Effect of the chicken zp1 gene on osteoblast mineralization / 生物工程学报

The aim of this study was to clone the chicken zp1 gene encoding zona pellucida 1 (Zp1) and investigate its tissues expression profile and its effect on osteoblast mineralization. The expression level of zp1 was quantified in various tissues of laying hens and in the tibia of the pre- and post-sexual maturity by RT-qPCR. Zp1 overexpressed vector was transfected into chicken calvarial osteoblasts which were induced differentiation for 8 days, and the extracellular mineral and the expression of mineralization-related genes were detected. The full-length chicken zp1 gene is 3 045 bp, encoding 958 amino acids residuals, and has two N-glycosylation sites. The highest expression level of the zp1 gene was found in the liver, followed by the tibia and yolk membrane, while no expression was detected in the heart and eggshell gland. Compared with the pre-sexual maturity hens, the concentration of estrogen (E2) in plasma, the content of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and the expression level of the zp1 gene in the tibia with post-sexual maturity were higher. The extracellular matrix and the level of osteoblast mineralization-related genes showed a significantly upregulated expression in chicken calvarial osteoblasts with Zp1 overexpressed and addition of estrogen. The expression of the zp1 gene is tissue-specific and positively regulated osteoblast mineralization under the action of estrogen, laying the foundation for elucidating the functional properties of Zp1 in chicken bones during the egg production period.

Huevos de desecho en Chile: Estimación de las pérdidas en la cadena productiva y posibilidades para su uso

RESUMEN Chile presenta una alta producción y consumo de huevos, siendo considerado el quinto consumidor de huevos en Latinoamérica. Sin embargo, no se cuenta con datos acerca de las pérdidas de huevos en la cadena productiva. El objetivo de este estudio fue recopilar información acerca de las pérdidas de huevos a nivel nacional, mediante la consulta a productores y comercializadores de huevos, y revisar información acerca de alternativas de uso de los huevos de desecho con mayor enfoque en la cáscara. Se estimó que a nivel de granja las pérdidas fluctúan entre un 0,5 a 5% y durante la comercialización entre un 0,5% a 16,6%. El 80% de los productores consultados desechaban las cáscaras de huevo, y un 63% del total de productores no tenían conocimiento de productos basados en huevos de desecho. El principal uso de los huevos de desecho en Chile es para alimentación animal, también se produce huevo líquido pasteurizado o huevo en polvo. A nivel internacional se hacen esfuerzos por desarrollar nuevas opciones para dar un uso a los huevos de desecho, y es necesario contar con más estudios acerca del tema, enfocados en cuantificar las pérdidas económicas en los planteles, junto con promover la reutilización de los huevos de desecho para otorgarles un valor agregado y así reducir su desperdicio.

ABSTRACT Chile is a high producer and consumer of eggs, being considered the fifth consumer of eggs in Latin America. However, there are no data on production chain egg losses. The objective of this study was to survey information about egg losses at the national level, by consulting egg producers and traders and to review information about alternative uses of waste eggs with a focus on eggshells. It was estimated that at the farm level, losses range from 0.5 to 5% and during commercialization from 0.5% to 16.6%. Eighty percent of the producers consulted discarded eggshells, and 63% of total producers were not aware of products based on waste eggs. The main use of waste eggs in Chile is for animal feed; pasteurized liquid or powdered eggs. At the international level, efforts are being made to develop new options for alternative uses of waste eggs, and more studies are needed to quantify economic losses at the farm level and to promote the reuse of waste eggs, adding value to them and reducing waste.

Comparison between infrared and hot-blade beak trimming methods in white and brown pullets: performance, organ and bone development / [Comparativo entre debicagem infravermelha e por lâmina-quente em linhagens de frangas leves e semi-pesadas: desempenho, desenvolvimento ósseo e de órgãos]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate infrared beak trimming versus hot-blade beak trimming on performance, organ and bone development of laying pullets, using 240 birds, at 0-16 weeks of age, from two strains (white layer - Hy-Line W36 and brown layer - Hy-Line Brown). Infrared debeaking was performed on the first day of life in the hatchery, whereas hot-blade beak trimming was performed at eight days of age. Zootechnical performance at 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks of age was analyzed. At the end of the trial, one Bird per experimental unit was euthanized for liver, gizzard, proventriculus, heart and small intestine relative weight evaluation. Both tibiotarsus were collected to measure bone breaking resistance, bone mineral content and bone densitometry. There was higher body weight and feed intake in both bird strains submitted to infrared beak trimming. Additionally, hot-blade white layers presented lower body development and feed intake. The debeaking methods did not influence relative organ weights or tibiotarsus parameters evaluated. We conclude that the infrared beak trimming method promotes better pullet body development than the conventional hot-blade method, improving feed intake, without compromising organ and bone development, being a more adequate debeaking method to be used in layer production.(AU)

Para avaliar a debicagem infravermelha versus a debicagem pelo método da lâmina quente no desempenho, no desenvolvimento de órgãos e na qualidade óssea de poedeiras em recria, foram utilizadas 240 aves, entre zero e 16 semanas de idade, em duas linhagens (branca - Hy-Line W36 e vermelha - Hy-Line Brown). A debicagem por infravermelho foi realizada no primeiro dia de vida no incubatório, enquanto a debicagem com lâmina quente foi realizada aos oito dias de idade. Analisou-se o desempenho zootécnico na sexta, nona, 12ª e 15ª semanas de idade. No final do estudo, uma ave por unidade experimental foi eutanasiada para avaliação do peso relativo do fígado, da moela, do proventrículo, do coração e do intestino delgado, e ossos do tibiotarso foram coletados para avaliação da resistência à ruptura, do conteúdo mineral e da densitometria óssea. Houve maior peso corporal e consumo alimentar nas aves pertencentes às duas linhagens quando submetidas à debicagem por infravermelho, sem haver influência sobre o peso relativo dos órgãos e a qualidade óssea. Conclui-se que o método de debicagem por radiação infravermelha promove melhor desenvolvimento corporal das frangas em relação à debicagem por lâmina quente, melhorando consumo de ração, sem comprometer o desenvolvimento de órgãos e ossos, sendo mais adequada para utilização na avicultura de postura comercial.(AU)

Prevalência e estudo genético de Mycoplasma gallisepticum e M. synoviae em poedeiras comerciais, na região centro-oeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil / [Prevalence and genetic study of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae strains from commercial laying hens in the Midwest region of Sao Paulo state, Brazil]

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a prevalência de MG e MS e a filogenia das cepas circulantes, comparando-as com outras já descritas em poedeiras comerciais no Brasil. Foram coletados 140 suabes traqueais de poedeiras comerciais com sinais respiratórios em seis granjas da região centro-oeste de São Paulo. As amostras foram avaliadas por PCR, com posterior sequenciamento e análise filogenética das cepas identificadas. Das 140 amostras, 16,4% foram positivas para MG e 68,6% para MS. Houve diferença significativa nas frequências de MG e MS por granja, segundo o teste G de independência (P<0,05). Todas as cepas identificadas de MG e MS de granjas distintas apresentaram similaridade tanto pela lipoproteína para MG quanto pela região 16s rRNA para MS. Neste estudo, foi possível observar altas prevalências dos agentes estudados, sendo a de MS maior que a de MG. Foi detectada infecção mista por MG e MS em 11,4% das amostras e sabe-se que esses micoplasmas podem agir de forma sinérgica, agravando o quadro respiratório. As cepas circulantes identificadas, pela análise das regiões gênicas da lipoproteína para MG e 16S rRNA para MS, são similares em todas as granjas estudadas.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MG and MS and the phylogeny of the circulating strains, comparing them with others already described in commercial laying hens from Brazil. A total of 140 tracheal swabs were collected from commercial laying hens with respiratory signs in six farms from the western region of São Paulo state. The samples were analyzed by PCR with subsequent sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the identified strains. From the 140 samples, 68.6% were positive for MS and 16.4% for MG. There was a significant difference in the frequencies of MG and MS per farm according to G Test of independence (P<0.05). All strains identified as MG and MS from distinct farms presented similarity both by lipoprotein to MG and by 16s rRNA region to MS. In this study, it was possible to observe a high prevalence of MS compared to MG. Mixed MG and MS infection was detected in 11.4% of the samples. These mycoplasmas may act synergistically, worsening the respiratory signs. The circulating strains identified by analysis of the lipoprotein for MG and 16S rRNA for MS are similar on all poultry farms studied.(AU)

Diagnosis of Brachyspira pilosicoli, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Brachyspira intermedia in hens and laying hens in the western region of Paraná through bacterial isolation and identification in qPCR / Diagnóstico de Brachyspira pilosicoli, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae e Brachyspira intermedia em aves de postura e matrizes de corte na região oeste do Paraná através do isolamento bacteriano e identificação na qPCR

Bacteria of the genus Brachyspira can cause enteric diseases in poultry causing a decrease in productivity. The occurrence of this disease in chickens has already been verified in countries such as Australia, Italy, and the United States, but in Brazil, until now, epidemiological studies about Brachyspira sp. frequency were only carried out on pig farms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of bacteria of the genus Brachyspira sp. through isolation and confirmation of the species Brachyspira pilosicoli, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Brachyspira intermedia using the qPCR technique. Samples from 110 hens aged from 35 to 82 weeks were collected, 40 were from commercial egg farms and 70 were from laying hens matrices. For the first evaluation, bacterial isolation was performed from the feces. Positive samples were submitted to qPCR to identify the three species proposed. Cecum fragments of the birds were collected and fixed in formaldehyde for histological evaluation and counting of goblet cells. Of the 110 samples, 48 characteristic isolates of Brachyspira (43.6%) were obtained and of these in qPCR 13 identified as B. hyodysenteriae (11.8%) and 5 all from the same farm as Brachyspira intermedia (4.5%), 2 samples were positive for both agents (1.8%) and 28 were not characterized by qPCR (25.5%). None histopathological lesions were observed in the chicken cecum and no significant statistical difference was noticed in the count of goblet cells of the positive hens. It can be evidenced by the occurrence of Brachyspira sp. in laying farms and hens in Brazil, with special relevance to Brachyspira intermedia that can be potentially pathogenic for these animals.(AU)

Bactérias do gênero Brachyspira podem ocasionar enfermidades entéricas em aves acarretando a queda de produtividade. A ocorrência desta enfermidade em galinhas já foi verificada em países como a Austrália, Itália e Estados Unidos, porém no Brasil, até o momento, trabalhos epidemiológicos sobre a frequencia de Brachyspira sp. só foram realizados em granjas de suínos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a presença de bactérias do gênero Brachyspira sp. através do isolamento e confirmação das espécies Brachyspira pilosicoli, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae e Brachyspira intermedia utilizando a técnica de qPCR. Foram coletadas amostras de 110 aves com idade entre 35 e 82 semanas, sendo 40 de granjas de postura comercial e 70 de granjas de matrizes de corte. Para avaliação primeiramente procedeu-se o isolamento bacteriano a partir das fezes. As amostras positivas foram submetidas a qPCR para identificação das três espécies propostas. Fragmentos de ceco das aves foram coletados e fixados em formol para avaliação histológica e contagem de células caliciformes. Das 110 amostras foram obtidos 48 isolamentos característicos de Brachyspira (43,6%) e destes na qPCR 13 identificadas como B. hyodysenteriae (11,8%) e 5 sendo todas da mesma granja (4,5%) como B. intermedia, 2 amostras foram positivas para ambos os agentes (1,8%) e 28 não foram caracterizadas através da qPCR (25,5%). Não foram observadas alterações histopatológicas no ceco e diferença estatística significativa na contagem de células caliciformes das aves positivas. Conclui-se que a Brachyspira sp. é frequente em granjas de poedeiras e matrizes de corte no Brasil, com especial relevância para a B. intermedia que possui potência patogênico para estas aves.(AU)

Epidemiological characterization and risk evaluation associated with the presence of Phthirapterain poultry farms from Minas Gerais, Brazil

Phthirapteraare lice highly adapted to living as permanent and obligatory ectoparasites of birds and mammals. High infestations by biting lice contribute to the low productivity, loss quality of the eggs, besides weight decrease of chickens. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and to characterize the risks involved with the presence of biting lice in laying chicken from Minas Gerais, Brazil, throught a Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA). A secondary database with information regarding 402 chicken houses from 42 properties of laying hens from the same region was used and adapted for this study. The variables that composed the correspondence model were selected through Chi-square tests (p ≤ 0.05). A risk index was designed to relate the presence of biting lice out of variables such as risk factors related to the presence of these ectoparasites. The MCA graphic designed to conduct the epidemiological characterization of the presence of biting lice presented a Chi-square accumulated value of 53.59%. There was an association between the risk index and the synanthropic birds, subsistence hens, presence of lice and other ectoparasites in shelters and ectoparasites control. These results provide knowledge about the Phthirapteraepidemiology. Besides that, this information may contribute to the decision-making process in order to reduce the risk of possible infestations in poultry farms and the negative effects of the infestations.

Comparación de lípidos sanguíneos entre pollos de engorde y gallinas ponedoras / Blood lipid comparison between broilers and laying hens

RESUMEN El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar los niveles séricos del colesterol total, triglicéridos, colesterol de la lipoproteína de alta densidad y colesterol de la lipoproteína de baja densidad entre pollos de engorde y gallinas ponedoras. Se recolectó sangre después de ayuno de 30 pollos de engorde de la línea Cobb 500 de 35 días de edad y de 40 gallinas ponedoras de la línea Hy-Line W-36 de 26 semanas. Se midieron los niveles séricos de triglicéridos y colesterol total mediante métodos enzimáticos colorimétricos, mientras que para determinar el colesterol de las lipoproteínas de alta y de baja densidad se usó el método directo [detergente + N,Nbis(4-sulfobutil)-m-toluidina]. Los datos se analizaron medieante ANOVA simple usando el paquete estadístico Statgraphics® Plus 5.1. Se presentaron diferencias significativas (P < 0.05) entre los pollos de engorde y las gallinas ponedoras en los niveles séricos de los triglicéridos (21.4 vs. 759.6 mg/dL, respectivamente) y en los niveles de colesterol de la lipoproteína de alta densidad (93.1 vs. 64.6 mg/dL, respectivamente). No se encontraron diferencias significativas (P > 0,05) para el colesterol total (125.1 and 137.0 mg/dL, respectivamente) ni para los niveles de colesterol de la lipoproteína de baja densidad (52.2 and 48.2 mg/dL, respectivamente). Los resultados del presente estudio muestran que aunque hubo diferencias de sexo, edad, madurez sexual y sistemas de producción, no se encontraron diferencias en los niveles séricos de colesterol total o en los niveles de colesterol de la lipoproteína de baja densidad entre pollos de engorde y gallinas ponedoras. La diferencia en la concentración de triglicéridos, es debida al transporte de lípidos hacia el ovario en las gallinas ponedoras.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to compare total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol serum levels between broiler chickens and laying hens. Whole blood was collected after fasting from 30, 35-day-old broiler chickens (Cobb 500 line) and 40, 26-week-old laying hens (Hy-Line line W-36). The serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were measured by enzymatic colorimetric methods, while a direct method [detergent + N,N-Bis(4- sulfobutyl)-m-toluidine] was used to determine the low density lipoprotein cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Data were analyzed by simple ANOVA using the statistics package Statgraphics® Plus 5.1. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between broiler chickens and laying hens in serum triglycerides (21.4 vs. 759.6 mg/dL, respectively) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (93.1 vs.64.6 mg/dL, respectively). No significant differences were found for total cholesterol (125.1 and 137.0 mg/dL, respectively) or low-density liprotein cholesterol levels (52.2 and 48.2 mg/dL, respectively). The results of the present study show that even though there are differences in gender, age, sexual maturity and production systems, there are no differences in serum total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels between broiler chickens and laying hens. The 35-fold difference in serum triglycerides is related to the transport of lipids to the ovary in a laying hen.

Protection of chickens against fowl typhoid using field vaccine programs formulated with the live attenuated strain Salmonella Gallinarum ΔcobSΔcbiA / Proteção de aves contra o tifo aviário utilizando a cepa atenuada Salmonella Gallinarum ΔcobSΔcbiA em diferentes programas vacinais de campo

Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum (SG) is a host-specific bacteria that causes the fowl typhoid (FT). This disease is highly pathogenic to commercial chickens, specially brown layers and breeders, causing acute septicemia followed by high morbidity and mortality. Vaccination is extensively adopted in the fields as a biosafety tool for prevention of isolated infections and outbreaks in commercial poultry flocks. The present study evaluated the use of an attenuated SG with deletions on genes cobS and cbiA (SGΔcobSΔcbiA) as a live vaccine, using vaccination schemes adjusted for field conditions. To this end, brown layers were used in two different experiments, to evaluate the long-term protection, necessary in the fields. The vaccination scheme on the first experiment consisted of two doses, the first at 4 th week-of-age and the booster dose at 8 th week-of-age with challenge at 16 th week-of-age with wild SG strain. On the second experiment, the vaccination was carried out by different routes using three doses of the live vaccine, at 4 th , 8 th and 12 th weeks-of-age, and the challenge was done at 20 th weeks-of-age. After the challenge, the mortality was recorded during 28 days, and the egg production (experiment 2) was evaluated and compared with the group of unvaccinated layers. In both experiments, the mortality was significantly reduced, and the egg production was not affected in vaccinated layer-hens. In summary, this study shows the efficacy and the protection of different vaccination schemes against FT that can be applied under field conditions in commercial poultry farms.(AU)

Salmonella enterica sorovar Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum (SG) é uma bactéria hospedeira específica que causa o tifo aviário (TA). Essa doença é altamente patogênica em aves comerciais, especialmente galinhas poedeiras de linhagem vermelha e aves reprodutoras pesadas, causando septicemia aguda, e consequentemente, alta morbidade e mortalidade. A vacinação é amplamente utilizada no campo como uma ferramenta de biossegurança para a prevenção de infecções isoladas e surtos nas granjas avícolas comerciais. O atual estudo avaliou o potencial vacinal de uma cepa viva atenuada de SG com deleções nos genes cobS e cbiA (SGΔcobSΔcbiA), utilizando esquemas de vacinação formulados para utilização em campo. Para isso, as galinhas poedeiras de linhagem vermelha foram utilizadas em dois experimentos diferentes, para avaliar a proteção a longo prazo, necessária no campo. O esquema de vacinação no primeiro experimento consistiu em duas doses, a primeira na quarta semana de vida e a dose de reforço na oitava, e o desafio na 16ª semana com a estirpe selvagem SG. No segundo experimento, a vacinação foi realizada por diferentes rotas usando três doses da vacina viva, na quarta, na oitava e na décima segunda semana de vida, e o desafio foi feito na 20ª semana de vida. Após o desafio, a mortalidade foi acompanhada por 28 dias, e no experimento 2 a produção de ovos também foi avaliada e comparada com o grupo de galinhas não vacinadas. Em ambos os experimentos, a mortalidade foi significativamente reduzida, e a produção de ovos não foi afetada nos grupos de galinhas poedeiras vacinadas. Este estudo mostra a eficácia da proteção dos diferentes programas de vacinação contra o TA, que podem ser aplicados em granjas comerciais em condições de campo.(AU)

El peso corporal y su efecto sobre indicadores bioproductivos en gallinas white leghorn l33 / The corporal weight and its effect on bioproductive indicators in white leghorn l33 hens

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto del peso corporal sobre indicadores bioproductivos en gallinas White Leghorn L33. Se estudiaron 192 gallinas ponedoras con 39 semanas de edad durante un período de seis semanas y con tres observaciones semanales. Se diseñaron dos grupos según peso vivo, con 96 gallinas cada uno (tres réplicas de 32 aves), teniendo el grupo 1 entre 1500-1600 g y el grupo 2 entre 1735-1820 g; este último correspondió al rango establecido para este híbrido con esa edad. Además de la viabilidad y mortalidad se determinaron las variables bioproductivas (producción, peso, tamaño, forma y grosor de la cáscara de los huevos), así como la proporción de sucios, manchados y cascados. En la última semana del estudio, se analizó la calidad interna del huevo (dimensión y color de clara y yema) y se calcularon los índices de yema, clara y Unidades Haugh. Se realizó una estadística descriptiva y se utilizaron las pruebas T de Student y Fisher (P < 0,05) para comparar las medias entre grupos. Se evidenciaron diferencias estadísticas significativas entre producción, peso y tamaño de los huevos para el grupo de mayor peso corporal. Asimismo, se comprobó mayor calidad interna del huevo (altura de clara y yema) en este segundo grupo. Sin embargo, no se evidenciaron diferencias significativas en la calidad externa de los huevos (sucios, manchados, cascados), pero sí en el grosor de la cáscara. Se concluye que el peso corporal influye directa y positivamente sobre los indicadores bioproductivos en gallinas White Leghorn L33.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the corporal weight on bioproductive indicators in White Leghorn L33 hens. They were studied 192 egg-laying hens with 39 weeks of age during a period of six weeks and with a frequency of three weekly observations. Two groups according to the alive weight with 96 hens each one (three replies of 32 birds) were designed, having the group 1 (1500-1600 g) and group 2 (17351820 g), and being this last group the established range for this crossbreed with that age. Besides of viability and mortality bioproductive variables (production, weight, size, form and nutshell thickness of the eggs) were determined, as well as the proportion of dirty, stained and cracked eggs. In the last week of study the internal quality (dimension and color of egg white and yolk) was analyzed and the yolk and white index and Haugh Units were calculated. Descriptive statistics was realized and the Student's t and Fisher tests (P < 0.05) were used to compare means between groups. Significant statistical differences among production, weight, and size of eggs for group of bigger corporal weight were evidenced. Likewise, bigger internal quality of the egg (height of the egg white and yolk) in this second group was demonstrated. However, significant differences in the external quality of the eggs (dirty, stained and cracked) were not evidenced, unlike in the nutshell thickness. It is concluded that corporal weight influences direct and positively on bioproductive indicators in White Leghorn L33 hens.

Intermittent lighting programs for layers with different photophases in the beginning of the laying phase / Programas de iluminação intermitentes para poedeiras com diferentes fotofases ao início da fase de postura

ABSTRACT: It was possible to evaluate the effect of continuous and intermittent lighting programs with different photophases on the performance and eggs quality of laying hens, applied to the beginning of the laying phase. The authors used 420 Hy-line Brown laying hens with 21 weeks of age, bred on bedding and submitted for six periods of 28 days between the solstice of summer and winter. The three lighting programs were: (PIC) 16 hours of continuos light, intermittent program with initial and final photophases of 15 minutes (PII15) and an intermittent program with initial and final photophases of 30 minutes (PII30). A completely randomized design with ten repetitions of 14 birds was used. The mean values were subjected analysis of variance and analyzed by the Tukey test (5%). The PIC program showed higher feed intake and eggs' mass about the PII15, and the eggs production of birds, in the PIC, was 1.8% greater than the intermittent photoperiods. Programs of light did not change the egg quality. The intermittent programs for semi-heavy laying hens bred on bedding in an open shed, applied at the beginning of the laying phase, reduced the productive performance of the birds without affecting the eggs quality.

RESUMO: Avaliou-se o efeito de programas de iluminação contínuo e intermitentes com diferentes fotofases sobre o desempenho produtivo e a qualidade de ovos de poedeiras aplicados ao início da fase de postura. Foram utilizadas 420 poedeiras da linhagem Hy line Brown com 21 semanas de idade, criadas sobre cama, submetidas durante seis períodos de 28 dias, entre o solstício de verão e de inverno, a três programas de iluminação: contínuo (PIC) de 16h de luz; programa intermitente com fotofases inicial e final de 15min (PII15); e programa intermitente com fotofases inicial e final de 30min (PII30). Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualisado, com dez repetições de 14 aves. Os resultados das médias foram submetidos à análise de variância e analisadas pelo teste de Tukey (5%). O programa PIC apresentou maior consumo de ração e massa de ovos em relação ao PII15, a produção de ovos das aves no PIC foi 1,8% superior aos fotoperíodos intermitentes. Os programas de luz não alteraram a qualidade de ovo. Programas intermitentes para poedeiras semipesadas, criadas sobre cama em galpão aberto, aplicados no início da fase de postura reduzem o desempenho produtivo das aves sem afetar a qualidade de ovos.

Detección de Brachyspira pilosicoli y otras especies de Brachyspira en granjas avícolas argentinas / Detection of Brachyspira pilosicoli and other Brachyspira species in Argentine poultry farms

Algunas especies del género Brachyspira, como Brachyspira pilosicoli, Brachyspira intermedia y Brachyspira alvinipulli, son especies patógenas capaces de producir enfermedad en gallinas ponedoras. En nuestro país, la presencia de B. pilosicoli y otras especies de Brachyspira ha sido informada en cerdos y en perros, pero no existen antecedentes de su presencia en aves de corral. En este estudio se analizaron muestras de materia fecal y de contenido de ciego de 34 gallinas ponedoras de 4, 12 y 24 meses provenientes de 2 establecimientos por medio del aislamiento, la realización de pruebas bioquímicas y reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. B. pilosicoli y Brachyspira spp. fueron identificadas en muestras tomadas de aves de 12 y 24 meses de edad

Some species of the genus Brachyspira such as Brachyspira pilosicoli, Brachyspira intermedia and Brachyspira alvinipulli are pathogenic species capable of producing disease in laying hens. In our country, the presence of B. pilosicoli and other species of Brachyspira has been reported in pigs and dogs but there is no record of their presence in poultry. Fecal and cecal content samples from 34 laying hens of 4, 12 and 24 months of age from two farms were analyzed by isolation, biochemical tests and PCR. B. pilosicoli and Brachyspira spp. were identified in samples taken from laying hens of 12 and 24 months of age

Egg shell treatment methods effect on commercial eggs quality / Métodos de tratamento de casca sobre a qualidade de ovos comerciais

ABSTRACT: The objective was to evaluate commercial eggs quality after being subjected to a cleaning process and immersion in whey protein concentrate (WPC) as a function of storage time. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 4x7, being four methods of treating shell (not cleaned and not coated with WPC, not cleaned and coated with WPC, cleaned and not coated with WPC, cleaned and coated with WPC and seven periods of storage (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days) for a total of 28 treatments, with five replicates of four eggs each. Quality parameters evaluated were weight loss of eggs (%), specific gravity (g/cm3), haugh units (HU), yolk index (YI) and potential hydrogen (pH) albumen. The storage period increase, regardless of the shell treatment method, causing weight loss in eggs, reductions in specific gravity in the Haugh units, yolk index and increase in the albumen pH. The cleaning method makes egg's internal quality worse during storage. Coverage of whey protein concentrate is a viable alternative for commercial eggs conservation stored at room temperature in order to minimize quality loss during storage, including eggs that need to go through the cleaning process.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de ovos comerciais de poedeiras submetidos aos processos de higienização e cobertura com solução de concentrado proteico de soro de leite (CPSL) em diferentes períodos (dias) de armazenamento, em temperatura ambiente. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 4x7, sendo quatro métodos de tratamento de casca (não-higienizados e não cobertos com CPSL; não-higienizados e cobertos com CPSL; higienizados e não cobertos com CPSL; higienizados e cobertos com CPSL) e sete períodos de armazenamento (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias), totalizando 28 tratamentos, com cinco repetições de quatro ovos. Avaliou-se a perda de peso dos ovos (%), gravidade específica (g/cm3), unidade Haugh (UH), índice de gema (IG) e potencial hidrogeniônico (pH) do albúmen. O tempo de estocagem, independente do método de tratamento de casca, ocasionou perda de peso nos ovos, reduções na gravidade específica, na unidade Haugh e no índice de gema e aumento no pH do albúmen (P<0,05). O método de higienização reduz a qualidade interna do ovo com o tempo de armazenamento. A cobertura de concentrado proteico de soro de leite aplicado em ovos higienizados ou não higienizados melhora a qualidade interna dos ovos com o tempo de armazenamento, constituindo-se em uma alternativa viável para conservar ovos comerciais, higienizados ou não, armazenados em temperatura ambiente, minimizando a perda de qualidade interna dos ovos com o tempo de armazenamento.

Associação de carboidrases e fitase em dietas valorizadas e seus efeitos sobre desempenho e qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras leves / Association of carbohydrases and phytase in enriched diets ranked and its effects on performance and quality of eggs from light laying hens

Foram utilizadas 350 aves da linhagem comercial Bovans White, com o objetivo de avaliar a associação de carboidrases e fitase em dietas valorizadas sobre o desempenho e qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras leves. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com 5 tratamentos e 7 repetições. Os tratamentos foram: T1- Controle positivo sem adição de enzimas e sem valorização dos nutrientes; T2- Controle negativo (CN) 1, valorizando em 1,5% e 6% a EMA (kcal/kg), respectivamente para o milho e o farelo de soja, e em 2% a proteína bruta (PB) e os aminoácidos digestíveis limitantes mais a matriz completa para a enzima fitase; T3- CN 2, valorizando em 1,5% e 6% a EMA (kcal/kg), respectivamente para o milho e o farelo de soja, e em 2% a proteína bruta (PB) e os aminoácidos digestíveis limitantes mais a matriz incompleta para a enzima fitase; T4- suplementado com 100g ton-1 de carboidrase e 30g ton-1 de fitase; T5- suplementado com 100g ton-1 de carboidrase e 30g ton-1 de fitase. Os tratamentos controle positivo, T2, T3, T4 e T5, com ou sem suplementação enzimática, garantiram o desempenho no que diz respeito ao consumo de ração, produção, peso e perdas de ovos e qualidade da casca.

A total of 350 commercial Bovans White laying hens were used to evaluate the association of carbohydrases and phytase in enriched diets and its effects on performance and egg quality of laying hens. The experiment used a randomized design with five treatments and seven replicates. The treatments were: 1. Positive control without added enzymes and without nutrient enrichment, 2. Negative control (NC) 1 with 1.5% and 6% AME (kcal/kg) enrichment for corn and soybean meal respectively, 2% crude protein (CP) enrichment, and digestible limiting digestible amino acids plus the full matrix for the phytase enzyme; 3. NC 2 with 1.5% and 6% AME (kcal/kg) enrichment, respectively, for corn and soybean meal and 2% crude protein (CP) enrichment, and digestible limiting amino acids plus the sparse matrix for the phytase enzyme, 4. NC 1 supplemented with 100 g ton-1 carbohydrase and 30g ton-1 phytase, 5. NC 2 supplemented with 100 g ton-1 carbohydrase and 30g ton-1 phytase. According to the results, the positive control treatments, NC1 and NC2, with or without enzyme supplementation, showed guaranteed performance for feed intake, egg yield, weight, egg loss and shell quality.

Qualidade da água de granjas de postura comercial da região Sul de Santa Catarina em relação ao Ofício Circular Conjunto DFIP/DSA nº 1/2008 / Water quality of commercial laying hen farms in the southern region of Santa Catarina regarding the report DFIP/DSA 1/2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade da água de granjas de postura comercial da região Sul de Santa Catarina e contextualizá-la com o Ofício Circular Conjunto DFIP/DSA nº 1/2008. Em fevereiro de 2012 foram coletadas amostras de água de 31 granjas localizadas nos municípios de São Ludgero, Orleans, Grão Pará e Braço Norte. Os parâmetros químicos e microbiológicos avaliados foram os estabelecidos no anexo II do Oficio Circular Conjunto DFIP/DSA nº 1/2008. Sendo assim foram analisados cloreto, dureza, nitrato, sulfato, pH e sólidos dissolvidos totais (SDT) e Escherichia coli no que se refere à análise bacteriológica. Quantificou-se a adequação das amostras em relação ao Ofício Circular Conjunto DFIP/DSA nº 1/2008 e avaliou-se a qualidade da água de acordo com o tipo de fonte e número de aves em produção por meio da análise de variância. Os resultados indicaram que as águas apresentaram adequação para SDT, cloreto e sulfato. Foi encontrada inadequação nos parâmetros: pH (em 26% das amostras), dureza (6,5%), nitrato (54,8%) e presença de Escherichia coli (46,2%). As análises de acordo com o número de aves e tipo de fonte não apresentaram diferença estatística significativa (p > 0,05). Observaram-se que 93,5% das amostras não se enquadraram em pelo menos um parâmetro. Concluíram-se que as águas das granjas da Região Sul de SC não estão totalmente de acordo com o Ofício Circular Conjunto DFIP/DSA nº 1/2008, apresentando problemas no que se refere ao pH, dureza, nitrato e E. coli; a qualidade da água independe do número de aves em produção e do tipo de fonte que abastece a granja.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the water quality of laying hen farms in the South of Santa Catarina and contextualize them with the report DFIP/DSA 1/2008. Water samples were collected in February, 2012, from 31 farms located in the cities of São Ludgero, Orleans, Grão Para and Braço Norte. The chemical and microbiological parameters were set out in Attachment II, in the report DFIP/DSA 1/2008. Thus, the following were analyzed: chloride, hardness, nitrate, sulfate, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS) and Escherichia coli regarding the bacteriological analysis. The suitable samples were quantified for the report DFIP/DSA 1/2008 and water quality was evaluated according to the font type and number of birds in production by analysis of variance. The results indicated that water presented suitability to SDT, chloride and sulfate. Inadequacy was found in pH (in 26% of samples), hardness (6.5%), nitrate (54.8%) and the presence of Escherichia coli (46.2%). The analysis according to the number of birds and font type showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). It was observed that 93.5% of the samples did not fit in at least one criterion. It is concluded that the waters from farms in the southern region of SC are not fully in accordance with the report DFIP/DSA 1/2008, presenting problems with regard to pH, hardness, nitrate and E. coli; the water quality is independent of the number of birds in production and type of source that supplies the farm.(AU)

Adição de óleos de copaíba (Copaifera langisdorffii) e sucupira (Pterodon emarginatus) na alimentação de poedeiras: estabilidade lipídica de gema de ovos armazenados em diferentes temperaturas / Effect of dietary supplementation with oils of copaíba (Copaifera langsdorffii) and sucupira (Pterodon emarginatus): lipid oxidation of egg yolks stored in different temperatures

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of dietary supplementation of plant oil resins in laying hens on the oxidative stability of cooked egg yolk kept at 4ºC for 30 days, and fresh eggs stored under refrigeration (R) at the same temperature for 60 days or kept in room temperature (RT) for 30 days. Hens were fed corn- and soybean-based diets (15% CP and 2,900 kcal kg-1) and supplemented with two levels of Copaifera langsdorffii oil resin (CP-0.03; 0.06 and 0.09%) or Pterodon emarginatus oil resin (SC-0.03 and 0.06%), plus a negative control (CN). At 37 weeks of age, 667 eggs were collected and randomly distributed in different storage conditions, in natura or cooked. The progression of lipid oxidation of egg yolk in natura was quantified in quadruplicate and cooked egg yolks in duplicate, using pool of 3 egg yolks/treatment to analyze TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) concentration in quadruplicate. Data analysis was performed using a mixed model and Tukey test, at a 5% significance level. The storage period was considered a longitudinal factor, which varied from five times, for R cooked yolk and TA fresh yolk (0-30 days), to nine times, for R fresh yolk (0-60 days). For fresh eggs stored at RT or R, the supplementation of plant oils did not protect egg yolks from lipid oxidation, compared to NC. However, for cooked egg yolks, the addition of 0.03 and 0.06% of CP oil resin showed antioxidant activity since it reduced lipid oxidation up to day 21 of storage, but had a prooxidant effect for 0.09%. Therefore, it can be concluded that the supplementation of copaíba oil resin had an antioxidant protection of cooked egg lipids...

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antioxidante da adição de óleos de copaíba (CP) e sucupira (SC) na alimentação de poedeiras sobre a oxidação lipídica de ovos in natura armazenados em temperatura ambiente (TA) por 30 dias e sob refrigeração (R) a 4ºC por 60 dias, e de gemas cozidas mantidas sob R por 30 dias. As poedeiras foram alimentadas com ração isoproteica (15% PB) e isoenergética (2900 kcal kg-1) à base de milho e farelo de soja, com inclusão de óleo de Copaifera langsdorffii (CP) nas proporções de 0,03; 0,06 e 0,09% ou de Pterodon emarginatus (SC) nas proporções de 0,03 e 0,06%, mais um controle negativo (CN). Foram coletados 667 ovos às 37 semanas de idade e distribuídos aleatoriamente nas diferentes condições de armazenamento (TA ou R). A oxidação dos lipídios de ovos in natura foi quantificada em quadruplicata e das gemas cozidas em duplicata, utilizando-se pool de 3 gemas/tratamento para as análises de TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). Os dados foram avaliados adotando um modelo misto e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey em 5% de nível de significância e o período de armazenamento foi considerado como um fator longitudinal, variando de cinco tempos no experimento com gemas cozidas, e nos ovos in natura sob R e em TA (0 a 30 dias), até nove tempos sob R (0 a 60 dias). Foi observado que a adição de óleo de CP e SC não reduziu os valores de TBARS em ovos in natura armazenados em TA e sob R em relação ao CN. No armazenamento de gemas cozidas, a inclusão CP (0,03 e 0,06%) protegeu os lipídios até os 21 dias, mas apresentou efeito pró-oxidante quando suplementado a 0,09%. Concluiu-se que a inclusão de até 0,06% de óleorresina de CP nas rações de poedeiras pode proteger os lipídios da gema cozida contra a oxidação durante o armazenamento refrigerado por até 21 dias...

Occurrence of Mycoplasma synoviae on commercial poultry farms of Pernambuco, Brazil / Ocorrência de Mycoplasma synoviae em granjas comerciais da avicultura de Pernambuco

The state of Pernambuco is the largest producer of eggs in the North and Northeast of Brazil and second one in the broiler production. Mycoplasmas are important avian pathogens, which cause respiratory and joint diseases that result in large economic losses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) in broilers and commercial laying hens in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Tracheal fragments were analyzed from 55 healthy broilers, 35 broilers with respiratory signs and 30 commercial laying hens with respiratory signs, from 24 commercial poultry farms, each sample was composed of a pool of five birds. The bacteriological exam, PCR and nested PCR were used for the detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS). All samples were negative in bacteriological isolation. In the PCR analyses, seven samples from birds with respiratory signs were positive for MS and one was positive for MG, the latter of which was confirmed as the MG-F vaccine strain. The occurrence of MS in chickens with respiratory signs may indicate inadequate sanitary management on poultry farms, favoring the propagation of mycoplasmosis.

O estado de Pernambuco é o maior produtor de ovos da região Norte e Nordeste e ocupa a segunda posição na produção de frangos de corte. Os micoplasmas são importantes patógenos aviários que causam doenças respiratórias e sinovite que resultam em grandes perdas econômicas. Objetivou-se pesquisar a ocorrência de Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) e Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) em frangos de corte e poedeiras comerciais no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram colhidos fragmentos de traquéia de 55 frangos de corte sadios, 35 com sinais respiratórios e de 30 poedeiras comerciais também com sinais respiratórios, provenientes de 24 granjas, cada amostra foi composta por um "pool" de cinco aves. Para detecção de Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) e Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) foram utilizados o exame bacteriológico, PCR e Nested-PCR. Todas as amostras apresentaram resultados negativos no exame bacteriológico. Na PCR, sete amostras foram positivas para MS e uma para MG em amostras de aves com sinais respiratórios, sendo a amostra positiva para MG confirmada como cepa vacinal MG-F. A ocorrência de MS em aves com sinais clínicos respiratórios pode indicar ausência de barreiras sanitárias adequadas em granjas de frangos de corte e de poedeira comercial, favorecendo a sua propagação.

Mecanismos de acción de la vitamina D3, 1-α-hidroxicolecalciferol (1-α-OH-D3,) y 25-hidroxicolecalciferol (25-OH-D3) en gallinas de postura comercial / Mode of action of vitamin D3, 1-α-hydroxycholecalciferol (1-α-OH-D3) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) in commercial laying hens / Mecanismos de ação da vitamina D3, 1-α-hidroxicolecalciferol (1-α-OH-D3) e 25-hidroxicolecalciferol (25-OH-D3) em galinhas poedeiras

Resumen Las aves de corral comúnmente reciben una alimentación a base de maíz y soya y mucho del fósforo presente en estas plantas se encuentra en forma de un complejo fítico que es relativamente insoluble en el sistema digestivo de las aves y no es disponible para su utilización. Los compuestos 1-α-hidroxicolecalciferol (1-α-OH-D3) y 25-hidroxicolecalciferol (25-OH-D3), metabolitos de la vitamina D, han sido usados para incrementar la utilización del fósforo fítico, mejorar el desempeño y la mineralización ósea y disminuir los problemas de discondroplasia tibial. La presente revisión busca proveer información científica referente al empleo de metabolitos de la vitamina D3 como la 1-α-hidroxicolecalciferol y la 25-hidroxicolecalciferol, precursoras de la 25 (OH)2 D3, que es la forma metabólicamente activa de la vitamina D3 en gallinas ponedoras y pollos productores de carne.

Abstract Poultry are commonly fed diets based on corn and soybeans. Much of the phosphorus present in these feedstuffs is in the form of a phytate complex. Phytate phosphorus is relatively insoluble in the digestive tract of birds and mostly not absorbed. 1-α-hydroxycholecalciferol (1-α-OH-D3) and 25- hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3), both vitamin D metabolites, have been used to increase the utilization of phytate phosphorus, improve performance and bone mineralization, and decrease tibial dyschondroplasia. The present review aims to provide scientific information regarding the use of vitamin D3 metabolites such as 1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Both of them are precursors for 25 (OH)2 D3, which is the metabolically active form of vitamin D3 in laying hens and broilers.

Resumo As galinhas especializadas na produção de ovos comumente recebem uma dieta à base de milho e soja. Muito do fósforo presente nesses alimentos se encontra em forma de um complexo fítico que é relativamente insolúvel no sistema digestivo das aves e não é disponível para sua utilização. Os compostos 1α-hidroxicolecalciferol (1-α-OH-D3) e a 25-hidroxicolecalciferol (25-OH-D3), metabolitos da vitamina D, tem sido utilizados para incrementar a utilização do fosforo fítico, melhorar o desempenho e a mineralização óssea e diminuir os problemas de discondroplasia tibial. A presente revisão pretende prover informação cientifica referente ao emprego de metabolitos da vitamina D3 como a 1-α-hidroxicolecalciferol e a 25-hidroxicolecalciferol, precursoras da 25 (OH)2 D3, que é a forma metabolicamente ativa da vitamina D3 em galinhas poedeiras e frangos de corte.

Effects of Commercial Prebiotic and Probiotics of Diet on Performance of Laying Hens, Egg Traits and Some Blood Parameters.

Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of adding commercial probiotics and prebiotic to diet on performance of laying hens, egg traits and some blood parameters. Study Design: Data of feed intake (FI), egg production (EP), egg mass (EM), and calculated feed conversion ratio (FCR) were analyzed based on completely randomized design using GLM procedure of SAS. Place and Duration of Study: All procedures used in this 7-week experiment were approved by the "Animal Ethics Committee of Razi University" and complied with the "Guidelines for the Care and Use of Animals in Research". Methodology: Five iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets (ME =2720 Kcal/Kg and CP=150 g/kg) including basal diet (control) and basal diet supplemented by probiotics (PrimaLac®, A-Max and Yeasture) and prebiotic (Fermacto) were formulated. A total number of 90 Lohmann LSL-Lite laying hens were randomly divided in 15 cages (n=6). The experimental hens were 56-wk old with an average egg production rate of 90.6 ±4.8% and 1,460±24 g live body weight. Hens in every 3 cages (replicates) were assigned to feed on one of the 5 experimental diets. Results: FI, FCR, EM, EP, egg weight, egg traits (egg index, yolk index, Haugh unit, yolk color, shell weight and thickness) and blood parameters were not affected by adding probiotics or prebiotic to diets. Conclusion: Using Primalac, Fermacto, A-Max and Yeasture did not have beneficial effects on performance of laying hens. However, the effects of probiotics and prebiotic on suboptimal circumstances should be investigated in future.

Effects of Phytase Supplementation of Low Phosphorous Diets Included Olive Pulp and Date Pits on Productive Performance of Laying Hens, Egg Quality Traits and Some Blood Parameters.

Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate effects of phytase (E) supplementation of low phosphorous diets (NPP) included olive pulp (OP) and date pits (DP) on performance of laying hens, egg quality traits, blood parameters and excreta pH of laying hens. Study Design: Data were analyzed based on 2×2×2 factorial arrangements in completely randomized design using GLM procedure of SAS. Place and Duration of Study: The present experiment was done in Animal Science Department of Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. All procedures used in this study were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Razi University and complied with the "Guidelines for the Care and Use of Animals in Research". Methodology: A total number of 288 Lohmann LSL-Lite laying hens was randomly divided in 48 cages (n=6). Based on a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments, 8 iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous experimental diets (ME =2720 Kcal/Kg and CP=150 g/Kg) consisting of two levels of date pits and olive pulp (0, and 90 g/kg), two levels of dietary non-phytate phosphorus (NPP: 2.6 and 3.3 g/kg diet) and phytase (0 and 150 FTU/kg) were formulated. Hens in every randomly-selected six cages (replicates) allotted to feed on each of 8 experimental diets. Results: Dietary treatment did not have significant effect on egg production (EP) and feed intake (FI). Phytase numerically increased egg mass (EM) compared to control diets. Dietary inclusion of date pits and olive pulp significantly affected feed conversion ratio (FCR). Yolk index and Haugh unit were not significantly affected by dietary treatment (P>0.05). Diet inclusion of olive pulp and date pits numerically decreased eggshell weight and thickness in the first egg sampling (wk 3) in compared to control diet (P=.05). In the second egg sampling (wk 7), egg index, yolk index, Haugh unit, egg gravity and eggshell thickness were not significantly affected by dietary treatment. Dietary treatment did not have significant effect on blood parameters except for monocyte, so that a significant interaction between DO, P and E (p=0.01) was detected. Dietary treatment did not have significant effect on body weight changes (BWC) and excreta pH. Conclusion: From the results of the present study, it can be concluded that DP and OP can be included in diet of laying hens up to 9% with no adverse effect on birds' performance. However, diet inclusion of DP and OP has some adverse effects on egg yolk color and eggshell weight.

Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Ground Pits of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) with or without Probiotic Yeasture® on Productive Performance, Egg Traits and Some Blood Parameters of Laying Hens.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of ground pits of date palm (DP) (Phoenix dactylifera) supplementing with a commercial probiotic mixture (Yeasture®) on the performance, egg quality characteristics, blood parameters, and excreta pH of laying hens. A total of 144 Lohmann LSL-Lite laying hens were randomly divided in 24 cages. Based on a 3×2 factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized design with four replicates, 6 iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous experimental diets (ME=2720 kcal/kg and CP=150 g/kg) including: I-corn-soybean meal-based control- 1 diet, II-corn-soybean meal-oil-based control-2 diet, and III-corn-soybean meal-based diet included 210 g/kg DP with or without probiotic (0.0 and 0.05 g/kg) were formulated. Dietary treatment had no significant effect on feed intake, feed conversion ratio and body weight as well as egg production and egg mass (P>.05). Probiotic supplementation did not significantly affect laying performance. In the first egg sampling (wk3) egg index, Haugh unit, egg gravity, and egg abnormality were not significantly affected by dietary treatments (P>.05). Shell weight and shell thickness were decreased by diet inclusion of DP (P=.05). Dietary treatment did not have significant effect on blood parameters except for triglycerides and high density lipoprotein (HDL) contents which was increased by adding probiotic to diet in compared to the control groups (P=.05). Dietary combination of DP and probiotic significantly decreased excreta pH in compared to other groups (P=.05). From the results of the present study, it can be concluded that DP can be included in diets of laying hens up to 21% with no substantial adverse effect on their performance and egg quality traits.