• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.239-246
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and a probiotic mixture on egg production and quality, blood parameters, and stress levels (corticosterone) in Hy-Line parent stock during summer in Korea. A total of 105 Hy-Line parent stock aged 24 weeks were randomly divided into three groups, each containing thirty-five birds: control, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and probiotics (1 × 10⁸/g Bacillus licheniformis, 1 × 10⁷/g Lactobacillus plantarum, and 1 × 10⁷/g Corynebacterium butyricum). The hens were fed a diet containing 50 ppm GABA or 0.1% probiotics for 6 weeks. Compared with the control group, the hen-day egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio over the total period were significantly higher in the probiotic group (P<0.05). In contrast no significant differences were detected among groups with respect to egg weight, albumen height, Haugh units, yolk color, shell thickness or shell strength. Similarly, no significant difference were observed among groups with regards to biochemical profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, and inorganic phosphorus). However, compared with the control group, we did detect significant reductions in corticosterone levels in the GABA and probiotics groups (P<0.05). On the basis of our findings in this study, it would appear that dietary GABA and probiotics can alleviate heat stress in Hy-Line parent stock, with probiotics in particular being found to promote significant improvements in the hen-day egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion of laying hens during the summer season in Korea.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.204-215
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• 2023

The thermolabile haemolysin (tlh) of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vptlh) from V. parahaemolyticus is a multiple-function enzyme, initially describes as a haemolytic factor activated by lecithin and phospholipase A2 enzymatic activity (Shinoda, 1991; Vazquez-Morado, 2021; Yanagase et al., 1970). Until now, the tlh structure has hypothesized including N-terminal and C-terminal domain, but what domain of the Vptlh structure does the haemolytic activity has not been refined yet. In this study, a 450-bp VpTLH nucleotide sequence of the entire Vptlh gene encoded the C-terminal domain cloned firstly to examine its responsibility in the activity of the Vptlh. The C-terminal domain fused with a 6-His-tag named the His-tag-VpC-terminal domain was expressed successfully in soluble form in the BL21 (DE3) PlysS cell. Remarkably, both expression and purification results confirmed a high agreement in the molecular weight of the His-tag-VpC-terminal domain was 47 kDa. This work showed the His-tag-VpC-terminal domain lysed the erythrocyte membranes in the blood agar and the phosphate buffered saline (0.9%) media without adding the lecithin substrate of the phospholipase enzyme. Haemolysis occurred at all tested diluted concentrations of His-tag-VpC-terminal domain (p < 0.05), providing evidence for the independent haemolytic activity of the His-tag-VpC-terminal domain. The content of 100 ㎍ of the His-tag-VpC-terminal domain brought the highest haemolytic activity of 80% compared to that in the three remaining contents. Significantly, the His-tag-VpC-terminal domain demonstrated not to involve the phospholipase activity in Luria-Bertani agar supplemented with 1% (vol/vol) egg yolk emulsion. All results proved the vital responsibility of the His-tag-VpC-terminal domain in causing the haemolytic activity without the required activation by the phospholipase enzyme. Raw extracts of Phellinus igniarus and Phellinus pipi at 10^-1 mg/mL inhibited the haemolytic activity of the His-tag-VpC-terminal domain from 67.7% to 87.42%, respectively. Hence applying the His-tag-VpC-terminal domain as a simple biological material to evaluate quickly potential derivatives against the Vptlh in vivo conditions will accessible and more advantageous than using the whole of the Vptlh.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.143-151
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• 2008

This study was conducted to identify the correlation of bacterial phytase ($Transphos^{(R)}$) to the calcium level in feed. Of all 21-week-old 720 HyLine brown laying hens, 2 birds of similar weight were placed on each individual cage. The experiment was conducted by $3{\times}2{\times}3$ factorial design with including 3 different levels of phytase (0, 300, and 1,000 DPU/kg), 2 different levels of calcium (3.5% and 4.0%), and 3 different levels of no NPP addition 0% (0.095 NPP), 0.5% (0.185% NPP), and 1.0% (0.275% NPP). The feeding trial maintained the ME level of 2,800 kcal/kg and 16% for crude protein. The diet was fed ad libitum and 17 hours of lighting was provided throughout the experimental period. Egg production seemed to increase, in the 300 DPU of bacterial phytase added group and the cracked egg tended to reduce in Transphos added group. The egg productivity between treatment groups did not show significant difference by dietary calcium level, whereas non NPP added group (0.095% NPP) was found to be low compared to NPP added groups (P<0.05). The highest mean egg weight and the highest daily egg mass were detected in 300 DPU phytase added group. Although the mean egg weight was significantly higher in treatment groups fed with 3.5% calcium containing feeds (P<0.05), daily egg mass was no among treatment groups. The mean egg weight and daily egg mass were the lowest in non NPP added group (0.095% NPP) compared to other treatment groups (P<0.05). The feed intake showed similar pattern regardless of the bacterial phytase and calcium levels in the diet. However, the treatment groups fed diets containing NPP level of 0.275% and 0.165% showed significantly higher feed intake than the group fed with 0.095% NPP (P<0.05). Although the feed conversion was not affected by calcium and NPP levels in the diet, the most improved result was obtained from 300 DPU phytase added group (P<0.05). The eggshell breaking strength and thickness increased as dietary calcium level increase the level of calcium increases in diet. The treatment groups fed diet containing 0.275% and 0.165% NPP revealed to show improvement in eggshell breaking strength and yolk color index compared to the NPP non added (0.095% NPP) treatment group. The result of the present study suggests that the appropriate level of microbial phytase is 300 DPU and at this level, tricalciumphosphate supplementation in feed can be reduced to 40% of NRC recommendation. Higher calcium level in feed fail to show synergistic effect by adding microbial phytase.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.63-71
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• 2018

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of age of laying hens on egg internal and external qualities. A total of 8,300 eggs were randomly collected from 15 grading & packaging (GP) centers, and 50 eggs per farm during April to May in 2015. Age of laying hens ranged from 18 to 65 weeks of age and they were classified into 5 age groups (18~25, 26~35, 36~45, 46~55, and 56~65 weeks). Egg weight increased, but the Haugh unit decreased as the age of laying hens increased. Yolk color was higher in eggs laid from 25~35 weeks of laying hens compared with that of 18~25-weeks-old chickens. The incidence of dirty eggs was highest (P<0.05) in 18~25 week group and remained constant after 26 weeks. Among eggshell defects, speckled and pimpled eggs increased as the age of laying hens increased. The incidence of calcium deposits and misshapen eggs was highest during 18~25 weeks of age and remained constant after 26 weeks. The percentage of total eggshell cracks increased as the age of laying hens increased. Among eggshell cracks, star- and hair-like cracks were frequently noted. The percentage of meat spot was higher than that of blood spot and their incidence was highest among the 56~65 week group. Age of laying hens significantly increased egg weight, incidence of pimpled or speckled eggs, star- or hair-like cracks, and meat spot. On the other hand, a significant negative interaction between age of laying hens and the Haugh unit was noted. In conclusion, our study revealed that the age of laying hens affected internal and external egg qualities.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.391-398
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• 2009

The objective of the present study was to compare of the effects of four molting methods on performance of laying hens. In total, 120 White Leghorn layers (62 weeks of age) were used. The four molting methods consisted of 10 days of feeding and the first 3 days of water withdrawal (FW1, 2) followed by ad libitum access to a layer diet 1 and 2 from day 11; 28 days of restricted feeding (NFW1); 28 days without withdrawing their feed (NFW2). Egg production of postmolt decreased until $3{\sim}4$ days at FW1 and FW2 treatments and until $16{\sim}18$ days at NFW1 and NFW2. 50% recovery of egg production were 7, 6, 7 and 5 week at FW1, FW2, NFW1, and NFW2 treatments, respectively. At day 14 of postmolt, the weight of livers, hearts, and oviducts decreased at molting treatments (P<0.05). Egg quality was improved on egg weight, eggshell thickness, eggshell break strength, and Haugh unit except egg yolk color (P<0.05).

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.265-271
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• 2004

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the influence of feeding Lactobacillus reuteri culture (LR) on productive performance, intestinal microflora and availability in laying hens. Four hundred and eighty, Isa-Brown layers, 49 weeks of age, were fed diets supplemented with LR at the level of 0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, and $0.4\%$ of the diets for eight weeks. Egg production and egg weight were measured daily. Feed intake was weighed every two weeks. Egg quality was measured three times at the start, mid-term, and end of the experiment. Intestinal microflora were examined for Lactobacillus spp., E. coli and Salmonella at the end of the experiment. Overall egg production was the highest in $0.2\%$ LR (P<0.05), but that of $0.1\%$ or $0.4\%$ LR treatments did not significantly differ from that of control. Egg weight was significantly higher in LR feeding group than the control (P<0.05). Daily egg mass was significantly higher in $0.2\%$ and $0.4\%$ LR treatments compared to the control and $0.1\%$ LR (P<0.05). The number of jumbo and extra large eggs were increased in LR supplemented groups, especially in $0.1\%$ LR. Feed intake of layers fed LR supplemented diets tended to be lower than the control. However, feed conversion ratio significantly improved in LR supplemented groups (P<0.05). Availability of dry matter and crude protein improved significantly in $0.4\%$ LR treatment (P<0.05). But, those of ether extract and crude ash were not significantly different among treatments. Eggshell breaking strength and eggshell thickness were not significantly influenced by LR supplementation, and Haugh unit and yolk index were also similar to the control. Total number of Lactobacillus spp. in ileum and cecum fed LR supplemented diets were significantly higher than those of the control (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in intestinal E. coli and Salmonella in all treatments. Therefore, it is concluded that dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus reuteri culture can improve the laying performance, feed efficiency and intestinal Lactobacillus.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.254-260
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• 2007

In order to evaluate the toxic effects of butachlor, a herbicide widely used for control of weeds in paddy field, on medaka (Oryzias latipes), acute toxicity tests for five developmental stages and early life stage toxicity test of were conducted. As the results of acute toxicity test, $96h-LC_{50}s$ for 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 2 months and 5 months after hatching of O. latipes were 0.68, 0.52, 0.38, 1.09 and $0.45\;mg\;L^{-1}$, respectively. This indicated that the most sensitive stage was 2 weeks after hatching. The early life stage toxicity test showed that no statistically significant hatching period and hatching success of embryo was observed at all concentrations of butaclor. However, 0.05 and $0.1\;mg\;L^{-1}$ of butachlor showed statistically significant post hatching survival with p<0.1. Abnormalities of larva were 2.1, 2.3 and 10% at 0.025, 0.05 and $0.1\;mg\;L^{-1}$ of concentration, respectively. They showed abnormal vertebral axis, craniofacial alteration and retarded yolk-sac resorption. The total length and weight were decreased depending on butachlor concentration the end of test. Weight of larva was showed more sensitive toxic indicator than total length. The toxicological responses of O. latipes to butachlor expressed as LOEC(lowest observed effect concentration), NOEC(no observed effect concentration) and MATC(maximum acceptable toxicant concentration) values were 0.025, 0.013 and $0.018\;mg\;L^{-1}$, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.266-280
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• 1989

Gonadal maturation of the Korean pomfrets, Pampus echinogaster (Basilewsky) and Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen) were histologically investigated based on the samples captured in the East China Sea from January 1987 to December 1988. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) of P. echinogaster began to increase from March, and reached maximum between May and July. It began to decrease from July and reached mini-mum between August and February. P. argenteus had a similar cycle, however, P. argenteus has higher values in April than P. echinogaster. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) were positively related to GSI. HIS of P. echinogaster and P. argenteus reached maximum in $April\~July$ and $April\~August$, respectively, Fatness coefficient of two Pampus species were low in the summer, and high in the winter. Ovary is of saccular structure, and testis is of lobular structure. From February, the early oocyte (ca. $100\mu$ in diameter grows) rapidly at the germinal epithelium of ovarian sacs. From March to April the oocytes grew up to cu $400\~500\mu$ in diameter. At this stage, the yolk globules are accumulated rapidly in the cytoplasmic layer. From May, the oocytes roached ca. $650\~850\mu$ in diameter, and they are spawned in $May\~July$. After spawning the residual follicles and remained ripe eggs degenerate. From February, spermatogonia grows into spermatocyte on the epithelium of the testicular lobuli. From May, spermatozoa appeared and spawning occurs. After spawning, the epithelium is thickened and the remained spermatozoa degenerate. Annual reproductive cycle of two Pampus species could be divided into four successive stages: Growing stage ($March\~April$), Mature stage ($April\~May$), Ripe and spent stage ($June\~July$) and Recovery and resting stage ($August\~January$). Absolute fecundity of P. echinogaster was $9,441\~135,294$, and that of P. argenteus was $50,678\~221,894$. Absolute fecundity of two Pampus species were positively related to body length and total weight. Relative fecundity was positively related to body length, while it was reversely related to total weight. The increasing rate of absolute fecundity of P. echinogaster was lower than P. argenteus. In P. echinogaster half of female and male reached first maturity at body length of $15.0\~$17.9cm and $12.0\~14.9cm$, respectively. All of females and males reached first maturity at body length of $18.0\~20.9cm$ and $21.0\~23.9cm, respectively. In P. argenteus all of females and males reached first maturity at body length of 18.6cm and 16.7cm$, respectively.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.105-111
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• 2009

In this study, we carried out an experiment for estimation the larval digestibility in aspects which digestive enzymatic activities and nutrition of the rotifers, Brachionus rotundiformis. Thus we enhanced the digestive enzymatic activity through the addition of starch for the increase of digestibility of rotifer (starch-rotifer), and compared with the feed efficiency through rearing of the olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus used rotifer lipid-enriched with Algamac $2000^{(R)}$ (CE-rotifer). The digestive enzyme activities (except for TG-lipase), total protein contents, total essential amino acid, essential amino acids (methionin and phenylalanine) of starch-rotifer (the rotifer used a starch as additive, and enriched not) was assayed significantly higher than CE-rotifer (P<0.05). And total lipid, lipid classes (except for sterol) and fatty acids as DHA and EPA showed higher in CE-rotifer than starch-rotifer (P<0.05). But, sterol contents and ST/TG ratio were shown significantly higher in starch-rotifer (P<0.05). The flounder larvae supplied the two rotifers showed standard length and body weight that not significantly differed with ranges $3.72{\sim}3.79\;mm$ and $32.9{\sim}37.8\;mg$/larva on 6 days after hatching (DAH), respectively (P>0.05). However, these of 12 DAH showed the values of significantly higher to $5.94{\pm}0.249\;mm$, $144.0{\pm}23.86\;mg$/larva and $26.2{\pm}12.13%$ in standard length, body weight and survival in CE-flounder than that of starch-flounder (P<0.05). The hydrolytic enzymatic activities of flounder larvae severally supplied the two rotifers showed the significantly higher activities in acidic -amylase, neutral -amylase, TG-lipase, lysozyme and acidic phosphatase in starch-flounder on 5 DAH (P<0.05). But neutral $\alpha$-amylase, three proteases and two phosphatases of CE-flounder on 11 DAH showed the significantly higher activities than that of starch-flounder (P<0.05). Therefore, for the flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus larvae just depleted yolk was more beneficial to supply the feed, rotifer, enhanced the digestibility than to supply the feed lipid-enriched for aspect of larval digestibility up to 6 DAH, thereafter nutrition of absorption due to the development of digestive organs suggested that enrichment effect appeared with larval somatic growth. Consequently, investigation more detailed about the larval digestive physiological and nutritional requirement variations after 6 DAH will be necessary, thereafter.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.59-69
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• 2011

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of CS682, a fermentation product of Actinomycetae(Nocardia sp. CS682), and its commercial product DSC682$^{(R)}$ on the performance, blood parameters, intestinal microflora, and immune response in laying hens. Hy-Line Brown$^{(R)}$ laying hens were housed in two bird cages. Feeding trial lasted 5 wk under 16.5 h:7.5 h(L:D) lighting regimen. In Exp.1, a total of 480 birds of 86 wk old were assigned to four dietary treatments: Control, Antibiotics (6 ppm avilamycin), CS682-0.1 (CS682 0.1%) and CS682-1.0 (CS682 1.0% supplementation). Each treatment was replicated five times with 24 birds (or 12 cages) per replication. In Exp. 2, a total of 1,000 birds of 26 wk old were assigned to five dietary treatments: Control, Antibiotics (6 ppm avilamycin), DCS682-0.05 (DCS682 0.05%), DCS682-0.1 (DCS682 0.1%), DCS682-0.2 (DCS682 0.2% supplementation). Each treatment was replicated five times with 40 birds (or 20 cages) per replication. In Exp. 1, there were no significant differences among treatments in egg production, egg weight, broken & soft egg production, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Also, there were no significant differences among treatments in eggshell thickness, eggshell color and Haugh unit. However, eggshell strength was significantly (p<0.05) greater in CS682 and Antibiotics treatments than Control, and egg yolk color was significantly (p<0.05) higher in CS682-1.0 than Control. In Exp. 2, feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) lower in DSC682-0.05 than Control. Lightness(L) of Hunter Lab color of eggshell of DCS and Antibiotics treatments was significantly (p<0.05) lower than Control. Egg yolk color of DCS 0.1 and 0.2 treatments was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Control. Haugh unit increased significantly (p<0.05) in Antibiotics and DCS682-0.1 treatments. The immunoglobulin levels of plasma (IgG and IgA) and eggyolk (IgY) were not significantly affected by treatments. Antibiotics and CS682 or DCS682 treatments significantly (p<0.05 or 0.01) influenced some of the erythrocytes and leukocytes parameters in blood. In Exp.1, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) decreased by CS682 treatments and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was highest in Antibiotics treatments. In Exp.2, the level of monocyte (MO) decreased in DCS682-0.10 and 0.20 treatments. The cfu of C. perfringens and S. typhimurium in small intestinal content were highest in Control and lowest in Antibiotics in both experiments. In Exp. 2, DSC682-0.05 and -0.1 treatments were highest and Antibiotic treatment was lowest in Lactobacilli spp. The results of the present layer experiments indicated that supplementation of 0.1~0.2% CS682 or DCS682 may increase eggshell strength, color of eggshell and eggyolk, Haugh unit, and control harmful intestinal microbes.