Egg Width Research Articles

The effect of group size and laying month on the quality, IgG, and corticosterone levels of goose eggs

Abstract. Environmental stress is known to negatively affect poultry health, production, and egg quality. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of two different group sizes and the laying month on egg quality characteristics as well as the effect of group size on corticosterone and IgG levels in goose eggs. The research was conducted on a semi-free-range goose breeder farm in Hajdú–Bihar county, Hungary. The eggs included in the analysis were produced by 4-year-old geese of the Grimaud breed. Two group sizes were constructed; the large group contained 850 birds; and there were three small groups, each containing 50 geese as replicates. The effect of the laying month and group size on egg quality parameters and the effect of group size on egg IgG and corticosterone contents were investigated. Eggs laid in January at the peak of production and at the end of February (low-production period) were involved in the study. Regarding the effect of months, we noticed a decrease in egg width (from 6.12 to 5.98 cm), shell thickness (from 0.76 to 0.61 mm at the blunt end, from 0.69 to 0.61 mm at the equator, and from 0.65 to 0.56 mm at the pointed end), shell weight (from 19.56 to 18.19 g), yolk weight (from 69.05 to 62.35 g), yolk ratio (from 36.45 % to 34.43 %), yolk diameter (from 7.09 to 6.59 cm), and yolk colour with fan (from 12.58 to 11.83) and b∗ (from 54.57 to 49.91) (P ≤ 0.05). The albumen ratio and yolk pH increased from 53.24 % to 55.51 % and from 6.18 to 6.29 from January to February, respectively. Regarding group size, the albumen pH (8.77 vs. 8.67), IgG (4955 vs. 3823 ng mL−1), and corticosterone (187.26 vs. 76.24 ng mL−1) levels were higher in the small groups (P ≤ 0.05).

Effect of annatto and alfalfa on egg yolk pigmentation in Creole hens

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an alfalfa- and annatto-enriched diet on the external and internal characteristics of eggs laid by Creole hens. Design/Methodology: A set of 22 Creole hens was divided into two treatment groups. The first group (n=11 females and one male) was fed alfalfa, while the second (n=11 females and one male) consumed alfalfa and annatto. For the study, 116 eggs (alfalfa=58 and annatto=58) were collected and stored in refrigeration until further analysis. The data encompassed external physical characteristics (egg weight, length, width, and shell thickness) and internal physical characteristics (yolk weight, white weight, and yolk pigmentation). Yolk color was evaluated as per the DSM color spectrum. Study Limitations/implications: Backyard poultry farming does not use artificial pigments to color egg yolks due to their high cost and low availability. Annatto and alfalfa are low-cost, handy alternatives. Results: Adding fresh alfalfa or annatto to the Creole hens' diet did not significantly affect (P>0.05) egg weight, length, or width, nor (P>0.05) eggshell thickness. Yolk and white weight were not affected (P>0.05) either. However, supplementing the hens’ diet with annatto intensified yolk pigmentation. Conclusion: Adding annatto to the Creole hens' diet intensifies yolk color without affecting the external or internal physical characteristics of eggs. Annatto (known in Mexico as achiote) is a natural pigment with no harmful effects on human health compared to synthetic alternatives. It is also inexpensive and easily accessible.

Association Rules Analysis for Continuous Chicken Egg Traits Dataset

This study introduces the association rule algorithm Apriori on a dataset consists of 14 continuous egg quality traits recorded from 4320 eggs of three commercial white-laying chicken lines. In the study all the continuous data were discretized using Equal-Width-Interval method based the number of intervals obtained with Rice formula. Association rules analysis on the discretized dataset resulted with a total of 349 rules consists of 3 and 4 items. According to the top five rules by support and confidence, some important associations were obtained between the certain value ranges of the traits egg weight, egg width, egg length, shell thickness, and shell breaking strength when compared to the others. The appropriate biological and economic interpretations of the obtained rules may contribute to the poultry industry in practice.

Morphological discrimination of human lice (Anoplura: Pediculidae) by eggs’ cap-like operculum

Human lice have long been parasites of humans and are responsible for several epidemics in human medical history. However, their morphology, particularly head and body lice, remains very similar. In this study, we discriminate human louse species based on the number, shape and size of aeropyles (respiratory pores) of the egg operculum as well as the size of the respiratory orifice in the aeropyles. For this purpose, lice and eggs were collected from infested patients referring to Parasitology Department of Avicenne Hospital (Bobigny, France) and analyzed morphologically. The microscopic examination of the aeropyles revealed a large variation in the number ranging from 5 to 12 for head lice, 10 to 16 for body lice and 13 to 18 for pubic lice with a statistically distinct average of 8.3, 12.9 and 15.7, respectively. Although the length of the head and body louse eggs were almost similar, the width of body louse eggs were bigger than those of head louse (412.9 μm and 363.5 μm, respectively), while pubic louse eggs had the smallest length (692.9 μm) and width (286.1 μm). In addition, pubic louse eggs had a greater operculum length and width (253.7 μm length and 220.7 μm width) than head (230.6 μm length and 210.2 μm width) and body lice (227.9 μm length and 199.9 μm width). Moreover, pubic lice had the smallest average aeropyle size (41.2 μm) compared to head (51.1 μm) and body lice (49.1 μm). The respiratory orifice on the aeropyles of head and body lice (9.9 μm) were almost twice as big as those of pubic lice (4.9 μm). There was an inverse correlation between the number of aeropyles and their size in head, body and pubic lice. These findings are helpful in accurate identification of human louse species using their eggs, which could be useful for control management strategies against these ectoparasites.

Modeling of Some Egg Characteristics in Henna Partridges

In this study, the distributions of egg count (daily and cumulative), width, length and weight values of chukar partridges obtained in two different egg production seasons were statistically modeled. For this purpose, in modeling cumulative egg production curves; Logistic, Gompertz, Gamma, Schunute, Brody, Richard, Negative Exponential, von Bertalanffy, Cubic Piecewise and Cubic models were used, and in evaluating daily egg production curves; Gompertz, Logistic, Richard, McNally, Gamma, Cubic Piecewise, Quadratic, Quadratic Piecewise and Modified Compartmental models were used. In modeling egg width values; Gompertz, Gamma, Cubic Piecewise and Cubic models were used, in modeling length values; Logistic, Gamma, Cubic Piecewise and Cubic models were used, and in modeling weight values; McNally, Gamma, Cubic Piecewise and Cubic models were used. In all modeling studies, as comparison and evaluation criteria; Error Mean Square, Corrected Coefficient of Determination, Accuracy Factor, Deviation Factor, Durbin-Watson, Akaike Information Criterion, Corrected Akaike Information Criterion and Bayesian Information Criterion were taken into consideration. As a result of the study; Gamma was determined as the most suitable model for modeling cumulative egg yields and length values, McNally for modeling daily egg yields and weight values, and Gompertz and Gamma models for modeling egg width values.

PERFORMANCE OF LAYING BIRDS FED DIETARY LEVEL OF MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE

The study was carried out at the poultry unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, The Federal University of Technology, Akure. A total of 144, 16 weeks old Isa Brown were purchased They were fed commercial grower mash until they e reached 20% laying performance (22weeks of age) before they were subjected to the experimental diets for sixteen weeks. The pullets were weighed at the beginning of the study and randomly allotted to the experimental diets containing 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.25g/kg Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). Each treatment was replicated 4 times with 6 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design, data was analysed using SAS 2008. The birds were fed twice daily (morning and afternoon) and water was provided ad-libitum. The birds were housed in a three-tier cage system. Feed consumption and weight gain and live weight of birds at the last week of the experiment were recorded while feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. Eggs were collected weekly and egg quality (egg weight, egg length, egg width, shell weight and shell thickness) were determined. The results showed that egg weight, egg length, egg width, shell weight and shell thickness were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by the treatments. Also, feeding birds with 0.75% MSG improved hen day production and feed efficiency through least feed conversion ratio. Egg weight, egg length and egg width of eggs gotten from birds fed 0.25% MSG diet were better.

INFLUENCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL EGG SHAPE INDICES ON CHICK SEX RATIO

Japanese quails are still in the domestication process and it has been observed that while in captivity,they do not sit on their eggs to hatch them. Separation of the males and females such that the recommended ratio is kept in a covey, is necessary for-profit maximization. Presently, sexing in quails is only possible at post hatch even, with the most popular Japanese vent examination technique. Besides, these techniques may be inaccurate, require expertise, facilities and may not be affordable by many farmers hence, the need to use egg shape to predetermine Japanese quail chicks. Egg length, width and indices were used to categories the egg shapes into Round (44), Oval (139), Spherical (9) and Elliptical (60). The 252 Japanese quail eggs were set in an artificial incubator. At hatch, the number of eggs hatched was recorded per egg shape. At 3 weeks of post hatch, the chicks’ sex was identified using the breast feather colour and the number of male and female chicks was recorded. Out of the 252 Japanese quail eggs incubated, 191 representing 75.8% hatched, whereas in 44 Round eggs incubated 36 hatched, 139 Oval eggs (102 hatched), 9 Spherical eggs (7 hatched) and in 60 Elliptical eggs, 46 hatched. While hatchability varied between 73.3 and 81.9% in all the egg shapes examined, the male to female chick sex ratio was 13:23, 20:31, 7:0 and 11:12 in Round, Oval, Spherical and Elliptical eggs, respectively. Since both sexes were recorded in all the egg shapes (except, Spherical eggs), Japanese quail egg shape may not influence chick sex. Thus, use of egg indices may not be a veritable technique to predetermine Japanese quail chick sex.

Differentiation of Exotic Chicken Breeds based on Egg Quality Traits using Classification Tree Algorithm

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of breed on egg quality traits and to discriminate chicken breeds (i.e., Bovan Brouwn (BV), Fayoumi (FM) and Sasso (SS)) based on egg quality traits using classification tree algorithm (CTA). For this purpose, a total of 1696 eggs were utilized and the traits egg weight, albumen height, albumen weight, egg length, egg width, egg weight, shell weight, shell thickness, yolk colour, yolk height and yolk weight, were recorded. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found in egg weight, albumen height, albumen weight, and egg width, with Bovans exhibiting the highest LSM values, indicating superior egg quality

Research Note: Genetic parameters estimation of egg quality traits in Rhode Island Red and White Leghorn chickens

The continuous increasing demand for egg quality and quantity, and the expanding market share have enabled the egg industry to achieve significant benefits through genetic improvement. This study aims to estimate the genetic parameters and explore selectable breeding traits in the purebred Rhode Island Red (RIR) and White Leghorn (WL), which are 2 high-yielding layer breeds, and better understand their underlying genetic basis and accelerate genetic progress. The DMU software was utilized to analyze 12 egg quality traits, including egg length (EL), egg width (EW), egg shape index (ESI), egg weight (EWT), albumen height (AH), yolk color (YC), Haugh unit (HU), yolk weight (YW), albumen weight (AW), albumen-to-egg weight ratio (AWR), yolk-to-albumen ratio (YAR), and yolk-to-egg weight ratio (YWR). In RIR, the heritability of egg quality traits ranged from 0.196 to 0.427, while the repeatability ranged from 0.395 to 0.668. In WL, the heritability of egg quality traits ranged from 0.203 to 0.347, and the repeatability ranged from 0.424 to 0.656. In both RIR and WL, highly strong genetic correlations were observed between AW and EW, as well as between AW and EWT. The genetic correlations for AW and EW were 0.902 in RIR and 0.864 in WL, while the genetic correlations for AW and EWT were 0.981 in RIR and 0.960 in WL. The egg quality traits in both breeds showed moderate heritability, indicating great genetic potential for improvement through selective breeding. This can help breeders meet the increasingly diverse egg preferences of consumers through genetic selection. Additionally, there is a highly strong correlation between egg width/egg weight, and albumen weight in both breeds. In practical production, it is feasible to estimate albumen weight by measuring egg width and egg weight, which can simplify the method for measuring albumen weight. In conclusions, our finding provided valuable insights into the genetic architecture of egg quality traits in RIR and WL chickens. They help our understanding of the potential for genetic improvement of these traits through selective breeding programs.

Egg Quality Traits of Nigerian Indigenous Chickens Reared Under Scavenging and Improved Feeding Condition in Relation to Exotic Chickens Eggs

This study was aimed at assessing the egg quality traits of Nigerian indigenous chickens raised under scavenging and improved feeding conditions in relation to exotic chicken’s eggs. The study was conducted in Sam Tee farm Nukai Jalingo, Nigeria. The indigenous breed pullets were sourced from villages in Ardo Kola, Lau and Zing L.G.A. The birds were grouped into three treatments Viz: indigenous breed under improved feeding and scavenging conditions and the exotic breed. The indigenous breed pullets under improved feeding condition were placed on grower’s diet and gradually replaced with a commercially prepared layers’ mash. A total of 336 eggs from the three groups were examined. Eggs weight, length, width, shell thickness and yolk width were measured. Shell ratio, surface area and Haugh unit were calculated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and correlation analysis. There were significant variations in egg weight, egg length and shell thickness between the indigenous and the exotic breed. The indigenous breed reared under improved feeding condition had the longest egg, largest surface area, thicker and heavier shell. Egg weight and surface area have significant positive correlations. In conclusion, Indigenous chickens' performance on some egg quality traits can be enhanced with judicious feeding and management.

Effect of Feeding Unpeeled Cassava Mash as Substitute for Maize in Layers Diet on Egg Quality and Hematological Parameters

The effect of feeding unpeeled cassava mash on layers to evaluate egg quality and hematological indices was investigated with one hundred and fifty birds that were thirty-four weeks old which were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments of 30 birds and replicated twice with fifteen birds each. The experiment lasted for 10 weeks in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Treatment 1 (100% maize) serves as control, while treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 25% unpeeled cassava mash, 50% unpeeled cassava mash, 100% unpeeled cassava mash and 25% peeled cassava mash respectively. There was significant (P<0.05) difference in shell surface area, Egg length, Egg breadth, Egg shape index, shell thickness and yolk colour score in all the treatments, while other parameters measured were not significantly different. As for Heamatological indices. There was no significant difference in all parameters measured. Haemoglobin (Hb) increased slightly with increased levels of unpeeled cassava mash inclusion. In conclusion replacement of unpeeled maize up to 100% inclusion level has no deleterious effect on the birds but the best result that can compete favourably with maize is 50% inclusion level. Therefore 50% inclusion level is recommended to farmers to maximize production and achieve desired result.

Association of Different Body Sizes and Egg Quality Characteristics in White Leghorn Chicken Breed of South Africa

Egg quality could influence the price of the table and hatching eggs. However, the effects of hen’s live body weight on egg characteristics are poorly understood. The present study evaluated the influence of body weight (BW) on egg characteristics, such as egg width (EWD), shell weight (SW), egg length (EL), albumen weight (AW), yolk weight (YW), shell surface index (SI), albumen ratio (AR), shell ratio (SR), and yolk ratio (YR) of White Leghorn chicken. A total of 100 White Leghorn chickens at 30 weeks of age were used in the current study of which 300 eggs were collected. Live body weight was classified into three groups namely, small (≤ 195g), medium (196-220g), and large (≥ 221g). The results revealed that the White Leghorn layer’s live body weight was positively influenced by the eggshell index and egg length. Additionally, the results indicated that body weight did not affect EW, SW, EWD, SR, YW, AW, AR, and YR. In conclusion, the live body weight influences egg length and shell index in the White Leghorn chicken breed.

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In this study, we provide an analytical comparison combined with morphological characteristic of eggs and newly hatched precocial chicks of three lapwing species, Red–owattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus (Boddaert, 1783), Spur-winged Lapwing V. spinosus (Linnaeus, 1758), and White-tailed Lapwing V. leucurus (Lichtenstein, 1823) that breed in Al-Malih Wetland in Babylon Province, Middle of Iraq. Occupied nests were located during the breeding season (March–June 2023), breeding events (e.g., adult courtship, marking of the breeding territories, nest-site selection, nest building, and egg incubation) were carefully observed. A total of 48 eggs from a total of 12 lapwing nests (4 eggs for each nest, 4 nests for each species) were cautiously examined and measured. Lapwing chicks and eggs show many morphological differences. Morphometrical data were tested using ANOVA, calculating the Mean, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV). The mean and SD for egg length were 46.25±0.68 mm for V. indicus, 42.25±0.96 mm for V. spinosus (Linnaeus, 1758), and 42.28±0.67 mm for V. leucurus. The egg breadth mean and SD were 33.34±0.84 mm for V. indicus, 31.43±0.55 mm for V. spinosus (Linnaeus, 1758), and 31.42±0.67 mm for V. leucurus. The egg weight Mean and SD were 21.39±0.91 gm for V. indicus, 16.51±0.73 gm for V. spinosus (Linnaeus, 1758), and15.87±0.50 gm for V. leucurus. The low value of CV (≤5%) may indicate a close hereditary clan in the birds that belong to the same genus. In addition, the results indicate that there are considerable differences in the morphometrical measurement of the three species of Vanellus. Eggs, as all of these variables have ≤5% CV. Our preliminary results, which were obtained for the first time, may contribute to the conservation efforts of these wetlands-dwelling birds in Iraq.

Effect of Plumage Colour on The Productive and Physiological Performance of Two Lines of Turkey During Egg Production Period

Using 32 hens from two turkey lines; broad-breasted bronze (BBB) and bourbon red (BR), this study assessed how plumage colour affects egg production and physiological functions during (26-40) weeks of observation. A total of 32 hens, namely 16 hens from the BBB line and 16 hens from the BR line, were bred from 26 weeks up to 40 weeks of age. According to our results, BBB line significantly (p≤0.05) outperformed BR line in terms of body weight at first egg production, feed intake, and yolk diameter during the study period. A significantly (p≤0.05) higher feed conversion ratio, an increased egg mass, a higher production rate of hen-day eggs, and a higher rate of albumen was achieved by the BR line. It is, however, noteworthy that the age at first egg production, the egg weight, the egg mass, the yolk weight, the yolk percentage, the albumen weight, the shell weight percentage, the egg shell thickness, width, and length, the shape index, yolk height and yolk index were not significantly (p≥0.05) different between the two lines at 24 and 36 weeks of age. The levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were not significantly (p≥0.05) different between the two lines at 24 and 36 weeks of age when eggs were produced. Both turkey lines presented in the current study can potentially be raised in Iraq, as well as used as hens to produce hatching eggs and for genetic improvement.

Effect of dietary supplementation of jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba) powder on performance, some biochemical parameters, and egg quality in quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different dietary supplementation levels with jujube fruit powder on the performance, biochemical parameters, and egg quality characteristics of laying quails. A total of 60 quails (45 days old) were randomly assigned to treatments with different levels of jujube fruit powder: a basal diet (control) and diets supplemented with 5 g/kg (T1), 10 g/kg (T2), with five replicates per treatment (20 quails/treatment and four quails/replicate). The differences between 1-15 and 16-30 days for feed intake (p<0.05), 1-60 days for egg production (p<0.05), 16-30 days for egg weight (p<0.05), and 1-15 and 1-60 days for feed conversion ratio were statistically significant. The highest values for egg width (p<0.01) and egg length (p<0.05) were found in the control group (25.87 and 33.55 mm), while lower values were observed in the T1 and T2 groups. There was no statistical difference between the groups in egg shape index, shell weight, shell ratio, and shell thickness (p>0.05). The yolk height (p<0.05) and yolk diameter (p<0.01) were statistically significant. The differences between the groups for all serum biochemical parameters were insignificant (p>0.05). According to the results of this study, jujube fruit, a rich energy source, can be used as an alternative supplement in poultry diets with positive effects on egg production and feed conversion ratio.

Egg Mercury Concentration and Egg Size Varies with Position in the Laying Sequence in two Songbird Species.

In birds, mercury embryotoxicity can occur through the transfer of mercury from the female to her eggs. Maternal transfer of mercury can vary by egg position in the laying sequence, with first-laid eggs often exhibiting greater mercury concentrations than subsequently laid eggs. We studied egg mercury concentration, mercury burden (total amount of mercury in the egg), and egg morphometrics by egg position in the laying sequence for two songbirds: tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and house wrens (Troglodytes aedon). Egg mercury concentration in the second egg laid was 14% lower for tree swallows and 6% lower for house wrens in comparison with the first egg laid. These results indicate that in both species, after an initial relatively high transfer of mercury into the first egg laid, a smaller amount of mercury was transferred to the second egg laid. This lower mercury concentration persisted among all subsequently laid eggs (eggs three to eight) in tree swallows (all were 14%-16% lower than egg 1), but mercury concentrations in subsequently laid house wren eggs (eggs three to seven) returned to levels observed in the first egg laid (all were 1% lower to 3% greater than egg 1). Egg size increased with position in the laying sequence in both species; the predicted volume of egg 7 was 5% and 6% greater than that of egg 1 in tree swallows and house wrens, respectively. This change was caused by a significant increase in egg width, but not egg length, with position in the laying sequence. The percentage of decline in mercury concentration with position in the laying sequence was considerably lower in tree swallows and house wrens compared with other bird taxonomic groups, suggesting that there are key differences in the maternal transfer of mercury into songbird eggs compared with other birds. Finally, we performed simulations to evaluate how within-clutch variation in egg mercury concentrations affected estimates of mean mercury concentrations in each clutch and the overall sampled population, which has direct implications for sampling designs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1844-1854. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Performance and egg quality traits of local chickens across different agroecologies in the Kewot district, North Shewa zone, Northern Ethiopia

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance (productive and reproductive) potential and egg quality traits of local chickens (LCs) across different agroecologies (AEs) in the Kewot district, North Shewa zone, northern Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study sites and households (HHs). The data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, monitoring and measurements. A total of 147 HHs were included in this study. Ninety brooding hens were monitored to determine hatchability and survivability percentages. A body weight of 120 LCs was measured at the market centres. Furthermore, the egg quality traits of 120 freshly laid eggs were evaluated. The data were analysed by a statistical package for social sciences (version 20). In the study area, the average flock size of the LC/HH populations was 9.90 ± 0.36. The most common flock type was chicks, followed by pullets, with significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the lowland (LL) AE. The mean age at first egg of females and the mean age at sexual maturity of males were 6.05 ± 0.06 and 5.68 ± 0.08 months, respectively. The numbers of eggs per clutch and per year were 14.29 ± 0.40 and 50.02 ± 1.51, respectively. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the average number of clutches/hen/year across AEs, while significantly lower (p < 0.05) numbers of eggs per clutch and per year were recorded for highland (HL) AEs than for LL agro-ecology. The mean hatchability percentage was 80.94 ± 1.69%. The mean market body weights of the male and female LCs were 0.91 ± 0.05 and 0.82 ± 0.05 kg, respectively. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in egg weight, egg width, shell thickness, shell ratio, albumen height, albumen and yolk weight, yolk colour, and Haugh unit (HU) between the AEs. The results revealed that the performance potential and egg quality traits of the LC in the study district were somewhat poor. Therefore, AE-specific development interventions should be designed and implemented to improve the performance potential and egg quality traits of LC in the study area.

LIFE HISTORY PARAMETERS OF MELON FRUIT FLY, BACTROCERA CUCURBITAE (COQUILLETT) (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) ON FOUR ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT VEGETABLES

The majority of plant species that are used for consumption and medicinal purposes belongs to Cucurbitaceae. These vegetables are attacked by several insect pests including Tephritid flies. Keeping in view, four economically important cucurbit vegetables such as sponge gourd; Luffa aegyptiaca, bitter gourd; Momordica charantia, musk melon; Cucumis melo, and bottle gourd; Lagenaria siceraria were selected to investigate the life-history parameters of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coq.) (Diptera: Tephritidae) under laboratory conditions. For this purpose, B. cucurbitae was reared in the laboratory on each host vegetable and egg hatchability %, egg incubation period, larval survival (%), duration (days), length and width of larvae, pupal parameters, male-female ratio, and age-specific fecundity were recorded. The results showedno statistical difference in hatchability percentages, larval duration, and pupal survival (%) in all tested vegetables. However, greater length and width of larvae were recorded when the B. cucurbitae larvae were provided with bottle gourd. Moreover, maximum pupal recovery was recorded in bottle and sponge gourd among all the tested vegetables. Maximum females were also recorded in bottle gourd. Adult longevity and fecundity were significantly affected by the host. Maximum female longevity (52 days) was recorded when B. cucurbitae were provided with bottle gourd and minimum (41 days) on sponge gourd. Similarly, maximum fecundity (823 eggs) was also recorded when maggots were fed on bottle gourd and the lowest (611 eggs) on a sponge gourd. In conclusion, Bottle gourd is the most preferable and nutritious host among all the tested vegetables and needs effective management strategies for B. cucurbitae. The output of the present studies would be helpful for the development of an effective integrated pest management (IPM) program for B. cucurbitae in a variety of vegetables.

Effect of Temperature and Humidity on the Biology and Morphometric Measurement of Groundnut Bruchid (Caryedon serratus Olivier) [Coleoptera: Bruchidae] in Groundnut Seed

The experiment determined the effects of varying temperatures and relative humidity on the biology and morphometrics of Caryedon serratus. The temperatures were 30, 35, and 40⁰C and relative humidity differences were 60, 65, and 70%. The results show that eggs hatched in 3-4 days at 30⁰C and 60% RH, 4-5 days at 35⁰C and 65% RH, 6-7 days at 40⁰C and 70% RH respectively. Larval period ranges from 19-23 days at 30 ̊C and 60% RH, 14-18 days at 35 ̊C and 65% RH, 14-18 days at 40 ̊C and 70% RH respectively. The morphometric measurements showed that the average length and breadth of eggs were 0.58 mm and 0.15 mm. The mean length and breadth of larval stages were 0.69, 1.27, 2.52, 3.58 mm and 0.35, 0.86, 1.35, and 2.10 mm respectively. The average length and breadth of the pupa were 4.60 mm and 3.00 mm. The mean length and breadth of adults were 4.10 mm and 3.40 mm. The life cycle of bruchid took 33-40, 14-18, and 16-20 days to complete at temperature degrees of 30, 35, 40⁰C and relative humidity ranges of 60, 65, and 70%. Therefore, this work has recommended that the standard optimum temperature and humidity for the best performance of C. serratus particularly on stored groundnut seeds ranges between 30-35⁰C and 60-65% RH. Farmers and all those involved in the storage of groundnut are admonished to be cautious of this period.

Egg Quality Parameters Evaluation of Indigenous and Sasso Chicken in Sidama Region, Ethiopia

A study was conducted at Aleta Wondo district of Sidama Region to evaluate quality parameters of eggs collected from indigenous and Sasso chickens reared under a traditional management system. About 100 eggs from each chicken type were collected from households who keep indigenous or Sasso chicken. Eggs were transported to Hawassa university poultry farm for quality parameters analysis. External and internal egg quality analysis was done according to laboratory procedure. Collected data was analyzed using SAS (Version 9.0). Results indicated that eggs collected from Sasso chicken showed superiority over indigenous chicken’s eggs for egg weight, egg length, egg width, shell weight, shell thickness and surface area. There is no significant difference on shape index and shell percentage of eggs collected from indigenous and Sasso chickens. Shape index recorded was 72.66 and 74.04 for indigenous and Sasso chickens respectively. Albumen weight was statistically higher for eggs collected from Sasso chickens (P&lt;0.0001). Eggs from indigenous chickens have superiority over Sasso’s eggs for yolk ratio, Haugh Unit and yolk albumen ratio. However, there is no significant variation on albumen height, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk color, yolk diameter and yolk index. It can be concluded that Sasso chicken produce heavier eggs than indigenous chicken. Yolk related parameters are similar for indigenous and Sasso chicken eggs produced at traditional management system.