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Biomedical subjects

J B Carey

Publications and source records attributed to J B Carey.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Evaluation of a method of ultraviolet light sanitation of broiler hatching eggs.

Sanitation of hatching eggs is an important area of research due to the need for an effective, economical, and safe method of egg sanitation. Improved hatching egg sanitation is an important part of an overall pathogen reduction program within integrated poultry operations. This must be accomplished without disturbing the cuticle of the egg, which can decrease hatchability. The ability of ultraviolet (UV) light to kill bacteria on eggshell surfaces has been well documented. To accomplish the task of treating the eggs in a method that could be commercially implemented, a cabinet was constructed in which ultraviolet lamps were placed. A conveyor system was used to carry a plastic hatching egg flat containing 42 eggs through the cabinet for a period of 3 or 4 min. Ultraviolet intensities within the cabinet reached a maximum of 14 mW/cm2. Experiments were conducted to test the impact of UV light (254 nm) exposure of hatching eggs on aerobic plate counts (APC), inoculated Salmonella typhimurium and inoculated Escherchia coli. In the first three experiments, seven eggs were sampled from a flat passed through the UV chamber. Ultraviolet-treated eggs compared to untreated eggs had APC reductions of 1.3 log, S. typhimurium had a 4 log reduction, and E. coli had a 4 to 5 log reduction. Laboratory trials were also conducted to test the effects of UV irradiation on the cuticle of the egg and hatchability. No significant differences for eggshell conductance or hatchability were found between UV-treated and control eggs. From these trials, it can be concluded that UV irradiation of hatching eggs in a prototype irradiation cabinet can effectively reduce aerobic and pathogenic bacteria on eggshell surfaces without affecting eggshell conductance or hatchability.

Animals↗

Comparison of eggshell surface microbial populations for in-line and off-line commercial egg processing facilities.

The objective of this project was to evaluate the aerobic plate counts (APC) of eggshells at in-line and off-line egg processing facilities at selected sites, throughout the processing procedure. Samples were collected from four sites in the processing plant and five time periods during the daily processing shift. Site 1 was from the conveyor system before the eggs passed through the washing system. Site 2 was after detergent wash but before sanitizer application. Site 3 was immediately after sanitizer treatment. Site 4 was immediately before packaging. Samples were collected from the sites at five equally spaced intervals beginning 15 min after the processing shift began and ending 15 min before the processing shift ended. At each sampling time, eggs were aseptically collected from each site and placed into sterile plastic bags containing 50 mL of PBS that was serially diluted immediately. The dilutions were plated on APC agar within 8 h of collection and were incubated at 37 C for 48 h. APC counts of in-line and off-line eggs were compared within time periods across sites. As the processing shift progressed, off-line APC counts were significantly higher than in-line counts at Site 1. At Site 2, off-line APC counts were significantly higher than in-line counts for Periods 2 through 5. At Site 3, off-line APC counts were significantly higher than in-line counts for Periods 2 through 5. Site 4 off-line counts were significantly higher than in-line counts at all time periods.

Animals↗

Reduction of eggshell aerobic plate counts by ultraviolet irradiation.

The effects of 254 nm ultraviolet light (UV) radiation on aerobic plate count (APC) of egg shells were investigated. In the first experiment, eggs were exposed to UV treatment (7.35 mW/cm2) for 0, 15, 30, and 60 s. Three eggs from each treatment were aseptically collected and placed into sterile plastic bags containing 50 mL of sterile phosphate-buffered solution. Serial dilutions of the phosphate-buffered solution were plated on aerobic plate count agar and incubated at 37 C for 48 h. Exposure of eggshells to 30 and 60 s UV significantly reduced aerobic plate counts compared to untreated eggs. Exposure to 60 s of UV resulted in a 2 to 3 log10 cfu/egg APC reduction and reduced counts below detectable levels. In the second experiment, UV lights were placed in a chamber equipped with a commercial-style egg conveyor. A UV treatment of 7.5 mW/cm2 and time intervals of 0, 12, 36, and 48 s were used. Three eggs were placed consecutively on the conveyor and passed through the chamber. The center egg was selected for APC evaluation. Sample size, dilution, plating, and incubation procedures were used as described for the first experiment. A significant 1 to 2 log10 reduction in colony-forming units per egg between the eggs treated 48 s to the untreated eggs was detected. The results of these studies show that UV light treatment at high intensities and low time intervals has the potential to reduce aerobic plate counts of eggshells.

Animals↗

Response of foodborne Salmonella spp. marker strains inoculated on egg shell surfaces to disinfectants in a commercial egg washer.

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an iodine based disinfectant (IBD, Iocide, Biomedical Development Corporation, San Antonio, TX) on Salmonella enteritidis and S. typhimurium inoculated on egg shell surfaces under simulated industry egg processing conditions with a commercial egg washer used as the sanitizer delivery system. Re-circulated egg washer water containing 1.40-2.85 g/l total dissolved solids was obtained from a commercial egg processing. Sanitizing treatments consisted of distilled deionized water (DDW), IBD, and chlorine (CL; 200 ppm). All treatments (DDW, IBD and CL) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased Salmonella spp. populations on the shell compared to dry (no spray) egg controls. However, efficacy of egg sanitizers appeared to be dependent on the level of total dissolved solids in the egg wash water.

Animals↗

Characterization of alkaline hydroxide-preserved whole poultry as a dry byproduct meal.

Studies were conducted to examine the chemical preservation of whole broiler carcasses by using aqueous alkaline hydroxide solutions. Conversion of the preserved carcasses and solutions into an acceptable poultry byproduct meal was examined. Carcasses and alkaline solutions at a 1:1 ratio were blended and freeze-dried to produce a high fat whole poultry byproduct meal. The dry meal was analyzed for nutrient composition, true metabolizable energy, and amino acid content. Viable bacteria were not recovered after inoculation of the experimental meal with Salmonella enteritidis. The meal was incorporated at 5 and 10% of chick starter diets. Chicks found the meal-containing diets acceptable. Feed consumption, water consumption, BW, and mortality were not significantly different among the dietary treatments in either of the two feeding trials. Necropsy samples revealed no pathological or histological differences attributable to consumption of the alkaline poultry byproduct and blood serum evaluation found no variation in blood chemistry. Alkaline treatment of whole broiler carcasses was an effective preservation method and acceptable as a dry poultry byproduct meal.

Amino Acids↗

Egg marketing in national supermarkets: egg quality--part 1.

Two surveys were conducted to determine the quality of eggs offered to consumers in large supermarkets in various regions of the US. The first survey was conducted in California (CA) in 1994 and included 38 samples of large (L) and extra large (XL) white eggs in 15 markets. Individual eggs were weighed, candled, and broken out for Haugh unit (HU) determination. Regional differences in age of eggs, the number of eggs below 55 HU, and the percentage of cracked eggs were observed. The second survey was conducted in California (CA), Illinois (IL), Pennsylvania (PA), Texas (TX), North Carolina (NC), and New England (NE). This study included brown and white eggs and samples from 115 stores in 38 cities. Significant age, egg weight, HU, and cracked egg differences were observed between states. Brown and white eggs were different relative to age and HU, but egg weights and cracked eggs were statistically the same. The two surveys, 1994 and 1996, within CA demonstrated very similar measurements when L-white eggs were compared.

Animals↗

Egg marketing in national supermarkets: specialty eggs--part 2.

Large eggs promoted as having one or more features beyond conventional white or brown shell eggs (specialty eggs) were evaluated for quality and price in a national retail study. Subtypes of specialty eggs included: nutritionally altered eggs, organic eggs, fertile eggs, eggs from welfare-managed hens, or hens fed all-vegetable diets. Extension Poultry Specialists in California (CA), Connecticut, Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas conducted a survey of egg quality and price and compared 246 dozen specialty eggs with 390 dozen conventional white shell eggs during the summer of 1996. Age of the eggs based on carton dating indicated specialty eggs were older (16.5 d) than white eggs (11.7 d). Average egg weights for specialty compared to white were 60.2 and 59.6 g, respectively. Interior egg quality evaluations including albumen height, Haugh units (HU), and percentage HU <55, indicated white eggs were superior (5.0 mm, 67.5, and 10.6%, respectively) compared to specialty eggs (4.7 mm, 63.8, and 16.3%). Although the percentage of cracked eggs was similar between specialty and white eggs (5.4 and 5.7%), the percentage of leakers was threefold higher for the specialty eggs (1.0 vs. 0.3%). Egg price was substantially higher for the specialty eggs, averaging $2.18/dozen with a range from 0.88 to $4.38, compared to white eggs, averaging $1.23/dozen and ranging from 0.39 to $2.35.

Animal Feed↗

Egg marketing in national supermarkets: products, packaging, and prices--part 3.

As part of a national retail egg quality study, the variety of shell eggs and egg products offered for sale, type of packaging, and price relationships were compared in five major metropolitan regions. A total of 81 stores in 28 cities were sampled in California (CA), Illinois (IL), North Carolina (NC), Texas (TX), and New England (NE). Data were recorded for the variety of brands, sizes, white or brown shell eggs, specialty eggs, liquid or frozen eggs, carton sizes, package labeling and coding, and price relationships of shell eggs, liquid, and frozen egg products displayed for sale. The total variety of shell eggs displayed per store was the greatest for CA and NE stores. Stores in CA and TX offered more (P < 0.05) variety of white shell eggs than did stores in the other states, whereas stores in NE displayed the greatest variety (P < 0.05) of brown shell eggs. The average number of liquid and frozen egg products was highest (P < 0.05) for NC stores. Packaging type, USDA labeling, and carton coding differed somewhat among states. The price per one dozen cartons of all white shell egg sizes was highest (P < 0.05) in CA stores, and the average liquid plus frozen egg product prices were higher in CA and NE stores compared to the other states. However, the ratio of liquid and frozen product prices to all large shell egg prices was among the lowest for CA and NC stores. These data indicate that product selection, packaging, and consumer prices for shell eggs and egg products varied considerably across five separate regions of the country.

Animals↗

Chemical preservation of whole broiler carcasses utilizing alkaline hydroxides.

The chemical preservation of whole broiler carcasses utilizing aqueous alkaline hydroxide solutions was examined as an alternative method of mortality management. Conversion of the preserved carcasses and solutions into an acceptable poultry by-product meal was examined. This research identified the basic parameters for effective preservative solutions that simultaneously hydrolyzed feathers and preserved the carcass. Euthanized, fully feathered, mature broilers were placed in potassium hydroxide (0.5 to 2.0 M) and sodium hydroxide (0.12 to 2.0 M) solutions for 5 and 10 d. Effectiveness was evaluated by visible feather degradation and carcass solubilization, odor production, inhibition of microbial growth, and solids content of the alkaline solutions. Sodium hydroxide at 1.9 and 2.0 M diffused throughout the carcass and produced adequate preservation without apparent putrefaction through 10 d. Aerobic bacteria were not recovered from sodium hydroxide solutions, carcass skin, or intestine samples at the 1.9 M concentration. Treatments of 2.0 M potassium hydroxide and a mixture of 1.5 M potassium hydroxide with 0.5 M sodium hydroxide produced the highest degree of carcass liquification at 10 d without visible putrefaction. Sodium hydroxide solution (2.0 M):carcass weight ratios ranging from 1:1 through 4:1 (wt:wt) were effective in preserving individual carcasses for more than 60 d without putrefaction.

Animals↗

The impact of pH on nitrogen retention in laboratory analysis of broiler litter.

Land application of broiler litter must fully regard agronomic and environmental issues, which requires increased precision in all aspects of land application of poultry litter. Previous researchers note that litter experiences significant nitrogen loss due to ammonia volatilization during the drying process. Others note that pH of poultry houses and litter significantly affects nitrogen loss due to ammonia volatilization. Recent work shows that acidifying agents effectively reduce ammonia generation in poultry production facilities. This concept is used in this study to adjust the pH of broiler litter samples prior to drying to reduce nitrogen loss during the drying process. Samples from four sources were used. Untreated litter was compared to litter treated with Al2(SO4)3, (10:1 wet weight basis) either in small (10 g) or large (100 g batches). Both Al2(SO4)3 treatment methods significantly lowered litter sample pH. No significant differences were observed in litter moisture analysis values. Regardless of source, litter treated in small batches had significantly higher nitrogen values than untreated litter. Large batches of treated litter did not consistently have higher nitrogen values than untreated litter. Treatment of litter samples with Al2(SO4)3 prior to drying resulted in more accurate quantification of nitrogen in litter, which can ultimately result in more accurate utilization of litter in agronomic applications.

Alum Compounds↗

Dietary methionine intake effects on egg component yield, composition, functionality, and texture profile analysis.

The influence of supplemental Met levels ranging from 413 to 556 mg per hen per d (mg/HD) on liquid egg component yield, composition, and functionality was examined in mature layers (29 wk of age). Egg weight, component yield, solids, and CP content of albumen and yolk were determined. Texture profile analysis, feed ingredient functionality testing, and PAGE were conducted to determine whether increased egg total solids and CP content resulted in altered egg component functionality or electrophoretic protein banding pattern. Albumen component yield increased significantly on a mass basis at 507 and 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 mg/HD Met. Yolk mass yield was significantly increased at 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 mg/HD Met. Consumption above 413 mg/HD Met resulted in significantly increased albumen total solids and protein. Yolk solids were not significantly different; however, yolk CP was significantly increased at 507 and 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 mg/HD Met. Albumen and yolk functionality at 413 and 507 g/HD Met were not significantly different in relation to cake volume or height. Emulsion separation at 120 min was significantly increased for 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 and 507 g/HD Met. There were no significant differences in hardness or springiness of albumen and yolk gel plugs and electrophoretic protein banding patterns. Increased understanding of the influence of Met on liquid egg yield and composition may provide the egg producer with an effective and advantageous management technique for shell egg production specifically managed to maximize liquid egg product.

Albumins↗

Effect of dietary methionine intake on egg component yield and composition.

The effects of methionine intake on liquid egg component yield and composition were examined in two laying hen experiments using diets supplemented with differing levels of methionine. In Experiment 1, a high methionine intake level of 512 was compared to 326 mg per hen-day (HD). The 512 mg/HD intake significantly increased egg weight, component mass, and total solids in both albumen and yolk. Experiment 2 examined methionine intakes of 328, 354, 392, and 423 mg/ HD. There were no significant differences in egg weight, component yield, or egg production among the treatments. Albumen solids from the 423 mg/HD intake level were significantly elevated when compared to 328 and 354 mg/HD. A methionine consumption of 354 mg/HD resulted in significantly lower yolk solids than 328, 392, and 423 mg/HD. Methionine intakes of 392 and 423 mg/HD did result in significantly increased crude protein content of albumen and yolk compared to 328 and 354 mg/HD methionine. Experiment 1 found elevated dietary methionine increased egg size, component mass, and solids content of albumen and yolk. Experiment 2 methionine intake significantly increased crude protein of albumen and yolk without changes in egg size or component yield. These results indicate a methionine intake range that will later liquid component composition while egg size remains unchanged.

Animals↗

The effect of L-lysine intake on egg component yield and composition in laying hens.

Currently, 24% of the total U.S. egg supply is consumed as liquid egg product (LEP). In addition to egg weight and size, the commercial value of LEP is a function of percentage solids. The influence of L-Lys on LEP, the texture profile analysis of heat formed albumen and yolk gel plugs, and yolk emulsion separations was examined in two experiments. In Experiment 1, 108 layer hens (42 wk of age) were fed three sorghum-soybean diets with Lys levels ranging from 677 to 1,613 mg per hen per d (mg/HD). In Experiment 2, 108 layer hens (23 wk of age) were fed four sorghum diets with Lys levels ranging from 638 to 1,165 mg/HD. In Experiment 1, Lys intake of 1,613 compared to 677 mg/HD significantly increased albumen weight, solids, and protein and egg weight. There were no significant differences in egg production, feed consumption, or yolk weight, protein, and solids. In Experiment 2, Lys intake of 1,165 mg/HD resulted in significantly lower feed consumption, nutrient intake, and egg production. Lysine intake of 1,062 compared to 638 mg/HD resulted in significantly greater albumen solids, protein, and hardness, and egg production. Lysine intake of 828 compared to 638 mg/HD resulted in significant increases in yolk weight, protein, hardness, and emulsion separations. Lysine intakes of 1,062 mg/HD resulted in most yolk parameters returning to levels observed at 638 mg/HD. There were no significant differences in egg weight or yolk solids. This increased understanding of the influence of L-Lys on LEP parameters offers economic benefit to liquid egg producers.

Animals↗

Influences of age at final beak trim on the productive performance of commercial layers.

Two commercial egg-type strains were beak-trimmed at 10, 10 and 63, or 10 and 84 d. There were no interactions between strain and beak trimming treatment. Pullet feed consumption was significantly reduced within the 14-d period following beak trimming at 63 or 84 d. Total pullet feed consumption (1 to 126 d) was significantly lower among birds trimmed twice than among those trimmed only at 10 d. At 126 d, body weight of pullets trimmed at 10 and 84 d or 10 and 63 d was significantly less than that of those trimmed only at 10 d. Pullet mortality was not significantly influenced by beak trimming treatments. No significant effects of beak trimming treatments on layer mortality, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion, or egg quality were detected. Layer feed consumption was significantly greater among birds beak trimmed at 10 d than among those trimmed at 10 and 84 d. Most of the effects associated with beak trimming treatments can be attributed to the influence that beak trimming had on feed consumption.

Age Factors↗

Effects of cage population on the productive performance of layers.

Two commercial layer strains (3,456 hens total) were used to examine the effects of bird population on productive performance. Four cage population sizes (6, 8, 12, and 24 birds per cage) were compared. All cages were 35.7 cm deep and varied in width (61.2, 81.6, 122.4, and 244.8 cm). Floor space per bird was 364.1 cm2 and feeder space per bird was 10.2 cm in each cage configuration. Egg production and egg quality were measured from 20 to 72 wk of age. Strain differences were detected in hen-day egg production, egg mass, feed consumption, cracked egg percentage, Grade A eggs, Grade B eggs, peewee eggs, and large egg yield. There were no interactions between strain and cage population size. Cage population had no influence on hen-day egg production, mortality, feed conversion, egg size (peewee, small, medium, large, extra large), egg mass, lost eggs (by meat or blood spots), and percentage Grade B eggs. Percentage Grade A eggs, cracked egg percentage, and feed consumption were significantly influenced by cage population size. Hens housed at eight birds per cage had a greater percentage of Grade A eggs and a lower percentage of cracked eggs than those at other populations. Feed consumption was significantly greater for hens housed at 12 and 24 birds per cage compared with those at 6 and 8 birds per cage, respectively.

Animals↗

Salmonella contamination in commercial eggs and an egg production facility.

Egg samples were collected from various stages of an egg processing operation and from the attached production facility. Salmonella was isolated from 72.0% of all samples collected from the laying house environment. Recovery of Salmonella from flush water, ventilation fan, egg belt, and egg collector samples were (positive samples/total samples collected): 2/2, 4/4, 16/22, and 14/22, respectively. Salmonella was found on 7 of the 90 eggshells sampled before processing and 1 of 90 eggshells sampled after processing, but Salmonella was not found in the 180 eggs analyzed for internal contamination following processing. The one eggshell found positive for Salmonella following processing was detected when the pH of wash water samples was lowest (10.19). The 60 isolates from production facilities included the following Salmonella serotypes: S. agona, S. typhimurium, S. infantis, S. derby, S. heidelberg, S. california, S. montevideo, S. mbandaka, and untypable. The 22 isolates obtained from eggshells prior to processing were serotyped as S. heidelberg and S. montevideo. All five isolates obtained from eggshells after processing were serotyped as S. heidelberg. These data suggest that although the shells of about 1% of commercial eggs are contaminated with Salmonella, contamination of the internal contents of eggs with Salmonella is a rare event.

Animals↗

Intermediate filament antigens of 60 and 65 kDa in the nuclear matrix of plants: their detection and localization.

Although the presence of a matrix in plant nuclei has been reported, major questions remain about its structural and biochemical features. We have used an intermediate filament antibody of broad specificity to explore whether Daucus carota (carrot) nuclei and nuclear matrices contain intermediate filament/lamin antigens and, if so, where specifically they are localized. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting revealed two bands, at 60 and 65 kDa, that were highly immunoreactive with the intermediate filament antibody (IFA) of Pruss et al. (1981, Cell 27, 419-428). This pattern was observed consistently, not only with carrot cell-free nuclei and nuclear matrices, but also with nuclear preparations from Vicia faba (broad bean) and Pisum sativum (pea). Immunofluorescence studies with whole carrot nuclei localized the IFA antigens to the nucleoplasm and disclosed no accentuated peripheral labeling. Agarose-embedded nuclear matrices showed not only fluorescence throughout the nucleoplasm but also heavy labeling surrounding the nucleoli and suggestions of peripheral labeling. At the ultrastructural level, immunogold results from pre- and postembedment treatments supported the conclusion that IFA antigens occur throughout the nucleoplasm, with possibly a slight concentration at the periphery. These combined results provide substantial evidence that plant nuclei and their matrices possess at least two major intermediate filament antigens with molecular weights characteristic of animal lamins. Whether or not these antigens represent plant lamins, their nonperipheral localization hints at significant differences among the eukaryotic kingdoms in nuclear organization.

Antigens↗

Influence of age at final beak trimming on pullet and layer performance.

Effects of final beak trimming on pullet and layer productivity were examined with three strains of commercial layers. All pullets were precision-trimmed at 7 days with final beak trimming at either 63, 84, or 105 days. Transient depressions of pullet body weight and feed consumption were noted in the periods immediately following beak trimming. Pullet mortality from 7 to 18 wk of age and 18-wk body weight were not significantly affected by beak trimming treatments. Strain effects were noted in rate of feed consumption following beak trimming. Age at 50% production was significantly later among birds trimmed at 63 days than among those trimmed at 84 or 105 days. Feed consumption, egg production, and mortality (140 to 441 days) were significantly lower among birds trimmed at 63 days than among those trimmed at 84 or 105 days. Egg quality and size were not influenced by beak trimming treatments.

Aging↗