Ellagitannins (ETs) are plant tannins from chestnut wood with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study assessed adding ETs to drinking water on growth, slaughter traits, meat characteristics, serum immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health in squabs (postnatal pigeons from 0 to 28 days of age, as defined by NY/T 3651-2020). In total, 360 pairs of pigeons were randomly divided into four groups and received 0, 250, 350, 450 g/t ETs in drinking water for 30 days. Growth performance, slaughter yields, meat tenderness, jejunal morphology, serum biochemical indices, gene expression related to intestinal barrier and myogenesis, and cecal microbiota composition were analyzed. The 350 g/t ETs provided the best outcomes: highest nest weight gain, better feed conversion ratio, increased live weight and breast muscle yield and the lowest shear force (meat tenderness).ETs also improved intestinal health by elevating the villus-to-crypt (V/C) ratio, up-regulating tight junction gene expression, and modulating the cecal microbiota, particularly by increasing the abundance of beneficial Bacillota. Serum IgG levels demonstrated a dose-dependent increase with ETs supplementation. Correlation analysis showed Turicibacter abundance favorably correlated with growth performance and myogenic gene expression, whereas Escherichia-Shigella abundance showed correlations with increased antioxidant capacity and reduced myofiber diameter, consistent with a stress-associated response. Microbiota analysis revealed that Escherichia-Shigella was enriched in the ET450 group, and correlation analysis further linked its abundance to increased antioxidant capacity and reduced myofiber diameter, suggesting a stress-associated response at the highest dose. In conclusion, dietary ellagitannins, especially at 350 g/t via drinking water, effectively enhanced the growth, meat quality, and gut health of European meat pigeon squabs.
In this study, the apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) of the High Protein Dried Distillers Grains (HP-DDG), Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS), extruded semi-whole soybeans (ESWS) with 8% and 12% ether extract (EE), and cottonseed meal (CM) with 28% and 38% crude protein (CP) for broiler was determined, comparing in vivo data with two equations. The study used randomized design with seven diets, six replicates (six birds/unit), and the Celite® partial collection method. Ingredient AMEn values were compared against equation-derived estimates (Tukey, P<0.05). The estimates of AMEn prediction equation 1 were: HP-DDG and DDGS (39.15 x dry matter - 39.15 x ashes - 9.72 x CP - 63.81 x EE), CM (21.26 x dry matter + 47.13 x EE - 30.85 x crude fiber) and ESWS (27.69 - 59.1 x crude fiber + 62.1 x EE). The equation 2 (4.31xDP + 9.29xDEE + 4.14xDNNE) are digestibility values. The AMEn determined values were: 3329 kcal/kg (HP-DDG), 2507 kcal/kg (DDGS), 3158 kcal/kg and 3519 kcal/kg (ESWS of 8% and 12% EE), 1579 kcal/kg and 2129 kcal/kg (CM 28% and 38% CP). HP-DDG's determined AMEn significantly exceeded estimates from Equations 1 (2425 kcal/kg) and 2 (2862 kcal/kg). AMEn for DDGS and ESWS (8% and 12%) did not differ from Equation 1 (2230, 2912 and 3209 kcal/kg, respectively). Equation 2 (1302 and 1611 kcal/kg, respectively) provided the best estimate for the AMEn of CM 28% and 38% CP. Evaluated ingredients are viable for broilers, despite variable predictive accuracy.
This study was designed to assess the impact of substituting soybean meal (SBM) with Moringa stenopetala leaf (MSL) on shelf-life of eggs stored in different durations and sensory attributes of internal egg qualities. Diets were formulated to contain MSL at a rate of 0 (control), 3%, 8%, and 13% by replacing SBM. Each of the four treatments was assigned to four replicate pens with ten hens each. Quality assessments were performed on day 1 (fresh eggs) and after 4, 7, 10 and 13d of storage time. Egg weight (EW), albumen height (AH), yolk height (YH), yolk width (YW) and yolk colour (YC) were recorded. Haugh unit (HU) and yolk index (YI) were computed. Sensory evaluation was held in two sessions with 18 panellists and rated each sample using a five-point hedonic scale. Except for YC, interaction effect was insignificant. Dietary substitution improved YH, YI and YC (p<0.05). Storage time reduced all quality traits while it increased YW (p<0.05). Albumen height, HU, YH, and YI reduced linearly while YI reduced quadratically by storage (p<0.001). Storage time reduced YC of 8% and 13% fed groups by 3.32 and 4.53%, respectively compared to control (19.4%). Shelf-life of AH in 13% diet was extended by 14.6% at 13d storage. Hens fed the 13% diet demonstrated the highest shelf-life of YH and YI. Compared to control, best aroma, taste and YC was observed in hens fed 13% diet (p<0.05). Overall acceptability was highest for 13% diet and differed from that of 3% (p=0.023) and control diets (p<0.001). In conclusion, the present findings provide compelling evidence that MSL represents a promising alternative feed to improve sensory quality and storage stability of table eggs.
The emergence and spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-E.coli) represent a major public health concern due to their role in antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to detect the molecular determinants associated with ESBL production among E. coli isolates in laying hens’ poultry farm. A total of 126 ESBL-E. coli strains were screened for the presence of ESBL-encoding genes, namely blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaSHV. DNA was extracted from fresh bacterial colonies using boiling method. Analyses were performed using R. Among 126 isolates, blaCTX−M predominated (72.22%), often co-expressed with blaTEM and blaSHV. Nearly all strains (99.2%) were multidrug resistant, with 30.2% showing XDR. Spearman's matrix showed a correlation between these genes and resistance to cephalosporins (CRO, CAZ, FEP), as well as significant co-resistance between amikacin (AMK) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC). Hierarchical clustering analysis of 126 E. coli isolates revealed five distinct groups based on phenotypic resistance profiles and ESBL gene carriage. The intermingling of isolates from Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, and Koudougou within shared clusters indicates significant profile similarity. This pilot study provides critical molecular evidence of ESBL-E. coli dissemination within the poultry sector in Burkina Faso. By demonstrating the feasibility of integrated molecular surveillance, these findings establish a foundational baseline for future longitudinal monitoring. The adoption of these methodological protocols into national surveillance frameworks is essential to safeguard the poultry industry, ensure food safety, and advance the One Health agenda in the region.
Local guinea fowl plays an important role in rural livelihoods and food security in West Africa; however, their phenotypic and morphometric diversity remains poorly documented. This study aimed to describe the phenotypes and body measurements of local guinea fowl in the Bankui region of Burkina Faso. Qualitative and morphometric traits were recorded between November 2024 and February 2025 on 316 adult local guinea fowl (112 males and 204 females) aged at least 7 months. Each guinea fowl was subjected to direct phenotypic description and biometric measurements. The results revealed marked polymorphism in plumage colouration, with pearl grey (40.5%), pearl grey pied (29.1%) and buff (15.5%) being the most dominant colours. The erect helmet was widely represented (82%). Eye colouration was mainly brown (55%) and grey (41%). Shank colouration was predominantly black-orange (26%) and black (22%), while wattle colouration was mainly white-red (49%) and bluish-red (27%). Sex and plumage colour had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the biometric traits. Pearl grey guinea fowl (1.22 ± 0.13 kg), particularly pearl grey males (1.24 ± 0.12 kg), were heavier than guinea fowl of other plumage colours. Regardless of sex and plumage colour, correlations between biometric traits ranged from 0.05 to 0.6. Strong positive correlations were found between body weight and breast circumference (r = 0.60), and body weight and body length (r = 0.53). These significant morphological and biometric differences demonstrate phenotypic diversity in local guinea fowl and provide baseline information to support future conservation and breeding programs. However, molecular studies are required to confirm the genetic basis of the observed phenotypic variation.
Phytases are widely used in poultry nutrition to enhance phosphorus (P) utilization and reduce environmental P excretion. This study evaluated the comparative efficacy of three commercial phytases (Sunphase® (SP), Quantum Blue® (QB), and Microtech® (MT)) in broiler diets formulated without monocalcium phosphate (MCP). Eight hundred male Ross 308 chicks were placed in pens (10 birds/pen) and assigned to eight diets (n=10). The isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were positive control (PC), negative control (NC, moderate reduction in available P in the starter only), and MCP-free. Relative to PC, concentrations of available P in MCP-free diets were 78%, 71%, 67%, and 60% lower in starter, grower, finisher 1, and finisher 2, respectively. Phytase diets were created by supplementing NC or No-MCP diets with respective phytase at 3000, 2000, and 1000 FTU/kg for starter, grower, and finisher phases, respectively. Overall (day 0-42), the PC birds had higher growth and better FCR (P<0.01) compared to NC birds. Despite notable differences among the phytases in the growth performance responses in the starter phase, overall, the tested phytases had comparable growth performance indices with PC birds but superior to NC birds (P<0.01). The results reinforce the feasibility of formulating inorganic phosphorus-free diets using commercial phytases. Future research should focus on optimizing phytase inclusion rates and evaluating long-term health and productivity outcomes under diverse feeding conditions.
This study examined whether dividing a commercial broiler house into separate sections would influence how chicks’ access and utilize feed during the first week after placement. More broadly, it aimed to better understand how the physical layout of the house might shape early feed consumption patterns during a critical stage of development. The work highlights the importance of considering spatial factors when evaluating broiler management practices, while also recognizing the complexity of early life behavior. Feed consumption during early life is influenced by numerous environmental and biological factors reported in previous research. The present study evaluated feed consumption among spatial sections within a commercial broiler house but did not directly measure chick behavior. Overall, this research provides insight into early feed consumption patterns within a commercial broiler house. Gaining insight into these patterns can help guide future efforts to optimize brooding environments, improve feed accessibility, and support uniform flock performance from the very start.
Spaghetti meat (SM) myopathy is a broiler breast muscle abnormality characterized by fiber separation and a soft, mushy texture that compromises meat quality and processing suitability. Despite the availability of various instrumental approaches, objective methods capable of reliably distinguishing SM severity in raw fillets remain limited. This study evaluated the Meullenet–Owen's razor shear (MORS) and blunt Meullenet–Owen's razor shear (BMORS) methods for detecting and differentiating SM severity in raw broiler breast fillets. A total of 120 fillets classified as normal, moderate, or severe SM (n = 40 each) were obtained from a commercial processing facility and assessed for pH, color, drip loss, proximate composition, and textural properties. Moderate SM fillets exhibited significantly lower pH (5.86) than normal (5.95) and severe fillets (5.96) (p = 0.0018). Lightness was greater in SM-affected fillets relative to normal fillets (p = 0.0106), and drip loss increased progressively with SM severity (2.30% to 3.03%; p = 0.0048), reflecting diminished water-holding capacity. Critically, the BMORS method successfully differentiated all SM severity levels, with shear force and shear energy declining progressively from normal to severe fillets (p < 0.001), whereas the MORS method failed to detect significant textural differences among severity groups (p > 0.05). Proximate composition analysis revealed increasing moisture and decreasing protein content with SM severity (p < 0.001). These findings indicate that BMORS showed greater sensitivity than MORS for differentiating SM severity in raw broiler breast fillets under the conditions of this study.
Heat stress is a major environmental challenge affecting the poultry industry worldwide. Early-age thermal conditioning (TC) has been studied as a strategy to mitigate heat stress in broilers, but most research has focused on conventional indoor systems. Limited information is available on the effectiveness of TC in alternative systems such as pasture-raised poultry. This study evaluated the effects of TC on growth performance, dressing yield, relative weight of immune organs, and fear response of pasture-raised broilers exposed to acute heat stress (HS). Three hundred thirty-six Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments. Birds were either subjected to TC or maintained at non-TC temperatures on day 5 and later exposed to either HS or non-HS conditions on days 28 and 41. Birds were processed on day 47, and growth performance, dressing yield, relative weight of spleen and bursa of Fabricius, and mortality were recorded. Fear response was assessed using the tonic immobility (TI) test before and after the first HS event. TI duration significantly decreased with repeated testing (p ≤ 0.05), suggesting habituation to the restraint procedure. HS significantly reduced feed intake on days 28 and 41 (p ≤ 0.05), reflecting short-term physiological responses under elevated temperatures. However, no significant interaction between TC and HS was observed for any measured variables (p > 0.05), indicating that TC did not influence the responses to HS later in life. Under the conditions of this study, TC alone may not adequately mitigate HS in pasture-raised broilers, highlighting the need for additional management strategies.
Trace minerals are vital for enzyme function, bone formation, and eggshell integrity in laying hens, yet their bioavailability varies by source, influencing production efficiency and environmental sustainability. Minerals are traditionally supplied in inorganic or organic forms; however, a proprietary coated trace mineral complex offers an alternative, encapsulating trace minerals (TM) within a protective carbohydrate-based matrix. This study evaluated the effects of inorganic TM (ITM), organic TM (OTM), and coated TM (CTM) sources on Dekalb White hens during the late laying period (71 to 83 weeks of age). Dietary treatments included OTM at 0.25%, ITM at 0.125%, and CTM at 0.035%. Relative to OTM, CTM reduced Zn, Mn, and Cu inclusion by 45.7%, 45.7%, and 50.0%, respectively. Egg production and feed intake were affected by treatment, with ITM-fed hens exhibiting higher egg production and feed intake than OTM (P = 0.018 and P = 0.037, respectively), while CTM remained intermediate for both. Feed conversion ratio, egg quality, bone breaking strength, and tibia ash percentage were unaffected by treatment (P > 0.05). Although Fe and Zn digestibility were similar across treatments, Mn and Cu digestibility were higher in OTM and CTM compared to ITM (P = 0.045 and P < 0.001, respectively). These findings suggest CTM supports comparable bird performance at substantially reduced mineral inclusion levels, highlighting its potential to minimize undigested mineral excretion and environmental impact.
Orthoreovirus avis or avian reoviruses (ARVs) are economically significant pathogens of poultry. Despite their importance, standardized experimental models for assessing ARV virulence remain limited, complicating comparisons among field isolates and across laboratories. In this study, we developed and evaluated an infection model to rank the virulence and investigate the organ distribution patterns of genetically diverse ARV isolates using two inoculation routes, the oculo-nasal route and the footpad route. Six ARV strains representing 5 σC-based genoclusters were verified as single-strain preparations by whole-genome sequencing and quantified by plaque assay prior to inoculation. One-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) White Rock chicks were inoculated with 5 × 104 plaque-forming units (pfu) via either the footpad or oculo–nasal route and monitored for clinical signs, body weight, and survival. Viral RNA loads were quantified in multiple organs using RT-qPCR. Footpad inoculation consistently induced clinical disease and mortality, enabling clear differentiation of virulence among strains and allowing classification into three virulence categories: highly virulent, virulent and avirulent. Furthermore, strain-dependent differences in organ distribution were observed after footpad inoculation, with the spleen emerging as the site with the highest viral RNA detection for all virulent isolates. In contrast, oculo–nasal inoculation with an amount of virus equal to that used in footpad inoculation resulted in minimal clinical disease and mortality, despite evidence of infection, limiting its utility for virulence ranking. These findings establish footpad inoculation combined with an exact viral quantification via plaque assay as a robust and scalable model for comparative ARV virulence assessment and provide new insights into strain-dependent virulence and tissue tropism.
Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) remains a persistent challenge in poultry production due to its strong biofilm-forming capacity and reduced susceptibility to commonly used disinfectants. This study provides a combined evaluation of biofilm formation and disinfectant susceptibility among Salmonella serotypes isolated from commercial layer hen houses in Türkiye, offering practical insight for poultry house sanitation, including several serotypes that are detected in layer hens worldwide for the first time. A total of 56 Salmonella enterica isolates representing 16 serotypes, recovered during the sampling period, were assessed for biofilm formation using a crystal violet microtiter assay at 20°C and 37°C over incubation periods of 24, 48, and 72 h. All isolates developed biofilms by 72 h, with OD570 values increasing significantly over time (Friedman test, p < 0.001), while no significant differences were observed among serotypes represented by at least five isolates (Kruskal–Wallis test, p > 0.29). The efficacy of five disinfectant formulations with different active ingredient compositions was evaluated using a qualitative suspension method. Disinfectants were initially tested at their original concentrations, and subsequently diluted stepwise to determine the minimum effective concentration (MEC) following a 1-min contact time. Hydrogen peroxide (26%)–peracetic acid (6%) at 0.04% showed the highest bactericidal activity against all serotypes, followed by potassium peroxymonosulfate (21.41%)–sodium chlorite (1.5%) at 0.05%. Glutaraldehyde (50%) was effective only at higher concentrations (4%), whereas quaternary ammonium compounds (16%) alone required higher doses and longer exposure times; however, a glutaraldehyde (15%)–QAC (10%) formulation demonstrated enhanced efficacy at 0.5%. These findings highlight the widespread biofilm-forming capacity of poultry-associated Salmonella and support the practical application of oxidizing disinfectants for improving sanitation strategies in commercial layer hen houses.
This study addresses a common challenge in intensive high-density broiler farming: excessive litter moisture, which leads to a high incidence of footpad dermatitis (FPD), impaired intestinal health, reduced growth efficiency, and significant economic losses from chicken by-products. Traditional methods such as litter drying and chemical disinfection increase production costs and pose potential environmental risks. In this study, we innovatively applied a beneficial bacterium, Bacillus MK04 strain, directly to the bedding litter rather than incorporating it into the daily feed, and investigated its effects on litter quality, broiler growth performance, foot health, and intestinal microecology. Broilers raised on treated litter exhibited faster weight gain and higher final body weight, along with lower mortality. Notably, the treatment showed no immediate effect on footpad health at day 20; however, by days 30 and 40, broilers in the treatment group had significantly lower FPD scores. This improvement appeared to be driven by drier litter conditions and beneficial shifts in gut health, including deeper intestinal villi and a more favorable gut microbiota composition, characterized by an increase in beneficial bacteria. Overall, these findings suggest that adding Bacillus MK04 to litter is a practical, non-antibiotic strategy to simultaneously enhance broiler growth performance and welfare, primarily by maintaining drier litter and supporting a healthier digestive system. This research offers a low-cost, green, and efficient litter management solution for commercial broiler farms and provides new theoretical support for the application of litter-based probiotic additives in poultry production.
Pellets, fines, feed additives, and nutrients can segregate in poultry houses, ultimately impacting flock performance. Analyzing pellets and fines separately may provide a better understanding of bird response to on-farm nutrient variability. A five-day field study was conducted in a commercial broiler house with withdrawal feed to evaluate feed particle and nutrient distribution and their relationship with broiler growth performance. Feed samples were collected from three feed pan locations (FPL) at the front, middle, and back of the broiler house. All feed samples were sifted using a No. 6 ASTM sieve for pellet-to-fine ratio (P:F) determination. Complete feed (pellets and fines combined) was analyzed in Experiment 1 for crude fat, protein, phytase activity, and total amino acid concentrations. In Experiment 2, pellets and fines were analyzed separately. Feed bin inventories and broiler body weights (BW) were collected passively and extracted from the Intelia FarmHub system. In Experiment 1, the proportion of pellets in feed pans increased from the front to the back of the house (P < 0.01). In Experiment 2, nutrient composition of pellets did not differ by FPL (P > 0.05). On the other hand, fines varied in crude fat (P = 0.04), lysine (P = 0.04), and threonine (P = 0.03) concentrations across FPL. Pellets contained greater concentrations of lysine (P = 0.02), threonine (P = 0.03), and valine (P = 0.03) compared to fines. In conclusion, providing a standard-quality pelleted diet (65% pellets and 35% fines) led to feed particle and nutrient segregation, which may have contributed broiler performance.
Sorghum is a cereal grain that can serve as an energy source in broiler diets when it is competitively priced for feed formulation. The objective of this study was to evaluate U.S. sorghum particle size (mean geometric diameter, dgw) effects on growth performance, gizzard weight, and pH in broilers from 4-49 d of age. A floor pen study was conducted with dietary treatments consisting of a corn-based (C; 800 µm) control diet and sorghum-based (S) diets with varying sorghum dgw (400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 µm). Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) adjusted for mortality were determined. On d 49, two birds of average body weight were selected from each pen for determination of gizzard pH and weight. Overall (d 4-49) birds fed sorghum-based diets had increased (P < 0.05) BWG and FI compared to those fed the corn-based diets, resulting in no difference in FCR (P > 0.05). Increasing sorghum particle size tended to increase FI (linear, P = 0.059) and BWG (quadratic, P = 0.056) of broilers, with the majority of the improvements in BWG occurring when sorghum particle size was ground to 1,200 µm. Increasing sorghum dgw up to 1000 µm increased relative gizzard weight (quadratic, P < 0.01). In conclusion, broilers fed the U.S. sorghum-based diets had increased BWG and FI compared to those fed the corn-based diets with no evidence of difference in FCR. Targeting a coarser particle size in the 1,000 to 1,200 µm range appeared favorable under these conditions for growth performance and gizzard development.
The current study was designed to determine the efficacy of a probiotic delivered via water during the starter phase of broiler chickens. Three treatments were evaluated: a basal diet without probiotics (BD), BD with probiotics administered in drinking water at the recommended level (BD1R), and BD with probiotics administered in water at three times the recommended level (BD3R). The probiotic used was added to drinking water daily, only from d 1 – 21. Six birds per cage were selected for necropsy on d 21 while the remaining birds were transitioned into schooners and raised on pasture until 45. The results indicated no difference in d 1 – 21 BW gain across treatments. However, birds in the BD3R treatment had higher (P < 0.05) BW gain from d 21 – 45 compared to BD. Apparent digestibility of DM, neutral/acid detergent fiber, or digesta viscosity was unaffected by probiotic supplementation from d 1 – 21. Tibia ash and breaking strength were unaffected by treatment on d 21. However, tibia ash was improved in BD3R relative to BD and BD1R (P < 0.05). Tibia breaking strength was higher in BD3R compared with BD (P < 0.05) on d 45. The medullary cavity diameter was reduced with increasing level of probiotic supplementation in the tibia of birds on d 45. Early probiotic dosing increased (P < 0.05) microbial alpha and beta diversity at d 45, but not at d 21. Overall, these results suggest that water-based probiotic supplementation may improve the growth and bone quality in broiler chickens, particularly in later growth stages.
This study evaluated the effects of graded levels of phytase on performance, egg quality, intestinal morphometry, and bone characteristics of Hy-Line W80 laying hens from 40 to 80 weeks of age. A total of 480 hens were assigned to six treatments: a positive control (PC), a negative control with reduced calcium and available phosphorus (NC), and the NC supplemented with 600, 1200, 1800, or 2400 FYT/kg of phytase. Phytase inclusion improved productive performance (P < 0.05), reducing feed intake and enhancing egg mass and feed conversion, with predominantly quadratic responses. Egg components (yolk, albumen, and shell weight) increased with phytase supplementation, indicating improved nutrient utilization. Intestinal morphology responded positively to increasing phytase levels, with significant improvements in villus height and villus: crypt ratio in the duodenum and jejunum, demonstrating enhanced absorptive capacity. Bone parameters showed variable responses, with moderate phytase levels optimizing some structural characteristics. Overall, phytase supplementation enhanced nutrient efficiency, performance, and intestinal development in late-phase laying hens. Considering the evaluated responses and the tested treatments, phytase inclusion at 1800 FYT/kg is recommended as a practical level to optimize productive performance and gut health under the conditions of this study.
Feed sanitation is vital to the poultry industry because it reduces microbial pathogen loads in feed, supports bird performance, and improves food safety. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a synergistic blend of propionic acid, trans-hex-2-enal, and nonanoic acid (Sanitizer A), and an organic acid blend containing formic acid and propionic acid (Sanitizer B), in reducing microbial pathogens in finished feed. A corn, soybean meal, and wheat-based diet was mixed prior to treatment with sanitizers. Treatments included applying Sanitizer A and/or Sanitizer B to soybean meal (SBM) or feed contaminated with Salmonella Infantis. The study was replicated 3 times. After each treatment, feed and swab samples were taken from the mixer. Samples were assessed for Salmonella colony enumeration and prevalence. For enumeration, each sample was plated and diluted on Xylose-Lysine-Tergitol 4 (XLT-4) agar. For prevalence, samples were enriched in Tetrathionate broth (TTB) and plated. Enumeration and prevalence data were analyzed using SAS, with significance declared at P ≤ 0.05. Treatments including Sanitizer A and/or Sanitizer B significantly reduced Salmonella enumeration counts (P<0.0001). Overall feed enumeration results demonstrated that the product combination treatment achieved the greatest reduction in Salmonella (1.87 log10 CFU/g reduction). Feed prevalence results indicated potential carryover from contaminated treatments to non-contaminated treatments (P <0.0001). This study demonstrated that feed sanitizers can reduce Salmonella contamination in both feed and feed manufacturing equipment. The results highlight the importance of incorporating feed sanitation and flushing strategies to reduce Salmonella contamination and carryover during feed manufacture.
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a rapid technology (1 sec) used to determine body composition of various species, animal health, and quality of food by measuring electrical properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of BIA to determine egg quality. A total of 1,000 freshly laid eggs (washed and sanitized) were randomly allocated to two treatments based on storage temperature; stored at 4°C (recommended ideal storage temperature) and at 22°C (accelerated aging). Randomly sampled eggs (n=20 per treatment per sampling) were evaluated for the following attributes: egg weight, thick albumen height (HA), Haugh unit (HU), yolk index (YI), egg albumen pH, and BIA (resistance, reactance) at 0, 2, 5, 8, 14, 24, 29, 35 days of storage. The BIA was conducted using a hand-held device on thick albumen after separating the egg yolk. In this study, irrespective of storage temperature, the BIA parameters and albumen pH increased (P < 0.001), on the contrary, HA, HU, and YI decreased (P < 0.001) with storage time. For egg stored at 22°C, the results showed very strong correlations between R and HA (r= -0.92, P < 0.001), R and HU (r= -0.93, P < 0.001), and R and YI (r= -0.89, P < 0.001), while strong correlations between R and HA (r= -0.73, P < 0.001), and R and HU (r= -0.73, P < 0.001) for eggs stored at 4°C.In conclusion, BIA can be used as a rapid method to evaluate the quality and freshness of eggs with potential application for liquid egg products.
This study explores the use of liquid chromatogram-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and hydrophilic interaction chromatography column (HILIC) to identify traces of water soluble antioxidants in chicken eggs. L-ergothioneine (EGT) was subsequently selected as the primary target molecule for LC-MS quantitative analysis due to the availability of EGT-producing fungal strains and an established culturing method for these strains. The amount of L-EGT produced by wild-type and a mutant strain with precocious conidiation (sporulation) in shaken liquid culture was examined. The rco 3 mutant strain had elevated amounts of L-EGT and was used for animal feeding studies. Hens were fed with N. crassa mycelium powder, pure L-EGT, and un supplemented hen feed as control; chicken eggs were harvested daily over two weeks for analysis. The results indicated that feeding hens with freeze-dried mycelium powder from the mutant strain significantly increased the concentration of L-EGT in chicken eggs. Bioaccumulation of L-EGT in boiled chicken egg white was also observed over time. Supplying chickens with fed the control diet or with supplementation with pure L EGT compound did not display the same effect. These findings suggest that L-EGT in Neurospora mycelium has the potential to be an effective dietary supplement for improving L-EGT intake in animals. Further studies on the antioxidant/protective effect of L-EGT in plant and animal tissues are needed to shed light on the role of L-EGT in promoting health and longevity. This investigation serves as a proof of concept for the utilization of LC-MS in detecting and quantifying bioactive compounds in chicken egg whites.
