Tin(Sn)-lead(Pb)mixed halide perovskites have attracted widespread interest due to their wider re-sponse wavelength and lower toxicity than lead halide perovskites,Among the preparation methods,the two-step method mor...Tin(Sn)-lead(Pb)mixed halide perovskites have attracted widespread interest due to their wider re-sponse wavelength and lower toxicity than lead halide perovskites,Among the preparation methods,the two-step method more easily controls the crystallization rate and is suitable for preparing large-area per-ovskite devices.However,the residual low-conductivity iodide layer in the two-step method can affect carrier transport and device stability,and the different crystallization rates of Sn-and Pb-based per-ovskites may result in poor film quality.Therefore,Sn-Pb mixed perovskites are mainly prepared by a one-step method.Herein,a MAPb_(0.5)Sn_(0.5)I_(3)-based self-powered photodetector without a hole transport layer is fabricated by a two-step method.By adjusting the concentration of the ascorbic acid(AA)addi-tive,the final perovskite film exhibited a pure phase without residues,and the optimal device exhibited a high responsivity(0.276 A W^(-1)),large specific detectivity(2.38×10^(12) Jones),and enhanced stability.This enhancement is mainly attributed to the inhibition of Sn2+oxidation,the control of crystal growth,and the sufficient reaction between organic ammonium salts and bottom halides due to the AA-induced pore structure.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
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
Background Systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress occur in laying hens during the aging process,particularly during the post-peaking laying period,which generally result in multi-organ damages,leading to...Background Systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress occur in laying hens during the aging process,particularly during the post-peaking laying period,which generally result in multi-organ damages,leading to significant declines in egg performance and quality.Chlorogenic acid(CGA)-enriched extract from Eucommia ulmoides leaves has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.However,the mechanisms underlying whether and how CGA alleviates systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress to improve egg performance and quality in postpeaking laying hens remain unclear.In this study,the potential regulatory mechanisms of CGA in alleviating inflammatory responses and oxidative stress along the gut-liver axis were investigated.A total of 36055-week-old Hy-line white-laying hens were randomly selected and divided into four groups.The hens in the four groups were fed a basal diet(CON)or basal diets supplemented with 200,400,and 800 mg/kg of CGA(CGA200,CGA400,and CGA800,respectively)for 10 weeks.Results The results demonstrated that CGA significantly alleviated intestinal and hepatic damages resulting from systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress,thereby improving the laying performance and egg quality of post-peaking laying hens.CGA reduced systemic inflammation by improving intestinal barrier function and modulating inflammation-associated microbiota(Blautia and Megamonas),thus inhibiting endotoxin translocation.CGA can also reduce oxidative stress by upregulating the NRF-2 pathway-related genes and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities in the liver.The results of transcriptome sequencing revealed that CGA promoted lipid metabolism by regulating hepatic adipocytokine pathway-related genes/protein and reduced the inflammatory responses and apoptosis in liver by regulating PI3K/AKT pathway-related genes/proteins,which was also verified by qPCR and western blotting.Conclusion CGA alleviated multi-organ damages and dysfunction by suppressing the systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in post-peaking laying hens,thereby improving egg performance and quality.The optimal dose of CGA is 400 mg/kg in this experiment.These results provide a sound theoretical basis for the application of CGA as an exogenous animal feed additive for laying hens.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
Multi-material 3D sand printing has gained significant attention;however,research has mainly focused on materials and mechanisms,with limited exploration of optimizing the sand-laying process through numerical simulat...Multi-material 3D sand printing has gained significant attention;however,research has mainly focused on materials and mechanisms,with limited exploration of optimizing the sand-laying process through numerical simulations.In this study,we investigated the dynamic behavior of sand particles during a vibratory sand-laying process for multi-material additive manufacturing using discrete element simulations.The objective is to enable precise control over the amount and distribution of sand for multi-material printing.In this study,we combined experiments and simulations to calibrate the contact parameters of different sands and establish a relationship between the curing agent content and surface energy of sand particles.A model for the vibratory fall of multimaterial sand was developed to study the motion characteristics of sand particles.This allows for macro-control over the sand spreading flow and high-quality multi-material sand laying.The results show that the flow rate of falling sand increases with decreasing surface energy of the particles,wider spreader openings,and higher vibration frequencies.For silica and chromite sands,when their surface energy ranged from 0.15 to 25 J·m^(2)and0.01-0.03 J·m^(2),respectively,and the sand spreader opening was 6 mm with a vibration frequency of 500 Hz,the sand flow rates of both materials became nearly identical.However,a higher sand paving speed and height increased the scattering of sand particles outside the target area,thereby decreasing the paving quality.The results accomplished in this study enable precise and uniform sand particle deposition and offers guidelines for optimizing sand speed and height,thus expanding the application of multi-material sand 3D printing in complex and high-performance manufacturing.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
Molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2)) is an emerging two-dimensional(2D) semiconductor and has great potential for highend applications beyond the traditional silicon-based electronics. Compared to the monolayers, multilayer ...Molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2)) is an emerging two-dimensional(2D) semiconductor and has great potential for highend applications beyond the traditional silicon-based electronics. Compared to the monolayers, multilayer MoS_(2) has improved electron mobility and current density, and therefore provides a more promising platform in terms of thin-film transistors, flexible electronic devices, etc. However, the synthesis of large-area, high-quality multilayer MoS_(2) films with controlled layer number remains a challenge. Here, we develop a two-step oxygen-assisted chemical vapor deposition(OA-CVD) methodology for the synthesis of 4-inch MoS_(2) films from monolayer to trilayer on sapphire substrates. The influence of critical growth parameters on the growth of multilayer MoS_(2) is systematically explored, such as the evaporation temperature of MoO_(3) and the flow rate of O_(2). Flexible field-effect transistor(FET) devices fabricated from bilayer/trilayer MoS_(2) show substantial improvements in mobility compared with flexible FETs based on monolayer films.展开更多
Background Despite growing concerns about the adverse effects of antibiotics in farm animals,there has been little investigation of the effects of florfenicol in laying hens.This study examined the effect of florfenic...Background Despite growing concerns about the adverse effects of antibiotics in farm animals,there has been little investigation of the effects of florfenicol in laying hens.This study examined the effect of florfenicol on the intestinal homeostasis,immune system,and pathogen susceptibility of laying hens.Results The oral administration of florfenicol at field-relevant levels for 5 d resulted in a decrease in the gut microbiota genera Lactobacillus,Bacillus,and Bacteroides,indicating the development of intestinal dysbiosis.The dysbiosis led to decreased mRNA levels of key regulators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPAR-γ)and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),compromising intestinal hypoxia.Intestinal homeostasis was also disrupted,with decreased expression of Occludin and Mucin 2(Muc2)genes combined with increased gut epithelial permeability.The breakdown in intestinal homeostasis and immune function provided a favorable environment for opportunistic bacteria like avian pathogenic Escherichia coli(APEC),culminating in systemic infection.Immunologically,florfenicol treatment resulted in increased proportion and absolute number of MRC1L-B^(+)monocytes/macrophages in the spleen,indicating an exacerbated infection.Furthermore,both the proportion and absolute number ofγδT cells in the lamina propria of the cecum decreased.Treatment with florfenicol reduced butyrate levels in the cecum.However,the administration of butyrate before and during florfenicol treatment restored factors associated with intestinal homeostasis,including PPAR-γ,Occludin,and Muc2,while partially restoring HIF-1α,normalized intestinal hypoxia and gut permeability,and reversed immune cell changes,suppressing APEC systemic infection.Conclusion The uncontrolled and widespread use of florfenicol can negatively affect intestinal health in chickens.Specifically,florfenicol was found to impair intestinal homeostasis and immune function in laying hens,including by reducing butyrate levels,thereby increasing their susceptibility to systemic APEC infection.The development of strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of florfenicol on gut health and pathogen susceptibility in laying hens is therefore essential.展开更多
[ Objective] The paper presents the polymorphism of neuropeptide Y gene （NPY） and its relationship with traits at first laying in Wen- chang chicken in order to provide information for breeding of high-yielding Wenc...[ Objective] The paper presents the polymorphism of neuropeptide Y gene （NPY） and its relationship with traits at first laying in Wen- chang chicken in order to provide information for breeding of high-yielding Wenchang chicken. [Method] The polymorphism of NPYgene at Dra I site was detected by PCR-RFLP, and the genotypes and the genetic stability were determined. The correlation between the polymorphism and traits at first laying （age, body weight and egg weight） was also analyzed. [Result] There were three kinds of genotype of NPYgene at Dra I site in Wenchang chicken, designated as AA, AB and BB; the distribution of these genotypes was consistent with the Hardy -Weinberg law; age and egg weight were not significantly different among the three genotypes （ P 〉0.05）, and body weight was extremely significantly different （ P 〈0.01 ）. [ Conclusion] The NPYgene of Wenchang chicken is in Hardy -Weinberg equilibrium at Dra I site, and its genetic polymorphism affects body weight at first laying.展开更多
Background:Dietary essential oil(EO)supplementation can exert favorable effects on gut health in broilers.However,it is unknown whether EO could improve intestinal functions,consequently beneficial for egg performance...Background:Dietary essential oil(EO)supplementation can exert favorable effects on gut health in broilers.However,it is unknown whether EO could improve intestinal functions,consequently beneficial for egg performance and quality in late-phase laying hens.This study was aimed to investigate the potential effects of EO on production performance,egg quality,intestinal health and ileal microbiota of hens in the late phase of production.A total of 28860-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups and fed a basal diet(control)or basal diets supplemented with oregano EO at 100,200 and 400 mg/kg(EO100,EO200 and EO400).Results:Dietary EO supplementation resulted in a quadratic decrease(P<0.05)in feed conversion ratio with lower(P<0.05)feed conversion ratio in EO200 group than the control during weeks 9–12 and 1–12 of the trial.Compared to the control,EO addition resulted in higher(P<0.05)eggshell thickness at the end of week.4,8 and 12 and higher(P<0.05)chymotrypsin activity.There was a quadratic elevation(P<0.05)in ileal chymotrypsin and lipase activity,along with a linear increase in villus height to crypt depth ratio.Quadratic declines(P<0.05)in mRNA expression of IL-1β,TNF-α,IFN-γ and TLR-4,concurrent with a linear and quadratic increase(P<0.05)in ZO-1 expression were identified in the ileum with EO addition.These favorable effects were maximized at medium dosage(200 mg/kg)of EO addition and intestinal microbial composition in the control and EO200 groups were assessed.Dietary EO addition increased(P<0.05)the abundances of Burkholderiales,Actinobacteria,Bifidobacteriales,Enterococcaceae and Bacillaceae,whereas decreased Shigella abundance in the ileum.Conclusions:Dietary EO addition could enhance digestive enzyme activity,improve gut morphology,epithelial barrier functions and modulate mucosal immune status by altering microbial composition,thus favoring feed efficiency and eggshell quality of late-phase laying hens.展开更多
Background:This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)and Bacil-lus could improve the laying performance and health of laying hens better.Methods:A total of 36029-week-old ...Background:This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)and Bacil-lus could improve the laying performance and health of laying hens better.Methods:A total of 36029-week-old Jingbai laying hens were randomly divided into 4 treatments:control group(basal diet),MCE group(basal diet+MCE),Probiotics Bacillus Compound(PBC)group(basal diet+compound Bacil-lus),MCE+PBC group(basal diet+MCE+compound Bacillus).The feeding experiment lasted for 42 d.Results:The results showed that the laying rate and the average daily egg mass in the MCE+PBC group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05)and better than the MCE and PBC group.Combina-tion of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the content of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)in the serum and up-regulated the expression of related hormone receptor gene(estrogen receptor-β,FSHR and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor)in the ovary of laying hens(P<0.05).In the MCE+PBC group,the mRNA expressions of zonula occluden-1,Occludin and mucin-2 in jejunum was increased and the intestinal epithelial barrier detected by transmission electron microscopy was enhanced compared with the control group(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the control group,combination of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity(P<0.05),and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes(interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α)as well as apoptosis-related genes(Caspase 3,Caspase 8 and P53)(P<0.05).The concen-tration of acetic acid and butyric acid in the cecum content of laying hens in the MCE+PBC group was significantly increased compared with the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Collectively,dietary supplementation of 600μg/kg MCE and 5×108 CFU/kg compound Bacillus can improve laying performance by improving microbiota to enhance antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier,regulate reproductive hormones and the concentration of cecal short-chain fatty acids of laying hens,and the combined effect of MCE and Bacillus is better than that of single supplementation.展开更多
The technology and methods involved in pipeline laying in shallow water have evolved to the level of routine and commonplace. However, regarding the unexpected deepwater complexity, the traditional pipeline laying tec...The technology and methods involved in pipeline laying in shallow water have evolved to the level of routine and commonplace. However, regarding the unexpected deepwater complexity, the traditional pipeline laying techniques have to confront many new challenges arisen from the increase of the water depth, diameter of the pipe and the welding difficuhy, all of which should be modified and/or innovated based on the existed mature experiences. The purpose of this investigation is to outline the existing and new engineering laying techniques and the associated facilities, which can provide some significant information to the related research. In the context, the latest deepwater pipeline laying technology and pipe laying barges of the renowned companies from Switzerland, Norway, Italy etc., are introduced and the corresponding comparison and discussion are presented as well.展开更多
Experiments were conducted to study the effects of dietary taurine and housing density on oviduct function in laying hens. Green-shell laying hens were randomly assigned to a free range group and two caged groups, one...Experiments were conducted to study the effects of dietary taurine and housing density on oviduct function in laying hens. Green-shell laying hens were randomly assigned to a free range group and two caged groups, one with low-density and the other with high-density housing. Each group was further divided into control（C） and taurine treatment（T） groups. All hens were fed the same basic diet except that the T groups＇ diet was supplemented with 0.1% taurine. The experiment lasted 15 d. Survival rates, laying rates, daily feed consumption, and daily weight gain were recorded. Histological changes, inflammatory mediator levels, and oxidation and anti-oxidation levels were determined. The results show that dietary taurine supplementation and reduced housing density significantly attenuated pathophysiological changes in the oviduct. Nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB） DNA binding activity increased significantly in the high-density housing group compared with the two other housing groups and was reduced by taurine supplementation. Tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α） m RNA expression in the high-density and low-density C and T groups increased significantly. In the free range and low-density groups, dietary taurine significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α m RNA. Supplementation with taurine decreased interferon-γ（IFN-γ） m RNA expression significantly in the low-density groups. Interleukin 4（IL-4） m RNA expression was significantly higher in caged hens. IL-10 m RNA expression was higher in the high-density C group than in the free range and low-density C groups. Supplementation with taurine decreased IL-10 m RNA expression significantly in the high-density group and increased superoxide dismutase（SOD） activity in the free range hens. We conclude that taurine has important protective effects against oviduct damage. Reducing housing density also results in less oxidative stress, less inflammatory cell infiltration, and lower levels of inflammatory mediators in the oviduct. Therefore, both dietary taurine and reduced housing density can ameliorate oviduct injury, enhance oviduct health, and promote egg production in laying hens.展开更多
Background:Arginine(Arg)is an essential amino acid(EAA)in poultry,an important substrate for protein synthesis and a precursor of several molecules.Supplementation of EAAs with low protein(LP)diet increases the utiliz...Background:Arginine(Arg)is an essential amino acid(EAA)in poultry,an important substrate for protein synthesis and a precursor of several molecules.Supplementation of EAAs with low protein(LP)diet increases the utilization efficiency of dietary crude protein(CP).However,if the EAA requirement is changed in hens fed a LP diet remains to be elucidated.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the optimal level of dietary Arg in the LP diet of hens.A total of 1350 Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly allocated to six dietary treatments:a basal diet(16%CP,positive control),or an isoenergetic LP diet(14%CP,0.80%Arg)supplemented 0,0.05%,0.10%,0.15%,and 0.20%L-Arg,corresponding to 0.80%,0.85%,0.90%,0.95%and 1.00%dietary Arg,respectively.Results:The feed efficiency was decreased(P<0.05)by 0.80%and 1.00%Arg-LP diets,compared to control.Within LP diets,dietary Arg level had significant quadratic effects(P<0.05)on laying rate,egg mass,and feed efficiency.Compared to control,the plasma CAT activity or T-AOC content were decreased by 0.80%(P<0.001).However,the hens offered 0.85%and 0.90%Arg-LP diets had higher CAT activity(P<0.001)than 0.80%Arg-LP diet.In contrast,1.00%Arg-LP group had the highest MDA and the lowest T-AOC content in plasma,liver,duodenal and jejunal mucosa(P<0.05).Compared to control,the villus height was decreased by 0.80%,0.95%and 1.00%Arg-LP diets,while the villus height to crypt depth(V/C)ratio was reduced by 0.95%and 1.00%Arg-LP diets in duodenum.Conclusion:The result demonstrates that LP diet(14%CP)deficient in Arg(0.80%Arg)result in augmented oxidative damage and impaired development of intestinal mucosa.According to the quadratic broken-line regression model,the optimal dietary arginine levels for Hy-Line Brown laying hens fed with low protein diet(14%CP)aged 33 to 40 weeks are 0.85%,0.86%,and 0.86%to obtained the maximum laying rate,egg mass,and feed efficiency,respectively.展开更多
Glycerol mono laurate(GML)has been widely used as an effective antibacterial emulsifier in the food in?dustry.A total of 360 44-week-old Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly distributed into four groups each with s...Glycerol mono laurate(GML)has been widely used as an effective antibacterial emulsifier in the food in?dustry.A total of 360 44-week-old Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly distributed into four groups each with six replicates of 15 birds,and fed with com-soybean-meal-based diets supplemented with 0,0.15,0.30,and 0.45 g/kg GML,respectively.Our results showed that 0.15,0.30,and 0.45 g/kg GML treatments significantly decreased feed conversion ratios(FCRs)by 2.65%,7.08%,and 3.54%,respectively,and significantly increased the laying rates and average egg weights.For egg quality,GML drastically in creased albume n height and Haugh units,and enhanced yolk color.Notably,GML increased the concentrations of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and reduced the concentration of total saturated fatty acids in the yolk.The albumen composition was also significantly modified,with an increase of 1.02%in total protein content,and increased 8ntents of His(4.55%)and Glu(2.02%)under the 0.30 g/kg GML treatment.Additionally,GML treatments had positive effects on the lipid metabolism of laying hens,including lowering the serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and reducing fat deposit!on in abdominal adipose tissue.Intestinal morphology was also improved by GML treatment,with increased villus length and villus height to crypt depth ratio.Our data demonstrated that GML supplementation of laying hens could have beneficial effects on both their productivity and physiological properties,which indicates the potential application of GML as a functional feed additive and gives us a new in sight into this traditional food additive.展开更多
Background: Laying hens over 75 weeks of age commonly show great declines in immunity and production performance.It is unclear whether these declines can be relieved by supplementing with ascorbic acid(AA) in feed.Two...Background: Laying hens over 75 weeks of age commonly show great declines in immunity and production performance.It is unclear whether these declines can be relieved by supplementing with ascorbic acid(AA) in feed.Two trials were conducted to investigate the synthesis and metabolism of AA in layers of different ages and the effects of dietary supplemental AA on the performance and the immune and antioxidant statuses of 78 weeks old hens.Methods: In Exp.1,equal numbers(24 hens) of 35 weeks old(Young) and 75 weeks old(Old) layers were fed the same diet without AA supplementation for 4 weeks.In Exp.2,360 healthy 78 weeks old laying hens were randomly assigned to 4 treatments(basal diet supplemented with 0,0.25,0.5,or 1 g AA/kg diet) in an 8-week feeding trial.Results: The old hens tended to have decreased L-gulonolactone oxidase(GLO) synthase activity in the kidney and liver than that of the young hens(P = 0.07 and P = 0.05,respectively).Compared with the young hens,the old hens had lower hepatic antioxidant capacity allowing for the lower thioredoxin(TXN),thioredoxin reductase(TXNR) and cytochrome b5 reductase(CYB5 R) gene expression(P < 0.05),whereas increased sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter(SVCT) 1 expression levels in the ileum and kidney and enhanced splenic and hepatic AA concentrations(P < 0.05).Dietary supplementation with AA significantly decreased GLO enzyme activity but increased splenic AA concentration and anti-bovine serum albumin IgG levels(P < 0.05) and tended to increase CD4+T lymphocyte numbers(P = 0.06) in serum.Supplementation of 0.25 g AA/kg diet significantly increased hepatic total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC,P < 0.05) relative to the control group.Conclusions: Laying hens could synthesize AA in both the kidney and the liver,though the GLO enzyme activities were 100 times greater in kidneys than in livers.The old laying hens had greater absorption and reabsorption capacity and higher AA retention in some tissues that did the young hens.Dietary supplementation of AA can improve the health of old layers by enhancing immunity and antioxidant capacity.展开更多
Background:Soya saponin(SS),an active compound in soybean meals,has been widely studied in the medical field.However,it was considered as an anti-nutritional factor in poultry diets.The objective of this experiment wa...Background:Soya saponin(SS),an active compound in soybean meals,has been widely studied in the medical field.However,it was considered as an anti-nutritional factor in poultry diets.The objective of this experiment was to measure the effects of dietary SS using three dietary treatments on egg-laying performance and immune function of laying hens.Birds were fed a low soybean meal basal diet(CON),a low-SS diet(50 SS)containing 50mg/kg SS,or a high-SS diet(500 SS)containing 500 mg/kg SS for 10 weeks.At the end of the 5th and 10th week of the trial,samples were collected for analysis.Results:Results showed that with 50 mg/kg SS supplementation,the egg production rate,feed conversion ratio(FCR),and eggshell quality tended to be improved.Serum follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)and Interleukin-4(IL-4)levels were also elevated as well as the peripheral blood LPS stimulation index,the proportion of B lymphocytes,and antibody titer of bovine serum albumin(BSA).We also found that mRNA levels of follicle stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR)in ovarian,nuclear transcription factor kappa B(NF-κB),Transforming growth factor(TGF-β)and interferonγ(IFN-γ)in spleen were up-regulated at the end of the trial.Additionally,dietary 50 mg/kg SS improved the ileal flora via up-regulating the relative abundance of Lactobacillus,Romboutsia and Lactobacillus delbrueckii.Although the immune related indicators were improved with 500 mg/kg SS supplemented,it seemed to have a negative influence on the laying-performance.Specifically,serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),and the ratio of IFN-γto IL-4 were increased in the 500 SS group at the end of the trial.The m RNA levels of gonadotropin releasing hormone 1(GnRH1)in Hypothalamus,the estrogen related receptor(ERR)in ovaries were downregulated as well as the egg production rate during the trial with 500 mg/kg SS supplemented.Conclusions:The egg production performance was improved by dietary supplemented with 50 mg/kg SS via increasing ovarian FSHR transcription level and serum estrogen level.A beneficial shift in intestinal microflora was recorded,and the immune function of laying hens was also improved with 50 mg/kg SS supplementation.Surprisingly,the long-term supplementation of 500 mg/kg SS exerted a negative impact on the laying performance and physiological functions of the liver of laying hens.展开更多
Background: Vitellogenin(VTG) is a precursor of egg yolk proteins synthesized within the liver of oviparous vertebrates. Betaine is an important methyl donor that is reported to improve egg production of laying hens w...Background: Vitellogenin(VTG) is a precursor of egg yolk proteins synthesized within the liver of oviparous vertebrates. Betaine is an important methyl donor that is reported to improve egg production of laying hens with an unclear mechanism. In the present study, we fed betaine-supplemented diet(0.5%) to laying hens for 4 wk and investigated its effect on VTGII expression in the liver.Results: Betaine did not affect chicken weight, but significantly(P < 0.05) increased egg laying rate accompanied with a significant(P < 0.05) increase in hepatic concentration and plasma level of VTGI. Plasma estrogen level did not change,but the hepatic expression of estrogen receptor α(ERα) mR NA was significantly(P < 0.05) up-regulated. Betaine did not affect the protein content of ERα, but significantly(P < 0.05) increased hepatic expression of glucocorticoid receptor(GR)at both mR NA and protein levels. Also, ERα/GR interaction tended to be enhanced in the liver nuclear lysates of betainesupplemented hens as determined by co-immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, dietary betaine supplementation significantly increased(P < 0.05) the hepatic expression of methyl-transfer enzymes, such as BHMT, GNMT, and DNMT1,which was associated with higher SAM/SAH ratio and hypomethylation of GR promoter regions.Conclusions: Betaine activates hepatic VTGII expression in association with modified DNA methylation of GR gene promoter, GR expression and ERα/GR interaction. Activation of hepatic VTGII expression may contribute, at least partly, to improved egg production in betaine-supplemented hens.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foun-dation of China(Nos.52025028,52332008,52372214,52202273,and U22A20137)the Priority Academic Program Development(PAPD)of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions.
文摘Tin(Sn)-lead(Pb)mixed halide perovskites have attracted widespread interest due to their wider re-sponse wavelength and lower toxicity than lead halide perovskites,Among the preparation methods,the two-step method more easily controls the crystallization rate and is suitable for preparing large-area per-ovskite devices.However,the residual low-conductivity iodide layer in the two-step method can affect carrier transport and device stability,and the different crystallization rates of Sn-and Pb-based per-ovskites may result in poor film quality.Therefore,Sn-Pb mixed perovskites are mainly prepared by a one-step method.Herein,a MAPb_(0.5)Sn_(0.5)I_(3)-based self-powered photodetector without a hole transport layer is fabricated by a two-step method.By adjusting the concentration of the ascorbic acid(AA)addi-tive,the final perovskite film exhibited a pure phase without residues,and the optimal device exhibited a high responsivity(0.276 A W^(-1)),large specific detectivity(2.38×10^(12) Jones),and enhanced stability.This enhancement is mainly attributed to the inhibition of Sn2+oxidation,the control of crystal growth,and the sufficient reaction between organic ammonium salts and bottom halides due to the AA-induced pore structure.
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.
基金financially supported by the Collaborative Extension Program for Advancements in Agricultural Technologies of Zhejiang Province(Grant no:2023ZDXT15)the Key Research&Development Program of Zhejiang Province(Grant no:2024C02004)Bureau of Science and Technology of Xinchang County Foundation.
文摘Background Systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress occur in laying hens during the aging process,particularly during the post-peaking laying period,which generally result in multi-organ damages,leading to significant declines in egg performance and quality.Chlorogenic acid(CGA)-enriched extract from Eucommia ulmoides leaves has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.However,the mechanisms underlying whether and how CGA alleviates systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress to improve egg performance and quality in postpeaking laying hens remain unclear.In this study,the potential regulatory mechanisms of CGA in alleviating inflammatory responses and oxidative stress along the gut-liver axis were investigated.A total of 36055-week-old Hy-line white-laying hens were randomly selected and divided into four groups.The hens in the four groups were fed a basal diet(CON)or basal diets supplemented with 200,400,and 800 mg/kg of CGA(CGA200,CGA400,and CGA800,respectively)for 10 weeks.Results The results demonstrated that CGA significantly alleviated intestinal and hepatic damages resulting from systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress,thereby improving the laying performance and egg quality of post-peaking laying hens.CGA reduced systemic inflammation by improving intestinal barrier function and modulating inflammation-associated microbiota(Blautia and Megamonas),thus inhibiting endotoxin translocation.CGA can also reduce oxidative stress by upregulating the NRF-2 pathway-related genes and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities in the liver.The results of transcriptome sequencing revealed that CGA promoted lipid metabolism by regulating hepatic adipocytokine pathway-related genes/protein and reduced the inflammatory responses and apoptosis in liver by regulating PI3K/AKT pathway-related genes/proteins,which was also verified by qPCR and western blotting.Conclusion CGA alleviated multi-organ damages and dysfunction by suppressing the systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in post-peaking laying hens,thereby improving egg performance and quality.The optimal dose of CGA is 400 mg/kg in this experiment.These results provide a sound theoretical basis for the application of CGA as an exogenous animal feed additive for laying hens.
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 Jiangsu Provincial Basic Research Program(Natural Science Foundation)Youth Fund(Grant No.BK20230885)the International Joint Laboratory of Sustainable Manufacturing,Ministry of Education and Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities(Grant No.NG2024012)Major Project on Fundamental Research of Aero-Engines and Gas Turbines,Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Special Project on High-Quality Development(Grant No.J2022-Ⅶ-0006-0048)。
文摘Multi-material 3D sand printing has gained significant attention;however,research has mainly focused on materials and mechanisms,with limited exploration of optimizing the sand-laying process through numerical simulations.In this study,we investigated the dynamic behavior of sand particles during a vibratory sand-laying process for multi-material additive manufacturing using discrete element simulations.The objective is to enable precise control over the amount and distribution of sand for multi-material printing.In this study,we combined experiments and simulations to calibrate the contact parameters of different sands and establish a relationship between the curing agent content and surface energy of sand particles.A model for the vibratory fall of multimaterial sand was developed to study the motion characteristics of sand particles.This allows for macro-control over the sand spreading flow and high-quality multi-material sand laying.The results show that the flow rate of falling sand increases with decreasing surface energy of the particles,wider spreader openings,and higher vibration frequencies.For silica and chromite sands,when their surface energy ranged from 0.15 to 25 J·m^(2)and0.01-0.03 J·m^(2),respectively,and the sand spreader opening was 6 mm with a vibration frequency of 500 Hz,the sand flow rates of both materials became nearly identical.However,a higher sand paving speed and height increased the scattering of sand particles outside the target area,thereby decreasing the paving quality.The results accomplished in this study enable precise and uniform sand particle deposition and offers guidelines for optimizing sand speed and height,thus expanding the application of multi-material sand 3D printing in complex and high-performance manufacturing.
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Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2021YFA1202900)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 12422402, 61888102, 12274447, and 62204166)+1 种基金Chinese Academy of Sciences Strategic Priority Research Program (Grant No. XDB067020302)Guangdong Major Project of Basic and Applied Basic Research (Grant No. 2021B0301030002)。
文摘Molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2)) is an emerging two-dimensional(2D) semiconductor and has great potential for highend applications beyond the traditional silicon-based electronics. Compared to the monolayers, multilayer MoS_(2) has improved electron mobility and current density, and therefore provides a more promising platform in terms of thin-film transistors, flexible electronic devices, etc. However, the synthesis of large-area, high-quality multilayer MoS_(2) films with controlled layer number remains a challenge. Here, we develop a two-step oxygen-assisted chemical vapor deposition(OA-CVD) methodology for the synthesis of 4-inch MoS_(2) films from monolayer to trilayer on sapphire substrates. The influence of critical growth parameters on the growth of multilayer MoS_(2) is systematically explored, such as the evaporation temperature of MoO_(3) and the flow rate of O_(2). Flexible field-effect transistor(FET) devices fabricated from bilayer/trilayer MoS_(2) show substantial improvements in mobility compared with flexible FETs based on monolayer films.
基金supported by a the National Research Foundation(NRF),funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT(RS-2023-00218476,RS-2024-00454619)the Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science and Technology Development(RS-2022-RD010165)+1 种基金the Ministry of Health&Welfare,Republic of Korea(RS-2022-KH128577)the BK21 FOUR Program of the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology,Seoul National University,Seoul,Korea.
文摘Background Despite growing concerns about the adverse effects of antibiotics in farm animals,there has been little investigation of the effects of florfenicol in laying hens.This study examined the effect of florfenicol on the intestinal homeostasis,immune system,and pathogen susceptibility of laying hens.Results The oral administration of florfenicol at field-relevant levels for 5 d resulted in a decrease in the gut microbiota genera Lactobacillus,Bacillus,and Bacteroides,indicating the development of intestinal dysbiosis.The dysbiosis led to decreased mRNA levels of key regulators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPAR-γ)and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),compromising intestinal hypoxia.Intestinal homeostasis was also disrupted,with decreased expression of Occludin and Mucin 2(Muc2)genes combined with increased gut epithelial permeability.The breakdown in intestinal homeostasis and immune function provided a favorable environment for opportunistic bacteria like avian pathogenic Escherichia coli(APEC),culminating in systemic infection.Immunologically,florfenicol treatment resulted in increased proportion and absolute number of MRC1L-B^(+)monocytes/macrophages in the spleen,indicating an exacerbated infection.Furthermore,both the proportion and absolute number ofγδT cells in the lamina propria of the cecum decreased.Treatment with florfenicol reduced butyrate levels in the cecum.However,the administration of butyrate before and during florfenicol treatment restored factors associated with intestinal homeostasis,including PPAR-γ,Occludin,and Muc2,while partially restoring HIF-1α,normalized intestinal hypoxia and gut permeability,and reversed immune cell changes,suppressing APEC systemic infection.Conclusion The uncontrolled and widespread use of florfenicol can negatively affect intestinal health in chickens.Specifically,florfenicol was found to impair intestinal homeostasis and immune function in laying hens,including by reducing butyrate levels,thereby increasing their susceptibility to systemic APEC infection.The development of strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of florfenicol on gut health and pathogen susceptibility in laying hens is therefore essential.
文摘[ Objective] The paper presents the polymorphism of neuropeptide Y gene （NPY） and its relationship with traits at first laying in Wen- chang chicken in order to provide information for breeding of high-yielding Wenchang chicken. [Method] The polymorphism of NPYgene at Dra I site was detected by PCR-RFLP, and the genotypes and the genetic stability were determined. The correlation between the polymorphism and traits at first laying （age, body weight and egg weight） was also analyzed. [Result] There were three kinds of genotype of NPYgene at Dra I site in Wenchang chicken, designated as AA, AB and BB; the distribution of these genotypes was consistent with the Hardy -Weinberg law; age and egg weight were not significantly different among the three genotypes （ P 〉0.05）, and body weight was extremely significantly different （ P 〈0.01 ）. [ Conclusion] The NPYgene of Wenchang chicken is in Hardy -Weinberg equilibrium at Dra I site, and its genetic polymorphism affects body weight at first laying.
基金supported by Shandong Key Science and Technology Innovation Program(2019JZZY010704)China Agriculture Research System(CARS-40-K12)+1 种基金Beijing Innovation Consortium of Agriculture Research System(BAIC04-2020)Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program(ASTIP)of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
文摘Background:Dietary essential oil(EO)supplementation can exert favorable effects on gut health in broilers.However,it is unknown whether EO could improve intestinal functions,consequently beneficial for egg performance and quality in late-phase laying hens.This study was aimed to investigate the potential effects of EO on production performance,egg quality,intestinal health and ileal microbiota of hens in the late phase of production.A total of 28860-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups and fed a basal diet(control)or basal diets supplemented with oregano EO at 100,200 and 400 mg/kg(EO100,EO200 and EO400).Results:Dietary EO supplementation resulted in a quadratic decrease(P<0.05)in feed conversion ratio with lower(P<0.05)feed conversion ratio in EO200 group than the control during weeks 9–12 and 1–12 of the trial.Compared to the control,EO addition resulted in higher(P<0.05)eggshell thickness at the end of week.4,8 and 12 and higher(P<0.05)chymotrypsin activity.There was a quadratic elevation(P<0.05)in ileal chymotrypsin and lipase activity,along with a linear increase in villus height to crypt depth ratio.Quadratic declines(P<0.05)in mRNA expression of IL-1β,TNF-α,IFN-γ and TLR-4,concurrent with a linear and quadratic increase(P<0.05)in ZO-1 expression were identified in the ileum with EO addition.These favorable effects were maximized at medium dosage(200 mg/kg)of EO addition and intestinal microbial composition in the control and EO200 groups were assessed.Dietary EO addition increased(P<0.05)the abundances of Burkholderiales,Actinobacteria,Bifidobacteriales,Enterococcaceae and Bacillaceae,whereas decreased Shigella abundance in the ileum.Conclusions:Dietary EO addition could enhance digestive enzyme activity,improve gut morphology,epithelial barrier functions and modulate mucosal immune status by altering microbial composition,thus favoring feed efficiency and eggshell quality of late-phase laying hens.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32072766,31672460,31472128)Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang province(No.LZ20C170002)the National High-Tech R&D Program Project(863)of China(NO.2013AA102803D).
文摘Background:This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)and Bacil-lus could improve the laying performance and health of laying hens better.Methods:A total of 36029-week-old Jingbai laying hens were randomly divided into 4 treatments:control group(basal diet),MCE group(basal diet+MCE),Probiotics Bacillus Compound(PBC)group(basal diet+compound Bacil-lus),MCE+PBC group(basal diet+MCE+compound Bacillus).The feeding experiment lasted for 42 d.Results:The results showed that the laying rate and the average daily egg mass in the MCE+PBC group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05)and better than the MCE and PBC group.Combina-tion of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the content of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)in the serum and up-regulated the expression of related hormone receptor gene(estrogen receptor-β,FSHR and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor)in the ovary of laying hens(P<0.05).In the MCE+PBC group,the mRNA expressions of zonula occluden-1,Occludin and mucin-2 in jejunum was increased and the intestinal epithelial barrier detected by transmission electron microscopy was enhanced compared with the control group(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the control group,combination of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity(P<0.05),and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes(interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α)as well as apoptosis-related genes(Caspase 3,Caspase 8 and P53)(P<0.05).The concen-tration of acetic acid and butyric acid in the cecum content of laying hens in the MCE+PBC group was significantly increased compared with the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Collectively,dietary supplementation of 600μg/kg MCE and 5×108 CFU/kg compound Bacillus can improve laying performance by improving microbiota to enhance antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier,regulate reproductive hormones and the concentration of cecal short-chain fatty acids of laying hens,and the combined effect of MCE and Bacillus is better than that of single supplementation.
基金the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program,Grant No.2006AA09A105)
文摘The technology and methods involved in pipeline laying in shallow water have evolved to the level of routine and commonplace. However, regarding the unexpected deepwater complexity, the traditional pipeline laying techniques have to confront many new challenges arisen from the increase of the water depth, diameter of the pipe and the welding difficuhy, all of which should be modified and/or innovated based on the existed mature experiences. The purpose of this investigation is to outline the existing and new engineering laying techniques and the associated facilities, which can provide some significant information to the related research. In the context, the latest deepwater pipeline laying technology and pipe laying barges of the renowned companies from Switzerland, Norway, Italy etc., are introduced and the corresponding comparison and discussion are presented as well.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.31101783 and 31472164)the Special Fund for Independent Innovation of Agricultural Science and Technology in Jiangsu Province of China(No.CX(13)3070)
文摘Experiments were conducted to study the effects of dietary taurine and housing density on oviduct function in laying hens. Green-shell laying hens were randomly assigned to a free range group and two caged groups, one with low-density and the other with high-density housing. Each group was further divided into control（C） and taurine treatment（T） groups. All hens were fed the same basic diet except that the T groups＇ diet was supplemented with 0.1% taurine. The experiment lasted 15 d. Survival rates, laying rates, daily feed consumption, and daily weight gain were recorded. Histological changes, inflammatory mediator levels, and oxidation and anti-oxidation levels were determined. The results show that dietary taurine supplementation and reduced housing density significantly attenuated pathophysiological changes in the oviduct. Nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB） DNA binding activity increased significantly in the high-density housing group compared with the two other housing groups and was reduced by taurine supplementation. Tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α） m RNA expression in the high-density and low-density C and T groups increased significantly. In the free range and low-density groups, dietary taurine significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α m RNA. Supplementation with taurine decreased interferon-γ（IFN-γ） m RNA expression significantly in the low-density groups. Interleukin 4（IL-4） m RNA expression was significantly higher in caged hens. IL-10 m RNA expression was higher in the high-density C group than in the free range and low-density C groups. Supplementation with taurine decreased IL-10 m RNA expression significantly in the high-density group and increased superoxide dismutase（SOD） activity in the free range hens. We conclude that taurine has important protective effects against oviduct damage. Reducing housing density also results in less oxidative stress, less inflammatory cell infiltration, and lower levels of inflammatory mediators in the oviduct. Therefore, both dietary taurine and reduced housing density can ameliorate oviduct injury, enhance oviduct health, and promote egg production in laying hens.
基金supported by the CJ CheilJedang(Shanghai)Trading Co.Ltd.(No.2020-V-09)Key Technologies Research and Development Program(2021YFD1300405)+2 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2020MC171)Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-40-K09)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31772619).
文摘Background:Arginine(Arg)is an essential amino acid(EAA)in poultry,an important substrate for protein synthesis and a precursor of several molecules.Supplementation of EAAs with low protein(LP)diet increases the utilization efficiency of dietary crude protein(CP).However,if the EAA requirement is changed in hens fed a LP diet remains to be elucidated.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the optimal level of dietary Arg in the LP diet of hens.A total of 1350 Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly allocated to six dietary treatments:a basal diet(16%CP,positive control),or an isoenergetic LP diet(14%CP,0.80%Arg)supplemented 0,0.05%,0.10%,0.15%,and 0.20%L-Arg,corresponding to 0.80%,0.85%,0.90%,0.95%and 1.00%dietary Arg,respectively.Results:The feed efficiency was decreased(P<0.05)by 0.80%and 1.00%Arg-LP diets,compared to control.Within LP diets,dietary Arg level had significant quadratic effects(P<0.05)on laying rate,egg mass,and feed efficiency.Compared to control,the plasma CAT activity or T-AOC content were decreased by 0.80%(P<0.001).However,the hens offered 0.85%and 0.90%Arg-LP diets had higher CAT activity(P<0.001)than 0.80%Arg-LP diet.In contrast,1.00%Arg-LP group had the highest MDA and the lowest T-AOC content in plasma,liver,duodenal and jejunal mucosa(P<0.05).Compared to control,the villus height was decreased by 0.80%,0.95%and 1.00%Arg-LP diets,while the villus height to crypt depth(V/C)ratio was reduced by 0.95%and 1.00%Arg-LP diets in duodenum.Conclusion:The result demonstrates that LP diet(14%CP)deficient in Arg(0.80%Arg)result in augmented oxidative damage and impaired development of intestinal mucosa.According to the quadratic broken-line regression model,the optimal dietary arginine levels for Hy-Line Brown laying hens fed with low protein diet(14%CP)aged 33 to 40 weeks are 0.85%,0.86%,and 0.86%to obtained the maximum laying rate,egg mass,and feed efficiency,respectively.
基金Project supported by the Technology and Achievement Transformation Project of Hangzhou,China(No.20161631E01)the Zhejiang University New Rural Development Research Institute Agricultural Technology Promotion Fund(No.2017006)+1 种基金the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.LY18C200006)the Basic Research Project of Education Department of Zhejiang Province(No.Y201737161),China
文摘Glycerol mono laurate(GML)has been widely used as an effective antibacterial emulsifier in the food in?dustry.A total of 360 44-week-old Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly distributed into four groups each with six replicates of 15 birds,and fed with com-soybean-meal-based diets supplemented with 0,0.15,0.30,and 0.45 g/kg GML,respectively.Our results showed that 0.15,0.30,and 0.45 g/kg GML treatments significantly decreased feed conversion ratios(FCRs)by 2.65%,7.08%,and 3.54%,respectively,and significantly increased the laying rates and average egg weights.For egg quality,GML drastically in creased albume n height and Haugh units,and enhanced yolk color.Notably,GML increased the concentrations of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and reduced the concentration of total saturated fatty acids in the yolk.The albumen composition was also significantly modified,with an increase of 1.02%in total protein content,and increased 8ntents of His(4.55%)and Glu(2.02%)under the 0.30 g/kg GML treatment.Additionally,GML treatments had positive effects on the lipid metabolism of laying hens,including lowering the serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and reducing fat deposit!on in abdominal adipose tissue.Intestinal morphology was also improved by GML treatment,with increased villus length and villus height to crypt depth ratio.Our data demonstrated that GML supplementation of laying hens could have beneficial effects on both their productivity and physiological properties,which indicates the potential application of GML as a functional feed additive and gives us a new in sight into this traditional food additive.
基金The State Key Development Program(2016YFD0501202)supported this study
文摘Background: Laying hens over 75 weeks of age commonly show great declines in immunity and production performance.It is unclear whether these declines can be relieved by supplementing with ascorbic acid(AA) in feed.Two trials were conducted to investigate the synthesis and metabolism of AA in layers of different ages and the effects of dietary supplemental AA on the performance and the immune and antioxidant statuses of 78 weeks old hens.Methods: In Exp.1,equal numbers(24 hens) of 35 weeks old(Young) and 75 weeks old(Old) layers were fed the same diet without AA supplementation for 4 weeks.In Exp.2,360 healthy 78 weeks old laying hens were randomly assigned to 4 treatments(basal diet supplemented with 0,0.25,0.5,or 1 g AA/kg diet) in an 8-week feeding trial.Results: The old hens tended to have decreased L-gulonolactone oxidase(GLO) synthase activity in the kidney and liver than that of the young hens(P = 0.07 and P = 0.05,respectively).Compared with the young hens,the old hens had lower hepatic antioxidant capacity allowing for the lower thioredoxin(TXN),thioredoxin reductase(TXNR) and cytochrome b5 reductase(CYB5 R) gene expression(P < 0.05),whereas increased sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter(SVCT) 1 expression levels in the ileum and kidney and enhanced splenic and hepatic AA concentrations(P < 0.05).Dietary supplementation with AA significantly decreased GLO enzyme activity but increased splenic AA concentration and anti-bovine serum albumin IgG levels(P < 0.05) and tended to increase CD4+T lymphocyte numbers(P = 0.06) in serum.Supplementation of 0.25 g AA/kg diet significantly increased hepatic total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC,P < 0.05) relative to the control group.Conclusions: Laying hens could synthesize AA in both the kidney and the liver,though the GLO enzyme activities were 100 times greater in kidneys than in livers.The old laying hens had greater absorption and reabsorption capacity and higher AA retention in some tissues that did the young hens.Dietary supplementation of AA can improve the health of old layers by enhancing immunity and antioxidant capacity.
基金funded by the China Agriculture Research System program(CARS-41-G11)。
文摘Background:Soya saponin(SS),an active compound in soybean meals,has been widely studied in the medical field.However,it was considered as an anti-nutritional factor in poultry diets.The objective of this experiment was to measure the effects of dietary SS using three dietary treatments on egg-laying performance and immune function of laying hens.Birds were fed a low soybean meal basal diet(CON),a low-SS diet(50 SS)containing 50mg/kg SS,or a high-SS diet(500 SS)containing 500 mg/kg SS for 10 weeks.At the end of the 5th and 10th week of the trial,samples were collected for analysis.Results:Results showed that with 50 mg/kg SS supplementation,the egg production rate,feed conversion ratio(FCR),and eggshell quality tended to be improved.Serum follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)and Interleukin-4(IL-4)levels were also elevated as well as the peripheral blood LPS stimulation index,the proportion of B lymphocytes,and antibody titer of bovine serum albumin(BSA).We also found that mRNA levels of follicle stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR)in ovarian,nuclear transcription factor kappa B(NF-κB),Transforming growth factor(TGF-β)and interferonγ(IFN-γ)in spleen were up-regulated at the end of the trial.Additionally,dietary 50 mg/kg SS improved the ileal flora via up-regulating the relative abundance of Lactobacillus,Romboutsia and Lactobacillus delbrueckii.Although the immune related indicators were improved with 500 mg/kg SS supplemented,it seemed to have a negative influence on the laying-performance.Specifically,serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),and the ratio of IFN-γto IL-4 were increased in the 500 SS group at the end of the trial.The m RNA levels of gonadotropin releasing hormone 1(GnRH1)in Hypothalamus,the estrogen related receptor(ERR)in ovaries were downregulated as well as the egg production rate during the trial with 500 mg/kg SS supplemented.Conclusions:The egg production performance was improved by dietary supplemented with 50 mg/kg SS via increasing ovarian FSHR transcription level and serum estrogen level.A beneficial shift in intestinal microflora was recorded,and the immune function of laying hens was also improved with 50 mg/kg SS supplementation.Surprisingly,the long-term supplementation of 500 mg/kg SS exerted a negative impact on the laying performance and physiological functions of the liver of laying hens.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31672512)Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest(201003011)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(KYZ201212)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)
文摘Background: Vitellogenin(VTG) is a precursor of egg yolk proteins synthesized within the liver of oviparous vertebrates. Betaine is an important methyl donor that is reported to improve egg production of laying hens with an unclear mechanism. In the present study, we fed betaine-supplemented diet(0.5%) to laying hens for 4 wk and investigated its effect on VTGII expression in the liver.Results: Betaine did not affect chicken weight, but significantly(P < 0.05) increased egg laying rate accompanied with a significant(P < 0.05) increase in hepatic concentration and plasma level of VTGI. Plasma estrogen level did not change,but the hepatic expression of estrogen receptor α(ERα) mR NA was significantly(P < 0.05) up-regulated. Betaine did not affect the protein content of ERα, but significantly(P < 0.05) increased hepatic expression of glucocorticoid receptor(GR)at both mR NA and protein levels. Also, ERα/GR interaction tended to be enhanced in the liver nuclear lysates of betainesupplemented hens as determined by co-immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, dietary betaine supplementation significantly increased(P < 0.05) the hepatic expression of methyl-transfer enzymes, such as BHMT, GNMT, and DNMT1,which was associated with higher SAM/SAH ratio and hypomethylation of GR promoter regions.Conclusions: Betaine activates hepatic VTGII expression in association with modified DNA methylation of GR gene promoter, GR expression and ERα/GR interaction. Activation of hepatic VTGII expression may contribute, at least partly, to improved egg production in betaine-supplemented hens.
