Optimal Available Phosphorus Levels in Diets Containing Different Dicalcium Phosphate Particle Sizes for Japanese Quails

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects available phosphorus levels and dicalcium phosphate particle size on the live performance, and egg parameters and bone parameters of Japanese quails in lay. The experimental diets were based on corn and soybean meal and formulated to contain 2900 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)kg-1, 200 g kg-1 crude protein (CP) and 30.5 g kg-1 calcium (Ca). Feeds were supplied ad libitum. Laying Japanese quails (n=720, 20-wk-old)were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement, with five levels of available phosphorus (avP; 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 g kg-1) and two dicalcium phosphate particle sizes (fine orcoarse), totaling ten treatments with eight replicates of nine birds each. Egg laying rate, feed intake per bird per day, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio per egg mass and per dozen eggs, eggshell, yolk and albumen relative and absolute weights, as well as bone ash, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium contents were evaluated. Based on the results, avP recommendations for 20- to 32-wk-old laying Japanese quails varies according with phosphate source particle size and the dietary avP levels of 4.40 g kg-1 and 3.85 g kg-1avP levels when using fine and coarse particle dicalcium phosphate, respectively, yielded the best results.

Optimal Available Phosphorus Levels in Diets Containing Different Dicalcium Phosphate Particle Sizes for Japanese Quails

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects available phosphorus levels and dicalcium phosphate particle size on the live performance, and egg parameters and bone parameters of Japanese quails in lay. The experimental diets were based on corn and soybean meal and formulated to contain 2900 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)kg-1, 200 g kg-1 crude protein (CP) and 30.5 g kg-1 calcium (Ca). Feeds were supplied ad libitum. Laying Japanese quails (n=720, 20-wk-old)were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement, with five levels of available phosphorus (avP; 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 g kg-1) and two dicalcium phosphate particle sizes (fine orcoarse), totaling ten treatments with eight replicates of nine birds each. Egg laying rate, feed intake per bird per day, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio per egg mass and per dozen eggs, eggshell, yolk and albumen relative and absolute weights, as well as bone ash, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium contents were evaluated. Based on the results, avP recommendations for 20- to 32-wk-old laying Japanese quails varies according with phosphate source particle size and the dietary avP levels of 4.40 g kg-1 and 3.85 g kg-1avP levels when using fine and coarse particle dicalcium phosphate, respectively, yielded the best results.(AU)

Use of potentially harmful skin-lightening products among immigrant women in Rome, Italy: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Skin-lightening products are increasingly common in European cities. These products may contain substances that are banned under EU regulations as they can induce adverse effects, including cutaneous and systemic reactions (e.g., mercury, hydroquinone and topical corticosteroids). OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women regarding skin-lightening products and to quantify the potentially harmful substances in the products used. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study among 82 non-Italian women visiting an outpatient facility in Rome, Italy. The women completed a questionnaire on product use, side effects and risk awareness. We performed patch tests among a subgroup of 48 women who presented with contact dermatitis. We also quantified the allergenic and toxic substances in the 14 products reported, using dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for metals and high-performance liquid chromatography for hydroquinone and topical corticosteroids. RESULTS: Out of the 82 women, 33 used skin-lightening products; about one fourth of these women were aware of potential risks. Three cosmetic creams and two soaps contained high concentrations of metals (Cr, Ni and Pb); hydroquinone was found in three creams and one oil. The only topical corticosteroid detected was dexamethasone, in one product. More than half of the women in the clinical evaluation had irritant contact dermatitis (i.e., negative response to patch test). CONCLUSIONS: Among immigrant women in Rome, the use of skin-lightening products seems to be fairly common, and some of these products contain potentially hazardous substances. Consumers must be informed of the potential risks, and EU regulations must be more strictly enforced.