Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hasan Rouhanipour, Seyed Davood Shari, Gholam-Hossein Irajian, Morteza Pashaei Jalal
Summary: This study examined the effects of different levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and L-carnitine in diets for laying hens. The results showed that diets enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids increased egg production but decreased daily feed intake. Adding L-carnitine increased the egg mass and prolonged the maintenance of fatty acids in the eggs.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
J. L. Edgar, Y. Omi, F. Booth, N. Mackie, G. Richards, J. Tarlton
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether hens that had previously sustained keel bone fractures showed higher levels of fear and anxiety, as well as the impact on production, behavior, and resource use. The study found no significant differences between hens with previous fractures and intact hens in fear and anxiety tests, behavior, and resource use. Fracture hens were lighter and laid eggs with less eggshell membrane, but there were no differences in other production measures.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Beryl Katharina Eusemann, Reiner Ulrich, Estefania Sanchez-Rodriguez, Cristina Benavides-Reyes, Nazaret Dominguez-Gasca, Alejandro B. Rodriguez-Navarro, Stefanie Petow
Summary: This study assessed the differences in bone quality among hens of different layer lines, showing that non-egg-laying hens and egg-laying hens have different bone compositions. Additionally, the effect of exogenous oestradiol-17ss on bone parameters varied between the layer lines.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lin Wang, Chao Zhang, Hao Liang, Nian Zhou, Tianji Huang, Zenghui Zhao, Xiaoji Luo
Summary: This study using Mendelian randomization analysis found a causal relationship between omega-6 fatty acids and bone mineral density. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Haidong Wei, Yanju Bi, Yulai Wang, Qian Zhao, Runxiang Zhang, Jianhong Li, Jun Bao
Summary: Keel bone fractures in laying hens can affect the welfare, health, and production performance of the hens. Through a study of 120 Hy-line Brown laying hens, it was found that abnormal bone metabolism is associated with keel bone fractures, highlighting the importance of bone health in laying hens.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Haidong Wei, Yanru Feng, Susu Ding, Haoyang Nian, Hanlin Yu, Qian Zhao, Jun Bao, Runxiang Zhang
Summary: This study compared the incidence of keel bone damage and its effects on stress and fear in two strains of laying hens. The results showed that keel bone fractures caused stress and fear responses, impairing hen welfare, with differences in behavioral and physiological responses between the strains. Keel bone fractures induced negative emotions, affecting chicken welfare, with Lindian chickens exhibiting more severe stress and fear responses compared to Hy-line Brown hens.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Atefeh Berenjian, Seyed Davood Sharifi, Abdollah Mohammadi-Sangcheshmeh, Mohammad Reza Bakhtiarizadeh
Summary: This study investigated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on egg production, nutrients digestibility, eggs yolk lipid peroxidation, and intestinal morphology in laying hens under physiological stress. The results showed that dietary omega-3 fatty acids had beneficial effects on gut morphology and nutrient digestibility, but could not alleviate the negative effects of physiological stress on performance.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Saulo Martelli, Mario Giorgi, Enrico Dall'Ara, Egon Perilli
Summary: Analysis of microstructural deformation and fracture behavior of elderly femora revealed that cortical elastic instability promotes bone fracture behavior, enhancing load bearing capacity, toughness, and damage tolerance. These findings will contribute to the advancement of current methods for predicting hip fragility.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Farhana Sharmin, Md Sazedul Karim Sarker, Nathu Ram Sarker, Shakila Faruque
Summary: The study found that adding Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) meal to the diet of native laying chickens did not affect the external characteristics of eggs, but significantly increased the yolk color and eggshell breaking strength, while reducing the total cholesterol and triglyceride content in the yolk, and increasing the levels of Ω-3 fatty acids.
ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Hossein Mokhtarzadeh, Dennis E. Anderson, Brett T. Allaire, Mary L. Bouxsein
Summary: Vertebral fractures (VFx) are common in older adults, especially at the mid-thoracic and thoracolumbar regions of the spine. This study aimed to determine activities that cause the largest vertebral load-to-strength ratios (LSRs) and examine patterns of LSRs along the spine for high-load activities in a sample of adult men and women. The results highlight the importance of considering a variety of activities when evaluating vertebral LSRs and provide guidance for future studies on the biomechanics of VFx.
JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Robert G. Elkin, Kevin J. Harvatine
Summary: This review summarizes the novel findings and unanswered questions regarding the enrichment of eggs and poultry meat with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also offers possible explanations for perplexing observations in this area.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ana Rey, Almudena De-Cara, Almudena Rebole, Ignacio Arija
Summary: Short-term supplementation of spirulina significantly affected the vitamin content and color of egg yolks. The strain of laying hens had a significant impact on the fatty acid composition of yolks, showing different responses to supplementation based on breed. Overall, spirulina supplementation had varied effects on egg quality parameters and nutritional value.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lisa Jung, Christina Rufener, Stefanie Petow
Summary: This study aimed to develop a scoring system for assessing keel bone deviations, evaluate the inter- and intra-observer reliability of this system, and investigate the correlation between fractures and deviations of the keel. The results showed that a tagged visual analog scale could be a reliable instrument for scoring keel bone deviations, and supported the assumption that most highly deviated keels also suffer from fractures.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Xuefei Li, Zhengjie Lu, Yongjian Qi, Biao Chen, Bin Li
Summary: This study used the Mendelian randomization approach to explore the potential causal relationships between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and osteoarthritis (OA), and found that higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids may reduce the risk of knee OA and hip OA. These results highlight the importance of maintaining optimal levels of PUFAs, especially omega-6 fatty acids, in individuals with a genetic predisposition to OA.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyeongjin Lee, Wook Chun, GeunHyung Kim
Summary: Researchers have developed a new composite biomaterial ink using decellularized extracellular matrices (dECM) from tilapia and cod fish. The biocomposite exhibited higher cellular activities compared to the controls. Based on these results, the fish-skin-based biocomposite construct is considered a potential biomaterial ink for skin regeneration.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
A. C. M. van den Oever, L. Candelotto, B. Kemp, T. B. Rodenburg, J. E. Bolhuis, E. A. M. Graat, L. J. F. van de Ven, D. Guggisberg, M. J. Toscano
Summary: The study found that providing raised slats can decrease mating behavior and the percentage of floor eggs laid by broiler breeder hens, although its effects on leg health remain inconclusive.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Camille Marie Montalcini, Bernhard Voelkl, Yamenah Gomez, Michael Gantner, Michael J. Toscano
Summary: The research team presents a tracking system that can monitor bird movement in commercial aviaries and classify them into predefined zones. The processed data accurately records the number of transitions and the presence/absence of birds in each zone. However, data processing remains necessary for obtaining reliable data. Future work involves improving the system's performance with automatic calibration and envisioning finer movements.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yamenah Gomez, John Berezowski, Yandy Abreu Jorge, Sabine G. Gebhardt-Henrich, Sabine Voegeli, Ariane Stratmann, Michael Jeffrey Toscano, Bernhard Voelkl
Summary: This study explores the relationship between social associations and individual activity patterns in domestic hens. The research found that hens exhibit individual differences in their daily movement patterns while maintaining stable social relationships. Social associations are correlated with movement patterns and this correlation strengthens over time, indicating that animals align their activity patterns with those of their social affiliates.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Laura Candelotto, Klara J. Grethen, Camille M. Montalcini, Michael J. Toscano, Yamenah Gomez
Summary: The study aims to validate a sensor-based tracking system for broiler breeders and laying hens, with a focus on data reliability and cleaning methods. The results show that the cleaning methods are suitable for the aviary and raised housing systems, but not for the floor system. Cleaning the data improves the performance of total transitions and ensures high reliability of locations.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carlos Manuel Herrera-Castillo, Madeleine Geiger, Daniel Nunez-Leon, Hiroshi Nagashima, Sabine Gebhardt-Henrich, Michael Toscano, Marcelo R. Sanchez-Villagra
Summary: This study investigated the effects of domestication and breed formation on limb proportions and sternum characteristics in chicken, mallard ducks, and Muscovy ducks. The results showed that domestication had no significant impact on limb proportions in chicken and Muscovy duck, but did in mallard ducks. Flight capacity loss in mallard ducks may be related to the difference in limb proportions. The study also revealed breed-dependent differences in chicken traits. Despite some similar morphological changes identified, the study highlights the lack of universal patterns in domestication and breed formation.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
J. Winter, M. J. Toscano, A. Stratmann
Summary: In this experimental study, the piling behavior of laying hens was investigated. The presence of a light spot and a novel object attracted the hens to some extent but did not reliably induce piling behavior. Piling behavior occurred mainly in the late morning and midday and was preceded by mutual attraction among the hens.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Vivian L. Witjes, Rupert M. Bruckmaier, Sabine G. Gebhardt-Henrich, Michael J. Toscano
Summary: This study investigated the acute and long-term effects of on-farm hatching (OFH) compared to conventional hatching on layer chicks. The results showed that compared to conventional hatching, OFH chicks had higher corticosterone levels and lower body mass after transport, but no differences were found in cognitive flexibility.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jakob Winter, Ariane Stratmann, Michael J. Toscano, Jacqueline M. Cardwell, Christine J. Nicol
Summary: This study investigated the mechanisms of piling behavior in British loose-housed layer flocks. Observation of 27 layer flocks revealed that piling is often preceded by the attraction of hens to other behaviors and high animal densities. Piling events occur more frequently at certain times of day and are correlated with pile size, duration, and flock size.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
A. Stratmann, D. Guggisberg, C. Benavides-Reyes, J. Siegford, M. J. Toscano
Summary: This study investigated the impact of providing ramps during the rearing period on cognitive and bone development in laying hens. The results showed that the provision of ramps influenced the bird's distribution within the aviary and their vertical movement between tiers, but had unexpected effects on bone strength.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POULTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sabine G. Gebhardt-Henrich, Sabine Mueller, Lisa Zanini, Michael J. Toscano
Summary: Recent outbreaks of toe pecking (TP) have been observed in laying hen flocks in Swiss farms, resulting in increased mortality. However, there is limited scientific research on TP compared to feather pecking. This study aimed to investigate the association between TP and housing and management factors through an online survey of Swiss egg producers. The survey revealed that TP mainly affected white flocks, and several factors related to management and housing were associated with TP, including metal slats, direct sunlight, high frequency light sources, and previous problems with E.coli. Dimming the lights was found to be the most effective intervention to reduce TP. Overall, TP appeared to be multifactorial and predominantly affected white hybrids.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alex Johny, Dominik Guggisberg, Michael Jeffery Toscano, Ariane Stratmann
Summary: Providing laying hen chicks with ramps during the rearing phase increases their use of elevated surfaces. Artificial cues that utilize the behavioral predispositions of chicks can enhance ramp use and benefit the birds' spatial cognition and skeletal strength.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
C. Gerpe, M. J. Toscano
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two interventions on reducing fractures and stress-related responses during the depopulation process. The cart treatment involved immediately crating hens to minimize handling time and stress, while the blue light treatment aimed to improve visibility and handling. However, neither treatment effectively reduced fractures or stress-related responses compared to the control, possibly due to unfamiliarity, unsuitable light conditions, and small sample size. Despite this, the treatments may still improve working conditions without negative effects on hen welfare, and further research should focus on combining the interventions and increasing familiarity with the cart system.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POULTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Camille M. Montalcini, Michael J. Toscano, Sabine G. Gebhardt-Henrich, Matthew B. Petelle
Summary: Measuring intra- and inter-individual variation in movement provides important insights into animal welfare and ecology. This study quantified the range of differences in movements among commercial laying hens and their association with welfare indicators. Results showed consistent inter-individual differences in movement averages, as well as individual variation in predictability and temporal plasticity. Hens that were more predictable in their daily movements had more severe keel bone fractures, highlighting the importance of inter-individual difference in intra-individual variation for poultry welfare.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Camille M. M. Montalcini, Matthew B. B. Petelle, Michael J. J. Toscano
Summary: Past research has shown that animal personalities are important for farm animals' productivity and welfare. However, current assessments of personality traits are often short-term and may not fully capture important behaviors in commercial settings throughout the production period. This study aimed to evaluate consistent behavioral differences in commercial laying hens over an eight-month period. The study found that certain behaviors were repeatable and explained a significant amount of variation between individuals. These long-term consistencies suggest that these behaviors could be used as personality traits in commercial hens and could potentially inform breeding efforts for more resilient farm animals.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Klara J. Grethen, Yamenah Gomez, Michael J. Toscano
Summary: Chicken dominance hierarchies are established before maturation and maintained by consistent submissive responses of subordinate individuals. Our observations of 418 laying hens revealed unexpected rank uncertainty and instability. Furthermore, winning success during the young period did not predict high rank during the mature period, indicating rank changes between observation periods.
BEHAVIOURAL PROCESSES
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jemima E. Schadow, David Maxey, Toby O. Smith, Mikko A. J. Finnila, Sarah L. Manske, Neil A. Segal, Andy Kin On Wong, Rachel A. Davey, Tom Turmezei, Kathryn S. Stok
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the published parameters for assessing subchondral bone in human osteoarthritis using computed tomography. The study identified clinically meaningful parameter categories and emphasized the importance of quantification and standardized measurement methods for improving the evaluation of disease progression.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lindsay L. Loundagin, Kim D. Harrison, Xuan Wei, David M. L. Cooper
Summary: This study developed new techniques to define zones of BMU activity based on the 3D morphology of remodeling spaces in rabbit cortical bone and integrated morphological data with the BMU longitudinal erosion rate (LER) to elucidate the spatial-temporal coordination of BMUs and estimate mineral apposition rate (MAR). The results showed that the manual and semi-automated methods accurately defined the zones of remodeling spaces, and these techniques have the potential to assess dynamic parameters of bone resorption and formation.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Soroush Masrouri, Farzad Esmaeili, Maryam Tohidi, Fereidoun Azizi, Farzad Hadaegh
Summary: This study examined the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline and fracture incidence. The results showed that rapid kidney function decline (RKFD) can increase the incidence of fractures among the general population.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Steven J. Meas, Gabriella M. Daire, Michael A. Friedman, Rachel Denapoli, Preetam Ghosh, Joshua N. Farr, Henry J. Donahue
Summary: Age- and disuse-related bone loss both lead to decreases in bone mineral density, cortical thickness, and trabecular thickness and connectivity. It is important to experimentally compare these two mechanisms at a structural and transcriptomic level to better understand their similarities and differences. This study compares the effects of hindlimb unloading and aging on bone microarchitecture and gene expression in mice, finding that while both induce similar changes, aging has a greater impact on the transcriptome and tissue level.
Correction
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Masaru Matsuoka, Sho Tsukamoto, Yuta Orihara, Rieko Kawamura, Mai Kuratani, Nobuhiko Haga, Kenji Ikebuchi, Takenobu Katagiri
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Rachel Kohler, Amy Creecy, David R. Williams, Matthew R. Allen, Joseph M. Wallace
Summary: Osteogenesis imperfecta is a hereditary bone disease that weakens bones and increase fracture risk. Current interventions mainly focus on increasing bone mass, but the compromised tissue-level material properties are not addressed. A study found that a RAL analog could reduce fracture risk, but further development is needed for optimal results in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
So Jeong Park, Eunhye Ji, Hyun Ju Yoo, Kyunggon Kim, Sunghwan Ji, Ji Yeon Baek, Jin Young Lee, Hee-Won Jung, Il-Young Jang, Eunju Lee, Namki Hong, Beom-Jun Kim
Summary: The study analyzed the relationship between serum lumican levels and osteosarcopenia in older adults, showing that older adults with osteosarcopenia had lower serum lumican levels. Lower serum lumican levels were associated with reduced bone mass and grip strength, indicating that lumican levels could be used as a biomarker for assessing the risk of osteosarcopenia, osteoporosis, or sarcopenia in older adults.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Michael B. Chavez, Michelle H. Tan, Tamara N. Kolli, Natalie L. Andras, Brian L. Foster
Summary: This study revealed the complex mechanisms by which disabling BSP functional domains led to profound and distinct changes in cementoblast cell functions, including dysregulated gene expression and reduced mineralization.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Julien Seiller, Blandine Merle, Romain Fort, Emilie Virot, Solene Poutrel, Giovanna Cannas, Arnaud Hot, Roland Chapurlat
Summary: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of bone fragility in sickle cell patients and to evaluate the potential risk factors and associated complications.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Chirantap Oza, Anuradha Khadilkar, Pranay Goel, Madhura Karguppikar, Nikhil Shah, Nikhil Lohiya, Shruti Mondkar, Prashant Patil, Hemchand Prasad, Ankita Maheshwari, Dipali Ladkat, Neha Kajale, Chidvilas More, Devarati Khurjekar, Vaman Khadilkar
Summary: This study revealed that BoneXpert (BX) can be used for accurate assessment of bone age and screening of bone health in Indian children and youth with type-1 diabetes (T1D). 51.5% of T1D subjects showed significantly decreased metacarpal index (MCI). Height, Tanner stage, and vitamin D concentrations were positively correlated with MCI, while HbA1c and disease duration were negatively correlated with MCI.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mariam R. Farman, Catherine Rehder, Theodora Malli, Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg, Kathryn Dahir, Gabriel Angel Martos-Moreno, Agnes Linglart, Keiichi Ozono, Lothar Seefried, Guillermo del Angel, Gerald Webersinke, Francesca Barbazza, Lisa K. John, Sewmi M. A. Delana Mudiyanselage, Florian Hoegler, Erica Burner Nading, Erin Huggins, Eric T. Rush, Ahmed El-Gazzar, Priya S. Kishnani, Wolfgang Hoegler
Summary: The ALPL gene variant database serves as an archive for interpreting the clinical significance of ALPL gene variants, facilitating the reclassification of VUS and continuous updates. The project establishes an international expert consortium, providing a multidisciplinary collaboration framework to improve genetic counseling and medical decision-making for HPP patients.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Giovanni Adami, Davide Gatti, Maurizio Rossini, Alessandro Giollo, Matteo Gatti, Francesco Bertoldo, Eugenia Bertoldo, Amy S. Mudano, Kenneth G. Saag, Ombretta Viapiana, Angelo Fassio
Summary: Certain diseases requiring glucocorticoids are independently associated with an increased risk of fractures. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and neurological diseases are associated with both vertebral and non-vertebral fracture risk, while rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are only associated with non-vertebral fractures.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Frank C. Ko, Rong Xie, Brandon Willis, Zoe G. Herdman, Bryan A. Dulion, Hoomin Lee, Chun-do Oh, Di Chen, D. Rick Sumner
Summary: Intramembranous bone regeneration is important in joint and tooth replacement, but its underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study found that increased periostin gene expression preceded increases in osteogenic genes during bone regeneration. Using a genetic mouse model, the researchers discovered that cells transiently expressing periostin played a critical role in intramedullary intramembranous bone regeneration.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
T. Savikangas, T. H. Suominen, M. Alen, T. Rantalainen, S. Sipila
Summary: Regular exercise, especially high-intensity physical activity, can help slow down age-related bone loss and prevent a decline in femoral neck bone mineral density.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mishaela R. Rubin, Ruban Dhaliwal
Summary: The increased risk of fractures observed in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) cannot be solely explained by modest decreases in areal bone mineral density (BMD). Accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) in bone has been suggested as a possible cause for the increased bone fragility in diabetes. Although the evidence linking AGEs and fractures in individuals with T1D is limited, recent data show that AGEs, as measured by skin intrinsic fluorescence, are a risk factor for lower BMD in T1D. Further research is needed to determine if there is a causal relationship between fractures and AGEs in T1D. If confirmed, this could lead to interventions that can reduce AGE accumulation and ultimately reduce fractures in T1D patients.