Changes in Tight Junction Protein Expression Levels but Not Distribution in Commercial White and Brown Laying Hens Supplemented with or Seaweed.

It is proposed that prebiotic diet supplements improve intestinal function, in part by improving the barrier function of the intestinal epithelium with an associated increase in the expression of tight junction proteins, including occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). We examined the expression of these proteins in two strains of laying hens (Lohman LSL-lite (White) and Lohman Brown-lite (Brown)) who were supplemented or not with 3% or 0.5% seaweeds from 31 to 72 weeks of age.

A chromosome-level genome assembly reveals genomic characteristics of the American mink (Neogale vison).

Availability of a contiguous chromosome-level genome assembly is the foundational step to develop genome-based studies in American mink (Neogale vison). The main objective of this study was to provide a high quality chromosome-level genome assembly for American mink. An initial draft of the genome assembly was generated using 2,884,047 PacBio long reads.

Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Seaweed, Heat Stress and Genetic Strain on Performance, Plasma Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in Laying Hens.

This study was planned to investigate the effects of seaweed supplementation, genetic strain, heat stress and their interactions on laying hen performances, blood chemistry and hematology. In a short-term trial, laying hens of the two genetic lines Lohman LSL-Lite (White) and Lohman Brown-Lite (Brown) were supplemented with (CC) at 3% for 21 days, while a control group was not. In a long-term trial, the same two strains were assigned to control (0%), 3% red seaweed (CC) or 0.