Gallinula Research Articles

Avian deltacoronaviruses encode fusion-associated small transmembrane proteins that can induce syncytia formation

Fusion-associated small transmembrane (FAST) proteins are nonstructural viral proteins that induce cell-cell fusion. FAST proteins, which previously were identified in the genomes of double-stranded RNA viruses, typically contain an acylated N-terminal ectodomain, central transmembrane domain, and C-terminal endodomain with a polybasic region. Using sequence homology and protein motif prediction, we identified accessory proteins in a subset of avian deltacoronaviruses as putative FAST proteins. Transient expression of thrush coronavirus NS7b or common moorhen coronavirus NS7a, but not night heron coronavirus NS7b, induced cell-cell fusion. Syncytia were detected in primate kidney epithelial cells or fibroblasts but not chicken embryo fibroblasts, and addition of an N-terminal FLAG peptide to the proteins ablated fusion activity. These findings suggest that multiple avian deltacoronaviruses, positive-sense RNA viruses, encode nonstructural proteins that can mediate cell-cell fusion and share features with known FAST proteins. Additional studies are needed to understand contributions of these proteins to deltacoronavirus biology.

Genotype and dietary supplementation of ginger (Zingibar officinale) rhizome powder affect egg quality traits of layer chickens

This study evaluated the effects of ginger (Z. officinale) rhizome powder on egg qualities of aged commercial and native hens using 160 Shaver Brown (SB) and Nigerian heavy ecotype native hens (HEN). Experimental groups per genotype were control group or basal diet group, and ginger rhizome powder supplemented group (20 g/kg, ginger group). For each genotype, forty (40) hens were assigned to the control group and 120 hens to the ginger group. Each experimental group had four (4) replicates containing 10 hens each for the control groups, and 30 hens each for the ginger groups. The hens were housed individually in laying cages and fed the experimental diets at 125 g/bird/day. Water was given ad libitum and photoperiod was 12 h light and darkness. 80 eggs from SB and 40 eggs from HEN control groups, and 80 eggs/genotype from the ginger groups were used to evaluate egg qualities while 10 shell samples were used to evaluate shell mineral contents for each group. In addition, within genotypes, eggs belonging to the ginger groups were grouped into egg weight and egg shape index grades and assessed for egg qualities. SB eggs had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher weight (EW), length (EL), diameter (ED), surface area (ESA), volume (EV), and shape index (ESI); yolk, albumen, and shell weights (YW, AW and SW); albumen height, diameter, and ratio (AH, AD, and AR); shell volume (SV), compression fracture force (SCFF), and calcium content but lower egg specific gravity (ESG), yolk ratio (YR), yolk/albumen ratio (Y/A ratio), shell Zinc, and Phosphorus contents compared to HEN eggs. Ginger groups had higher EW, EL, ESA, EV, YW, YD, YR, AH, AI, Y/A ratio, and shell Zn but lower ESG, YH and YI compared to control groups. SB-ginger group had highest (p ≤ 0.000) AD while HEN-ginger group had highest (p ≤ 0.05) shell Zinc, and Phosphorus contents. EW grades differed significantly in EW, ESA, ESG, ESI and SCFF in the two genotypes while ESI grades differed significantly in ESI and Y/A ratio in SB but in ESI, YI and Haugh unit in HEN. In conclusion, genotype, diet, genotype x diet, EW and ESI grades influenced egg quality traits. These factors are important for egg quality evaluation and genetic improvement.

Morphometric comparison of linear body size of IPB D1 chickens and native chickens through discriminant analysis

Animal protein production from chickens predominantly comes from purebred chicken farms rather than local ones. Improving the genetic quality of local chickens in Indonesia can be achieved through developing IPB D1 chickens. This study aims to identify distinguishing variables between IPB D1 chickens and native chickens using linear body measurements through discriminant analysis. The research involved IPB D1 chickens and native chickens in the layer phase, employing descriptive statistical analysis, T2-Hotelling, Fisher linear discriminant analysis, and Wald-Anderson classification. Results showed that IPB D1 roosters and native roosters differ in femur length (X1), tarsometatarsus circumference (X4), maxilla length (X7), and comb height (X8) with a morphometric dissimilarity of 2.06. IPB D1 hens and native hens differ in tarsometatarsus circumference (X4) and wing length (X6), with a morphometric dissimilarity of 1.41. The Wald-Anderson classification, based on natural selection, suggests removing particular chickens that are not classified as IPB D1 and native chickens from their respective groups to produce chickens that match their characteristics.

Population size and nesting peculiarities of the black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus (Linnaeus, 1766) on the territory of water treatment facilities

Background. Today, the black-headed gull inhabits man-made areas of wastewater treatment facilities (WTF) to comensate for the the reduction of natural aquatic and wetland habitats. Over the last decade, a nearly tenfold increase in its population has been recorded, despite a low reproduction rate. This fact indicates the lack of stability in the bird population, necessitating thorough research. Materials and Methods. The analysis of the population size and biological charac­teristics of black-headed gulls involved censuses and observations at the WTF of the city of Kharkiv using conventional methods during the spring-summer periods of 2020–2021 and 2023. Results. The population of the black-headed gull reached its peak in the third decade of May 2020 (2637 individuals) and 2023 (2124 individuals), as well as in the second decade of May 2021 (3949 individuals). The maximum nesting density was observed on sludge sites (SS) of wastewater treatment facilities that are most similar to natural habitats, where dried mud alternates with water patches and vegetation at the bottom and around the perimeter (Type V): 236.7±26.7 pairs/ha in 2020 and 242.9±28.5 pairs/ha in 2021. The majority of nests were found in the first decade of May 2021 and the third decade of May 2020. The black-headed gull forms mixed-species, occasionally monospecific subcolonies. Nesting in association with it were: Sterna hirundo, Anas platyrhynchos, Spatula clypeata, Vanellus vanellus, Charadrius dubius, Himantopus himantopus, Fulica atra, Gallinula chloropus, and Aythya ferina. The size of the complete black-headed gull clutch was 3.1±0.4 eggs (n = 190). The egg dimensions were 50.9±2.1 ´ 36.2±1.1, with a mass of 34.6±2.8 g. Regarding shell coloration, five types of background colors were identified. Mass egg laying occurred from the third decade of April to the first decade of May, constituting 40.3 % (n = 993) in 2020 and 62.3 % (n = 1757) in 2021. The egg-laying period extended from April to July, with the latest non-incubated clutches recorded in the first decade of July (3.07.2020). The first chicks were found in nests in the first decade of May, while mass hatching occurred in the second half of May. The latest registration dates of the birds on nesting territories were in the second decade of July for 2020 and 2023, and the first decade of August for 2022. The nesting season duration varied from 125 to 140 days in different years. Autumn migration commenced with summer relocations and concluded from late October to early November. The reproductive success – the percentage of nestlings that fledged and successfully achieved flight – constituted 29.2 % (n = 2404 of laid eggs) in 2020, and 15.5 % (n = 6138) in 2021. The majority of offspring perished due to changes in water levels (prolonged rainfall or industrial wastewater discharge), predation, disturbance factors, etc. Conclusion. The colonial nesting of the black-headed gull creates favorable conditions for the habitation and reproduction of various bird species, including rare ones, which is essential for their conservation.

Fertility and Insemination Characteristics of Sperm Storage Tubules in Old Thai-Native Hens.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of sperm concentration (150-250 × 106 spz/dose) and insemination frequency (once, twice, and thrice weekly) on fertility and sperm storage tubule (SST) characteristics. The SSTs were classified into five categories: namely, SSTs having an unscorable (SST1), empty (SST2), low (SST3), medium (SST4), and high (SST5) sperm count after insemination. The results showed that only insemination frequency affected the fertility rate (p < 0.05). The highest fertility was found in the thrice-weekly insemination group; however, this rate was not significantly different from that for the twice-weekly insemination group, except on day 7, while the once-weekly insemination group showed the lowest fertility rate (p < 0.05) from day four onward. On day 1, the SST characteristics showed no differences among the various insemination frequencies. On day 4, the SST2 and SST3 categories increased in the once-weekly insemination group (p < 0.05), while the SST4 and SST5 categories decreased compared to the twice- and thrice-weekly insemination groups (p < 0.05). On day 7, only the thrice-weekly insemination group maintained a level of SST5 category tubules like that measured on day 1 (p > 0.05). In summary, the insemination dose of 150 × 106 sperm was enough for fertilization, and thrice-weekly insemination was the appropriate frequency in old Thai native hens for maintaining a high sperm density in the SSTs throughout the week.

Metabarcoding reveals waterbird diet in a French Ramsar wetland: implications for ecosystem management

Environmental and/or climate changes, occurring at a global or local scale, can significantly impact the diets, health, and population dynamics of waterbirds. This study aimed to develop an effective tool, using DNA metabarcoding of fecal samples, for monitoring waterbird diets during the breeding season in a Ramsar freshwater wetland in Northern France. We collected bird feces across eight marshes with varying anthropic usage. The majority of samples (69%) were from five waterbird species: Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), Eurasian moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), mute swan (Cygnus olor), and grey heron (Ardea cinerea). DNA was extracted from 116 samples, with plant and invertebrate primers used to undertake multi-marker metabarcoding. Despite a negative impact of uric acid on DNA amplification, we observed significant dietary variations among bird species and sampling sites. Wetland bird diets primarily consisted of four arthropod families, dominated by Chironomidae and Asellidae. The number of plant families detected was higher, consisting of 33 families, with Poaceae highly prevalent within wetland bird diets. This study shows that using DNA metabarcoding to explore interactions between waterbirds and trophic resources is a promising approach to assist wetland management and assess the effect of environmental changes.

Waterbird community changes in the Wilderness Lakes, South Africa (Part 1 of 3): Herbivores and omnivores

Global and regional degradation and loss of aquatic systems can negatively affect wetland-dependent waterbirds. The Wilderness Lakes Complex in South Africa, which incorporates the Wilderness Ramsar site, supports populations of 68 waterbird species including eight which periodically occur in globally significant (1% population) numbers. The study aimed to document long-term spatial and temporal (including seasonal) patterns of abundance of herbivorous waterbirds in the Wilderness Lakes Complex, and where possible identify potential causes for observed trends. The abundance of waterbirds on these wetlands was determined biannually from 1992 to 2019, with counts conducted from a boat following a standardised route. Historical abundance data from the 1980s was also used to describe long-term abundance changes. Observed seasonality of four herbivorous waterbirds differed from published accounts. Long-term abundance trends indicated a combination of declining, increasing and stable populations which, in several instances, differed from regional (southern African) assessments. Significant long-term decreases have occurred in five herbivorous species in the lakes complex (Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus, Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata, Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata, Cape Shoveler Anas smithii, Cape Teal Anas capensis), whereas increases have occurred in two species (Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis, Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca). Similar types of change occurred across multiple waterbodies, and in different seasons. The similarity of trends in spatially separated wetlands suggested either high interconnectivity of populations between wetland systems and/or some drivers of change of mobile species being broad scaled and regional, rather than system specific. Local reasons for changes potentially include increasing extent of cultivated fields, a proliferation of emergent macrophytes and loss of open sandbanks, changing food availability, increasing disturbance, and disease.Conservation implications: The fundamental character of the Wilderness Ramsar site has changed, with reduced abundance of several previously abundant herbivorous waterbirds. Drivers of change in species abundances are multifaceted, complex, and frequently poorly understood. Recommended local corrective actions include the management of emergent macrophytes, avian diseases, disturbance, and water quality.

Improving the quality of chilled semen from Thai native chicken using phosphorus and vitamin B12 supplementation in semen extender

This study aimed to determine phosphorus and vitamin B12 supplementation effect in semen extender on the quality and fertility ability of chilled Thai native rooster semen. Eighty-four ejaculates of semen from 26 Thai native roosters (Burmese x Vietnam crossbreed) were included. Semen was collected by applying dorsal–abdominal massage once a week, pooled, diluted to 500 million sperms per dose, and divided into six groups. The semen samples used for control group were diluted with modified Beltsville poultry semen extender (BPSE). For the treatment groups 2–6: semen samples were diluted with modified BPSE and enriched with phosphorus and vitamin B12 (Octafos® Octa Memorial Co., Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand) at concentrations 0.02%, 0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08%, and 0.10%. Semen fertility ability was tested in six replications by inseminating layer hens. Thirty-six Thai native hens were randomly assigned to three groups (control, 0.04%, and 0.08%) of 12 hens and were inseminated with a dose of 0.2 mL on collecting day. Sperm motion characteristics (i.e., sperm motility, sperm progressive motility, and sperm kinetic parameters) were measured using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system (SCA®, Proiser S.L., Valencia, Spain). Sperm viability, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were also evaluated. The sperm motion characteristics were the highest in the 0.04% supplementation group on all days of collection, especially the VCL and VAP (P < 0.05). The viability, mitochondrial activity, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity of spermatozoa were greater in the 0.04% supplementation group than in the control groups (P < 0.05). The 0.04% supplementation group had the lowest MDA concentration in all days of collection. The 0.04% supplementation group were higher both fertility (66.59% vs. 48.50%: P < 0.05) and hatching rates (58.80% vs. 43.18%: P < 0.05) than in the control group. In conclusion, 0.04% phosphorus and vitamin B12 concentrations supplementation in semen extender improved rooster semen quality and fertility in chilled rooster semen.

Semen Evaluation, Preparation of Bangkok Roosters, and Insemination to Indonesian Native Hens

The success of artificial insemination in chickens is very dependent on sperm quality. Sperm temperature and diluent during storage can affect sperm quality. This study evaluated the quality of Bangkok chicken sperm diluted with 5% glucose and NaCl stored at 5 ⁰C and 26 ⁰C. The research design used was completely randomized. The data obtained were analyzed using a variance. The results showed that the motility of sperm preserved for 9 hours at 26 ⁰C with infused NaCl and Glucose 5% differed significantly (P&lt; 0.05) with motility of 50±0.0% and 34±8.94%, respectively. While preservation under 5 ⁰C for 9 hours with NaCl, better than Glucose 5% (P&lt;0.05) with motility of 58.00±10.95% and 38.00±10.95%, respectively. The viability of sperm preserved at 26 ⁰C with glucose 5% extender was better than NaCl (P&lt;0.05) with a value of 58.93±1.27% and 33.43±1.27%, respectively. While preservation at 5 ⁰C of viabilities of sperm under Glucose 10% and NaCl were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) from values of 52.57±5.15% and 48.14±8.09%, respectively. The abnormality of sperm stored at 26 ⁰C and 5 ⁰C for 9 hours with NaCl and Glucose 5% were not different (P&gt;0.05). Insemination using 100 million sperm with infused NaCl extender from 18 eggs produced 94.44% (n=17) fertility and 72.22% (n=13) hatchability. While insemination using infuse glucose 5% extender, 11 eggs produced 63.64% (n=7) fertility and 54.54% (n=6) hatchability. The infusing NaCl extender produced better sperm quality, fertility, and hatchability than glucose 5% at 5 ⁰C.

ОРНІТОФАУНА СЕЛА СОЛОНКА НА ЛЬВІВЩИНІ: АНАЛІЗ СПОСТЕРЕЖЕНЬ ЗА 2010–2023 РОКИ

This article analyzes the avifauna species in Solonka village, a distinct area situated on Povitriana Street, located on the southern outskirts of Lviv city. Data on bird species diversity were collected throughout different seasons from 2010 to 2023. Over this period, a total of 63 bird species were observed. Between 2010 and 2016, there were 46 nesting species. Anthropogenic factors significantly influence the species diversity and population of birds in Solonka village. Gardens, summer cottages, areas adorned with fruit trees, sewage treatment plants, and ornamental plantings near houses provide birds with food, shelter, and nesting opportunities. The primary causes of mortality among both young and adult birds each year are the presence of a large number of stray cats and dogs. During the winter months, local residents actively feed passerine birds. Additionally, each year, some nests and chicks are unintentionally disturbed by children and teenagers. The avian population in the area is predominantly composed of small birds that inhabit trees and shrubs. From 2022 to 2023, we observed birds belonging to six orders: Ancerinae (Anseriformes), Falconidae (Falconiiformes), Galliformes (Galliformes), Columbidae (Columbiformes), Woodpeckers (Piciformes), Old world sparroews (Passeriformes). In 2021, The Bohemian waxwing (Bombycilla garrulous Linnaeus, 1758) were observed. They were registered in separate winters. In the winter of 2022, for the first time during 13 years of observations, the marsh tit (P. palustris Linnaeus, 1758), the crested tit (P. cristatus Linnaeus, 1758), the common redpoll (Acanthis flammea Linnaeus, 1758) and the short-toed brachydactyla (C. brachydactyla Brehm, 1820) and the falcon (Falconidae). Martins and terns (Laridae), the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis Linnaeus, 1758), and gray heron (Ardea cinerea Linnaeus, 1758) regularly visit reservoirs in the vicinity of Solonka village. The listed species do not nest here. The common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus Linnaeus, 1758) and Eurasian coots (Fulica atra Linnaeus, 1758) nest in the ponds every year. There are known cases of mallard nesting. After 2010 jackdaws and owls stopped nesting on the surveyed territory.&#x0D; The migration route of the gray crane (Grus grus Linnaeus, 1758) and the white stork (Ciconia ciconia Linnaeus, 1758) passes through the territory of Solonka village, where these birds are regularly observed during both autumn and spring migrations.&#x0D; In general, the number of bird species observed in the area of Solonka village is lower than that in the residential area of Lviv. In Lviv, a total of 84 bird species were recorded between 2006 and 2018. In contrast, our surveys in the Solonka village area have documented only 63 species of birds. This indicates a difference of 20 bird species between the two locations we studied. Our observations span the period from 2010 to 2023. &#x0D; To put this into perspective, in 1994, Lviv was home to 197 bird species. This significant decrease in species diversity over the last three decades can be attributed to various factors, with one of the most prominent being the substantial transformation of biotopes.

Histomorphological and histochemical Study of the jejunum in moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) in Iraq

The goal of the current investigation was to gather information on the histology and histochemical composition of the jejunum in moorhens (Gallinula chloropus). In order to conduct the current investigation, six moorhens were gathered. They were purchased from regional vendors in particular markets in Baghdad, Iraq. To collect the intestine, birds were put down after being dissected, and the specimens were then fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. The blocks were sectioned at 6 m thickness and stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome stain, periodic acid Schiff reagent (PAS), and Alcian blue stain (AB)PH-2.5 ,after being thoroughly fixed. The specimens were then cleared in xylene and embedded in paraffin wax. According to the Gross findings, the small intestine is made up of the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. Histologically, the mucous membrane was thrown into large numerous villi in the jejunum, showing blunt apical part and wide basal part with thin layer of muscularis mucosa. The submucosa was thin layer of connective tissue. Below the submucosa was thick layer arranged in a thick circular and thin longitudinal. According to histochemical results, the PAS stain had a negative reaction on columnar cells while having a positive reaction on goblet cells. When the AB (pH 2.5) was applied, the wall displayed epithelial cells that stained negatively while the goblet cells responded favorably to their acidic mucopolysaccharides.

Growth Performance of Native Hen at the Grower Phase (Aged 6-12 weeks) After Supplemented Arginine-Lysine in Low-Protein Fed

This study aims to determine the growth performance of female Native chickens at the grower phase (6-12 Weeks) after being given arginine-lysine in low protein feed. This research was carried out from May to August 2022 at the Kampung Chicken Housing, Sion Women's Farmer Group, Sasi Village, Kefamenanu. The material used is 80 Native chickens aged 6-12 weeks with an average body weight of 400 g. The research method used is a complete randomized design. Chickens were randomly placed for 5 treatments and 4 replications, each replication consisted of 4 bird. The treatment given was P0 (control feed + 0.60% arginine + 0.52% lysine + 18% CP); P1 (control feed + 0.70% arginine + 0.61% lysine + 17% CP); P2 (control feed + 0.80% arginine + 0.70% lysine + 16% CP); P3 (control feed + 0.90% arginine + 0.79% lysine +15% CP); P4 (control feed + 1.00% arginine + 0.88% lysine + 14% CP). Variables observed were body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Data analysis using variance analysis and Duncan test. The results showed that the average body weight gain at treatments P0, P1, P2, P3 and P4 were 71.67±3.75; 84.69±3.55; 105.63±3.71; 105.46±7.15; and 94.38±3.50 g/bird/week, respectively. Feed intake were 277.41±15.95; 324.98±13.20; 401.13±15.10; 397.19±30.00; and 363.30±12.06 g/bird/week. Feed conversion ratio were 3.87±0.02; 3.84±0.01; 3.80±0.02; 3.77±0.03; and 3.85±0.01. Analysis of variance showed that the treatment had a significant effect on body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of female Native chickens at the grower phase (P&lt;0.05). It was concluded that the use of the arginine-lysine increases body weight gain, feed intake and decreases feed conversion ratio of female Native chickens at the grower phase (6 – 12 weeks). The level of 0.80-0.90% arginine + 0.70-0.79% lysine can streamline the use of feed crude protein by 2-3% from 18% to 15-16% and provide maximum results on the performance of female Native chickens at the grower phase.

Effect of feed trace elements on eggs of five strains of laying hens and their health risk assessment.

Trace elements are essential for human nutrition, and their deficiencies or excesses are strongly associated with several diseases, such as cardiovascular ones. The current cross-sectional study investigated the concentration of essential trace elements (copper, non-metal selenium, iron, zinc, cobalt and manganese) in eggs and diets of five strains of laying hens. The yolk and albumen were analysed separately, and wet preparation was carried out following inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry detection. The target hazard quotients (THQs) for the non-carcinogenic disease were calculated by the United States environmental protection agency (USEPA) method. The highest concentrations of selenium, zinc and manganese were found in egg yolks of native hens (0.76, 44.22 and 6.52mg/kg, respectively). The highest amounts of copper and cobalt were recorded in the egg yolk of Lohman (2.07 and 0.023mg/kg, respectively). On the other hand, the egg yolk of Bovans contained the highest amount of iron (57.46mg/kg). Overall, the potential health risks were minimal, and the consumption of eggs was generally safe.

A secure future? Human urban and agricultural land use benefits a flightless island-endemic rail despite climate change

Identifying environmental characteristics that limit species' distributions is important for contemporary conservation and inferring responses to future environmental change. The Tasmanian native hen is an island endemic flightless rail and a survivor of a prehistoric extirpation event. Little is known about the regional-scale environmental characteristics influencing the distribution of native hens, or how their future distribution might be impacted by environmental shifts (e.g. climate change). Using a combination of local fieldwork and species distribution modelling, we assess environmental factors shaping the contemporary distribution of the native hen, and project future distribution changes under predicted climate change. We find 37% of Tasmania is currently suitable for the native hens, owing to low summer precipitation, low elevation, human-modified vegetation and urban areas. Moreover, in unsuitable regions, urban areas can create ‘oases’ of habitat, able to support populations with high breeding activity by providing resources and buffering against environmental constraints. Under climate change predictions, native hens were predicted to lose only 5% of their occupied range by 2055. We conclude that the species is resilient to climate change and benefits overall from anthropogenic landscape modifications. As such, this constitutes a rare example of a flightless rail to have adapted to human activity.

Investigation of structural and neurobiochemical differences in brains from high-performance and native hen breeds

Selection of livestock has not only led to changes in the level of their performance but also modified their behavior. As a result, within a single species, we have to deal with different behaviors of different breeds. In our study, we assumed that the different behaviors within a species are due to differences in the morphology and physiology of behavior-related systems. Two breeds of hens were used as a model: the highly reactive, fearful and high-performance Leghorn breed and proactive, unselected Green-legged Partridge breed. The higher reactivity and fearfulness of Leghorn hens in comparison to the Green-legged Partridge breed may be related to the greater number of neurons in the paraventricular nucleus and anterior hypothalamus and the higher content of zinc and iron in the brain, as these elements are involved in neuronal conduction and myelination processes. The reactive behaviours of Green-legged Partridge hens may be associated with the lower number of neurons in the paraventricular nucleus and the anterior hypothalamus and the higher concentration of dopamine and copper ions in the brain. The analyses confirmed the hypothesis of the existence of interbreed differences in the morphology and physiology of behaviour-related systems, which most probably emerged through unintentional and correlated selection towards high production performance. Consequently, attention should be drawn that the selection of a given genotype (breed) towards a specific environment could lead to creation of highly specialised lines that may not achieve homeostasis in every maintenance system.

Comparative Study of Some Hematological, Biochemical and Thyroid Biomarkers on Males and Females (Gallinula Chloropus) Water Birds

The current study was objective in clarifying some of the physiological and hormonal characteristics on male and female of migratory water birds Gallinula Chloropus, that bought from Basrah market during the winter season. This study conducted on 30 healthy birds was divided into fifteen males and fifteen females and suggest that the male Gallinula Chloropus has higher levels of red blood cells count(RBC), hemoglobin( Hb) and Packed cell volume (PCV) than the females, while the total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations recorded high significantly in the female than the males. In addition, there is no difference in the levels of Thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) and blood glucose.

Comparative Anatomical, Histological, and Histochemical Study of the Duodenum between Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) and Domestic Fowl (Gallus domesticus)

This work was designed to conduct an anatomical, histological, and histochemical comparative study of the duodenum between common moorhen and domestic fowl. Thirty birds of common moorhen and thirty birds of domestic fowl that were obtained from a commercial market (Al Basra city) were used in this study, and the work was conducted at the veterinary medicine collage, University of Basra. The anatomical study showed that the duodenum was a convoluted tube that extended as a U shape and held the pancreas between the two arms of the duodenum. The duodenum has similar histological structures in both domestic fowl and common moorhen where the wall of this tubular organ is composed of four layers (tunica mucosa, sub mucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa). The results of statistical analysis revealed significant differences at level P<0.05 in the thickness of (tunica mucosa, crypts, tunica sub mucosa, and tunica muscularis) between two birds. The histochemical study of the duodenum revealed the carbohydrates distribution on the mucous layer and columnar epithelium and around the intestinal glands, while the glycogen granules distribution around the glands and muscle layers.

Discriminant Canonical Analysis as a tool to determine traces of endangered native hen breed introgression through egg hatchability phenomics.

The main objective of this study was to develop a pipeline to detect phenogenomic introgression across different multivariety breeds and to validate such classification focusing on external egg and hatchability-related traits using a discriminant canonical analysis approach. For this, 1368 eggs belonging a flock of 94 endangered Spanish autochthonous breed breeding hens (Andalusian Tufted, Blue Andalusian, Spanish White-Faced, and Utrerana) and a control outgroup comprising 32 eggs belonging to 4 Araucana hens were considered. Multicollinearity analysis of hatchability-related traits revealed embryonic mortality, embryonic mortality in the second stage of incubation, viable hatching chick, major diameter, and minor diameter should be discarded from the analysis (VIF≤5) given they did not significantly contribute to variability explanation potential of the discriminant model. A stepwise discriminant canonical analysis was developed and egg weight, shape index, hatchability, and fertility variables reported the highest discriminant power (Wilks' Lambda values of 0.7861, 0.7871, 0.8076, and 0.9457, respectively). The first two functions explained 85.25% intergroup variability. Interbreed and varieties proximity was evaluated using Mahalanobis distances representation and data mining cross-validation allowed to detect genetic introgression between different genotypes. Easily collectable traits as egg weight and shape index must be considered for the development of breeding programs as a measure to ensure breed protection. The model may be translatable to other endangered breeds to optimize avian breeds conservation plans worldwide.

Molecular diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii in four species of birds in Al-Najaf Province

The current study aimed to investigate the T. gondii in four species of birds, including Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata), Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), and Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf province in Iraq for the period from April 2021 until the end of April 2022 by using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. To our knowledge, this study is the first in Iraq to investigate these parasites in these species of birds by using this technique. Gene 18S rRNA with molecular weight 590bp of T. gondii was used, 25 samples were collected for each species of target birds except for P. alchata, 40 samples. The results of testing 115 tissue samples from the birds included in the study indicated that there were 8 samples (6.95%) of birds that gave a positive test result, It included 4 samples (50%) of N. meleagris, 2 samples (25%) of A. chukar, 2 (25%) of G. chloropus, and no case of the presence of the gene 18S rRNA was recorded in the samples from P. alchata.

Data mining-based discriminant analysis as a tool for the study of egg quality in native hen breeds

Despite the wide biodiversity of avian species of zootechnical interest in Spain, projects aimed at characterizing these genotypes and their products are necessary. External and internal egg quality traits were measured in 819 eggs laid by hens of 10 different genotypes: White, Franciscan, Black and Partridge varieties of Utrerana, Blue Andalusian, Spanish White-Faced, Andalusian Tufted White and Black varieties, Araucana; and Leghorn Lohmann LSL-Classic lineage (commercial hybrid line) hen breeds. After multicollinearity analysis of egg quality-related traits was performed (VIF ≤ 4), major diameter, minor diameter, egg weight, and albumen height were deemed redundant explanatory variables and discarded. A stepwise discriminant canonical analysis was developed to cluster eggs across hen genotypes considering egg quality attributes. Shell a* and b* variables reported the highest discriminant power (Wilks’ lambda: 0.699 and 0.729, respectively). The first two discriminant functions captured 60.48% of the variance across groups (F1: 39.36%; F2: 21.12%). Clear quality differentiation signs are evidenced for Mediterranean native breeds’ eggs when compared to Leghorn’s eggs. Consequently, this evidence of egg quality differentiation may favor the standardization of breed- and variety-linked distinctive products, which may open new market opportunities based on the existence of a wide spectrum of diet or culinary applications.