Fayoumi Chickens Research Articles

Integrative study of chicken lung transcriptome to understand the host immune response during Newcastle disease virus challenge.

Newcastle disease is one of the significant issues in the poultry industry, having catastrophic effects worldwide. The lung is one of the essential organs which harbours Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue and plays a vital role in the immune response. Leghorn and Fayoumi breeds are known to have differences in resistance to Newcastle disease. Along with genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are also known to regulate various biological pathways through gene regulation. This study analysed the lung transcriptome data and identified the role of genes and long non-coding RNAs in differential immune resistance. The computational pipeline, FHSpipe, as used in our previous studies on analysis of harderian gland and trachea transcriptome was used to identify genes and lncRNAs. This was followed by differential expression analysis, functional annotation of genes and lncRNAs, identification of transcription factors, microRNAs and finally validation using qRT-PCR. A total of 8219 novel lncRNAs were identified. Of them, 1263 lncRNAs and 281 genes were differentially expressed. About 66 genes were annotated with either an immune-related GO term or pathway, and 12 were annotated with both. In challenge and breed-based analysis, most of these genes were upregulated in Fayoumi compared to Leghorn, and in timepoint-based analysis, Leghorn challenge chicken showed downregulation between time points. A similar trend was observed in the expression of lncRNAs. Co-expression analysis has revealed several lncRNAs co-expressing with immune genes with a positive correlation. Several genes annotated with non-immune pathways, including metabolism, signal transduction, transport of small molecules, extracellular matrix organization, developmental biology and cellular processes, were also impacted. With this, we can understand that Fayoumi chicken showed upregulated immune genes and positive cis-lncRNAs during both the non-challenged and NDV-challenge conditions, even without viral transcripts in the tissue. This finding shows that these immune-annotated genes and coexpressing cis-lncRNAs play a significant role in Fayoumi being comparatively resistant to NDV compared to Leghorn. Our study affirms and expands upon the outcomes of previous studies and highlights the crucial role of lncRNAs during the immune response to NDV. This analysis clearly shows the differences in the gene expression patterns and lncRNA co-expression with the genes between Leghorn and Fayoumi, indicating that the lncRNAs and co-expressing genes might potentially have a role in differentiating these breeds. We hypothesise that these genes and lncRNAs play a vital role in the higher resistance of Fayoumi to NDV than Leghorn. This study can pave the way for future studies to unravel the biological mechanism behind the regulation of immune-related genes.

Breed and timepoint-based analysis of chicken harderian gland transcriptome during Newcastle disease virus challenge.

Introduction: Newcastle disease is a highly infectious disease caused by the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and has a devastating financial impact on the global chicken industry. It was previously established that Leghorn and Fayoumi breeds of chicken exhibit variable resistance against NDV infection. The harderian gland is the less studied tissue of the chicken, known to play an essential role in the immune response. Methods: Our previous study, we reported differential gene expression and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) between challenged and non-challenged chickens in the Harderian gland transcriptomic data. Now, we report the analysis of the same data studying the differential expression patterns between Leghorn and Fayoumi and between different timepoints during disease. First, the pipeline FHSpipe was used for identification of lncRNAs, followed by differential expression analysis by edgeR (GLM), functional annotation by OmicsBox, co-expression analysis using WGCNA and finally validation of selected lncRNAs and co-expressing genes using qRT-PCR. Results: Here, we observed that Leghorn showed a higher number of upregulated immune-related genes than Fayoumi in timepoint-based analysis, especially during the initial stages. Surprisingly, Fayoumi, being comparatively resistant, showed little difference between challenged and non-challenged conditions and different time points of the challenge. The breed-based analysis, which compared Leghorn with Fayoumi in both challenged and non-challenged conditions separately, identified several immune-related genes and positive co-expressing cis lncRNAs to be upregulated in Fayoumi when compared to Leghorn in both challenged and non-challenged conditions. Discussion: The current study shows that Leghorn, being comparatively more susceptible to NDV than Fayoumi, showed several immune-related genes and positive co-expressing cis lncRNAs upregulated in challenged Leghorn when compared to non-challenged Leghorn and also in different timepoints during challenge. While, breed-based analysis showed that there were more upregulated immune genes and positive cis-lncRNAs in Fayoumi than Leghorn. This result clearly shows that the differences in the expression of genes annotated with immune-related GO terms and pathways, i.e., immune-related genes and the co-expressing cis-lncRNAs between Leghorn and Fayoumi, and their role in the presence of differences in the resistance of Leghorn and Fayoumi chicken against NDV. Conclusion: These immune-genes and cis-lncRNAs could play a role in Fayoumi being comparatively more resistant to NDV than Leghorn. Our study elucidated the importance of lncRNAs during the host defense against NDV infection, paving the way for future research on the mechanisms governing the genetic improvement of chicken breeds.

EFFECT OF ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS ON DESI AND FAYOUMI CHICKEN TRAITS AT DISTRICT KASHMORE, SINDH-PAKISTAN

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the different body organs measurement and multiple phenotypic traits of desi and fayoumi selected chicken breeds under free range and intensive management conditions during, 2021. Host birds were collected from local peoples and hatcheries of district Kashmore and brought through intensive care management system in Animal Husbandry, Department of Zoology, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs. Both chicken male and female populations were reared separately in the same ecology and F1 generation chickens were obtained. The feeding and rearing procedures were followed by NRC and ISA recommended guidelines. The average values of phenotypic traits like neck length of desi and fayoumi males measured in cm (20.4±1.9), (16.5±1.4) body height (43.4±3.2), (33.7±3.2) shank length (12.5±0.82) (8.3±0.72) beak length (3.6±0.21) (2.7±0.16) and wings span (23.7±1.6) (18.3±1.5) in intensive conditions. While as, in the free range conditions the neck length of desi and fayoumi males was recorded in cm (18.7±1.6) (16.4±1.3) body height (38.7±3.2) (34.6±3.1), shank length (10.3±0.97) (9.4±0.94), length of beak (3.3±0.24) (2.7±0.18), and wing span (20.4±1.5) (18.5±1.4), in both chicken breeds. The different phenotype traits of desi and fayoumi chicken breeds viz., the color of eyes, comb, plumage, feather, barbell, mumps, and beak colors percentage were found with variation in intensive and free range conditions. Concludingly, desi chickens were found with larger body parts with dark color variants. The present study suggests, more work should be carried on other characteristics to enhance poultry quality and quantity in future endeavors.

Effect of in ovo lactoferrin injection in Fayoumi chicken eggs on immune response and some physiological parameters in posthatch chicks.

The effects of in ovo lactoferrin (Lf) injection on some physiological parameters and immune response of posthatch chicks were investigated. Live embryonated Fayoumi chicken eggs (n = 600) were randomly allocated into four groups. The first group as a control was noninjected eggs, the secondgroup was only injected with 0.1 mL of NaCl 0.75% solution, and the thirdand fourthgroups were injected with 50 and 100 µL Lf dissolved in 0.1 mL saline solution respectively. The eggs were injected on Day 15 of incubation in the amnion. The results illustrated that the hatchability of eggs in two Lf groups was significantly higher than in the control, NaCl groups. The residual yolk in chicks injected with Lf (100 µL/egg) was significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). In ovo Lf injection improved lipid profile, liver function, antioxidant indices, blood haematology, serum immunoglobulins and jejunum histomorphometry compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In ovo injection of Lf decreased significantly (p < 0.001) of pathogenic bacteria in residual yolk such as Salmonella,Shigellaand Coliform compared to the control group. In conclusion, in ovo Lf injection can improve the hatchability, lipid profile, immune response and antioxidant indices and decline pathogens in the residual yolk, thus boosting the health status of newly hatched Fayoumi chicks.

Evaluating meat production, growth performance, carcass traits and blood parameters in Fayoumi chickens using L-Carnitine as an improving agent

Evaluating meat production, growth performance, carcass traits and blood parameters in Fayoumi chickens using L-Carnitine as an improving agent

Reproduction and production performance of improved chickens, their production constraints, and opportunities under Ethiopian conditions.

Chickens have important roles in human food security and social and cultural values throughout the world. The current review focused on improved chickens' reproduction and production performance, their production constraints, and opportunities under Ethiopian conditions. The review covered nine performance traits, thirteen commercial breeds, and eight crossbreds between commercial breeds, and local chicken. The genotypes affected the age of the first egg, eggs per hen per year, and average egg weight. The three exotic breeds with short ages at first egg were Lohmann Brown, Novo Brown, and Potchefstroom Koekoek at 137, 140, and 142 days, respectively. The three genotypes with the highest egg production were Sasso T44, Bovans Brown, and Isa Browns laying 229, 235, and 276 eggs per hen per year. The three with the highest egg weight were Isa Browns, Bovans Brown, and Sasso T44 with their eggs weighing 58.8, 60.3, and 65.6 g each, respectively. Crossbreeding indigenous chicken with exotic breeds improved the age at first egg-lay, eggs per hen per year, and egg weigh. Crossbreeding indigenous chicken with exotic breeds shortened the age at first egg-lay. Crossbred of indigenous chicken with Fayoumi, Rhode Island Red, and White Leghorn reduced age at first egg-lay to 196.0, 198.3 and 224.3 days, respectively. Crossbreeding Dominant Red Barred with indigenous chicken reduced the age at first egg-lay from 137.3 to 130.7 days. Among the crossbred chicken, crossing between local chicken and Fayoumi, White Leghorn, and Yarkon laid the most eggs per hen per year being 119, 120, and 129 eggs, respectively. The crossbreed between Dominant Red Barred, and Horro ecotype aged 41-44 weeks laid eggs weighing 56.3 g. The management practices affected age at first egg with the smallholder production system tending to delay it and reduced the eggs per hen per year and average egg weight. The age at first egg-lay for Bovans Brown breed ranged from 165.6 to 196.2 days under this system. Potchefstroom Koekoek chicken breed reared under this system laid 130.5 to 187.0 eggs per hen per year. When additional feed was provided, Bovans Brown chicken breed increased their egg production from 133.5 to 235.9 eggs per hen per year. The average egg weight was 43.0, 52.1, and 52.5 g for Fayoumi, White Leghorn, and Rhode Island Red chicken, repectivelly, under this system in northern Ethiopia. Most chicken breeds were reared under inadequate management practices resulting in suboptimal performance. Crossbreeding exotic and indigenous chicken breeds and intensifying the management will improve performance. The existence of suitable market demand for chicken products, readily available commercial feeds, and government and private investor involvement are emerging opportunities for enhanced chicken performance in Ethiopia.

Effect of strain and generation on productive performance for Baladi and Fayoumi chickens

Effect of strain and generation on productive performance for Baladi and Fayoumi chickens

Performances and Genetic Correlations between Age at First Egg and Egg Quality Traits of Reciprocal Crossbreds of Hilly and Fayoumi Chickens

Performances and Genetic Correlations between Age at First Egg and Egg Quality Traits of Reciprocal Crossbreds of Hilly and Fayoumi Chickens

The impact of magnetized drinking water on semen quality, fertility and hatchability rates of Fayoumi chicken

The present study was conducted to interpret the effect of magnetic field on water pH and calcium form, and evaluate semen quality, fertility and hatchability rates of Fayoumi chickens receiving magnetized drinking water (MDW). A total of 180 Fayoumi chickens (20 roosters + 160 hens), 54 weeks of age, were divided into two groups. The first group served as control, which received regular drinking water, and the second group was treated with MDW. Semen was collected twice (at day 15 and day 30 of the experiment) to determine semen quality. Fertility and hatchability were determined in two patches of hatching eggs through 1–15 and 16–30 days of the experiment. Results showed that the roosters of MDW group had higher live sperm and sperm motility ratios than those of the control group throughout the experimental period (1–30 days). The abnormal sperm ratio and methylene blue reaction time of MDW-received roosters were significantly lower than those of control roosters. Fertility and hatchability percentages of MDW group were greater compared to those of regular drinking water. Conclusively, alterations in the physiochemical characteristics of MDW and the calcium form can play a role in improving semen quality, fertility, and hatchability percentages during the late laying phase.

Effect of L-carnitine and high incubation temperature on pre and post hatch performance of Fayoumi chicks

Effect of L-carnitine and high incubation temperature on pre and post hatch performance of Fayoumi chicks

Comparison of cellular immune responses to avian influenza virus in two genetically distinct, highly inbred chicken lines

Low pathogenicity avian influenza causes mild disease involving the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems of wild and domestic birds. Avian influenza research often emphasizes the effect of the virus genetics on disease, but the influence of host genetics on resistance to infection is not well understood. The genetic determinants of enhanced resistance to influenza can be explored by using genetically distinct, highly inbred chicken lines that differ in susceptibility to influenza. In this study, we compared the mucosal cellular immune responses between the relatively resistant Fayoumi M43 chicken line and the relatively susceptible Leghorn GB2 chicken line after challenging with low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) H6N2.The birds were inoculated at 21 days of age with 107 50 % egg infective dose (EID50) LPAIV H6N2 via nasal and tracheal routes in two separate experiments. Clinical signs were recorded, tracheal swabs were collected to measure viral titer, and tracheas and lungs were harvested for flow cytometric analysis of macrophage, B cell, and T cell populations at 4 days post-infection (dpi) (Experiments 1 and 2) and 6 dpi (Experiment 2). Blood and tears were also collected at 7 and 14 dpi (Experiment 1) to measure antibody levels.Compared to both the non-challenged Fayoumis and the relatively susceptible Leghorn chickens, relatively resistant Fayoumi chickens challenged with LPAIV demonstrated enhanced MHC class I expression on antigen-presenting cells and increased macrophage, B cell, and T cell frequencies in the trachea, which were associated with reduced tracheal viral titers at 4 dpi. In contrast, MHC class I expression and immune cell frequencies in the trachea were not different between challenged Leghorns and non-challenged Leghorns. Furthermore, Leghorns shed higher virus titers in their trachea compared to Fayoumis. Challenged Fayoumis and Leghorns both produced AIV-specific IgY detected in the serum and tears, but AIV-specific IgA was not detected in the tears. In this study, we provide new insight into immune mechanisms of enhanced resistance to avian influenza in chickens, which may lead to improved vaccination strategies and breeding programs.

EVALUATION OF FOUR NONLINEAR MODELS DESCRIBING EGG PRODUCTION CURVE OF FAYOUMI LAYERS

Egg production data used in this work were obtained from records of Fayoumi chickens flock belongs to El-Takamoly poultry project at Al-Azab, Fayoum Governorate. Egg production records over a 52-wk egg laying period related to 1900 hens. All data was summarized on a weekly basis as eggs per hen per week on hen-day (survivor) basis. Regarding Wood and McNally models, (a) stands for initial egg production, (a) parameter value was very low (0.001) for both models. The increasing rate to the egg production peak (parameter b) was 2.90 for the Wood model and 2.19 for the McNally model. Similarly, parameter c, the decreasing rate of egg production from the peak, was estimated to be 0.08 for the Wood model and 0.06 for the McNally model. Depending on compartmental function m, n, p and q represent scale parameter, measure of persistency of egg production, sexual maturity rate, and age at first egg, respectively and estimated values for these parameters were 86.47, 0.01, 0.23 and 21.61 wks of age, respectively, Concerning the modified compartmental model the parameters A, B, C and D represent a scale parameter, the rate of decrease in laying ability, the reciprocal indicator of the variation in sexual maturity and the mean age of sexual maturity of the hens, respectively. In this work the estimated values of the abovementioned parameters were 75.26, 0.006, 1.14 wks and 24.96 wks of age for A, B, C and D respectively. According to goodness of fit criteria, modified compartmental model was the best model for describing the egg-laying pattern of Fayoumi layers which had the lowest Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion values and the highest coefficient of determination. Moreover, the modified compartmental model showed correspondence with the actual hen day of egg production (age and percentage at peak were 29.44 weeks of age and 64.16%, respectively).

Evaluation of different traits from day-old to age at first eggs of Fayoumi and White leghorn chickens and their reciprocal crossbreeds.

Objective:This study evaluated the different traits from day-old to age at first eggs of Fayoumi and White leghorn (WLH) F1 chickens and their reciprocal crossbreeds.Materials and Methods:In this study, 1,000 eggs were used to obtain experimental chicks. However, only 150 chicks were selected from each genotype for subsequent trial evaluation and reared on the same diet in a completely randomized design. The effects of genotype on each considered trait were analyzed by the statistical analysis system, and Duncan’s multiple range test made a significant difference.Results:Comparative evaluations made on all parameters illustrated significant differences (p < 0.05) throughout the study period. F1 acquired from WLH cocks and Fayoumi hens maximized weights almost at all ages during brooding, whereas pure line Fayoumi showed lower importance for the trait stages of growth. Offspring from the crossbreed of WLH cocks and Fayoumi hens had the highest weight gain than any other crossbreeds from 4 to 8 and 12 to 16 weeks of age. Pure line WLH and Fayoumi lay larger eggs and smaller eggs (41.67 and 34.00 g), respectively. The highest and smallest body weight at the age of first egg was 1,364.89 and 1,178.36 g in the main crossbreed and Fayoumi line. The main WLH cock and Fayoumi hens and reciprocal crossbreds advanced in age at first egg by 4 and 11 days, respectively.Conclusion:The leghorn hen and Fayoumi cock crosses could be used to develop potential egg-laying lines than their reciprocal crossbreeds.

Comparative study of growth performance of Deshi, Fayoumi, RIR and Sonalichicken reared under farm and semi scavenging condition

The objectives of the study to compare the growth performance of Deshi, Fayoumi, RIR and Sonali chicken reared under farm and semi scavenging. A total of 288 day-old chicks (72 from Deshi, 72 Fayoumi, 72 RIR and 72 Sonali) were used in this trial for a period of 20 weeks of age with 4 genotypes. 144 chicks were reared under farm condition and another144 chicks were under semi scavenging system. In farm, birds were fed ad libitum a commercial starter and grower feed. In semi scavenging at first 5 weeks, each chick was fed 10g balanced feed and maximum supplement was 50g up to the end of the experiment. This study revealed that day-old chick weight was the highest in RIR, intermediate and similar in Sonali and Fayoumi and the lowest in Deshi (P 0.05). The highest live weight was found in RIR followed by Sonali, Fayoumi and Deshi at 20 weeks of age. All genotypes were heavier in farm than in those reared in semi scavenging except Deshi. Live weight gained at 20 weeks of age was the highest in RIR followed by Sonali, Fayoumi and Deshi (P<0.01). Deshi chicken was heavier in semi scavenging in comparison with in farm condition. Similar and higher survival rate was found in Sonali, Fayoumi and RIR and lower in Deshi (P<0.01). In farm condition, survivability was higher than in semi scavenging. Farm reared Deshi chicken tended to minimize survivability than those reared in semi scavenging. Feed intake was similar and higher in RIR and Sonali, intermediate in Fayoumi and the lowest in Deshi (P<0.01). Superior feed conversion was found in RIR followed by Sonali, Fayoumi and Deshi. Feed conversion was higher in semi scavenging than that in farm (P<0.01). From the study it is concluded that growth rate, survivability, feed intake and feed conversion ratio appeared to be the best in RIR, Sonali in intermediate and Fayoumi and Deshi are the worst in growth performance. Farm reared chicken had better potential than those in semi scavenging chicken. Deshi chicken had little difference in growth performance in two rearing systems.

Genetic and Hormonal Difference between High Growth Rate Breed (Cobb Broiler chicken) and Low Growth Rate Breed (Native Fayoumi chicken)

Abstract The present study aimed at investigating the genetic and hormonal differences between a low growth rate chicken breed (a native breed: Fayoumi chicken) and a high growth rate chicken breed (Cobb broiler chicken). A total number of 100 one-day-old Fayoumi chicks and 100 one-day-old Cobb chicks were used. Chicks of each breed were allocated into three equal replicates. The growth parameters (body weight, BWG and FCR), genetic expression of some growth related genes (GH, IGF1, ghrelin and Myostatin gene) and plasma level of some growth related hormones (Insulin, T3, T4 and corticosterone) were recorded. The obtained results revealed that, Cobb chicken had significantly higher body weight, BWG and feed intake than Fayoumi chicken but the FCR of Fayoumi chicken was higher than that of broiler chicken. Cobb recorded significantly lower plasma level of corticosterone, T3 and T4 than Fayoumi chicken while Insulin is higher in cobb chicken. Cobb recorded highly significant values of GH, IGF1 and ghrelin Gene expression while myostatin gene expression was higher in Fayoumi chicken than in Cobb From the obtained results could be concluded that, the observed high growth rate in cobb chicken may be attributed the difference gene expression related growth as well as hormonal difference

Genetic improvement of egg laying traits in Fayoumi chickens bred under conditions of heat stress through selection and gene expression studies.

Thermal stress has been shown to result in decreased egg production, decreased eggshell quality, and ultimately millions of dollars in losses to the industry. Therefore, there are many factors to consider when implementing genetic selection programs aimed at improving egg production under tropical conditions. So, trial is trying to improve the productivity and eggshell quality traits of the Fayoumi chicken under high ambient temperatures via selection programs and gene expression. In the present study, day-old Fayoumi chicks were raised either under normal temperature (control) or conditions of thermal stress (the heated group). At 35 weeks, male and female chickens from the control group were mated randomly and females selected for higher egg production and eggshell strength were mated to male siblings to obtain the progeny of the first generation (F1). F1 birds were further selected and mated to obtain the progeny of the second generation. Our results show that egg production and eggshell strength traits improved over successive generations via selection under conditions of heat stress. Furthermore, the reduction in egg production and eggshell strength as a result of heat stress declined from one generation to the next in birds selected for good heat tolerance, and an inverse relationship was observed between the OC-17 and eggshell strength. Additionally, levels of HSP90 and gene expression increased in the two successive generations, indicating that both productivity and heat tolerance were enhanced due to selection in birds raised under conditions of thermal stress. Moreover, generation exerted an important effect on this trait. Thus, desirable traits such as improved heat tolerance in producing lines were observed in Fayoumi chickens exposed to conditions of thermal stress via selection. Therefore, modern advances in studies of poultry breeding and genetics, such as gene expression studies, should be examined.

Novel Combined Tissue Transcriptome Analysis After Lentogenic Newcastle Disease Virus Challenge in Inbred Chicken Lines of Differential Resistance.

Disease has large negative impacts on poultry production. A more comprehensive understanding of host–pathogen interaction can lead to new and improved strategies to maintain health. In particular, host genetic factors can lead to a more effective response to pathogens, hereafter termed resistance. Fayoumi and Leghorn chicken lines have demonstrated relative resistance and susceptibility, respectively, to the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine strain and many other pathogens. This biological model was used to better understand the host response to a vaccine strain of NDV across three tissues and time points, using RNA-seq. Analyzing the Harderian gland, trachea, and lung tissues together using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified important genes that were co-expressed and associated with parameters including: genetic line, days post-infection (dpi), challenge status, sex, and tissue. Pathways and driver genes, such as EIF2AK2, MPEG1, and TNFSF13B, associated with challenge status, dpi, and genetic line were of particular interest as candidates for disease resistance. Overall, by jointly analyzing the three tissues, this study identified genes and gene networks that led to a more comprehensive understanding of the whole animal response to lentogenic NDV than that obtained by analyzing the tissues individually.

Effect of Four Different Formulated Rations on Production Performance and Egg Quality Traits of Fayoumi Chickens

Four experimental rations were formulated from locally available protein and energy source feed to study its effect on the production performance, on some egg quality traits for fayoumi chickens and to know the financially feasibility of such locally formulated rations for fayoumi layer chickens. Ninety six fayoumi chickens of 24 weeks of age were subjected to four formulated rations. Each of the four treatments were replicated three times with 8 birds (1 male: 7 females) per replicate. Each replicate feed was fed in group in feeding pens. Feed intake and egg production data were collected daily for each replicate. Dry matter feed intake was not significantly different (P >0.05) between treatments 1 and 3, and between treatments 2 and 4. Significantly higher (P<0.05) egg production and egg weight were observed in treatment 2 with no significant difference (P>0.05) among the other three treatments. Egg shell weight (g), shell thickness (mm) and Yolk color did not differ (P>0.05) significantly among the treatments. In the current study net profit of 47.2, 39.4, 21.41 and 15.3 Ethiopian Birr were obtained per bird on treatments 2, 3, 4 and 1 respectively within six months of feeding period. Locally available protein and energy source feed can be used for the formulation of nutritionally balanced and economically feasible diet for fayoumi layers chickens. Ration formulated from 0.5% limestone, 0.5% salt, 1% layers premixes, 28% wheat bran, 3.5% fish meal, 11.5% soybean, 32% maize and 23% noug cake was found to be financially feasible and recommendable in areas with similar climatic conditions to Adami Tulu area and in area where these feed ingredients are available.

The Effect of colour temperature of light on egg production parameters and gene expression pattern of Heat Shock Protein 27 in layers

Objective: To evaluate the effects of different light colour temperatures on egg production parameters and heat shock protein gene expression (HSP 27) in Fayoumi chicken layers. Animals: 165 Fayoumi healthy pullets (17 weeks). Design: Randomized-controlled experimental study. Procedures: The birds were exposed to natural day light with photoperiod 12L: 12D, from 19th week, lighting schedule was gradually increased half an hour every week till it reached 16L:8D lighting schedule at laying at 24 weeks of age. At laying, the birds were allocated into three groups at a density of 9 birds/m2. The first group (control group) was exposed to cool white LED light (day light) (6500 kelvin). The second group was exposed to very cool white LED light (sky blue light) (10000 kelvin). The third group was exposed to warm white LED light (yellow light) (2700 kelvin) till the end of the experiment. Eggs were collected daily; egg number, weight and mass were recorded for each group. Liver samples were collected for RNA extraction. Results: The results showed that egg number, egg weight and egg mass were significantly increased in blue light group (P ≤ 0.05) and HSP 27 gene expression was significantly upregulated (P ≤ 0.05) in this group of chicken in comparison to the control group. Conclusion and clinical relevance: It is concluded that the blue LED light may be suitable for use in layer farms to optimize reproductive efficiency of birds.

The Effect of colour temperature of light on egg production parameters and gene expression pattern of Heat Shock Protein 27 in layers

Objective: To evaluate the effects of different light colour temperatures on egg production parameters and heat shock protein gene expression (HSP 27) in Fayoumi chicken layers. Animals: 165 Fayoumi healthy pullets (17 weeks). Design: Randomized-controlled experimental study. Procedure: The birds were exposed to natural day light with photoperiod 12L: 12D, from 19th week, lighting schedule was gradually increased half an hour every week till it reached 16L:8D lighting schedule at laying at 24 weeks of age. At laying, the birds were allocated into three groups at a density of 9 birds/m2. The first group (control group) was exposed to cool white LED light (day light) (6500 kelvin). The second group was exposed to very cool white LED light (sky blue light) (10000 kelvin). The third group was exposed to warm white LED light (yellow light) (2700 kelvin) till the end of the experiment. Eggs were collected daily; egg number, weight and mass were recorded for each group. Liver samples were collected for RNA extraction. Results: The results showed that egg number, egg weight and egg mass were significantly increased in blue light group (P ≤ 0.05) and HSP 27 gene expression was significantly upregulated (P ≤ 0.05) in this group of chicken in comparison to the control group. Conclusion and clinical relevance: It is concluded that the blue LED light may be suitable for use in layer farms to optimize reproductive efficiency of birds.