Hatch Weight Research Articles

Effects of embryo injected with ochratoxins A on hatching quality and jejunum antioxidant capacity of ducks at hatching.

Numerous studies have shown that ochratoxins A (OTA) exerts diverse toxicological effects, namely, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, genotoxicity, enterotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of embryonic exposure to OTA by different injection times and OTA doses on hatching quality and jejunal antioxidant capacity of ducks at hatching. In total, 480 fertilized eggs were weighed and randomly assigned into a 4 × 4 factorial design including four OTA doses (0, 2, 4, and 8 ng/g egg) on 8, 13, 18, and 23 of embryonic development (E8, E13, E18, and E23). Each treatment included 6 repeats with 5 eggs per repeat. The results showed that the injection time affected the hatching weight (P < 0.0001). The relative length of the jejunum and ileum on E18 and E23 was lower than on E8 and E13 (P < 0.05). Injection time, doses, and their interaction had no effect on jejunum morphology, namely, villous height (Vh), crypt depth (Cd), and villous height/crypt depth ratio Vh/Cd (P > 0.05). The injection time affected the activities of Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P < 0.0001), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (P < 0.05) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P < 0.0001). The activity of SOD and T-AOC activities in the jejunum of ducklings injected with OTA at the E8 and E13 was lower than that injected at the E18 (P < 0.05). The highest MDA content was observed in ducklings injected with OTA at the E13 (P < 0.05). The injection time (P < 0.0001), OTA doses and their interaction affected the contents of IL-1β (P < 0.05), which significantly increased especially on E13. In conclusion, the embryo injected with ochratoxins A affected the hatching weight, the relative length of jejunum and ileum, decreased the antioxidant capacity and increased the content of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β of the jejunum.

Phylogenetic placement and life history trait imputation for Grenada DoveLeptotila wellsi

AbstractPhylogenetic analyses can be used to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and reconstruct a species’ evolutionary history. This can be combined with ecological data to predict missing life history traits which are important for creation of conservation management strategies. We investigated the evolutionary and life history of the ‘Critically Endangered’ Grenada DoveLeptotila wellsiby estimating its phylogenetic placement and using this new phylogeny to test the accuracy of phylogenetic comparative methods for estimating both documented and unknown life history traits. We extracted DNA from two Grenada Dove samples and obtained sequences from three mitochondrial markers: Cytochrome oxidase I (COI), NADH dehydrogenase 2 (ND2) and Cytochrome b (Cyt b); and one nuclear marker: β-Fibrinogen intron 7 (β-FIB). We present the first genetic data obtained for the Grenada Dove. Our data identify the Grey-Chested DoveLeptotila cassiniias the species which shares both a most recent common ancestor, with an estimated divergence of approximately 2.53 million years ago, and the smallest genetic distance (P= 0.0303) with the Grenada Dove. Life history trait values for the Grenada Dove predicted from our analyses using phylogenetic imputation are: clutch size = 2 (± 0.09) eggs; clutches per year = 1.4 (± 0.81); incubation time = 14.2 (± 0.75) days; hatching weight = 3.8 g (± 1.05) and single imputation: fledging age (genus median) = 15.5 days, longevity (genus median) = 8.6 years. This study contributes novel information regarding evolutionary history and life history characteristics to inform long-term conservation actions for a ‘Critically Endangered’ species.

PENGARUH FUMIGASI MENGGUNAKAN AIR DAUN SIRIH TERHADAP DAYA TETAS TELUR DAN MORTALITAS EMBRIO TELUR PUYUH

This replacement of natural disinfectants is expected to improve fertility, increase hatchability, increase hatching weight and reduce mortality. This study aims to determine whether the fumigation of betel leaf water can improve fertility, increase hatchability, increase hatching weight and reduce mortality in quail hatching, as well as determine the best level of administration in a mixture of betel leaf water and aquades. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 5 treatments, namely p1 (Control), p2 (70% Alcohol), p3 (20 ml Betel Leaf Extract + 80 ml Aquades), p4 (30 ml Betel Leaf Extract + 70 ml Aquades ), and p5 (40 ml Betel Leaf Extract + 60 ml Aquades) and 4 replicates. The data obtained were processed using variance, if the results showed significant differences, they were tested using the Duncan multiple range test (DMRT). The results showed that quail eggs fumigated using Betel Leaf Extract had an average fertility ranging from 80.00 – 97.00%. The average hatchability ranged from 80.55– 96.91%. The average hatching weight ranged from 8.72 to 8.74 grams. And the average mortality ranged from 3.09 to 19.45%. The results of the study on the effect of treatment on fertility, hatchability and mortality showed a very significantly different effect (P&lt;0.01). Meanwhile, on hatching weight, the effect was not significantly different (P&gt;0.05). Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the most optimal fumigation using Betel Leaf Extract is treatment 3 (20 ml Betel Leaf Extract + 80 ml Aquades) with an average fertility of 97.00%, hatchability 96.91%, hatching weight 8.72 grams, and 3.09% motility.

Effects of kinship matings on embryo losses and hatch-weight in japanese quails

Inbreeding, which is the mating of related individuals, increases homozygosity and leads to depression, especially in traits with low heritability. In this study, parent-offspring, full-sibling and half-sibling mating groups were formed and their effects on embryo loss and hatch weight were investigated. In the study, a total of 2130 fertile Japanese quail eggs were used. Embryo losses were divided into three periods; early period (first 5-day), middle period (6-12th days) and late period (13-17th days). It was observed that mating groups affect all traits subject of this study (P≤0.0001). The lowest hatchability of fertile eggs was observed in dam-male offspring mating (DM), while the highest was observed in half-sibling (HS) and control (C) matings (P≤0.05). However, the highest hatch-weight were found in eggs of DM matings (P≤0.05). DM has also the highest embryo losses for all periods (P≤0.05). Most of the embryo losses, except the half-sibling group, occurred in the early period.

Effect of Commercial &amp; Natural Feeds on the Growth Performance of Ostrich (Struthio camelus) in Captivity

In Pakistan, ostrich farming is becoming more popular as a means of obtaining inexpensive meat that is also devoid of cholesterol and other diseases when compared to chicken. In the wild, ostriches dwell in flocks of five to fifty and perform well in captivity. Ostrich chicks' early development rate is critical in preparing the bird for later growth up till the slaughter mass. The original egg mass from which the bird emerges determines the hatching weight. Ostrich chicks lose up to 20% of their weight in the first five to seven days after hatching.The typical carcass weight of an ostrich might be 57-58 percent of the live body weight.On a monthly basis, weight and height were determined, and given feed was calculated on a daily basis. The variation in growth rates between the two farms is due to the fact that the Balouch ostrich farm has far better conditions for birds and provides more food, whilst the Hamayoon ostrich farm has a lower growth rate due to restricted food availability. Furthermore, the death rate is linked to a lack of food.

Effects of in ovo application of resveratrol on hatchability, hatching time, yolk sac weight and chick performance in quail

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of in ovo resveratrol in hatching quail eggs on hatching traits, organ weights and chick performance. The eggs were randomly distributed into four groups as non-injected group (PC; Positive control), 0.2 ml saline (NC; Negative control), 0.2 ml solution containing 1 nmol of resveratrol (R1) and 0.2 ml solution containing 4 nmol of resveratrol (R4). Hatchability of set eggs (HSE) and hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE), embryonic mortality (EM), chick hatching time, yolk sac weight (YSW), and chick performance characteristics were investigated. The effects of in ovo resveratrol administration on the HSE were insignificant. HFE decreased significantly with in ovo resveratrol treatment. All injected groups were adversely affected in terms of embryonic deaths. The effect of in ovo resveratrol application on chick hatch weight, and YSW (g, %), chick performance was insignificant. It was observed that in ovo resveratrol treatment had no significant effect on the hatching time, except at 408 h of incubation. As a result, in ovo resveratrol application had a negative effect on hatchability and EM, but did not have affected the hatching time, YSW and chick performance.

Effect of In-ovo Injection of L-Arginine on Hatchability, Chick Quality, Performances and Muscle Histology of Native Chicken

This study aimed to determine the effect of in-ovo injection of L-arginine on hatchability, chick quality, performances, and muscle histology of native chicken. In-ovo injection was carried out on the 10th day. A total of 375 fertile eggs with an average weight ranged  39-43 g were grouped into 5 treatments. The first treatment was without injection (negative control), the second treatment was injection of NaCl solution 0.9% (positive control), the third treatment was injection of L-arginine solution 0.5 g per 100 ml of NaCl 0.9% (0.5%, m/v) The fourth treatment was injection of 1.0 g L-arginine solution per 100 ml of NaCl 0.9% (1.0%, m/v), and the fifth treatment was injection of 1.5 g L-arginine solution per 100 ml of NaCl 0.9% (1.5%, m/v). The injection was carried out at the pointed area of the egg in a vertical position (pointed below, blunt above). The Injection was carried out with a depth of 10 mm from the eggshell using an automatic injector. The results showed that all treatments produced the same hatchability. In-ovo injection of L-arginine has a beneficial effect on chick quality and post-hatch performance, the concentration of L-arginine solution used did not cause embryo death. In-ovo injection of 0.5% L-arginine increased hatching weight, weekly body weight, muscle mass, and myofiber size.

The influence of flock age and egg size on egg shape index, hatchability and growth of japanese quail chicks

The study assessed the effects of age and egg size on egg shape, egg weight loss, hatchability and growth of Japanese quail. A total of 198 eggs from a breeder flock at 40, 43 and 46 weeks of age were categorised as light, medium and large. Egg shape index was analysed using Histogram with Fit and Groups. Data were subjected to two-way Analysis of Variance using General Linear Model procedure of Minitab (version 18) at 5% Least Significant Difference. Egg weight loss was not different in the younger birds but changed significantly at 46th week on the 6th and 12th days of incubation. Egg weight loss significantly changed between the light and medium-sized eggs. Fertility was significantly affected by egg size. Age and egg size did not change hatchability but significantly affected hatching weight. Chick growth varied significantly at day 14 in eggs collected at week 40. Chick growth significantly increased across the days as egg size increased. The least shape index (77.3%) was recorded in the heavy and medium eggs at 40 and 46 weeks of age. Fertility, hatchability, chick growth and mortality can be affected by age of quails and size of quail eggs

Influence of temperature during incubation on the mRNA levels of temperature sensitive ion channels in the brain of broiler chicken embryos

Thermosensation is crucial for the survival of any organism. In animals, changes in brain temperature are detected via sensory neurons, their cell bodies are located in the trigeminal ganglia. Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are the largest temperature sensing family. In mammals, 11 thermoTRPs are known, as in poultry, there are only three. This research further elucidates TRP mRNA expression in the brain of broiler embryo's. Three incubation treatments were conducted on 400 eggs each: the control (C) at 37.6 °C; T1 deviating from C by providing a + 1 °C heat stimuli during embryonic day (ED) 15–20 for 8 h a day; and T2, imposing a + 2 °C heat stimuli. After each heat stimuli, 12 eggs per treatment were taken for blood sampling from the chorioallantoic membrane and brain harvesting. Incubation parameters such has residual yolk (free embryonic) weight, chick quality and hatch percentage were collected. After primer optimization, 22 target genes (13 TRPs and 9 non-TRPs) were measured on mRNA of the brain using a nanofluidic biochip (Fluidigm Corporation). Four target genes (ANO2, TRPV1, SCN5A, TRAAK) have a significant treatment effect - independent of ED. Another four (TRPM8, TRPA1, TRPM2, TRPC3) have a significant treatment effect visible on one or more ED. Heat sensitive channels were increased in T2 and to a lesser degree in T1, which could be part of an acclimatisation process resulting in later life heat tolerance by increased heat sensitivity. T2, however, resulted in a lower hatch weight, quality and hatchability. No hormonal differences were detected.

BIOLOGY OF THE EPIGEIC EARTHWORMS IN TROPICAL WET AND DRY CLIMATE OF DHARWAD (KARNATAKA), INDIA

Studies on biology of epigeic earthworms is very much necessary for the selection of suitable earthworm species in effective organic waste management through vermiculture and vermicomposting process for the production of quality and quantity worm biomass (vermiprotein) and vermicompost (biofertilizer). Hence, the present study was undertaken to study the biology of different epigeic earthworm species such as Eudrilus eugeniae (EE), Eisenia fetida (EF) and Perionyx excavatus (PE) cultured in cattle manure at tropical wet and dry climate of Dharwad district, Karnataka state, India. The results of the present study revealed that the incubation period or the time of emergence of juveniles from the cocoon was less (16.33±0.53 days) in Perionyx excavatus as compared to Eudrilus eugeniae (22.33±0.73 days) and Eisenia fetida (24.33±0.88 days). The percent hatching of cocoon was more in E. eugeniae (86.66±6.66) followed by E. fetida (73.33±5.33) and P. excavatus (66.66±4.66), whereas number of hatchling/cocoon was more in Eisenia fetida (2.66±0.33) followed by Eudrilus eugeniae (2.33±0.28) and less in Perionyx excavatus (1.33±0.23). The mean weight of juvenile (mg) at the time of hatching was more in EE (7.90±0.20) followed by EF (7.00±0.57) and less in PE (5.70±0.35). The attainment of sexual maturity was observed early during 6th -9th week in EF and PE, but it was late in EE during 7th -10th week and commencement of cocoon production was noticed soon after one or two week of maturity i.e. from 8th week onwards. It was continuous and multimodal in nature with slight decline in the growth rate after maturity and cocoon production in all three epigeic earthworm species (EE, EF and PE). The various life activities such as incubation period and number of hatchling, maturity were more in EF as that of EE and PE, whereas percent hatching and juvenile weight were more in EE followed by EF and PE. Therefore, the success of vermiculture and vermicomposting process for the production of quality and quantity worm biomass (vermiprotein) and vermicompost (biofertilizer) is mainly depends on the biology or life cycle of the epigeic earthworms, type of organic waste materials used and it also depends on the prevailing abiotic factors.

01. Reproductive husbandry of the rat snake [Elaphe moellendorffi

Möllendorff’s rat snake Elaphe moellendorffi is a large colubrid snake that has only been propagated a few times in captivity, predominantly in private collections. Chester Zoo successfully hatched 6 rat snakes in October 2019. Prior to introduction, the adult snakes were exposed to a cycling regime that simulated natural seasonality. Eggs were incubated and the young snakes hatched after 80-85 days and had their first slough 13-15 days post hatching. Hatch weights ranged between 19 and 20.6 g. Through a degree of manipulation, the neonates fed successfully 4 days after their first slough.

The Effects of Breeder Age and Hatching Period on Fattening Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Geese

This study was carried out to determine the effects of breeding age and hatching period on fattening performance and slaughter characteristics in geese. For this purpose, were fattened 270 geese obtained from three different ages of geese breeder (one, two, three years old), and 54 of them were slaughtered at the age of 16 weeks to evaluate their carcass characteristics The values of 81.06, 94.15, and 93.37 g for hatching weights, 5275.27, 5590.25, and 5604.90 g for body weights at the 16th week, 24.57, 25.53, and 25.75 kg for total feed consumption and 3592.00, 3814.98, and 3850.6 g for warm carcass weight were determined in the evaluation of carcass characteristics of geese from obtained one, two and three years old breeder geese, respectively. The results of the present study suggested that breeder age had statistically significant effects on hatching weight (P&lt;0.001), body weight (P&lt;0.05), total feed consumption (P&lt;0.01), warm and cold carcass weights (P&lt;0.01). The hatching weights of 92.81 and 86.24 g, total feed consumption values of 24.91 and 25.66 kg, feed conversion ratios of 4.57 and 4.80 were calculated in the first and second periods. The difference in the hatching period was detected to have statistically significant effects on hatching weights (P&lt;0.001), feed consumption (P&lt;0.05), feed conversion ratio (P&lt;0.01), and abdominal fat weights (P&lt;0.001). In addition, it was suggested that seasonal variations could create differences in themselves depending on the stages of the growth and development process.

Effects of stress during commercial hatching on growth, egg production and feather pecking in laying hens.

Every year, billions of egg layer chicks around the world are hatched under highly stressful, industrial circumstances. Here, it is investigated how the stressful procedure in the commercial hatchery, including incubation, hatching, processing, and transport affects the chicks with regards to traits relevant for the egg production industry. These traits were compared to those of a control group hatched in a small incubator and handled gently och quietly in a quiet room without any processing and transport. The chicks were weighed at hatch and at eight additional time points: 4 days, 1 week (w), 2 w, 3 w, 5 w, 8 w, 20 w and 25 w of age. Feather pecking was studied at 15 w of age and damages to the feathers and injuries on the comb and wattle were assessed at 25 w of age. From 19 w of age, eggs were collected on three days per week, counted and weighed. Chicks from a commercial hatchery had a lower hatch weight than control chicks (p<0.001). At 20 w of age, the weight of the commercial hatched chicks was still numerically lower, although this did not reach statistical significance. Commercially hatched chicks tended to show more feather pecking behaviour at 15 w of age compared to control chicks (p<0.1), although feather condition at 25 w of age showed the opposite pattern. Regarding production, commercially hatched chickens laid fewer (p<0.05) and smaller (p<0.05) eggs than chicks hatched and handled under calm circumstances. From this experiment, it is concluded that the stressful experience in the commercial hatchery has an overall negative effect on traits relevant for the industry.

Reproductive Characteristics of the Captive Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) in Zlin Zoo, Czech Republic

The limited range of Milky Stork in its natural habitat, as well as in under captivity, makes it difficult to learn more about it. This paper aimed to examine the breeding biology of Milky Stork raised in captivity in the ZlĂ­n-LeĹĄnĂĄ Zoo in the Czech Republic. By analyzing partial reproduction characteristic, we wanted to supplement the knowledge that is needed to ensure the necessary degree of reproduction of the Milky Stork in human care. The monitoring was carried out in the ZlĂ­n-LeĹĄnĂĄ Zoo and the following reproductive indicators were analysed: annual laying rate, size and weight of eggs laid, monitoring of egg weight loss during incubation, hatchability, and hatching weight. During the four years, a total of 23 eggs of the Milky Stork by one parent pair were evaluated. The average proportion of fertilised eggs over the whole period reached 56.5%. The average eggs length was 65.7 mm, the average eggs width was 47.0 mm and the average eggs weight was 79.7 g. Average weight loss of eggs during their incubation was 8.4 g. Average hatchability of all the laid eggs was 56.5%. A total of 13 young Milky Storks were hatched during the observation period. Their average hatching weight was 55.7 g. A total of five individuals were raised during the four years of observation. Knowledge in the field of reproduction is one of the basic prerequisites to give this species a chance to survive in the future, whether in the natural environment or human care.

FUZZY CONTROLLER APPLIED TO TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT IN INCUBATION OF FREE-RANGE EGGS

Temperature variation in egg incubation can negatively affect the hatching time and weight gain of chicks, hence improving the incubator temperature accuracy can improve hatching rates. Controllers based on the fuzzy methodology have shown great potential for use in controlling incubator temperature variations. Therefore, the objective of this study is to develop and evaluate a fuzzy logic-based controller for egg incubation. Four identical incubators were configured: two with a fuzzy controller and two with a conventional controller. After evaluation and validation, a case study of the incubating eggs of free-range chickens was conducted on where 12 incubation cycles consisting of 20 eggs per incubator. The variables obtained include hatchability and electricity consumption. The results showed that the fuzzy logic-based controller maintained uniform internal temperature and a 10.68% saving on electricity usage when compared with the conventional controller. Thus, the fuzzy methodology has great potential for use in the incubation of free-range eggs.

Heritability and Genetic Correlation of Niamey’s Local Chicken Growth (Niger)

The exploitation of industrial strains of chickens in the Sahelian climate of Niger is characterized by a decline in performance and significant costs associated with their maintenance. In contrast, local chickens are well adapted to these environmental conditions but with poor production performance. Genetic selection of these local chickens could improve their productivity. The first step is to determine if the genetic parameters of their growth are high enough to ensure a successful selection strategy. To do so, weekly weights of 69 parents and 119 offspring were followed for 20 weeks. The heritability and genetic correlations of these weights were estimated through the Bayesian approach using the MCMCglmm package on R software. At hatching, weights ranged from 23 to 25 g. At 20 weeks, these weights ranged from 1031 to 1052 g for females and 1308 to 1445 g for males. Heritabilities for hatch weights at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks of age were estimated to be 0.56, 0.31, 0.52, 0.53, 0.52 and 0.48 respectively and all genetic correlations were positive. In particular, weight at 8 weeks of age showed both good heritability (h2 = 0.52) and strong, positive genetic correlations with weights at older ages. These results indicate that genetic selection to improve weight at 8 weeks of age would be a good strategy to improve the overall growth performance of these chickens.

The effects of upgrading and intersecting cross-breeding strategies on the geese economic traits

Routine, upgrading, and intersecting cross-breeding strategies are three methods frequently used in poultry breeding. But, till now, comparative assessment of the effects on the improvement of geese economic traits with these strategies is largely unknown. Here, using Carlos goose and Zi goose, these three strategies were employed and compared. The main economic traits, including egg production capability, egg quality, growth performance, meat production capability, and down feather production capability were all measured systematically. For egg production capability and egg quality, the upgrading group had the highest egg-laying rate, and the intersecting group had the biggest egg size compared with the routine group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the egg shape index (p > 0.05). The routine group had the best fertility and hatchability (p < 0.05). For growth performance, the intersect group had the biggest hatch weight (p < 0.05), and the upgrading group had the fastest growth rate (p < 0.05). For meat production capability and down feather production capability, no significant difference was observed (p > 0.05). We found that different cross-breeding strategies had different superiority on economic traits. The economic value of each economic trait should be taken into account so that an optimized cross-breeding strategy could be made to get the most of the benefits.

Effect of different levels and sources of dietary copper on the growth and immunity of broiler chicken

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels and sources of dietary copper (Cu) in broiler chicken. The experimental design was 3x4 factorial with three levels of Cu (8, 12, 16 ppm) and four sources (inorganic – IC, organic – OC, green nano – GNC, and market nano – MNC) resulting in 12 dietary treatments. The GNC was synthesised in the laboratory. A total of 480 day old chicken of same hatch and uniform body weight were procured and divided randomly in 12 treatment groups having 5 replicates with 8 birds in each (40 birds/treatment). The results revealed significantly higher body weight gain and feed intake in birds supplemented with GNC or MNC at 16 ppm Cu level. The better feed efficiency was observed at 16 ppm level of GNC or MNC. However, no significant effects of Cu levels or sources were observed on the carcass characteristics and cutup parts of broiler chicken. Similarly, enhanced cell mediated immune response measured as response to PHAP was observed in birds supplemented with GNC followed by MNC and at 16 ppm level. The humoral immune response, measure as response against sheep red blood cells, was higher in birds supplemented with MNC or GNC at 16 ppm level. Thus, this study concludes that supplementation of Cu in broiler chicken at 16 ppm level of nano form improves the growth and feed efficiency along with an enhanced immunity. The green nano Cu synthesised in this study was equally better in improving growth performance and immunity of birds as market nano Cu. However, green nano Cu was superior to market nano Cu in improving the cell mediated immunity of broiler chicken.

Examining the Nutrient Exchange in All Incubation Periods in Chukar Partridges

Background: This study was conducted to examine the development of the embryo during incubation and the composition, amount and consumption of the egg nutrients among Chukars (Alectoris chukar). Methods: A total of 1210 eggs were carefully separated into their components (albumen, yolk, shell, amniotic-allantoic fluid and embryo) on day 0 (fresh), in the first (day 7), second (day 14) and third (day 21) weeks of incubation and on the hatching date. The moisture, crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrate, crude ash and energy level were determined in egg components. Result: The albumen, yolk, shell, fluid and embryo rates were calculated to be 53.62, 34.84, 11.53, 0.0 and 0.0% in fresh egg, 16.74, 33.49, 16.22, 31.76 and 2.06% in the first week of incubation, 15.65, 28.32, 15.58, 23.35 and 17.10% in the second week of incubation and 0.0, 23.33, 19.38, 0.0 and 57.29% in the third week of incubation, respectively. The hatching weight of the chick was 16.16 g. The nutrients of the yolk, albumen, fluid and shell proportionally varied significantly in different periods of incubation. According to the nutrient changes calculated based on the weight differences of egg components, carbohydrates were mostly used for nutrients during incubation. It was found that even though the nutrients in all the egg components were used in the different periods of incubation, egg yolk was an important source for the embryo throughout the incubation period.

Effect of Adding Octacosanol, Oils of Wheat Germ, and Rice to The Diet on Sexual Maturity, Fertility, Hatching and Reproductive System Weight of Quail

This research was conducted to study the effect of adding different percentages of octacosanol (OC), wheat germ oil (WGO), and rice oil (RO) to the ration as an indicator of fertility and hatching of quail birds. Two hundred and eighty-eight quails were used in this study, aged 45 days, and distributed into 24 cages, each cage contained 12 birds (9 females/3 males) for three months. Quail birds were fed production ration. Treatments were added according to the following six treatments: (T1) as a control treatment without any addition, (T2) adding 15 mg octacosanol/kg feedstuff, (T3) adding 20 mg octacosanol/kg feedstuff, (T4) adding 25 mg octacosanol/kg feedstuff, (T5) adding 5 ml of wheat germ oil/kg feedstuff, (T6) adding 5 ml of rice oil/kg feedstuff. After the flock production exceeded 50% and the production of the herd stabilized, 300 eggs were randomly taken from all treatments (50 eggs/treatment) and inserted into an incubator for hatching. Age at sexual maturity, production of 25 and 50%, fertility rate, hatching ratio, The relative weight of the ovaries, egg ducts, and yolk weight were measured in this study. Results found a significant increase (P≤0.05) in the fertility rate for all treatments, but not T3, compared to the control group. Also, the hatchability rate of two ratios of hatching (total eggs and hatching from fertilized eggs) showed a significant increase in T4 compared to other treatments groups. In addition, results showed a significant increase in the relative weight of the second and third yolks for T4 compared to the control group. However, no significant differences showed between all of the experimental treatments in age at sexual maturity and production of 25 and 50% for quail eggs, ovarian weight, oviduct weights, and the relative weight of the first yolk.