Decreased Egg Production Research Articles

Alchemilla vulgaris effects on egg production and quality expressed by heatstressed quail during the late laying period

Potential for mitigating effects of heat stress through dietary Alchemilla vulgaris (AV) supplementation during the late laying period of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were investigated. A 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of environmental temperature (ET) regimes and levels of dietary supplementation with AV (0%, 1%, and 3%) was used in a 75-day experiment. Twenty-five quail were randomly assigned to each treatment with five replicate cages of five birds. The birds were housed in temperature-controlled rooms at 22 ± 2 °C for 24 h/day (TN) or 34 ± 2 °C between 09h00 and 17h00 followed by 22 ± 2 °C for 16 h/day (HS). The interaction of ET and supplement regimes was rarely significant. In HS quail supplemented with 1% AV, egg production was reduced and FCR was increased compared with the other treatments. Dietary AV was found to reduce egg production in TN conditions, but 3% AV supplementation in the HS group prevented decreased egg production and improved FCR. Various indicators of egg quality were significantly affected by supplementation with AV at certain times during the experiment. Most effects of HS on egg quality were manifest in the first 15 days of ET regimes. Although HS significantly decreased eggshell weight until 31–45 days, AV supplementation improved it on the 45th day and then maintained it through the end of the experiment. Thus, AV may mitigate some effects of HS by partially preventing decreased egg production and increased FCR during the late laying period of Japanese quail.Keywords: Coturnix coturnix japonica, flavonoids, supplement

Energy partitioning by broiler breeder hens in conventional daily-restricted feeding and precision feeding systems

An empirical linear mixed model was derived to describe metabolizable energy (ME) partitioning in broiler breeder hens. Its coefficients described ME used for total heat production (HP), growth (ADG), and egg mass (EM). A total of 480 Ross 308 hens were randomly and equally assigned to 2 treatments: precision feeding (PF) and conventional daily-restricted feeding (CON) from 23 to 34 wk of age. The PF system allowed birds to enter feeding stations voluntarily at any time, weighed them, and provided access to feed for 60 s if their BW was less than the breeder-recommended target BW. The CON birds were fed daily each morning. Energetic efficiency of hens was evaluated using residual feed intake (RFI), defined as the difference between observed and predicted ME intake (MEI). The energy partitioning model predicted (P < 0.05): MEI = A × BW0.67 + 1.75 × ADG + 0.75 × EM + ɛ. The coefficient A, a vector of age-specific HP, was 142 kcal/kg0.67/d; the energy requirement for growth and EM was 1.75 and 0.75 kcal/g, respectively. For the CON and the PF hens, respectively, MEI was 366 and 354 kcal/d (P = 0.006); RFI was –5.9 and 6.7 kcal/d (P = 0.009); HP% was 85.5 and 87.7 (P < 0.001); hen-day egg production (HDEP) was 65.5 and 55.2% (P < 0.001). Although the CON hens had higher MEI, the model predicted lower HP%; thus, CON hens had more nutrients available for egg production, increased egg production, and were more energetically efficient than the PF hens. The decreased egg production by the PF hens was likely due to these hens receiving production-related feed increases after an egg was laid. However, feed allocation increases for the CON hens resulted in increasing MEI for all CON hens at the same time. Therefore, the PF hens had lower MEI and lower HDEP than the CON hens.

Demonstrasi Plot Pemeliharaan Ayam Ras Petelur Sebagai Rintisan Terbentuknya Kampung Unggas di Desa Rempek Kabupaten Lombok Utara

The program of demonstration plot in Rempek Village, North Lombok Regency was expected to become a pioneer for laying chicken farm in the regency. Prior to development of planned facilities, site survey was conducted to find the purposed location and focus discussion group. The demonstration plot used house system with 6 x 20 m in width and length extending from east to west. The cage was built using mild construction iron poles and roofed using spandex. The roof was in a monitor-shape with half–open walls on the north and south sides. 550 cages were put iniside the house to keep 1100 pullets. For the pullet row put next to the walls, they were placed with the heads facing inwards; meanwhile for the pullets in the middle rows, they were placed back to back with each other. Every cage was equipped with a feeder and a nipple. During the rearing process, the pullets were fed 110 g/head/day of a mixture of commercial concentrate, corn, and bran with the ratio of 2:4:4, while drinking water was given ad libitum. The production process was normal with egg production peak reaching 92%. After 4 weeks of the peak production, North Lombok Regency was hit by several earthquake, causing the decrease of egg production for the feed was too procey for the production to continue

Bright artificial light at night is associated with increased body mass, poor reproductive success and compromised disease tolerance in Australian budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus).

Artificial light at night (ALAN) can cause circadian disruption and result in adverse behavioral and ecological effects in free-living birds, but studies on captive pet birds as companion animals have been infrequent. We studied the effects of exposure to bright ALAN on body mass, melatonin sulfate levels, reproduction and disease severity in Australian budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) kept in captivity. During the experiment, birds were kept under outdoor temperature, humidity and natural photoperiod from September to December. A total of 48 birds were equally split into 4 groups (6 mating pairs each) and concurrently exposed to ALAN of 200 lux with different duration (0, 30, 60 and 90 min). Monthly observations were recorded for all dependent parameters. ALAN exposure increased mass gain and suppressed melatonin levels in a dose-dependent manner, especially during December. In addition, ALAN exposure in all duration groups decreased egg production and reduced hatchability from 61% ± 14% in the ALAN-unexposed control group to 0% in the ALAN-exposed birds. Disease severity was also found to increase in line with the duration of ALAN exposure. In captive M. undulatus, ALAN exposure was demonstrated to affect photoperiodic regulation with subsequent excess mass gain and reproduction impairment, and increased susceptibility to infections plausibly through duration dose-dependent suppression of melatonin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a possible association between acute bright ALAN of increasing duration and both natural development of infections as well as reproductive cessation in captive birds. Our findings could be used to improve breeding conditions of captive birds.

Effect of anti-fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 antibodies on phosphorus metabolism in laying hens and their progeny chicks

Targeting fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) signaling pathway is of interest in controlling body phosphate metabolism. This study investigated the effect of anti-fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1, major FGF-23 receptor in the kidney) antibodies on phosphate metabolism. White Leghorn laying hens (65-wk-old) were vaccinated with either a FGFR1 peptide vaccine (five 8-amino-acid peptides were selected, CrZ-1:LPEDPRWE, CrZ-2:LDKDKPNR, CrZ-3:RRPPGMEY, CrZ-4:GSPYPGVP, and CrZ-5:RMDKPSNC) or adjuvant control. At peak antibody titer, hens were artificially inseminated. Chicks from control-vaccinated hens were fed either a non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) sufficient (nPP = 0.45%, positive control) or deficient (nPP = 0.20%, negative control) diet, while chicks from each of the FGFR1 peptide vaccinated hens were fed with the above nPP-deficient diet, for 14 D. When compared to control hens, plasma phosphate in CrZ-1, CrZ-2, CrZ-3, CrZ-4, and CrZ-5 vaccinated hens were decreased by 33, 30, 24, 20, and 26%, respectively (P < 0.05); egg weight in CrZ-2 and CrZ-5 vaccinated hens were increased by 6 and 7%, respectively (P < 0.05); egg production in CrZ-3, CrZ-4, and CrZ-5 vaccinated hens tended to decrease (P= 0.085; decreased by 14, 15, and 13%, respectively). When compared to positive control, chicks from all other groups had decreased body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) during 1 to 14 D, and had decreased plasma phosphate, tibiotarsus ash, and 24-h phosphorus excretion on day 14. When compared to negative control, BWG of CrZ-1, CrZ-2, CrZ-3, and CrZ-4 antibody chicks were decreased by 23, 28, 26, and 20%, respectively (P < 0.05); FI of CrZ-1, CrZ-2, and CrZ-3 antibody chicks were decreased by 15, 15, and 18%, respectively (P < 0.05); plasma phosphate of CrZ-5 antibody chicks were decreased by 26% (P < 0.05); plasma FGF-23 levels of CrZ-4 antibody chicks were increased by 18% (P < 0.05); tibiotarsus ash content of CrZ-2, CrZ-3, and CrZ-4 antibody chicks were decreased by 20, 20, and 21%, respectively (P < 0.05). In conclusion, anti-FGFR1 peptide antibodies decreased egg production of hens and growth performance of their progeny chicks probably by activating FGF-23 signaling and stimulating FGF-23 production.

Penggunaan jamu herbal pada ayam leghorn umur 26 bulan terhadap kualitas protein, lemak dan kolesterol telur

Laying hens raised in Merauke are generally medium-type leghorns with their characteristic brown feathers, two-year-old laying hens have decreased egg production because the chickens have entered the rejected period. Chicken is said to be rejected because the chicken has experienced a molting period twice and also has a period of decreased egg production. Efforts to improve the quality of production as well as eggs from medium type chicken rejects include giving herbal medicine. Improving the quality of production and the quality of eggs can not be separated from the condition of the chicken reproductive organs, herbal plants function to increase the fertility of the reproductive organs because they contain carotene and tocopherol which function to increase the fertility of the reproductive organs of one type of plant such as red fruit (Pandanus conoideus). The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of herbal medicine to improve the quality of egg protein, fat and cholesterol in laying hens. This research method was conducted experimentally using 26-month-old laying hens as many as 36 heads, with normal feeding and drinking provision divided into 4 treatments and 3 replications, so there were 12 units, each unit consisting of 3 chickens. Data were analyzed anovaally and continued with duncan test, calculations using SPSS 21 software. The results showed that the use of herbal herbal medicine in drinking water for fat and cholesterol protein had decreased but was not significant. The conclusion of this research is the supplementation of herbal herbal medicine in laying hens of medium type rejects does not affect the quality of eggs, namely protein, fat and cholesterol. The content of quality protein, fat and cholesterol is still in normal levels.

Alteration of the Antioxidant Capacity and Gut Microbiota under High Levels of Molybdenum and Green Tea Polyphenols in Laying Hens.

High dietary levels of molybdenum (MO) can negatively affect productive performances and health status of laying hens, while tea polyphenol (TP) can mitigate the negative impact of high MO exposure. However, our understanding of the changes induced by TP on MO challenged layers performances and oxidative status, and on the microbiota, remains limited. The aim of the present study was to better understand host (performances and redox balance) and microbiota responses in MO-challenged layers with dietary TP. In this study, 200 Lohmann laying hens (65-week-old) were randomly allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial design to receive a diet with or without MO (0 or 100 mg/kg), and supplemented with either 0 or 600 mg/kg TP. The results indicate that 100 mg/kg MO decreased egg production (p = 0.03), while dietary TP increased egg production in MO challenged layers (p < 0.01). Egg yolk color was decreased by high MO (p < 0.01), while dietary TP had no effect on yolk color (p > 0.05). Serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and malonaldehyde (MDA) concentration were increased by high MO, while total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity, glutathione s-transferase (GSH-ST), and glutathione concentration in serum were decreased (p < 0.05). Dietary TP was able to reverse the increasing effect of MO on ALT and AST (p < 0.05). High MO resulted in higher MO levels in serum, liver, kidney, and egg, but it decreased Cu and Se content in serum, liver, and egg (p < 0.05). The Fe concentration in liver, kidney, and eggs was significantly lower in MO supplementation groups (p < 0.05). High MO levels in the diet led to lower Firmicutes and higher Proteobacteria abundance, whereas dietary TP alone and/or in high MO treatment increased the Firmicutes abundance and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio at phylum level. High MO increased the abundance of Proteobacteria (phylum), Deltaproteobacteria (class), Mytococcales (order), and Nanocystaceae (family), whereas dietary TP promoted the enrichment of Lactobacillus agilis (species). Dietary TP also enhanced the enrichment of Bacilli (class), Lactobacillates (order), Lactobacillus (family), and Lactobacillus gasseri (species). Microbiota analysis revealed differentially enriched microbial compositions in the cecum caused by MO and TP, which might be responsible for the protective effect of dietary TP during a MO challenge.

Efektifitas ekstrak daun mayana (solenostemon scutellarioides. L) terhadap uji fisik organoleptik daging babi

Laying hens raised in Merauke are generally medium-type leghorns with their characteristic brown feathers, two-year-old laying hens have decreased egg production because the chickens have entered the rejected period. Chicken is said to be rejected because the chicken has experienced a molting period twice and also has a period of decreased egg production. Efforts to improve the quality of production as well as eggs from medium type chicken rejects include giving herbal medicine. Improving the quality of production and the quality of eggs can not be separated from the condition of the chicken reproductive organs, herbal plants function to increase the fertility of the reproductive organs because they contain carotene and tocopherol which function to increase the fertility of the reproductive organs of one type of plant such as red fruit (Pandanus conoideus). The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of herbal medicine to improve the quality of egg protein, fat and cholesterol in laying hens. This research method was conducted experimentally using 26-month-old laying hens as many as 36 heads, with normal feeding and drinking provision divided into 4 treatments and 3 replications, so there were 12 units, each unit consisting of 3 chickens. Data were analyzed anovaally and continued with duncan test, calculations using SPSS 21 software. The results showed that the use of herbal herbal medicine in drinking water for fat and cholesterol protein had decreased but was not significant. The conclusion of this research is the supplementation of herbal herbal medicine in laying hens of medium type rejects does not affect the quality of eggs, namely protein, fat and cholesterol. The content of quality protein, fat and cholesterol is still in normal levels.

Complete Genome Sequences of Three Mycoplasma anserisalpingitis (Mycoplasma sp. 1220) Strains.

Mycoplasma anserisalpingitis is a goose pathogen. The main symptoms in affected flocks are inflammation of the cloaca and the reproductive organs, decreased egg production, and increased embryo mortality. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of the type strain (ATCC BAA-2147) and two clinical isolates.

Peneguhan diagnosis Avian Influenza pada Ayam Petelur yang Mengalami Gejala Penurunan Produksi

Decreasing egg production is an initial symptom of various diseases that infect commercial layer chickens. Diagnosis of diseases causing the decrease in egg production without high mortality rate is often thought to be caused by other poultry diseases because of the many similarities in manifestation between one disease and another. Avian influenza is a zoonotic infectious disease in poultry that can lead to high economic losses. This study aims to determine the contribution of avian influenza virus (AIV) infection to commercial laying hens showing symptoms of decreased production. The samples were oropharyngeal swabs of commercial laying hens which had symptoms of decreased production at productive age. Laboratory tests were carried out by histopathological examination, detection and identification of AIV with real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and isolation with the viral culture technique on fertile chicken eggs. The results showed that there was type A AIV infection based on the qRT-PCR (matrix) test, but the subtypes were not identified (H5, H7, H9). The results of the isolation of the virus in the fertile chicken eggs showed embryonic death in which all embryonic organs show hemorrhages. Allantoic fluid does not agglutinate chicken red blood cells. Histopathological features of the pathognomonic lesions in lungs infected with AIV were severe congestion and hemorrhages. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that there was a contribution of type A AIV infection. Early diagnosis of AIV could determine more appropriate actions, including control, prevention and eradication.

Isolasi, Identifikasi, dan Serotyping Avibacterium paragallinarum dari Ayam Petelur Komersial yang Menunjukkan Gejala Snot

Infectious coryza (snot) is one of acute respiratory disease in breeders, layers, and broilers caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum (Av. paragallinarum). This disease is very harmful because of its cause decrease in egg production and high morbidity. Snot incident in Indonesia still is reported. Vaccination is one of the best preventive measures, but reports about Av. paragallinarum serotype at the field so lack so that the correspondence between serotype Av. paragallinarum in the field to those used for vaccination is unknown. Av. paragallinarum has strains with different antigenicity and until now known three serotypes there are serotypes A, B and C. Serotypes A and C are pathogenic then serotypes B. The purpose of this study was to isolate, identify and to determine the serotype of Av. paragallinarum from the commercial layer that showing symptoms of snot. Samples were taken from layer which showed symptoms of snot (nasal foul smelling exudate, infra-orbital and wattle swelling, conjunctivitis, and snoring) from some layer farms. Samples were cultured on chocolate agar and then incubated in a candle jar at 37 ᴼC for 18-24 hours. Bacteria colony and cell morphology were observed and performed biochemical tests (catalase, oxidase, urease, indole, and fermentation of carbohydrates) in suspected colonies. Serotypes test was conducted using plate agglutination test (PAT). This study revealed 4 isolates Av. paragallinarum with 2 isolates are serotype B and 2 other are serotype C.

Insulin resistance and metabonomics analysis of fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens induced by a high-energy low-protein diet

Fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is a widespread metabolic disease in laying hens that causes a decrease in egg production and even death. Insulin resistance is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the relationship between FLHS and the insulin resistance mechanisms underlying FLHS is not well elucidated. Therefore, we established an FLHS model induced by feeding a high-energy low-protein diet. In the current study, we found that the fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were elevated in the FLHS group compared with the control group during the experimental period. The results of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin sensitivity test (IST) showed a high level of insulin resistance in the FLHS model. InsR, 4EBP-1, Glut-1 and Glut-3 mRNA expression were decreased, and TOR, S6K1, and FOXO1 were elevated (P < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis with GC/MS identified 46 differentially expressed metabolites between these two groups, and of these, 14 kinds of metabolism molecules and 32 kinds of small metabolism molecules were decreased (P < 0.05). Further investigation showed that glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolism blocks in the progression of FLHS by GO functional and pathway analysis. Overall, these results suggest that insulin resistance participated in FLHS; comprehensively, metabolites participated in the dysregulated biological process.

Efficacy of tetravalent coryza vaccine against the challenge of Avibacterium paragallinarum serovars A and B isolates from Indonesia in chickens.

Aim:Infectious coryza is caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum. In Indonesia, this infection results in a 10%-40% decrease in egg production by laying hens. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of tetravalent coryza vaccine contained A. paragallinarum bacterin serovars A, B, C2, and C3; strain A-221, B-Spross, C2-Modesto, and C-3-Akko in layers based on antibody titer and clinical signs using a post-challenge test.Materials and Methods:Forty four-week-old Lohmanns strain chickens were used in this study. Forty chickens were divided into four groups for serological and challenge test: Group 1 (unvaccinated and challenged by A. paragallinarum serovar A), Group 2 (unvaccinated and challenged by A. paragallinarum serovar B), Group 3 (vaccinated and challenged by A. paragallinarum serovar A), and Group 4 (vaccinated and challenged by A. paragallinarum serovar B). Vaccination was done using the tetravalent vaccine in oil-emulsion adjuvant contained A. paragallinarum bacterin serovars A, B, C2, and C3; strain A-221, B-Spross, C2-Modesto, and C-3-Akko. Vaccination was performed at day 1 and booster was done at day 14. Blood serum was collected on days 0, 14, and 28 for the hemagglutination-hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. The challenge test was given at day 29 through intranasal administration using A. paragallinarum serovars A-L2447 and B-L1710 approximately 6×108 CFU/mL. Clinical signs were observed for 14 days post-infection. At the end of the study, chickens were euthanized, and pathological features of the infraorbital sinus, facial skin, and trachea were recorded.Results:Data analysis of antibody titers and pathological changes was performed descriptively, while clinical symptom scores were analyzed non-parametrically with the Mann–Whitney U-test using SPSS version 21. At days 14 and 28 post-vaccination, the antibody titer in Group 3 was 5 HI and 20 HI, respectively. However, the antibody titers in Group 4 at 28 days post-vaccination were 0 HI. Clinical observations, the vaccinated groups that were challenged with A. paragallinarum serovars A and B showed clinical symptoms on days 4 and 6 post-infection, namely mild unilateral facial edema and severe bilateral facial edema, respectively. Clinical signs in Groups 3 and 4 were less severe than in Groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05). Pathological examination findings supported clinical observations and serological testing.Conclusion:Tetravalent coryza vaccine in chickens has efficacy to protect against the challenge test of A. paragallinarum serovars A and B isolated from Indonesia.

Fluktuasi Harga Telur Ayam Ras dan Faktor Penyebabnya

&lt;p&gt;Sharp egg price fluctuation frequently takes place due to its unstable supply. This study aimed to analyze egg price fluctuation and its determinants. Conducted from September to November 2018, data of the study were collected by interviewing officers from related agencies, breeders, associations and egg traders in West Java Province. Price fluctuation was estimated using coefficient of variation. Factors influencing egg price fluctuation was analyzed descriptively. Egg price for the last five years kept increasing. Average egg price in 2018 was higher than those in last four years. High egg price at farm level affected its retail price in Jakarta. Increased egg price was due to increases in feed and DOC prices, and decreased egg production affected by disease attacks. At the same time the demand for egg enhanced along with National Religious holidays, school vacations, and foot ball world cup shows. Biosecurity, hygienic pens, and response to disease attack need improvement. Prohibition of AGP (Antibiotic Growth Promoters) should be followed up by farmers with enhancement in good farming practices, such as reducing chicken density. Corn import ban hampers poultry industry which has a negative impact on domestic egg production.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Abstrak&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fluktuasi harga dan pasokan telur ayam ras masih sering terjadi yang menyebabkan permasalahan bagi peternak di kala harga jatuh dan bagi konsumen pada saat harga tinggi. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis permasalahan fluktuasi harga telur ayam dan faktor-faktor penyebabnya, dilakukan pada bulan September sampai Nopember 2018. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan metoda wawancara kepada aparat dari beberapa instansi terkait, peternak, pengurus asosiasi, dan pedagang telur ayam ras di Provinsi Jawa Barat. Tingkat fluktuasi harga diproksi dengan nilai koefisien variasi dan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi fluktuasi harga telur ayam ras dianalisis secara deskriptif. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa harga telur selama lima tahun terkahir terus meningkat. Rata-rata harga telur ayam tahun 2018 lebih tinggi dibandingkan empat tahun sebelumnya dengan fluktuasi tinggi. Harga telur yang tinggi di sentra produksi mendorong kenaikan harga di tingkat konsumen utama di DKI Jakarta. Kenaikan harga pakan dan harga DOC menyebabkan kenaikan harga telur ayam ras. Kenaikan harga telur juga disebabkan oleh berkurangnya produksi telur akibat serangan penyakit. Pada sisi lain terjadi peningkatan permintaan terhadap telur ayam akibat adanya momen Hari Besar Keagamaan Nasional, libur sekolah, dan momen piala dunia. Dari hasil kajian ini disarankan untuk meningkatkan biosekuriti dan higienitas kandang, dan peningkatan respon untuk pengendalian penyakit. Pelarangan AGP (Antibiotic Growth Promoters) sebaiknya diikuti peternak dengan perubahan pola budi daya, seperti mengurangi kepadatan kandang. Kebijakan menyetop impor jagung secara total menghambat pertumbuhan industri peternakan yang berdampak negarif pada kinerja produksi dan pasokan telur. &lt;/p&gt;

Perfluorobutanesulfonate Exposure Skews Sex Ratio in Fish and Transgenerationally Impairs Reproduction.

Perfluorobutanesulfonate (PFBS) is increasingly polluting aquatic environments due to worldwide manufacturing and application. However, toxicological knowledge regarding PFBS exposure remains scarce. Here, we showed that PFBS life-cycle exposure at environmentally realistic concentrations (0, 1.0, 2.9, and 9.5 μg/L) skewed the sex ratio in fish toward male dominance, while reproductive functions of female fish were greatly impaired, as characterized by extremely small ovaries, blocked oocyte development, and decreased egg production. Endocrine disruption through the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis was induced by PFBS exposure, showing antiestrogenic activity in females but estrogenic activity in males. PFBS was found to gradually accumulate in F0 adults during continuous exposure but can be rapidly eliminated when depurated in clean water. Parental exposure also transferred PFBS pollutant to F1 offspring eggs. Although no trace of PFBS was detected in F1 adults and F2 eggs, adverse effects from parental exposure persisted in F1 and F2 offspring. These transgenerational effects implicate PFBS as an ongoing threat to the fitness and sustainability of fish populations. The dramatic impairment of fish reproduction highlights the urgency of re-evaluations of the ecological and evolutionary consequences of PFBS exposure.

Methionine supplementation improves reproductive performance, antioxidant status, immunity and maternal antibody transmission in breeder Japanese quail under heat stress conditions.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of methionine (Met) supplementation on productive and reproductive performance, immune response and antioxidant status in breeder quails reared under heat stress (HS). A total of 125 breeder quails were divided into five groups. One group was kept in an environmentally controlled room at 22 C and considered as thermoneutral, and four groups were kept at 34 C and fed a basal diet (heat stressed) or a basal diet with Met concentrations 1.15, 1.30 and 1.45 times the quail requirements per NRC (1994) recommendations. HS decreased egg production in birds fed the basal diet (). Higher feed intake (), egg production (), improved feed efficiency () and Haugh unit and hatchability variables () occurred in Met supplemented groups. Birds receiving Met under HS had higher maternal serum IgG, egg yolk IgY and offspring serum IgG (mg mL). Quails receiving the Met supplementation diets exhibited higher () plasma levels and liver activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase as well as lower () plasma and liver levels of malondialdehyde compared to the HS group fed the basal diet. All breeder quails receiving the Met supplement had lower () heterophil and ratios as well as higher () lymphocytes than quails fed the basal diet under the same stress conditions. Our results suggest that dietary supplementation with Met could improve the performance, immunity and antioxidant status of quails by reducing the negative effects of HS.

Hypoxia and reduced salinity exacerbate the effects of oil exposure on sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) reproduction

Estuaries of the northern Gulf of Mexico are dynamic environments, with fluctuations in salinity and dissolved oxygen, including areas of seasonal hypoxia. Fish that reside and reproduce in these estuaries, including sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus; SHM), were at significant risk of oil exposure following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. It is poorly understood how differences in environmental conditions during oil exposure impact its toxicity. The present study investigated the effects of crude oil high-energy water accommodated fraction (HEWAF) on SHM reproduction in three environmental scenarios (normoxic, hypoxic, and hypoxic with low salinity) to determine if differences in salinity (brackish vs low salinity) and dissolved oxygen (normoxia vs hypoxia) could exacerbate the effects of HEWAF-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We observed that HEWAF exposure significantly increased liver somatic index of SHM compared to control, but this effect was not exacerbated by hypoxia or low salinity. HEWAF exposure also significantly decreased egg production and egg fertilization rate, but only in the hypoxic and hypoxic with low salinity scenarios. A significant correlation existed between body burdens of PAHs and reproductive endpoints, providing substantial evidence that oil exposure reduced reproductive capacity in SHM, across a range of environmental conditions. These data suggest that oil spill risk assessments that fail to consider other environmental stressors (i.e. hypoxia and salinity) may be underestimating risk.

Identification of molecular markers associated with starvation in female Calanus sinicus (Copepoda: Calanoida)

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 614:51-65 (2019) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12904 Identification of molecular markers associated with starvation in female Calanus sinicus (Copepoda: Calanoida) Takuya Ohnishi1,*, Junya Hirai1, Shinji Shimode2, Atsushi Tsuda1 1Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8564, Japan 2Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-1 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan *Corresponding author: ohnishi@aori.u-tokyo.ac.jp ABSTRACT: Evaluation of the physiological states of copepods can improve current understanding of the dynamics of zooplankton population and contribute to assessments of the health of trophic linkages in marine ecosystems. However, assessing the starvation status of copepods in situ using conventional methods is difficult because of spatial and temporal changes in food availability. Here, we analyzed gene expression to identify the molecular markers associated with starvation in the copepod Calanus sinicus from the western North Pacific Ocean. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were compared between starved and satiated copepods using high-throughput mRNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Sixteen DEGs were identified. Nine of these DEGs were assigned to known functional genes associated with energy metabolism, egg production, and somatic growth, and therefore were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) as candidate markers for starvation. To evaluate the reliability of these candidate markers as indicators for starvation, copepods were given different food concentrations and fasted for various periods. Gene expression was highly sensitive to temporal and quantitative changes in food conditions. During starvation, the expression of NADH-dehydrogenase (related to energy metabolism) was upregulated and that of vitellogenin 2 (related to egg production) was downregulated compared to their expression in satiated copepods. As might be expected from such changes in expression, complete fasting significantly decreased egg production. Changes in NADH-dehydrogenase and vitellogenin 2 expression were therefore correlated with the degree of copepod starvation or food limitation. This information may help to assess potential reproductivity and predict egg production rates in copepods in their natural environment. KEY WORDS: Copepod · Starvation · Molecular marker · Gene expression · RNA-Seq · qRT-PCR Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Ohnishi T, Hirai J, Shimode S, Tsuda A (2019) Identification of molecular markers associated with starvation in female Calanus sinicus (Copepoda: Calanoida). Mar Ecol Prog Ser 614:51-65. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12904 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 614. Online publication date: April 04, 2019 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2019 Inter-Research.

Molecular identification of Mycoplasma synoviae from breeder chicken flock showing arthritis in Egypt.

Aim:Arthritis is one of the most economic problems facing poultry industry worldwide. The study was done to detect possible causes of arthritis in breeder chicken flock with emphasis on molecular identification of Mycoplasma synoviae (MS).Materials and Methods:This study was carried on chicken from broiler breeder flock of 57 weeks’ age in Dakahlia, Egypt, suffered from arthritis with frequently 5-7% decrease in egg production, reduced fertility, and hatchability. Forty blood samples were randomly collected from individual birds in sterile tubes and used for serum separation. Serum samples were tested using serum plate agglutination (SPA) test against colored antigens for Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), MS, and Salmonella gallinarum-pullorum (SGP). On the other hand, 24 joint samples were collected. Of those 24 samples, 12 joint samples were subjected to bacteriological examination, while the other 12 were utilized for molecular diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for MS and avian reovirus (ARV).Results:SPA test results revealed the presence of antibodies against MG, MS, and SGP in tested sera in rates of 14/40 (35%), 35/40 (87.5%), and 9/40 (22.5%), respectively. Furthermore, 19 bacterial isolates were recognized from joint samples and identified as five Staphylococcus spp., nine Escherichia coli, three SGP, one Citrobacter, and one Proteus. The identified Staphylococcal isolates were three coagulase-positive staphylococci (two Staphylococcus aureus and one Staphylococcus hyicus) and two coagulase-negative staphylococci (one Staphylococcus epidermidis and one Staphylococcus lentus), while E. coli isolate serotypes were 1 O11, 2 O55, 3 O78, 1 O124, 1 O125, and 1 untyped. PCR proved that 12/12 (100%) samples were positive for MS variable lipoprotein hemagglutinin A (vlhA) gene, while ARV was not diagnosed in any of the examined samples. Four amplified vlhA gene of MS isolates (named MS-2018D1, MS-2018D2, MS-2018D3, and MS-2018D4) was successfully sequenced.Analysis of phylogenetic tree revealed the presence of 100% identity between each two sequenced isolates(isolates MS-2018D1 and MS-2018D4 and also isolates 2018D2 and MS-2018D3). However, the nucleotide similarity between four isolates was 88.6%. On the other hand, our field isolates MS-2018D1, MS-2018D4, MS-2018D2, and MS-2018D3 showed nucleotide identity with vaccine strain MS-H 98.4%, 98.4%, 88.1%, and 88.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the nucleotide similarities with field strains from Argentina ranged between 87.8% and 98.6%.Conclusion:Four field isolates of MS were identified in examined broiler breeder flock. A phylogenetic study of these isolates revealed the variation between isolated MS strains and vaccine strain. Therefore, further studies are required for evaluating the vaccine efficacy against the present field isolates of MS. In addition, application of MS immunization of breeder flocks is necessary for proper control of the disease.

A survey of the incidence of worm parasites in laying chickens in Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This research is based on parasitic helminthes of laying birds conducted in July 2018 in the Department of Animal Science, Akwa Ibom State University, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This work aimed at identifying the types of worm parasites that may be found in laying birds (poultry) farms and to determine their prevalent rates in layers together with the percentage infestation of these worm parasites in Abak Local Government Area. A total of 270 sterile samples were collected randomly from 10 farms in 3 weeks at Abak Local government Area. These sterile samples were transported immediately for analysis in the laboratory using floatation method with saturated salt solution. With the aid of x10 microscope, it was discovered that out of the 270 (or 100%) samples examined for helminthes only two types of nematodes were identified. A sum total of 196 (or 73%) nematode eggs were found and a total of 113 (or 42%) Ascardia gallinarum eggs were tested positive and 83 (or 31%) Heterakis gallinarum were tested positive while a total of 74 (or 27%) fecal sample tested negative. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes as observed in this area has a strong relationship with their mode of feeding and living conditions which lead to reduced body weight, decreased egg production and deaths thus affecting the meat quality and nutrient content of the chicken. Laying birds should be dewormed every three months and high level of hygiene should be maintained in the farm. It was concluded that there is a high prevalence of helminthes in Abak Local government Area in laying birds, which may lead to high losses. Thus, improved farm management and disease control to enhance their potentials is necessary.