Settable Eggs Research Articles

Comparative efficacy of hydroxychloride and organic sources of zinc, copper, and manganese on hatching eggs, embryo and hatchlings attributes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of feeding broiler breeders hydroxychloride and organic sources of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) on hatching eggs, embryo, and hatchlings attributes. A total of 408 female (♀) and 48 male (♂) Ross 708 broiler breeder were placed (17 ♀ and 2 ♂/pen). The pens were housed in two rooms (12 pens/room). Two diets were allocated to 12 replicates/diet using completely randomized block design. The two diets were formulated to have similar nutritional specifications and differed in the sources of Zn, Cu, and Mn: 1) HO, a blend of 80 % hydroxychloride and 20 % proteinate organic sources, and 2) OR, 100 % amino acid complex organic sources. The birds were fed from 42 to 63 weeks of age following breeder guidelines. A total of 90 eggs were collected from each pen over 10 consecutive days at 46, 54, and 62 weeks of age. Six eggs per pen were sampled prior to incubation and during d 14 and 19 of incubation for analyses. At hatch, 3 male and 3 female chicks were randomly selected from each pen, bled for plasma concentration of minerals and subsequently euthanized for liver and gizzard weight. There were no interactions (P > 0.05) between the breeder age and trace mineral sources or main effects of trace mineral sources on egg components, settable egg percentage, fertility, hatchability, late-embryonic mortality, and the ratio of hatched male to female. However, eggs from breeder fed HO diets had heavier eggshells compared to those fed OR diets (P = 0.003). Regardless of trace mineral sources, chicks from older hens had higher (P < 0.05) plasma concentration of Zn, Cu, Mn, compared to chicks from younger hens. In conclusion, with exception of eggshell weight, there were no differences of feeding mid to late lay broiler breeders HO or OR sources of Zn, Cu, and Mn on hatching egg, embryo and hatchling mineral status.

HATCHABILITY OF EGGS FROM HENS FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH GRADED LEVELS OF CHROMIUM PICOLINATE WITH OR WITHOUT VITAMIN C

A total of 216 point of lay Noiler pullets were purchased from a reputable farm. The birds were assigned to 8 treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD) using 2 x 4 factorial arrangement (2 levels of vitamin C and 4 levels of CrPic). A basal diet was formulated, divided into eight equal portions and diet 1 to 4 were supplemented with 0.00, 0.40, 0.80 and 1.20mg/kg CrPic. Diets 5 to 8 were supplemented with 200mg/kg vitamin C; 0.40mg/kg CrPic+200mg vitamin C; 0.80mg/kg CrPic+200mg vitamin C, 1.20mg/kg CrPic+200mg Vitamin C, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 16 weeks and hatchability of eggs set from hens were investigated. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance from General Linear Model procedures for completely randomised design with a 2 × 4 (2 levels of vitamin C and 4 levels of Chromium picolinate) factorial arrangement. Generally, level of CrPic at 0.8mgkg recorded higher (P&gt;0.05) number of fertile eggs, number of egg hatched, fertility of total egg set, hatchability of egg set and hatchability of fertile egg when compared to others. The interaction between CrPic and Vitamin C was also not significant (P &gt; 0.05) for all the parameters considered. The study revealed that the percentage fertility and hatchability of eggs of hens set increased by CrPic treatments with or without Vitamin C, mostly at 0.8mg/kg diet compared to control diet.

Salmonella Biomapping of a Commercial Broiler Hatchery

Poultry-associated salmonellosis results in significant costs to poultry producers and consumers. Given the vertically integrated nature of the United States poultry industry, a better understanding of Salmonella ecology throughout all levels of poultry production is essential. One nexus point is the hatchery, where eggs from multiple broiler breeder farms are incubated and hatched, with the chicks being sent to numerous farms; therefore, the hatchery represents an ideal area to understand preharvest Salmonella ecology and flow. To achieve this, a commercial broiler hatchery was biomapped, focusing on Salmonella prevalence and serotype diversity among four major sample type categories (Air, Egg, Water, Facility) across five different places in the prehatch, hatch, and posthatch areas. Following two sets of eggs from broiler breeder farms over two production days, the overall Salmonella prevalence was 26% (48/184). Of the positive samples, the highest prevalence was observed in swabs taken from the floor drains in the facility and transport truck (56%), as well as in the hatch and posthatch hatchery areas (50%). Kentucky (n = 17), Gaminara (n = 12), and Alachua (n = 11) were the dominant Salmonella serotypes, with serotypes of greatest outbreak concern from chickens (Enteritidis) representing only 6.25% (3/48) of all recovered Salmonella isolates. The posthatch transport area, including the underfloor reservoirs of the transport trucks, not only harbored Enteritidis but also the enrichment broths from these Salmonella-positive samples also possessed sequences matching the commercial live-attenuated vaccine Typhimurium strain according to CRISPR SeroSeq analyses. These findings highlight the complex diversity of commercial hatchery Salmonella populations, including identifying facility floor drains and transport trucks as potentially important critical control points for hatchery managers to focus their Salmonella mitigation efforts to reduce loads and serotypes entering live production farms.

Effects of strain and season on incubation parameters of Nigerian local guinea fowls

The study was conducted to determine the effects of strain and season on incubation parameters of Nigerian local guinea fowls. A total of three thousand six hundred (3600) fertile eggs (400 eggs per strain in each of the three seasons; early rainy, late rainy and early dry) generated from 144 matured guinea fowls (120 guinea hens and 24 guinea cocks) were used to obtained the following parameters; number of eggs set (NOES), number of fertile eggs (NOFE), number of dead in shell (NODIS), number of eggs hatched (NOEH), fertility (%) and hatchability (%). Data generated for the study were subjected to multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) of SPSS 25 (2017) to determine the effects of season and strain on incubation parameters. The results of the study showed that Pearl strain had significantly higher (p&lt;0.001) NOFE (320.00), NODIS (36.00), NOEH (274.89), fertility (80.00 %) and hatchability (85.91 %). Season wise, late rainy and early dry seasons had significantly higher (p&lt;0.001) values on most incubation parameters observed. The interaction effect of strain and season on incubation parameters of guinea fowls was not significant, except on NOEH (p&lt;0.001) where estimates obtained for Pearl at late rainy and early dry seasons had the highest values, while the least were observed in Lavender during early rainy, late rainy and early dry periods. In conclusion, Pearl strain of Nigerian local guinea fowl had the best results for incubation parameters during late rainy and early dry seasons than white and Lavender types.

Estimation of the seminal parameters of rooster and its association with fertility traits in synthetic dam line.

The objective of the present study was to assess the seminal parameters of rooster and its association with fertility traits (%), viz., hatchability of the fertile egg set (HFES), hatchability of the total egg set (HTES), and fertility (FERT). The data records pertained to traits of interest were obtained from various registers maintained at Poultry farm, of the Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar (India). The relationship between seminal and fertility characteristics was investigated using regression analysis and correlation. Moreover, the efficacy of seminal characteristics to distinguish between roosters with low and high fertility traits was evaluated using linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The findings showed that reproductive traits and seminal characteristics were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated. The LDA showed that the seminal parameters can effectively separate the roosters into those with high and poor reproductive features. It was revealed from LDA that seminal features showed higher classification accuracy for FERT (80.77%). Hatchability is dependent on eggs that have been artificially incubated; hence, these crucial traits are comparatively weaker for HTES (65.38%) and HFES (67.31%). Cross-validation of the seminal parameter LDA corroborated the aforementioned and related conclusions. It is suggested that the studied LDA function may be utilised to choose genotypes with improved reproductive traits based on seminal variables.

An integrated mycotoxin-mitigating agent can effectively mitigate the combined toxicity of AFB1, DON and OTA on the production performance, liver and oviduct health in broiler breeder hens

This study was to evaluate the efficacy of an integrated mycotoxin-mitigating agent in reducing the adverse effects of co-occurring dietary aflatoxin B1 deoxynivalenol and ochratoxin A on broiler breeder hens. 360 30-week-old Hubbard Efficiency Plus broiler breeder hens were allocated into four groups and received a basal diet (BD; Control), BD added 0.15 mg/kg aflatoxin B1+1.5 mg/kg deoxynivalenol+0.12 mg/kg ochratoxin A (Toxins), BD plus Toxins with 0.1% TOXO-XL (Toxins + XL1), and BD plus Toxins with 0.2% TOXO-XL (Toxins + XL2), respectively, for 8 weeks, and then received the same BD for another 4 weeks. Compared with control, mycotoxins decreased total egg weigh, egg laying rate, settable eggs rate, hatch of total eggs rate, egg quality, but increased feed/egg ratio and mortality rate, and impaired the liver and oviduct health during weeks 1–8 and(or) 9–12. It also increased PC and MDA concentrations, TUNEL-positive cells and IL-1β and IL-6 expression, and decreased T-AOC, GPX and CAT activities in liver and/or oviduct. Notably, most of these negative changes were mitigated by both dosages of TOXO-XL. Generally, 0.2% TOXO-XL displayed better mitigation effects than 0.1% TOXO-XL. Conclusively, these findings revealed that TOXO-XL could mitigate the combined mycotoxins-induced toxicity on the performance, liver and oviduct health, through the regulation of redox, immunity, and apoptosis in broiler breeder hens.

Effects of energy restriction during growing phase on the productive performance of Hyline Brown laying hens aged 6 to 72 wk

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of energy-restricted feeding during growing phase on the productive performance of Hyline Brown laying hens aged 6 to 72 wk. A total of 720 six-week-old layer chicks were allocated equally to 3 groups with 6 replicates of 40 pullets each, and were fed 1 of 3 diets that were nutritionally similar except for the apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) content. At the age of 6 to 17 wk, the pullets in the control group were given diet with 2,850 kcal/kg AMEn, and were fed ad libitum. The levels of AMEn in diet of pullets in the experimental groups were 90% (2,565 [2,850×90%] kcal/kg) and 80% (2,280 [2,850×80%] kcal/kg) of that in control group, and the daily amount of feed was restricted to the absolute quantity of the diet consumed by pullets in control group. At the age of 18 to 72 wk, all the hens were fed with the same diets ad libitum. As energy restriction increased in the growing phase, body weight (BW) dropped at the ages of 12 and 15 to 23 wk (at 23 wk: P=0.001; at other ages: P < 0.001), but it showed no significant difference at 24 wk (P=0.071). At 20 wk, restricting energy induced a delay in the development of sexual organs, including the ovary stroma, oviduct, and small yellow follicle (P < 0.05), as well as a delay in sexual maturity (P < 0.05). Consequently, the laying rate in the first and second periods dropped linearly (P=0.046, 0.030, and 0.038, P < 0.001, respectively). The coefficient of variation (CV) in the BW at 19, 20, and 21 wk (P=0.040, 0.023, and 0.042, respectively), the CV of age at first egg (P < 0.001), and CV of individual egg number at age 18 to 72 wk (P < 0.001) decreased linearly. There was a linear increase in the laying rate of hens in the later periods (at age 32-72 wk, P < 0.05), as well as in the average total egg number per hen and average laying rate at the age of 18 to 72 wk (P=0.006). The average egg mass also showed a linear increase with increasing levels of energy restriction (P < 0.001). In summary, although appropriate energy restriction during growing phase delayed sexual maturity and sexual organ development in early-laying Hyline Brown pullets, it improved uniformity of BW, age at first egg laying, and individual egg number, and increased egg number per hen, laying rate, average egg mass, and number of settable eggs from 18 to 72 wk of age.

Effect of genotype and season on fertility and hatchability of eggs in Dahlem Red, Native and DND chicken under intensive system in Himachal Pradesh

The present study assessed the effect of genotype, season and period on fertility and hatchability of chicken eggs during five year period (April 2017 to March 2022). The eggs for hatching were collected from birds belonging to three genotypes viz. Dahlem Red (DR), Native and cross of (Dahlem Red × Native) with Dahlem Red (DND). Average fertility percentage was observed highest in DND followed by native and Dahlem Red. Hatchability percentage on fertile egg set and total egg set was 80.91 &amp; 70.20, 80.83 &amp; 70.29 and 76.78 &amp; 66.52 in native, DND and Dahlem Red respectively. Significant difference in hatchability percentage of Dahlem Red with native and DND was observed. Hatchability percentage was found better in native and DND bird. Season wise, fertility percentage was observed highest in winter (87.40) followed by rainy (86.34) and summer (86.01). Hatchability percentage on fertile egg set and total egg set was observed highest in rainy (81.22 &amp; 70.09) followed by summer (80.60 &amp; 69.36) and winter (77.31 &amp; 67.63). Mean difference in hatchability on fertile egg set in winter was significant from rainy and summer season. Dead embryo percentage was observed significantly higher in winter than summer and rainy season. Hatchability percentage on fertile egg set and total egg set was highest in 2021-22 (83.73 &amp; 76.54) followed by 2017-18 (80.91 &amp; 69.48), 2018-19 (80.58 &amp; 70.19), 2019-20 (76.76 &amp; 66.08) and 2020-21 (76.38 &amp; 65.93). The hatchability operations under sub temperate condition of the region can be carried out efficiently throughout the year without a significant drop in fertility and hatchability. However, greater care and managerial precision are required in winter season during the hatching.

Presence of the cloud cover and elevation angle of the sun affect measurements of eggshell coloration and patterning obtained from calibrated digital images

AbstractCalibrated digital photography is frequently used in studies focusing on avian eggshell appearance to measure colour and pattern features. Photographs are often taken in natural light conditions, yet little is known to what extent the normalisation process is able to control for varied light. Here, we photographed 36 blown eggs of the Japanese quail Coturnix japonica at five different elevation angles of the sun on both sunny and uniformly overcast days alongside grey standards. We normalised and processed the photographs in the MICA Toolbox software and checked how much noise was introduced by different natural light conditions to the colour and pattern measurements of the same set of eggs. Our results indicate that natural variation of light conditions affects eggshell colour and pattern measurements obtained by means of calibrated digital photography. Depending on a trait, the elevation angle of the sun had similar or even greater effect on the measurement than the presence of the cloud cover. Furthermore, measurements taken in cloudy conditions were more repeatable than those taken in sunny conditions. Based on the results, we propose practical guidelines regarding measuring colour and pattern of eggshells using calibrated digital photography in outdoor conditions.

Effect of translucency and eggshell color on broiler breeder egg hatchability and hatch chick weight

A successful hatch has a considerable economic impact on all poultry companies. The aim of the current study was to describe the possible effects of shell translucency (T score) and coloration lightness (L* value) on shell thickness, hatchability, and chick weight. A total of 4,320 eggs from 4 commercial Ross 708 breeder flocks (50-55-wk old) were used. Eggs were selected for T score and L* value. A 3-point subjective scoring system was used for T score (1=low, 2=medium, 3=high), and an electronic colorimeter for L* value, sorting the eggs as light (avg. L*=80.7) or dark (avg. L*=76.0). Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (V9.4) and Tukey's HSD test was performed to separate means, a significant difference was considered when P ≤ 0.05. Results suggest that the color of the eggshell was related to the egg weight on the day of collection (P=0.0056) and at transfer (P=0.0211), in both cases dark eggs were 0.6 g heavier than light eggs. Dark eggs had a 3.8% increased hatchability of egg set (P=0.0481) and yielded 6 µm thicker shells (P=0.0019) when compared to light eggs. Regarding translucency, egg weight at transfer was 0.8 g heavier for T score 1 eggs compared to T score 3 (P=0.0358). The translucency score of 1 had a 6.9% higher hatchability of eggs set (P=0.0127) and 0.7 g heavier chick weight (P=0.0385) compared to T score 3. However, T score 1 eggs had shells 28 µm thinner than the T score 2 and 34 µm thinner than T score 3 (P < 0.0001). An interaction effect was observed for eggshell thickness, L* value, and T score, where eggs classified as light with T score 1 had thinner eggshells compared to those that were dark with T score 3 (P=0.0292). These results suggest that eggshell translucency and coloration lightness can be good noninvasive indicators of eggshell thickness, hatchability, and chick weight in broiler breeder flocks.

Oological collections and egg collectors of Brazilian birds: an overview

Egg collections have been poorly studied and cataloged both in Brazil and overseas. In Brazil, there is a lack of both historical and current tradition of establishing and curating egg collections. This paper provides information about the size of collections, collecting dates, major collectors, geographic locations, and institutions holding egg sets of Brazilian birds. Through this effort, we recovered part of the history of Brazilian ornithology and provide general directions for those interested in studying egg sets deposited in scientific collections. We retrieved information from 5,888 egg sets collected in Brazil between 1818-2022, currently deposited at 45 institutions/museums. The four largest egg collections in Brazil are at MZUSP, MN, COMB and MPEG. However, around half of the egg sets are deposited in institutions from Europe (mainly at MLUH and ZMB in Germany, NMW in Austria, NHM in the UK, and CRRM in Romania) and the USA (mainly at the WFVZ). Most egg sets were collected between the 1890s and 1930s, and after 2010. In Brazil, 70% of the egg sets were collected in five Brazilian states (MG, SP, SC, PA, and RS). Overall, egg collecting was uneven in space and time. We traced ~330 egg collectors, but most egg sets were collected by José Caetano Guimarães Sobrinho, while Caio Guimarães Chagas was probably the greatest collection owner in Brazil. A recent increase in egg collecting shows a renewed interest in assembling this type of bird vouchers. A scientifically sustained, planned and ethical collection of eggs should continue in Brazil since the breeding biology of many species is still poorly known, and since egg sets are important to provide data for new studies on the ecology, evolution, and conservation of Brazilian birds.

The effect of the chelated form of trace elements in diet on weight gain, production traits, egg specific gravity, immune system, blood parameters, liver enzymes, and progesterone hormone in Ross 308 broiler breeder chickens

This experiment was conducted in order to investigate the effect of the chelated form of trace elements in diet on the production traits, immunity, and blood parameters of Ross 308 broiler breeder chickens. Treatments included Treatment 1 (Negative control): Mn, Se, Cu, Fe and Zn provided as non-chelated form; Treatment 2 (Positive control): Mn, Se, Cu, Fe and Zn provided as chelated form; Treatment 3: Mn, Se, Cu, Fe and Zn provided as 50% chelated form and 50% non-chelated form; Treatment 4: Zn provided as chelated form; Treatment 5: Cu provided as chelated form; Treatment 6: Fe provided as chelated form; Treatment 7: Mn provided as chelated form; Treatment 8: Se provided as chelated form. The results showed that over the entire production period egg production and egg mass were affected by the experimental treatments (p < 0.05) and that the highest levels were observed in treatments 2 and 3. The chelated form of trace elements had a significant effect, increasing the number of settable eggs and decreasing the unsettable eggs over the entire production period (p < 0.05). Average egg weight over the entire period was not significantly changed (p > 0.05). The highest percentage of 2-yolk, thin shell, broken and small eggs was observed in 61st week of age significantly (p < 0.05). The experimental treatments had a significant effect on the immunity and the antibody titre against Newcastle disease showed a significant increase in treatments 2 and 8 (p < 0.05). The concentration of glucose, triglyceride, progesterone, AST and ALT were affected by the experimental treatments (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of a basic diet containing Zn, Fe, Cu, Se and Mn in the chelated form or the use of a basic diet containing mineral elements of Zn, Fe, Cu, Se and Mn with 50% non-chelated form and 50% in the chelated form improves the performance of production traits, immunity and blood parameters of Ross 308 broiler breeder chickens. Highlights Chelated form of trace elements in the diet led to improvement in productive traits, immune response and blood parameters compared to the mineral form Basic diet containing mineral elements of Zn, Fe, Cu, Se, and Mn, 50% in the non-chelated form and 50% in the chelated form led to a significant improvement in egg production, egg mass, egg weight and egg specific gravity Chelated form of trace elements in the diet led to a decrease in the number of abnormal eggs including double-yolk, thin shell, broken, deformed, and small eggs

Evaluation of industry strategies to supply dietary chelated trace minerals (Zn, Mn, and Cu) and their impact on broiler breeder hen reproductive performance, egg quality, and early offspring performance

Dietary trace minerals have profound functions in broiler breeder reproduction. Organic hydroxy analog of methionine (HMTBa) trace minerals have been included at lower levels in poultry feeds compared to inorganic sources without affecting performance and in some cases improving it. We compared 3 breeder hen trace mineral blends of economic interest to a large U.S. integrator. Treatment diets (fed wk 26–65) provided Zn, Mn, and Cu (mg/kg), respectively: CTL = control, predominantly inorganic trace minerals (143–180–123); ORG = reduced levels using solely HMTBa trace minerals (50–60–15); and MIX = a blend of inorganic/HMTBa trace minerals (75/25–90/30–22.5/7.5). On average, ORG-fed hens were 1.3 and 1.1% heavier compared to CTL and MIX hens, respectively (P = 0.002). Overall (wk 25–65), hens fed the MIX diet had higher egg production (P < 0.001) and laid heavier eggs (P = 0.038) compared to hens fed the CTL or ORG diet. During the second half of lay, MIX-fed hens showed improved eggshell quality (P ≤ 0.037) and cuticle deposition (P = 0.019). Fertility and hatchability were unaffected by diet (P ≥ 0.205). Broilers hatched from young ORG hens (29 wk) had higher bone mineral density (P = 0.004) and after a 7-day grow-out (P = 0.047) when obtained from ORG hens of 41 wk of age. In conclusion, the industry levels provided by combining inorganic and HMTBa trace minerals in breeder hen diets were advantageous for sustaining high-quality settable egg production.

Studies on the Efficacy of Heterogeneously Produced Pasteuria Penetrans (PP3) Isolate over Individual Pasteuria Isolates in the Spore Attachment, and Pathogenic Potential on Three Meloidogyne Species

The aim of the present test was to develop a Pasteuria penetrans isolate (Pp3) on a Meloidogyne blend and compare the attachment and pathogenic potential of this heterogeneously produced isolate with other Pp3 isolates produced on individual Meloidogyne species (Meloidogyne javanica, M. incognita and M. arenaria). Number of spores attached varied among Meloidogyne spp. Pp3 isolate originally multiplied on M. javanica showed greater attachment level with second stage juveniles (J2s) of M. javanica (13.8) than other Meloidogyne spp. tested and lesser attachment was observed on J2s of a M. arenaria. The Pp3 isolate showed variable influence on the Meloidogyne spp. in suppressing root-knot disease. There was a significant difference in numbers of eggmasses produced by females of Meloidogyne spp. Higher numbers of eggmasses were recorded with females of M. arenaria (370) while fewer numbers of eggmasses were observed in treatment where M. javanica (245) was present. Root galling differed significantly among treatments (P0.01) and higher gall infestation was recorded in M. arenaria treatment (6.2) while lesser galling was observed in M. javanica treatment (4.4). Final female population also varied among treatments (P0.05) showing higher numbers of females in M. arenaria treatment (456) and fewer with M. javanica (398). Parasitism of females of Meloidogyne spp. by Pp3 differed significantly among treatments. Higher numbers of females infected with Pp3 spores were recorded among females of M. javanica (14.4) while lesser numbers of parasitized females were observed in M. arenaria treatment (9.8). There were significant variations in numbers of endospores/female produced by females of Meloidogyne spp. however egg set data did not differ in the treatments. The results showed that the Pp3 isolate was more pathogenic on M. javanica compared with other Meloidogyne spp. (M. incognita, M. arenaria and M blend). The Pp3 isolate was found compatible with different Meloidogyne spp. while M. arenaria proved the least good host to bacterial parasite

Satellite Rearing ofAedesMosquito Eggs: Synchronized Empirical Test of a Novel Mass Rearing Model

Mosquito suppression strategies based on "rear and release" of male mosquitoes are attracting renewed interest from governments, municipalities, and private businesses. These include irradiation-based sterile insect technique, Wolbachia-based technologies, and genetic modification. Each of these approaches requires the mass rearing and release of adult male mosquitoes, which typically is accomplished via a rearing facility near the release site. Although some release programs have relied on centralized rearing and shipment of adult males, adult male mosquitoes are relatively fragile, and their fitness can be diminished by temperature fluctuations, humidity, nutritional deficiencies, and other stresses that occur during shipment. Furthermore, expensive, expedited shipment is typically used to maximize the amount of adult lifetime in the field following the release. In contrast, Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus eggs can be desiccated and stored for long periods. They are small, and many millions of eggs can be shipped without specialized environmental conditions and using less expensive means. Here we examine a model in which mosquito eggs are centrally produced and then mailed to satellite rearing facilities. As a control, a replicate set of eggs was reared at the factory of origin. At each of the rearing sites, cloud-based software was used to track and compare rearing at the different locations. The results demonstrate similar rearing outcomes (i.e., egg hatch, immature development, and number of adult males) at each of the different sites for both species. We discuss the outcome in relation to downstream applications and potential future studies.

Applicability of single-step genomic evaluation with a random regression model for reproductive traits in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).

Fertility and hatchability are economically important traits due to their effect on poult output coming from the turkey hatchery. Traditionally, fertility is recorded as the number of fertile eggs set in the incubator (FERT), defined at a time point during incubation by the identification of a developing embryo. Hatchability is recorded as either the number of fertile eggs that hatched (hatch of fertile, HOF) or the number hatched from all the eggs set (hatch of set, HOS). These traits are collected throughout the productive life of the bird and are conventionally cumulated, resulting in each bird having a single record per trait. Genetic evaluations of these traits have been estimated using pedigree relationships. However, the longitudinal nature of the traits and the availability of genomic information have renewed interest in using random regression (RR) to capture the differences in repeatedly recorded traits, as well as in the incorporation of genomic relationships. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: 1) to compare the applicability of a RR model with a cumulative model (CUM) using both pedigree and genomic information for genetic evaluation of FERT, HOF, and HOS and 2) to estimate and compare predictability from the models. For this study, a total of 63,935 biweekly FERT, HOF, and HOS records from 7,211 hens mated to 1,524 toms were available for a maternal turkey line. In total, 4,832 animals had genotypic records, and pedigree information on 11,191 animals was available. Estimated heritability from the CUM model using pedigree information was 0.11 0.02, 0.24 0.02, and 0.24 0.02 for FERT, HOF, and HOS, respectively. With random regression using pedigree relationships, heritability estimates were in the range of 0.04–0.09, 0.11–0.17, and 0.09–0.18 for FERT, HOF, and HOS, respectively. The incorporation of genomic information increased the heritability by an average of 28 and 23% for CUM and RR models, respectively. In addition, the incorporation of genomic information caused predictability to increase by approximately 11 and 7% for HOF and HOS, respectively; however, a decrease in predictability of about 12% was observed for FERT. Our findings suggest that RR models using pedigree and genomic relationships simultaneously will achieve a higher predictability than the traditional CUM model.

Effect of genotype and egg weight on hatchability properties and embryonic mortality pattern of native chicken populations

Fertility and hatchability are 2 major parameters that highly influence the reproductive performance of chicken breeds. The objective of this study is to investigate how the genetic background of chickens affects the aspects of fertility, hatchability, and embryonic mortality pattern. Six different native chicken genotypes (black, black-barred, brown, gray, naked neck, and frizzle) kept under similar conditions were evaluated. A total of 1,645 fertile pedigreed eggs from all genetic groups were collected and incubated in forced draft setter. Fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, and hatched chick weight were determined. The data were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance with breed (genotype) as a fixed effect. Sire component of variance were used to compute heritability estimates for hatchability traits. The results showed that the fertility and hatchability of the eggs produced from the naked neck or frizzle genotypes exhibited higher values compared to the other genetic groups. An increase in the relative weight of hatched chicks was detected in hatching eggs weighing 44 g or higher. Therefore, attention should be given to the egg size produced by native chicken populations to achieve maximum hatchability performance. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the settable egg weight and the egg weight loss during incubation are the main factors affecting the relative weight of hatched chicks of all genotypes.

Improved offspring performance of broiler breeder hens fed amino acid complexed trace minerals

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of partial substitution of inorganic trace minerals ( ITM ) by amino acid complexed minerals ( AACM ) on broiler breeder hens’ performance and offspring. A total of 640 Cobb 500 broiler breeder hens, 22 wk of age, were allocated to four dietary treatments: T1- (Control) contained ITM forms of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe and Se at 100, 100, 10, 50 and 0.30 ppm, respectively; T2- (Partial replacement) of Control by AACM Zn, Mn, Cu, and Se at 60, 60, 3, and 0.15 ppm of ITM, and 40, 40, 7, and 0.15 ppm of AACM, respectively.; T3- (Partial replacement) of Control, same as T2 but with Fe at 10 and 40 ppm of ITM and AACM, respectively; T4- (On Top) supplementation of Zn, Mn, Cu, Se and Fe (T1+T3). Laying production was evaluated from 26 to 66 wk, whereas egg quality was evaluated at 35, 45, 55, and 65 wk of age. At each period, eggs were incubated and evaluated for hatchability parameters and chick quality. At 66 wk of age, eggs were incubated to obtain 800-day-old male chicks for the progeny performance trial. Total and settable egg production and incubation parameters were not affected by supplementation treatments (P > 0.05). Eggshell breaking strength significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the On Top supplementation group compared to the Control. The offspring from hens fed partially Zn, Mn, Cu, Se and Fe AACM had higher body weight gain ( BWG ) in the first week (P < 0.05) and maintained a smaller feed conversion ratio ( FCR ) from 1 to 35 d compared to the offspring of Control ITM group (P < 0.05). Maternal AACM supplementation increased offspring BWG and FCR from 1 to 7 d and 1 to 35 d, respectively.

Supplemental effects of amino acid-complexed trace minerals on broiler breeder hen performance

A broiler breeder hen study was conducted to evaluate the replacement of trace element sources from inorganic minerals (IM) by amino acid complexed minerals (AACM) sources. Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe sulfate, Na selenite and K iodate were the inorganic sources whereas the organic were supplemented from amino acid complexed sources. A total of 84 Cobb 500 38-week-old broiler breeder hens were individually caged and fed diets as follows: T1- Control IM sources with Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se and I at 100, 100, 20, 60, 0.35 and 2 ppm, respectively; T2- same total mineral content as in T1 in a combination of IM and AACM sources (Zn: 60/40, Mn: 60/40, Cu: 13/7, Fe: 40/20, Se: 0.20/0.15, and I: 0/2 ppm); T3- only IM sources content from T2; T4- only AACM sources content from T2; T5- IM sources with Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se and I at 120, 120, 25, 70, 0.40 and 3 ppm, respectively; T6- Same total mineral content as in T5 in a combination of IM and AACM sources (Zn: 60/60, Mn: 60/60, Cu: 13/2, Fe: 40/30, Se: 0.20/0.20, and I: 0/3 ppm); T7- only AACM mineral source content from T6. Evaluation was done from week 40–51. There were no significant effects of the treatments for egg production, incubation, egg quality and hatching chicks (P > 0.05) during this period. One exception occurred for eggshell thickness, which was increased when hens were fed partial and total replacement of AACM (P < 0.05). Contrasts between total replacement with AACM and IM supplemented diets showed an increase in settable eggs when breeders were fed AACM. Higher hatchability of fertile eggs was observed in partial replacements with AACM treatments when compared to IM (P < 0.05). Also, hatching chick had higher length and more chicks with leg score 1 in total replacement of AACM compared to the partial AACM replacement and IM groups (P < 0.05), and IM groups (P < 0.05), respectively. In conclusion, totally or partially replacement with IM by AACM led to improvements in eggshell and chick quality.

​​Comparative Evaluation of Hatching Traits in Four Phenotypes of Naked Neck Chicken

Background: In Pakistan, the naked neck chickens are characterized on the base of plumage colors such as black, white black, light brown and dark brown. There is scanty of information on hatching traits in different phenotypes of naked neck chicken. The current study aimed to investigate and compare the hatching traits in four phenotypes of naked neck chicken (black, white black, light brown and dark brown). Methods: In total, 300 females (20 weeks old) comprising four plumage colors (black, white black, light brown and dark brown), 75 from each, were randomly assigned to 20 replicates (15/replicate) under a completely randomized design (CRD). Number of settable eggs, fertility, hatch of fertile, hatchability, embryonic mortality and chick quality parameters were evaluated. Result: The results showed higher settable eggs, fertility and hatchability in black, dark brown and light brown phenotypes than that of the white black whereas better hatch of fertile and reduced embryonic mortality were recorded in black and dark brown phenotypes as compared to white black. Better chick quality was observed in dark brown phenotype followed by light brown, black and then white black. Phenotypes other than white black had better hatching performance, hence could be used to revive backyard poultry farming.