a focus on key nanoscale properties,covering triboelectric layer interface characteristics,dielectric constant,electron affinity,and crystal phase,all of which are fundamental to optimizing their output performance.Additionally,it explores emerging applications of FC-TENGs in wearable electronics,self-powered sensors,wireless communication systems,human-machine interfaces,and modern healthcare technologies.The review concludes by addressing existing challenges,evaluating future opportunities,and outlining research directions for advancing FC-TENGs.By bridging foundational material science with innovative applications,this review seeks to inspire the development of high-performance,self-powered electrospun composite tribovoltaic nanogenerators,paving the way for a wireless,artificial intelligence(AI)-enabled IoT era.展开更多
Confucius was born in the state of Lu,the cultural exemplar of ritual propriety and music during the Zhou Dynasty period.Immersed in this rich cultural environment,the young Confucius enjoyed laying out cups and bowls...Confucius was born in the state of Lu,the cultural exemplar of ritual propriety and music during the Zhou Dynasty period.Immersed in this rich cultural environment,the young Confucius enjoyed laying out cups and bowls fashioned from clay on a table,pretending to officiate at mock rituals.Confucius’early life laid the groundwork for his future development as a master of ritual propriety and music and the founder of the influential Confucian school.展开更多
World egg production and consumption have been increasing for the past decades. Traditional strategies in poultry nutrition have made vital contributions to this great growth in quantity. However, current global issue...World egg production and consumption have been increasing for the past decades. Traditional strategies in poultry nutrition have made vital contributions to this great growth in quantity. However, current global issues should be considered in modern egg production such as growing populations and food security, food safety and quality, limited resources and environmental problems. The development of knowledge of poultry nutrition and modern biotechnology provides novel nutritional approaches to closely fit the requirement of pullets and laying hens, which will consequently decrease the nutrition excretion and maintain the lower cost of feed. Nutrition has also been widely accepted as a strategy to influence health and diseases of laying hens. The maintenance of good health is an important prerequisite for improving productivity and egg quality. In addition, there are many measures and strategies for minimizing the incidence of egg defects and providing a choice of lifestyle to enhance human health. This paper reviews current research progress on developing innovative technologies and strategies to maximize animal health and performance, improve the quality of egg products and minimize pollution caused by poultry production.展开更多
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing laying hen diet with phytogenic additives on laying performance, egg quality, blood constituents and egg lipid peroxidation. Two hundred Lohmann Brown ...This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing laying hen diet with phytogenic additives on laying performance, egg quality, blood constituents and egg lipid peroxidation. Two hundred Lohmann Brown Lite laying hens were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments: control(without phytogenic additive), fennel seeds(5 g/kg), black cumin seeds(5 g/kg) and hot red pepper(5 g/kg).Each of the 4 diets was fed to 5 replicates of 10 hens for 8 weeks. No significant differences were observed in body weight or feed intake between the groups. Dietary inclusion of fennel followed by red pepper improved(P < 0.05) egg weight, egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio compared with control. Higher yolk shape index, shell and albumen weight percentages and Haugh unit(P < 0.05)were recorded in the fennel supplemented group compared with control. The egg yolk color score increased by the addition of fennel or hot red pepper in laying hen diets compared with control. The inclusion of black cumin or hot red pepper decreased serum and egg yolk cholesterol and malondialdehyde concentrations(P < 0.05) compared with control. Serum aspartate aminotransferase concentration was lower in black cumin group(P < 0.05) than in other treatments. In conclusion, the best laying performance and egg quality were obtained by dietary inclusion of fennel, followed by hot red pepper and black cumin. Dietary supplementation of black cumin or red pepper may lead to the development of low-cholesterol concentration and better antioxidant capacity of eggs.展开更多
The microbiome in gastrointestinal tracts play an important role in regulating nutrient utilization and absorption, gut immune function, and host growth or development. This study was conducted to investigate the comp...The microbiome in gastrointestinal tracts play an important role in regulating nutrient utilization and absorption, gut immune function, and host growth or development. This study was conducted to investigate the composition and dynamic distribution of caecal microbiota in pullets during the first 16 weeks. Growth performance, immune organs index, and intestinal morphology of pullets were analyzed at 3, 6, 12 and 16 weeks of age. The caecal contents were collected for microbiota analysis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing method. With advancing ages in pullets, the gradually increased average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and intestinal villus height, but the gradually decreased organs index of thymus and bursa were determined. Meanwhile, more abundant caecal bacterial com-munities were determined from pullets at 12 and 16 weeks of age than those at 3 and 6 weeks of age. Furthermore, the dominant microflora of pullets from different weeks of age were analyzed by using LEfSe: The higher abundance of Blautia, Prevotella, Alistipes, and Eggerthella were found at 6 weeks;Anaerostipes, Oscillospira, Enterococcus and Methanobrevibacter were determined at 12 weeks;and the higher abundance of Parabacteroides, Anaerofustis, Lactobacillus and Butyricimonas were determined at 16 weeks. Further functional predicted analysis by PICRUSt revealed that the endocrine system and car-bohydrate metabolism were significantly developed at 3 weeks. The development of the immune system was predicted to be mainly during 6 to 12 weeks, while cardiovascular diseases and circulatory system were during 12 to 16 weeks. In addition, the significantly negative correlation between Bacteroides and villus height, the significantly negative correlation between growth parameters (ADFI and FCR) and Bacteroides, Oscillospira and Alistipes;and the significantly positive relations between growth parameters (ADFI and FCR) and Bilophila, Lactobacillus, Rikenella and Anaerofustis were determined by using Pearson analyses. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that growth performance and intestinal morphology correlate well with caecal microbiota, which could provide new insights to establish or develop nutri-tional strategies to manage the intestinal health or development of laying pullets.展开更多
Background Caffeic acid(CA)and its derivative,chlorogenic acid(CGA),have shown promise in preventing and alleviating fatty liver disease.CA,compared to CGA,has much lower production costs and higher bioavailability,ma...Background Caffeic acid(CA)and its derivative,chlorogenic acid(CGA),have shown promise in preventing and alleviating fatty liver disease.CA,compared to CGA,has much lower production costs and higher bioavailability,making it a potentially superior feed additive.However,the efficacy,mechanistic differences,and comparative impacts of CA and CGA on fatty liver disease in laying hens remain unclear.This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of CA and CGA on production performance,egg quality,and fatty liver disease in laying hens.Results A total of 1,44061-week-old Hyline Brown laying hens were randomly divided into 8 groups and fed diets supplemented with basal diet,25,50,100 and 200 mg/kg of CA,and 100,200 and 400 mg/kg of CGA(CON,CA25,CA50,CA100,CA200,CGA100,CGA200 and CGA400,respectively)for 12 weeks.Both CA and CGA improved production performance and egg quality,while reducing markers of hepatic damage and lipid accumulation.CA and CGA significantly decreased TG,TC,and LDL-C levels and increased T-SOD activity.Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that CA and CGA reduced hepatic lipid accumulation through downregulation of lipid biosynthesis-related genes(ACLY,ACACA,FASN,and SCD1)and enhanced lipid transport and oxidation genes(FABPs,CD36,CPT1A,ACOX1,and SCP2).Of note,low-dose CA25 exhibited equivalent efficacy to the higher dose CGA100 group in alleviating fatty liver conditions.Mechanistically,CA and CGA alleviated lipid accumulation via activation of the ADPN-AMPK-PPARαsignaling pathway.Conclusions This study demonstrates that dietary CA and CGA effectively improve laying performance,egg quality,and hepatic lipid metabolism in laying hens,with CA potentially being more economical and efficient.Transcriptomic and proteomic evidence highlight shared mechanisms between CA25 and CGA100.These findings provide a foundation for CA and CGA as therapeutic agents for fatty liver disease and related metabolic diseases in hens,and also offer insights into the targeted modification of CGA(including the isomer of CGA)into CA,thereby providing novel strategies for the efficient utilization of CGA.Highlights(1)Dietary CA and CGA improve fatty liver,laying performance and egg quality.(2)Lower dose of CA25 achieves the equivalent improvement as CGA100 or CGA200.(3)CA and CGA mediate the ADPN-AMPK-PPARαpathway to alleviate fatty liver.展开更多
The low egg production of goose greatly limits the development of the industry.China possesses the most abundant goose breeds resources.In this study,genome resequencing data of swan goose(Anser cygnoides)and domestic...The low egg production of goose greatly limits the development of the industry.China possesses the most abundant goose breeds resources.In this study,genome resequencing data of swan goose(Anser cygnoides)and domesticated high and low laying goose breeds(Anser cygnoides domestiation)were used to identify key genes related to egg laying ability in geese and verify their functions.Selective sweep analyses revealed 416 genes that were specifically selected during the domestication process from swan geese to high laying geese.Furthermore,SNPs and Indels markers were used in GWAS analyses between high and low laying breed geese.The results showed that RTCB,BPIFC,SYN3,SYNE1,VIP,and ESR1 may be related to the differences in laying ability of geese.Notably,only ESR1 was identified simultaneously by GWAS and selective sweep analysis.The genotype of Indelchr3:54429172,located downstream of ESR1,was confirmed to affect the expression of ESR1 in the ovarian stroma and showed significant correlation with body weight at first egg and laying frequency of geese.CCK-8,EdU,and flow cytometry confirmed that ESR1 can promote the apoptosis of goose pre-hierarchical follicles ganulosa cells(phGCs)and inhibit their proliferation.Combined with transcriptome data,it was found ESR1 involved in the function of goose phGCs may be related to MAPK and TGF-beta signaling pathways.Overall,our study used genomic information from different goose breeds to identify an indel located in the downstream of ESR1 associated with goose laying ability.The main pathways and biological processes of ESR1 involved in the regulation of goose laying ability were identified by cell biology and transcriptomics methods.These results are helpful to further understand the laying ability characteristics of goose and improve the egg production of geese.展开更多
This study examined the effect of dietary serine(Ser)on egg white quality,ovomucin content of laying hens fed low-gossypol cottonseed meal(LCSM)-based diet and sought to explore the regulatory mechanism underlying the...This study examined the effect of dietary serine(Ser)on egg white quality,ovomucin content of laying hens fed low-gossypol cottonseed meal(LCSM)-based diet and sought to explore the regulatory mechanism underlying the effects.A total of 288 Hy-Line Brown layers were randomly assigned into 3 treatments and respectively offered soybean meal(SBM)-based diet,LCSM-based diet,and LCSM-based diet supplemented with 0.435%L-Ser.Dietary Ser supplementation reversed the decrease in quality indices of albumen,including the proportion of thick albumen(P<0.05),thick-to-thin ratio(P<0.05),albumen height(P<0.05),Haugh unit(P<0.05),and apparent viscosity that were caused by LCSM intake.Also,dietary Ser supplementation mitigated the LCSM-induced reduction in ovomucin content of the albumen(P<0.05).FT-IR analysis of ovomucin revealed differences in second derivative spectra at 1,200-800 cm^(-1) between birds received SBM-and LCSM-based diets,meanwhile,the α-helix of ovomucin was decreased by LCSM but increased by Ser addition(P<0.05).Furthermore,Ser addition up-regulated the mRNA expression of β-ovomucin in magnum mucosa at 2 and 7.5 h post-oviposition(P<0.05).Ser mitigated the LCSMinduced impairment of magnum epithelium,increased goblet cell counts(P<0.05),and up-regulated the expression of occludin,mucin 2,and the relevant glycosyltransferases for O-glycosylation in magnum mucosa(P<0.05).Conclusively,the alleviating effect of Ser on declining albumen quality due to dietary LCSM,could be explained by the efficacy of Ser in regulating ovomucin synthesis.This regulation occurred at the levels of transcription and posttranscriptional O-glycosylation modification ofβ-ovomucin,while positive effect on magnum morphology and barrier function could also in part account for the ovomucin content.This would provide a promising research direction on the adoption of nutritional interventions for manipulation of egg white quality from perspectives of albumen protein synthesis.展开更多
Background Organic selenium(Se)has gained recognition in poultry nutrition as a feed additive to boost production and Se deposition in eggs and tissues,owing to its high bioavailability,efficient tissue accumulation a...Background Organic selenium(Se)has gained recognition in poultry nutrition as a feed additive to boost production and Se deposition in eggs and tissues,owing to its high bioavailability,efficient tissue accumulation and minimal toxicity.Selenium-enriched yeast(SeY)is a well-established source,while selenium-enriched lactobacilli(SeL),a newer alternative,offers the added benefits of probiotics.This study examined the effects of SeY and SeL on egg quality,antioxidant capacity,Se deposition,and gut health in laying hens.After a two-week pre-treatment with a Sedeficient diet(SeD),450 Hy-Line Brown laying hens(30-week-old)were assigned into five dietary groups with six replicates of 15 hens each.The groups included a SeD,SeD supplemented with 1.5 mg Se/kg from SeY(SeY15),or 1.5,3.0,and 6.0 mg Se/kg from SeL(SeL15,SeL30,SeL60).The feeding trial lasted for 12 weeks.Results SeY15 and SeL15 improved the feed-to-egg ratio(P<0.05)in the latter stages.Haugh units were significantly increased(P<0.05)in the SeY15 and SeL30 groups,while darker yolk color(P<0.05)was observed in the SeY15,SeL15,and SeL60 groups.All Se-supplemented diets increased Se content in whole eggs,albumen,and yolk(P<0.05),while SeL groups showed a dose-dependent effect.Antioxidant enzyme activities increased,and MDA content decreased in the serum(P<0.05),with SeY15 showing the highest GSH-Px levels(P<0.05).SeL60 increased serum alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase,and distorted the liver architecture(P<0.05).Se-diets reduced concentrations of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the ileum and liver(P<0.05).SeL15 improved the ileal villus height-tocrypt depth ratio(P<0.05).SeY15 and/or SeL15 up-regulated TXNRD1 and SEPHS1 mRNA while down-regulating SCLY expression in the liver.SeY15 altered ileal microbiota by increasing both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria,whereas SeL15 predominantly boosted beneficial bacteria.Conclusion SeL integrates the antioxidant properties of organic Se with the probiotic benefits on gut health,resulting in a performance-enhancing effect comparable to that of SeY.However,high SeL level(6.0 mg Se/kg)compromised productivity and metabolic functions while enhancing Se deposition.展开更多
Heat stress(HS)has become a significant challenge for poultry farming due to an increase in global temperatures.Existing literature suggests that the health effects of HS in chickens are related to its impact on the g...Heat stress(HS)has become a significant challenge for poultry farming due to an increase in global temperatures.Existing literature suggests that the health effects of HS in chickens are related to its impact on the gastrointestinal tract.While there is evidence of the detrimental consequences of HS on the gut structure,little is known about the effects of HS on the microbial population inhabiting this organ.Fortunately,recent advancements in"omics"technologies have made investigating the interaction between HS and the gut microbiota possible.Therefore,a systematic review was conducted to assess the effects of HS on chicken gut microbiota.In July 2024,a comprehensive literature search was performed across scientific repositories,including Scopus,PubMed,Science Direct,and Google Scholar.Eighteen studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion and a qualitative synthesis of their results was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines.Current evidence indicates that HS poses a significant challenge to the gastrointestinal system of chickens,resulting in a range of physiological reactions.These changes trigger fierce competition among beneficial microbial species for limited nutrients,promote microbial shifts from obligate to facultative anaerobes,and increase the abundance of microbial species with high resistance to elevated environmental temperatures.Furthermore,the proliferation of pathogens is exacerbated.Ultimately,gut microbiota profiling highlights changes in microbial diversity,alterations in the composition of microbial populations,disruptions in specific microbial functional pathways(tricarboxylic acid cycle,amino acid metabolism,antioxidant biosynthesis,and fatty acid degradation),and the breakdown of complex networks that govern microbial interactions.Understanding the complex relationship between HS and microbial shifts within the chicken gut can provide valuable insights for the development of sustainable mitigation strategies.Further research is needed to expand the current knowledge and employ more advanced literature synthesis techniques such as meta-analyses.展开更多
The evaluation of toxicity related to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans(PCDD/Fs)and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls(DL-PCBs)is crucial for a comprehensive risk assessment in real-world exposure scenar...The evaluation of toxicity related to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans(PCDD/Fs)and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls(DL-PCBs)is crucial for a comprehensive risk assessment in real-world exposure scenarios.This study employed a controlled feeding experiment to investigate the metabolic effects of dioxin-like compounds(DLCs)on laying hens via feed exposure.Diets enriched with two concentrations(1.17 and 5.13 pg toxic equivalents(TEQ)/g dry weight(dw))were administered over 14 days,followed by 28 days of clean feed.Metabolomics analyses of blood samples revealed significant metabolic variations between PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs exposed groups and controls,reflecting the induced metabolic disruption.Distinct changes were observed in sphingosine,palmitoleic acid,linoleate,linolenic acid,taurocholic acid,indole acrylic acid,and dibutyl phthalate levels,implying possible connections between PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs toxic effects and energy-neuronal imbalances,along with lipid accumulation and anomalous amino acid metabolism,impacting taurine metabolism.Moreover,we identified three differential endogenous metabolites—L-tryptophan,indole-3-acetaldehyde,and indole acrylic acid—as potential ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR),suggesting their role inmediating PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs toxicity.This comprehensive investigation provides novel insights into the metabolic alterations induced by PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in laying hens,thereby enhancing our ability to assess risks associated with their exposure in human populations.展开更多
文摘Four diets were formulated to study the influence of varying crude protein levels on the performance, egg quality, serum and haematological characteristics at the first phase of laying cycle of sixty Bovan Nera laying birds that were randomly allotted to dietary treatments. The four experimental diets had five replicates each and three birds per repli-cate. Diet 1 contained 14% crude protein (CP), while diet 2 contained 15% CP, diets 3 and 4 contained 16% and 17% CP respectively. The experimental birds were fed for 10 weeks and the data collected were statistically analysed. Apparent variations recorded for all the performance characteristics such as Egg number, Hen-day production, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and weight gain were significantly different (p < 0.05). The best FCR value were recorded by birds fed 17% CP (3.45), while the highest weight gain mean value were also recorded by birds fed 17% CP value. Findings indicated a direct relationship between dietary crude protein values and performance.
基金Supported by Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences Youth Fund Project(2014GAAS33)Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project of Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences(2013GAAS04)
文摘[ Objective ] This experiment was conducted to study the effects of dietary betaine on peiformance, egg quality and serum biochemical parameters of lay- ing hens under heat stress condition. [ Method] A total of 600 22-week-old commercial Roman laying hens were randomly divided into five groups, with eight repli- cates in each group and 15 hens in each replicate. Group I was taken as the positive control group, and laying hens in group ] were fed with basal diets in anrmal thermal environment. Temperature humidity index of group 1 was between 64.9 and 68.9. Group II was taken as the negative control group, and laying hens in group II were fed with basal diets under heal stress condition. Temperature humidity index of group II was higher than 72. laying hens in groups llI-V were fed with basal diets supplemented with 200,400 and 600 mg/kg betaine under heat stress condition respectively, and temperature humidity indexes in groups III-V were all higher than 72. The experiment lasted for 14 weeks. [ Results ] Results showed that there were no significant differences in average daily feed intake, feed egg ratio and broken egg rate among different test groups （P 〉 0.05 ）. Hen-housed laying rate, hen-housed egg yield, serum total protein （TP） content and serum alkaline phosphatase （AKP） activity in group II were significantly lower than those in group I（ P 〈0.05 ）. However, activities of glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase （GOT）, creatine kinase （CK） and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase （GPT） in group II were significantly higher than those in group i （P 〈0.05 ）. Hen-housed laying rate, hen-housed egg yield and serum TP content in group IV were significantly higher than those in group II（ P 〈 0.05 ）. Hen-housed egg yield, serum TP eontent and serum albumin （ALB） content in group V were significantly higher than those in group II（P 〈0.05）. Activities of serum CK and Girl in groups IV and V were significantly lower than those in group II （ P 〈 0.05 ）, serum triglyceride （TG） content in group V was significantly lower than that in group 11 （ P 〈 0.05 ）. [ Conclusion] Metabolism and physiological function of laying hens could be affected by heat stress, and which caused a decline in performance. Adding of dietary betaine in diets could improve hen-housed egg production and hen-housed laying rate, which could also improve the health of laying hens under heat stress condi- tion. The appropriate dietary adding content of betaine was 400 mg/kg.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Funds(No.30972128)Beijing Natural Scince Funds(No.6102010)
文摘[ Objective] This paper aimed to study the effects of different facilities on laying performance, egg quality and air quality for commercial layers under free range system. [Metbod] The single factorial arrangement was used in the tdal. 2 800 commercial Beijing You Chicken （BYC） at 23 weeks of age were chosen and randomly divided into four groups, three replicates each group, and 210 birds each replicate. The layers lived in loose housing condition with deep litter inside. Group 1 was the control, equipped with standard laying boxes, and flat-type perches; group 2 was e- quipped with common laying boxes, and flat-type perches; group 3 was equipped with common laying boxes, and erect-type perches, and group 4 was equipped with standard laying boxes, and erect-type perches. The laying performance, laying position and egg quality of birds during 24 to 32 weeks of age were recorded and measured, and average NH3, CO~ concentration of each group at 32 weeks of age were measured and detected. [Result] The results showed that laying performance of commercial BYC under loose housing condition were significantly different during 24 -32 weeks of age. The laying rate of the control group equipped with flat-type porches and standard laying boxes （33.25%） was significantly higher than in group equipped with flat-type perches and common laying boxes （21.83%） （P〈0.05）, and other two groups （26.04% and 27.48%） （P 〈0.05）. The ratio of floor eggs was significantly lower in groups with standard laying boxes than in the groups with common laying boxes （P 〈0. 05）, and the laying proportion in the first floor of layer boxes were much higher than those in the second floor （ P 〈 0.05）. There were no significant differences on egg quality among the groups （P〉0.05）. Average NH3, CO2 concentration of group 3 and 4 at 82 weeks of age were both signifi- cantly higher than of group 1 and 2 （P 〈0.05）. [ Conclusion] All of the above indicated that the utilization of facilities could improve layer＇s laying rate, especially with flat-type perches and standard laying boxes, and the indoor air quality was also affected to some extent.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2017YFD0502200,No.2016YFD0501210)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2662014BQ023).
文摘Cage layer osteoporosis(CLO)is a common bone metabolism disease in the breeding industry of China.However,effective prevention for CLO has not been developed.Icariin(ICA),the main bioactive component of the Chinese herb Epimedium,has been shown to have good therapeutic effects on bone-related diseases.In this study,the effects of ICA were further evaluated in a low-calcium diet-induced CLO,and a serum metabolomics assay was performed to understand the underlying mechanisms.A total of 14431-wk-old Lohmann pink-shell laying hens were randomly allocated to 4 groups with 6 replicates of 6 hens per replicate.The 4 dietary treatment groups consisted of a basal diet(3.5%calcium),a low-calcium diet(2.0%calcium),and a low-calcium diet supplemented with 0.5 or 2.0 g/kg ICA.The results showed that ICA exerted good osteoprotective effects on low-calcium diet-induced CLO.ICA significantly increased femur bone mineral density,improved bone microstructure,decreased bone metabolic level,and upregulated mRNA expression of bone formation genes in femoral bone tissue.Serum untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that 8 metabolite levels were significantly changed after ICA treatment,including increased contents of 7-dehydrocholesterol,7-oxocholesterol,desmosterol,PC(18:1(9Z)/18:1(9Z)),PS(18:0/18:1(9Z)),N,N-dimethylaniline and 2-hydroxy-butanoic acid and decreased N2,N2-dimethylguanosine.Metabolic pathway analysis based on the above 8 metabolites indicated that ICA mainly perturbed steroid biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism.These findings suggest that ICA can effectively prevent bone loss in low-calcium diet-induced CLO by mediating steroid biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism and provide new information for the regulation of bone metabolic diseases.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos 61176100,61274112 and 61404055
文摘The ZrTiON gate-dielectric GaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor （MOS） capacitors with or without ZrAION as the interfacial passivation layer （IPL） are fabricated and their properties are investigated. The experimental results show that the GaAs MOS capacitor with the ZrAION IPL exhibits better interracial and electrical properties, including lower interface-state density （1.14 × 10^12 cm^-2eV^-1）, smaller gate leakage current （6.82 × 10^-5 A//cm^2 at Vfb ＋1V）, smaller capacitance equivalent thickness （1.5 nm）, and larger k value （26）. The involved mechanisms lie in the fact that the ZrAION IPL can effectively block the diffusion of Ti and O towards the GaAs surface, thus suppressing the formation of interracial Ga-/As-oxides and As-As dimers, which leads to improved interracial and electrical properties for the devices.
文摘This study was aimed to determine the effects of dried black cumin and tamarind supplementation on egg performance and lipids concentration in egg yolk of layer hens. Sixty laying hens at the age of 18-34 weeks were divided into 4 treatments （control, 1% black cumin, 4% tamarind and 1% black cumin ＋ 4% tamarin in diets） with 4 replications each （15 birds/replication）. The experimental treatments were subjected to completely randomized design. Feed and drinking water were provided ad-libitum. 16 h per day for lighting program during experimental period. The results found that feed efficiency ratio, egg production and egg weight were no significant between treatments. However, average daily feed intake was highest in 4% tamarind and 1% black cumin ＋ 4% tamarin in diets. Egg yolk color score, yolk index, white index and shell tickness were no significantly different, However, haugh unit was lowest in control group. Egg yolk lipids concentration was founded that black cumin and tamarind in diet were reduced cholesterol and triacyl-glycerol concentration with statistical significance （P 〈 0.05）. So that dried black cumin and tamarind supplementation in diets were no any effect on egg production and egg weight. Furthermore, egg yolk cholesterol and triacyl-glycerol concentration were decreased. Hence, supplementation of dried black cumin and tamarind in diets could benefit to consumer health.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFB3809400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.T2125008,92163203 and 52371234)+2 种基金the Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission(202101-07-00-07-E00096)the Hong Kong,Macao and Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Project for Science and Technology Innovation Plan of Shanghai(23520760600)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.
文摘Thermal stability of thermoelectric devices plays a pivotal role in their practical applications.Chemical reaction/diffusion between thermoelectric materials and electrodes is one of the primary factors contributing to the degradation/failure of device performance at elevated temperatures.Introducing barrier layers to impede the behavior of chemical reactions has emerged as an effective approach for averting the failure of these devices.In this work,the FeSi is revealed to be a potent material of barrier layer in high-performance Mg_(2)Si_(0.3)Sn_(0.7)thermoelectric material based on the considerations of interfacial reaction energy and sinterability.The well-established bond in Mg_(2)Si_(0.3)Sn_(0.7)/FeSi joint results in a low contact resistivity of∼20μΩ·cm^(2)and a conversion efficient of∼6.5%for the Mg_(2)Si_(0.3)Sn_(0.7)single-leg device is achieved at a temperature difference of∼290 K.Long-term measurements of the device at a hot-side temperature of 600 K reveal that the performance remains nearly invariable as time further increases,which suggests that the FeSi layer retards the chemical reaction/diffusion.
基金funded by the earmarked fund for Modern ArgoIndustry Technology Research System of China (No. CARS-41-K17)the National Key Technology R&D Program (No. 2014BAD13B04)
文摘This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary ME and CP levels on laying performance, egg quality and serum biochemical indices of Fengda-1 layers. In a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, 2,400 Fengda-1 layers(32 wk of age) were randomly assigned to 6 experimental diets with 2,650 and 2,750 kcal of ME/kg of diet, each containing 14.50%, 15.00% and 15.50% CP, respectively. Each dietary treatment was replicated 5 times, and feed and water were provided ad libitum. The trial lasted for 10 wk, including a2-week acclimation period and an 8-week experimental period. Our results showed that ADFI decreased as the ME level of diet increased from 2,650 to 2,750 kcal/kg(P< 0.05). Layers fed diets with 2,750 kcal/kg ME exhibited higher mortality than those fed with 2,650 kcal/kg ME(P < 0.05). Birds fed with 14.50% and15.00% CP had higher egg production(EP) and egg mass(EM) than those fed with 15.50% CP(P < 0.05).Yolk color increased as the ME level of the diet increased from 2,650 to 2,750 kcal/kg, however, the eggshell thickness decreased(P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of uric acid and triglyceride in layers fed diets with 2,750 kcal/kg ME were higher than those fed diets with 2,650 kcal/kg ME(P < 0.05). There was no significant interaction between ME and CP on laying performance, egg quality, or serum biochemical indices(P > 0.05). Based on the data under the experimental conditions, the optimal dietary ME and CP levels of Fengda-1 layers are 2,650 kcal/kg and 15.00%(33 to 41 wk of age).
文摘Last November,track-laying began for the WenlingYuhuan section of the Hangzhou-Taizhou highspeed railway in Zhejiang Province-China's first highspeed rail line controlled by private capital,which became operational in 2022.Both Wenling and Yuhuan are county-level cities administered by the prefecture-level Taizhou City,and Hangzhou is capital of Zhejiang.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52127811,51975120)the Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(SJCX25_0096)。
文摘The rise of portable electronic devices and Internet of Things(IoT)has spurred significant interest in flexible triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs)as sustainable energy solutions.The electrical performance of TENGs is profoundly influenced by nanoscale factors,including interface properties and material characteristics,highlighting the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of these parameters to unlock their full potential.This paper summarizes the recent advances in advanced fiber composite TENGs(FC-TENGs),especially electrospun nanofibers,with a focus on key nanoscale properties,covering triboelectric layer interface characteristics,dielectric constant,electron affinity,and crystal phase,all of which are fundamental to optimizing their output performance.Additionally,it explores emerging applications of FC-TENGs in wearable electronics,self-powered sensors,wireless communication systems,human-machine interfaces,and modern healthcare technologies.The review concludes by addressing existing challenges,evaluating future opportunities,and outlining research directions for advancing FC-TENGs.By bridging foundational material science with innovative applications,this review seeks to inspire the development of high-performance,self-powered electrospun composite tribovoltaic nanogenerators,paving the way for a wireless,artificial intelligence(AI)-enabled IoT era.
文摘Confucius was born in the state of Lu,the cultural exemplar of ritual propriety and music during the Zhou Dynasty period.Immersed in this rich cultural environment,the young Confucius enjoyed laying out cups and bowls fashioned from clay on a table,pretending to officiate at mock rituals.Confucius’early life laid the groundwork for his future development as a master of ritual propriety and music and the founder of the influential Confucian school.
基金supported by the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-41-K13)China Agriculture Research System-Beijing Team for Poultry Industry
文摘World egg production and consumption have been increasing for the past decades. Traditional strategies in poultry nutrition have made vital contributions to this great growth in quantity. However, current global issues should be considered in modern egg production such as growing populations and food security, food safety and quality, limited resources and environmental problems. The development of knowledge of poultry nutrition and modern biotechnology provides novel nutritional approaches to closely fit the requirement of pullets and laying hens, which will consequently decrease the nutrition excretion and maintain the lower cost of feed. Nutrition has also been widely accepted as a strategy to influence health and diseases of laying hens. The maintenance of good health is an important prerequisite for improving productivity and egg quality. In addition, there are many measures and strategies for minimizing the incidence of egg defects and providing a choice of lifestyle to enhance human health. This paper reviews current research progress on developing innovative technologies and strategies to maximize animal health and performance, improve the quality of egg products and minimize pollution caused by poultry production.
基金Department of Poultry Production,Faculty of Agriculture,Menoufia University and Department of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,Menoufia University for providing the financial support and research facilities
文摘This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing laying hen diet with phytogenic additives on laying performance, egg quality, blood constituents and egg lipid peroxidation. Two hundred Lohmann Brown Lite laying hens were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments: control(without phytogenic additive), fennel seeds(5 g/kg), black cumin seeds(5 g/kg) and hot red pepper(5 g/kg).Each of the 4 diets was fed to 5 replicates of 10 hens for 8 weeks. No significant differences were observed in body weight or feed intake between the groups. Dietary inclusion of fennel followed by red pepper improved(P < 0.05) egg weight, egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio compared with control. Higher yolk shape index, shell and albumen weight percentages and Haugh unit(P < 0.05)were recorded in the fennel supplemented group compared with control. The egg yolk color score increased by the addition of fennel or hot red pepper in laying hen diets compared with control. The inclusion of black cumin or hot red pepper decreased serum and egg yolk cholesterol and malondialdehyde concentrations(P < 0.05) compared with control. Serum aspartate aminotransferase concentration was lower in black cumin group(P < 0.05) than in other treatments. In conclusion, the best laying performance and egg quality were obtained by dietary inclusion of fennel, followed by hot red pepper and black cumin. Dietary supplementation of black cumin or red pepper may lead to the development of low-cholesterol concentration and better antioxidant capacity of eggs.
基金supported by Chinese Universities Scientific Fund(2452021002)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFD0500505)the Program for Shaanxi Science&Technology(2018ZDCXL-NY-0201,2018ZDXM-NY-051)
文摘The microbiome in gastrointestinal tracts play an important role in regulating nutrient utilization and absorption, gut immune function, and host growth or development. This study was conducted to investigate the composition and dynamic distribution of caecal microbiota in pullets during the first 16 weeks. Growth performance, immune organs index, and intestinal morphology of pullets were analyzed at 3, 6, 12 and 16 weeks of age. The caecal contents were collected for microbiota analysis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing method. With advancing ages in pullets, the gradually increased average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and intestinal villus height, but the gradually decreased organs index of thymus and bursa were determined. Meanwhile, more abundant caecal bacterial com-munities were determined from pullets at 12 and 16 weeks of age than those at 3 and 6 weeks of age. Furthermore, the dominant microflora of pullets from different weeks of age were analyzed by using LEfSe: The higher abundance of Blautia, Prevotella, Alistipes, and Eggerthella were found at 6 weeks;Anaerostipes, Oscillospira, Enterococcus and Methanobrevibacter were determined at 12 weeks;and the higher abundance of Parabacteroides, Anaerofustis, Lactobacillus and Butyricimonas were determined at 16 weeks. Further functional predicted analysis by PICRUSt revealed that the endocrine system and car-bohydrate metabolism were significantly developed at 3 weeks. The development of the immune system was predicted to be mainly during 6 to 12 weeks, while cardiovascular diseases and circulatory system were during 12 to 16 weeks. In addition, the significantly negative correlation between Bacteroides and villus height, the significantly negative correlation between growth parameters (ADFI and FCR) and Bacteroides, Oscillospira and Alistipes;and the significantly positive relations between growth parameters (ADFI and FCR) and Bilophila, Lactobacillus, Rikenella and Anaerofustis were determined by using Pearson analyses. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that growth performance and intestinal morphology correlate well with caecal microbiota, which could provide new insights to establish or develop nutri-tional strategies to manage the intestinal health or development of laying pullets.
基金supported by National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFD1301200)China Agriculture Research Systems(CARS-40-K11)+2 种基金Beijing Agriculture Innovation Consortium(BAIC06-2024-G05)Strategic Priority Research Program of the National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs(NCTIP-XD/C08)The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project(ASTIP-IAS-12)。
文摘Background Caffeic acid(CA)and its derivative,chlorogenic acid(CGA),have shown promise in preventing and alleviating fatty liver disease.CA,compared to CGA,has much lower production costs and higher bioavailability,making it a potentially superior feed additive.However,the efficacy,mechanistic differences,and comparative impacts of CA and CGA on fatty liver disease in laying hens remain unclear.This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of CA and CGA on production performance,egg quality,and fatty liver disease in laying hens.Results A total of 1,44061-week-old Hyline Brown laying hens were randomly divided into 8 groups and fed diets supplemented with basal diet,25,50,100 and 200 mg/kg of CA,and 100,200 and 400 mg/kg of CGA(CON,CA25,CA50,CA100,CA200,CGA100,CGA200 and CGA400,respectively)for 12 weeks.Both CA and CGA improved production performance and egg quality,while reducing markers of hepatic damage and lipid accumulation.CA and CGA significantly decreased TG,TC,and LDL-C levels and increased T-SOD activity.Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that CA and CGA reduced hepatic lipid accumulation through downregulation of lipid biosynthesis-related genes(ACLY,ACACA,FASN,and SCD1)and enhanced lipid transport and oxidation genes(FABPs,CD36,CPT1A,ACOX1,and SCP2).Of note,low-dose CA25 exhibited equivalent efficacy to the higher dose CGA100 group in alleviating fatty liver conditions.Mechanistically,CA and CGA alleviated lipid accumulation via activation of the ADPN-AMPK-PPARαsignaling pathway.Conclusions This study demonstrates that dietary CA and CGA effectively improve laying performance,egg quality,and hepatic lipid metabolism in laying hens,with CA potentially being more economical and efficient.Transcriptomic and proteomic evidence highlight shared mechanisms between CA25 and CGA100.These findings provide a foundation for CA and CGA as therapeutic agents for fatty liver disease and related metabolic diseases in hens,and also offer insights into the targeted modification of CGA(including the isomer of CGA)into CA,thereby providing novel strategies for the efficient utilization of CGA.Highlights(1)Dietary CA and CGA improve fatty liver,laying performance and egg quality.(2)Lower dose of CA25 achieves the equivalent improvement as CGA100 or CGA200.(3)CA and CGA mediate the ADPN-AMPK-PPARαpathway to alleviate fatty liver.
基金supported by the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-42-4)School Cooperation Project of Ya’an(21SXHZ0028)the Key Technology Support Program of Sichuan Province,China(2021YFYZ0014),for the financial support。
文摘The low egg production of goose greatly limits the development of the industry.China possesses the most abundant goose breeds resources.In this study,genome resequencing data of swan goose(Anser cygnoides)and domesticated high and low laying goose breeds(Anser cygnoides domestiation)were used to identify key genes related to egg laying ability in geese and verify their functions.Selective sweep analyses revealed 416 genes that were specifically selected during the domestication process from swan geese to high laying geese.Furthermore,SNPs and Indels markers were used in GWAS analyses between high and low laying breed geese.The results showed that RTCB,BPIFC,SYN3,SYNE1,VIP,and ESR1 may be related to the differences in laying ability of geese.Notably,only ESR1 was identified simultaneously by GWAS and selective sweep analysis.The genotype of Indelchr3:54429172,located downstream of ESR1,was confirmed to affect the expression of ESR1 in the ovarian stroma and showed significant correlation with body weight at first egg and laying frequency of geese.CCK-8,EdU,and flow cytometry confirmed that ESR1 can promote the apoptosis of goose pre-hierarchical follicles ganulosa cells(phGCs)and inhibit their proliferation.Combined with transcriptome data,it was found ESR1 involved in the function of goose phGCs may be related to MAPK and TGF-beta signaling pathways.Overall,our study used genomic information from different goose breeds to identify an indel located in the downstream of ESR1 associated with goose laying ability.The main pathways and biological processes of ESR1 involved in the regulation of goose laying ability were identified by cell biology and transcriptomics methods.These results are helpful to further understand the laying ability characteristics of goose and improve the egg production of geese.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072774)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M733822)+2 种基金the Beijing Innovation Consortium of Agriculture Research System(BAIC04),Chinathe earmarked fund for CARS National System for Layer Production Technology,China(CARS-40)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program(ASTIP)of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences。
文摘This study examined the effect of dietary serine(Ser)on egg white quality,ovomucin content of laying hens fed low-gossypol cottonseed meal(LCSM)-based diet and sought to explore the regulatory mechanism underlying the effects.A total of 288 Hy-Line Brown layers were randomly assigned into 3 treatments and respectively offered soybean meal(SBM)-based diet,LCSM-based diet,and LCSM-based diet supplemented with 0.435%L-Ser.Dietary Ser supplementation reversed the decrease in quality indices of albumen,including the proportion of thick albumen(P<0.05),thick-to-thin ratio(P<0.05),albumen height(P<0.05),Haugh unit(P<0.05),and apparent viscosity that were caused by LCSM intake.Also,dietary Ser supplementation mitigated the LCSM-induced reduction in ovomucin content of the albumen(P<0.05).FT-IR analysis of ovomucin revealed differences in second derivative spectra at 1,200-800 cm^(-1) between birds received SBM-and LCSM-based diets,meanwhile,the α-helix of ovomucin was decreased by LCSM but increased by Ser addition(P<0.05).Furthermore,Ser addition up-regulated the mRNA expression of β-ovomucin in magnum mucosa at 2 and 7.5 h post-oviposition(P<0.05).Ser mitigated the LCSMinduced impairment of magnum epithelium,increased goblet cell counts(P<0.05),and up-regulated the expression of occludin,mucin 2,and the relevant glycosyltransferases for O-glycosylation in magnum mucosa(P<0.05).Conclusively,the alleviating effect of Ser on declining albumen quality due to dietary LCSM,could be explained by the efficacy of Ser in regulating ovomucin synthesis.This regulation occurred at the levels of transcription and posttranscriptional O-glycosylation modification ofβ-ovomucin,while positive effect on magnum morphology and barrier function could also in part account for the ovomucin content.This would provide a promising research direction on the adoption of nutritional interventions for manipulation of egg white quality from perspectives of albumen protein synthesis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32302774)Beijing Innovation Consortium of Agriculture Research System(BAIC04)+1 种基金China Agriculture Research System(CARS-40)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of the Feed Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAASIFR-ZDRW202402).
文摘Background Organic selenium(Se)has gained recognition in poultry nutrition as a feed additive to boost production and Se deposition in eggs and tissues,owing to its high bioavailability,efficient tissue accumulation and minimal toxicity.Selenium-enriched yeast(SeY)is a well-established source,while selenium-enriched lactobacilli(SeL),a newer alternative,offers the added benefits of probiotics.This study examined the effects of SeY and SeL on egg quality,antioxidant capacity,Se deposition,and gut health in laying hens.After a two-week pre-treatment with a Sedeficient diet(SeD),450 Hy-Line Brown laying hens(30-week-old)were assigned into five dietary groups with six replicates of 15 hens each.The groups included a SeD,SeD supplemented with 1.5 mg Se/kg from SeY(SeY15),or 1.5,3.0,and 6.0 mg Se/kg from SeL(SeL15,SeL30,SeL60).The feeding trial lasted for 12 weeks.Results SeY15 and SeL15 improved the feed-to-egg ratio(P<0.05)in the latter stages.Haugh units were significantly increased(P<0.05)in the SeY15 and SeL30 groups,while darker yolk color(P<0.05)was observed in the SeY15,SeL15,and SeL60 groups.All Se-supplemented diets increased Se content in whole eggs,albumen,and yolk(P<0.05),while SeL groups showed a dose-dependent effect.Antioxidant enzyme activities increased,and MDA content decreased in the serum(P<0.05),with SeY15 showing the highest GSH-Px levels(P<0.05).SeL60 increased serum alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase,and distorted the liver architecture(P<0.05).Se-diets reduced concentrations of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the ileum and liver(P<0.05).SeL15 improved the ileal villus height-tocrypt depth ratio(P<0.05).SeY15 and/or SeL15 up-regulated TXNRD1 and SEPHS1 mRNA while down-regulating SCLY expression in the liver.SeY15 altered ileal microbiota by increasing both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria,whereas SeL15 predominantly boosted beneficial bacteria.Conclusion SeL integrates the antioxidant properties of organic Se with the probiotic benefits on gut health,resulting in a performance-enhancing effect comparable to that of SeY.However,high SeL level(6.0 mg Se/kg)compromised productivity and metabolic functions while enhancing Se deposition.
基金Open access funding provided by Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich.
文摘Heat stress(HS)has become a significant challenge for poultry farming due to an increase in global temperatures.Existing literature suggests that the health effects of HS in chickens are related to its impact on the gastrointestinal tract.While there is evidence of the detrimental consequences of HS on the gut structure,little is known about the effects of HS on the microbial population inhabiting this organ.Fortunately,recent advancements in"omics"technologies have made investigating the interaction between HS and the gut microbiota possible.Therefore,a systematic review was conducted to assess the effects of HS on chicken gut microbiota.In July 2024,a comprehensive literature search was performed across scientific repositories,including Scopus,PubMed,Science Direct,and Google Scholar.Eighteen studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion and a qualitative synthesis of their results was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines.Current evidence indicates that HS poses a significant challenge to the gastrointestinal system of chickens,resulting in a range of physiological reactions.These changes trigger fierce competition among beneficial microbial species for limited nutrients,promote microbial shifts from obligate to facultative anaerobes,and increase the abundance of microbial species with high resistance to elevated environmental temperatures.Furthermore,the proliferation of pathogens is exacerbated.Ultimately,gut microbiota profiling highlights changes in microbial diversity,alterations in the composition of microbial populations,disruptions in specific microbial functional pathways(tricarboxylic acid cycle,amino acid metabolism,antioxidant biosynthesis,and fatty acid degradation),and the breakdown of complex networks that govern microbial interactions.Understanding the complex relationship between HS and microbial shifts within the chicken gut can provide valuable insights for the development of sustainable mitigation strategies.Further research is needed to expand the current knowledge and employ more advanced literature synthesis techniques such as meta-analyses.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Nos.2018YFA0901101,2018YFA0901103,and 2017YFC1600301)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.22076216,21976201,and 21836004).
文摘The evaluation of toxicity related to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans(PCDD/Fs)and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls(DL-PCBs)is crucial for a comprehensive risk assessment in real-world exposure scenarios.This study employed a controlled feeding experiment to investigate the metabolic effects of dioxin-like compounds(DLCs)on laying hens via feed exposure.Diets enriched with two concentrations(1.17 and 5.13 pg toxic equivalents(TEQ)/g dry weight(dw))were administered over 14 days,followed by 28 days of clean feed.Metabolomics analyses of blood samples revealed significant metabolic variations between PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs exposed groups and controls,reflecting the induced metabolic disruption.Distinct changes were observed in sphingosine,palmitoleic acid,linoleate,linolenic acid,taurocholic acid,indole acrylic acid,and dibutyl phthalate levels,implying possible connections between PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs toxic effects and energy-neuronal imbalances,along with lipid accumulation and anomalous amino acid metabolism,impacting taurine metabolism.Moreover,we identified three differential endogenous metabolites—L-tryptophan,indole-3-acetaldehyde,and indole acrylic acid—as potential ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR),suggesting their role inmediating PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs toxicity.This comprehensive investigation provides novel insights into the metabolic alterations induced by PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in laying hens,thereby enhancing our ability to assess risks associated with their exposure in human populations.
