• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.225-231
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• 2006

To investigate the effect of feeding rare earth (RE) on the performance of breeder hens a feeding trial with sixteen thousands of 158 day old Ross broiler breeder hens was conducted for thirty weeks. A mixture of RE- chlorides containing mainly La, Ce, and Pr was mixed into corn-soy based diet at two levels, 300 and 600 mg/kg, All the hens were housed in flat layer houses and the ratio of male to female was maintained at one to ten. Dietary supplementation of the of RE at a level of 300 mg/kg made the hens reach egg production peak higher by about 6% and earlier by about two weeks. As a result, it made higher hatchable egg production by 3.5%. It also reduced dramatically the mortality of both male and female breeders(P<0.05). Egg weight was slightly increased but egg qualify was not much influenced by dietary supplementation of RE. Egg albumin hight and Haugh unit were significantly improved while egg shell thickness, egg breaking strength and yolk color were similar to those of the control. Experimental results appeared to show a good possibility that egg fertility and hatchability were improved by feeding RE. Dietary supplementation of RE at a level of 300 mg/kg should be acceptable but not the 600 mg/kg level for breeder hens. Further studies on the effect of RE on egg fertility and hatchability appears to be necessary.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.299-306
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• 2004

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of egg storage, broiler breeder age, and the change of egg weight during incubation on growth rate of chicks and 43-day-old dressing percentage. The trials involved hatching eggs obtained from 27-wk-old hens and stored for 6 d for the Young-EXP group, from 28-wk-old hens and stored for 0 d for the Young-CON group, from 51-wk-old hens and stored for 6 d for the Old-EXP group, and from 52-wk-old hens and stored for 0 d for the Old-CON group, The hens were two commercial broiler breeder flocks of the same strain (Cobb) but of different egg producing stages(early and middle stages of egg production). The chicks were grown on floor pens for 6 wks, The differences of setting egg weights between Old-CON and Old-EXP groups were 1 g, but those between Young-CON and Young-EXP groups were 2.9 g(P<0,05). The loss of egg weight during 18 d incubation did not greatly differ among four groups, but the loss of egg weight during 21 d incubation was significantly (P<0.05) more in the middle stage of egg production groups than in the early stage of egg production groups. The mean birth weights of the middle stage of egg production groups were significantly(P<0,05) heavier by 8,7 g than those of the early stage of egg production groups; however, the differences of 6-wk-old body weight were not significant between egg producing stages. The differences of body weights in both egg producing stages were not significantly influenced by egg storage period in overall wks of ages. Egg storage and hen age did not greatly influence to the 43 d dressing percentages, either, The correlations of the setting egg weight with 18 d egg weight during incubation, growth rate of chicks, or 43 d dressing percentage were not significant.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.169-175
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• 2003

This experiment was conducted to study the optimum energy feeding regimens fur broiler breeders peaked in winter season with 400 caged hens of Ross strain. Four energy supply regimens which were different in daily energy allotment during laying period were employed for 40 weeks from 24 to 64 weeks of age. All experimental diets were formulated to contain 2,750 kcal ME/kg with adjustments made in total feed allotment to provide the desired energy levels. Total consumption of the feed would provide 20 g of protein, 4 g of calcium and 0.35 g of available phosphorus. There were no difference in hen-day egg production and average egg weight among the regimens of energy supply. Feed, ME and feed cost required per egg or per kg egg were significantly increased as the level of energy allotment increased(p<0.05). It was concluded that the energy supply regimen, which supplied 280 kcal ME per day at the age of 24 weeks and then increased the energy supply up to 400 kcal ME per day at the peak period of 30∼34 weeks of age, was superior in feed, ME and feed cost required per egg or per kg egg without any adverse effect on eg production and egg weight.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.828-833
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• 2017

Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different methionine (Met) sources on production performance, reproduction performance, egg quality and serum biochemical indices in broiler breeders. Methods: After receiving a basal diet (containing 0.25% Met) for a 2-wk pretreatment period, a total of 360 39-wk-old Lingnan yellow broiler breeders were randomly allocated to four treatments with six replicates each (15 birds per replicate). Breeders were fed with basal diets (control) or diets supplemented with DL-methionine (DLM), DL-2-hydroxy-4-methylthio butytric calcium (MHA-Ca) and coated DL-Met (CME) respectively. Results: The results showed that CME supplementation promoted laying rate and decreased feed-to-egg ratio (F/E) (p<0.05), DLM and MHA-Ca supplementation decreased F/E (p<0.05) when compared with control group. The rate of fertility, hatchability and birthrate were higher (p<0.05) in DLM, MHA-Ca, and CME groups than control group. Compared with control group, CME increased the eggshell thickness (p<0.05); MHA-Ca improved the eggshell thickness, shell ratio and eggshell strength (p<0.05). Results also showed that CME elevated the concentration of total protein in serum (p<0.05); MHA-Ca improved the concentration of calcium in serum (p<0.05). The concentration of serum uric acid in DLM, MHA-Ca, and CME groups was lower than that in control group (p<0.05). Besides, CME had higher concentrations of serum taurine, cysteine and cystanthionine (p<0.05) while MHA-Ca and DLM promoted the serum taurine concentration (p<0.05) compared with control group. Conclusion: Based on the results, it was concluded that Met supplementation could enhance the production and reproduction performance as well as the antioxidant status and egg quality of broiler breeders. In terms of improving the production performance, reproduction performance and antioxidant performance, CME was superior to DLM and MHA-Ca; but in regard to the enhancement of eggshell quality and serum Ca concentration, MHA-Ca was superior to DLM and CME.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.73-79
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• 1988

In order to study the effects of feeding time (08：00 and 14：00 hours) and frequency (once a day, twice a day and once every other day) on the performances of broiler breeder hens, two experiments were conducted with 1, 248 hens of Maniker strain during 24－2 weeks (Experiment 1) and 42－60 weeks (Experiment 2) of age. The results obtained are summarized as follows ： 1. No significant differences were observed in hen－day egg production and feed conversion rate between feeding times or among feeding frequencies through the entire experimental period. 2. Mean egg weight during the age of 24－42 weeks was significantly increased by feeding in the afternoon (p＜0.01). But it was not significantly affected by feeding time or frequency during 42－60 weeks of age. 3. Fertility and hatchability of eggs at 36 weeks and 60 weeks of age were not significantly different among treatments. 4. By feeding in the afternoon egg breaking strength at 60 weeks of age was significantly improved (p＜0.05), but not at 36 weeks of age. 5. In diurnal distribution of egg production, hens fed in the afternoon produced more eggs in the afternoon than hens fed during the morning (p＜0.01).

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.107-112
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• 2003

This experiment was conducted to study the optimum energy feeding system for broiler breeders peaked in summer season with 400 caged hens of Ross strain. Four of energy supply series which were different in daily energy allotment during laying period were employed for 40 weeks from 24 to 64 weeks of age. All experimental diets were formulated to contain 2,750 kcal ME/kg with adjustments made in total feed allotment to provide the desired energy levels. Total consumption of the feed would provide 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of calcium and 0.35 grams of available phosphorus. There were no significant difference in hen-day egg production and average egg weight among the series of energy supply, but egg production showed a trend to decline as the level of energy allotment increased. Feed, ME and CP conversion and feed cost required per egg or per kg egg were significantly increased as the level of energy allotment increased(p<0.05). It was concluded that the Treatment 1, which supplied 280kcal ME per day at the age of 24 weeks and then increased the energy supply up to 400kcal ME per day at the peak period of 30∼34 weeks of age, was superior in all production parameters.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.101-106
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• 2003

In order to study the optimum daily protein allowance for broiler breeders of 24 to 64 weeks of age on a control-fed basis, an experiment was carried out with 400 hens of Arbor Acres strain. Four levels of protein allowances were used to supply 18 to 24g of protein per day in 2g increments. As the age of hens increased, a same stepwise increase and decrease in daily energy allotment was used in all treatments. Same amount of calcium, phosphorus, methionine and lysine were supplied in all treatments and throughout laying period. Hen-day egg production was highest in hens receiving 20g protein per day(p<0.05), but there was no significant difference among those fed daily protein ranging 18 to 22g, and increasing the daily protein allotment up to 24g resulted in a significant decrease(p<0.05). Average egg weight showed a trend to increase as the daily protein allowance increase(p<0.05), but no significant difference was found among the hens fed daily protein 20 to 24g. Feed and ME conversion was superior in hens receiving 20g daily protein(p<0.05). CP conversion was increased as the daily protein allowance increase(p<0.05), but there was no significant difference between hens receiving 18 and 20g daily protein. Feed cost required per egg or per kg egg was lowest in hens fed 20g daily protein. It could be concluded that the optimum daily protein allowance was 20g in all performances.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.86-92
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• 1984

Present study was carried out to estimate phenotypic and genetic parameters influencing body weight (BW) at 4 weeks of age egg breadth (EB), egg length(EL), egg shape index (SI) and egg weight (EW) at 32 weeks of age and egg numbers (EN) up to 38 weeks of age in broiler male and female lines. The data were collected from closed White Plymouth Rock (female line; G) and Cornish (male line; C) flocks involving 1193 pullets from 211 dams and 48 sires in 1982. The results obtained are summarized as follow: 1. General performance for various trails of lines C and G. The means and standard deviations of BW, EB, EL, SI, EW and EN were 668.34${\pm}$47.18, 4.23${\pm}$0,11, 5.49 ${\pm}$0.19, 77.06${\pm}$2.98, 55.73${\pm}$3.54 and 59.72${\pm}$13.39 in line C, respectively and 487.89${\pm}$ 41.43, 4.22${\pm}$0.11, 5.51${\pm}$0.19, 76.72${\pm}$3.20, 55.43${\pm}$3.26 and 76.93${\pm}$12.17 in line G, respectively. 2. Heritability Heritabilities were estimated from sire, dam and combined components. Estimates for BW, EB, EL, SI, EW and EN from combined components were 0.30, 0.29, 0,40, 0.22, 0.45 and 0.60 in line C, respectively and 0.33, 0.23, 0.28, 0.13, 0.49 and. 0.33 in line G, respectively. 3. Correlation Genetic and phenotypic correlations showed similar trend in line C and G. Genetic correlations, estimated EW with EB and EL, were high and positive (line C; 0.99, 0.75, respectively and line G; 0.94, 0.82, respectively), also correlation of EB with EL was 0.58 (both lines; 0.58). High and negative genetic correlations were shown between SI and EL in line C and G (-0.70, -0.65, respectively). Genetic correlations between SI and EW were relatively low and negative in line C and G (-0.11, -0.19, respectively) and between SI and EN were relatively low and positive in line C and G (0.25, 0.17, respectively). Between other traits, low genetic correlations were shown in both lines, High and positive correlation was estimated between hatchability and egg shape index and polynomial regression of egg shape index on hatchability was estimated; Y=-216.77＋7.6216X-0.0146939X$^2$.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.179-191
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• 1990

In order to study the effects of supplementation of live yeast(Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the performance of laying hens, five experiments were conducted. Two experiment were conducted during summer period, one with 37 wk old Dekalb-Delta strain laying birds(Exp. 1) and the other one with 100 wk old molted Nick Chick Brown laying birds(Esp.2) . In each experiment, 240 birds were divided into 12 groups of 20 birds each and randomly distributed. Each of the two experimental diets(Control 71 and 0.05% live yeast supplemented 72) was fed to 6 groups for 4 wks in Exp.1 and 3 wks in Exp.2. Three experiments were conducted during winter period, Exp.2 with 54 wk old Hy-Line strain laying birds, Exp.4 with 52 wk old Hy-Line strain laying birds, and Exp.5 with 36 wk old broiler breeder(Indian River strain). In each experiment, 540 birds were divided into 18 groups of 30 birds each and randomly distributed. Each of the 3 experimental diets(Control：$T_1$0.05% live yeast supplemented：$T_2$ and 0.1% live yeast supplemented ： T$_3$) was fed to 9 groups for 6 wks in Exp.3, 9 wks in Exp.4 and 4 wks in Exp.5. In Exp.4, Latin Square design was employed to determine the effects of switching feeds at 3 wk intervals. All hens were housed in cages of commercial farm and experimental diets were made with commercial layer feeds. In Experiment 1, egg production was significantly(P＜0.05) higher in $T_2$. Feed intake was significantly (P＜higher in 72 at 1st wk but 4 wk average was not significantly different. Feed efficiency was significantly(P＜0.01) better in 72 at End wk but 4 wk average was not significantly different. Other parameters, such as weight, soft egg production, cracked egg production and mortality were not significantly different. In Experiment 2, egg production was significantly(P＜0.05) higher in $T_2$. Feed efficiency was significantly (P＜0.05 and P＜0.01) better at End wk and 3rd wk but 3 wk average was not significantly different. Soft egg production was significantly(P＜0.05) higher in 72. Other parameters were not significantly different. In Experiment 3, egg productions were significantly(P＜0.05) different among treatments ： $T_3$ was higher than $T_1$ and $T_2$ was higher than $T_1$. Egg weight of $T_1$ and $T_2$was significantly(P＜0.05) heavier than $T_3$. Feed intake of $T_2$ and $T_3$ was significantly(P＜0.05) higher than $T_1$ at 6th wk but overall average was not significantly different. Soft egg production were significantly(P＜0.01) different among treatments：$T_1$ was higher than $T_3$ was higher than $T_2$. Feed efficiency cracked e99 Production and mortality were not signifcantly different. In Experiment 4, egg production tended to increase as the level of live yeast supplementation increased but they were not statistically different. In Experiment 5, egg production of broiler breeders of $T_3$ was significantly(P＜0.01) higher than $T_1$. Feed intake of $T_3$ was significantly(P＜0.05) greater than $T_1$ and $T_2$ at 3rd wk but overall average was not significantly different. Fertility and hatchability tended to be higher in the supplemented groups than in the control.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.95-105
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• 2020

This study presents the production characteristics and physiological characteristics of five Korean native chicken (KNC) breeds consisting of Hwanggalsaek Jaeraejong (HJ), Korean Rhode Island Red (KR), Korean White Leghorn (KL), Korean Brown Cornish (KC), and Korean Ogye (KO). We investigated their production performances, vitalities, and stress responses. We measured the survival rate, body weight, age at first egg-laying, hen-day egg production, egg weight, amount of telomeric DNA, heterophil-lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), and heat shock protein (HSP)-70, HSP-90α and HSP-90β gene expression levels for 493 KNCs. The survival rate was highest in KR, and lowest in KO. Body weights were steadily high in the order of KC, KR, HJ, KO and KL. Average hen-day egg production was highest in KL, and lowest in KC. While the amount of telomeric DNA was highest in KR, and lowest in KC. Furthermore, both the H/L ratio and the HSP-90β gene expression level were highest in KC, and lowest in KR. These results indicated that the KR breed was highly resistant to stress, whereas KC was more susceptible to stress. Taken together, it is considered that with improvements the KC breed would be more suited to be used as a Korean broiler breed while KL would be more appropriately used as a Korean layer breed. In addition, it is considered that the KR breed is appropriate to be used as a maternal chicken breeder based on good production capacity and excellent robustness, while the HJ breed is desirable to be improved as a high-quality Korean meat breed based on its excellent meat quality.