Egg Type Research Articles

Characterization of indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis isolate RM11 toxic to the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

BackgroundBacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner is an omnipresent soil bacterium used as world’s leading biopesticide to combat agriculturally important insect pests. This study was aimed at protein and gene profiling of an indigenous Bt isolate RM11, which was toxic to the larvae of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) in laboratory bioassays.ResultsIndigenous Bt isolate RM11 was characterized along with the standard checks B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk) HD1 and 78/11, based on colony characters, protein profile and PCR screening. All three Bt colonies were fried egg type, white in color with flat elevation and undulated margin. PCR screening revealed the presence of cry1Ac and vip3A genes, which encode lepidopteran toxic proteins in RM11. SDS-PAGE results showed the presence of a prominent protein band of cry1Ac, vip3A with molecular weights 135 kDa, 88 kDa and other bands at 70, 50, 32 and 10 kDa. In leaf disk bioassay with spore crystal mixture, RM11 exhibited toxicity with LC50 of 4.51 µg/ml as against 0.07 µg/ml in positive standard HD1, based on mortality at 72 h after treatment. At LC50 of 4.51 µg/ml, solubilized and insolubilized protein of RM11 was found to produce 56 and 70% mortality.ConclusionsThe present study revealed that RM11 could be a viable alternative for consideration in developing a native Bt formulation and for inclusion in the integrated management of P. xylostella with other native isolates producing different toxins. Furthermore, these findings imply that RM11 could be a source of new cry toxin, which can be confirmed through whole-genome sequencing analysis.

Seasonal variations on semen quality attributes in turkey and egg type chicken male breeders.

A biological experiment was carried out in twenty-four adult healthy breeder males each in turkey (Beltsville small white) and egg type chicken (White Leghorn Babcock) in order to assess the seasonal influence on semen production and quality. The birds were maintained in individual cages under uniform husbandry conditions throughout the year. The birds were fed with breeder ration and water ad libitum was offered with a constant photoperiod of 14h/day. Physical and biochemical characteristics of semen, serum hormones (testosterone and thyroxine), and antioxidant activity (catalase and lipid peroxidation) were evaluated throughout the year (January-December). Based on the THI calculations, the observations were classified under three different seasons, namely, winter (November-February), spring (March, April, and October), and summer (May-September). Semen physical parameters, sperm concentration, motility, live sperm percentage, and sperm plasma membrane integrity were superior during the winter season. In seminal plasma, biochemical parameters (phosphorus, ALT, ALP, AST, and uric acid) had a significant (P < 0.05) difference between seasons. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) among serum hormones (testosterone and thyroxine) that were higher during the winter season. Significant variation was observed in catalase and lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme activities (seminal and blood plasma) in winter than in the other two seasons. Both the turkey and egg type chicken breeders exhibited superior seminal characteristics, sex hormone profile, and antioxidant enzyme activity during winter seasons.

Fine structure of micropylar regions of Cobitis hankugensis, Iksookimia longicorpa and their unisexual natural hybrids.

Iksookimia longicorpa and Cobitis hankugensis are two species of fish distributed only on the Korean Peninsula. They have a unique reproductive ecology that naturally hybridizes into three widely known unisexual types, maintaining populations of almost all females. In this study, the fine structure of the micropyles of I. longicorpa, C. hankugensis and their hybrids was analyzed to find out how egg-sperm interaction, a common interspecies isolation mechanism, is possible between heterogeneous species. Analysis of 30 eggs from five females of each species revealed that all had one funnel-shaped micropylar region and a manhole-shaped micropyle canal. With the exception of C. hankugensis, which had no spiral grooves or ridges, the rest had counterclockwise spiral grooves and ridges on the micropylar region. All five species, however, showed identical groove patterns for the micropyle canal. The egg size was the largest in HL (one from the C. hankugensis locus with one from the I. longicorpa locus) and the smallest in C. hankugensis. In the hybrids, the HL type had the largest egg and HHL (two from the C. hankugensis locus with one from the I. longicorpa locus) type the smallest. For the diameter of the micropylar region and micropyle canal, the diploid I. longicorpa, C. hankugensis and HL were smaller than those of the triploid. In addition, as the ratio of the canal diameter to the eggs was lower in I. longicorpa than in C. hankugensis, it was confirmed that I. longicorpa has a relatively small micropyle canal compared with C. hankugensis.

Revisit the Development of Native Indonesian Chickens from Red Jungle Fowls (Gallus gallus bankiva) to Commercial Chickens

Kampung chicken which is one of native Indonesian chickens has been domesticated from the ancestor of Red Fowl Jungle, and developed by the village community from generation to generation through an extensive rearing method. Before the intensive management of kampung chicken was introduced, the chickens were allowed to scavange around the household yard during the day, they slept in the trees, on the roofs or underneath of the household at night. It has been for many years that kampung chickens were crossed with imported exotic breeds, and unplanned selection. As a result, kampung chickens have developed to a considerable high phenotype and genetic varieties with several different names and purposes. There have been selection programs, which have resulted a considerable strain of improved egg type of Kampung chicken (KUB-1 chicken), and a strain of broiler type of local chicken (Sensi-1 Agrinak chicken and Gaoksi chicken). KUB-1 chickens can be used as female lines, and Sensi-Agrinak and Gaoksi chickens can be used as male lines to produce local commercial broilers. The article is to provide information on the domestication process of Red Jungle Fowl chickens into Kampung chickens and their development to become layer and broiler line chickens.

Egg Quality and Chemical Components of Arabic and Commercial Chicken Enriched with Omega 3 During Storage

The aim of this research was to study the effect of storage periode and egg types on quality and chemical components of DHA enriched egg. One hundred and twenty six each control and DHA enriched eggs used in this research. The research had been implemented using the general linier models procedure included the storage period and eggs treathment and interaction between these factors, comparison test is calculated based on Tukey Test. Internal egg quality was observed, eq,: weight of egg, yolk color and water activity. Internal quality were influenced by egg type. Albumen height and haugh unit value were influenced by both type of chicken and storage periods. Fat and cholesterol levels of egg DHA-rich Arabic and commercial were lower than those of control. However, the percentage of omega-3 fatty acids components were higher in DHA-rich Arabic and commercial than in control eggs.

Embryonic Development of the Ramshorn Snail Helisoma duryi (Wetherby 1879) (Gastropoda, Planorbidae) from Gharbia Province, Egypt

Embryonic development of the freshwater planorbid snail, Helisoma duryi, reared under laboratory controlled conditions was described in detail. The morphological characters and the time course of embryonic stages are presented. H. duryi generally lay egg masses at night or in the early morning hours. The egg type of H. duryi is isolecithal, and the cleavage is spiral holoblastic. After early cleavages followed by the appearance of the blastula, gastrula, and larval (trochophore, veliger, veliconch) stages, the fully developed young snail start hatched on the eighth day. Many unique developmental features in studied snail were observed and discussed.

Productive performance, egg quality, and hatching traits of Japanese quail lines selectedfor higher body weight and egg number

The present study evaluated the effect of selection for higher body weight (weight based selection = WBS) and egg numbers (egg based selection = EBS) on productivity, egg quality, and hatching traits of Japanese quail for three generations. From a base population of 1125 day-old chicks of Japanese quail, best performing families were allowed to propagate for getting next generation. WBS in G3 presented higher values of feed intake, egg weight, hatching weight. However, egg production and feed conversion ratio were better in EBS during G3. The incidence of embryonic mortality was also lower in the WBS line. In the 8th week egg quality traits differed in the EBS line, however, at the age of the 16th week, the WBS line during G3 revealed the better egg characteristic. Despite the lower egg production, the quails selected for higher 4th-week body weight had better egg quality than those selected for egg type line; hence, the selection for body weight is more beneficial and effective than the egg based selection.

Predictors of marine genetic structure in the Indo-Australian Archipelago

The spatial genetic structure of marine organisms is related to dispersal and life-history traits, historical processes, current oceanographic connectivity and habitat features. Here, we assessed the relative importance of these factors for the genetic structure of a broad range of marine species in the Indo Australian Archipelago (IAA). We collated published data on 99 marine species from eight taxonomic groups (ascidians, fishes, molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms, corals, reptiles, and marine plants) and used generalized linear models (GLMs) to estimate the best predictors of genetic structure. Genetic structure was characterized by FST and the number of genetic clusters over the study area. Predictors tested were: the type of genetic markers; the number of marine ecoregions which are a proxy for habitat variation, historical processes and oceanographic features; species dispersal-related traits (i.e., pelagic larval duration-PLD, adult life habit, reproductive strategy, and egg type); and geographic distance separating populations. The genetic structure of marine species across the IAA was best predicted by traits related to dispersal of larvae or propagules and the mobility of adults; and the number of marine ecoregions sampled not distance was also an important predictor, especially in sedentary and free-swimming species. Our findings highlighted the importance of these key traits to help guide decision-making in spatial management and conservation. There were still many gaps in our understanding of genetic structure, both spatially and within certain taxa, and we recommended future genetic studies focus on habitat-forming taxa and sample sites that are representatively nested in each ecoregion within a marine province or a marine realm, over the spatial extent of the IAA.

The wild boar Sus scrofa as a threat to ground‐nesting bird species: an artificial nest experiment

AbstractNest predation is reported as a cause of reproductive failure of ground‐nesting bird species whose populations in Europe are declining. Conversely, European populations of the wild boar Sus scrofa have been expanding, leading to increasing threats to habitats and ecological communities. The impacts of wild boar on ground‐nesting bird species are poorly known and have never been explicitly assessed. We conducted an artificial ground‐nest experiment in Mediterranean habitats of central Italy using camera traps to assess predator identities. Deployed nests contained quail or chicken eggs, and predation occurred within one week for 47/48 deployments carried out during March‐July 2020. The wild boar was the most common predator (36% deployments), followed by the magpie Pica pica (18%), the red fox Vulpes vulpes (10%) and the pine marten Martes martes (10%). Predation by other species was occasionally observed. Egg type and deployment habitat did not significantly influence time to predation or the likelihood that a nest was preyed upon by wild boar, respectively. The presence of a stuffed gull close to the nests significantly delayed predation. Nests preyed by birds and mammals other than wild boar were often subsequently scavenged by wild boar, which consumed the remaining eggs or eggshells. Time to predation increased from spring to summer, suggesting a reduction of predation intensity during periods when the availability of natural eggs is lowest. The likelihood of a nest being preyed upon by the wild boar compared to other predators increased when wild boar frequency of occurrence in 1‐week camera trap shootings was the highest, suggesting that higher abundance/activity of this species triggered increased egg predation. The wild boar might act as major predators of ground‐nesting bird species in Mediterranean habitats and the large‐scale population increase of this ungulate should be considered a significant threat to ground‐nesting species of European conservation concern.

A new genus and species of tachinid flies from Iran (Diptera, Tachinidae, Goniini)

Susamyia Ziegler &amp; Gilasian gen. nov. and its type species Susamyia mira Ziegler &amp; Gilasian gen. et sp. nov. are described from southwestern Karkheh National Park and southeastern Jazmourian Wetland of Iran. Drawings of terminalia and head of the male as well as images of habitus, head and egg are provided. Susamyia gen. nov. is incorporated into the identification key to the Palearctic tachinid genera of Tschorsnig &amp; Richter (1998). The systematic position of Susamyia gen. nov. in the tribe Goniini (Exoristinae) is discussed in light of molecular analyses based on the ribosomal genes 16S, 18S and 28S, and the egg type of females. The morphology of the microtype eggs was studied and compared with that of other Goniini, but proved too unreliable to be included in the phylogenetic analysis. Susamyia gen. nov. is believed to be most closely related to the goniine genera Gymnophryxe Villeneuve, 1922, Palesisa Villeneuve, 1929 and Prosopodopsis Townsend, 1926.

Deep Learning Approach for Ascaris lumbricoides Parasite Egg Classification.

A. lumbricoides infection affects up to 1/3 of the world population (approximately 1.4 billion people worldwide). It has been estimated that 1.5 billion cases of infection globally and 65,000 deaths occur due to A. lumbricoides. Generally, allied health classifies parasite egg type by using on microscopy-based methods that are laborious, are limited by low sensitivity, and require high expertise. However, misclassification may occur due to their heterogeneous experience. For their reason, computer technology is considered to aid humans. With the benefit of speed and ability of computer technology, image recognition is adopted to recognize images much more quickly and precisely than human beings. This research proposes deep learning for A. lumbricoides's egg image recognition to be used as a prototype tool for parasite egg detection in medical diagnosis. The challenge is to recognize 3 types of eggs of A. lumbricoides with the optimal architecture of deep learning. The results showed that the classification accuracy of the parasite eggs is up to 93.33%. This great effectiveness of the proposed model could help reduce the time-consuming image classification of parasite egg.

Extraordinary diversification of the “bristle flies” (Diptera: Tachinidae) and its underlying causes

AbstractThe family Tachinidae (“bristle flies”) is the most diverse and ecologically important group of insect parasitoids outside the parasitic wasps. It is among the most species rich families of flies (Diptera) and has experienced a recent adaptive radiation across the globe. We make use of a molecular phylogeny of the family to examine its rapid radiation and explore the traits of tachinid lineages that may have contributed to variation in their diversification. We apply a range of diversification analyses to assess the consistency and robustness of effects. We find that the Tachinidae are among the most rapidly diversifying families of animals. Six to eight clades of bristle flies, distributed across the phylogeny, exhibit strong evidence of accelerated diversification. Our results suggest that the use of holometabolous insect larvae, and specifically caterpillars (Lepidoptera), as hosts, is associated with increased diversification rates. However, these effects were inconsistent across analyses. We detected little influence of oviposition strategy (egg type) or host feeding habit, and we recovered evidence that unmeasured “hidden” traits may explain greater variance in diversification. We evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of different Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian approaches for analysing diversification and the potential for extrinsic factors, such as geography, to influence patterns of richness and diversification. In general, we conclude that although certain traits may provide opportunities for diversification, whether this is capitalized on may depend on additional traits and/or historical contingency.

Best-fitted regression models for profitability of two egg-type commercial pullets.

This study is focused on describing the most important factors which have a great influence on profitability of egg production of two commercial layer flocks under Egyptian conditions, LSL white and brown. The data for each flock has been collected from seven governorates including the Delta and Upper Egypt zones over the period 2005-2012. General linear procedure was generated to get both least square means and separation of means. Application of stepwise regression was carried to predict the most important factors that affect egg production profitability in US dollar. White egg layers had significantly higher net profit per hen than the brown egg type, being as 12.2 vs. 12.1 cents for the white andbrown type egg layers, respectively. Closed houses and battery systems were the preferred systems for the white-egg genotype where pullets achieved significantly higher egg income over feed coast by 15.9 and 14.9 cents for closed and battery system, respectively compared to 10.9 and 11.5 cents for the LSL brown one, respectively. Open houses and floor systems were profitable for brown-egg genotype by recording a significantly higher profitability as 13.3 and 12.7 cents, respectively copmared to 8.7 and 9.7 cents for the white-egg genotype.Both white and brown-egg types had recorded significantly higher net profitability under delta zone rather than upper Egypt by 2.2 cents and 2.1 cents, respectively. Application of the stepwise regression procedure was to predict the net profit (Y) from three independent variables, egg weight (X1), egg price (X2), and hen housed egg production (X3). Generally, LSL white layers,egg price(X2) had the highest share in profitability by 44.24% compared to hen housed egg production(X3) that share 29.98%. For LSL brown layers, egg weight(X1) is the most important factor accounting for the profitability in cents. Its relative importance to the profitability is 57.24% followed by egg price(X2) 21.25%. Hen housed egg production(X3) had very little share 0.14%.

Oral Exposure to House Dust Mite Activates Intestinal Innate Immunity.

Scope: House dust mite (HDM) induces Th2 responses in lungs and skin, but its effects in the intestine are poorly known. We aimed to study the involvement of HDM in the initial events that would promote sensitization through the oral route and eventually lead to allergy development. Methods and results: BALB/c mice were exposed intragastrically to proteolytically active and inactive HDM, as such, or in combination with egg white (EW), and inflammatory and type 2 responses were evaluated. Oral administration of HDM, by virtue of its proteolytic activity, promoted the expression, in the small intestine, of genes encoding tight junction proteins, proinflammatory and Th2-biasing cytokines, and it caused expansion of group 2 innate immune cells, upregulation of Th2 cytokines, and dendritic cell migration and activation. In lymphoid tissues, its proteolytically inactivated counterpart also exerted an influence on the expression of surface DC molecules involved in interactions with T cells and in Th2 cell differentiation, which was confirmed in in vitro experiments. However, in our experimental setting we did not find evidence for the promotion of sensitization to coadministered EW. Conclusion: Orally administered HDM upregulates tissue damage factors and also acts as an activator of innate immune cells behaving similarly to potent oral Th2 adjuvants.

895 Maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with preimplantation genetic testing in IVF twin pregnancies

The impact of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) on pregnancy outcomes with twin gestations is not well known. The objective of this study was to determine whether PGT is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies conceived using vitro fertilization (IVF). Retrospective cohort of multiple gestations conceived via IVF and delivered within a university health system between January 2014 and August 2019. Higher-order multiple gestations (triplet or higher) and cases with missing outcome data were excluded. Adverse maternal outcomes, i.e. hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, abnormal placentation, preterm birth, and adverse neonatal outcomes were compared between twin pregnancies conceived after transfer of one or two PGT screened euploid embryos versus untested embryos. Statistical analysis included use of Chi-square and Wilcoxon rank sum tests, as well as multivariate backwards-stepwise logistic regression, with significance defined as P value < 0.05. Data was presented as adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Of 145 twin pregnancies, 43 (29.7%) were conceived following euploid embryo transfer and 102 (70.3%) were conceived following untested embryo transfer. Women who underwent PGT had a significantly lower mean body mass index compared to those that did not (Table 1). Use of donor egg and IVF cycle type (fresh vs. frozen) also differed between the two groups (Table 1). After adjusting for potential confounders, there was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to adverse maternal outcomes or in adverse neonatal outcomes (Table 2). Our data suggest no increase in adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes associated with PGT in twin IVF pregnancies. While our findings are reassuring, future studies utilizing larger cohorts of twin pregnancies are needed.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Growth and Early Laying Performance of Pullet Chickens Fed Sorghum Based Diets Supplemented with Enzymes

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of replacing maize with sorghum and supplementation with enzymes, on the growth and laying performance of laying chickens. Four hundred and fifty 12-weeks old Lohman Brown pullets were distributed randomly into six dietary treatments with three replicates per treatment, each replicate had 25 birds with uniform group weights at the initial stage of the study. The treatments included maize without enzymes (T1) and sorghum without enzymes (T2) as two controls respectively, while T3, T4, T5, and T6 contained sorghum based diets with phytase, protease, roxazyme G2G, and a combination of protease and roxazyme G2G respectively. The experiment lasted from 12 to 32 weeks of age of birds during which data were collected on growth and early egg laying performance of birds. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance, using the completely randomized design (CRD). Significant differences among treatment means were compared using the Tukey test. Significant (p&lt;0.05) differences were noted in final weight (g/bird), weight gain (g/bird), daily weight gain (g/bird), total feed intake (g/bird), daily feed intake (g/bird/day), and feed to gain ratio. Final weight and weight gain were significantly (p&lt;0.05) better for birds in T4 (sorghum + protease) compared to the other treatments, but was similar to T1 (control). At the early laying stage, no definite trend was observed among the egg production traits. However, dietary treatment supplemented with phytase (T3) had the highest numerical values for; weight of first egg (54.28g), number of eggs at peak lay (24.00), hen house egg production 78.84%, and hen day egg production, 81.09%. It was concluded therefore, that sorghum with phytase and protease supplementations can be used in layers' diets for optimum egg production. It is recommended that phytase supplementation at 0.02% with sorghum can be incorporated into the diets of egg type chickens for optimum performance.

Growth and Early Laying Performance of Pullet Chickens Fed Sorghum Based Diets Supplemented with Enzymes

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of replacing maize with sorghum and supplementation with enzymes, on the growth and laying performance of laying chickens. Four hundred and fifty 12-weeks old Lohmann Brown pullets were distributed randomly into six dietary treatments with three replicates per treatment, each replicate had 25 birds with uniform group weights at the initial stage of the study. The treatments included maize without enzymes (T1) and sorghum without enzymes (T2) as two controls respectively, while T3, T4, T5, and T6 contained sorghum based diets with phytase, protease, roxazyme G2G, and a combination of protease and roxazyme G2G respectively. The experiment lasted from 12 to 32 weeks of age of birds during which data were collected on growth and early egg laying performance of birds. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance, using the completely randomized design (CRD). Significant differences among treatment means were compared using the Tukey test. Significant (p&lt;0.05) differences were noted in final weight (g/bird), weight gain (g/bird), daily weight gain (g/bird), total feed intake (g/bird), daily feed intake (g/bird/day), and feed to gain ratio. Final weight and weight gain were significantly (p&lt;0.05) better for birds in T4 (sorghum + protease) compared to the other treatments, but was similar to T1 (control). At the early laying stage, no definite trend was observed among the egg production traits. However, dietary treatment supplemented with phytase (T3) had the highest numerical values for; weight of first egg (54.28g), number of eggs at peak lay (24.00), hen house egg production 78.84%, and hen day egg production, 81.09%. It was concluded therefore, that sorghum with phytase and protease supplementations can be used in layers' diets for optimum egg production. It is recommended that phytase supplementation at 0.02% with sorghum can be incorporated into the diets of egg type chickens for optimum performance.

High chromosomal evolutionary dynamics in sleeper gobies (Eleotridae) and notes on disruptive biological factors in Gobiiformes karyotypes (Osteichthyes, Teleostei).

The order Gobiiformes is made up of more than 2200 species, representing one of the most diverse groups among teleost fishes. The biological causes for the tachytelic karyotype evolution of the gobies have not yet been fully studied. Here we expanded cytogenetic data for the Eleotridae family, analyzing the neotropical species Dormitator maculatus, Eleotris pisonis, Erotelis smaragdus, and Guavina guavina. In addition, a meta-analytical approach was followed for elucidating the karyotype diversification versus biological aspects (habitat and egg type) of the Gobiiformes. The species E. smaragdus and E. pisonis present 2n = 46 acrocentric chromosomes (NF = 46), D. maculatus 2n = 46 (36sm + 4st + 6a; NF = 86), and G. guavina, the most divergent karyotype, with 2n = 52 acrocentric chromosomes (NF = 52). Besides numeric and structural diversification in the karyotypes, the mapping of rDNAs and microsatellites also showed noticeable numerical and positional variation, supporting the high chromosomal evolutionary dynamism of these species. In Gobiiformes, karyotype patterns which are more divergent from the basal karyotype (2n = 46a) are associated with characteristics less effective to dispersion, such as the benthic habit. These adaptive characteristics, connected with the organization of the repetitive DNA content in the chromosomes, likely play a synergistic role in the remarkable karyotype diversification of this group.

Physico-chemical and functionality of air and spray dried egg powder: implications to improving diets

ABSTRACT Weak market linkages, unavailability of cold-storage, and the significant loss of eggs due to breakage and low shelf-life contribute to the unaffordability and the low consumption of eggs in low-income countries like Ethiopia. The effect of spray- and oven-drying of eggs from local (Ethiopian) and exotic (imported) chicken breeds on physical, techno-functional, and nutritional composition of egg-powders were evaluated. Exotic (n = 150) and local (n = 140) eggs were spray/oven dried. The yield, bulk-density, flowability, and the foaming-, emulsification-, and water/oil absorption-capacity of the egg powders were assessed. The concentrations in energy, protein, fat, ash, and minerals were determined. The egg-powders’ contribution to nutrient requirements for a child and their potential use as an alternative protein source in ready to use therapeutic foods (RUTF) were estimated. The low moisture (<5%) and water activity (aw~0.4–0.5) of the egg-powders implied unfavorable conditions for microbial growth. Local eggs had higher energy and fat content, whereas protein was higher in the exotic eggs (P <.05). About 12.5 g of egg powder (one egg) can fulfill >75%, 30%, and 40% of fat, energy, and calcium requirements for children 6–23 months of age, respectively. Only 6 g and 4 g of egg-powder are needed to fulfill protein and choline requirements, respectively. Considering the quality/quantity of proteins, egg powders can be alternative protein sources in RUTFs. The drying of local and exotic eggs with oven- and spray-drying yielded egg powders with acceptable techno-functional properties, but future studies should elucidate differences observed by egg type and drying; and investigate the shelf-life. Drying eggs can be a viable food systems’ intervention that can improve the safety and quality of diets in low-income countries like Ethiopia.

Production performance and egg quality in Kuzi ducks of Odisha

Production performances and egg quality parameters of Kuzi ducks of Odisha were studied in 40 drakes and 240 duck sinintensive system of rearing under hot and humid climate conditions. The body weight recorded at first egg of the flock was 1568±3.76g in ducks and 1730±43.45g in drakes. First egg of the flock was obtained at 110.67±3.76 days and age at 50% duck house egg production was 135.33±5.60 days. Age of the flock at peak (90%) duck house egg production was 167.67±6.06 days. Duck day egg production calculated at 4 weeks interval revealed that there is no definite trend however, as the age advances there was a decrease in egg production % after 60 weeks of age. The egg weight increased with the ages and the egg weight at 40 weeks of age was 64.26±0.48g. The egg production of the duck up to 40 weeks of age was 110.79±4.42 eggs and up to 72 weeks of age were 217.68±4.96 eggs. Significant differences inegg weight, shape index, albumen index, yolk colour, shell thickness and Haugh unit score were observed at different weeks of age. Further, as the age of the bird advances there was decrease in Haugh unit and albumen index with increase in egg shell thickness. The internal quality decreased with increase in age of the bird. The production performance showed that the Kuzi ducks may be used as an egg type ducks.