Long-24-h ahemeral light cycle improved eggshell quality of hens in late laying period.

Previous study indicated that long-24-h ahemeral light cycle could ameliorate the deterioration of eggshell quality, a significant issue in the later stages of egg production; nevertheless, the underlying process remains unclear. This study explored the mechanism of the long-24-h ahemeral light cycle improving eggshell quality of hens in late laying stage. Two sets of 260 Hy-Line brown laying hens, aged 74 weeks, were randomized, with 65 chickens in each group.

Melatonin alleviates endoplasmic reticulum stress to improve ovarian function by regulating the mTOR pathway in aged laying hens.

Granular cell apoptosis is a key factor leading to follicular atresia and decreased laying rate in aged laying hens. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) induced cell apoptosis is a new type of apoptosis pathway. Previous studies have shown that the ERS pathway is involved in the regulation of follicular development and atresia, and can be regulated by mTOR.