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Yue Q, Huang C, Zhou R, Zhang Y, Wang D, Zhang Z, Chen H. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal potential regulatory pathways regulating bone metabolism pre- and postsexual maturity in hens. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103555. [PMID: 38417334 PMCID: PMC10907858 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
At the onset of sexual maturity, the increasing circulating estrogen stimulates the formation of medullary bone, which provides available calcium for eggshell formation. The bone loss of laying hens is caused by the continuous dynamic changes of structure bone leading to bone fragility and susceptibility. The degree of medullary bone mineralization in sexual maturity is positively correlated with bone quality in the late laying stage. This study aimed to explore the molecular regulation mechanism of bone metabolism pre- and postsexual maturity in hens based on the joint analysis of transcriptome and metabolome. A total of 50 Hy-line Sonia pullets with comparable body weight at 13 wk were selected. Eight pullets were killed at 15 wk (juvenile hens, JH) and 19 wk (laying hens, LH), and LHs were killed within 3 h after oviposition. Differentially expressed genes and metabolites in tibia were analyzed based on transcriptome and metabolome, and then combined to construct the relevant metabolisms and hub genes. In the LH hens, plasma levels of estrogen and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase were significantly elevated by 1.7 and 1.3 times. In addition, the midpoint diameter, bone mineral density and bone mineral content of the tibia and femur were higher at 19 wk of age. A total of 580 differentially expressed genes were found between the JH and LH group in the tibia, including 280 up-regulated, and 300 down-regulated genes in the LH group. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that the intracellular biosynthesis and secretion of matrix vesicles were significantly enrichment in the LH hens. A total of 21 differential metabolites were identified between JH and LH group. Estradiol valerate positively correlated with L-theanine, tryptophan betaine, dopamine, and perindopril. Joint analysis showed that the top 20 hub genes were enriched in cholesterol biosynthesis and phospholipid metabolism, which played a key regulatory role in bone metabolism during pre- and postsexual maturity. These results provide a theoretical foundation for maintaining efficient egg production and reducing bone health problems in laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoxian Yue
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Chenxuan Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Rongyan Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China.
| | - Yinlang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Dehe Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Zhenhong Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Hui Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
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Makanjuola BO, Gebhardt-Henrich SG, Toscano MJ, Baes CF. Genetic parameter estimates for the use of an aviary with winter garden by laying hens. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103369. [PMID: 38242054 PMCID: PMC10828583 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The behavioral activity of laying hens in an aviary is indicative of their welfare and health. Furthermore, hens' usage of the different locations within an aviary has been shown to influence laying performance and egg quality. For example, hens that spent a longer duration of time in the nest during laying were observed to have lower laying performance. Therefore, understanding genetics of laying hens' usage of the aviary could be important for predicting egg quality, production traits and health and welfare. The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for duration of time spent at different locations within the aviary and an adjacent winter garden using a multivariate repeatability model and to compare correlations between time spent in these locations. For this study, a total of 1,106 Dekalb white laying hens (Hendrix Genetics) were genotyped using a proprietary 60K SNP array. These hens had access to 5 different zones within the aviary, which included the top level tier, nest box tier, lower level tier, floor littered area and a winter garden. Hens were in the aviary for a total of 290 d and daily records of duration were collected for each hen visit to any location in the aviary, culminating in a total of 937,740 records. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.05 (0.01) to 0.28 (0.03) for the duration of time spent in the different zones. The lowest heritability was estimated for time spent at the lower level tier, while a higher heritability was estimated for time spent in the floor littered area. A moderately high negative genetic correlation of -0.59 (0.08) was observed between time spent in the top level tier and time spent in the floor littered area, while a favorable correlation of 0.37 (0.14) was found between time spent in the lower level tier and time spent in the winter garden. The findings of this study show that the duration of time spent at different zones within an aviary has genetic basis and could be used for selecting animals for better performance and higher welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayode O Makanjuola
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Michael J Toscano
- ZTHZ, Division of Animal Welfare, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christine F Baes
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Osiak-Wicha C, Tomaszewska E, Muszyński S, Dobrowolski P, Andres K, Schwarz T, Świetlicki M, Mielnik-Błaszczak M, Arciszewski MB. Developmental changes in tibia and humerus of goose: morphometric, densitometric, and mechanical analysis. Animal 2023; 17:100960. [PMID: 37690335 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The skeletal system of young animals undergoes a series of intensive and rapid changes. In this study, we aimed to verify the hypothesis that geese exhibit a distinct pattern of bone growth compared to gallinaceous species. Specifically, we hypothesised that geese would experience an accelerated growth rate in the humerus bone, which can be attributed to the increased wing mobility facilitated by their rearing in free-range systems. This need for access to both ground and water environments contributes to the unique demands placed on their skeletal development. We focused on evaluating the mechanical properties and geometry of the humerus as the forelimb bone, and the tibia as the hindlimb bone. The 320 geese used in this study were divided into 12 groups according to sex (females and males) and age (0-,1-,3-,6-,8-,12-,14-week-old). To assess bone mechanical properties, a three-point bending test was performed, along with densitometry and morphological measurements. The tibiae of the geese showed the most intensive growth until 6 weeks of age and then stabilised. The wing bones (humerus) showed only slight changes in the first weeks after hatching, and then a rapid growth between the third and sixth week, both in terms of mechanical and morphological properties. This is most likely due to a change in the geese's living environment during this period, i.e., allowing them to leave their enclosures and enter open space, which gives them the opportunity to use their wings, resulting in the rapid growth of the wing bones to support increasing muscle mass in this area. This study increases our understanding of bone growth and development in domesticated birds, specifically waterfowl species, and highlights the importance of rearing methods on the proper bone development and functionality of the entire skeletal system, and thus, on their welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Osiak-Wicha
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Histology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 12, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - E Tomaszewska
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 12, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.
| | - S Muszyński
- Department of Biophysics, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - P Dobrowolski
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - K Andres
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Mickiewicza Alley 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - T Schwarz
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Ethology, Faculty of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Mickiewicza Alley 24/28, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
| | - M Świetlicki
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka 36, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
| | - M Mielnik-Błaszczak
- Chair and Department of Developmental Dentistry, Medical University of Lublin, 20‑081 Lublin, Poland
| | - M B Arciszewski
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Histology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 12, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
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Moritz N, Liesmäki O, Plyusnin A, Keränen P, Kulkova J. Load-bearing composite fracture-fixation devices with tailored fibre placement for toy-breed dogs. Res Vet Sci 2023; 156:66-80. [PMID: 36791579 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Fibre reinforced composites are attractive materials for hard tissue reconstructions, due to the high strength and low flexural modulus. However, lack of contourability in the operation theatre inhibits their clinical applications. The study presents a novel in situ contourable composite implant system for load-bearing conditions. The implant system consists of a thin bioresorbable shell with several cavities, much like bubble-wrap. The central cavity contains a semi-flexible glass fibre preform prepared using Tailored Fibre Placement method. The preform is either pre-impregnated with a light curable resin, or the resin is injected into the cavity during the surgical procedure, followed by light curing. The semi-flexible glass fibre preforms were also examined as separate devices, "miniplates". Two types of miniplates were scrutinized, a simplified pilot design and a spatially refined, "optimized" design. The optimized miniplates were implemented as biostable and bioresorbable versions. The feasibility of the in situ contourable composite implant system was demonstrated. The potential of Tailored Fibre Placement for the semi-flexible glass fibre preforms and miniplates was confirmed in a series of biomechanical tests. However, structural optimization is required. Antebrachial fractures in toy-breeds of dogs are exemplar veterinary applications of the devices; further applications in veterinary and human patients are foreseen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Moritz
- Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Biomaterials and Medical Device Research Program, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4B (PharmaCity), 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Biomaterials Science and Turku Clinical Biomaterials Centre - TCBC, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4B (PharmaCity), 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Oliver Liesmäki
- Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Biomaterials and Medical Device Research Program, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4B (PharmaCity), 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Biomaterials Science and Turku Clinical Biomaterials Centre - TCBC, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4B (PharmaCity), 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Artem Plyusnin
- Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Biomaterials and Medical Device Research Program, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4B (PharmaCity), 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Biomaterials Science and Turku Clinical Biomaterials Centre - TCBC, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4B (PharmaCity), 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Pauli Keränen
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Julia Kulkova
- Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Biomaterials and Medical Device Research Program, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4B (PharmaCity), 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Biomaterials Science and Turku Clinical Biomaterials Centre - TCBC, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4B (PharmaCity), 20520 Turku, Finland.
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Gül ET, Olgun O, Yıldız A, Tüzün AE, Sarmiento-García A. Use of Maca Powder ( Lepidium meyenii) as Feed Additive in Diets of Laying Quails at Different Ages: Its Effect on Performance, Eggshell Quality, Serum, Ileum, and Bone Properties. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080418. [PMID: 36006333 PMCID: PMC9415308 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Using additives can reduce the negative effects of aging on factors affecting profitability, such as the availability of nutrients, production, and egg quality. Maca is an herbaceous plant rich in protein, crude oil, essential acids, and pharmacological compounds. Maca has positive effects on different health parameters. In this study, the effect of adding Maca powder to the diets of young and old laying quails at the end of the 10-week trial was investigated. In total, 150 laying Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) (209.1 ± 10.0 g) were randomly distributed to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two ages (10 weeks and 30 weeks) and three Maca powder levels (0, 1, or 2 g/kg), with five subgroups per treatment. According to the study, eggshell quality, total cholesterol, triglyceride, progesterone, and testosterone concentrations of serum were lower in old quail than in young quail, while egg weight, feed intake, and follicle-stimulating hormone increased significantly as quail aged. (p < 0.05). Furthermore, aging negatively affected the histomorphology of the ileum and cortical bone thickness (p < 0.05). Additional findings show that adding 1 g/kg Maca powder to the diet of quail significantly improved eggshell, ileum, and bone traits that deteriorate with age, without affecting performance, and adding 2 g/kg Maca powder to the diet significantly reduced serum total cholesterol levels (p < 0.05). Incorporating Maca powder into the diet of aged birds could reduce the negative effects of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Tuğçe Gül
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Selcuk, Konya 42130, Turkey
| | - Osman Olgun
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Selcuk, Konya 42130, Turkey
| | - Alpönder Yıldız
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Selcuk, Konya 42130, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Engin Tüzün
- Kocarlı Vocational School, University of Aydın Adnan Menderes, Aydın 09970, Turkey
| | - Ainhoa Sarmiento-García
- Área de Producción Animal, Department of Construcción y Agronomía, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Ambientales, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-619-847-558
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Zhang Y, Wang S, Huang X, Li K, Ruan D, Xia W, Wang S, Chen W, Zheng C. Comparative effects of inorganic and organic manganese supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, tibial characteristics, serum biochemical indices, and fecal Mn excretion of laying ducks. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2021.115159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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7
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The Welfare Status of Hens in Different Housing Systems – A Review. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2021-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The currently used poultry farming methods, which aim to maximise economic profit, are based on ever new technological solutions that improve flock management and increase bird performance. However, they do not always meet the natural needs of birds. Every housing method and technological solution currently in use is faced with some issues, such as social stress, adverse temperature/ humidity conditions, risk of zoonoses, and behavioural pathologies, which determine poultry performance and welfare. Disregard for animal welfare involves not only ethical but also practical aspects, because well-being and housing comfort translate into better weight gains, health and productivity of the birds. The studies reported here suggest that every production system, despite the many welfare-improving aspects, causes numerous behavioural, productivity and health abnormalities in laying hens. Therefore, further research is needed to identify various risk factors for the purpose of improving housing systems and increasing the welfare of hens.
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Cui YM, Wang J, Zhang HJ, Qi GH, Wu SG. Effect of photoperiod on eggshell quality and quality characteristics of tibia, femur, and ulna in laying ducks. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101376. [PMID: 34391963 PMCID: PMC8371216 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effect of photoperiod on eggshell quality, bone quality characteristics and bone metabolism related enzymes and factors in laying ducks. After adaption, 300 Jinding laying ducks (252-day-old) were randomly divided into 5 treatments, receiving 12L (hours of light):12D (hours of darkness), 14L:10D, 16L:8D, 18L:6D or 20L:4D, respectively. Each group had 6 replicates of 10 birds each. The feeding experiment lasted 8 wk. Compared with 12L:12D, the higher values of eggshell breaking strength occurred in ≥18 h photoperiods at the end of 6 wk, and in ≥16 h photoperiods at the end of 4 wk, with the common highest values in 18 h photoperiod (P ˂ 0.05). Besides, 18L:6D had higher values of ultimate load Fu and cortical cross-sectional area A in tibia, femur, and ulna (P ˂ 0.05), compared with 12L:12D. The higher values of proximal bone mineral content (BMC; tibia), distal BMC (ulna), total Ca (tibia), and cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMC; tibia and ulna) were observed in 16L:8D and 18L:6D treatments (P ˂ 0.05). Meanwhile, 18 h photoperiod group had the higher proximal BMC (femur) and total Ca in ulna (P ˂ 0.05). In serum, compared with 12L:12D group, the higher ALP activity occurred in ≥16 h photoperiods (0:00 and 18:00), with the highest values in 18L:6D treatment (P ˂ 0.05); the higher values of TGF-β (6:00) and OC (6:00 and 18:00) were simultaneously observed in 18 h photoperiod (P ˂ 0.05). Moreover, values of trACP activity, TNF-α and IL-6 contents decreased in ≥18 h photoperiods at 0:00 (P ˂ 0.05), compared with 12L:12D group. To sum up, an appropriate photoperiod could improve eggshell quality, bone strength and mineral content through increasing osteogenesis during the light time and decreasing resorption activity during the dark, and 18 h is an adequate photoperiod for the eggshell and bone quality of laying ducks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Ming Cui
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, No. 100 Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hai-Jun Zhang
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Guang-Hai Qi
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Shu-Geng Wu
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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A Comparison of Morphometric Indices, Mineralization Level of Long Bones and Selected Blood Parameters in Hens of Three Breeds. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2020-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare morphometric indices and the mineralization level of humerus, femur and tibia in Leghorn (H-22), Sussex (S-66) and Rhode Island Red (R-11) hens at different age (weeks 6, 16, 45 and 64), as well as some blood parameters. The material for the experiment was one-day old chicks of breeds: Leghorn (H-22), Sussex (S-66) and Rhode Island Red – RIR (R-11), which were separated into three groups. At 6, 16, 45 and 64 weeks of the study, 10 birds selected from each group were weighed, slaughtered, and their right femurs, tibiae and humeri were dissected. After removing soft tissues, the bones were weighed and measured for length, diameter, and the Seedor index (SI) was calculated. The bones were analysed for the content of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and crude ash (CA). At 64 weeks, blood was collected from the hens and analysed for the concentration of Ca, P, pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline. The study showed that hen breed had an effect mostly on morphometric indices of the bones such as bone weight and diameter, and the Seedor index (SI), while the age of birds had an effect on the bone mineralization level up to 45 weeks of age. The bone mineralization did not decrease in the studied breeds of hens at the end of the laying period. It was also found that heavier birds (RIR) had greater diameter bones and a higher SI, but the content of ash and minerals in the bones of that breed was generally similar to the Leghorn and Sussex hens. RIR hens exhibited higher plasma phosphorus concentration compared to Sussex hens. This may suggest that RIR birds have a slightly stronger bone system compared to Leghorn and Sussex hens.
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Sharma MK, White D, Chen C, Kim WK, Adhikari P. Effects of the housing environment and laying hen strain on tibia and femur bone properties of different laying phases of Hy-Line hens. Poult Sci 2021; 100:100933. [PMID: 33518350 PMCID: PMC7936177 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of the housing environment and laying hen strain on tibia and femur properties. A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of 3 housing environments (conventional cages [CC], enriched colony cages [EC], and free range [FR]) and 2 laying hen strains (Hy-Line W-36 [W-36] and Hy-Line Brown [HB]) in a completely randomized design was conducted from 32 to 85 wk of age. Six left tibias were collected at 8 different time points (38, 45, 52, 59, 65, 72, 79, and 85 wk of age), whereas 6 left femurs were collected at 3 time points (38, 65, and 85 wk of age). Tibias were evaluated for tibia breaking strength (TBS) and ash percentage, whereas femurs were evaluated for bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content, bone volume as a fraction tissue volume, and porosity percentage from total, cortical, medullary, and trabecular bones. The higher TBS (P = 0.0005) and ash percentage (P = 0.045) was observed in hens raised in FR systems compared with those raised in the CC. Overall, TBS of W-36 hens was significantly greater than that of HB hens (P < 0.0001); however, there was no difference in the ash percentage between the strains (P > 0.05). An interaction between the housing environment and hen strain was observed for BMD (P = 0.04), wherein W-36 hens raised in the FR system had higher BMD than HB hens. Similarly, hens raised in FR systems had higher trabecular bone volume than those raised in CC (P = 0.022). Hen strain influenced total and cortical bone properties: BMD, bone volume as a fraction tissue volume, and porosity percentage, wherein W-36 hens had better properties than HB hens (P < 0.05). Trabecular BMD was higher in W-36 hens than in HB hens (P = 0.04), whereas bone volume was higher in HB hens (P < 0.0001). The results suggest that raising laying hens in alternative housing systems that have provision for exercise such as FR reduces structural bone loss, stimulate structural bone formation, and improve breaking strength of bones; however, it varies with the strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan K Sharma
- Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Dima White
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Chongxiao Chen
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Woo K Kim
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Pratima Adhikari
- Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.
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Effects of Rearing Aviary Style and Genetic Strain on the Locomotion and Musculoskeletal Characteristics of Layer Pullets. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030634. [PMID: 33673588 PMCID: PMC7997280 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research indicates that the musculoskeletal development of pullets is improved when pullets are reared in aviaries compared to conventional rearing cages. However, there are considerable differences in rearing aviary design. To measure locomotion and musculoskeletal development of brown (n = 7) and white-feathered (n = 8) strains of pullets, 15 commercial flocks in three styles of rearing aviaries differing in structural complexity (n = 5 per style) were visited three times: 25.9 ± 6.67, 68.0 ± 4.78, and 112.1 ± 3.34 days of age. Locomotion (duration of standing, sitting, walking, running, flying, and rates jumping, flying, group running and walking) was analysed from videos recorded three times per day: at the beginning, middle, and end of the light cycle. Pullets for dissection were taken on visits 2 and 3. Pullets in the most complex system (style 3; S3) spent the most time locomoting throughout rearing (p < 0.05). Pullets in S3, particularly white-feathered strains, performed the highest rate of vertical transitions (p < 0.05). There were no differences in any of the proportional muscle weights between aviaries styles (p > 0.05) despite the differences in locomotion. White-feathered strains, however, had proportionally heavier pectoralis major (p < 0.0001), pectoralis minor (p < 0.0001), and lighter leg muscles (p < 0.0001) than brown-feathered strains. White-feathered strains and pullets in S3 also had proportionally stronger tibiae and femurs than brown-feathered strains and pullets housed in the least structurally complex system (style 1; S1) (p < 0.05). However, there were no differences found in the breaking strength of the radius and humerus between strain colours or aviary styles (p < 0.05). Therefore, strain, as well as differences in rearing aviary design, can affect the types of locomotion that growing pullets perform, which may, in turn, impact their skeletal development.
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12
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Campbell DLM. Skeletal health of layers across all housing systems and future research directions for Australia. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an19578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Modern laying hens have been selected for an astounding rate of egg production, but the physiological calcium demand takes a significant toll on their skeletal health. Bones can be assessed both in vivo and ex vivo, using a combination of different structural and mechanical analysis methods. Typically, the properties of leg, wing and keel bones are measured. Conventional caged layers are restricted in movement, which imbalances structural bone resorption and new bone formation, resulting in osteoporosis. Hens within alternative housing systems have opportunities to exercise for strengthening bones, but they can also suffer from higher rates of keel fractures and/or deviations that are likely to have resulted from collisions or pressure force. Limited research has been conducted within Australian commercial housing systems to assess hen skeletal health, including prevalence of keel damage across different system types. Research conducted on both brown and white hen strains approximately within the past decade internationally (2009 onward) has shown that skeletal health is impaired across all housing systems. Keel-bone damage is of specific concern as it occurs at high rates, particularly in multi-tiered systems, is painful, can alter hen behaviour, and reduce both production and egg quality. Management strategies such as the provision of ramps to access perches and tiers can reduce the incidence of keel-bone damage to a degree. Bone strength can be improved through exercise opportunities, particularly when available during pullet rearing. Genetic selection for high bone strength may be necessary for hens to adequately adapt to loose-housed systems, but the best strategy for improving skeletal health is likely to be multifactorial.
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Dedousi A, Đukić Stojčić M, Sossidou E. Effects of housing systems on keel bone damage and egg quality of laying hens. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2020; 11:299-304. [PMID: 33643580 PMCID: PMC7904128 DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2019.99568.2375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether keel bone damage is prevalent in laying hens in Greece. The study was conducted in three industrial farms using different housing systems: (a) enriched cages, (b) floor system, and (c) free-range system. One hundred hens per housing system, randomly selected, were evaluated for keel bone damages with the method of palpation. Complementarily, thirty eggs from each farm were selected for the measurement of egg weight, shape index, shell cleanness, shell color, shell breaking force, shell thickness, shell weight, egg yolk color, albumen height, and Haugh unit. The presence of keel bone damage was evident in all housing systems with the significantly highest occurrence being observed in the free-range system (50.00%), followed by enriched cages (24.00%) and floor system (7.00%). Eggs from all three systems had significant differences in all estimated egg quality parameters apart from shell color and Haugh unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Dedousi
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Mirjana Đukić Stojčić
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Evangelia Sossidou
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Abstract
Based on data from the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization, about 120 million metric tons of poultry meat were produced globally in 2016. In addition, about 82 million metric tons of eggs were produced. One of the bases for this production is the reproductive efficiency of today's poultry. This, in turn, is due to their inherent reproductive physiology, intensive genetic selection and advances in husbandry/management. The system of reproduction in males in largely similar to that in mammals except that there is no descent of testes. In females, there are marked differences with there being a single ovary and oviduct; the latter being the name of the differentiated entire Müllerian duct. Moreover, females produce eggs with a yolky oocyte surrounded by albumen, membranes and shell. Among the most successful reproductive management techniques are optimizing photoperiod, light intensity and nutrition. Widespread employment of these has allowed maximizing production. Laying hens can be re-cycled toward the end egg production. Other aspects of reproductive management in poultry include the following: artificial insemination (almost exclusively employed in turkeys) and approaches to reduce broodiness together with cage free (colony), conventional, enriched and free-range systems.
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Neijat M, Casey-Trott T, Robinson S, Widowski T, Kiarie E. Effects of rearing and adult laying housing systems on medullary, pneumatic and radius bone attributes in 73-wk old Lohmann LSL lite hens. Poult Sci 2019; 98:2840-2845. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Cui YM, Wang J, Zhang HJ, Feng J, Wu SG, Qi GH. Effect of photoperiod on growth performance and quality characteristics of tibia and femur in layer ducks during the pullet phase. Poult Sci 2019; 98:1190-1201. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
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