Categorization of early embryonic malformations in broilers by a new classification method combining light microscopy and high-resolution Episcopic Microscopy
Hatchability rates in broilers pose a significant challenge in the poultry industry. Despite advancements in breeding and incubation technology, hatch rates remain suboptimal due to factors like genetics, egg management, environmental stress, nutrition, and breeder age. Understanding the mechanisms...
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| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Poultry Science |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579124011659 |
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| author | Yuval Cinnamon Natalia Slutsky Maxim Quint Olga Genin Dalit Sela-Donenfeld |
| author_facet | Yuval Cinnamon Natalia Slutsky Maxim Quint Olga Genin Dalit Sela-Donenfeld |
| author_sort | Yuval Cinnamon |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Hatchability rates in broilers pose a significant challenge in the poultry industry. Despite advancements in breeding and incubation technology, hatch rates remain suboptimal due to factors like genetics, egg management, environmental stress, nutrition, and breeder age. Understanding the mechanisms behind compromised hatchability is crucial for improving broiler production. Since the embryonic phase accounts for ∼40% of a broiler's lifespan, poor embryonic development significantly contributes to malformations and mortality, adversely affecting both hatching and post-hatching performance.The foundations for proper embryogenesis are established within the first days of incubation during the formation of the three-germ layers and onset of organogenesis. These early days are critical, as malformations acquired during this period may severely affect growth and development of both the embryo and the hatchling chick. However, understanding of the types and prevalence of early embryonic malformations in broiler eggs remains incomplete.Here we present a novel tool for categorizing abnormalities in 3-day-old broiler embryos through a standardized classification system. Systematic mapping of malformation types and severities was conducted using light microscopy combined with High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM), resulting in a new 'malformation atlas.' This detailed atlas identified various abnormalities, including lethal defects, axis duplications, neural tube and cardiovascular malformations, growth retardation, and head malposition, many of which are difficult to detect in young stages with traditional methods.To validate this classification tool, we next analyzed the impact of various egg management practices, such as storage and incubation conditions, on malformation types and prevalence in embryos from young and old breeding flocks. The atlas revealed significant variations in the types and occurrences of malformations, influenced by flock age and egg managements.Our findings highlight the value of implementing a novel malformation categorization tool for systematic understanding of poultry embryology. This knowledge could help reduce malformations, enhancing hatchability and improving broiler production efficiency. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d2cfc45951f747bb8d00c86765f8c999 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 0032-5791 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Poultry Science |
| spelling | doaj-art-d2cfc45951f747bb8d00c86765f8c9992025-01-22T05:40:35ZengElsevierPoultry Science0032-57912025-01-011041104587Categorization of early embryonic malformations in broilers by a new classification method combining light microscopy and high-resolution Episcopic MicroscopyYuval Cinnamon0Natalia Slutsky1Maxim Quint2Olga Genin3Dalit Sela-Donenfeld4Department of Poultry and Aquaculture Science, Institute of Animal Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization - Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel; Corresponding authors.Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610001, IsraelKoret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610001, IsraelDepartment of Poultry and Aquaculture Science, Institute of Animal Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization - Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, IsraelKoret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel; Corresponding authors.Hatchability rates in broilers pose a significant challenge in the poultry industry. Despite advancements in breeding and incubation technology, hatch rates remain suboptimal due to factors like genetics, egg management, environmental stress, nutrition, and breeder age. Understanding the mechanisms behind compromised hatchability is crucial for improving broiler production. Since the embryonic phase accounts for ∼40% of a broiler's lifespan, poor embryonic development significantly contributes to malformations and mortality, adversely affecting both hatching and post-hatching performance.The foundations for proper embryogenesis are established within the first days of incubation during the formation of the three-germ layers and onset of organogenesis. These early days are critical, as malformations acquired during this period may severely affect growth and development of both the embryo and the hatchling chick. However, understanding of the types and prevalence of early embryonic malformations in broiler eggs remains incomplete.Here we present a novel tool for categorizing abnormalities in 3-day-old broiler embryos through a standardized classification system. Systematic mapping of malformation types and severities was conducted using light microscopy combined with High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM), resulting in a new 'malformation atlas.' This detailed atlas identified various abnormalities, including lethal defects, axis duplications, neural tube and cardiovascular malformations, growth retardation, and head malposition, many of which are difficult to detect in young stages with traditional methods.To validate this classification tool, we next analyzed the impact of various egg management practices, such as storage and incubation conditions, on malformation types and prevalence in embryos from young and old breeding flocks. The atlas revealed significant variations in the types and occurrences of malformations, influenced by flock age and egg managements.Our findings highlight the value of implementing a novel malformation categorization tool for systematic understanding of poultry embryology. This knowledge could help reduce malformations, enhancing hatchability and improving broiler production efficiency.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579124011659Embryonic malformationMorphologyBirth defectsBreeder ageFlock ageEgg storage |
| spellingShingle | Yuval Cinnamon Natalia Slutsky Maxim Quint Olga Genin Dalit Sela-Donenfeld Categorization of early embryonic malformations in broilers by a new classification method combining light microscopy and high-resolution Episcopic Microscopy Poultry Science Embryonic malformation Morphology Birth defects Breeder age Flock age Egg storage |
| title | Categorization of early embryonic malformations in broilers by a new classification method combining light microscopy and high-resolution Episcopic Microscopy |
| title_full | Categorization of early embryonic malformations in broilers by a new classification method combining light microscopy and high-resolution Episcopic Microscopy |
| title_fullStr | Categorization of early embryonic malformations in broilers by a new classification method combining light microscopy and high-resolution Episcopic Microscopy |
| title_full_unstemmed | Categorization of early embryonic malformations in broilers by a new classification method combining light microscopy and high-resolution Episcopic Microscopy |
| title_short | Categorization of early embryonic malformations in broilers by a new classification method combining light microscopy and high-resolution Episcopic Microscopy |
| title_sort | categorization of early embryonic malformations in broilers by a new classification method combining light microscopy and high resolution episcopic microscopy |
| topic | Embryonic malformation Morphology Birth defects Breeder age Flock age Egg storage |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579124011659 |
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