Percent Hatch Research Articles

Structure and expression of Rhodnius prolixus GH18 chitinases and chitinase-like proteins: Characterization of the physiological role of RpCht7, a gene from subgroup VIII, in vector fitness and reproduction.

Chitinases are enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of glycosidic linkages within chitin chains. In insects, chitinases are typically members of the multigenic glycoside hydrolase family 18 (GH18). They participate in the relocation of chitin during development and molt, and in digestion in detritivores and predatory insects, and they control the peritrophic membrane thickness. Chitin metabolism is a promising target for developing vector control strategies, and knowledge of the roles of chitinases may reveal new targets and illuminate unique aspects of their physiology and interaction with microorganisms. Rhodnius prolixus is an important vector of Chagas disease, which is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. In this study, we performed annotation and structural characterization of nine chitinase and chitinase-like protein genes in the R. prolixus genome. The roles of their corresponding transcripts were studied in more depth; their physiological roles were studied through RNAi silencing. Phylogenetic analysis of coding sequences showed that these genes belong to different subfamilies of GH18 chitinases already described in other insects. The expression patterns of these genes in different tissues and developmental stages were initially characterized using RT-PCR. RNAi screening showed silencing of the gene family members with very different efficiencies. Based on the knockdown results and the general lack of information about subgroup VIII of GH18, the RpCht7 gene was chosen for phenotype analysis. RpCht7 knockdown doubled the mortality in starving fifth-instar nymphs compared to dsGFP-injected controls. However, it did not alter blood intake, diuresis, digestion, molting rate, molting defects, sexual ratio, percentage of hatching, or average hatching time. Nevertheless, female oviposition was reduced by 53% in RpCht7-silenced insects, and differences in oviposition occurred within 14–20 days after a saturating blood meal. These results suggest that RpCht7 may be involved in the reproductive physiology and vector fitness of R. prolixus.

The Efficacy of Methyl Alcohol Extracts of Albizzia lebbeck (L.) Benth Seeds , Melia azedarach L. Fruits and their mixture in Comparisom with Actellic Insecticide on Eggs and adult emergence of cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.)(Coleoptera:Bruc

This study has carried out in laboratory to reveal the efficacy of methyl alcohol extract of Albizzia lebbeck (L.) Benth seeds and Melia azedarach L. fruits , in addition to their mixtures ( 1:1) , which is compared with the insecticide Actellic 50% EC., on Eggs and adult emergence of cowpea weevil , Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) under laboratory conditions of 30+ 2 C. and 60+5% relative humidity.Results have shown that there is significant differences in percentages of egg hatching of 1 , 2 and 3 days old which is treated with concentrations of 2,4,6,8,10% of methyl alcohol extract of Albizzia lebbeck seeds and Melia azedarach fruits ; the concentrations of 1,2 and 3% of the mixture of both and the concentrations of 0.05 , 0.075 % of the insecticide. There is a converse relationship between egg hatching and concentrations . Eggs of 1 day old are more resistant than other ages , since the highest egg hatching , 87.5% and 72.2% for Albizzia lebbeck seeds and Melia azedarach fruits respectively occur with 2% concentration compared with control which is 98.00 and 96.00% for both of them respectively. While Adult emergence has reached 80.36 and 75.6 % compared with control which is 94.00 and 100.00% for both of them respectively for the same age and concentration. The lowest hatching and emergence percentages are 52.5 and 69.79% of Albizzia lebbeck seeds extract at 6% concentration and 17.5 , 72.22 % of Melia azedarach fruits extracts at 8% concentration . No egg hatching occurs at 8% concentration of Albizzia lebbeck and 10% of Melia azedarach extracts for all ages .The highest egg hatching of 1day eggs old and adult emergence is 45.49 and 87.50 % at 1% concentration for mixed extraction compared with control which is 100.0 and 96.67 % . The lowest egg hatching is 5.00 % at 3% concentration and the lowest adult emergence 25.0% at 2% concentration compared with control which is 100.0 and 93.33% for eggs of 3 days old ; and there is no adult emerged at 3% for all ages . The highest egg hatching of 55% occurs at 0.05 concentration of actellic for 1 day old compared with control treatment which is 100.0% , and there is no hatching for the other ages and concentrations.

Performance of hilly and naked neck hilly chicken at Naikhongchari of Bangladesh

A study was conducted to evaluate the production and hatching performances of hilly chickens and naked neck (NN) hilly chickens at the hilly areas of Naikhongchari regional station research farm of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI). The experimental chickens were reared in an open-sided poultry house under an intensive management system for a period of 18 month. The birds were allowed to take feed and clean drinking water ad libitum. Data on productive and reproductive performances of hilly and NN hilly chickens were recorded regularly. Result revealed that no significant (P>0.05) difference on body weight of day old, 2nd weeks and 4th weeks of age but significantly (P<0.05) differ on 6th to 12th weeks of age on hilly and NN hilly chicken. Result also showed that average feed intake and mortality percentage at day old to 12th weeks of age were significantly (P<0.05) differ among hilly and NN hilly chicken. It was found that no significant (P>0.05) difference of egg weight and chick weight between hilly and NN hilly chicken but significantly (P<0.05) differed in hatchability percentage. On the other hand, result exhibited that average body weight (ABW) of cock and hen, feed intake and mortality were significantly (P<0.05) differed among hilly and NN hilly chicken. Hen days egg production was significantly (P<0.05) differed between hilly and NN hilly chicken but no significant (P>0.05) difference of average total egg weight and age at first egg. These findings imply that Hilly chicken performance was better than NN hilly chicken in terms of body weight (BW), age at first egg (AFE) and egg production. Both hilly (feathered) and NN hilly chickens need to be conserved and improved further through selective breeding and a better management system.
 Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 51 (3): 133-137, 2022

BIOLOGY AND MORPHOMETRICS OF THE FALL ARMYWORM, Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. SMITH (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) IN IBADAN, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Studies on the development and morphological description of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda are important for its sustainable management on the continent. Such studies are, however scanty in Africa and non-existent in Nigeria. Consequently, we studied fall armyworm development on maize leaves from egg to moth. Data was collected on egg hatchability, development duration, and morphometrics of life stages. Total development duration for egg, larva, and pupa was 2–3, 11–12, and 7–10 days, respectively. Egg incubation period, diameter, and percentage hatchability were 2.10±0.06 days, 0.24±0.01 mm, and 81.50±2.28 %, respectively. Larva comprised six-instars; with the first and last respectively measuring 1.64±0.03 mm and 26.45±0.44 mm body-length, 0.18±0.01 and 3.45±0.07 mm body-width, 0.12±0.01 mm, and 2.45±0.02 mm head-capsule-width. Pupa body-length and body-width were 14.38±0.14 mm and 4.21±0.04 mm, respectively. Female moths were larger and emerged a day ahead of males. Body length, body width, and wingspan of male and female moths were 14.93±0.25 mm and 14.66±0.19 mm; 2.71±0.08 mm and 3.14±0.05 mm; and 13.65±0.24 mm and 14.17±0.14 mm, respectively. Development duration of S. frugiperda larvae in Nigeria is shorter than that reported in the Americas but within the range reported in other parts of Africa. Findings in the study also confirm the ability of S. frugiperda moths to survive without food for up to a week making them a possible contaminant of maize grains and other agricultural commodities during transcontinental trades. Information provided in this study will aid the detection, identification, and management of the pest on farmers’ field and on traded commodities.

Effect of Parental Age and Mating Status on Reproductive Performance of Orius laevigatus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae).

Simple SummaryThe successful function of biological control agents (BCAs) in a crop heavily depends on their reproductive potential, and it all begins at the mating. Reproductive potential is crucial for both the mass-rearing and field performance of natural enemies. The present study aimed to evaluate how many consecutive females of Orius laevigatus a male can mate and the effect on female’s reproductive performance. In addition, we wanted to see the effect of the age of the male and female at mating. In the multiple mating experiment, the males of O. laevigatus showed a high capacity to fertilize females successively, not reducing the fecundity until the sixth mated female. Therefore, the proportion of males in mass rearing could be reduced. In the delayed mating experiment, copulation duration and fecundity increased with the age of the male but decreased with the age of the female. In contrast, fertility (percentage of egg hatching) followed a pattern contrary to fecundity, increasing with female age but decreasing with male age, although it did not counterbalance the advantage granted by higher fecundity. In conclusion, reproductive capacity is increased with very young females and with males a few days old.The reproductive potential of biological control agents (BCAs) is crucial for efficient mass-rearing and field performance, and it all begins with mating. Fecundity can be strongly influenced by intrinsic conditions, such as female age and, often neglected, male age and mating status. However, little is known about the impact of parental status at mating on female reproductive outcomes in BCAs. Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) is widely used to control thrips in protected crops. We evaluated how many consecutive females a male could successfully mate and the effect on a female’s reproductive output. In addition, we studied the effects of male and female age on mating. In the multiple mating experiment, the males showed a high capacity to fertilize females successively, not reducing fecundity until the sixth mated female. In the delayed mating experiment, copulation duration and fecundity increased with male age but decreased with female age. In contrast, fertility followed an opposite pattern, increasing with female age but decreasing with male age. However, fecundity gains outweighed fertility declines in both sexes. Therefore, reproductive capacity is increased when mating newly emerged females with males a few days old. The implications of our results for mass rearing and field performance are discussed.

Use of a cost-effective artificial feeding system to evaluate the effect of blood meal source and its role in feeding success, reproductive parameters and larval growth of laboratory-reared Aedes Aegypti (L.)

Five different blood sources, human, cattle, rabbit, sheep and dog were delivered to laboratory-reared Aedes Aegypti to determine the effect of blood meal source on reproductive performance and larval growth characteristics of the mosquitoes. The blood meal was delivered with the use of a cost-effective artificial membrane feeding system. The mosquitoes displayed a significant feeding success for human blood over the other given blood meal sources. Thus, significantly a higher fecundity for human blood followed by cattle blood over other given blood meal sources was observed. The mean percentage of egg hatching for human blood and cattle blood was more or less the same, while the values were significantly different from that of other given blood meal sources rabbit, sheep and dog. Furthermore, larval growth parameters did not show any significant relationship with the blood meal source. These findings agree with established literature and facilitate the rearing and maintaining of Ae. Aegypti mosquitoes in a cost-effective manner. Hence the findings of the study aid in empowering laboratory research on Ae. Aegypti cost-effectively while enabling studies on its biology in in vitro conditions which are crucial in implementing disease control strategies.

Efficacy of Rauvolfia tetraphylla Leaf extracts against the Vector of Lymphatic Filariasis Culex quinquefasciatus

The Rauvolfia tetraphylla leaf extract with different solvents n-hexane, chloroform, acetone and methanolwere tested for larvicidal, ovicidal, oviposition attractant/deterrent activities. Their effect on larval nutritionalreserve against Culex quinquefasciatus was also studied. Larval mortality was observed after 24 hoursexposure. The LC50 values for n-hexane, chloroform, acetone, methanol extracts are 16.80, 91.56, 214.85,44.68 ppm, respectively. The mean percentage hatchability of the ovicidal activity was observed 48 hourspost treatment. For R. tetraphylla, methanolic extract exhibited 56 % egg hatchability at 125 ppm. The effectiveoviposition repellency was 100 % at 320 ppm and the oviposition activity index value -1 was shown by nhexaneextract of R. tetraphylla. The fourth instar of C. quinquefasciatuswhere exposed to LC50 concentrationof extracts and its on larval nutritional reserves was checked. All extracts showed moderate effect on larvalnutritional reserves, i.e. changes in total concentration of sugar, glycogen, lipid and protein. The averagevalues of total sugar, glycogen, lipid and protein are 9.47, 32.32, 54.50, 183.35 μg/larvae was found infourth instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus. From the all-leaf extracts, the methanol extract affects the totalsugar, lipid; n-hexane extract to glycogen and acetone extract to protein of fourth instar larvae of the mosquitoand decreases up to 3.39, 20.71, 11.18, 91.05 μg/larvae, respectively. These results reveal that the R. tetraphyllaleaf extracts have the control potential against C. quinquefasciatus.

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.

Morphometric measurements, productive and reproductive performance of Deshi black and Deshi white duck

At the Central Duck Breeding Farm Hajiganj in Narayanganj, Bangladesh, morphometrics, productive, and reproductive performances of Deshi black and Deshi white ducks were measured under intensive conditions. Body length, head length, bill length, neck length, feather length, and shank length of mature male and female Deshi black and Deshi white ducks measured 59.56 ± 0.87 cm and 61.87 ± 0.48 cm, 2.25 ± 0.12 cm, and 3.4 ± 0.06 cm, 5.86 ± 0.12 cm, and 6.23 ± 0.06 cm, 19.21 ± 0.47 cm and 21.08 ± 0.26 cm, 21.85 ± 0.53 cm and 26.71 ± 0.29 cm, 9.93 ± 0.29 cm and 10.81 ± 0.16 cm, respectively. Morphometric features were significantly (p < 0.01, p < 0.05) higher in females than males. But no significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected between the two types of ducks except for the body, head, and feather length (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). At a day old, 4th week, 8th week, and 12th week of age, the body weights (LSMean ± SE) of male and female Deshi black and Deshi white ducks were 42.65 ± 0.35 gm and 43.40 ± 0.35 gm, 318.00 ± 9.13 gm and 319.04 ± 9.13 gm, 835.85 ± 8.94 gm and 794.20 ± 8.94 gm, 1345.80 ± 2.67 gm and 1347.90 ± 2.67 gm, respectively (gm = gram). Females were substantially heavier than males at 8 weeks of age (p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference in body weights between the two types of ducks (p > 0.05) until the 12th week of age (p < 0.01). Deshi black and Deshi white ducks reached sexual maturity at 136.0 ± 0.52 and 139.0 ± 0.52 days, respectively, and had 67.62 ± 0.83% and 63.18 ± 0.83%, 63.63 ± 0.56%, and 59.42 ± 0.56% fertility. Deshi black ducks had a substantially higher age at sexual maturity, fertility, and hatchability percentage (%) than Deshi white ducks (p < 0.01). For Deshi black and Deshi white, the egg weight, female weight at 1st lay, and egg weight at 1st lay were 66.69 ± 0.49 gm and 66.78 ± 0.49 gm, 1439.55 ± 6.98 gm and 1422.0 ± 6.98 gm, 48.90 ± 0.18 gm and 47.12 ± 0.18 gm, respectively. Deshi black duck egg weight was considerably (p < 0.01) higher than Deshi white duck egg weight at first lay. Deshi black and Deshi white ducks produced 214.65 and 211.402.65 eggs per year, respectively (p > 0.05). The study's findings gave some baseline information on Bangladesh's Deshi black and Deshi white ducks, which could benefit conservation and future enhancement efforts.

A response surface model to predict the profitability of raising small-scale free range domestic pigeon

The study aimed to investigate the comparative profitability of raising different breeds of small- scale free range domestic pigeon in the Chattogram metropolitan area of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was carried out for a period of three months from July to September 2021 using a structured questionnaire. Results indicated that there were no differences among the performance parameters of the non-descriptive, Gola and Giribaz breeds of pigeon. However, the non-descriptive breeds produced more eggs and thus squabs per year than the Gola and Giribaz. Similarly, the average pause size, feed supply per day and market age were lower in the local breeds compared with Gola and Giribaz. Hatchability percentage of the local breed was higher than the other breeds. Average mortality was moderately higher in the Giribaz. The average flock size was 4.9±0.70 pair. The average annual egg and squab productions were 20.6±1.10 and 10.7±1.00 pairs, respectively. The average daily feed supply was 37.8±1.5 g/bird. The average clutch and pause sizes were 2.0 and 17.3 day, respectively. Average market age, hatchability and mortality were 30.6±0.90 day, 51.4±2.20% and 7.6±1.6%, respectively. Mean feed and housing cost were 1008±24.7 and 443±42.8 Bangladeshi taka (BDT) per pair/year, respectively. Mean market price per pair adult and per squab was BDT 365±18.6 and 130±4.9, respectively. Flock size and pause size had strong positive and negative correlations with annual squab production. There were no significant differences between the net profit of the farms rearing different breeds of pigeon. However, farms raising local breeds had the highest annual net profit (BDT 823/pair) compared with other farms raising Giribaz (BDT 478/pair) and Gola breeds (BDT 319.70/pair). Principal component analysis identified annual egg production and feed cost as the principal eigenvector determining net profit. It was concluded that despite marginal profit, small-scale free range domestic pigeon farming was economically viable for the subsistence of the rural livelihoods. Keywords: Free range, Giribaz, Gola, Pigeon, Profitability.

Effect of antibiotic materials on rugose spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) oviposition

The rugose spiralling whitefly is an invasive sucking pest on horticultural crops found in India. Elimination of endomicrobial communities harboured in hosts through antibiotic treatments adversely affects the fitness parameters of rugose spiralling whitefly. Keeping this in view, the present study aimed to evaluate the ovicidal action of antibiotics against rugose spiralling whiteflies reared on four host plants. Antibiotics with varied modes of action were erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, carbenicillin and cefotaxime and were applied to coconut, banana, sapota and guava leaves for whitefly oviposition. Antibiotic treatment, carbenicillin 100 μg/mL + ciprofloxazin 5 μg/mL significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced the oviposition and % egg hatchability of whiteflies reared in coconut (13 eggs/spiral and 61.54%), banana (15 eggs/spiral and 60.00%), sapota (15 eggs/spiral and 66.67%) and guava (16 eggs/spiral and 56.25%). The reduction in the number of eggs per spiral and hatchability percentage proved that antibiotic treatments significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced rugose spiralling whitefly fecundity. Antibiotic material affects the fitness parameters of whitefly by disrupting the endomicrobial communities associated with whitefly. Antibacterial materials have a potential plant protection role in the management of whiteflies by reducing population growth.

Impact of Organic Zinc and Vitamin-E Supplementation on Production Performance, Egg Quality and Hatching Traits of Japanese Quail

The objective of current study was to investigate the effects of Zn (organic and inorganic) and Vitamin-E on egg production, quality and hatchability of Japanese quails. The experiment carried out for a period of 12 weeks, total of 640 7 weeks old quails were randomly assigned to eight (80 quails in each) different dietary treatments A (control), B, C, D, E, F, G and H under completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment group was further replicated into four sub units with twenty quails in each (comprising five male and fifteen female). The results revealed that adding Zinc+Vit-E to diets caused a significant effect (P&amp;lt;0.05) on weekly egg production, while the difference in egg production due to interactive effect of weeks × treatments was insignificant (P&amp;gt;0.05). Average weekly egg production was significantly greater (P&amp;lt;0.05) in group H (82.45/bird), followed by group F (78.27), G (77.93) and E (77.50/bird). Relatively lower egg production of 77.22, 76.97, 76.41and 74.14/bird was recorded in groups D, C and A respectively. Whereas, diets had insignificant effect (P&amp;gt;0.05) on egg exterior quality including (weight, length, width and shape index) as well as interior quality (albumen height, width, yolk weight, height, and width). However, the dietary Zn and Vit-E had a significant effect on egg hatchability percentage (P&amp;lt;0.05). The higher hatchability percentage was observed in group H (75.66 %) followed by F, E and G (72.33, 70.0 and 67.25 percent) respectively. While, the lower hatchability % was in group B (62.75), C (62.0), D (56.17) and control A (50.42%). Supplementary dietary treatments showed significant effects (P&amp;lt;0.05) on dead germs. Results indicates that dead embryos were least (5.00) in group H, followed by groups F , E and G as 6.41, 7.50 and 7.75 dead germs, respectively were examined. Similar pattern was also observed for dead chicks in eggs shell affected by feeding dietary treatments. Significantly the highest hatched chick weight (9.21 g) was obtained in group H than in groups F, E and G, where recorded 9.16, 9.03 and 9.02 g respectively. The average chick weight declined to 8.97, 8.96 and 8.92 g in groups B, C and D respectively; while the least average chick weight (8.92 g) was recorded in control (A). The current finding revealed that supplementation of Zn (organic and inorganic) and Vitamin E had significant effect on Japanese quail egg production, quality and hatchability reread under different dietary treatments.

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 &lt;0.05) through generations from 1st to 4th on egg production percentage and weight of eggs produced / kg, a significant increase (P &lt;0.05) for feed consumption / kg as well as a significant decrease (P &lt;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 &lt;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 &lt;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.

Growth and productivity of Kampung chicken fed with different protein levels

This research aimed to study the growth and productivity of kampung chicken fed with different protein level. Kampung chickens were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 10 replications. The treatments were Ration with 14% protein content (A), Ration with 16% protein content (B), Ration with 18% protein content (C) and Ration with 20% protein content (D). The variables observed were body weight, weight gain, consumption, FCR, digestibility, egg production, percentage of hatched eggs and income over feed. Data were analyzed by variance and if there was a significant difference between treatments (P&lt;0.05), it was continued with Duncan's multiple distance test. The results showed that the protein level of the diet 18% significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased weight gain, egg production, and better feed use efficiency. The provision of 20% protein gave the same effect (P&gt;0.05) on growth, production. Income over feed costs tended to be lower in the protein level of the 20% than 18%. It can be concluded that kampung chickens reared in enriched cages with a ration protein level of 18% and metabolic energy of 2850 kcal/kg showed the best performance in terms of growth, production, hatch percentage, and income over fee cost.

Effect of Abiotic Climatic Factors on the Gonadal Maturation of the Biocontrol Agent Sphaerophoria rueppellii (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Syrphidae).

Simple SummaryKnowledge about the morphology and functioning of the male and female reproductive system in insects is key to understanding their reproductive biology, and to assessing the effects that environmental factors, such as temperature or photoperiod, can have on oviposition, fecundity, and lifespan. This knowledge is particularly interesting in those species that are mass-reared, as in the case of the predatory syrphid Sphaerophoria rueppellii. Given the lack of published information regarding sexual maturation in syrphids, this type of study, applied to beneficial insects used as biological control agents, offers, firstly, the chance to improve their mass breeding under controlled conditions and, secondly, to know their capability for pest control response under field conditions. Our results show that photoperiod and temperature affect development and gonad maturation in S. rueppellii males and females.The hoverfly Sphaerophoria rueppellii is currently one of the most effective predators commercially available for aphid pest control. However, knowledge of the reproductive system of males and females of this syrphid is limited. The present article aims to report how changes in the temperature and photoperiod may affect development of the gonads (ovaries and testes), oviposition, and fecundity during the lifespan of S. rueppellii. Four environmental conditions (14L:10D, T: 20 ± 1 °C; 12L:12D, T: 20 ± 1 °C; 14L:10D, T: 25 ± 1 °C; and 12L:12D, T: 25 ± 1 °C) were used to determine oviposition, hatching percentage, and lifespan during a period of 30 days after the adult emergence. The maturation of the ovaries was done under three treatments (barley leaves with aphids always available; barley leaves two days per week with aphids available; no barley leaves available), and in the same environmental conditions noted above. Males at 14L:10D, 20 ± 1 °C; and 14L:10D, 25 ± 1 °C; were used to analyze and study the maturation of the testes. Females at 14L:10D; T: 25 ± 1 °C showed a significant difference in oviposition, percentage of hatching, and rate of eggs. A detailed description of the male and female gonads was undertaken, and it was determined that the conditions in which males sexually mature early are at 14L:10D, 25 ± 1 °C. These results will improve the application of S. rueppellii in crops, for the control of aphid pests.

CONTROL OF EGG HATCHER TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY WITH AIR AS A MATLAB-BASED CONTROL

AbstractEgg incubator on the market consists of three systems, namely manual, semi-automatic and automatic. The three egg hatching systems use water as a medium to control temperature and humidity in the hatchery. The use of water in the hatchery is very troublesome because it must always monitor the availability of water due to evaporation. In addition, the presence of water in the hatchery can invite mosquitoes to nest. For this reason, the author uses air as a medium to control temperature and humidity in the hatchery so that these things do not happen. In this study, analysis and simulation was carried out using Matlab software to find the best rise time value for the distance between the heating element and the egg rack so that the temperature on the egg rack was 38oC. In addition, an analysis of heat propagation from the heat source (heating element) to the egg rack was carried out using Solidworks software. Furthermore, an analysis of the air flow rate in the hatchery was carried out in the ventilation holes below and above the hatchery using solidworks software. After all the simulation data is obtained, a prototype is made to test the hatch percentage value on the egg incubator made. From the simulation results of the Matlab software, the distance between the heater and the egg rack is 11 cm, which has the best rise time value of 2.8 minutes. The simulation results from the Matlab software then simulated heat propagation using the Solidworks software on the egg rack to obtain a temperature of around 50oC. The simulation results of several air ventilation holes in the hatchery against the air flow rate obtained an even air flow rate in the hatchery. From the observation of the egg incubator prototype, the temperature was 38oC and the humidity was between 56% - 72% and the average hatching percentage was 28%. Keywords: Temperature, Humidity, Egg Incubator, MATLAB

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

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

Effect of weight and storage time of broiler breeders’ eggs on morphology and biochemical features of eggs, embryogenesis, hatchability, and chick quality

The transfer of hatchability results obtained under experimental conditions to the commercial ground with a positive financial effect proves the value and usefulness of these data. On the other hand, finding results on commercial processes of broiler breeders’ egg incubation in the literature is challenging. The presented study aimed to determine the effects of egg weight and storage time on the physical, biochemical characteristics of hatching eggs, embryogenesis and hatchability in Ross 308 broiler breeders. On the laying day, the eggs were divided into four weight groups: S – small eggs (57–61 g), M – medium eggs (62–66 g), L – large eggs (67–71 g), and XL – extra-large eggs (72–76 g). The eggs were then stored for 3, 7, 14, and 21 days under controlled conditions. As the egg storage time increased, a decrease in the yolk quality (lower index) was observed. The highest Haugh units were found in eggs from the S and M groups. The cholesterol content of the M, L, and XL groups was lower on days 7, 14, and 21 as compared to that of eggs only stored for 3 days. Egg weight loss during incubation decreased with an increase in the egg weight. An extension of the egg storage time caused an increase in the loss of egg weight. On the 14th and 18th days of hatching, an increase in the eggshell temperature was noted with an increase in the weight of the egg. The eggs stored for 7 days were characterised by the highest shell temperature on each day. The highest hatchability percentage was recorded for the M group. The hatchability rate decreased with the prolongation of the storage time, while the number of crippled chicks after hatching increased. The results confirmed that the increased weight of the eggs and prolonged storage time (14 and 21 days) increased the weight and decreased the length of the newly hatched chicks, respectively. Chicks from the heaviest eggs and those stored for 14 and 21 days showed poor results on the Pasgar score® test. The observations indicate the need to adopt various (of those available) methods to assess the quality of newly hatched chicks in hatcheries in order to produce high-quality broiler chickens. The results also indicate that prolonged egg storing beyond 14 days may affect the thyroid hormone economy during the hatching of chicks, especially in the XL group.

Spawning performance and survival of Clarias gariepinus fry bred under different water sources in Abakaliki Metropolis

The study was conducted to compare effects of three different water sources on hatchability and survival of Clarias gariepinus fry. The water sources used were: rain (RNW), borehole (BHW) and well (WLW). The experiment involved artificial induced breeding of C. gariepinus and rearing the resultant larvae/hatchlings for 14 days to assess reproductive performance. Hatchability was estimated 24 hours after incubation, while larval survival was determined at 14 days’ post hatching. Data resulting from the experiment were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Percentage hatchability in all water sources were relatively high with the highest mean value of 93.1±1.60% obtained in RNW experiment. Larval survival after 14 days’ post hatching was above average with the highest mean value of 63.7±2.41% recorded in BHW while RNW recorded the lowest mean value of 44.2±0.55%. The results of this study has demonstrated that borehole water may be a suitable water source for induced artificial spawning of the African catfish and subsequent larval rearing.&#x0D; Keywords: Brood Stock, Hypophysation, Propagation, Water quality, Milt, Hatching

Comparative effects of hypoxia, hypercapnia, and hypoxia/hypercapnia on the mortality and survival of Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The bean beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) is one of the most damaging insects of Phaseolus bean worldwide, particularly in Africa. This study aimed to determine the effect of modified atmospheres (MAs) with CO2, N2 and its combination on the mortality and survival of all developmental stages of A. obtectus. All stages were exposed to three gas mixtures [99% N2 in air (hypoxia), 20% CO2 in air (hypercapnia), and 14% CO2 + 85% N2 + 1% O2 (combination)] at different exposure periods that lasted for 3 h or its duplicates until 100% mortality. The results revealed that the three gas mixtures had significant effects on the mortality of A. obtectus stages, which increased gradually with increasing exposure periods. Hypercapnia and hypoxia/hypercapnia effects were more severe on adult A. obtectus, which led to 100% mortality after 3 days of exposure for both treatments. No hatchability was recorded for both hypercapnia and hypoxia after 7 days of exposure, but hypoxia/hypercapnia led to 100% mortality after 5 days of exposure only. Also, the hypoxia/hypercapnia mixture was more effective on both larvae and pupae than hypoxia or hypercapnia alone. Hypoxia was also more effective on both larvae and pupae than hypercapnia. According to the LT50 and LT95 values, all stages of A. obtectus were more susceptible to hypoxia/hypercapnia than hypercapnia or hypoxia separately. Moreover, the sensitivity of all stages of A. obtectus to hypoxia/hypercapnia could be arranged as adult > egg = larva > pupa. The results showed that all gas mixtures led to fewer eggs per female, decreased of hatchability percentages, and less adult emergence percentages compared to the untreated control. Therefore, this study provides a greater understanding of hypercapnia, hypoxia, or hypoxia/hypercapnia in A. obtectus and shows the advantages of the hypoxia and hypercapnia combination in modified atmosphere treatments.