Hatch Weight Research Articles

Características produtivas de Kinosternon scorpioides nas fases de acasalamento, postura e eclosão, criados em cativeiro na Amazônia

Objetivou-se estudar os índices das características produtivas de muçuãs (Kinosternon scorpioides) visando nortear manejos adequados para a sustentabilidade da atividade. Analisou-se 84 acasalamentos, 742 posturas e 1979 nascimentos em cativeiro, determinando-se: a estação reprodutiva e a distribuição dos acasalamentos; a duração do acasalamento; a razão sexual; a duração do período de desenvolvimento do ovo (PDO); a frequência de múltiplas posturas; duração do período de nidificação; a correlação entre tempo de nidificação e número de ovos; o número de ovos viáveis; a correlação entre número, peso, comprimento e largura dos ovos; a análise descritiva para as características biométricas e peso dos ovos; a duração do período de incubação; a estação de nascimentos; as análises descritivas de peso e medidas corporais para os filhotes e a correlação entre as variáveis. A estação reprodutiva é sazonal, concentrando os acasalamentos na época mais chuvosa do ano com duração média de 00:23:00 h, com razão sexual de 2,38 ± 1,67:1. O PDO foi de 122,98 ± 45,38 dias. A distribuição das posturas apresentou uma tendência de clímax entre junho e agosto. A duração da nidificação foi de 02:57:00 h. A viabilidade dos ovos foi de 20%. A correlação entre as características biométricas, peso e o número de ovos foi positiva. Os resultados biométricos do ovo foram de 34,5 mm de comprimento e 18 mm de largura, com peso de 7,90 g. O período de incubação foi de 129,31 ± 19,57 dias, com os nascimentos se concentrando entre os meses de setembro a dezembro. As correlações das características biométricas com o peso dos filhotes foram positivas.

Impact of maternal heat stress in conjunction with dietary zinc supplementation on hatchability, embryonic development, and growth performance in offspring broilers

The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternal dietary supplementations with different zinc (Zn) sources could reduce the deleterious effect of maternal heat stress on hatchability performance and progeny growth performance. A completely randomized design (n = 6) with 2 maternal environmental temperatures [normal 21 ± 1°C (NT) vs. high 32 ± 1°C (HT)] × 3 maternal dietary supplemental Zn levels [Zn-unsupplemented control diet (CON), the control diet + 110 mg of Zn/kg of diet as either inorganic ZnSO4 (iZn) or organic Zn with a moderate chelation strength (oZn)] was used. HT decreased (P < 0.05) fertility, hatchability, chick hatch weight, and embryonic survival. HT also decreased (P ≤ 0.05) progeny BW, ADG, and ADFI at one to 21, 22 to 28, and 29 to 42 d of age as well as breast muscle ratio and plasma aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase activities at 42 d of age. Maternal dietary Zn supplementation with either iZn or oZn increased (P < 0.004) Zn contents in yolk and liver, non-weak chick ratio, as well as progeny BW, ADFI, and survivability at one to 21 d of age. Notably, the addition of oZn increased (P < 0.05) hatchability and progeny thigh meat quality by reducing b* value. The progeny ADG at one to 21 d and 22 to 28 d of age and BW at 28 d of age from maternal NT were not affected (P > 0.46) by maternal dietary Zn supplementation, but the above 3 indices from HT-iZn (P < 0.05) and HT-oZn (P < 0.003) were higher than those from HT-CON. Our results indicate that maternal heat stress impairs hatching performance, embryonic development, and progeny growth performance, inducing metabolic changes, while supplementation of Zn in maternal diets regardless of Zn sources improved hatch chick quality and survivability of offspring and alleviated the negative effect of maternal heat stress on growth performance of offspring during the starter period. In addition, maternal dietary supplementation with the organic Zn improved hatchability and progeny meat quality.

Phenotype correlation of external and incubation traits of Italian White Goose eggs and goslings after hatching

Based on observations and established results related to reproduction characteristics, i.e. physical and incubation values of the Italian White Goose, following conclusions were drawn: out of 400 incubated eggs, 352 were fertilised (88.00%); 316 goslings were hatched (79% and 89.77% out of the number of inlaid and the number of fertilised eggs respectively); while the mortality during the incubation period (early, medium and late) amounted to 36 dead embryos (9.00% and 11.39% out of the number of incubated and the number of fertilised eggs respectively). Furthermore, following correlation was established by calculating the coefficients of phenotype correlation between major traits: very weak – between egg weight and egg shape index (rp = 0.180**); absolute – between egg weight and hatching weight of goslings (rp = 0.986***); medium – between egg weight and gosling percentage in the egg weight (rp = 0.477***); weak – between egg shape index and gosling weight (rp = 0.195***); while between the egg shape index and the gosling percentage in the egg weight no statistically significant (P&gt;0.05) correlation was established (rp = 0.031NS).

Effects of Protein in Diet and Sex Ratio on Egg Production, Egg and Hatching Chick Weight, Fertility, Hatchability and Embryonal Mortality in Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus)

ABSTRACT This study was performed to investigate the effects of crude protein (CP) in diet and sex ratio on egg production, egg and hatching chick weight and hatchability traits in pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus). In this study, the treatment groups were constructed as 15% CP-5:1; 15% CP-7:1; 18% CP-5:1; 18% CP-7:1 for CP and sex (male:female) ratio respectively. The eggs were obtained from 48 weeks old pheasant. In this study, it was determined that there was positive effective on egg production, egg and hatching weight and hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE) for 18% CP. In contrast, fertility (FR) (p 0.05), EPEM (p>0.05) and MPEM (p>0.05) tended to decrease with increasing CP. It was found that there was egg production, egg (p>0.05) and hatching weight (p>0.05), FR (p>0.05), HR (p>0.05) and HFE (p>0.05) increased with increasing female for sex ratio. In terms of embryonic mortality, the EPEM (p>0.05) and LPEM (p>0.05) rate decreased with increasing female. For protein levels × sex ratio, it was found that hatchability traits were adversely affected for 15% CP-1:7. Also, it was determined that the lowest EPEM, MPEM and LPEM were determined for 7:1 in 18% CP group. Based on these results, to improve hatchability traits and a lower embryonic mortality rate, it may be beneficial to use 15% CP-5:1 or 18% CP-7:1 for pheasant breeding.

Modeling Absolute and Allometric Growth in Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata undulata) in Captivity

Absolute and allometric growth of Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata undulata) were studied. Using body weight measurements from hatch till 120 days of age, the Gompertz-Laird growth model was used to describe the growth pattern of the Houbara. Whereas the model underpredicted the hatching weight (34 vs 40 g), the predicted asymptotic body weight was in concordance with the data (1193 g). The same growth model was also used to describe the growth pattern of beak and shank length, chest girth and wing span. The beak reached asymptotic length faster than the shank, chest girth and wing span. We used the log transformed relationship of Huxley to determine the allometric relationship of beak length, shank length, chest girth and wing span relative to body weight from hatch to 120 days. The allometric growth analysis indicated that, beak length, shank length, chest girth and wing span all followed a hypometric allometry (b&lt;1) relative to body weight growth. However, the wing span has the highest allometric growth compared to the other measurements indicating the evolutionary importance of developing wings for quick flights from predators.

Effects of In Ovo feeding of dextrin-iodinated casein in broilers: I. Hatch weights and early growth performance

This study was conducted to determine the effect of in ovo feeding of dextrin (Dext) and iodinated casein (IC) on hatch and early growth in broilers. Three experiments were conducted at a commercial hatchery using a commercial Inovoject™ system with treatments occurring in conjunction with vaccination at transfer from incubator to hatcher units (18.5 to 19 d embryonic development). In all 3 experiments, approximately 15,000 eggs (2,500 eggs per group) were treated and transferred to a single hatcher unit. Treatments in Exp. 1 consisted of buffered saline solution alone (Control, Cont) or a dextrin solution (Dext, 18% maltodextrin, 10% potato starch dextrin) containing zero, 80, 240, 720, or 2,160 μg IC/mL. The results of this initial experiment indicated that broiler chicks at hatch that received 240 and 720 μg IC/mL in Dext were heavier (P < 0.05) compared to the other treatment groups; there were no differences in hatchability between groups. Based on these findings, subsequent studies used treatments of zero, 240, and 480 μg/mL IC in Dext or Cont. In Exp. 2, hatch weights in all treatment groups were higher (P < 0.05) compared to those receiving Cont. In Exp. 3, chicks given Dext alone or 240 and 480 μg/mL in saline weighed less at hatch compared to the other treatment groups. However, chicks provided Dext alone in Exp. 3 had less weight loss after a 24-hour holding period compared to the other groups. All treatment groups exhibited greater weight gain from one to 10 d compared to the Cont group. The results indicate that in ovo feeding of broiler embryos with Dext containing 240 and 480 μg IC/mL may have beneficial effects on broiler hatch weights and early growth rate.

Effect of in ovo feeding of dextrin-iodinated casein in broilers: II. Hatch window and growth performance

Studies were conducted using a commercial InovojectTM system to determine effects of in ovo feeding of dextrin and iodinated casein (IC) on hatch and posthatch growth in broilers. At ∼18.5 d embryonic development, eggs were treated with 0, 240, or 480 μg IC/mL in saline (Cont, IC240, and IC480) or dextrin (Dext, DextIC240 and DextIC480). The Dext solution consisted of 18% maltodextrin and 10% potato starch dextrin; saline was the vehicle used by the company for in ovo vaccination. The volume for all in ovo treatments was 50 μL/injection. Eggs in Experiment 1 were transferred to a commercial hatcher unit whereas eggs in Experiments 2 and 3 were transferred to a research hatcher unit to assess effects of treatments on timing of hatch. At hatch, chicks were randomly selected and placed in floor pens and grown to 6 wk. In Experiment 1, there were no differences in hatch weights, but broilers provided Dext IC240 in ovo were heavier (P < 0.05) at 6 wk compared to other treatments with the exception of the Dext IC240 group. In Experiment 2, hatch weights were heavier (P < 0.05) in chicks receiving IC240 and DexIC480 treatments compared to Controls. At 6 wk, broilers in all treatments were heavier (P < 0.05) than Cont with the exception of IC480. In Experiment 3, hatch was stimulated by IC240 (in saline), but was delayed by Dext IC240. Serum analysis of β-hydroxybutyrate (μM/mL), as an indicator of ketone accumulation from fat metabolism of chicks held in chick boxes for 24 h posthatch (to simulate delay in placement after hatch), indicated that chicks in the IC240 group (that hatched earlier) had higher blood ketones compared to chicks that received Dext or DextIC240 in ovo (that hatched later). We conclude dextrin and iodinated casein (240 μg/mL) provided in ovo (∼18.5 d of embryonic development) has the potential to improve chick quality and posthatch body weight by delaying or narrowing hatch window.

Comparative effect of arginine and/or tryptophan in ovo feeding on hatchability percentage, growth performance and economic importance of commercial broiler

In ovo feeding is the administration of exogenous nutrients into the amnion of the late-term avian embryo so that the avian embryo orally consumes the amniotic fluid (primarily water and albumen protein) prior to pipping the air cell. So the study was carried out to find out the effect of in ovo nutrition on post-hatch performances in broilers. Total 700 fertile eggs of Cobb 400 with uniform egg weight were divided into 5 groups: non-injected control, injected control (0.5 ml of 0.9% normal saline), arginine (0.5 ml of 0.5% arginine), tryptophan (0.5 ml of 0.5% tryptophan) and combination (0.25 ml of 0.5% each of arginine and tryptophan); and injected on 18 d of incubation into amnion. On the 21d, 108 chicks were randomly selected from each treatment in total accounting 540 chicks. The hatchability and hatch weight were studied where arginine had shown a highly significant improved hatch weight and placement weight. There was no significant difference in feed efficiency, but cumulative feed intake was higher in tryptophan and combination groups. Body weight and body weight gain had also resulted significantly in arginine fed in ovo groups up to 21d of age. The broiler farm economy index (BFEI) and broiler feed price ratio (BFPR) were best in tryptophan and arginine in ovo fed groups, respectively.

Effects of in ovo feeding of creatine pyruvate on the hatchability, growth performance and energy status in embryos and broiler chickens

The effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) of creatine pyruvate (CrPyr) on the hatchability, growth performance and energy status of embryos and broilers (Arbor Acres) were investigated. Five treatments were arranged as non-injected treatment (Control), 0.6 ml physiological saline (0.75%) injected treatment (Saline), and IOF treatments injected with 0.6 ml physiological saline (0.75%) containing 3, 6 or 12 mg CrPyr (CrPyr3, CrPyr6 or CrPyr12) into the amnion per fertile egg on day 17.5 of incubation. After hatching, 80 male chicks from each treatment with similar weight close to the average BW of their pooled group were selected and randomly assigned into eight replicates of 10 chicks each. The results showed that the hatchability was not affected among groups, whereas the hatching weight of broilers in CrPyr12 was significantly higher than the control and saline groups (P<0.05). At 21 day post-hatch, the BWs of broilers in CrPyr6 and CrPyr12 were increased relative to the control and saline groups (P<0.05). Chickens in CrPyr6 and CrPyr12 exhibited higher BW gain and feed intake than the control and saline groups during 8 to 21 days post-hatch and the entire experiment period (P<0.05). Compared with the control and saline groups, the total and relative weight of pectoral muscle of embryos or chickens were greater in CrPyr6 and CrPyr12 at 19th day of incubation (19 E), hatch, 3 and 21 days post-hatch (P<0.05). The concentrations of glucose and glycogen in liver were increased in CrPyr6 and CrPyr12 at 19 E and hatch (P<0.05). Neither glycogen nor glucose concentration in pectoral muscle was altered among treatments (P>0.05). Irrespective of dosage, the concentrations of creatine and phosphocreatine, and activities of creatine kinase in embryos were enhanced in CrPyr treatments at 19 E when compared with the control and saline groups (P<0.05). The activities of glucose-6-phosphatase in liver in CrPyr6 and CrPyr12 treatments were higher than the control and saline groups at 19 E (P<0.05). In conclusion, these results indicated that IOF of CrPyr, especially at the level of 12 mg/egg, could improve energy status of embryos and hatchlings, which was useful for enhancing hatching weight, BW and pectoral muscle weight until the end of the experiments at 21 days post-hatch in broilers.

The effect of intra-amniotic and posthatch dietary synbiotic administration on the performance, intestinal histomorphology, cecal microbial population, and short-chain fatty acid composition of broiler chickens

This study evaluated the effect of intra-amniotic synbiotic inclusion and continued synbiotic supplementation in the diet on the performance, intestinal epithelium integrity, and cecal microflora of broiler chickens. In Experiment 1, 510 eggs containing viable embryos were divided into 3 groups of 170 eggs each. The first group was not injected and served as a negative control (NC). The next group was injected with 0.9% NaCl and was the positive control (PC). The synbiotic-injected group (S) was injected with a 0.5% inulin and 1 × 106Enterococcus faecium solution. The non-injected and synbiotic injected groups were further divided into 2 sets for Experiment 2 and the birds were offered either a basal or synbiotic supplemented diet (1% inulin and 2 × 109E. faecium cfu/kg feed). One hundred ninety-six broiler hatchlings were randomly allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement that included an intra-amniotic treatment (non-injected or synbiotic injected) and a dietary treatment (basal or synbiotic supplemented diet). The results showed that the administration of an intra-amniotic synbiotic to embryonated eggs on d 17 of incubation did not affect the hatchability or hatching weight of the birds. However, intra-amniotic synbiotic inclusion had a positive effect on FCR at d 0 to 42 (P = 0.041) and d 22 to 42 (P = 0.036). There was no significant interaction effect on the growth performance of the birds between the intra-amniotic and dietary synbiotic treatment during different or entire experimental periods. Villus height and goblet and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positive cell counts were positively influenced by intra-amniotic and dietary synbiotic treatments. Our results also indicated that intra-amniotic synbiotic injection followed by dietary supplementation with a synbiotic significantly increased Lactobacillus colonization and decreased coliform population in the broiler cecum. Cecal butyric acid concentration increased proportionally to the cecal Lactobacillus count with dietary synbiotic supplementation on d 42. In summary, combined intra-amniotic and dietary synbiotic treatments improved broiler intestinal integrity and increased cecal beneficial bacteria populations.

PENGARUH BOBOT TELUR TETAS ITIK TERHADAP PERKEMBANGAN EMBRIO, FERTILITAS DAN BOBOT TETAS

EFFECT OF DUCK EGG WEIGHT ON FERTILITY, EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT AND HATCHING WEIGHT OF DAY OLD DUCK. This study was done to evaluate embryonic development for determination of egg fertility and hatching weight of day old duck (DOD). This study involved 160 eggs of duck with the average egg weight (EW) classified into 55g ≤ EW &lt; 60g, 61g ≤ EW &lt; 65g, 65g ≤ EW &lt; 70g and 71g ≤ EW &lt; 75g. Data collection was conducted over 28 days, as long as the period of hatching process. The design method used in this study was completely randomized design. Existing data were analyzed using analysis of variance. Treatments in this study were 4 treatments and 4 replications at each treatment. The variables measured were the percentage of egg fertility, embryo development and hatching weight. Results showed that duck embryo development during the hatching process was in good condition process. The results of variance analysis showed that treatments of egg weight did not affect significantly the percentages of egg fertility. The percentages of fertility were ranging between 85 – 95%. Hatching weights were ranging between 31g – 51g per DOD. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that egg weight had no effect on the process of embryonic development and fertility, except those for the hatching weight of DOD. Key words: Duck egg weight, embryonic development, fertility, hatching weight.

Genetic evaluation of weekly body weight in Japanese quail using random regression models

ABSTRACT1. A total of 11 826 records from 2489 quails, hatched between 2012 and 2013, were used to estimate genetic parameters for BW (body weight) of Japanese quail using random regression models. Weekly BW was measured from hatch until 49 d of age. WOMBAT software (University of New England, Australia) was used for estimating genetic and phenotypic parameters.2. Nineteen models were evaluated to identify the best orders of Legendre polynomials. A model with Legendre polynomial of order 3 for additive genetic effect, order 3 for permanent environmental effects and order 1 for maternal permanent environmental effects was chosen as the best model.3. According to the best model, phenotypic and genetic variances were higher at the end of the rearing period. Although direct heritability for BW reduced from 0.18 at hatch to 0.12 at 7 d of age, it gradually increased to 0.42 at 49 d of age. It indicates that BW at older ages is more controlled by genetic components in Japanese quail.4. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between adjacent periods except hatching weight were more closely correlated than remote periods. The present results suggested that BW at earlier ages, especially at hatch, are different traits compared to BW at older ages. Therefore, BW at earlier ages could not be used as a selection criterion for improving BW at slaughter age.

Effects of post-hatch brooding temperature on broiler behavior, welfare, and growth

An elevated brooding temperature during the first wk post hatch of broilers may potentially increase activity levels and reduce welfare problems in terms of non- and slow-starters, lameness, and contact dermatitis. The effects of an elevated brooding temperature the first 7 d post hatch on behavior, welfare, and growth of Ross 308 broilers were investigated. Groups of 28 broilers (14 males and 14 females) were distributed in a balanced way according to their hatching weight (below or above mean), the age of parent breeders (28 or 50 wk of age), and initial brooding temperature (normal 33°C; warm: 37°C) resulting in 8 different treatment groups. Behavioral data were collected on d zero to 6 of age, data on body weight on d zero, 7, 21, and 34 of age, and data on gait and contact dermatitis on d 21 and 34 of age. An elevated brooding temperature resulted in increased body temperature of broilers 5 h after placement (39.9 ± 0.04°C vs. 39.1 ± 0.04°C; P < 0.0001) whereas no difference was found 24 h after placement (P = 0.35). Broilers reared with elevated brooding temperature initiated feeding and drinking earlier, apart from broilers with low hatching weight from old parent breeders (P < 0.0001). They also showed higher activity levels from d one to 6 of age (P < 0.0001) and a higher inter-individual distance at d zero and one of age (P < 0.0001). Broilers with a high hatching weight reared at normal brooding temperature had a higher prevalence of hock burns at d 34 of age (P = 0.001). Broilers reared at elevated brooding temperature had lower body weight at d 7 of age (P < 0.0001); however, no difference appeared from d 21 of age (P = 0.58). No effect of brooding temperature was found on body weight uniformity (P = 0.81). In conclusion, the welfare of broilers may be improved from an elevated brooding temperature the first 7 d post hatch without affecting body weight uniformity and final body weight.

BOBOT TETAS DAN FERTILITAS PADA AYAM KAMPUNG DAN HASIL PERSILANGANNYA

This study aims to determine the performance of chicken and cross breeding results with laying hens and broilers. A total of 3 male chickens and 15 chickens Kampung females, 3 males laying chickens and 10 chickens laying females, and 3 chickens stud broiler. The variables observed were egg weight, fertility, hatchability, hatching weight. Data were analyzed with General Linear Model (GLM). Data on hatch weight, egg weight, fertility and hatchability were analyzed based on different breed. If there is a difference between treatments then a further test with Duncan Multiple Test is performed. The results showed that the performance of chicken and crossbreeding with laying and broiler chickens had significant effect (P &lt;0,05) on egg weight, fertility, hatchability based on different nation and weight of hatch, body weight, heterosis and growth based on breed and different sex. Key Word : Performance, Crossbreeding, Kampung Chicken, Broiler, Layer.

An evaluation of growth ability in domestic geese

The growth potential of Landes, Pomeranian and Steinbacher geese breeds was evaluated in free-range management conditions. Goslings were individually weighted by electronic weight tool at the age of 1, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84 and 98 days. During rearing, goslings were fed standard feed mixture and were grazed in the pasture; water offered ad libitum . The results showed that egg weight was significantly correlated with hatching weight (0.79625). During rearing period, highest body weights of goslings we recorded in Pomeranian geese. There are significant differences among breeds, while most significant differences were observed in comparison Pomeranian with Steinbacher geese

Lethal and sublethal effects of mixtures of entomopathogenic fungi and synthetic insecticides on biological aspects of Musca domestica L.

The current study was performed to assess the effectiveness of the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae (Metschnikof) Sorokin and Isaria fumosorosea (Wize) Brown&Smith applied in combination with some synthetic insecticides against the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) at Department of Entomology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan during 2015. An extensive, typically dose-dependent range of responses was shown by flies towards fungus-synthetic insecticide combinations using a bait method. The insecticides acetamiprid, emamectin benzoate, imidacloprid and lufenuron in combination with insect pathogenic fungi showed higher mortality than expected with significant synergistic interactions. In addition, the mixtures were also assessed for sublethal effects on biological parameters of M. domestica , namely adult longevity, fecundity, egg hatching, larval duration, percent pupation, pupal weight, pupal duration, adult emergence and sex ratio. The results showed a considerable impact of fungi and synthetic insecticide mixtures on all biological parameters of M. domestica (P<0.05) except adult emergence. A noteworthy reduction in adult longevity, fecundity, egg hatching, percent pupation and pupal weight was observed, while larval and pupal durations were prolonged. The results highlight the potential of combined use of entomopathogenic fungi and synthetic insecticides for the control of M. domestica . Moreover, the combination of entomopathogenic fungi and synthetic insecticides can reduce the concentrations of the active ingredient required to achieve the same result as when these are applied separately. However, field trials are required to validate the effects of entomopathogenic fungi and synthetic insecticides mixtures before they can be recommended as elements of an integrated pest management program for M. domestica .

ESTIMATION OF SELECTION ACCURACY AND RESPONSES OF THE PRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS USING DIFFERENT SELECTION INTENSITY IN MAGELANG DUCK

This research was aimed to estimate selection response and accuracy of hatching weight, growth and egg production using different selection intensities in Magelang duck. A nested design was used in this study with experimental material was Magelang duck consisted of 8 male (treatments), 40 female (sub-treatments) and 360 offspring (replicates) and the observed parameter was productive characteristics. Nine DOD from each female were measured for hatching weight and growth up to 8 weeks old. The measured Hen Day Production (HDP) at initial laying for within days. Result showed that different selection intensities (25, 50 and 75%) led to response in 2.968; 1.870 and 0.982 g hatching weight; respectively; 0.00221, 0.00139 and 0.00073 g growth, respectively; and 1.728, 1.088 and 0.571% egg production, respectively. Selection accuracy for hatching weight, growth and egg production was 0.70, 0.76 and 0.51, respectively. Conclusively, the less preserved female proportion, the higher selection intensity value thus the higher selection response. Selection accuracy of production characteristics was based on its heritability value.

Effect of in ovo supplementation of nano forms of zinc, copper, and selenium on post-hatch performance of broiler chicken.

Background and Aim:Nanoparticles can bypass conventional physiological ways of nutrient distribution and transport across tissue and cell membranes, as well as protect compounds against destruction prior to reaching their targets. In ovo administration of nanoparticles, may be seen as a new method of nano-nutrition, providing embryos with an additional quantity of nutrients. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of in ovo supplementation of nano forms of zinc, copper and selenium on the hatchability and post hatch performance of broiler chicken.Materials and Methods:Nano form of zinc at 20, 40, 60 and 80 µg/egg, nano form of copper at 4, 8, 12 and 16 µg/egg and nano form of selenium at 0.075, 0.15, 0.225 and 0.3 µg/egg were in ovo supplemented (18th day incubation, amniotic route) in fertile broiler eggs. Control group in ovo fed with normal saline alone was also maintained. Each treatment had thirty replicates. Parameters such as hatchability, hatch weight and post hatch performance were studied.Results:In ovo feeding of nano minerals were not harmful to the developing embryo and did not influence the hatchability. Significantly (p<0.05) best feed efficiency for nano forms of zinc (2.16), copper (2.46) and selenium (2.51) were observed, when 40, 4 and 0.225 µg/egg respectively were in ovo supplemented. Except in nano form of copper at 12 µg per egg which had significantly (p<0.05) highest breast muscle percentage there was no distinct trend to indicate that dressing percentage or breast muscle yield was influenced in other treatments.Conclusion:Nano forms of zinc, copper and selenium can be prepared at laboratory conditions. In ovo feeding of nano forms of zinc, copper and selenium at 18th day of incubation through amniotic route does not harm the developing embryo, does not affect hatchability.

Pengaruh Waktu Dimulainya Pendinginan Selama Penetasan Terhadap Daya Tetas Telur Itik Persilangan Cihateup Alabio

Duck eggs have lower hatchability because they have higher risk of embryo mortality due to a longer incubation than chicken eggs. This study was designed to obtain the proper of start cooling during artificial incubation to improve duck eggs hatchability and hatching weight. Eggs of cihateup alabio duck were obtained from Balai Penelitian Ternak (Balitnak) Ciawi. Eggs were collected weekly in 5 different times. Total egg collected was 419 eggs. Incubated eggs were sprayed and cooled for 0.25 h at room temperature for 2 times a day in setter period. This study used randomized block design and 3 treatments of starting cooling time of egg. Observed variables were egg weight, fertility, hatchability, embryo mortality and hatching weight. Cooling eggs at different times during the setter period did not affect to hatchability. Highest hatchability was obtained on Days 17. The start cooling significantly was affected the hatching weight.

Food from dumps increases the reproductive value of last laid eggs in the White Stork Ciconia ciconia

Capsule Accessing extra food from waste dumps increases egg volume and hatching mass in White Storks.Aim To test how White Storks vary their investment in egg size, especially in last laid eggs, in relation to food availability, and to improve our understanding of the importance of extra feeding on intra-clutch variation.Methods The study was carried out in three White Stork breeding colonies in northern Algeria. Breeding performance was recorded in 70 nests over three years. White Stork colonies situated close to chicken farms were considered to be part of a ‘pseudo experiment’ where parents had access to extra food. Egg volume, laying order, hatching order and hatching weight were recorded.Results Egg volume and hatching mass in White Storks was significantly greater when they had access to extra food. The reproductive value of last laid eggs (fourth and fifth) doubled when females had access to extra food.Conclusion Laying smaller last eggs within a clutch provides a mechanism to facilitate early brood reduction in the White Stork, and so should be advantageous when food is scarce. On the contrary, when females had access to extra food, last laid eggs were as big as first eggs which suggests egg size variation is adaptable to local conditions.