In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of two synthesized 2-benzofuran-substituted chalcone derivatives (2a-2b) in combination with tamoxifen (TAM) on MCF-7 estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay in both MCF-7 and non-tumorigenic MCF-10 A cells. The combination index (CI) was calculated to determine synergistic interactions. Apoptotic cell death was confirmed via fluorescence microscopy using Annexin-V, Hoechst 33342, and Propidium Iodide (PI) staining. The involvement of apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy was further assessed using Z-VAD-FMK, Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), Necrosulfonamide (NSA), and 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) inhibitors. Functional analyses including colony formation, migration, and Matrigel invasion assays were performed. Additionally, gene expression changes in apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy-related markers were quantified by qRT-PCR. The combination of 2-benzofuran-chalcone compounds with TAM exhibited a synergistic cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells, with significantly lower IC50 values compared to monotherapies, while exerting minimal toxicity on MCF10 A cells. Fluorescence staining revealed increased apoptotic features upon combination treatment. Inhibitor assays confirmed that the cell death mechanism was predominantly caspase-dependent apoptosis, with no significant involvement of necroptosis or autophagy. The combination treatment significantly impaired clonogenic capacity, cell migration, and Matrigel invasion. Gene expression analyses showed upregulation of pro-apoptotic markers and downregulation of anti-apoptotic markers, further validating apoptotic activation. This study demonstrates that 2-benzofuran-substituted chalcone derivatives synergize with TAM to induce apoptosis and suppress proliferative and metastatic potential in ER+ breast cancer cells. These findings reveal the potential of 2-benzofuran chalcone-tamoxifen combinations as a novel therapeutic strategy to enhance antitumor efficacy in hormone-dependent breast cancers.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Despite the widespread use of various chemotherapy agents, the development of more effective and targeted treatment strategies is of critical importance. Tamoxifen, an estrogen receptor inhibitor, is widely used in the treatment of breast cancer; however, its resistance development and limiting effect create significant problems. Chalcone derivatives naturally found in plants are an important source of inspiration to enrich the repertoire of chemotherapeutics. Natural or synthetic derivatives of chalcones are being investigated in detail for their anticancer properties. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the anticancer activity of a new treatment approach consisting of the combination of 2-benzofuran-linked chalcone complex and tamoxifen in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The effects of 2-benzofuran-linked chalcone complex, tamoxifen and combination therapy on cell viability were determined by the SRB method. The determination of the death mode (apoptosis/necrosis) in cells was analyzed by the Annexin-V/Hoechst/Propidium Iodide triple staining method. In addition, colony formation abilities of the combination were tested.The results showed that the combination of 2-benzofuran-linked chalcone complex with tamoxifen increased cytotoxic activity and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells in a dose- and time- dependent manner. It was also found that the colony formation capacity of the combination was inhibited. These results suggest that the combination of 2-benzofuran-linked chalcone complex and tamoxifen may be a promising and effective strategy in the treatment of breast cancer.

The consumer interest for meat from slow growing broilers in free-range system has increased recently. Therefore, the need for knowledge about behaviour and welfare of birds in these systems has increased. The aim of this study was to compare the differences between behavioral time budget, tonic immobility and clinical welfare indicators in two slow growing broiler genotypes (Hubbard ISA Red JA-57 and Sasso XL44 × SA51A) kept in a free-range system. In total, 480 one-day old chicks were reared, and the birds were regularly scored for behavioral time budget and multiple welfare indicators. The eating and drinking tended to decrease in Sasso birds, whereas they showed an increment in Hubbard birds with increasing of age ( P < 0.01). Hubbard birds had the highest percentage of explorative pecking (7.65%) of the total time budget compared to the Sasso birds (4.33% at day 63, P < 0.01). Comb pecking wounds, skin injuries and gait scores were affected by both genotype and age ( P < 0.01). The duration of tonic immobility was found to be longer, as well as the number of tonic immobility inductions was higher in Sasso birds compared to the Hubbard (26.49 vs. 19.68 s; 1.54 and 1.24, respectively P < 0.01). These findings indicate that birds of the Hubbard genotype may be more prone to comb pecking and skin injuries, but they showed less fearful and higher walking ability, compared to Sasso birds.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) combination supplementation in different forms on laying performance, intestinal morphology and antioxidant capacity of laying hens between 64 and 75 weeks of age. A total of 600 Lohmann White layer hens at 64 weeks of age were assigned into 5 treatment groups, with 3 replicates, consisted of the control diet, control group (no supplementation of Zn, Mn and Cu; CG), supplementation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as a carrier of Zn, Mn and Cu sulphate (CCS), sulphate form of Zn, Mn and Cu combination (SF), glycine chelated of Zn, Mn and Cu combination (GC), and Zn + Mn – methionine (Met) chelated, Cu – lysine (Lys) chelated (MLC) group. Hen-day egg production tended to be higher in the GC and MLC groups during experimental period (P < 0.001). It changed between 79.7

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of ozone (O3) treatment during incubation period (IP) on hatchability, hatch window, chick quality and organ growth, bacterial load of feces and first-week growth performance in broilers. A total of 240 hatching eggs were weighed and randomly divided into control group (O3-IP (-)) and O3 treatment (O3-IP (+)). A commercial O3 generator was placed into the setter and O3 treatment (at the level of 0.050 ppm) was applied during 1 min per hour in a cyclic period of 3 days during the 18-day incubation period. The egg weight loss between 1 and 18 days ranged with values 8.59% in O3-IP (-) and 10.63% in O3-IP (+) group. The pipping time and incubation length was determined as 500.67 h and 527.33 h in O3-IP (-) and 489.67 h and 518.33 h in O3-IP (+) respectively. The yolk sac weight was found to be higher in the O3-IP (-) group compared to the O3-IP (+). In conclusion, O3 treatment during incubation period seems to be cause an acceleration for pipping time and shortening of total incubation period, unsteady effects for chick growth and quality, inhibitory effect for bacterial growth in feces.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) combinations in different forms on egg quality, serum parameters, and bone characteristics in late-phase laying hens. A total of 600 Lohmann White layer hens at 64 weeks of age were divided into dietary groups with three repetitions (n = 40 hens/cage) in each group. The experimental groups were created as follows: control diet (Cont), supplementation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as a mineral carrier (CaCO3), sulfate form of Zn, Mn, and Cu (Sulf); Zn, Mn, and Cu-glycine chelate (Gly); Zn + Mn-methionine and Cu-lysine chelate (Met-Lys). The minerals were supplemented with an amount of 1 kg/ton of feed. The mean value of egg production was higher in both Gly (81.5

In this study it was aimed to investigate effects of ozone treatment during incubation of broiler eggs as an alternative application for fumigation. A total of 240 eggs from 45-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeder flocks were utilized. The eggs were weighed and randomly assigned to two groups: one without ozone and one with ozone. A commercial ozone generator was placed in the incubator, with ozone gas generated for 1 minute every hour to provide ozone gas at a concentration of 0.050 ppm. Throughout the 18-day incubation phase, ozone gas was applied in three-day cycles. On the 18th day of incubation, six randomly selected eggs from each experimental group were placed in sterile bags to assess the microbial load of the eggshell. Furthermore, six eggs were randomly selected from each experimental group to assess embryo growth. The total aerobic bacteria and Coliform sp. count were found higher in control than ozone group (P < 0.01). The yeast mold count, egg weight, embryo weight and embryo yolk sac weight were found to be similar between the groups (P > 0.05). It can be determined that using ozone instead of fumigation during incubation in broiler chicken eggs reduces eggshell total aerobic bacteria and coliform counts, but not affected to embryo traits such as weight, yolk sac weight and length.

Three new copper(II) complexes, [Cu(5-ClSal-Trp)(H2O)2] (1), [Cu(5-ClSal-Trp)(phen)] & sdot;C2H5OH (2) and [Cu (3,5-ClSal-Trp)(phen)] (3) (5-ClSal-Trp: Schiff base derived from 5-chlorosalicylaldehyde and L-tryptophan, 3,5-ClSal-Trp: Schiff base derived from 3,5-dichlorosalicylaldehyde and L-tryptophan, phen: 1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized and characterized by electronic absorption spectroscopy, CHN analysis, FTIR, ESI-MS and XRD techniques. Interaction of the complexes 1-3 with biomolecules {calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA)} has been investigated by electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results show that the complexes 1-3 can bind to CT-DNA via a moderate intercalation mode. Moreover, the fluorescence quenching mechanism between the complexes 1-3 and BSA is a static quenching process. Radical scavenging activity studies reveal that the complexes 1-3 show a moderate activity. Antiproliferative effects of the complexes 1-3 on both breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and healthy breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A) were also investigated using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) viability assay. The results demonstrated that the complexes 1-3 exhibited a more pronounced cytotoxic effect on cancer cells compared to normal breast epithelial cells. Among the complexes, the best cytotoxic activity was obtained for the complex 3 against both human breast cancer cell lines. Further analysis indicated that the complex 3 induced apoptosis, as evidenced by fluorescent staining, positive Annexin-V-FITC staining, and the involvement of caspase. Subsequent to the administration of the complex 3, an evaluation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was conducted through the utilization of dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescent staining.

Novel bioactive ternary nickel (II) complexes, [Ni(5BrSal-Phe)(phen)] (1) and [Ni(5BrSal-Tyr)(phen)] (2) (5BrSal-Tyr: Schiff base derived from 5-bromosalicylaldehyde and L-tyrosine, 5BrSal-Phe: Schiff base derived from 5-bromosalicylaldehyde and L-phenylalanine, phen: 1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized and characterized by electronic absorption spectroscopy, CHN, FTIR, ESI-MS and X-ray crystallography techniques. Interaction of the complexes with biomolecules (calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA)) has been investigated by electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results show that the complexes can bind to CT-DNA via a minor groove binding mode. Moreover, the fluorescence quenching mechanism between the complexes and BSA is a static quenching process. The antiproliferative activities of the complexes against breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and healthy breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A) were investigated. The complex 2 was found to have promising antiproliferative activity in selected cell line, with lower IC50 values than cisplatin. Molecular docking studies suggest that the complexes may serve as potential chemotherapeutic agents. These complexes have been observed to interact with various targets within cells, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and B-DNA. Analyses indicate that these interactions are supported not only by conventional hydrogen bonds but also van der Waals forces and pi-pi interactions. Additionally, determining binding constants and regions enhances our understanding of how the complexes interact with target molecules. The results emphasize the importance of the complexes in cancer therapy by highlighting the necessity of understanding their molecular-level interactions with targets.

Schiff bases are the most widely used class of molecules and their metal complexes are utilized as medicinally important scaffolds due to their versatile biological profile. So herein, we have reported the synthesis of N2O2-type tetradentate Schiff bases {N,N '-(ethylene)bis(salicylideneimine) (1a) and N,N '-(o-phenylene)bis(salicylideneimine) (1b)} and their Ni(II) complexes, dimeric N,N '-(ethylene)bis(salicylideneiminato)nickel(II) (2a) and N,N '-(o-phenylene)bis(salicylideneiminato)nickel(II) (2b), and their characterization using CHN analysis, ESI-MS and XRD techniques. The interaction of ligands 1a-b and complexes 2a-b with the biomolecules {calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA)} has been investigated via electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results show that ligands 1a-b and complexes 2a-b can bind to CT-DNA via a minor groove mode. Moreover, the fluorescence quenching mechanism between ligands 1a-b and complexes 2a-b and BSA is a static quenching process. The results showed that the interaction between ligands 1a-b and BSA is driven by hydrogen bond and van der Waals interactions, while the hydrophobic forces stabilized the interaction between complexes 2a-b and BSA. Additionally, the r values of ligands 1a-b and complexes 2a-b (1a = 0.53 nm, 1b = 0.59 nm, 2a = 0.57 nm and 2b = 0.71 nm) calculated using FRET theory suggested that the distance between ligands 1a-b and complexes 2a-b and BSA is quite close. The radical scavenging activity of ligands 1a-b and complexes 2a-b was determined in terms of EC50, using the DPPH method. The cytotoxicities of ligands 1a-b and complexes 2a-b against human breast cancer (MCF-7) and lung cancer (A549 and H1299) cell lines and healthy lung bronchial (BEAS-2B) and breast epithelial (MCF-10A) cell lines were investigated. Molecular docking simulations were carried out to correlate the data with the experimental findings. The binding interaction of ligands 1a-b and complexes 2a-b with the B-DNA and 1M17 was generated and predicted using Autodock 4.2 software. The results indicated that ligands 1a-b and complexes 2a-b bind at the minor groove of DNA through intercalation and at the active side of the EGFR tyrosine kinase.

Consumers' interest in animal welfare-friendly systems with outdoor access is growing and therefore the necessity has arisen for genotypes suitable for free-range systems. This study aimed to investigate the suitability of two slow-growing broiler genotypes by comparing growth performance, pasture usage, carcass yield and breast meat traits. Two slow growing genotypes Hubbard ISA Red JA-57 (n= 240) and Sasso XL44 x SA51A (n= 240), were raised in free-range system for 63 days, and their suitability was assessed. Body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion rate were weekly determined. To assess the pasture usage (interior, buffer and outer zones), the observations were performed twice a day. The total of 60 birds (n: 30 broilers/genotype) were randomly sampled for slaughter process at 63rd day of age, and subsequently breast muscle samples were processed for the physical quality and chemical composition parameters of the meat. At 63 days of age, the final body weight was found to be 2918.0 g and 3253.6 g in Hubbard and Sasso birds respectively (P<0.001). Also, a higher body weight gain was observed for Sasso birds than Hubbard birds as well (3210.2 vs. 2874.8 g, P<0.001). The broilers preferred to pasture at the interior zone rather than buffer and outer zones (P<0.001), and usually in the morning (27.54%) than in the evening (20.93%, P=0.010). The average slaughter weight, carcass weight and carcass yield were higher in Sasso genotype (3296.7, 2540.4 g, 77.1%, respectively] at 63 days of age compared to Hubbard genotype (2878.3, 2192.3g and 76.2%, respectively, P<0.001). The weight and relative weight of breast were also higher in Sasso (746.2 g and 29.4% respectively) than the Hubbard genotype (617.6 g and 28.2% respectively, P>0.001). These findings could help free-range broiler producers to choose a more suitable genotype according to the final body weight, feed efficiency, pasture usage, carcass yield, and breast meat characteristics.

Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes, [Cu(NNN)2](NO3)2 (1) and [Ni(NNN)2](NO3)2 (2) (NNN-donor ligand: 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by electronic absorption spectroscopy, CHN analysis, FTIR, ESI-MS and X-ray crystallography techniques. Interaction of the complexes 1 and 2 with biomolecules (calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA)) has been investigated by electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results show that the complexes 1 and 2 can bind to CT-DNA via a moderate intercalation mode. Moreover, the fluorescence quenching mechanism between the complexes 1 and 2 and BSA is a static quenching process. The antiproliferative activities of the complexes 1 and 2 against human breast cancer (MCF-7) and lung cancer (A549 and H1299) cell lines were investigated. The complex 1 was found to have promising antiproliferative activity in selected cell line, with lower IC50 values than cisplatin. Molecular docking studies conducted across the complexes 1 and 2 have provided their potential as prospective chemotherapeutic agents against tumors. The complexes 1 and 2 demonstrated spontaneous binding with targets including anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), bovine hemoglobin (BHb), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and B-DNA. These interactions are primarily driven by van der Waals forces and π-π interactions. Determining binding constants and the multiplicity of binding sites enhances understanding of these molecular interactions.

[Cu(5-ClSal-Trp)(bpy)]center dot CH3OH (1) and [Cu(3,5-ClSal-Trp)(bpy)]center dot H2O (2) (5-ClSal-Trp: Schiff base derived from 5-chlorosalicylaldehyde and tryptophan, 3,5-ClSal-Trp: Schiff base derived from 3,5-dichlorosalicylaldehyde and tryptophan, bpy: 2,2 '-bipyridine) have been synthesized and analyzed by CHN analysis, FTIR, electronic absorption spectroscopy, ESI-MS and XRD techniques. Interaction of the complexes with biomolecules {calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA)} has been researched by fluorescence and electronic absorption spectroscopy. The results show that the complexes can bind via a moderate intercalation binding mode. According to the results obtained with both methods, the logKb and logKSV values of the complexes were found to be very close to each other. BSA quenching mechanism was found to be static. The results showed that the interaction between the complexes and BSA is driven by the hydrogen bond and van der Waals interaction. Additionally, the r values of the complexes (the complex 1 = 0.59 nm and the complex 2 = 0.53 nm) calculated from FRET theory suggested that the distance between the complexes (acceptor) and BSA (donor) is quite close. The complexes exhibited free radical scavenging activity compared to the standard antioxidant beta-carotene and catechin. Antiproliferative efficiency of the complexes on both breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) were also researched using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) viability assay. It was found that the complex 1 (IC50 = 10.99 mu M) exhibited higher cytotoxicity than cisplatin (IC50 = 15.6 mu M) against MDA-MB-231 cell line. Additionally, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was determined by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescent staining. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was used as an efficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. It was observed that newly synthesized Cu (II) complexes exhibited anti-growth potential in human breast cancer cells. Additionally, it was determined that the complexes induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in cells in a dose-dependent manner. A potent drug candidature of two new copper (II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized by CHN analysis, FTIR, ESI-MS and XRD techniques. The complexes have been analyzed biomolecular interactions by spectroscopic methods. Furthermore, radical scavenging and antiproliferative activities of the complexes were also investigated. image

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of the lung cancer. Despite development in treatment options in NSCLC, the overall survival ratios is still poor due to epithelial and mesenchymal transition (EMT) feature and associated metastasis event. Thereby there is a need to develop strategy to increase antitumor response against the NSCLC cells by targeting EMT pathway with combination drugs. Niclosamide and chalcone complexes are both affect cancer cell signaling pathways and therefore inhibit the EMT pathway. In this study, it was aimed to increase antitumor response and suppress EMT pathway in NSCLC cells by combining niclosamide and chalcone complexes. SRB cell viability assay was performed to investigate the anticancer activity of drugs. The drugs were tested on both NSCLC cells (A549 and H1299) and normal lung bronchial cells (BEAS-2B). Then the two drugs were combined and their effects on cancer cells were evaluated. Fluorescence imaging and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed on treated cells to observe the cell death manner. Wound healing assay, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis were performed to measure EMT pathway activity. Our results showed that niclosamide and chalcone complexes combination kill cancer cells more than normal lung bronchial cells. Compared to single drug administration, the combination of both drugs killed NSCLC cells more effectively by increasing apoptotic activity. In addition, the combination of niclosamide and chalcone complexes decreased multidrug resistance and EMT activity by lowering their gene expressions and protein levels. These results showed that niclosamide and chalcone complexes combination could be a new drug combination for the treatment of NSCLC.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women throughout the world. Research on natural anti-cancer products from plants has gained traction. Salvia L. species and their derivatives are rare in Turkey and have suggested for their potential anti-cancer effects. The aim of this study is to assess the potential cytotoxic/apoptotic activities of methanol extract of Salvia candidissima Vahl. subsp. candidissima (SCE) on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. A GCxGC-TOF/MS system and a dual stage commercial thermal desorption injector were used to determine the chemical components of SCE. MTT and ATP viability tests were used to investigate the anti-growth activity. The apoptosis-inducing effect was assessed using a fluorescence staining method. Caspase-cleaved keratin 18 (ccK18, M30-antigen) levels measured by M30-CytoDeath ELISA Kit. The results showed that SCE suppressed the survival of the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, based on the findings of both MTT and ATP cell viability tests and pyknotic cell nuclei were observed via fluorescent staining in both cell lines after 48 h of treatment. The treatment group had greater levels of caspase-cleaved keratin 18 in the MCF-7 cells than the untreated group. These results showed that SCE triggers apoptosis, causes cell death in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. SCE may become promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of breast cancer with further in vitro and in vivo studies.

This study was designed to compare of laying performance, egg quality and bone characteristics of commercial and Tiirk laying hen genotypes kept in free-range system. A total of 720 laying hens (Atabey, Lohmann White, Atak-S, Lohmann Brown; n=180 hens/genotype) were used in the experiment. Production performance was determined as the mean of egg production, egg weight, and FCR value between 54 and 66 weeks of age. Egg quality parameters and bone characteristics of tibia and femur were measured at 66 weeks of age. The mean value of egg production was found to be higher in Lohmann Brown and Lohmann White genotypes compared to Atak-S and Atabey genotypes between 54 and 66 weeks of age (P<0.01). The brown eggs obtained from (Lohmann Brown, Atak-S) genotypes tended to be heavier than the white hen genotypes (Lohmann White, Atabey). The lowest mean value of FCR was observed in Lohmann White hens ranged from during the experimental period. The Lohmann Brown and Atak-S eggs obtained from (3.350 g/cm2 and 3.300 g/cm2) had a stronger shell strength compared to the Lohmann White and Atabey (2.847 g/cm2 and 2.910 g/cm2, P<0.01). The breaking strength of tibia was found to be higher in brown hens (366.0 N and 381.2 N) than white hens (267.0 N and 322.2 N) (P<0.01). These findings related to different genotypes could be instructive for arranging new management rules and nutritional advice for stronger eggshell and bone strength of hens in free range system.

This study aimed to investigate effects of eggshell temperature (EST) during early and late incubation on embryo and hatchling development of broiler chicks. A total of 720 eggs were randomly allocated to 3 treatment groups: control EST (37.8°C during the first 14 d and 36.8°C between d 15 and 21 of incubation), early high EST (as control, but 38.9∘C between d 4 and 7), and late high EST treatment (37.8°C during the first 14 d and 38.2°C between d 15 and 21). At d 18 of incubation, the length of the femur, tibia, and metatarsus were found to be lower in the early high EST treatment than in both other treatment. Hatchability was higher in the early high and control EST treatment than in the late high EST treatment (Δ = 4.2% on average; P = 0.02), whereas the opposite was found for late term embryonic mortality (Δ = 4.0% on average; P = 0.02). Navel score was higher for the late high EST treatment than for the early high EST and control treatment (1.36 vs. 1.19 and 1.17, respectively; P < 0.001). At hatch, chick weight, and organ weights were lower in the late high EST treatment than in the control treatment, with the early high EST treatment in between. At hatch, most femur, tibia, and metatarsus characteristics were lower for the early high EST treatment compared to both other treatments. The same was found for tibia ash, Ca, and P concentrations. Blood ALP and P levels were higher in the control group than in both other treatment groups. It can be concluded that early high EST particularly affected bone development during incubation, whereas late high EST particularly resulted in a decline in hatchability and chick quality in broiler chicks.

Free-range systems are considered to improve bird health and welfare, thereby satisfying consumer demands. Behavioral time budget, fear level and clinical welfare indicators were compared for two Turkish laying hen genotypes, Atak-S (brown) and Atabey (white), reared in a free-range system. A total of 420 laying hens (210 Atak-S, 210 Atabey) were studied between 19 and 72 weeks of age. Higher percentages of eating and drinking behavior, feather pecking, and explorative pecking were observed for Atak-S hens, whereas Atabey hens were preening, walking–standing, and resting more. The duration of tonic immobility was longer, and the number of inductions was lower in Atabey compared with Atak-S hens. Atabey hens had less keel bone damages and better plumage conditions on the breast, wing, and tail at 56 and 72 weeks of age than Atak-S hens. Footpad dermatitis was more common in Atabey hens at 40 weeks, whereas Atak-S hens had a higher prevalence of footpad dermatitis with moderate lesions at 72 weeks of age. These findings indicate that free-range Atak-S hens may be more prone to keel bone damage and development of feather pecking, but they showed less foot lesions and were less fearful.

The objective of this study was to assess the hatch window, hatchability and quality of broilers` chick obtained from different breeder strains in a commercial hatchery. A total of 57 600 hatching eggs (28 800 hatching eggs per strain) were collected from commercial flocks of Cobb 500 and Ross 308 broiler breeder parent stocks at 60-61 weeks of age. Each strain was randomly coded as A strain and B strain. The mean value of eggshell temperature was found to be higher in eggs obtained from Strain A (101.05 ⁰F) than the other eggs of Strain B (100.98 ⁰F, P