The transfer of amino acids and minerals to the egg yolk and to the yolk sac of their progeny is affected by breeder age

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effects of breeder age on egg quality and amino acid and mineral transfer to the egg yolk and yolk sac of newly hatched chicks. Three ages (32, 42 and 52 weeks) of the same commercial flock of Hubbard breeders were studied. A total of 465 eggs were used for each age, with 60 being used for determining egg quality and amino acid and mineral content of yolk, and 405 for incubation period to obtain and evaluate the yolk sac of chicks. Breeders aged 52 weeks had heavier eggs and a higher percentage of yolk (p < 0.05), whereas 32‐week‐old breeders had higher eggshell percentage and thickness (p < 0.05). The percentage of protein deposited in egg yolk for 52‐week‐old breeders was higher than that for 32‐ and 42‐week‐old breeders (p < 0.05). Percentages of methionine, cysteine, met + cysteine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, arginine and isoleucine in egg yolk for 32‐week‐old breeders were higher than that for 42‐ and 52‐week‐old breeders (p < 0.05). The transfer from breeder of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc to the yolk of eggs from 32‐week‐old breeders was greater than that for eggs from 42‐ and 52‐week‐old breeders (p < 0.05). Chicks from 32‐week‐old breeders had greater deposition of phosphorus and calcium in the yolk sac (p < 0.05). Breeder age did not affect the deposition of potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc in the yolk sac of newly hatch chicks (p > 0.05). It can, however, be concluded that younger breeders deposit more amino acids and minerals in egg yolk, while embryos of older breeders seem to use the nutrients present in the yolk more efficiently during embryonic development.

Short communication: Effects of breeder age and pre‐placement feed on IgY concentration in egg yolk and chick serum

“…Older breeders had greater egg weight and yolk weight ( p ≤ 0.05) than young breeders (Table 2). These results were expected, as egg size is known to be positively related to breeder age, with egg size increasing as breeder's age (Araújo et al, 2016; Iqbal et al, 2017; Santos et al, 2021). The main reason for the increase in egg size is the increase in yolk size (Nangsuay et al, 2013).…”

“…Young breeders have a greater capacity for depositing protein and amino acids in the yolk of fertile eggs. Embryos of older breeders, however, seem to use the nutrients present in the yolk more efficiently during embryonic development (Santos et al, 2021). Despite this difference between the transfer of amino acids and use, the consumption of immunoglobulin seems to be the same, regardless of the breeder age.…”

Reserves of Calcium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Sodium, Phosphorus, Strontium and Zinc in Goose Egg Yolk during Embryo Development

“…As a result of the enhanced Ca concentration in the second half of incubation, it can be concluded that Ca deposits from the eggshell into the yolk are higher than Ca uptake by the embryonic circulatory system during this period. Some authors evaluated the effect of breeder birds' age on the mineral content of egg yolk (32). It was shown that transfer of P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn from breeder hens to egg yolks was affected by breeder age, and the content of the previously stated minerals in egg yolks from 32-week-old birds was higher than that of older birds (42 and 52 weeks old) [32].…”

“…Some authors evaluated the effect of breeder birds' age on the mineral content of egg yolk (32). It was shown that transfer of P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn from breeder hens to egg yolks was affected by breeder age, and the content of the previously stated minerals in egg yolks from 32-week-old birds was higher than that of older birds (42 and 52 weeks old) [32]. The egg yolks of young breeders (28 weeks old) contained more minerals than those of older breeders (34 and 40 weeks old) in ducks [33].…”