Infertile Eggs Research Articles

Family flock size and age-sex structure of indigenous village chickens.

Indigenous village chickens (IVCs) significantly contribute to rural development. There is considerable variation in family flock size and age-sex structure of IVCs. This study reports the family flock size, age-sex group structure, and demographic history of IVCs. This work involved a cross-sectional study conducted using face-to-face general informants' individual interviews with 119 smallholder farmers in highland and lowland agroecological zones. The average family flock size of the sampled households was small (mean = 7.28, range: 1-38). Female birds (hens and pullets) represented the largest proportion of the family flocks (50.2%). The proportion of chicks (26.4%) and pullets (14.4%) was lower than that of hens (35.8%), which creates a considerable challenge in producing replacement breeding flocks. Similarly, the proportion of cockerels (9.1%) was lower than that of cocks (14.3%). The average cock-to-hen ratio (one cock to seven hens) was better than the commonly recommended proportion (1 cock to 8-10 hens). As a result, smallholder farmers have not faced the problem of producing infertile eggs. The estimated effective population size (Ne) of 4.02 and the corresponding inbreeding coefficient of 0.12 at the family flock level show that to some extent inbreeding may occur at the family flock level; besides, the estimated Ne represents 55.2% of the census size. However, inbreeding could be offset by the high rate of flock turnover and uncontrolled mating among scavenging birds. Family flocks contain a few birds, which may lead to consanguineous mating. Inbreeding is, however, considerably reduced by uncontrolled breeding among birds that share a common scavenging ground. The driving factors behind the low proportion of chicks and juvenile birds and the family flock size need to be further investigated to improve the contribution of local chickens to rural livelihoods.

Asymmetrical reproductive interference between Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus: Implications for coexistence.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are two sympatric mosquito species that compete with each other for resources when their breeding habitats overlap. This study examines what happens when sympatric Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes' mate with each other and other species by looking at insemination rates, fecundity, and hatchability rate. We performed controlled mating experiments in laboratory setting, assessing both conspecific and interspecific crosses. We measured insemination rates, egg numbers, and hatching success to examine the reproductive interference dynamics between these two distinct mosquito species. In the context of conspecific mating, it was observed that both female Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus exhibited high insemination rates, with percentages of 98% and 94% respectively. However, interspecific mating exhibited interesting asymmetries: Ae. albopictus males achieved a notable insemination success rate of 28% when mating with Ae. aegypti females, while Ae. aegypti males achieved only an 8% insemination success with Ae. albopictus females. Additionally, females that mated with interspecific males had reduced production of viable eggs compared to conspecific mating. Most notably, interspecific mating resulted in the production of infertile eggs, while conspecific mating led to successful hatching. The study reveals that Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus can asymmetrically interfere with each other's reproduction, causing a 'satyr' effect. This understanding of interspecific competition and reproductive interference in these mosquito species could impact their coexistence in shared breeding habitats.

Functional oil in the feeding of heat-stressed Japanese quail

The objective of the present study was to evaluate a blend of functional oils (FO) composed of copaiba and garlic essential oils, pepper oleoresin and cashew nut liquid to mitigate the effects of heat stress on productivity, egg quality, organ morphology of the gastrointestinal tract, serum biochemical profile, nutrient metabolism and body temperature of Japanese quail. A completely randomized design was used in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme (without additive; 300 and 500 mg FO/kg of feed x birds raised in a thermal comfort (TC) and heat stress (HS) environment), with 6 replicates of 8 birds per plot. The birds under HS had lower feed intake (P = 0.0000), egg mass (P = 0.0000), laying rate (P = 0.0000) and higher percentage of infertile non-commercial eggs (P = 0.0004), lower head temperature amplitude (P = 0.0000) and higher average of body temperature (P = 0.0312). HS worsened the external and internal quality of the eggs. Birds kept in HS showed higher values of cholesterol (P = 0.0000) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (P = 0.0272). The use of 300 and 500 g FO/ton of feed improved the feed conversion (P = 0.0000) and egg mass (P = 0.0000) of the quail bred under HS, respectively, by 8.4 and 7.2% and increased the relative weight of liver (P = 0.0064) and pancreas (P = 0.0492). The use of such additives also provided a higher % of yolk (P = 0.0018) and reduced the percentage of albumen (P = 0.0029) of the eggs produced in TC, in addition to reducing the amplitude of head temperature (P = 0.0484) of birds bred under HS. The breeding of Japanese quail under HS results in negative impacts on the production, physiological and qualitative aspects of the eggs. The use of 300 g/ton of FO in the diet of Japanese quail leads to improvements in feed conversion, increased liver capacity in nutritional metabolism and results in eggs with a higher proportion of yolks, being, therefore, an alternative for feeding quail in a hot climate.

Non-destructive prediction of fertility and sex in chicken eggs using the short wave near-infrared region

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of a handheld near-infrared device (900–1600 nm) to predict fertility and sex (male and female) traits in-ovo. The NIR reflectance spectra of the egg samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14 and 18 of incubation and the data was analysed using principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and support vector machines classification (SVM). The overall classification rates for the prediction of fertile and infertile egg samples ranged from 73 % to 84 % and between 93 % to 95 % using LDA and SVM classification, respectively. The highest classification rate was obtained on day 7 of incubation. The classification between male and female embryos achieved lower classification rates, between 62 % and 68 % using LDA and SVM classification, respectively. Although the classification rates for in-ovo sexing obtained in this study are higher than those obtained by chance (50 %), the classification results are currently not sufficient for industrial in-ovo sexing of chicken eggs. These results demonstrated that short wavelengths in the NIR range may be useful to distinguish between fertile and infertile egg samples at days 7 and 14 during incubation.

Influence of climatic factors on the life stages of Aedes mosquitoes and vectorial transmission: A review.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are two sympatric mosquito species that compete with each other for resources when their breeding habitats overlap. This study examines what happens when sympatric Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes' mate with each other and other species by looking at insemination rates, fecundity, and hatchability rate. We performed controlled mating experiments in laboratory setting, assessing both conspecific and interspecific crosses. We measured insemination rates, egg numbers, and hatching success to examine the reproductive interference dynamics between these two distinct mosquito species. In the context of conspecific mating, it was observed that both female Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus exhibited high insemination rates, with percentages of 98% and 94%, respectively. However, interspecific mating exhibited interesting asymmetries: Ae. albopictus males achieved a notable insemination success rate of 28% when mating with Ae. aegypti females, while Ae. aegypti males achieved only 8% insemination success with Ae. albopictus females. Additionally, females that mated with interspecific males had reduced production of viable eggs compared to conspecific mating. Most notably, interspecific mating resulted in the production of infertile eggs, while conspecific mating led to successful hatching. The study reveals that, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus can asymmetrically interfere with each other's reproduction, causing a 'satyr' effect. This understanding of interspecific competition and reproductive interference in these mosquito species could impact their coexistence in shared breeding habitats.

Detection of organochlorine pesticides in infertile eggs of crocodylus acutus from sinaloa.

Environmental contaminants endanger human health and non-target organisms such as crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) that live in aquatic bodies surrounding agricultural areas. Due to their intrinsic characteristics, these organisms could be bioaccumulating and transmitting organochlorine pesticides (OCs) to their eggs. The objectives of this study were to determine the OCs in infertile eggs of C. acutus from Sinaloa and their correlation with the morphometric characteristics (MC), and to perform a preliminary estimate of the ecological risk due to the presence of pesticides using the PERPEST model. In June 2022, 76 infertile eggs (Ie) were collected: 57 from wild areas (Wa) and 19 from a crocodile farm (CSMf). Determination of OC in Ie was performed according to the USEPA method 8081b, modified. The observed percentages of Ie in Wa were 31.48% and 21.33% in CSMf. Twenty OCs were detected in the Ie, where dieldrin recorded the highest average concentration in Wa (6542.6ng/g), and endosulfan-II in the CSMf (2172.8ng/g). Bad negative and positive correlations were observed between OCs and MC, standing out the correlations between endosulfan-II and %Ie (-0.688) in the Wa, Cedritos drain, and between endrin and the weight of Ie (0.786) of the CSMf. The evaluation of the ecological risks of the aquatic environment due to the presence of OCs follow the sequence cyclodienes > aromatic > alicyclic hydrocarbons. A potential risk to the endocrine health of the species C. acutus was observed. Crocodiles are excellent biological models for monitoring the effects of OCs.

Evaluating the dynamics and efficacy of a live, attenuated Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis vaccine candidate under farm conditions

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to monitor the dynamics and to measure the safety and efficacy of a live, attenuated, thermosensitive Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis vaccine candidate, namely MA271, in geese breeder flocks under field conditions. Two rearing flocks were vaccinated with MA271 at 4 weeks of age and boosted at 24 weeks of age by cloaca inoculation (1 ml) and eye-dropping (60 µl). The geese then were transported to multi-aged breeding farms. Two breeding flocks served as controls. Colonization of the cloaca by MA271 showed 75% maximum prevalence between 4 and 6 weeks after the first vaccination. Then the prevalence decreased to 25% until the cooler, humid fall months which coincided with the booster vaccination. Boosting raised cloacal colonization to 100%. No clinical signs were observed in the vaccinated birds. After transportation to five multi-aged breeding farms, the wild-type strain appeared as well as MA271 in three flocks. In one flock, the wild-type strain completely displaced MA271, while in one flock only MA271 was detected. Only wild-type strains were detected in the control flocks; however, due to an HPAI outbreak, both flocks were exterminated before the end of the study. Based on the available data, the median percentage of infertile eggs was 3.7-5.1% in the MA271 vaccinated flocks, and 7.7% in the non-vaccinated flock. In conclusion, MA271 can colonize the cloaca of geese under field conditions. MA271 proved to be safe and presumably protects against M. anserisalpingitidis-induced reproduction losses.

Reducing infertile eggs and dead embryos during egg hatching based on respiration

Respiration plays a crucial role in the physiological development of embryos throughout the entire incubation process and serves as a vital indicator for discerning unfertilized eggs and embryos that have stopped development. This article explores the relationship between egg respiration, fertilization status, and chicken embryo viability. First, it studied the changes in respiration of fertilized and unfertilized eggs during the early stages of incubation (Day 1–3) and found that the CO2 production of fertilized eggs gradually increased, while those of unfertilized eggs gradually decreased. Moreover, significant differences in respiration between fertilized and unfertilized eggs were observed on the second day of incubation. Next, we employed Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) models to differentiate between fertilized and unfertilized eggs. Notably, the SVM algorithm exhibited exceptional performance in discriminating between fertilized and unfertilized eggs, achieving a remarkable test set accuracy of 98.41 %. Finally, a Bayesian algorithm was applied to classify embryos as either dead, weak, or viable in middle and later stages of incubation. Bayesian discriminant analysis yielded compelling results, achieving a 100 % detection rate for deceased embryo eggs. The outcomes of this study provide a robust theoretical foundation and empirical data to advance non-destructive testing methodologies for poultry eggs.

Fertility detection of unincubated chicken eggs by hyperspectral transmission imaging in the Vis-SWNIR region

Detection of infertile eggs prior to incubation can lead to an increase in the hatchability rate and prevent the wastage of billions of non-fertile eggs ended up by failed incubation. In this study, the feasibility of a line-scan hyperspectral imaging system in the visible and short-wavelength near-infrared region was assessed for early detection of non-fertile eggs on day 0 before incubation. A total of 227 white-shell eggs including 131 fertile and 96 infertile eggs were collected from a flock with similar conditions in terms of hen age, feeding, and management. Hyperspectral images of eggs were captured on day 0 before incubation in a transmittance mode of illumination and then the eggs were incubated in a commercial incubator. The edge detection method was used to segment the egg, including both the white and yolk, from the background, and the image spectral information was extracted from the egg region. After applying various pretreatment methods, different classifiers including soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), and artificial neural networks (ANN) classifiers were utilized to extract the predictive models. Following the acceptable results of SIMCA analysis accomplished by 1st derivative pretreatment (accuracy of 86.67%), the discrimination power plot was used to select the most informative wavebands. The results showed that by using fewer variables in effective wavebands better performance (precision and accuracy of 92.59% and 93.33%, respectively) could be obtained in comparison with the ANN classifier based on the whole spectral data (precision and accuracy of 89.29% and 91.11%, respectively). This study revealed the potential application of hyperspectral transmittance imaging in the Vis-SWNIR region to discern the fertile and infertile eggs before starting the incubation process.

The egg-thief architect: experimental oviraptorosaur nesting physiology, the possibility of adult-mediated incubation, and the feasibility of indirect contact incubation

AbstractNumerous, high-quality reproduction-related oviraptorosaur fossils have been described. However, oviraptorosaur-style nests are unknown among extant animals, and their curious construction makes nesting behavior difficult to interpret. Experiments were undertaken to better understand oviraptorosaur nesting strategies. A surrogate was constructed and placed atop mock-oviraptorosaur nests built from sand and 36 infertile emu eggs (as Macroolithus approximations) arranged according to the most current nest reconstructions. Thermometers, placed within each egg and throughout the experimental area, recorded energy flow from the surrogate dinosaur into the nesting microenvironment. One experiment examined a basic open nest warmed from above; the second, a fully buried clutch warmed from above; and the third, a nest open like the first but with heating elements (representing hindlimbs) extending down into the nest. It was found that egg temperatures in each scenario surpassed ambient temperatures without requiring excessive energy input. Final clutch temperatures were below most avian values, closer to crocodilian incubation, but are likely conservative, considering experimental parameters. These results may support the idea that an oviraptorosaur could use adult-generated energy to warm a clutch above ambient conditions. Additionally, egg tiers would be warmer and more uniform in temperature if heated by elements within the nest, such as hindlimbs, instead of solely from above. Results from the second experiment indicate that an endothermic adult could possibly warm a clutch fully buried beneath itself despite a barrier. Although not likely a behavior exhibited by oviraptorosaurs, such results suggest an important evolutionary step bridging guarded subterranean eggs and contact-incubated subaerial eggs.

Molecular detection of reproductive symbionts and parthenogenesis experiments in Tuta absoluta from Argentina: facing potential for sustainable and specific pest control strategies

AbstractTomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a key pest of tomato crops. Specific and environmentally friendly control strategies against this pest, such as the sterile insect technique (SIT), are under development and sexual reproduction has emerged as a key focal point to ensure its success. In the present study, we analyzed four representative T. absoluta populations from Argentina, focusing on the molecular detection of endosymbionts potentially associated with reproductive abnormalities and on determining whether parthenogenesis can occur under laboratory conditions. Larvae of T. absoluta were collected in commercial tomato plantations from La Plata and Mar del Plata (both in Buenos Aires province), Bella Vista (Corrientes province), and Yuto (Jujuy province). Tuta absoluta adults were evaluated by standard PCR for the presence of reproductive endosymbionts (Wolbachia sp., Spiroplasma sp., Arsenophonus sp., Cardinium sp., and Rickettsia sp.). For parthenogenesis assays, 20–23 virgin females from each T. absoluta geographic population were life‐long isolated in Petri dishes with a tomato leaf. Fecundity, fertility, and female longevity were estimated and compared with results from mated females from each population. Our results showed the presence of a unique endosymbiont (Wolbachia sp. supergroup B, sequence type 41). Fecundity of the unmated females was significantly lower than fecundity of mated females in all T. absoluta populations. In addition, unmated females only laid infertile eggs. In conclusion, the absence of parthenogenesis in T. absoluta from representative geographic populations supports the implementation of SIT and mating disruption as effective control strategies against this pest in Argentina.

Impact Laying Times of Broiler Breeder Supplement with Aromatic Oils (Miarom) in drinking water on Hatchability, Maternal immunity and serum antioxidant and antioxidant Statues hatched chicks

Adding aromatic oils (Miarom) in drinking water of broiler breeder was evaluated experimentally of its effect on hatchability percentage, immunity, Lipid profile, and biochemical traits at different laying times (10:00 AM and 02:00 PM). A total of 3600 eggs of broiler breeder (Ross-308) at age 60 weeks, were collected and divided into 5 treatments of different times of egg collection and laying times as follows: (T1: General Control, T2: Control 10:00 AM, T3: Control 02:00 PM, T4: Miarom 10:00 AM and T5: Miarom 02:00 PM). Results indicated the used Miarom from Miavit company - Germany (this extract contains: 200 grams essential oils mixture such as eucalyptus oil, anise oil, thyme oil, and peppermint oil) per litter it added in drinking water 1ml/10L for 7 days. The results of this study showed (p≤0.01) increased in hatching traits percentage, chick’s antibody titer against Newcastle Disease (ND) and Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) by ELISA, high-density lipoprotein HDL, total protein and glutathione GSH-Px antioxidant enzyme. Also, significantly (p≤0.01) reduced infertile eggs, triglycerides TG, total cholesterol TCH, low-density lipoprotein LDL, corticosterone hormone, and malondialdehyde antioxidant enzyme. In conclusion, results showed that aromatic oils supplementation in broiler breeders leads to improve hatchability and immune status at different laying times, noticed that both Miarom treatments had a positive effect on studied parameters and T4 10:00 AM laying time was most effective in all parameters of the study.
 

Comparative use efficiency of the same type feed additives in the diet of replacement stock and laying hens of the parent herd

The use of two similar feed additives Sorbitox and Probitox in the diet of replacement stock and subsequently in the diet of laying hens, at a dose of 0.50 kg/t of feed allowed to increase the poultry survival rate at 18 weeks of age by 1.4% with the addition of Sorbitox and 6.4% - with Probitox, the group uniformity by 5.3 and 7.3%, respectively, in comparison with the control group. At the same time, the culling of birds in the experimental groups decreased due to endoenteritis and necrotic enteritidis, and the antibody titer to Gumboro disease increased in the blood. During the productive period of laying hens, the difference in the antibody titer was significantly higher, as was the livestock survival rate. The tested feed additives contributed to a better development of ovogenesis organs. As a result, the egg productivity of chickens with Sorbitox was higher than the control group by 6.5%, with Probitox – by 11.6%. The study of the egg incubation qualities showed that the young stock hatching rate from an average egg size in the group with Sorbitox was 6.9% higher than the control group, with Probitox – by 11.0%, and the hatchability of eggs was 1.1 and 1.6% higher than in the average one. In laying hens at the beginning and at the end of egg laying, the number of infertile small eggs decreased in the group with Sorbitox by 0.60%, with Probitox - by 1.0%, large eggs – by 1.23 and 2.45%, respectively. The chicken hatching rate from small and large eggs in poultry of the experimental groups exceeded the control by 2.9-5.9% at the beginning of egg laying, by 10.0-14.8% at its completion at the age of 56 weeks. The addition of Sorbitox in the diet of replacement stock allowed to reduce feed costs for growing one head of service pullet by 6.9%, with Probitox – by 12.6%, to increase the production profitability by 5.5 and 7.8%, and in laying hens of experimental groups, feed costs decreased by 4.4 and 10.0%, profitability increased by 2.0 and 5.3%, respectively.

Effects of social environments and female life history traits on sex allocation in a spider mite

Sex allocation in spider mites (Tetranychus sp.) is of interest to many researchers. They are haplodiploid species where the mated females can lay fertile and infertile eggs that develop to daughters and sons, respectively. Females tend to fertilise larger eggs (Macke et al. 2011) and adjust the offspring sex ratio under various social environments (e.g., population size and density) (e.g., Weerawansha et al. 2022a, 2022b, 2022c).

Trypanosoma rangeli infection impairs reproductive success of Rhodnius prolixus.

Trypanosoma rangeli is a protozoan that infects triatomines and mammals in Central and South America. Although it does not cause disease to humans, this parasite produces different levels of pathogenicity to its invertebrate host, mainly in species of the genus Rhodnius. In this study, we followed T. rangeli-infected and uninfected pairs throughout their adult lives and measured the amount of blood ingested, number of eggs laid, number of eggs hatched and proportion of infertile eggs, as well as female life expectancy. We found that all reproductive parameters were drastically decreased during infection, mainly due to the reduced amount of blood the infected insects ingested throughout their lives. Reproductive parameters were also affected by the reduction of the life expectancy of infected females, as survival was positively correlated with the number of eggs laid. The strategies used by the parasite to be transmitted are discussed in view of the pathological effects it causes in the insect.

Deep Learning Based Egg Fertility Detection.

Simple SummaryThis study employs a Mask R-CNN technique along with the transfer learning model to accurately detect fertile and infertile eggs. It is a novel study that uses a single DL model to carry out detection, classification and segmentation of fertile and infertile eggs based on incubator images. This study investigates the implementation of deep learning (DL) approaches to the fertile egg-recognition problem, based on incubator images. In this study, we aimed to classify chicken eggs according to both segmentation and fertility status with a Mask R-CNN-based approach. In this manner, images can be handled by a single DL model to successfully perform detection, classification and segmentation of fertile and infertile eggs. Two different test processes were used in this study. In the first test application, a data set containing five fertile eggs was used. In the second, testing was carried out on the data set containing 18 fertile eggs. For evaluating this study, we used AP, one of the most important metrics for evaluating object detection and segmentation models in computer vision. When the results obtained were examined, the optimum threshold value (IoU) value was determined as 0.7. According to the IoU of 0.7, it was observed that all fertile eggs in the incubator were determined correctly on the third day of both test periods. Considering the methods used and the ease of the designed system, it can be said that a very successful system has been designed according to the studies in the literature. In order to increase the segmentation performance, it is necessary to carry out an experimental study to improve the camera and lighting setup prepared for taking the images.

Medaka, Oryzias latipes, egg envelopes are created by ovarian-expressed ZP proteins and liver-expressed choriogenins

The medaka (Oryzias latipes) egg envelope (chorion) is composed of three major glycoproteins, Zona Interna (ZI)-1, -2, and -3, that originate in the spawning female liver as the precursor proteins Choriogenin (Chg.)H, Chg.Hm, and Chg.L, respectively. These ZI and Chg. proteins contain a structural ZP protein domain that is conserved among the egg envelope proteins of all animals. While ovarian expression of ZP proteins (e.g., ZPCs and ZPB) has been reported in medakas, the functions of these proteins remain unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to determine whether the ovary-expressed medaka ZP protein, mZPC5, is involved in forming the chorion matrix.The mZPC5 gene (mzpc5) was expressed in the ovaries but not the livers of mature female medakas, as shown by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays with mzpc5-specific primers. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that ovarian mzpc5 expression was restricted to the ooplasm of early (stage I–III) previtellogenic oocytes, and its expression signal weakened with oocyte growth. Following sodium-dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting analysis with anti-mZPC5 antibodies, two immunoreactive proteins were detected in the ovary and chorion extracts. These proteins were approximately 50 and 74 kDa in size, like ZI-3 and ZI-2, respectively.Immunohistochemical assays using anti-mZPC5 and anti-Chg.H antibodies localized the mZPC5 protein in the ooplasm of early previtellogenic oocytes. With oocyte growth, mZPC5 tended to accumulate in the chorion, co-localizing with Chg.H.We previously showed that ovary-expressed ZP proteins could not compensate for Chg.L function loss in gene knock-out (chg.l -/-) medakas. As in our previous study, the chg.l-/- females produced oocytes with thin chorions, resulting in infertile soft eggs. However, in the present study, mZPC5 and Chg.H were co-localized in the chg.l-/- chorions. These results suggested that in the medaka previtellogenic oocyte, 1) mZPC5 is secreted from the ooplasm and deposited on the outer surface of its plasma membrane, creating the thin chorion layer; and 2) following the accumulation of liver-derived Chgs., the 3D structure of the chorion matrix is formed cooperatively with mZPC5 and Chgs. during oogenesis. More research is needed to confirm the functions of mZPC5 in chorion structure and physiology.

K-Means Segmentation Based-on Lab Color Space for Embryo Detection in Incubated Egg

The quality of the hatching process influences the success of the hatch rate besides the inherent egg factors. Eliminating infertile or dead eggs and monitoring embryonic growth are very important factors in efficient hatchery practices. This process aims to sort eggs that only have embryos to remain in the incubator until the end of the hatching process. This process aims to sort eggs with embryos to remain hatched until the end. Maximum checking is done the first week in the hatching period. This study aims to detect the presence of embryos in eggs. Detection of the existence of embryos is processed using segmentation. Egg images are segmented using the K-means algorithm based on Lab color images. The results of the image acquisition are converted into Lab color space images. The results of Lab color space images are processed using K-means for each color. The K-means process uses cluster k=3, where this cluster divides the image into three parts: background, eggs, and yolk. Egg yolks are part of eggs that have embryonic characteristics. This study applies the concept of color in the initial segmentation and grayscale in the final stages. The initial phase results show that the image segmentation results using k-means clustering based on Lab color space provide a grouping of three parts. At the grayscale image processing stage, the results of color image segmentation are processed with grayscaling, image enhancement, and morphology. Thus, it seems clear that the yolk segmented shows the presence of egg embryos. Based on this process and results, the initial stages of the embryo detection process used K-means segmentation based on Lab color space. The evaluation uses MSE and MSSIM, with values of 0.0486 and 0.9979; this can be used as a reference that the results obtained can detect embryos in egg yolk. This protocol could be used in a non-destructive quantitative study on embryos and their morphology in a precision poultry production system in the future.

Sosialisasi Identifikasi Telur Konsumsi dan Telur Tetas Infertile yang Beredar di Masyarakat Melalui Media Daring

The price fluctuations of DOC (Day Old Chicken) that occurred at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic caused many infertile hatching eggs to be found sold freely in the community. The selling price of infertile hatching eggs (HE) is lower than consumption eggs and public ignorance about the differences between these two types of eggs makes HE eggs much sought after by the public. This is certainly a problem for producers of consumption eggs and the poultry breeding industry, because this incident is in conflict with the rules regarding the circulation of hatching eggs in the community. In addition, there is a lot of inaccurate information circulating in the community regarding HE so it is necessary to educate the public in responding to this condition. The socialization on how to identify or differentiate between consumption eggs and hatching eggs was carried out by means of discussions among lecturers, students, and community through online media. The benefits and results of this education are that participants know the rules regarding the circulation of HE in the community, participants know the correct information about HE eggs, and participants can know the characteristics of consumption eggs and HE in general one of which is based on the color of the egg shell, and participants can take a wiser attitude in the future. the day the phenomenon of HE eggs being sold in the market repeated itself. Public knowledge about egg quality increased by 33.4% through this socialization.

Hatching Failure in Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) Is Linked to Maternal Identity

Wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) have been suffering range-wide population declines since the 1900s. Most monitoring efforts of these turtles involve population surveys to assess population size and viability but relatively few investigate rates of reproductive success. We collected four consecutive years (2013–2016) of wood turtle nesting data at a nesting site in northwestern New Jersey; population-level hatching success was unusually low. Furthermore, annual, intra-individual hatch rates and comparisons between natural and artificial incubation revealed that approximately half of all females usually produced clutches with low (<50%) hatch rates, regardless of incubation conditions. In contrast, the annual hatch rates of other females were either consistently high (>50%) or highly variable, ranging from 0 to 100%. Thus, some adult females are potentially making much larger contributions to the next generation than others. A repeatability analysis suggested that approximately 60% of the hatch rate variability observed in this population can be attributed to maternal identity. The remaining 40% may be attributed to the random environmental factors that are often theorized to be potential reasons for reduced hatch rates in turtle populations (e.g., unsuitable incubation conditions, flooding, desiccation, egg infertility, egg damage due to improper handling by researchers, root and insect predation, and microbial infection). The ultimate causes of this population’s hatching success variability are uncertain, but maternally-linked hatching failure in turtle populations could be associated with inbreeding, infertility, senescence, inadequate maternal diets, or environmental contamination. This study indicates that commonly suggested hypotheses for hatching failure, such as unsuitable incubation conditions or infertility, are unlikely to explain all of the hatch rate variability in some turtle populations. This study also reveals a cryptic conservation implication for vulnerable turtle populations: that the presence of many nesting females and nests does not necessarily assure high or even sustainable reproductive rates. When coupled with the high rates of nest predation and low juvenile survival rates that are common in most turtle populations, the exceedingly low hatch rates observed in this population suggest that recruitment in some turtle populations could be severely hindered even when nests are protected in the field or incubated in laboratory settings.