Barred Plymouth Rock Research Articles

Sperm replacement in sperm-storage tubules causes last-male sperm precedence in chickens

ABSTRACT 1. This study elucidated the last-male sperm precedence (LMSP) mechanism in chickens by examining replacement in storage tubules (SSTs) after multiple artificial inseminations (AI) and the effects of seminal plasma (SP) and male breed on sperm replacement in SSTs. 2. Hens were artificially inseminated with fluorescent dye-labelled spermatozoa from White Leghorn (WL) chickens. Secondary AI was conducted 3 d later with sperm labelled with different nuclear fluorescent dye. Percentage of first and second inseminated sperm in SSTs and their logarithmic odds were calculated. The effect of SP on LMSP was examined using (1) Lake’s solution-washed sperm before second insemination, and (2) SP injected continuously after first insemination. Effect of breed difference on sperm replacement was investigated using Barred Plymouth Rock (BP) sperm. 3. Successive WL-sperm inseminations at three-day intervals caused > 70% stored sperm replacement in SSTs. Although SP removal from sperm from second insemination significantly decreased replacement, its intra-vaginal injection did not affect release. Secondary insemination using BP sperm significantly increased replacement. 4. Sperm replacement is a major factor favouring LMSP in domestic chickens. Two fluorescent staining of sperm, and intra-vaginal multiple AI technique have enabled visualisation, differentiation, and quantification of multiple inseminated sperm stored in the SSTs.

Obtaining Capons from Hybrid Autosexed Chickens and Assessment of Their Meat Colour

We realised an experimental model for observing the effects of caponisation from autosexed chicken hybrids between red Rhode Island males with barred Plymouth Rock females, thereby the one-day old chicks obtained through artificial incubation presented distinctive morphological characteristics between their gender. Male autosexed chicken hybrids were grown in a traditional (extensive) husbandry system, thus is was observed a good development pattern through manifesting the heterosis phenomenon. At the age of fourteen weeks, before sexual maturity the cockerels have undergone caponisation. The unilateral gonadectomy method was performed using a human tonsillectomy instrument and, in some individuals, gonadectomy was perfomed by squeezing the testes with the fingers, to test if there is any difference between intervention and recovery time. The individuals had a 100% surviving rate. After gonadectomy the caponised and theintact group were raised in the same environment and feeding conditions and monitored for morphological and weight differences. At the age of thirty weeksthe cockerels from the two groups, nine chickens each, were slaughtered in order to assess the quantitative and qualitative differences of the carcass. Weight determination revealed a higher mean weight before slaughtering in the caponised cockereles than of the intact group (i.e. 3.3 kg vs. 3.0 kg) and after in carcass (i.e. 2.5 kg vs. 2.2 kg). Visual examination of the carcasses revealed that the skin is of a more intense yellow in the capons and upon section the drumstick muscles had a lighter colour than the drumstick muscles from the intact cockerels (i.e. light red vs. dark red). There is also a difference regarding consistency of the meat in the control group is much harder than of the capons.

Characterization of the genetic diversity, structure, and admixture of 7 Chilean chicken breeds

The Mapuche fowl is an autochthonous breed raised in Chile and represents an important zoogenetic resource for the local economy. This study aimed at investigating the genetic diversity, relationship and population structure of 96 local Chilean chickens derived from 3 ecotype of Mapuche fowl (Kollonka, Ketro, and Kollonka de aretes), 2 ecotype Chilean (Trintre, Cogote pelado) and 2 breeds (Light Brahma and Barred Plymouth Rock) using 12 microsatellite markers. In total, 113 alleles were detected in all populations, with a mean of 7.6 alleles per population. In all population chicken breeds, the observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.91 to 0.98 and from 0.69 to 0.79. Furthermore, all populations showed significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Across each population, the global heterozygosity deficit (FIT) was -0.174, population differentiation index (FST) was 0.073, and the global inbreeding of individuals within breed (FIS) was -0.267. The phylogenetic relationships of chickens were examined using neighbor-joining trees constructed at the level of population. The highest Nei's standard genetic distance value of 0.559 was observed between Barred Plymouth Rock and Light Brahma, whereas the minimum value (0.099) was found between Kollonka and Trintre. The neighbor-joining tree constructed at population level revealed 2 main clusters, with Light Brahma, Barred Plymouth Rock, Ketro and Kollonka de aretes in 1 cluster, and Kollonka, Trintre and Cogote pelado breeds in the second cluster. Based on the results of the STRUCTURE analysis, the most likely number of clustering of the population evaluated was at K=3, with Light Brahma and Barred Plymouth Rock breeds forming their own distinct clusters, while Kollonka, Ketro, Kollonka de aretes, Trintre and Cogote pelado breeds clustered together. This study represents the first report of genetic diversity in these populations in Chile. These results can be used as baseline genetic information for genetic conservation program, for instance, to control inbreeding and to implement further genetic studies in local Chilean chickens.

Phenotypic Analysis and Growth Performance of Rhode Island Red, Barred Plymouth Rock and their Hybrid at Jaba Mansehra, Pakistan

Poultry farming is a big business in Pakistan. Poultry farming is a substantial supply of eggs and meat in rural areas, as well as a reliable source of income. Therefore the goal of this study is to compare the Rhode Island red, barred plymouth rock, and their hybrids’ phenotypic traits and egg-laying capacities. The 100-day-old Rhode Island Red, Barred Plymouth Rock, and cross chicks were used in the study at Jaba District Mansehra, KP, Pakistan. The whole flock was sheltered, fed, ventilated, and immunized. Breed 3 (Jabba 21) was reported to have the longest shanks (3.78 inches SL), followed by breed 1 (Rhode Island Red) and breed 2 (Barred Plymouth Rock) (3.47 inches SL). Breed 2 is the broadest shank at 0.47 SW, followed by Breed 1 at 0.43 SW and Breed 3 at 0.30 SW (0.43 Inches SW). The breadth of the shinbone did not change substantially from week 8 to week 13 (p=0.05), although body weight changed from week 1 to week 18. Breed 1 consumed the most feed (2,112 g), followed by Breed 3 (1,452 g) and Breed 2. (990 g). Breed 2 acquired the greatest amount of weight (1,638.57 g), followed by Breed 1 (1,557.07 g) and Breed 3. (1530.3 g). From the first to the eighteenth week of observations, there was a significant (p0.05) difference between the three chicken breeds in weekly body weight gain. Breeds 1, 2, and 3 saw growth rates of 1st 63.59, 2nd 64.02 and 3rd 64.03 percent. This research gave us a fresh perspective on several products that might come to market and contend with one another. This study provides insight into what will work best for Pakistan’s poultry sector going forward in the future.

Characterization of clutch traits and egg production in six chicken breeds.

The better understanding of laying pattern of birds is crucial for developing breed-specific proper breeding scheme and management. Daily egg production until 50 wk of age of six chicken breeds including one layer (White Leghorn, WL), three dual-purpose (Rhode Island Red, RIR; Columbian Plymouth Rock, CR; and Barred Plymouth Rock, BR), one synthetic dwarf (DY), and one indigenous (Beijing-You Chicken, BYC) were used to characterize their clutch traits and egg production. The age at first egg, egg number, average and maximum clutch length, pause length, and number of clutches and pauses were calculated accordingly. The egg number and average clutch length in WL, RIR, CR, and BR were higher than those in DY and BYC (p<0.01). The numbers of clutches and pauses, and pause length in WL, RIR, CR, and BR were lower than those in DY and BYC (p<0.01). The coefficient variations of clutch length in WL, RIR, CR, and BR (57.66%, 66.49%, 64.22%, and 55.35%, respectively) were higher than DY (41.84%) and BYC (36.29%), while the coefficient variations of egg number in WL, RIR, CR, and BR (9.10%, 9.97%, 10.82%, and 9.92%) were lower than DY (15.84%) and BYC (16.85%). The clutch length was positively correlated with egg number (r = 0.51 to 0.66; p<0.01), but not correlated with age at first egg in all breeds. The six breeds showed significant different clutch and egg production traits. Due to the selection history, the high and median productive layer breeds had higher clutch length than those of the less productive indigenous BYC. The clutch length is a proper selection criterion for further progress in egg production. The age at first egg, which is independent of clutch traits, is especially encouraged to be improved by selection in the BYC breed.

Feeding Value of Fermented Duckweed Meal (Lemna minor Linn.) as a Plant Protein Components in the Formulated Diets of Free- Range Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus Linn.)

The present study evaluates the growth performance and hematological attribute of experimental free-range chicken, Gallus gallus domesticus Linn. (Black Australorp x Barred Plymouth Rock) fed formulated diets of fermented and non-fermented duckweed meal (Lemna minor Linn.). Three isonitrogenous formulated treatment diets are prepared: 0% duckweed (control), 10% Fermented Duckweed Meal (FDM), and 10% Duckweed Meal (DM) inclusions. Five chickens (mean weight = 202.5 g) per replicate are used in a three-month feeding trial under single factorial experiment. Chickens fed FDM diet have significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher mean final weight (1,182.8 ± 42.13 g) as compared to those fed DM diet (1,070.4 ± 84.61 g). The mean final weight of control and FDM is significantly homogenous (P &gt; 0.05). Variation in feed conversion ratio among treatments is significant, with the highest mean value being observed in DM (5.85 ± 0.52). The average daily gain in weight is higher in DM and is comparable with the control (P &gt; 0.05). Treatment diets have no significant effect on the observed hematological variables.

Comparative Study of the Immune Response Induced by an Argentinian Classical Strain of IBDV in Two Chicken Breeds.

The hybrid chicken Negra INTA, which originated at the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), is the product of the cross between Barred Plymouth Rock females and Rhode Island Red males, and it is used as a laying hen for egg consumption. It has been characterized by productive parameters, but the characterization from an immunological perspective has not been done yet. Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) causes a highly contagious viral disease that affects the bursa of Fabricius. Although most chickens are regularly vaccinated against IBDV, this virus still generates negative impacts on production with significant economic losses. The aim of the present work was to compare the immune responses of the Negra INTA hybrid and the White Leghorn layer line to the infection with a field isolate of IBDV. Four-week-old chickens were infected with a single dose of IBDV and at 3, 5, 7, and 30 days postinfection (dpi), bursae were removed, and different parameters were evaluated. Results showed that the reduction of the bursa body (BB) ratio and the histopathological damage were maximum on day 7 postinfection (pi). The viral load was greater in the hybrid Negra INTA at 5 dpi. The humoral immune response between both breeds was similar, although more animals from the commercial line showed higher titers of neutralizing antibodies. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that Bu+ bursal lymphocytes reached a minimum at 7 dpi. Meanwhile, T cell infiltration measured by the percentage of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells in the bursa was at its maximum at 5 dpi. To our knowledge, this work describes for the first time the pathogenesis and the immune response caused by an Argentinian IBDV isolate in two different chicken lines.

Intermixing of Commercial Pure Breed Chickens with Indigenous (Sakini) Breed of Nepal

The intermixing of pure breeds of commercial chickens with Nepalese indigenous flock of chickens has not been explored yet genetically. The study aims to investigate the status of interbreeding of Nepalese indigenous chickens with exotic breeds. Thirty three samples of indigenous chicken, Sakini, from three different ecological regions, Terai, mid-hill and high hill, were taken for the study. The 522 bp hyper-variable region of D loop mtDNA of each sampled population was PCR amplified and sequenced. The Neighbor joining tree revealed that most of Nepalese Sakini and commercial chickens such as New Hampshire, Rhode Island Red, White Leghorn, White Plymouth Rock and Barred Plymouth Rock lied in same clade. Our study provides first direct evidence that the Sakini was already bred with commercial breeds for the sake of enhancing production performance and also alarms the government to introduce proper strategies and policies to avoid such genetic erosion.

5-Aminolevulinic acid improves chicken sperm motility.

ObjectiveThis study investigated the effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) on the motility parameters, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and ATP levels in chicken sperm.MethodsThe pooled semen from Barred Plymouth Rock males was used. In the first experiment, the semen was diluted 4-times with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS (−)) containing various concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mM) of 5-ALA, and then the sperm motility parameters after incubation were evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). In the second experiment, the semen was diluted 4-times with PBS (−) containing 0.05 mM 5-ALA, and then sperm mitochondrial membrane depolarization and ATP levels after 1.5 h of incubation were analyzed with the MitoPT® JC-1 Assay and ATP Assay kits, respectively. In the third experiment, the semen was removed from the seminal plasma and resuspended with the mediums of PBS (−), PBS (−) supplemented with CaCl2 and MgCl2 (PBS (+)) + 5-ALA, PBS (+) + caffeine, and PBS (+) + caffeine + 5-ALA. Then, the sperm motility parameters after incubation were evaluated by CASA. In the last experiment, the semen was treated with the mediums of PBS (−), PBS (−) + 5-ALA, 5.7% glucose, 5.7% glucose + 5-ALA after removing the seminal plasma, and then the sperm motility parameters were evaluated by CASA.ResultsThe addition of 0.05 mM 5-ALA significantly increased the chicken sperm motility, progressive motility, linearity, average path velocity, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, and the wobble. The sperm mitochondrial membrane depolarization was also increased by the 5-ALA treatment. The 5-ALA treatment decreased the sperm ATP levels. Both the caffeine treatment and glucose treatment decreased the sperm motility during incubation period.Conclusion5-ALA might increase sperm mitochondrial membrane depolarization to utilize the ATP for enhancing sperm movement.

Egg Production by Hens Fed with Homemade or Commercial Concentrate in a Cage-Free System

Objective: To evaluate two types of concentrate (homemade and commercial), in laying percentage (LP, %), weight (EW, g), and egg mass (EM, g bird-1 d-1), among hens in a cage-free system. Methodology: Sixty hens aged 37 weeks (Rhode Island Red and Barred Plymouth Rock) were assigned two treatments: COM, 150 g of commercial concentrate bird-1 d-1and CAS, 150 g of homemade concentrate bird-1 d-1. The birds were managed in a cage-free system with access to a meadow of white clover (Trifolium repens L.). LP, EW and EM were evaluated for 11 weeks. Results: LP was different between treatments (P&lt;0.05) in the last four weeks of observation. In this time, the COM birds laid 17 to 24% more than CAS birds. The EW produced by birds from the COM group (59.1 to 60.7 g) was greater (P&lt;0.05) than that of the CAS birds (55.0 to 57.0 g). In the second half of the study period, a lower EM (P&lt;0.05) was observed in the CAS treatment (24.7 to 31.8 g bird-1 d-1) compared to the COM treatment (39.7 to. 41.8 bird-1 d-1). Study Implications: The results obtained are only valid for the types of concentrate evaluated and under the specified experimental conditions. Conclusions: The homemade concentrate reduces the productive performance of hens in a cage-free system in terms of LP, EW, and EM, when compared to the commercial concentrate.

Hatch rate of laying hen strains provided a photoperiod during incubation

Implementing a photoperiod during incubation has been shown to be a potential next step to removing one more stressor for newly hatched poultry species. The distribution of hatch over time is a parameter that may be influenced by photoperiod that could benefit from a photoperiod but has not been studied at this time and is the objective of this paper. The impact on hatch rate for three strains of chicken, Barred Plymouth Rock (BR), Lohmann Brown (LB) and Lohmann Lite (LL), was measured following the provision of a 12L : 12D (12 h light : 12 h dark) photoperiod starting at 0, 9 or 17 days of incubation and compared with incubation in the dark. The cumulative number of chicks hatched eggs at four points in time (489, 498, 507 and 516 h of incubation) was analysed using repeated measures analysis in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments. Repeated measures analysis was done to determine the main and interaction effects of photoperiod and bird strain, and a regression analysis was used to determine how these effects evolved over time. Lohmann Brown embryos provided a 12L : 12D photoperiod throughout incubation were first to reach 50% of total chicks hatched and rate of hatch from 50% to 75% of total chicks hatched as well. As the LB chicks did not begin to hatch earlier or finish later, the LB strain was the most synchronised when provided a 12L : 12D photoperiod from the beginning of incubation. Similar results were found for LL, but no difference on the percentage hatched over time was found when provided the 12L : 12D photoperiod at the beginning of incubation or at day 9. The BR strain only showed a significant difference in hatch window synchronisation when provided a 12L : 12D photoperiod at day 9 of incubation. These results indicate that the strain of chicken impacts the hatch window, and each strain responds to a photoperiod during incubation differently. This information could be useful for hatchery managers to deal with different strains of chicken for incubation.

Chicken germplasms and their conservation in Bangladesh: A review

The present article addresses the scenario of chicken genetic resources, their production and reproduction performances and their conservation in Bangladesh. The chickens, among other poultry species available in the country, are the most versatile component for meat and egg production. The chicken germplasms available in the country are indigenous, exotic, crossbred, and commercial hybrid. The indigenous chicken population is comprised of Non-descript Desi (ND), Naked Neck (NN), Aseel (AS), Hilly (H), Native Dwarf and Jungle Fowl etc. The exotic chicken such as, White Leghorn (WL), White Rock (WR), White Cornish (WC), Rhode Island Red (RIR), Australorp, Fayoumi, Barred Plymouth Rock (BPR) etc. are imported mostly to upgrade the indigenous stock. The crossbred of different chickens are used in the country in intensive, semi-intensive and scavenging management system. The commercial hybrid such as grandparent stock (GP), parent stock (PS), commercial broiler, commercial layer etc. has got most popularity for meat and egg production in the country. Conservation and improvement program of endangered native chicken such as Aseel and Native Dwarf chicken should be taken both in-situ or ex-situ in vivo by public sector/research institutes/universities.&#x0D; SAARC J. Agri., 17(1): 119-134 (2019)

Comparison of sperm freezability and fertility among Hmong Black-Bone, Barred Plymouth Rock and Thai Native (Pradu Hang Dam) chickens

Comparison of sperm freezability and fertility among Hmong Black-Bone, Barred Plymouth Rock and Thai Native (Pradu Hang Dam) chickens

MicroRNA profiling associated with muscle growth in modern broilers compared to an unselected chicken breed

BackgroundGenetically selected modern broiler chickens have acquired outstanding production efficiency through rapid growth and improved feed efficiency compared to unselected chicken breeds. Recently, we analyzed the transcriptome of breast muscle tissues obtained from modern pedigree male (PeM) broilers (rapid growth and higher efficiency) and foundational Barred Plymouth Rock (BPR) chickens (slow growth and poorer efficiency). This study was designed to investigate microRNAs that play role in rapid growth of the breast muscles in modern broiler chickens.ResultsIn this study, differential abundance of microRNA (miRNA) was analyzed in breast muscle of PeM and BPR chickens and the results were integrated with differentially expressed (DE) mRNA in the same tissues. A total of 994 miRNA were identified in PeM and BPR chicken lines from the initial analysis of small RNA sequencing data. After filtering and statistical analyses, the results showed miR-2131-5p, miR-221-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-146b-5p, miR-10a-5p, let-7b, miR-125b-5p, and miR-146c-5p up-regulated whereas miR-206 down-regulated in PeM compared to BPR breast muscle. Based on inhibitory regulations of miRNAs on the mRNA abundance, our computational analysis using miRDB, an online software, predicated that 118 down-regulated mRNAs may be targeted by the up-regulated miRNAs, while 35 up-regulated mRNAs appear to be due to a down-regulated miRNA (i.e., miR-206). Functional network analyses of target genes of DE miRNAs showed their involvement in calcium signaling, axonal guidance signaling, and NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response pathways suggesting their involvement in breast muscle growth in chickens.ConclusionFrom the integrated analyses of differentially expressed miRNA-mRNA data, we were able to identify breast muscle specific miRNAs and their target genes whose concerted actions can contribute to rapid growth and higher feed efficiency in modern broiler chickens. This study provides foundation data for elucidating molecular mechanisms that govern muscle growth in chickens.

Association of IGF and IGFBP2 gene polymorphisms with growth and egg traits in Atak-S laying hens

Atak-S laying hens are a high-performance hybrid obtained by crossing of the Rhode Island Red (RIR) X the Barred Plymouth Rock (BR) and are being produced in the Ankara Poultry Research Institute since 1997. Phenotypic and genetic improving studies are continuous for this hybrid. In this study three different SNPs, two from IGF1 and one from IGFBP2 genes, were examined in 150 Atak-S chickens. Genetic association of SNPs were compared to body weight and egg number till 32 weeks of age, body weight at sexual maturity, age at sexual maturity and also egg quality traits such as egg shell breaking strength, shell thickness, Haugh unit, albumen index, yolk index and shape index were statistically analyzed. Only IGF1(a) locus was in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, while, the rest of the loci were not. As a result of the comparisons performed to the three SNPs, it was determined that there was a significant association (P&lt;0.05) between the T364C haplotypes of the IGF1(b) locus and body weight at 32 weeks of age, but there was not any association to the other traits.

Timing and Interval Effects of Repeated Inseminations by Roosters on the Fathering of Chicks.

The present study investigated the effects of timing and intervals between repeated inseminations by different rooster breeds on the fathering of chicks. The semen from Barred Plymouth Rock (BP), Japanese Silkie White (JS), and White Plymouth Rock (WP) males were used. Eighteen hens (7-month-old BP) were divided into four Groups (A–D). In all groups, the hens were first inseminated with the semen from BP males at 3 pm on day 0. The hens in Group A (n=3) were inseminated with the semen from JS and WP males at 3 pm on days 5 and 10, respectively. Those in Group B (n=3) were inseminated with the semen from JS and WP males at 3 pm on days 5 and 15, respectively. The hens in Group C (n=6) were inseminated with the semen from JS and WP males at 6 am on days 5 and 10, respectively. Lastly, those in Group D (n=6) were inseminated with the semen from JS and WP males at 6 am on days 10 and 20, respectively. The chicks obtained were classified on the basis of their phenotype matching with the breeding male phenotype. The majority of chicks (82.4% to 100% in Groups A and B) were fathered by the sperm from the subsequent insemination when repeated insemination was performed in the afternoon. Moreover, the chicks produced by the most recent insemination in the groups that were subjected to morning insemination could be obtained the next day after insemination (Groups C and D). The percentage of chicks fathered by the sperm from the subsequent insemination was 95.2% to 100% when the inter-insemination interval was 10 days (Groups B and D); these percentages decreased when the duration of the interval between inseminations was decreased to 5 days in Groups A, B, and C.

Chromatographic analysis of lypophilic compounds in eggs from organically fed hens

Egg yolks represent a common foodstuff in the human diet and are an important source of nutrients including lipids and carotenoids. The aim of this study was to compare the carotenoid, fatty acid and vitamin E contents of the yolk of eggs from nine hen breeds (Barred Plymouth Rock, Speckled Italian, Black Italian, Red Italian, Rhode Island, Silver Laced Wyandotte, Gold Araucana, Partridge Brahma and Yellow Cochin) raised in barns in an enclosed house. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the fatty acid analyses, and reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (RP-HPLC-PDA) for carotenoids and vitamin E quantification. The major carotenoids identified were lutein and zeaxanthin, which together represented more than 93% of the total carotenoids, followed by β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene.The results indicated that the total carotenoid content of the eggs ranged from 16.84–87.31 μg/g egg yolk (average value 49 μg/g egg yolk). The most representative fatty acids found were palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid. Significant differences in the proportions of α-linolenic acid were observed among the samples. The α-tocopherol content was directly correlated with the total carotenoid content. The results show that the chemical composition of egg yolk varies greatly among hen breeds.

Identification and Differential Abundance of Mitochondrial Genome Encoding Small RNAs (mitosRNA) in Breast Muscles of Modern Broilers and Unselected Chicken Breed.

Background: Although small non-coding RNAs are mostly encoded by the nuclear genome, thousands of small non-coding RNAs encoded by the mitochondrial genome, termed as mitosRNAs were recently reported in human, mouse and trout. In this study, we first identified chicken mitosRNAs in breast muscle using small RNA sequencing method and the differential abundance was analyzed between modern pedigree male (PeM) broilers (characterized by rapid growth and large muscle mass) and the foundational Barred Plymouth Rock (BPR) chickens (characterized by slow growth and small muscle mass).Methods: Small RNA sequencing was performed with total RNAs extracted from breast muscles of PeM and BPR (n = 6 per group) using the 1 × 50 bp single end read method of Illumina sequencing. Raw reads were processed by quality assessment, adapter trimming, and alignment to the chicken mitochondrial genome (GenBank Accession: X52392.1) using the NGen program. Further statistical analyses were performed using the JMP Genomics 8. Differentially expressed (DE) mitosRNAs between PeM and BPR were confirmed by quantitative PCR.Results: Totals of 183,416 unique small RNA sequences were identified as potential chicken mitosRNAs. After stringent filtering processes, 117 mitosRNAs showing >100 raw read counts were abundantly produced from all 37 mitochondrial genes (except D-loop region) and the length of mitosRNAs ranged from 22 to 46 nucleotides. Of those, abundance of 44 mitosRNAs were significantly altered in breast muscles of PeM compared to those of BPR: all mitosRNAs were higher in PeM breast except those produced from 16S-rRNA gene. Possibly, the higher mitosRNAs abundance in PeM breast may be due to a higher mitochondrial content compared to BPR. Our data demonstrate that in addition to 37 known mitochondrial genes, the mitochondrial genome also encodes abundant mitosRNAs, that may play an important regulatory role in muscle growth via mitochondrial gene expression control.

Egg production evaluation of laying hens by multivariate analysis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the existence of differences between hens from the Barred Plymouth Rock (PRB) breed and White Plymouth Rock (PRW) breed by multivariate analysis of weekly egg production and cumulative during the years of 1998 and 2010, from the Laboratório de Avicultura (LAVIC) of the Departamento de Zootecnia at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). For the analysis of the univariate and multivariate variance, the experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (breed) and 299 repetitions of the PRW breed and 350 of the PRB breed. The parameters analyzed were the weekly productions of eggs per bird from the 21st to the 50th week of age (P21, P22, ..., P50) and production of eggs accumulated being from the 21st to the 25th (PA1), 21st to the 30th (PA2), 21st to the 35th (PA3), 21st to the 40th (PA4), 21st to the 45th (PA5) and 21st to 50th (PA6). Analyzes of univariate and multivariate variance were conducted and the comparison of means were made by "T" Student and Wilks respectively (P &lt; 0, 05). Based on the results, an analysis of the principal components was performed with parameters PA1, PA2, PA4, PA5 and PA6. With the average egg production per family accumulated, a cluster analysis using Euclidean distance and single linkage method (nearest neighbors) was performed. The first two principal components meet the total variation in egg production accumulated from the 21st to 25th, 21st to 30th, 21st to 40th, 21st to 45th and 21st to 50th weeks of age. Most of the phenotypic variation of the layers can be explained by the production of eggs accumulated from the 21st until the 40th week of age, and this variable is highly correlated with total egg production. Families from the PRW and PRB breed form seven distinct groups, but homogeneous by the similarity between them. This allows direct crossings between different groups, in the pursuit for heterosis.

Hemograma, viscosidad de la sangre y fragilidad osmótica de gallos Isa White y Plymouth Rock barrado alimentan con diferentes niveles de sal

Este experimento fue realizado para determinar el efecto de dietas con diferentes niveles de sal en el hemograma, viscosidad de la sangre y la fragilidad osmótica de Plymouth Rock barrado (BPR) y Isa blanco (IW) pollas de cría. Cuatro dietas experimentales señaladas como: T1 (control de dieta con 0.25% de sal), T2 (dieta con 0.50% de sal), T3 (dieta con 0.75% de sal) y T4 (dieta con sal 1.00%) fueron alimentados a 48 pollas de las dos razas diferentes, agrupadas en 12 aves por tratamiento y en cuatro aves por repetición. Al final de ocho semanas del experimento, se recogieron muestras de sangre para la determinación del hemograma, viscosidad de la sangre y la fragilidad osmótica del glóbulo rojo. Los resultados revelaron diferencias (P &lt; 0.05) en la tasa de sedimentación eritrocítica, contenido de hemoglobina, rojo sangre corpúsculos, embalado de la célula volumen y sangre entera de la viscosidad entre las dos razas. También, el porcentaje de eosinófilos (3.30±0.15 versus 3.10±0.10) y basófilos (1.60±0.16 versus 1.80±0.13) difieren (P &lt; 0.05) entre las razas. Los glóbulos rojos de aves en las dietas altas en sal eran más osmóticamente frágiles que la dieta control. No hubo diferencias de raza en la fragilidad osmótica entre el BPR y IW pollas, sin embargo la raza BPR fue más sensible a la osmótica fragilidad en todos los niveles dietéticos y concentraciones salinas que la raza de IW. Concluyente, aumento en nivel de 0.75% hasta sal dietética no tiene ningún efecto significativo sobre las dos pollas de cría comercial en cuanto se refiere a su diferencial leucocitaria, pero un caso del basophilia subclínica podía ser inducido a nivel de 1.00%. También, el IW parecía la raza más osmóticamente estable en cuanto a su fragilidad osmótica eritrocitaria.