Average Egg Production Research Articles

The Effect of Light Intensity and Temperature-Humidity Index on Egg Performance and Growth Rate in Laying Hens Raised in Different Cage Tiers

The aim of this research is to evaluate the effects of light intensity and the temperature-humidity index (THI) on egg performance and growth rate in laying hens reared on different cage tiers. Additionally, the study seeks to un-derstand the sensitivity and efficiency of chickens' comfort conditions under various climatic environmental conditions. Brown layer Hyline Brown hens were used as the animal material. In the experiment, 392 hens were housed in a total of 56 cages, with 7 hens per cage in a 4-tier cage system. During the experiment, live weights, growth rates, egg pro-duction, and egg weights of the hens were recorded and correlated with the THI and light intensity values measured in front of each cage. The results indicated that hens on the upper tiers had higher live weights, body weight gains, growth rates, egg production, and egg weights compared to those on the lower tiers. A negative relationship was found between the THI value and both growth rate and egg production. Increasing THI values negatively affected both body weight and egg production. Significant positive relationships were observed between light intensity and egg weight, egg production, and average egg production. In conclusion, environmental management and physiological factors are crucial in optimizing the performance of laying hens. Appropriate housing conditions, including optimal light intensity, and temperature management, are essential for maximizing both growth and reproductive performance. Additionally, achieving an ideal body weight at the beginning of the productive period is a crucial for egg production.

Captive spawning, early development, and larviculture of largescale blackfish, Girella punctata (Gray, 1835), and effects of macroalgae and alternative protein sources on its juvenile growth performance

The largescale blackfish, Girella punctata (Gray, 1835), inhabits rocky substrates in the coastal waters of Japan and northeastern Taiwan. Despite its commercial significance, there is limited knowledge regarding its reproductive biology due to the sparse occurrence of broodstocks in its natural environment. This study investigated the reproductive performance and embryonic development of G. punctata, assesses its feeding preferences through controlled feeding trials, and evaluates the impact of various feed types on its growth performance. In total, 124 wild-caught G. punctata were reared for 3–4 years, and their reproductive performance was assessed in 2015 and 2016. Their egg production increased with a sudden water temperature change from 17 ℃ in 2015–22 ℃ and 2016. The total and daily average egg production weights were 3589.22 and 40.79 g, respectively, whereas the total and daily average fertilized egg production weights were 1630.72 and 18.59 g, respectively; moreover, the hatching rate was 42.61 %. During embryonic development, the eggs hatched 45 h post fertilization at 19 ℃. Newly hatched larvae were 2.26 ± 0.04 mm in length with a yolk sac of 1.09 ± 0.02 mm in length. The yolk sac was almost completely absorbed 3 days post hatch (dph), when the larvae grew to a length of 3.42 ± 0.06 mm. We found that fish meal with 40 % protein was the optimal G. punctata fish diet. The weight gain in juveniles fed Cladophora fascicularis ranged from 47 % to 52 %, which was significantly higher than that in those fed Hypnea charoides (p < 0.05). The present study provided a practical guideline on the conditions required for successful fertilization and early development of G. punctata embryos and other larval stages. This information should help ensure greater survival and a higher proportion of healthy G. punctata larvae for mariculture applications.

Sustainable Growth through Thai Native Chicken Farming: Lessons from Rural Communities

Thai native chickens hold significant value in rural communities due to their adaptability and suitability for local rearing conditions. However, there are challenges in the commercial raising of these chickens. This study aimed to evaluate and promote the potential of Thai native chickens (Pradu Hang Dum) for commercial purposes and the development of sustainable native chicken farming. Out of 110 interested farmers, 88 met preliminary conditions and 62 were well-prepared and willing to comply with project conditions. Some farmers were disqualified for not understanding the project conditions or having inadequately prepared chicken coops. The survival rate of native chickens provided to farmers through the project was 52%. Among the surviving birds, 40% were male and 60% were female. The most common causes of death in the project were sickness, accidents, and fighting. The average body weights and average daily gains at different ages were significantly different among farm groups. The average egg production per hatch per hen was 13 ± 2.4 eggs. The highest egg production was in the good farms compared to moderate and poor farms. Better farm management led to higher egg production. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that effective farm management significantly enhances the productivity of Thai native chickens, highlighting their potential as an income-generating activity for rural communities. While challenges such as sickness and accidents impact survival rates, the findings suggest that improved management practices can lead to better production outcomes.

On farm Performance Evaluation of Exotic Chickens in Central Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

The study was carried out on two purposively selected districts of central zone of Tigray, viz., Mereb Leke and Tahtay Michew. The aim of the study was to evaluate the on-farm performance of three exotic chicken strains under the farmer condition. A total of 96 households (48 household per district) were participated and then the selected strains (Sasso Rhode Island Red, Kuroiler and Koekoek) were distributed. GLM procedure was used for the on-farm data analysis. Data collected during the entire study were, growth data, fertility and hatchability, egg production, weight and age at point of lay. Better overall average daily body weight gains were achieved from 12-16 and 16-20 weeks by kuroiler chicken strains with value of 10.29, 13.68 gram respectively. Egg at first lay of SRIR and Kuroiler strains were 23.69 and 25.25 weeks respectively. The overall average egg production in the study area was 63.36% which was scored by SRIR strain. According to this study, based on their fast-growing kuroiler strain and based on their egg production potential SRIR strain were recommended to the study area and like agro ecologies.

Transcriptomics reveals that NAD(P)H affects the development of the Zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus ♀) × Spiny eel (Sinobdella sinensis ♂) hybrid offspring leading to low hatching rates

Zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus (2 n = 48)) and Spiny eel (Sinobdella sinensis (2 n = 48)) are two species of the Mastacembelidae family commonly found in southern China. Hybridization between the two has a very high deformity rate and a very low hatching rate. In order to investigate the reasons for this, the first hybridization between M. armatus and S. sinensis was carried out using artificial insemination, and the embryonic development of the hybrid offspring was examined using microphotography, and the malformations of the hybrid offspring were investigated by transcriptomics. The experiments showed that the average egg production was 4265.7 ± 322.94 (Mean ± SD), the average fertilization rate of hybrid offspring was 98.67 ± 0.58 % (Mean ± SD), the hatching rate was 12.06 ± 3.44 % (Mean ± SD), the deformity rate was 98.15 ± 3.21 % (Mean ± SD), and the embryonic development successively went through the five main stages of fertilized egg, egg cleavage, embryo formation, organogenesis, and exertion of membranes. Transcriptomics showed that the expression of NAD(P)H-related enzyme activity DEGs was increased, and many DEGs related to cell signaling molecule transmission and metabolic regulation are enriched in KEGG pathways, such as IL-17 signaling pathway, Osteoclast differentiation, TNF signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. etc. The major types of DEGs corresponded to those coding for proteins. This study suggests that the high malformation rate in hybrid offspring may be caused by impaired synthesis of proteins during embryonic development.

Laying Performance and Hatchability Rate of True-To-Type Bolinao Native Chicken in ASIST Demo-Site Lagangilang, Abra

This study was conducted to evaluate the production performance between Abra and Bolinao, Pangasinan origin of True-to-type Bolinao native chicken under Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology ASIST (demo-site) in Lagangilang, Abra. The study was conducted for eight months from August 2022-March 2023. The average monthly egg production ranges from 7-14 with a mean of 10.27 from group A (Abra origin), while 5-12 eggs per hen in group B (Bolinao origin) with a mean of 8.93, hen-house egg production (HHEP) is higher in group A (34.13%) compared to group B with 29.65%. The average egg mass is quietly higher also in group A (14.54%), compared to group B with 13.10%, however, a significant T-test (0.05)higher egg weight is observed in group B (44.10 grams), compared to group A (42.46 grams), while in feed conversion ratio (FCR), better efficiency is observed in group B (2.72)which is significant at 0.05 level, compared to group A (2.83). In terms of hatchability rate, group A performed better (47.83%), compared to group B with 41.01%, while the weight of chicks upon hatching observed an insignificant result between the two groups with a mean of 27.49grams in group A and 27.09grams in group B respectively

Effects of dietary supplementation of polysaccharide from Agaricus blazei Murr on productive performance, egg quality, blood metabolites, intestinal morphology and microbiota of Korean quail.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Agaricus blazei polysaccharide (ABP) at varying concentrations on the performance, egg quality, blood biochemistry, intestinal morphology, and microflora of quail. The study involved a total of 2,700 Korean quails, which were randomly divided into three groups. The measured variables encompassed productive performance, egg parameters, carcass parameters, serum metabolites, immune response parameters, antioxidative properties, and gut microbiome. The addition of ABP did not have a significant effect on average daily feed intake. However, it was found to increase the average daily egg weight and egg production rate, reduce the feed-egg ratio. There were no significant impacts on egg quality measures such as egg shape index, egg yolk index and color, egg yolk and protein content. However, ABP supplementation significantly increased the Hough unit (p<0.01) and decreased the rate of unqualified eggs (p<0.01). Regarding serum parameters, the inclusion led to an increase in total protein concentration (p<0.05) and a reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05). There were no significant effects observed on immune indicators such as immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgM. ABP supplementation increased the levels of serum antioxidant indicators, including glutathione peroxidase, total superoxide dismutase (p<0.05), and total antioxidant capacity colorimeter (p<0.05). Furthermore, ABP supplementation significantly elevated the intramuscular fatty acid content in quail meat. Additionally, ABP supplementation demonstrated a significant improvement in the diversity of gut microbiota and induced alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota. The findings of this study indicate that dietary supplementation of ABP enhanced production performance and antioxidant capacity while increasing the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in quail muscle.

The genetics of resilience and its relationships with egg production traits and antibody traits in chickens

BackgroundResilience is the capacity of an animal to be minimally affected by disturbances or to rapidly return to its initial state before exposure to a disturbance. Resilient livestock are desired because of their improved health and increased economic profit. Genetic improvement of resilience may also lead to trade-offs with production traits. Recently, resilience indicators based on longitudinal data have been suggested, but they need further evaluation to determine whether they are indeed predictive of improved resilience, such as disease resilience. This study investigated different resilience indicators based on deviations between expected and observed egg production (EP) by exploring their genetic parameters, their possible trade-offs with production traits, and their relationships with antibody traits in chickens.MethodsEgg production in a nucleus breeding herd environment based on 1-week-, 2-week-, or 3-week-intervals of two purebred chicken lines, a white egg-laying (33,825 chickens) and a brown egg-laying line (34,397 chickens), were used to determine deviations between observed EP and expected average batch EP, and between observed EP and expected individual EP. These deviations were used to calculate three types of resilience indicators for two life periods of each individual: natural logarithm-transformed variance (ln(variance)), skewness, and lag-one autocorrelation (autocorrelation) of deviations from 25 to 83 weeks of age and from 83 weeks of age to end of life. Then, we estimated their genetic correlations with EP traits and with two antibody traits.ResultsThe most promising resilience indicators were those based on 1-week-intervals, as they had the highest heritability estimates (0.02–0.12) and high genetic correlations (above 0.60) with the same resilience indicators based on longer intervals. The three types of resilience indicators differed genetically from each other, which indicates that they possibly capture different aspects of resilience. Genetic correlations of the resilience indicator traits based on 1-week-intervals with EP traits were favorable or zero, which means that trade-off effects were marginal. The resilience indicator traits based on 1-week-intervals also showed no genetic correlations with the antibody traits, which suggests that they are not informative for improved immunity or vice versa in the nucleus environment.ConclusionsThis paper gives direction towards the evaluation and implementation of resilience indicators, i.e. to further investigate resilience indicator traits based on 1-week-intervals, in breeding programs for selecting genetically more resilient layer chickens.

Assessment of four different dietary amino acid profiles recommended for ISA Brown layer hens: A validation study

The current feeding study was designed to validate the two dietary essential amino acid profiles (EAAP) established based on linear broken-line (LBL) and quadratic broken-line (QBL) models, in a previous study, against Evonik (AMINOHen) and breeder recommendations for ISA Brown layers for peak production (PP, 20 to 44 weeks of age), and post peak production (post PP, 44 to 75 weeks of age). The EAAP based on LBL models on average had 19.5% and 26.0% lower digestible AA (Lys, Met + Cys, Thr, Trp, Ile and Val), than the EAAP based on QBL models for PP and post PP, respectively. The EAAP based on AMINOHen and breeder recommendation had lower digestible AA than QBL, and higher EAAP than LBL models for both production phases. At 20 weeks of age, 224 ISA Brown layer hens were weighed and randomly allocated to individual battery cages. Each of the four diets was replicated 8 times with 7 birds per replicate. Egg production was recorded daily, and egg weights were measured at the end of each week. Feed consumption was measured at the end of each period. The egg production rate was not significantly affected by the diets and remained at around 98.0% (PP) and 95.0% (post PP) (P > 0.05). Birds fed diets based on LBL recommendation consistently laid smaller eggs, resulting in a lower egg mass (59.8 vs. 62.0 g egg/hen per day during PP, and 60.3 vs. 63.0 g egg/hen per day during post PP; P < 0.05). Diets had no significant effect on feed intake and body weight (P > 0.05). The highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) during PP (P = 0.067) and post PP (P < 0.05) was recorded for the birds offered diets based on LBL recommendation. In conclusion, all four EAAP tested in this study support an above average egg production rate. However, the EAAP based on LBL models may potentially decrease the input feed cost per kilogram of eggs but are not set to optimise FCR and maximise egg mass.

Enhancing Reproductive Performance of Nilem Fish (Osteochilus hasselti) through Artificial Spawning

This study aims to evaluate the reproductive performance of Nilem fish (Osteochilus hasselti) through artificial spawning methods. Spawning was conducted in glass aquaria using the sGnRH-a hormone on both male and female broodstocks. Egg production, fertilization rate (FR), hatching rate (HR), and survival rate (SR) were the main observed parameters. The research results revealed that the average egg production per female broodstock reached 25,350, indicating a high level of fecundity. The fertilization rate reached 97.70%, indicating an effective egg fertilization process. The hatching rate (HR) value of 92.20% indicates success in the egg-hatching process. Larval survival rate (SR) during the 4-day rearing period reached 84.70%. Maintaining optimal water quality also contributed to the success of artificial spawning. In conclusion, artificial spawning in Nilem fish could achieve high levels of success by optimizing reproductive parameters and considering environmental factors. This study provides valuable insights into the sustainable development of Nilem fish cultivation.

Suitable Acidified Eggshell Powder Food Promotes Brachionus calyciflorus Growth and Reproduction: From Antioxidant Capacity Insight.

Rotifers are natural initial bait for fish larvae in freshwater. Here, the effects of various concentrations of acidified eggshell powder solutions (0, 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 mg/L) on the growth and reproduction of the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus were evaluated in culture experiments (11 days). The population density, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and Na and Mg contents in rotifers were significantly higher in the 20-160 mg/L groups than in the control group. A redundancy analysis showed that the Na, Mg, Cr, K, and Ca contents were positively correlated with the rotifer population density and CAT and SOD activity. Furthermore, the generation time and lifespan of F2 rotifers were significantly higher in the 20-40 mg/L treatment groups (82.0 ± 3.7 hr and 162.0 ± 2.7 hr, respectively) than in the control group (64.0 ± 4.0 hr and 128.0 ± 4.0 hr, respectively). Average egg production in F2 rotifers was significantly higher in the 20-80 mg/L treatment groups (15.2 ± 0.7 individuals) than in the control group (11.7 ± 1.2 individuals). These results indicate that 20 mg/L eggshell powder is optimal for growth and reproduction in B. calyciflorus, providing a theoretical basis for using new mineral sources in high-quality open bait for fish larvae.

Using low-protein diet in egg production for win-win of productivity and environmental benefits should be prudent: Evidence from pilot test

A shortage of feed protein resources restricts poultry productivity. Key strategies to alleviate this problem include improvements to the structure of the gut microbiota by the appropriate intake of high-quality protein, improvements to the comprehensive protein utilization rate, and reducing the consumption of protein raw materials. In addition, damage to the environment caused by nitrogen emissions needs to be reduced. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of dietary protein levels on laying performance, host metabolism, ovarian health, nitrogen emissions, and the gut microbial structure and function of laying hens. In total, 360 hens at the age of 38 weeks were randomly allotted four treatments. Each of the groups consisted of nine replicates, with 10 birds per replicate, used for 12 weeks of study. Dietary protein levels of the four groups were 13.85 %, 14.41 %, 15.63 %, and 16.30 %. Results revealed that, compared with the 13.85 % crude protein (CP) group, the 15.63 % CP group experienced significantly enhanced final body weight, average daily gain, egg production, and egg mass. Compared with the 16.30 % CP group, the other groups' serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were significantly reduced. Compared with the 16.30 % CP group, the 13.85 % and 15.63 % groups had increased CP utilization rates but reduced nitrogen emission rate, and daily per egg and per kilogram egg nitrogen emissions rose with increased dietary protein levels. Compared to the 13.85 % and 14.41 % CP groups, the 16.30 % CP group exhibited a significant increase in the expression of genes related to amino acids and carbohydrate metabolic pathways. According to the linear discriminant analysis effect size diagram, the predominant bacteria in the 15.63 % CP group (e.g., Subdoligranulum, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013) were significantly related to CP utilization. The results of this study emphasize that production performance is significantly reduced when protein levels are too low, whereas too high protein levels lead to gut microbiota imbalance and a reduction in the utilization efficiency of nutrients. Therefore, on the premise of ensuring the health of hens, the structure of the gut microbiota can be improved by appropriately reducing protein levels, which helps to balance the relationships among host health, productivity, resources, and the environment.

PSXII-11 Comparison of Egg-Laying Ability Among Eight Lines Including Korean Native Chicken (KNC)

Abstract Chicken egg production capacity is an important economic trait in the poultry industry. To improve the usability of Korean Native chicken (KNC), we measured the egg traits [age of first egg (AFE), first egg weight (FEW), egg number (EN), egg weight (EW)] and performed a comparative analysis. Age of first egg is the number of days an individual starts producing eggs. FEW is the weight of the first egg produced. EN and EW are the number of eggs produced between 20 and 40 weeks old and the weight of the eggs. The chicken breeds we used in our study were KNC (GBY, GWY, CNB, CNW, CNY, CNK), Ameraucana (AMR) and Leghorn (LEG). The CNK line started laying eggs at 140.75 ± 6.23 days. The AFE of CNK was faster than LEG (142.35 ± 7.20, P &amp;lt; 0.05). The weight of the first egg after starting egg production AMR line (44.1 ± 5.20g) produced the heaviest egg among the investigative groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The CNY line laid the lightest egg (31.9 ± 3.80g). FEW of KNC was less than that of both LEG and AMR breeds (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The AFE was late and FEW was the greatest in the AMR breed. The LEG which is a representative laying hen laid the most EN between 20 and 40 weeks of age (118.35 ± 10.07). LEG was greater than the CNK (106.85 ± 14.66), which laid the second most (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The CNB (82.45 ± 20.68) showed the least EN. The EW of the AMR (54.20 ± 4.30) was the heaviest (P &amp;lt; 0.05). On the contrary, Six KNC (CNK: 45.70 ± 3.00, GBY: 45.20 ± 3.10, GWY: 45.20 ± 2.20, CNB: 44.60 ± 3.20, CNY: 43.70 ± 3.90, CNW: 43.50 ± 3.40) lines produced lighter eggs than LEG (51.50 ± 3.50) and AMR (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, the average egg production performance of the KNC six lines was generally less than that of the LEG and AMR breeds. However, some lines of KNC confirmed that the start date of egg production was faster than other breeds. These results will be used to investigate the genomic pattern of egg production in KNC population and provide fundamental data for gene-based selection to improve egg production.

Life history traits and rearing protocol of &lt;i&gt;Microvelia pulchella&lt;/i&gt; (Hemiptera: Veliidae): a potential biological control agent and model for behavioral and ecological studies

Microvelia pulchella, a semiaquatic predatory bug widely distributed in the Neotropics, holds great potential as a biocontrol agent against disease-vector mosquitoes and pests in paddy rice fields. Moreover, insects belonging to the genus Microvelia have served as valuable model organisms for ecological and behavioural research. Considering this, our study aimed to establish an enhanced laboratory rearing protocol for M. pulchella based on existing methodologies. The protocol encompasses a decision-making flowchart to optimize the rearing process, a standardized method for accurately determining egg and nymph ages, and photographs illustrating all life stages and sexes of the insect. Additionally, we sought to characterize key life history traits of this species. Our detailed rearing procedure involves utilizing different containers tailored to each insect stage and specific requirements. We observed an average development time of 20.6 days from egg to adult at a temperature of 25°C (room temperature). Interestingly, male adults reared in the laboratory exhibited smaller sizes compared to their field-collected counterparts, while females displayed similar sizes across conditions. Female M. pulchella demonstrated an average egg production of 211.77 eggs, with the highest fecundity occurring within the first five weeks. Fertility followed a similar pattern, peaking during this period. In terms of longevity, females exhibited an average survival time of 74 days, whereas males lived for approximately 91 days. M. pulchella proves to be a convenient model organism for conducting non-invasive experiments, given the multitude of informative traits that can be measured. Additionally, the rearing procedure is cost-effective, straightforward, and requires minimal space.

Effects of different host plants on the growth, development, and fecundity of Phthorimaea absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): an evaluation based on the age-stage two-sex life table.

This study aimed to investigate the growth and development parameters of Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) population at each stage when feeding on 4 host plants: Lycopersicon esculentum, Solanum tuberosum, Solanum melongena, and Nicotiana tabacum. The objective was to predict population dynamics and develop appropriate control strategies. The age-stage sex-life table was used to evaluate survival rate, fecundity, life expectancy, reproductive value, population parameters, and population growth prediction of P. absoluta after feeding on the 4 Solanaceae plants. The results showed significant variations in the fecundity parameters of P. absoluta among the different host plants. The L. esculentum population exhibited the highest average egg-laying period (13.17 ± 0.61 days) and average egg production (219.31 ± 21.02 eggs), while N. tabacum had the lowest values (4.56 ± 0.26 days and 26.08 ± 2.53 eggs, respectively). The gross reproduction rate of P. absoluta feeding on L. esculentum was 146.43 ± 21.00, which was 1.80, 3.77, and 6.39 times higher compared to S. tuberosum, S. melongena, and N. tabacum, respectively. The average age period and population doubling time of P. absoluta feeding on L. esculentum were lower than those of the other 3 host plants. These results indicated that while P. absoluta can complete a generation on L. esculentum, S. tuberosum, S. melongena, and N. tabacum, L. esculentum is the most suitable host for its growth and development. Therefore, in the occurrence and adjacent areas of P. absoluta, relevant authorities should promptly monitor and control its population in the planting areas of Solanaceae plants to prevent further spread.

Association of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1 gene polymorphism with layer economic traits in Rhode Island Red chicken

The research work was conducted to determine allelic polymorphism of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor-1 (VIPR-1) gene and its association with layer traits in Rhode Island Red (RIR) chicken. Blood samples were collected from pullets (n=111) belonging to five hatches. Data on body weight at 20 weeks of age (BW20) and layer economic traits, viz. age at sexual maturity (ASM), egg weight at 28 (EW28) and 40 weeks (EW40) of age, and egg production up to 40 weeks of age (EP40)) were recorded. Genomic DNA was isolated by phenol chloroform extraction method. Samples were amplified for product sizes of 364, 434 and 486 bp of VIPR-1 gene. Amplified regions were digested by TaiI, HhaI and TaqI restriction enzymes. Digested fragments of TaiI and HhaI revealed monomorphism, whereas TaqI showed polymorphism. Allelic frequencies for polymorphic locus were 0.98 (A) and 0.02 (B) and genotypic frequencies for AA and AB were 0.96 and 0.04, respectively. The BW20 and layer traits (ASM, EW28, EW40 and EP40) were analysed by least-squares analysis of variance taking sire as random and hatch as fixed effect. Average ASM and egg production up to 40 weeks of age were 135.19±1.15 days and 124.55±1.94 eggs, respectively. Least-square analysis of variance had revealed significant effect of hatch on ASM, EW28 and EP40. However, effect of TaqI-RFLP genotypes was non-significant on layer traits. Further investigations on a larger sample basis are suggested to confirm effect of this mutation on layer traits as molecular marker in RIR chicken.

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An experiment was carried out to assess the optimum turmeric concentration and ideal mating ratios for Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) for production performance of fertile eggs and hatchability. A total of 162 ten weeks old females and 27 males were assigned in the study. They were fed on a commercial layer quail diet containing approximately 18 % crude protein and 3000 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME)/kg and reared for 12 weeks in three mating ratios: 1:4, 1:6 and 1:8. (male: female), each replicated three times. A total of 540 selected hatching eggs per batch of incubation were collected and less than 7 days stored, then were incubated for hatching performance. Percentage of average egg production (AEP-%), feed intake (FI-g), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg weight (EW-g), egg mass (EM-g/bird) and hatching performance were determined. It was observed that FI were the only performance production affected significantly (P&lt;0.001) by feeding a commercial diet mixed with liquid turmeric. Mating ratios influence FI and FCR (P&lt;0.001). Most hatching performances were affected by turmeric and sex ratios, except dead in-shell and normal quail chicks. The values of AEP (87.16%) and EM (8.42 g/bird/d) were the highest performance with 10 g/kg of turmeric. The ratio of 1:4 was the best mating ratio for local quail breed with highest records of all hatching performances significantly.

Mitigation of heat stress effects on laying hens' performances, egg quality, and some blood parameters by adding dietary zinc-enriched yeasts, parsley, and their combination.

Finding natural, handy and efficient nutritional solutions to prevent and mitigate negative effects caused by environmental heat stress and to be applied to large-scale laying hen industry. A 3-weeks trial was conducted on 128 laying hens TETRA-SL LL (50 weeks of age) housed in 8 cages/group, 4 laying hens/cage, 32 laying hens/group, under heat stress conditions (34±1°C). The basal diet on corn and soybean meal was formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenic. Compared to Control group diet (C), experimental groups E1 included 1% zinc-enriched yeast; E2 included 2% parsley and E3 included 1% zinc-enriched yeast combined with 2% parsley to minimize the heat stress effects. The parsley and the zinc-enriched yeast were analysed for their chemical composition, total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, minerals, vitamin E and incorporated into the ration structure. Production parameters, egg quality, biochemical and haematological profiles of blood samples were analysed during the trial. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) average egg weight was noticed on E2 and E3 compared to Control group, and also during the 1st week compared to the 2nd and the 3rd experimental weeks. Average daily feed intake values were highly significant (p < 0.001) on E3 group compared to C, E1, E2, and on the 2nd week compared to the 3rd experimental week (p < 0.021). Feed conversion rate was highly significant (p < 0.001) during the 2nd and the 3rd experimental weeks compared to the 1st week. The average daily egg production was highly significant (p < 0.001) within 1st week compared to the 2nd and 3rd weeks. A highly significant (p < 0.001) yolk coloration was noticed on E2 and E3 groups. The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration decreased significantly (p < 0.05) to all experimental groups compared to Control group during the 14th and 28th days of storage. These findings suggest that the two ingredients minimized the heat stress effects on production performance parameters with a demonstrated antioxidant capacity role by delaying the lipid peroxidation during different storage time periods.

The Use of Alcoholic, Chloroform Extracts of Flowers and Leaves of Basilicum Ocimum Plant in the Control of the Southern Cowpea Beetle Callosobruchus maculatus

The current investigation is an endivour to determine the efficacy of chloroform and alcoholic extracts of basil flowers and leaves in suppressing the southern cowpea beetle. The study demonstrated the influence of extract concentration, as the maximum average number of eggs deposited per female was 72,8 at a concentration of 0.25%. In terms of the extract type factor, alcoholic extract of basil leaves resulted in the greatest average egg production of 71,9 eggs per female. Due to the interaction, an alcoholic extract of basil leaves at a concentration of 0.25% resulted in the highest rate of egg production of 81.6 eggs per female and a chloroform extract of basil flowers at a dose of 1% resulted in the lowest rate of egg production of 28 eggs per female. The proportion of eggs that hatched from C. maculatus-treated adults varied on the extract’s kind and concentration. At a dosage of 0.25%, the greatest hatch rate of eggs was 77.6%. In terms of extract factor, alcoholic basil leaf extract resulted in the highest percentage of eggs hatching 71.5%, whereas chloroform basil flower extract resulted in the lowest percentage of eggs hatching 65.6%. The largest percentage of eggs that hatched as a result of the interaction was 81.6%, and it happened at a dose of 0.25% basil leaf alcoholic extract. The lowest percentage of eggs that hatched was 36.6% when an extract of chloroform from basil flowers was present at a concentration of 1%. The current study examined the impact of extract type and concentration on larval mortality from eggs of adults treated with C. maculatus, with 1% being the highest percentage. The extract type had the greatest percentage of larval death, with alcoholic basil leaf extract having 32.7% and chloroform basil leaf extract having 30.0%. The interaction caused the most larvae to die when the alcoholic extract of basil flowers was at 1% concentration and the fewest larvae to die when it was at 0.25% concentration.

Management system and productivity of backyard poultry in Jhenidah district of Bangladesh: a survey

This study was carried out to know the current scenarios of rearing backyard poultry in Jhenidah district of Bangladesh. A total of 2832 poultry birds (deshi chicken, sonali, duck and pigeon) were selected from 170 households. The data were collected according to prepared questionnaire. The study revealed that, most of the farmers reared their poultry in semi scavenging system (97.64%). The poultry houses were commonly made of tin and bamboo (88.82%) and some of farmers kept their poultry in houses which were at unsatisfactory level (11.2%). They used polythene, sack, ash, sand, straw, papers separately or together as bedding materials (78.82%) and 21.18% of farmers did not use any bedding materials. They usually cleaned poultry house irregularly (73.53%). The rice (84.71%) as feed supplement followed by boiled rice, paddy, broken rice, wheat and commercial as well, was commonly given twice (62.9%) in a day. The farmers did not usually use feeder and waterer (44.12%) and use only 8.82% of vaccine. The supplementary feed to each deshi chicken, sonali, duck and pigeon per day were 32.77 g, 38.70 g, 82.04 g and 12.40 g gaining average body weight of 1.19 kg, 1.36 kg, 1.22 kg and 315.35 g respectively. The average egg production per deshi chicken, sonali, duck and pigeon per year were 37.27, 47.30, 84.66, and 19.90 containing average weight 35.01 g, 41.20 g, 52.68 g and 11.10 g successively. Furthermore, the mean hatchability was found 77.50% in deshi chicken, 79.25% in sonali, 78.95% in duck and 97.45% in pigeon along with 28.79% significant (P&lt;0.05) mortality in deshi chicken, 30.35% in sonali, 14.50% in duck and 11.40% in pigeon consecutively. The prevalence of diseases were investigated as Newcastle disease, fowl cholera, duck cholera, duck plague and pigeon pox. Diseases (54.1%) are the most current constraints followed by lack of knowledge, predators for poultry rearing in backyard system. This study will support farmers by enhancing their income through improved management practice in backyard poultry. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2023, 9 (1), 1-8