Percentage Of Fertilization Research Articles

Performance assessment of a solar powered egg incubator with a backup heater

This study presents the performance of a novel solar-powered incubator which uses water as thermal mass. Energy absorbed by the water is transferred to the incubator chamber by a fan powered with a 12 V battery. To enable adequate control of chamber temperature and humidity, a ProNem Mini sensor and controller (ESM-3723) were incorporated into the design. The thermal mass was sized adequately to supply energy for night operations as well as periods of inclement weather. The incubator was tested with and without load. Field measurements were obtained using UT330A USB datalogger. Tests under no load conditions gave an average temperature range of 36 to 42.9°C and relative humidity of 53 % to 70.5 %. Incubation tests showed average chamber temperature and relative humidity ranges of 35 ℃ to 41 ℃ and 45 % to 61 %. Candling test gave percentage fertility and hatchability of 60% and 56%. A cost-benefit analysis gave a capital cost of 617.32 USD, incubation cost of 69 cents per chick and simple payback period of 15 months. The performance indices obtained make the proposed design a suitable architecture to build upon in order to accelerate the promotion of livelihood empowerment through poultry farming in Ghana.

Ceratopogonidae: su rol en la polinización y fecundación en varios niveles tecnológicos de producción de Theobroma cacao L.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of pollinators on the pollination, fertilization and fruit set process in three technological production levels and three reproduction substrates, determinants in cocoa yield. Two pollination techniques (natural and assisted) were compared and as a control, flowers were isolated with antiaphid. Twenty-seven observation units were formed, with three biological replicates. A known number of flowers were evaluated 6, 14, 21 and 36 days after the opening of each flower on marked branches. The number of active flowers, pollinated, fertilized and fruits formed was recorded. Pollinators present in experimental units were collected using yellow sticky cards, then taken to the lab and identified. Pollination occurred up to three days after opening, the flower that remained with the ovary swollen and attached to the branch/stem was considered pollinated. Fertilization was recorded fourteen days after flower opening, fruit set begins after fertilization, an event that was quantified twenty-one days after flower opening. The systems studied did not influence the percentage of pollination, fertilization and fruit formation. However, the substrates did influence pollination, fertilization and fruit set. The assisted pollination technique is significantly superior to natural pollination. The same species of Ceratopogonidae were reported at all three levels and substrates, with genera Forcipomyia and Dasyhelea being the most abundant.

Evaluation of Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) Semen Quality and Semen Cryopreservation.

Simple SummaryThe decline in sturgeon populations, including Russian sturgeons, has reached alarming levels, threatening these species with extinction. The requirements for the meat of these fish, caviar and other products used in the textile, medical and food industries are constant or even on the rise. Reproductive biotechnologies seem to be the main solution to these problems, but the many unknowns related to the particularities of the species still place them far from the efficiency reached in some species of domestic animals. The development of fish farms for sturgeons and the intensification of reproductive biotechnologies is the main way in which the natural habitats affected by depopulation can be repopulated and to respond to the consumption and industrial requirements of the population. Our purpose is to contribute with additional novel information on the cryopreservation of sturgeon spermatozoa, as well as the evaluation of semen quality with the aim of developing a cryopreservation technique suitable for commercial breeding facilities.The alarming decline in sturgeon populations doubled by growing demands for sturgeon products, urge us to prevent the loss of these species. Fish stocking in natural habitats and developing fish farms are viable solutions, which can be successfully implemented with the help of reproductive biotechnologies. Despite the fact that semen cryopreservation is admittedly an important step for saving the Russian sturgeon, a reproducible standard method with good results has yet to be identified. Sperm quality assessment is essential for quantifying the impact of cryopreservation on spermatozoa. The purpose of our study was to provide additional information regarding semen cryopreservation and semen quality evaluation for the Russian sturgeon. Our study method is based on the use of two yolk-free extenders (with different cryoprotectants: DMSO and methanol) for freezing semen, using a simple freezing protocol. Parameters such as volume, concentration, motility, morphology and membrane integrity were evaluated. In conclusion, cryopreservation of Russian sturgeon spermatozoa using an extender containing methanol as cryoprotectant led to high egg fertilization percentages (72.67 ± 5.4%) even if the total motility values recorded for thawed semen were quite low (18–25%). Additionally, we identified two optimal stains for morphological studies and morphometry (Spermac stain kit and Trypan Blue Solution).

Agronomic and Physiological Indices for Reproductive Stage Heat Stress Tolerance in Green Super Rice

Optimum growing temperature is necessary for maximum yield-potential in any crop. The global atmospheric temperature is changing more rapidly and irregularly every year. High temperature at the flowering/reproductive stage in rice causes partial to complete pollen sterility, resulting in significant reduction in grain yield. Green Super Rice (GSR) is an effort to develop an elite rice type that can withstand multiple environmental stresses and maintain yield in different agro-ecological zones. The current study was performed to assess the effect of heat stress on agronomic and physiological attributes of GSR at flowering stage. Twenty-two GSR lines and four local checks were evaluated under normal and heat-stress conditions for different agro-physiological parameters, including plant height (PH), tillers per plant (TPP), grain yield per plant (GY), straw yield per plant (SY), harvest index (HI), 1000-grain weight (GW), grain length (GL), cell membrane stability (CMS), normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI), and pollen fertility percentage (PFP). Genotypes showed high significant variations for all the studied parameters except NDVI. Association and principal component analysis (PCA) explained the genetic diversity of the genotypes, and relationship between the particular parameters and grain yield. We found that GY, along with other agronomic traits, such as TPP, SY, HI, and CMS, were greatly affected by heat stress in most of the genotypes, while PH, GW, GL, PFP, and NDVI were affected only in a few genotypes. Outperforming NGSR-16 and NGSR-18 in heat stress could be utilized as a parent for the development of heat-tolerant rice. Moreover, these findings will be helpful in the prevention and management of heat stress in rice.

Evaluation of Heterosis of Crosses between Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus bidorsalis and their Hybrids Collected from Minna Metropolis

Hybridization of Clarias gariepinus (Cl) and Heterobranchus bidorsalis (Ht) and determination of their growth and heterosis parameters were performed. Four crosses (♀ × ♂) were tested: Cl X Cl, Cl X Ht, Ht X Cl, and Ht X Ht. Fifty 14-day-old juveniles from each of the four crosses were stocked separately in tripled plastic bowls. Fifteen fish were randomly selected each week using a fine mesh mosquito net and then weighed on a sensitive scale. The highest percentage of fertilization (58.57%) was recorded in the pure breed (Ht x Ht). The hybrid (Cl x Ht) had the highest hatching rate. Pure breeds recorded the highest condition factor (2.37), and hybrids had the highest feed conversion ratio. The Cl X Cl cross had the highest final mean weight (1980 mg) and the specific growth rate (SGR) of 4.91% / day compared to the other three crosses. Negative heterosis for growth (-14.95%) was observed in hybrids, while hybrid survival showed positive heterosis (26.56%). Poor growth of the hybrids explained the negative heterosis. Therefore, crossbreeds survived better than purebred catfish. There was a significant difference in the specific growth rate between the four genetic groups studied (P> 0.05).

Meta-analysis of zinc feed additive on enhancement of semen quality, fertility and hatchability performance in breeder chickens

Abstract The incorporation of zinc in the diets of breeding chickens to enhance reproductive performance has been highlighted. However, no consensus has been reached on the effect of dietary zinc supplementation on the reproductive outcomes of breeding chickens. Therefore, the current study assessed the effects of dietary zinc supplementation on semen quality, fertility and hatchability percentage of breeding chickens using meta-analysis. Furthermore, subgroup analysis was also used to assess the effect of zinc sources (organic versus inorganic) on the reproductive outcomes of breeding chickens. A systematic search conducted on four electronic databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses yielded 521 candidate studies; 8 of the 521 studies that examined the effects of zinc supplementation on reproductive outcomes of breeding chickens met the selection criteria and were used for the meta-analysis. Outcome measures were pooled using random-effects model and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval (CI) for each study. OpenMEE software was used for the analysis. The results indicate significant increase in semen output (SMD = 1.32 mL, 95% CI: 0.76, 1.89), sperm motility (SMD = 1.10 %, 95% CI: 0.81, 1.39), sperm concentration (SMD = 4.28 × 106/mL, 95% CI: 2.78, 5.79), live sperm percent (SMD = 0.96%, 95% CI: 0.69, 1.23) and significant reductions in percentage dead sperm (SMD = –2.80%; 95% CI: –3.43, –2.17), and abnormal sperm (SMD = –4.64%; 95% CI: –5.74, –3.53) when compared to controls, taking cognizance of heterogeneity. In contrast, zinc supplementation had no effect on fertility and hatchability percentage. The subgroup analysis results revealed that zinc sources influenced aspects of the reproductive outcomes of breeding chickens. We conclude that dietary zinc supplementation had a positive influence on reproductive outcomes of breeding chickens, but did not affect percentage fertility and hatchability.

Combining Ability Analysis and Marker-Based Prediction of Heterosis in Yield Reveal Prominent Heterotic Combinations from Diallel Population of Rice

Combining ability along with heterosis was elucidated in the 21 F1 hybrid population of rice derived from a 7 × 7 diallel mating design. Furthermore, to formulate a strategy for marker-based prediction of heterosis, the molecular genetic diversity (GD) was then surveyed among the seven parental lines with RAPD markers. Analysis of combining ability revealed significant GCA and SCA variances and the ratio between the aforesaid genetic parameter was more than unity for most of the traits signifying the preponderance of additive gene action. Hybrid combination Double Rice × Pokkali was the best specific combiner for the traits pollen fertility percentage (%), panicle length (cm), filled grains/panicle (no.) and grain yield/hill (g) while Muktagacha × BRRI dhan29 and Basmati × Double Rice were the best specific combiners for grain length (mm) and 1000-grain weight (g), respectively. Regarding the magnitude of heterosis, Double Rice × Pokkali exhibited maximum heterobeltiosis for panicle length (33.33%) and the number of filled grains/panicle (144.01%). Furthermore, Pokkali × Chinigura was verified for producing the highest heterobeltiosis for tillers/hill (173.17%), as well as grain yield/hill (71.05%). The heatmap relying on molecular genetic diversity exposed the highest genetic distance between Chinigura and Pokkali followed by Muktagacha and Pokkali. Unweighted neighbor-joining trees clustered the parental lines into three groups indicating the presence of considerable genetic diversity among those seven parental genotypes. A positive and significant correlation was explored between molecular GD with specific combining ability as well as heterosis for all of the traits revealing the huge potentiality of hybrid performance prediction using RAPD markers with the present set of individuals. Thus, exploration of definite genomic regions underlying the candidate genes for respective traits relying on such RAPD-generated data following an advanced molecular marker approach would pave the path of mining out yielder heterotic combinations.

Effect of Taurine and Curcumin on In-Vitro Fertilization in NMRI Mice Treated with Acrylamide

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of taurine and curcumin on in vitro fertilization (IVF) in female mice treated with acrylamideand and its effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).
 Methods: A total of 48 adult female NMRI mice were randomly divided into 6 groups, including control, curcumin 200 mg / kg, taurine 150 mg / kg, acrylamide 5 mg / kg, acrylamide 5 mg / kg + curcumin 100 and 200, acrylamide 5 mg / kg + Taurine 75 and 150 mg / kg. The drugs were administered orally for 35 days, and then IVF rate, MDA and TAC concentrations were examined in each group. 
 Results: The results showed a significant decrease in oocyte, fertilization percentage, 2, 4 and 8 cell, Compact and blastocytes embryos in the acrylamide group compared to the control (P<0.05). In acrylamide group, MDA concentration increased and TAC showed a significant decrease compared to other groups (P<0.05). There was a significant increase in oocyte count and fertilization percentage in taurine group compared to the control (P‌<0.001). A significant increase in the above parameters was observed in the acrylamide + taurine group at a dose of 150 mg / kg compared to the acrylamide group (P<0.05). Percentage of fertilization and embryos of 2, 4 and 8 cells, Compact and blastocytes in the curcumin group showed a significant decrease compared to the control (P<0.05).
 Conclusion: The results indicate that taurine has a better performance in reducing the side effects of acrylamide than curcumin. Since curcumin can prevent IVF, it should be used with more caution at the beginning of pregnancy.

Effect of tempol and straw size on rooster sperm quality and fertility after post-thawing

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of tempol and straw size on rooster sperm post-thaw quality and fertility. Rooster semen was cryopreserved in Lake extender containing 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20 μM tempol (in two different straw size, 0.25 and 0.5). The percentage of total and progressive sperm motility, VAP and VSL increased in the 10 µM tempol group. Moreover, 10 µM tempol led to lower ROS compared to other groups. The lowest percentage of apoptotic-like changes was detected when the extender was treated with 10 µM of tempol. The minimum ROS was observed in the group treated with 0.5 straw size. Straw size did not have any significantly effect on GPx and SOD activities and TAC of frozen-thawed sperm. The highest significant percentage of fertility and hatching rate were observed in 10 µM of tempol. The results of the present study showed that supplementation of the Lake cryopreservation medium with 10 µM tempol improved cryo-survival. Also, the results of the present study suggested that Lake cryopreservation medium with 0.5-ml straw may perhaps be an appropriate method to improve the quality and fertility post-thawed rooster sperm.

Reproductive Indices and Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822), Heterobranchus bidorsalis (Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 1809) and their Hybrids in an Indoor Tanks

Hybridization is significant in producing higher breeds, it produces new breeds and strain and reduce inbreed. The study examined the percentage fertilization, hatchability, heterosis and survival of the hatchlings in a complete randomized design. The cross established high fertilization rate across the hybrids. Clarias gariepinus male (Cl♂) x Heterobranchus bidorsalis female (Hb♀) recorded the highest fertilization (100%), Hb♂ x Cl♀ and Hb♂ x Hb♀ had (90 %), and the least was in Cl♂ x Cl♀ (60%), respectively. Pure strain Hb♂ x Hb♀ performed significantly higher (p<0.05) in final weight (234.7±0.0577g) and length (119.7±0.374mm) in all the trials from the onset of exogenous feeding with Blue Crown feed for 56 days. The best and least specific growth rate (SGR) 3.64 and 3.55 were recorded in Hb♂ x Cl♀ and Hb♂ x Hb♀ respectively. Hb♂ x Cl♀ and Hb♂ x Hb♀ survived 90% followed by Cl♂ x Hb♀ with 80% but the least survival was in Cl♂ x Cl♀ (30%). The growth of the hybrids revealed a hope for aquaculture improvement in Nigeria, and a means of promoting the availability of fish all year round if employed in the farm.

Drought-Induced Changes in The Flowering Capacity, Anthesis Quality and Seed Set in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Drought stress significantly reduces grain yield (GY) due to poor spikelet fertility and anthesis quality. Aim of this study was to understand the changes of flowering capacity, anthesis quality traits and seed set in the re-watered drought stressed modern high yielding drought susceptible rice cultivar, IR64 at heading (DSH) and booting (DSB) stages. The well-watered plants served as control of the experiment. Results obtained suggest that spikelet moisture content at above 80% was required to maintain optimum anthesis process in rice. Anthesis process in DSH plant was suspended when leaf relative water content (LRWC) dropped to below than 70%. Effects of drought stress on the spikelet moisture were irreversible as compared to the leaf rolling and LRWC. Hence, seed set was failed to occur at the upper rachis branches of the DSH plant. Anthesis process in the re-watered drought stress plants was resumed on the third day after re-watering with about 50% and 80% of anthers managed to dehisce in the DSH and DSB plants. Consequently, percentage of spikelet fertility and seed set in the DSH and DSB plants were increased towards the lower parts of the panicle. The GY, number of seeds, spikelet fertility, and harvest index however were significantly lower in the DSH plant (0.30 g, 13, 16.40% and 14.81) as compared to DSB plant (1.34 g, 57, 59.14% and 48.30), respectively. In addition, all interrelated traits involved in the flowering process of rice could be collectively termed as the anthesis quality traits due to their significant correlation with the grain yield and other yield components.

Effect of Fed Omega-3 Addition on Milk Production and Some Reproductive Standards in Cypriot Goats

This study was conducted at the Ruminant Research Station of the Agricultural Research Department/ Ministry of Agriculture, which is located in Abu Ghraib area, for the period from 12 April 2018 to 26 December 2018. This experiment included 27 Cypriot goats with a weight of 34-48 kg. They were randomly distributed into three groups of equal number (Nine goat in each group). The first group (T1) control group (T2) the second group was given 20 ml / Omega -3 per animal and the third group (T3) was given 40 ml / Omega -3 per animal. The results showed that there was a proper effect of treatment with omega-3 on milk production of Cypriot goats during October, November and December. The third treatment was properly superior (P≤0.05) at a rate of 1.62 ± 52.30, 1.76 ± 36.00 and 2.00 ± 33.71 kg for the first treatment (Control), which that recorded during the same months 1.80 ± 28.00, 1.10 ± 19.44 and 1.68 ± 18.90 kg, respectively. The results of the current study also indicate a significant increased (P≤0.05) for the third treatment was given 40 ml omega-3 in the fertility rate of Cypriot goats that reached 80% compared to the control group whose fertility rate reached 60%, the results showed that the percentage of fertility increased significantly (P≤0.05) for goats in the third group to 90%, while the group T2 and T1 scored 70%, also the percentage of births improved significantly (P≤0.01) among the goats in the third group that were given 40 ml of omega-3 by a rate of 90 % Compared to the group T1 and T2 as it reached 60%. The results showed no significant effect of omega-3 on the percentage of twins, as it reached group T1 and T2 as it reached 35% compared to group T3 33%. The results indicated a significant decrease on a silent estrus percentage for goats in the third group T3 when given 40 ml of omega-3 to 20% compared to the group T2 and T1 at a rate of 40%. The results also showed a significant improvement in the number of births per abdomen among goats of the third group, which gave 40 ml of omega-3 as the rate was 1.20 compared to the groups T1 and T2 as they reached 0.70 and 1.0, respectively. The omega-3 administration of goats was not reported to have any significant effect on the pregnancy duration of three groups, it appears through the results of the study, that is giving omega-3 has significantly increased dramatically the reproductive performance and a lesser degree the productive performance of Cypriot goats in Iraq.

Effect of Generations and Feather Color Groups on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Female Quail

The research was carried out in the poultry unit fields / Nineveh Research Department, to identify the effect of four generations (1st , 2nd, 3rd and 4th) and feather color groups (black, brown, desert and white) of female quail on their productive performance. The results showed a significant improvement (P <0.05) through generations from 1st to 4th on egg production percentage and weight of eggs produced / kg, a significant increase (P <0.05) for feed consumption / kg as well as a significant decrease (P <0.05) for abnormal color percentage, while the four generations had no significant effect on Feed conversion ratio (feed kg / egg kg), age at 5% eggs production / day, hatchability percentage, fertility percentage, and sexual ratio. On the other hand, the desert color group feathers excelled significantly (P <0.05) in eggs weight / kg., Feed consumed / kg and the food conversion ratio / kg eggs compared to the black group only, and the lowest significant percentage (P <0.05) for colors anomalous was of the desert color group, there was no significant difference between the color groups of the rest of the other traits.

RESPONSE OF FABA BEAN TO PLANTING DISTANCE BETWEEN PLANTS AND SPRAYING WITH NANO AND TRADITIONAL BORON

A field experiment was conducted during winter season of 2021 at a research station of college of agricultural engineering sciences, university of Baghdad to determine the response of active fertility percentage and seed yield and its components of faba bean (Vicia faba L. cv. Aguadulce) to distance between plants and spraying of nano and traditional boron. A Randomized Complete Block Design according to split-plots arrangement was used at three replicates. The main plots were three distances between plants (25, 35 and 45 cm), while the sub plots including spraying of distilled water only (control treatment), spraying of boron at a 100 mg L-1 and spraying of nano boron at two concentrations (10 and 15 mg L-1). The results showed that the 25 cm distance between plants was significantly superiority and gave a highest mean of seed yield (4.968 ton ha-1), whereas the 45 cm distance between plants was significantly superiority and gave highest means of number of branches (10.83 branch plant-1), number of flowers (400.4 flower plant-1), number of pods (28.36 pod plant-1), active fertility percentage (7.10%) and umber of seeds (6.66 seed pod-1). The spraying of nano boron at a 10 mg L-1 was significantly superior and gave the highest means of number of pods (26.91 pod plant-1), active fertility percentage (7.01%), number of seeds (6.23 seed pod-1) and seed yield (4.334 ton ha-1), while the spraying of nano boron at a 15 mg L-1 was significantly superior and gave the highest means of number of branches (9.83 branch plant-1) and number of flowers (400.0 flower plant-1). The interaction between two factors had significant effect on the most studied traits.

P-672 Progestin primed ovarian stimulation: whether there is an effect on embryo euploidy and pregnancy rate in IVF programs with donor oocytes

Abstract Study question Is there a difference in euploid embryo rates and pregnancy rates in IVF programs with donor oocytes after PPOS and GnRH-antagonist programs ? Summary answer We report no difference in euploid embryo rates and pregnancy rates in IVF programs with donor oocytes after PPOS and GnRH-antagonist programs. What is known already Before the advances in vitrification techniques, it was impossible to consider the feasibility of using steroids during controlled ovarian stimulation since it negatively impacts endometrial receptivity. Since it is possible to cryopreserve and thaw embryos, the frozen-embryo transfer has been widely used. Progesterone soft gels have recently been shown to be an effective oral alternative for preventing premature LH surges during COH in normally ovulating women undergoing IVF/ICSI procedures with optimal pregnancy outcomes at transfer frozen-thawed embryos cycles. Thus, PPOs may be a priority choice for ovarian stimulation in the cycle of fertility preservation, oocyte donation, and preimplantation genetic testing. Study design, size, duration A retrospective cohort study of 201 IVF/ICSI programs with donor oocytes from January 2018 to September 2020. Participants/materials, setting, methods All programs were divided into 2 groups: 1 st group - 123 programs for the stimulation of oocyte donors with progestins primed ovarian stimulation, 2nd group - 93 programs with Cetrorelix as an LH peak blocker. We compared the number of mature oocytes, fertilization rate, blastulation rate, blastocyst and TQB quality, and euploid embryo rate after the preimplantation genetic screening with aCGH. Main results and the role of chance In our study, there were no statistically significant differences in the dose of gonadotropins in the groups, but the number of injections in the α group was less due to the exclusion of parenteral administration of antagonists and agonists, which improved the quality of life of donors during stimulation. There were no cases of stimulation complications in any group. The number of mature oocytes in both groups of oocyte donors did not differ (80 vs. 81%, respectively p ∠0.001.). The percentage of fertilization (80.8% in the 1st group and 77.5% in the 2nd group) and the frequency of blastulation (51.4% in the 1st group and 53.5% in the 2nd group) did not have significant differences both in the group with Utrozhestan and in the group with Cetrorelix. . The number of TQBs (68.8% vs. 66.4%) p∠0.001. and the level of euploid embryos in both groups was the same (51% vs. 59%) p ∠0.05. The pregnancy rate in both groups also did not differ significantly (50.7% in the 1st group versus 41.5% in the 2nd group p∠ 0.001.). Limitations, reasons for caution The limitations are related to the study design. More research is also needed. Wider implications of the findings Thus, the progesterone protocol is effective, safe, convenient for oocyte donation, for patients with spontaneous ovulation in previous stimulation protocols, for patients with confirmed follicular luteinization in previous stimulation protocols. PPOS does not worsen the pregnancy rate and the number of euploid embryos in the program with donor oocytes. Trial registration number not applicable

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.

Evaluation of Traditional Varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Yield under Organic Production System

Background: Organic farming seems to be one of the best options to offer healthier food and environment in the present situation. However, non availability of promising varieties is a major constraint which inevitably makes us to shift towards traditional varieties. Rice being the major crop grown and consumed in Tamil Nadu, an attempt was made to study the yield potential of different traditional varieties of rice under organic cultivation. Methods: The experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2020-2021 at wetland farms of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The experiment was laid out in RBD with twelve varieties replicated thrice under SRI method. The treatments consisted of twelve traditional varieties viz., Athur Kichili samba, Garudan samba, Illuppaipoo samba, Milagu samba, Poonkar, Sorna masuri, Thooya malli samba, Thanga samba, Kuzhiadichan, Kullakar, Anaikomban and Thulasi vasa samba. Result: The investigation revealed that significantly higher plant height, number of productive tillers, panicle weight, panicle length, fertility percentage were observed in Kuzhiadichan and Anaikomban which eventually led to higher grain and straw yield. The aforementioned varieties have also fetched higher net returns of Rs. 96,476 ha-1 and Rs. 73,893 ha-1, respectively indicating their suitability under organic production system.

Influence of thermoregulatory (Na & F) genes on performance and blood parameters of F2 and F3 generations of crosses of local and commercial chickens.

High ambient temperatures pose serious productive challenges to poultry farmers in the tropics with adverse consequences such as reduced egg production. A study was undertaken to assess the effect of naked neck (Na) and frizzle (F) genes on the performance of F2 and F3 generations of crosses of commercial and indigenous chickens in Ghana. One thousand, five hundred and sixty-five (1,565) eggs distributed in a randomized complete block design comprising 4 genotypes and 15 hatches were used for the first study. The eggs were produced from 33 each F2 crossbred normal-feathered (nanaff), naked neck (Na), frizzle (F) and both (Na and F) alleles carrying chickens to determine the effects of these genes on fertility and hatchability. Data were analysed using the mixed model procedure of GenStat statistical software. Eggs from birds with the heat-tolerant genes, either in the single or double doses, were significantly more fertile than those from birds without the genes. Eggs of birds carrying the F allele had significantly (P < 0.05) higher hatchability than eggs from birds carrying the Na allele.Subsequently, 199 F3 crossbred chickens obtained from six hatches generated by the F2 generation were used for the evaluation of growth, egg production, haematological and blood biochemical parameters. The genotypic groups were normal feathered (nanaff), homozygous naked neck (NaNaff), heterozygous naked neck (Nanaff), homozygous frizzle (nanaFF), heterozygous frizzle (nanaFf), double homozygous naked neck-frizzle (NaNaFF) and double heterozygous naked neck- frizzle (NanaFf). The Nanaff recorded a significantly (P < 0.05) heavier day-old body weight compared to all other genotypes except the NaNaff birds.The nanaff genotype reached sexual maturity significantly earlier than all other genotypes. Hen day egg production and egg weight were also significantly higher in nanaff birds compared to birds carrying either Na or F allele, or both alleles. All birds carrying the naked neck and frizzle genes had significantly higher packed cell volume (PCV) concentration than the nanaff genotype. The Nanaff genotype recorded a significantly higher blood haemoglobin concentration compared to the nanaff, nanaFf and NaNaFF ones. However, birds carrying the thermoregulatory genes recorded significantly (P < 0.05) higher haemoglobin values except for the heterozygous frizzle. The thermoregulatory genes are of importance in chicken populations in Ghana as they positively influence percentage fertility of chicken eggs and PCV concentrations of chicken blood.

Exploring the main effects of phoenix dactylifera on destructive changes caused by cyclophosphamide in male reproductive system in mice.

Cyclophosphamide leaves an undesirable effect on testes. This study was conducted to explore the effects of the Phoenix dactylifera (DP) on testes following the cyclophosphamide treatment. Thirty-six male mice were divided into six groups, one control, one cyclophosphamide, two groups of cyclophosphamide with a dose of 200 mg kg-1 and a dose of 400 mg kg-1 DP, and two of only high and low doses of DP. All groups were gavaged daily for 28 days. The animals were euthanized 24 hr after implementing the last treatment. Then, the testes and epididymis samples were removed and weighed. The main sperm characteristics such as the number of sperm and sperm viability, the morphometric changes, biochemical analysis of testes and enzyme activity were investigated. With the cyclophosphamide group, only body weight, testes weight, epididymis weight, sperm viability and the fertilization percentage were decreased significantly compared to the control group. Moreover, the spermatogenesis indices and morphometric parameters in this group indicated a significant decrease. Furthermore, the morphological changes were observed in the testicular tissue, including seminiferous tubule atrophy, vacuolation, hyperemia of blood vessels and increased space in the interstitial tissue. In the biochemical study of cyclophosphamide group, the amount of glutathione peroxidase in serum was decreased, whereas, the amount of malondialdehyde in testicular tissue showed a significant increase. The DP group included the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. It seemed that the compounds in the DP would lead to the inhibition of the production of active metabolites released from the cyclophosphamide.

Genetic Architecture and Association Studies for Grain Yield and its attributing Traits in Recombinant Inbred Lines for Sodicity Tolerance in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present study was undertaken at NSP Unit 6 Agricultural Research Farm and Main Experimental Station of Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttar Pradesh, India, from July to November 2020, in which genetic variability and heritability of 250 recombinant inbred lines (F7) and their parents PUSA 44 and CSR 43 were evaluated and correlation studies were performed for grain yield and yield contributing traits. The experiment was conducted in two replications at two different and naturally occurring sodic conditions following α-lattice design. Analysis of variance revealed significant variations among the lines depicting inherent variability between lines. For attributes, viz., plant height, effective tillers plant-1, spikelet fertility percentage, test weight and grain yield plant-1, high phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation estimates were observed for both the locations indicating good scope for selection based on these traits. However, the attributes viz., test weight and effective tillers plant-1 values depicted the pertinent role of the environment and thus, require careful assessment in selection programs concerning these traits. For days to 50% flowering, filled grains panicle-1, spikelet fertility percentage, and grain yield plant-1, moderate heritability was discovered with a high genetic advance as a percentage of mean, indicating that there is less influence of environment over these traits. Correlation studies revealed a significant and positive association with these yield attributing traits. Mutual association between component traits exhibit variable responses at both locations, validating genotype and environment interactions among traits with respect to yield.