Fayoumi Breed Research Articles

IMPROVING GROWTH TRAITS AND ESTIMATING HETEROSIS, ADDITIVE AND MATERNAL EFFECTS A CROSS DIALLEL MATING AMONG THREE LINES SELECTED HEAVIEST BODY WEIGHT UNDER HEAT CONDITION

A crossbreeding experiment was executed between three breeds were selected three generation for heavy body weight under high temperature condition Sinai (SI) and Rhode Island Red (RI) and Fayoumi breeds. 900 crossing meals from each genotype were recorded singular body weight and body weight gain at hatch, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age. crosses SI XRI and reciprocal RI x Si significant heaver body weight and body weight gain compared than other crosses and pure breed. On the other hand body weight and body weight gain were significant heaver for pure line Sinai or Rod iland read and crosses SI x F, F x RI, Fx SI and RI xF compared to Fayoumi pure line. Heterosis was positive significant on body weight at hatch, 4,8 and 12 weeks of ages. As the same trend results of body weight gain but, negative significant at the intervals from 4wks to 8wks only. It could be observed that the hybrid vigor of body weight was significant positive effect for crosses SI X RI and reciprocal crosses RI XSI and RI XF ones.While, the hybrid vigor of body weight gain was significant positive effect for all diallel crossing except F X RI crosses. the direct additive effects were negative for line Fayoumi both body weight and weight gain taits at diferent age of these study. But these reciprocal effect were significant positive for Sinai and Rodiland red lines both body weight and body weight gain. These resuls shown that the croses RI XSI beter than SI X RI for both body weight and body weight gain. Maternal effect of body weight and body weight gain were significant positive effect at hatcher , for FF and SI SI. While, it was significant negative effect for RIRI. On the other hand, were significant positive for body weight at hatcher and 4 weeks of age only. While, maternal effect was significan positive at the intervals 0-4weeks only. The last shown that the maternal effect had a play essential role on body weght and body weight gain.Recommended used crosses Sinai and rod Iland red to produce commercial meat strains in hot climated countery.

THE EFFECT OF CROSS AND RECIPROCAL CROSS ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, FERTILITY AND HATCHABILITY FOR LOCAL CHICKEN

The objective of this present study is Studying the effect of crossing and reciprocal cross on productive performance, Fertility and hatchability for local chicken. The experiment was carried out in the farm of the Faculty of Agriculture - Ain Shams University. Their experimental research began when birds from two local breeds 22 week of age, where, sixty chickens (30 Fayoumi breeds, 30 Sinai breeds).were used at 26 weeks of age semen was collected artificially from 12 cocks (6 Fayoumi , 6 Sinai).semen from each cock artificially inseminated 48 female within each breed. Were attribution taken to be a parent stock. They were housed in batteries and then they transferred into individual batteries until the end of the experiment (36 weeks of age). The two breeds were mated and four crosses were produced Male Fayoumi*Female Fayoumi (FF) , Male Fayoumi*Female Sinai (FS) ,Male Sinai*Female Sinai(SS) , Male Sinai*Female Fayoumi (SF) After the second generation hatching ,the resolutely indicated that (FF) breed had the highest Fertility percent while the (SF)cross was the highest Hatchability calculated from the total eggs and also from fertile eggs . and Individual body weight (in grams) was recorded for each sex separately within each breed at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 weeks of age. Male Sinai*Female Fayoumi (SF) was found to be the best breeds in terms of body weight and vitality and better in food conversion. The most important results observed from this study indicated that the (SF) cross had the best in fertility, the best hatchability calculated from total and fertile eggs, body weight and body weight gain. So, it could be concluded that, cross procedure could be used in order to achieve genetic improvement from local breeds, which mean the possibility of increasing our production and hence on consumption from our local breeds and reducing on dependence from foreign breeds.

Gastrointestinal helminths and their predisposing factors in different poultry management systems; Haromaya, Ethiopia

Among several diseases, gastrointestinal parasites affect poultry production through retarded growth and reduced productivity. The severity varies according to management system and associated predisposing factors. Epidemiology of chicken gastrointestinal helminths were studied using coprological and necropsy examination, with the objectives to estimate the prevalence, identify species of helminths and associated predisposing factors in Haromaya town from November 2011 to April 2012. Fecal samples from selected chicken were collected from both intensive and extensive farms. Coprological examination on 384 chicken and 24 post mortem examinations were conducted. Out of 384 samples examined, 51.8% were positive of which a high prevalence of 110(28.6%) Ascaridia galli followed by 33(8.6%) of Heterakis gallinarum, 11(2.8%) of Raillietina species and 44(11.5%) mixed infection were recovered. Factors for the occurrence of GIT helminths were investigated using logistic regression models; where each assumed predisposing factor analyzed using uni-variable and followed by multi-variable logistic regression to determine the interaction and power of influence among factors. Accordingly, statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was observed when prevalence of helminths compared with breed, sex, age and management system separately using univariable logistic regression; whereas, when all predisposing factors subjected together using multi-variable backward stepwise analysis, it showed that the odds of local, Fayoumi and White Leghorn breeds had odds of (OR= 6.4, 50.8 and 6.9) more likely to be affected than Bovan Brown breed with significant difference (p<0.05). Male birds were 1.9 times more likely to be affected than female birds and birds in extensive management system were 2.8 times more likely to be affected than intensive farming system. The study indicated that gastrointestinal (GIT) helminths were more prevalent in extensive management system than in intensive management system, the finding was associated with poor management system or due to poor bio-security. Therefore, there is a need to improve hygienic situation, especially in area where extensive management system prevails.Keywords: Gastrointestinal; Haromaya; Helminths; Poultry; Production systems

Effect of Egg Size on Hatchability and Subsequent Growth Performance of Fayoumi Chicken

The study was conducted to determine effect of egg-weight on hatchability and subsequent growth performance of Fayoumi breeds. A total of 576 eggs were purposively selected and arranged into three groups of small, medium and large sizes each with 192 eggs. Each egg group was randomly sub-divided into three replicates of 64 eggs in a CRD. Eggs were incubated for 21 days and chicks hatched on the same day were counted and individually weighed. Chicks were intensively raised on deep litter system for eight weeks on same diet, but kept separately according to their initial treatment of eggs. Data was analyzed by GLM of SAS and separated for means by Duncan’s multiple-range test. The study result revealed that egg size had effect on hatchability and strongly influenced all parameters measured during the brooding periods. It has significant effect on day-old weight, body weight, final weight gain, final feed conversion and mortality. Chicken producers may opt for medium-sized eggs principally for the purpose of better hatchability and feed conversion ratio whereas large sized eggs for better hatchling weight, weight gain and survivability. It is also recommended that future work may also address the effect of egg size on the same parameters at grower or pullet stage performance and specific diseases which cause paramount chick mortality should be identified.

Polymorphisms of TLR4 Gene and Its Association With Genetic Resistance to Salmonella Enteritidis Infection in Fayoumi Breed and Hy-line Strain in Egypt

The aim of this study is to screen for genetic resistance to different doses of salmonella infection and its possible association with polymorphisms in exon 1 and 2 of TLR4 in Fayoumi breed and Hy-line strain of chickens. Two experiments was done, first one for measuring the variation of TLR4 -exon 1 and exon 2 of different genotypes of chicken under study and resistance to salmonella enteritidis. This study include 100 birds of each breeds, were infected orally with LD50 (108 cfu) salmonella enteritidis at age of two weeks and was divided into two groups (susceptible and resistance). TLR4 gene was genotyped with PCR-RFLP, The genotyping results on exon 1 (596 bp) by Taq1 restriction enzyme showed that the BB genotypes is more resistance to infection in the Fayoumi breed and also the AB genotypes is more resistance to infection in the Hy-line strain. Also The genotyping result on exon 2 (793 bp) by EcoR1 restriction enzyme showed only one genotype BB in Fayoumi breed and The frequency of AB genotypes is more resistant to infection than BB genotypes in Hy-line strain. The second experiment to evaluate the variation in immune response to the different genotypes of TLR4 -exon 1 and exon 2 this study include 100 birds of each breeds were infected with (5× 107 cfu) salmonella enteritidis and according to Elisa results the chickens devided into two groups (high and low immune response). The genotyping result on exon 1 (596 bp) by Taq1 restriction enzyme showed that the AB genotypes produce high immune response in both Fayoumi breed and Hy-line strain so can be used as a genetic marker for increase the immune response in chicks under study. Also The genotyping result on exon 2 (793 bp) by EcoR1 restriction enzyme showed only one genotype BB genotypes in Fayoumi breed and Hy-line strain.

A comparative study on quality, proximate composition and cholesterol content of eggs and meat in Fayoumi and commercial White Leghorn chickens

AbstractThe present study was conducted at Poultry Research Institute, Rawalpindi (Pakistan) with the objective of evaluating egg quality, proximate composition and cholesterol content of eggs and meat in Fayoumi (FAY) and commercial (Nick chick) White Leghorn (WLH) breeds of chickens. For this purpose, 64 adult (40 weeks-old) laying hens, 32 each of FAY and WLH breeds were maintained on littered floor in two separate pens under optimal management conditions. The birds were fed ad libitum a balanced layers ration. They had free access to clean and fresh drinking water and were kept under 16 h daily lighting schedule. Egg quality parameters, proximate composition and cholesterol content of eggs were studied for 6 weeks by randomly collecting 3 eggs daily from each breed. Thigh and breast meat samples were obtained from randomly selecting two birds from each breed by slaughtering them at the termination of experiment for determination of proximate composition and cholesterol content. The results show signif...

Selection responses for egg production of Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red breeds

This experiment estimated the selection responses for egg production of Fayoumi (Fay) and Rhode Island Red (RIR) breeds. A total of 3000; belonging Fay 2000 & RIR 1000 day old chicks were collected from Egypt and Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka respectively, considered as foundation stock. The chicks were brooded for 5 weeks and reared up to 14 weeks of age providing standard feeding and management. After brooding, 640 Fay and 504 RIR pullets were reared in 40 and 36 individual pens respectively, considering as a family. Finally, 30 and 24 best families of Fay and RIR respectively were selected with 420 Fay and 288 RIR pullets at 15 weeks of age, on the basis of age at 1st egg lay, egg production and fertility. Salmonella and mycoplasma free eggs were collected on the basis of blood test (agglutinate test) from the selected families of both the breeds and hatched out for next generation. The experiment was continued up to 40 weeks of age for each generation. The study revealed that hen day egg production of Fay and RIR was higher in Foundation stock (64.39% in Fay and 68.54% in RIR) than that of F1 generation (58.6% in Fay and 46.8% in RIR) but no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed for livability between Foundation stock and F1 generation. Reasons for lower productivity in F1 generation may be the poor management practices during growing period. In F2 generation, egg production was higher in both the breeds (64.09% in Fay and 62.05% in RIR) than in F1 generation. Egg production of RIR was not recorded for F3 generation, as their ability to adopt under farmers condition was very poor. However, in F3 generation, egg production of Fay was higher (65.82%) than in F2 generation. Genetic gain in Fay was 0.06%, 0.11% and 0.12% for F1, F2 and F3 generation, respectively. In case of RIR genetic gain was 0.07% in F1 and 0.18% in F2 generation. Due to selection slight genetic gain for egg production was obtained in Fay and RIR but further research with larger stock is needed for better understanding of selection responses of these breeds.Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 19(1-2): 66-73, Jan-Dec 2012

English

Salmonella infections originating from poultry are one of the major causes of food-borne diseases. To control Salmonella in poultry multifactorial approach is likely to be effective, and genetic resistance of poultry breeds to Salmonella infections may have valuable contribution. Experimental research was conducted to evaluate relative resistance of poultry breeds: Local, Fayoumi and Koekoek to Salmonella Typhimurium from November 2012 to May 2013. Total of 48 chicks were taken and half from each was randomly allocated to treatment and control groups. Treatment groups were orally infected with 107-9 S. Typhimurium at two week’s age. Samples were taken from week one post infection and continued every week till week four. Liver, spleen and lung were considered to determine relative bacterial loads and feces were added to identify S. Typhimurium. Highest bacterial load was found in Koekoek (1.95 log CFU/ gram) breeds than Local (0.71 log CFU/ gram) and Fayoumi (1.00 log CFU/ gram) breeds (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference of bacterial load between Local and Fayoumi was found. There was significant bacterial load difference among liver (2.01 log CFU/ gram), lung (0.95 log CFU/ gram) and spleen (0.69 log CFU/ gram). According to bacterial growth on XLD, Koekoek was found to be 4.26 times more susceptible to Local breed. There was no statistically significant difference between Local and Fayoumi breeds. In conclusion, local breeds were relatively found to be the most resistant among the three poultry breeds to S. Typhimurium. Key words: Bacterial load, breed, Ethiopia, isolation, organs, Salmonella Typhimurium.

Comparative efficacy of alcoholic extracts of black Peppers (Piper nigrum) and Chutra leaves (Urtica dioica) with Esb3 against coccidiosis in chickens

The present study is undertaken to compare the efficacy of alcoholic extracts of Black Peppers (Piper nigrum ) and Chutra leaves (Urtica dioica ) with a patent drug Esb3 against coccidiosis in chicken. 16 Fayoumi breed chickens were collected from a local farm and divided into four groups; A, B, C and D, each consisting of four chickens, Group A (control), Group B (alcoholic extracts of Black Peppers @ 9ml/kg bd wt.), Group C (alcoholic extracts of Chutra leaves @ 9ml/kg bd wt.) and Group D ( Esb3 @ 1 ml/ liter drinking water). All the treated chickens were kept under close observation for 18 days and data was collected at 3 days interval. In group B, two chickens died within 4-7 days of treatment and in group C one chicken died on 5th day of medication. All the chickens of control group died within 5-7 days of medication. Oocyst was counted for per gram of feces in all groups. Biochemical parameters like SGPT and haematological parameters like Total erythrocyte count (TEC), Haemoglobin count (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined. There were significant decrease in oocyst count in group B and C in compared to control and very few oocysts were present in faeces of 6 days onward of medication. All the chickens were survived in group D and oocyst started to disappear in the faeces from 3rd day onward of medication. Our study suggests Both Black Peppers and Chutra are effective against coccidiosis in chicken and Chutra is more effective than Black peppers.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(1): 117-124, April 2015

Prediction of Eggshell Ultrastructure via Some Non-destructive and Destructive Measurements in Fayoumi Breed.

Possibilities of predicting eggshell ultrastructure from direct non-destructive and destructive measurements were examined using 120 Fayoumi eggs collected from the flock at 45 weeks of age. The non-destructive measurements included weight, length and width of the egg. The destructive measurements were breaking strength and shell thickness. The eggshell ultrastructure traits involved the total thickness of eggshell layer, thickness of palisade layer, cone layer and total score. Prediction of total thickness of eggshell layer based on non-destructive measurements individually or simultaneously was not possible (R2 = 0.01 to 0.16). The destructive measurements were far more accurate than the non-destructive in predicting total thickness of eggshell layer. Prediction based on breaking strength alone was more accurate (R2 = 0.85) than that based on shell thickness alone (R2 = 0.72). Adding shell thickness to breaking strength (the best predictor) increased the accuracy of prediction by 5%. The results obtained indicated that both non-destructive and destructive measurements were not useful in predicting the cone layer (R2 not exceeded 18%). The maximum accuracy of prediction of total score (R2 = 0.48) was obtained from prediction based on breaking strength alone. Combining shell thicknesses and breaking strength into one equation was no help in improving the accuracy of prediction.

The Histomorphological Changes in the Proximal Tubules of Metanephros of Developing Kidney of Chick Embryo Induced by Electromagnetic Radiations from Conventional and Advanced Mobile

Objective: The study was conducted to observe the histomorphogical effects of radiations from conventional and advanced mobile phone, on the developing kidney of chick embryo. Study Design: Randomized Control Trial Duration of Study conducted at Army Medical College, NUST, Rawalpindi, 3months from May 2012 till July 2012. Material and Methods: Fifty fertilized eggs of Fayoumi breed were selected and divided into five groups. Group I being control. Two groups II and IV were exposed to conventional mobile phone radiations and two groups III and V were exposed to advanced mobile phone radiations, for 15 and 30 minutes respectively. Results: Statistically significant change in the tubular diameters was observed after advanced cellular radiations whereas conventional cellular radiations decreased the epithelial height significantly. Conclusion: The changes induced by electromagnetic radiations from the advanced mobile phones affected the tubular diameters more by decreasing them while conventional decreased the epithelial height of the proximal tubule cells.

Productivity, Cost-Benefit Analyses, Market Prices and Constraints to Poultry Farming in the Northern Districts of Bangladesh

A total of 6,41,004 chickens were produced by 10 farms, of which Cobb 500 (broilers) in P1 were the highest in number (2,43,000) and G1 yielded the lowest (10,117 Fayoumi, RIR and Sonali breeds). The most common chicken breed reared in the area was Cobb 500 (2,76,350) and the least common was ISA Brown (43,163). With regard to productivity, significant differences existed among the farms (F9, 103= 29.32; P&lt;0.001), among the chicken breeds (F4, 108= 3.03; P&lt;0.05), as well as between the government and private farms (F1, 111= 6.17; P&lt;0.05). It was interesting to note that all the government farms were losing concerns (G2 &gt; G3 = G4 &gt; G1), while all the private farms were making profits (P1 &gt; P3 &gt; P2 &gt; P6 &gt; P4 = P5). The overall profitability index (PI) values of government farms ranged between -0.09 and -0.13, whereas those of private farms between 0.18 and 0.52. Cobb 500 was the commonest but the least profitable breed, and Sonali was the most popular and cheapest one; and the growers achieved the maximum profit from Fayoumi. High feed cost, outbreak of diseases, inadequate supply of vaccines/medicines, lack of credit facilities and capital funding were recognized to be the major constraints to the poultry farming in the study area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jles.v7i0.20117 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 7: 21-27, 2012

Copy number variation in Fayoumi and Leghorn chickens analyzed using array comparative genomic hybridization

Copy number variation refers to regions along chromosomes that harbor a type of structural variation, such as duplications or deletions. Copy number variants (CNVs) play a role in many important traits as well as in genetic diversity. Previous analyses of chickens using array comparative genomic hybridizations or single-nucleotide polymorphism chip assays have been performed on various breeds and genetic lines to discover CNVs. In this study, we assessed individuals from two highly inbred (inbreeding coefficiency > 99.99%) lines, Leghorn G-B2 and Fayoumi M15.2, to discover novel CNVs in chickens. These lines have been previously studied for disease resistance, and to our knowledge, this represents the first global assessment of CNVs in the Fayoumi breed. Genomic DNA from individuals was examined using the Agilent chicken 244 K comparative genomic hybridization array and quantitative PCR. We identified a total of 273 CNVs overall, with 112 CNVs being novel and not previously reported. Quantitative PCR using the standard curve method validated a subset of our array data. Through enrichment analysis of genes within CNV regions, we observed multiple chromosomes, terms and pathways that were significantly enriched, largely dealing with the major histocompatibility complex and immune responsiveness. Using an additional round of computational and statistical analysis with a different bioinformatic pipeline, we identified 43 CNVs among these as high-confidence regions, 14 of which were found to be novel. We further compared and contrasted individuals of the two inbred lines to discover regions that have a significant difference in copy number between lines. A total of 40 regions had significant deletions or duplications between the lines. Gene Ontology analysis of genomic regions containing CNVs between lines also was performed. This between-line candidate CNV list will be useful in studies with these two unique genetic lines, which may harbor variations that underlie quantitative trait loci for disease resistance and other important traits. Through the global discovery of novel CNVs in chicken, these data also provide resources for further genetic and functional genomics studies.

Molecular and metabolic profiles suggest that increased lipid catabolism in adipose tissue contributes to leanness in domestic chickens

Domestic broiler chickens rapidly accumulate fat and are naturally hyperglycemic and insulin resistant, making them an attractive model for studies of human obesity. We previously demonstrated that short-term (5 h) fasting rapidly upregulates pathways of fatty acid oxidation in broiler chickens and proposed that activation of these pathways may promote leanness. The objective of the current study was to characterize adipose tissue from relatively lean and fatty lines of chickens and determine if heritable leanness in chickens is associated with activation of some of the same pathways induced by fasting. We compared adipose gene expression and metabolite profiles in white adipose tissue of lean Leghorn and Fayoumi breeds to those of fattier commercial broiler chickens. Both lipolysis and expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation were upregulated in lean chickens compared with broilers. Although there were strong similarities between the lean lines compared with broilers, distinct expression signatures were also found between Fayoumi and Leghorn, including differences in adipogenic genes. Similarities between genetically lean and fasted chickens suggest that fatty acid oxidation in white adipose tissue is adaptively coupled to lipolysis and plays a role in heritable differences in fatness. Unique signatures of leanness in Fayoumi and Leghorn lines highlight distinct pathways that may provide insight into the basis for leanness in humans. Collectively, our results provide a number of future directions through which to fully exploit chickens as unique models for the study of human obesity and adipose metabolism.

Comparative study of growth performance, egg production, egg characteristics and haemato-biochemical parameters of Desi, Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red chicken

A total of 2001 un-sexed day-old chicks of each Desi, Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red (RIR) breeds were obtained from hatchery of Poultry Research Institute, Rawalpindi. The birds were maintained on deep litter system for a period of 72 weeks. In floor pens, each breed was reared separately in a single pen until seven weeks of age when 2001 birds were randomly distributed between pens, with 21 to 24 birds of the same breed per pen (2.00 to 2.50 ft2/bird). The results revealed that the average day-old weight was highest in RIR, intermediate in Desi and lowest in Fayoumi. The RIR breed consumed more feed and gained maximum (p<0.05) weight than those of Desi and Fayoumi breeds at all ages of growing phase. The feed conversion was poor (p<0.05) in Desi and better in RIR breed. Desi and Fayoumi chicks had lowest (p<0.05) mortality than RIR breed. The breast and thigh meat composition was found non-significant (p>0.05) amongst three breeds. The age of sexual maturity was lowest in Fayoumi followed by RIR and Desi. The highest egg production was obtained by RIR with 41% followed by Fayoumi (36%) and the Desi breed (29%). The egg weight and egg mass were highest (p<0.05) in RIR, but non-significant (p>0.05) differences were found between Fayoumi and Desi breeds. The internal egg quality parameters including yolk weight, albumen weight, yolk plus albumin weight and albumin height were significantly higher in RIR breed than those of Fayoumi and Desi breeds. However, shell and yolk thickness did not differ significantly amongst three breeds. There was non-significant (p>0.05) difference in blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, calcium, protein, uric acid and alkaline phosphatase values amongst three breeds. There was non-significant (p>0.05) difference in haematological values among all breeds. The total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume increased with the advancement of age. However, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin values decreased gradually with the advancement of age. It may be concluded that overall RIR chickens performed better than Fayoumi and Desi chickens. However, early age of sexual maturity was noticed in Fayoumi chickens, and low mortality was observed in Desi chickens.

Introduction and evaluation of modified hay-box brooder, Fayoumi chicken and layers housing, addressing small-scale semi-intensive poultry farming at Beresa Watershade, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in two peasant associations at Meskan Woreda of Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to introduce and evaluate Fayoumi chicken, two types of hay-box brooders and small-scale poultry houses at the farmers condition. Twelve farmers were selected for the study and separated into two groups. One group undertook chicks rearing using one box brooder (modified hay-box brooder) while the other group two box brooder type. All households were provided with 20 day old Fayoumi breed chicks and starter ration. It was assigned that, women should be responsible for the given chicks and in handling them. Small scale layer houses were constructed to all household using a participatory approach. The study showed that both type of hay-box brooders (one box brooder or two box brooder type) had similar effect on chicken growth and survival rate, however due to low cost of purchase and smaller space requirement one box type brooder had a significant benefit for farmers. Layers housing got best acceptance by farmers and appreciated by concerned stakeholders with its merits of protection from predators, disease, thefts and easy collection of eggs. On the other hand, due to hardy nature, alert behavior and above all, their high egg production performance and remarkable adaptive fitness, Fayoumi breed had got higher acceptance by farmers. Key words: Fayoumi chicken, growth, mortality, cost of purchase, households, farmers.

Viability and Functionality of Primordial Germ Cells after Freeze-thaw in Chickens

The purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of freeze-thaw treatment on viability and functionality of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in chickens. PGCs were collected separately from embryonic blood of White Leghorn, Barred Plymouth Rock and Fayoumi breeds. Some PGCs were labeled with the fluorescent lipophilic carbocyanine dye to analyze functionality by transfer assay. 100 PGCs were used for each experiment to ensure accuracy of the test results. In the experimental group, PGCs were slow-frozen, then stored in liquid nitrogen for 1 month. In the unfrozen control group, PGCs were utilized immediately. The recovery rate of PGCs after freeze-thaw was 54.3%. The viability of PGCs in the frozen group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05) (85.7% vs. 99.2%) with no significant difference between the three breeds. Thirty fluorescent-labeled PGCs were randomly chosen from each set of recovered PGCs after freeze-thaw in the frozen group, and from each set of 100 PGCs in the control group, for transfer into the bloodstream. Gonadal migration of transferred PGCs was observed in all embryos in both test and control groups. The number of PGCs settled in the gonads of embryos at stage 27 was 52.8% lower in the frozen group than in the unfrozen control group (P<0.05). In the control group, significant difference in establishment of PGCs in stage 27 gonads was observed between the three breeds, with White Leghorn chickens harboring the most PGCs, and Barred Plymouth Rock chickens the fewest. We conclude that freeze-thaw treatment causes a decrease in functionality of PGCs in chicken, with only an estimated 46.5% of frozen PGCs being viable after thawing.

Differential Development of Sex-related Characters of Chickens from the GSP and PNP/DO Inbred Lines after Left Ovariectomy

To elucidate strain differences in the sex reversal of genetic females to phenotypic males, GSP and PNP/DO females were left ovariectomized (ovx) between one to three days after hatching, and the degree of masculinization based on sex-related characters, histological analysis of the right gonad and hormone assay were assessed at one year of age. The GSP and PNP/DO inbred lines were both derived from the Fayoumi breed and are only differentiated based on the red blood cell antigen type carried by each inbred line. Combs and wattles were found to be significantly bigger (P<0.05) in the GSP ovx compared with the PNP/DO ovx chickens, although male plumage patterns were more pronounced in the PNP/DO ovx. Spurs were observed both in the GSP and PNP/DO ovx chickens with no significant difference (P>0.05) in length compared with the respective male controls, and body weight was not significantly different (P>0.05) compared with the female controls. The weight of the right gonad was significantly heavier (P<0.05) in the GSP ovx than in the PNP/DO ovx. Positive correlations were found in the sex-related characters as well as the plasma testosterone level and right gonad weight in both the GSP and PNP/DO ovx chickens, but not in the spur length, which showed a negative correlation in the PNP/DO ovx chickens. Histological analysis revealed that the right gonads of the PNP/DO ovx chickens were morphologically developed compared with the GSP ovx chickens, which showed more advance stages of spermatogenesis. It could be inferred that PNP/DO females that exhibit a hereditary persistent right oviduct are more responsive to the masculinizing effect of ovariectomy compared with GSP females, suggesting that genetic background may have a possible contribution to the degree of masculinization and subsequent development of sex related characters.

112. DIFFERENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF SEX-RELATED CHARACTERS OF THE GSP AND PNP/DO CHICKENS AFTER LEFT-OVARIECTOMY

To elucidate the strain difference in the sex reversal of genetic female to phenotypic male, GSP and PNP/DO females were left ovariectomized (ovx) between one day to three days after hatching and the degree of masculinization based on sex-related characters, histological analysis of the right gonad and hormone assay were assessed at one year of age. The GSP and PNP/DO inbred lines were both derived from the Fayoumi breed and are only differentiated based on red blood cell antigens type carried by each of the inbred line. Comb and wattles were found to be significantly bigger (P &lt; 0.05) in the GSP ovx compared to the PNP/DO ovx, although male plumage pattern were more pronounced in the PNP/DO ovx. Spurs were observed both in the GSP and PNP/DO ovx with no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) in length to the respective male controls and body weight were not significantly different (P &gt; 0.05) to the female controls. The size of the right gonad were significantly bigger (P &lt; 0.05) in the GSP ovx than the PNP/DO ovx. Positive correlations were found in the sex related characters as well as plasma testosterone level and the right gonad weight both in the GSP and PNP/DO ovx except for the spur length which resulted into a negative correlation in the PNP/DO ovx. Histological analysis revealed that the right gonad of PNP/DO ovx are morphologically developed compared to GSP ovx showing more advance stages of spermatogenesis. It could be inferred that PNP/DO females which exhibit hereditary persistent right oviduct, are more responsive to the masculinizing effect of ovariectomy compared to GSP females, suggesting that genetic background may have a possible contribution on the degree of masculinization and subsequent development of sex related characters.

Studies on susceptibility of native and white Lohmann layer chickens breeds to infectious bursal disease virus isolate FY.97

This study was done to evaluate susceptibility, protective titer level of maternal derived antibodies(MDAbs) of different chicken breed against virulent Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) local isolate Fy97 and prediction the optimal time for vacction. All breeds were experimentally infected orally with IBDV isolate Fy97 every 5 days following detection of MDAbs by ELISA. Clinical signs, mortality, lesions and Bursal Histopathology and lesion score were taken as criteria for comparison. Morbidity rates were observed as ≥ 30% in Fayoumi and Dandrawi infected at 15 days of age and in Senawi and Baladi and Lohmann at 20 days of age All breeds showed clinical sings of infection at 30-35 days of age where Senawi breed showed the highest values (65and 70%) followed by Fayoumi (55 and 55%), Dandrawi (50%), Baladi (55-45%) and Lohmann (50-45%). Mortality rates due to IBD infection varied from 0 to 35% in respective to age, in Fayoumi and Lohmann breeds where maximum 35 and 40% occurred at 30 day of age; respectively .Mortality in Dandrawi and Senawi varied from 5 to 40% and pass in close manner at all intervals with the highest value at 30 days of age while Baladi chicks showed same values but lower only at 20 and 25 days. Mean lesion scores in Fayoumi were the lowest at all intervals followed by Lohmann, Senawi, Baladi and Dandrawi. Results of ELISA titers at time of infection showed that Senawi chicks having the highest titers followed by Lohmann, Baladi, Dandrawi and Fayoumi at most intervals. So it necessitates more clarification of the causes of these phenomena and the role of genetics in protection against IBDV infection.