Average Fertility Rate Research Articles

The Effects of Fmla on Women's Promotion in the Federal Government

We examine the effect of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) on the relationship between fertility rates and promotion of women . We combine OPM data on the careers of U.S. federal civil servants with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention natality data on the average number of children born per female by year, race, and age bracket. The idea is that each female worker can be assigned an expected fertility for a woman of her age, race, and year, and we can relate this expected fertility to her chance of promotion, both before and after the passage of the FMLA. We estimate a linear probability model explaining promotion into managerial (central) positions. The explanatory variable of interest is an interactive term between expected fertility and a dummy variable for 1993-2011 (years in which the FMLA was active). After controlling for age, job tenure (experience), level of education, yearly dummies, age dummies, race dummies, and occupational dummies, we want to know if the relationship between average fertility rates and promotion probabilities changes in the years after the FMLA was implemented and, if so, how much and in which direction. We find that after the FMLA was passed in 1993, there was a significant change in the relationship between expected fertility and promotion, with expected fertility becoming more negatively associated with promotion. Compared to the relationship prior to 1993, a 10 percentage point increase in expected fertility is associated with an additional 0.86 percentage point decline in the probability of being promoted. This relationship is robust to several definitions of promotions, and suggests that something changed in the years since the FMLA was passed that may have inhibited the relative progress of women in high-fertility demographic groups up through the U.S. federal civil service system. When we run the same model on men, matching them with the corresponding female fertility, the coefficient on interactive term between fertility and a dummy variable for 1993-2011 is insignificant.

Gonadal maturation, fecundity and hatching performance of wild caught tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon using unilateral eyestalk ablation in captivity

In this study, the effects of eyestalk ablation on maturation, moulting, spawning and hatching rate of wild caught Penaeus monodon were investigated. Twenty males (M) and 30 eyestalk–ablated and 30 non–ablated females (F), all individually marked (M: F=1:3) were stocked into two 15–ton capacity (each) maturation tank. All the ablated females moulted in 7.92±0.24 (mean±standard error) days, and first spawning occurred 3.2±0.20 days following eyestalk ablation. While twenty-five ablated females spawned, producing an average of 296,160±26,589 eggs, only eight non–ablated females spawned, producing an average of 195,462±20,565 eggs during the investigation period of 120 days. A significant positive correlation between fecundity and female body weight (P<0.05; P<0.001) was observed. Throughout the experiment, the average number of spawning per female was 1.8±0.14 for ablated and one for non–ablated females. Multiple spawning (up to three times) occurred within the same moulting cycle in ablated females. Among the ablated P. monodon females, 36% spawn once, 48% second time, and 16% third time. The average fertility rate of the eggs was high, ranging between 80 and 90% in non-ablated females, while in ablated females; the range was between 72 and 88% and differ significantly (p<0.05) ablated and non ablated females. Average hatching rate ranges between 70 and 80% for ablated and 75 and 82% for non-ablated females (p<0.05). From eggs to nauplii production per female was 167,838 for ablated and 127,500for non–ablated females. This study indicates that eyestalk ablation and environmental condition were important inducing tools for re-maturation of spent P. monodon that continued supply of seed stock for effective commercial shrimp farming.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(2): 315-322, December 2015

Socio - Cultural Factors Influencing Fertility in MOROGORO District, Tanzania

High fertility is among the dominant demographic features of the developing countries including those in Sub Saharan Africa despite measures to control it. The average Total Fertility Rate for the period between 1975 and 1980 was 7.0 and 5.5 between 2000 and 2007. Tanzania has high TFR although there are signs of fertility decline from 7.0 to 5.4 in the years 1970 and 2007 respectively. The main objective of the study is to determine the influence of socio-cultural factors on fertility. Specifically the study estimates the mean number of children ever born per woman, shows how sex preference affects fertility, shows how value of children affects fertility, associates fertility levels and status of women and shows linkage between fertility levels and religiosity. This cross sectional study uses quantitative data collected from a randomly selected sample of 110 women aged 15-49 years and four group discussions within the same age range. The key findings indicate that there is a positive relationship between socio-cultural determinants and fertility in Morogoro District. The TFR in the area of study is 6.1 which are higher than the regional and national fertility. The mean number of children ever born in the area of study is 8.0. Sex preference within the area of study is strongly related to fertility. Value of children has positive effects on number of children. Highly religion affiliated respondents have high number of children. Status of women has positive effects on number of children. Low status women have higher number of children. The study argues for family planning program for men and women. Men should be given explanations on advantages of discussing with their wives/partners on reproductive matters. To the women focused in this study, women should stand firm in decision making particularly on reproductive matters.

Suharto’s population policy in contemporary Indonesia : family planning program, marriage act or compulsory education has the greatest impact to fertility decline?

Fertility in Indonesia has been falling significantly, from an average total fertility rate of 5.6 children per women in 1970s to 4.1 in 1980, and 2.6 in 2010. This paper attempts to explore which and how Suharto’s population policies have played role in Indonesia’s fertility decline. Whilst the adoption of modern contraceptive was perceived as the major determinant of fertility decline in Indonesia, changes in Indonesia’s political order and socio-economic development also contribute a considerable effect to Indonesians’ familial norms. The implementation of 9-year compulsory education had placed a strong foundation for the future Indonesian human capital and enabled women to obtain higher opportunities for schooling. Beside facilitates the diffusion of ideas among young people and opened up their perspective toward reproductive rights and self actualization, education also increases women’s opportunities to participate in laborforce. With the increasing roles outside the domestic sector, delaying age of marriage and limiting family size becomes a choice for women in contemporary Indonesia. The marriage act, however, was perceived as an accelerator rather than a predictor in increasing age of first marriage. Regardless the existence of the Marriage Law 1974, age of first marriage is likely to increase with increasing of education, although maybe in a slower rate.

The relationship between unemployment and fertility in Italy

(ProQuest: ... denotes formulae omitted.)1. PremiseDuring the last four decades of the 20th century, the average total fertility rate (TFR) has continuously dropped in Europe, as it generally has in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The aggregate trend covers considerable differences across Europe, with the main differences appearing between northern and southern European countries (Eurostat 2012).During the same period, important changes have also occurred in the labour market arrangements of both men and women, with changes in individuals' and couples' economic conditions. Whereas by the 1980s the fall in fertility was coupled with a rise in female employment, since the late 1980s the fall has been accompanied by a rise in unemployment, particularly among women.Explaining the determinants of such a fall in fertility and the links with changes in the labour market statuses of both men and women has become a major topic over the last years (D'Addio and Mira d'Ercole 2005; Kreyenfeld 2010).The rise in unemployment for women and men in southern and central European countries that occurred during the 1990s has been proposed as an explanation for the more pronounced decrease in the TFR in these countries, as in other countries with low female labour force participation rates (Ahn and Mira 2002; Adsera 2005; Engelhardt and Prskawetz 2004). This evidence highlights the need to further examine the role of unemployment in fertility behaviour.This paper seeks to describe the connections between fertility and unemployment in Italy from a gender-based and geographic perspective. Italian workers have experienced a rising trend of unemployment - with gender and regional differences - since the mid-nineties, resulting in a feeling of uncertainty about the future. We are in agreement with the hypothesis that macro-level economic conditions are likely to be related to fertility (Brewster and Rindfuss 2000): in particular, economic uncertainty can induce a short-term reduction in fertility that is presumably due to the postponement of decisions to have an (additional) child until the economy recovers.We utilised time series of aggregate data on fertility and unemployment during the interval 1995-2012, which includes the period of economic downturn that began at the end of 2007.We began from the hypothesis that the connection between unemployment and fertility differs among the various Italian regions, and we used a regression dynamic model to evaluate whether changes in fertility in different Italian geographic areas are more related to changes in male or female unemployment, as well as the strength of the link. Moreover, we paid particular attention to specific temporal links between the two series in different geographical areas.The structure of the paper is as follows:- Discussion of the literature and previous research on the relationship between fertility and unemployment of both men and women. We utilised aggregate data, but we also referred to studies of individual-level data to understand how the issue has been addressed by different approaches;- Discussion of these relationships in Italy within the European context;- Methodological approach and analysis of aggregate trends of fertility and unemployment in Italy by gender and geographic area; and- Discussion of the results.2. Unemployment and fertility: A complex relationshipA modern discussion on fertility in developed countries began in the 1960s and focused on the importance of socio-economic factors at the community or country level, 4 the incompatibility between work and family, increasing female education, and the roles of women in different contexts related to specific welfare policies (Oppenheimer 1988; McDonald 2006; Pison 2009).The decrease in fertility rates in the 1960s and 1970s in most industrialised economies was correlated with an increase in female employment (Adsera 2004). …

Effects of supplemental feeding on performance of Kilis goats kept on pasture condition

In this study, the effects of supplemental feeding to extensive pasture condition on some reproductive and milk yield characteristics in Kilis goats have been investigated. For this study, 180 Kilis goats were used. These goats were assigned into two groups as control and treatment. Control goats were allowed to graze pasture, while treatment goats were additionally fed 750 g/day with concentrated feed per head plus pasture facility. At the end of the study the average fertility rate, marketable milk yield, lactation length and lactation milk yield were determined as 115.56%, 215.5 ± 5.28 l, 212.5 ± 1.09 days 293.7 ± 5.76 l, respectively, in the control goats; 131.1%, 304.1 ± 6.48 l, 256.5 ± 1.79 days, 408.3 ± 7.21 l, respectively, in the treatment goats. To conclude, supplementary feeding plus pasture improved reproductive and milk yield performance in Kilis goats.

Embryo formation from low sperm concentration by using dielectrophoretic force.

A biochip system imitates the oviduct of mammals with a microfluidic channel to achieve fertilization in vitro of imprinting-control-region (ICR) mice. We apply a method to manipulate and to position the oocyte and the sperm of ICR mice at the same time in our microfluidic channel with a positive dielectrophoretic (DEP) force. The positive dielectrophoretic response of the oocyte and sperm was exhibited under applied bias conditions AC 10 Vpp waveform, 1 MHz, 10 min. With this method, the concentration of sperm in the vicinity of the oocyte was increased and enhanced the probability of natural fertilization. We used commercial numerical software (CFDRC-ACE+) to simulate the square of the electric field and analyzed the location at which the oocyte and sperm are trapped. The microfluidic devices were designed and fabricated with poly(dimethylsiloxane). The results of our experiments indicate that a positive DEP served to drive the position of the oocyte and the sperm to natural fertilization (average rate of fertilization 51.58%) in our microchannel structures at insemination concentration 1.5 × 10(6) sperm ml(-1). Embryos were cultured to two cells after 24 h and four cells after 48 h.

Can human populations be stabilized?

AbstractHistorical examples of demographic change, in China, Italy, Nigeria, Utah, Easter Island, and elsewhere, together with simple mathematics and biological principles, show that stabilizing world population before it is limited by food supply will be more difficult than is generally appreciated. United Nations population projections are wrong because they assume, in spite of the absence of necessary feedbacks, that all nations will converge rapidly to replacement‐level fertility and thereafter remain at that level. Education of women and provision of contraceptives have caused dramatic reductions in fertility, but many groups, including some that are well‐educated, maintain high fertility. Small groups with persistent high fertility can grow to supplant low‐fertility groups, resulting in continued growth of the total population. The global average fertility rate could rise even if each country's fertility rate is falling. In some low‐fertility European countries where deaths exceed births, the population continues to grow because of immigration. Producing more than two offspring is normal for all animal species with stable populations because their populations are limited by resources or predation rather than birth control. It may therefore be appropriate to view the growth of human population as the result not of excess fertility but rather of excess food.

Messages on pregnancy and family planning that providers give women living with HIV in the context of a Positive Health, Dignity, and Prevention intervention in Mozambique.

BackgroundFamily planning is an important HIV prevention tool for women living with HIV (WLHIV). In Mozambique, the prevalence of HIV among women of reproductive age is 13.1% and the average fertility rate is high. However, family planning and reproductive health for WLHIV are under-addressed in Mozambique. This study explores provider descriptions of reproductive health messages in order to identify possible barriers and facilitators to successfully addressing family planning and pregnancy concerns of WLHIV.MethodsIn 2006, a Positive Health, Dignity, and Prevention program was introduced in Mozambique focused on training health care providers to work with patients to reduce their transmission risks. Providers received training on multiple components, including family planning and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). In-depth interviews were conducted with 31 providers who participated in the training in five rural clinics in three provinces. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsAnalysis showed that providers’ clinical messages on family planning, pregnancy, and PMTCT for WLHIV could be arranged along a continuum. Provider statements ranged from saying that WLHIV should not become pregnant and condoms are the only valid form of family planning for WLHIV, to suggesting that WLHIV can have safe pregnancies.ConclusionThese data indicate that many providers continue to believe that WLHIV should not have children and this represents a challenge for integrating family planning into the care of WLHIV. Also, not offering WLHIV a full selection of family planning methods severely limits their ability to protect themselves from unintended pregnancies and to fully exercise their reproductive rights. Responding to the reproductive health needs of WLHIV is a critical component in HIV prevention and could increase the success of PMTCT programs.

Promoting family planning use after childbirth and desire to limit childbearing in Ethiopia.

BackgroundIn Ethiopia the average fertility rate in rural areas is about 6 children per woman, while it is 2.4 children per woman in urban areas. It is with this concept in mind that the investigators of this study wanted to correlate the promotion of after-child-birth-use of family planning and desire to limit childbearing in Ethiopia. Postpartum amenorrhea signifies the interval between childbirth and the return of menstruation.ObjectivesThe specific objective is to examine the desire to limit family size, along with cases of sterilized, fecund, postpartum amenorrhoea, declared in-fecund and menopausal women within the study area.MethodsThe study is based on the analysis of secondary data obtained from the 2011 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). This study is concentrated on couples because we need to know more about married people’s desire to limit their family size. The bivariate, ANOVA, and multivariate analyses were used to analyse the association.ResultsThe total number of respondents was 6,745 (78.3% rural and 21.7% urban), with 93.6% of them being currently married and 6.4% of them living with a partner. The mean duration of amenorrhea among women who gave birth in the five years preceding the survey is 16 months. Women with equal numbers of sons and daughters were found to be 75.4% (OR = 0.25) less likely to desire more children, compared to women with more sons than daughters.ConclusionAchievable resolutions include increasing females’ ages at marriage, avoiding unwanted teenage pregnancies, completely eradicating home delivery, and inspiring young people to use modern methods of family planning to achieve Millennium Development Goals 4 & 5.

Sperm cryopreservation of silver barb (Barbodes gonionotus): cryoprotectants, cooling rate and storage time on sperm quality

Effectiveness and efficiency of frozen sperm on fertilization and hatching success of eggs from silver barb was examined in relation to cryoprotectants, freezing rate and storage period. Sperm was diluted in calcium-free Hank's balanced salt solution, equilibrated with dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), propylene glycol, sucrose or methanol at 5%, 10%, 15% or 20% final concentrations, and frozen in 250-μL straws using a one-step freezing procedure (1, 5 and 8°C min−1 from 25 to −40°C). Highest post-thaw sperm motility was found from a treatment using 10% DMSO and 5°C min−1 (82.2 ± 2.1%), similar to that of 10% DMSO and 8°C min−1 (87.8 ± 3.2%). Post-thaw motility of sperm frozen at 5 or 8°C min−1 was significantly higher than 1°C min−1. Relative sperm motility declined significantly after 10 months of cryostorage while viability did not change during a 12-month cryostorage. Average fertilization rates of sperm after 1 and 4 months of storage were 64.5 ± 4.6% and 61.3 ± 3.4%, respectively, similar to those of fresh sperm (69.6–72.3%). Hatching rates of cryopreserved sperm (45.4–51.2%) were similar to those of fresh sperm (51.8–57.8%). This study developed suitable methods for cryopreservation of silver barb sperm that can be used to facilitate hatchery operation.

<b>Precision agriculture for sugarcane management: a strategy applied for brazilian conditions</b> doi: 10.4025/actasciagron.v36i1.17664

The region of Areiópolis in São Paulo State is one of the major sugarcane producers in the world, and chemical management is the basis of the system making its production viable. Thus, the proposed methods for precision agriculture can be evaluated as an alternative for environment protection and can aid the search for greater productivity at the same time. The main objective of the present work was to compare the precision agriculture (PA) and traditional agriculture (TA) management systems and to highlight their distinctions, such as differences in grid sampling, production variation, plant failure and costs. Two experiments were set up, and the soil fertilizers were applied by corrective application methods to 16-ha lots using the average general fertility rate (GFR). The PA method had the highest productivity volume for conversion of green matter to sugar in the 4.0-ha plots. As the size of the PA plots decreased, the costs of soil analyses increased with potassium and lime analyses being the most expensive. The PA plots had more suitable grid sampling in terms of productivity, and the cost/benefit ratio was 4.0-ha. In general, the final cost was higher in the PA system compared to the TA system. The present results provide information to help select the better system between these techniques to manage tropical soils.

A single-center study examining the outcomes of percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration in the treatment of obstructive azoospermia

Introduction:Obstructive azoospermia (OA) is characterized by normal spermatogenesis and the absence of sperm in the ejaculate. Variable success rates have been reported using in-vitro fertilization (IVF) combined with PESA in cases of men with OA.Aims:To determine fertilization and pregnancy outcomes from PESA-derived spermatozoa and to ascertain whether frozen spermatozoa yields similar outcomes compared to fresh specimens.Materials and Methods:The charts of 68 consecutive couples undergoing 68 cycles of sperm retrieval for OA over eight years (2002-2010) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients requiring testicular intervention were excluded (n = 17).Results:Viable sperms were identified in 100% of men, and fresh spermatozoa were obtained in 40 patients (78.4%) simultaneously with female egg retrieval. The average fertilization rate was 77.7% with five embryos not surviving to transfer (12.5%). Pregnancies were confirmed in 48.6% (17/35). Twin gestations occurred in 11.8% (2/17) of cases. Frozen-thawed spermatozoa were used in 11 patients (21.6%). In this subgroup, the average fertilization rate was 73.6% with pregnancies confirmed in 54.5% (6/11). No multiple gestations were generated, and no complications occurred. The use of fresh spermatozoa for PESA provided no significant improvements in outcomes over frozen specimens.Summary:PESA is a very effective, simple, and safe method of obtaining spermatozoa for IVF. Outcomes obtained using fresh and frozen PESA-derived spermatozoa were similar and as such, either could be used during the IVF process.

Improving performance of Zackel sheep through cross-breeding with prolific Bluefaced Leicester under semi-intensive and extensive production systems

The aim of the current research was to evaluate the effects of cross-breeding Romanian indigenous Turcana (TA) ewes belonging to the Zackel breed group with prolific Bluefaced Leicester (BL) rams on the performance and reproduction rates of F1 cross-bred descendants under semi-intensive and extensive production systems. The UK stratified sheep production system was applied for the development of the cross-breeding scheme. F1 Bluefaced Leicester×Turcana (F1BL×TA) cross-bred ewes proved to be highly precocious and registered an average fertility rate of 94.7% when mated as ewe lambs, compared with 9.52% (p ≤0.001) of the pure-bred TA. F1BL×TA cross females registered an average prolificacy of 159 and 202% when mated at the ages of 8 and 18 months, respectively, while the TA ewes produced on average 112 and 127% (p ≤ 0.01 and p ≤ 0.001, respectively). 3W: Dorper×(F1BL×TA) cross-breds had different (p ≤ 0.001) weaning weights at the age of 90 days when reared semi-intensively (31.0 kg) and extensively (27.6 kg). Introducing the stratified sheep production system into Central, Eastern and Southern Europe could prove valuable for improving meat performance on farms that keep Zackel sheep under semi-intensive and extensive production systems.

The fertility transition around the world

In this paper, we study the evolution of the distribution of fertility rates across the world from 1950 to 2005 using parametric mixture models. We demonstrate the existence of twin peaks and the division of the world’s countries in two distinct components: a high-fertility regime and a low-fertility regime. Whereas the significance of twin peaks vanishes over time, the two fertility regimes continue to exists over the whole observation period. In 1950, about two thirds of the world’s countries belonged to the high-fertility regime and the rest constituted the low-fertility regime. By the year 2005, this picture has reversed. Within both the low- and the high-fertility regime, the average fertility rate declined, with a larger absolute decline within the high-fertility regime. Visually, the two peaks moved closer together. For the low-fertility regime, we find both β- and σ -convergence but we cannot establish any convergence pattern for the high-fertility regime. Our results support the idea of conditional convergence where the condition is the successful initiation of the fertility transition. The results are less supportive of the existence of a unique high-fertility equilibrium.

Blastocyst outcomes after sequential media culture vs single step media culture in a human IVF program

OBJECTIVE: Different culture media have long been used for extended sequential culture. Encourage a minimum of embryo manipulation and optimization of culture conditions is the key to the success of the IVF program. Obviously, if possible at the lowest cost. Using a culture media that allows this objective must be explored. DESIGN: To compare blastulation rate in two different systems: sequential versus single steps culture from day 1 to day 5. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective analysis in 2 french private IVF centers was performed during 6 months (October 2012-March 2013). 260 patients were involved. The same protocole was applied in the 2 different IVF lab environnements. In random half of the oocytes is treated with a sequential system (Combination of Ferticult from Fertipro follows by CCM from Vitrolife), the other half of the same cohorte with a single continous system (CSC from Irvine). All embryos are cultured by group (0,7ml) under oil overlay at 37C with 6% CO2. Outcome measured of interest were number of Blastocyts obtain at Day 5 and kinetics of blastocyst. (french classification). Were assigned the best blastocyst for transfert coming if possible from a single sequence. (Student t-test and chi square test). RESULTS: The results are comparable in both centers. The mean of MII oocytes observed on 260 cases is 11,2. The average rate of fertilization is 78,3%. The blastulation rate obtained with the sequential media are is 40.7% vs 51.5% with the SCS media (p<0,05). Our first results show faster kinetics with more bastocytes obtained at J5 with the single steps culture. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results show more blastocyts available for transfer and vitrification with the use of CSC, althought clinical pregnancy rate were not significantly different in the two groups. The continuous uninterrupted protocol, without medium renewal remains in effect without detriment to clinical outcomes. Less manipulation of embryos remains a priority in order to reduce potential epigenetic risks.

Productive and reproductive performance of Dorper and its crossbreds under a Romanian semi-intensive management system

The overall objectives of the research were to evaluate the effect of cross-breeding Dorper (DO) rams with Turcana (TA) ewes on growth and reproductive performances of F1 DOxTA and R1 DOx(DOxTA) crossbred lambs reared under a semi-intensive management system; to study the adaptability of the DO breed to Romanian farming conditions; and to evaluate the effects of melatonin implants outside the breeding season on reproductive performances in DO ewes. Animals were managed on cultivated pastures, with an average stocking rate of 12 head/ha. Additional 200 g concentrates/day were given for 90 days during the winter season and a three lambings per two years system was practised with the use melatonin implants for oestrous induction outside the natural breeding season. Dorper and F1 crossbreds were found to be highly precocious when put to the ram as ewe lambs, with an average fertility rate of 84.2% and 79.3%, respectively, compared with 19.3% in the TA controls (CG). The litter size in adult DO ewes was 136.6% versus 118.8% for the TA (CG). Dorper-sired progeny had significantly higher body weights of lambs at weaning (90 days) compared with TA purebreds (23.8 kg, 23.5 kg, 21.5 kg, 19.4 kg for DO, R1, F1 and TA, respectively). At the age of 8 months, all three DO genotypes were significantly heavier (46.1 kg, 40.7 kg and 43.5 kg for DO, F1 and R1, respectively) compared with the TA females, who reached 32.3 kg. Average daily gain from birth to 28 days of age was significantly higher in DO purebreds and F1 and R1 crossbreds compared with TA lambs (266.4 g, 253.8 g, 223.4 g and 157.3 g, respectively). Lamb survival rates until weaning were not affected by the genotype. When using melatonin implants in the DO ewes, the fertility rate increased to 88%, compared with a fertility of 41.6% in non-treated DO ewes. Out-of-season prolificacy was not affected by melatonin treatment, with litter size being 127% and 120% in treated and non-treated DO ewes, respectively. The DO breed performed well under Romanian semi-intensive management, and proved to be a highly adaptable breed to the new rearing conditions.Keywords: Sheep, heterosis, growth, fertility rates, melatonin implants

Reciprocal Hybrids among Diploid, Tetraploid Dojo Loach, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, and Large‐scale Loach, Paramisgurnus dabryanus: Fertilization, Survival and Growth Performance

AbstractTo determine the genotype with better traits for aquaculture practices of the loach, factorial crosses were made among diploid (D), tetraploid (T) dojo loach, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, and large‐scale loach, Paramisgurnus dabryanus (P), producing DD, DT, DP, TD, TT, TP, PD, PT, and PP genotypes (female listed first). The growth performance and survival of different genotypes in culture were evaluated through a 48‐wk rearing trail. The average fertilization rate in genotypes with P. dabryanus as female parental was significantly higher than those of M. anguillicaudatus as female parental. The average fertilization level of sperm from P. dabryanus was about the same as diploid M. anguillicaudatus but significantly higher than tetraploid M. anguillicaudatus. The highest survival rate was found in DD group (52.77%) and PP group (50.31%) (P &gt; 0.05). The intergenetic crosses between P. dabryanus and M. anguillicaudatus, especially for PD (19.05%), DP (17.89%), and PT (15.44%) groups, exhibited poor survival rates. Under the similar rearing conditions, PP group showed significant growth advantage. Growth rates of the interspecific hybrid progenies were found to be intermediate in comparison with the parental species. According to these results, the PP genotype is more suitable for aquaculture practice.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes of obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermic men

We aimed to compare the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermic men. In this retrospective study, we searched the first ICSI cycle parameters of 211 azoospermic men. Our main outcomes were the average fertilization rate, implantation rate, pregnancy and miscarriage rates. The results of this study showed that although the males with obstructive azoospermia had better fertilization and biochemical pregnancy rates than the ones with nonobstructive azoospermia, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates among the groups were similar. ICSI overcomes the obstacles related to the sperm in its function as a carrier but it cannot alter the message carried by the male gamete.

Artificial insemination practice in British United Turkeys: a report in Iran

Summary No domestic availability to breeder turkey stocks and turkey hatching eggs prompted the present experiment that aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a conventional artificial insemination (AI) procedure in British United Turkey (BUT) for the first time in Iran. Broiler turkeys were restrictedly fed, grown for 46 weeks, and used for the current study (10 turkey toms and 24 turkey hens in total). After a 3 week period of habituating the toms to abdominal massage, the pooled semen was used for insemination after the dilution in sterilized and homogenized low-fat milk (at the ratio of 1 to 6). The hens were inseminated (14:00 h) and hatching eggs were collected (n = 148). All the eggs were broken open to assess the fertility rate. Although being lower than the conventional average fertility rate noticed for breeder turkeys in the production manuals (91%), a fertility rate of 61.5% was obtained. The present report provided a preliminary data on the feasibility of the conventional procedure used in chickens to artificially inseminate the turkey, using low-fat milk as a simple available extender. The present findings might also be promising to the future establishment of turkey breeder enterprise in Iran.