Highest Number Of Eggs Research Articles

Living on the edge: reproduction, dispersal potential, maternal effects and local adaptation in aquatic, extremophilic invertebrates

Isolated extreme habitats are ideally suited to investigate pivotal ecological processes such as niche use, local adaptation and dispersal. Extremophilic animals living in isolated habitats face the problem that dispersal is limited through the absence of suitable dispersal corridors, which in turn facilitates local adaptation. We used five rotifer isolates from extremely acidic mining lakes with a pH of below 3 as model organisms to test whether these isolates are acidotolerant or acidophilic, whether they survive and reproduce at their niche edges (here pH 2 and circum-neutral pH) and whether local adaptation has evolved. To evaluate potential dispersal limitation, we tested whether animals and their parthenogenetic eggs survive and remain reproductive or viable at unfavourable pH-conditions. All five isolates were acidophilic with a pH-optimum in the range of 4–6, which is well above the pH (< 3) of their lakes of origin. At unfavourable high pH, in four out of the five isolates parthenogenetic females produced a high number of non-viable eggs. Females and eggs produced at favourable pH (4) remained vital at an otherwise unfavourable pH of 7, indicating that for dispersal no acidic dispersal corridors are necessary. Common garden experiments revealed no clear evidence for local adaptation in any of the five isolates. Despite their acidophilic nature, all five isolates can potentially disperse via circum-neutral water bodies as long as their residence time is short, suggesting a broader “dispersal niche” than their realized niche. Local adaptation might have been hampered by the low population sizes of the rotifers in their isolated habitat and the short time span the mining lakes have existed.

Identification of chicken FSHR gene promoter and the correlations between polymorphisms and egg production in Chinese native hens.

ContentsEgg production is an important economic trait in poultry, and it is of great significance to study the key genes and functional SNPs that affect egg laying performance. Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) plays an important physiological role in the reproductive performance of humans and animals by binding to its receptor (FSHR). Studies have shown that there are many transcriptional regulatory elements in the 5′ flanking region of the FSHR gene that interact with transcription factors to regulate FSHR transcription. In this study, DNA sequencing was used to identify SNPs in the FSHR promoter sequence in both Dongxiang and Suken chickens. To detect the activity of the chicken FSHR gene promoter, we analysed the characteristics of the sequence and constructed three deletion vectors. We confirmed that the region (−18/−544) was the core promoter. Furthermore, five polymorphisms, including a 200‐bp indel at −869, C−1684T, C−1608T, G−368A and T−238A, were detected in both the Dongxiang and Suken chickens. The age at first egg (AFE) for different genotype of −869 indel in Suken chicken was significantly different (p < 0.01). For SNP C−1684T in Dongxiang chickens, the CC genotype had higher egg number at 43 weeks of age (E43) than that of the TC genotype (p < 0.05). For SNP C−1684T in Suken chickens, the TC genotype had higher AFE than that of the CC genotype (p < 0.05). For SNP C−1608T in Suken chickens, the CC genotype had higher AFE than that of the TC genotype (p < 0.05). For SNP G−368A in Suken chickens, the AG genotype had higher AFE than that of the GG genotype (p < 0.05).

Influence of different levels of calcium and vitamin D3 in cassava-based diet on the performance of laying hens

This study was conducted to determine the influence of different levels of calcium and vitamin D3 in a cassava-based diet on performance of laying hens. One hundred and eight Isa Brown hens which were 34 weeks' old were used in a three by two factorial arrangement in a complete randomized design. Birds were fed diets containing different levels of calcium (A= 2.5%, B= 3.5%, and C= 4.5%), with each calcium level also containing vitamin D3 at levels of 2000, 4000 and 6000 IU. All birds were raised under the same management condition within the nine treatment combinations which had three replicates of four (4) birds each. Records of the feed intake, egg lay, cost of feed ingredients and mortality were documented. The records were used to calculate the hen-day production (HDP), feed intake, number of eggs laid per hen, dozens of eggs laid per hen, feed consumed per dozen egg, feed cost per dozen egg produced and mortality. The result obtained showed that diets B (3.5%), C (4.5%), the 2000 IU vitamin D3 level and diet C (4.5% calcium) containing 2000 IU vitamin D3 were better in terms of the number of eggs laid per egg, hen day production, and dozen egg per hen. Thus, farmers can use 3.5%, 4.5% calcium levels or 2000 IU vitamin D3 levels singly/individually in diet for laying hens and obtain better result. However, the C diet (4.5% calcium) containing 2000 IU vitamin D3 which had the highest number of eggs, HDP, dozen egg per hen, best feed conversion to eggs as well as the least cost of production is recommended for laying hens in the humid tropics, when calcium and vitamin D3 are used together in a cassava-based diet to feed hens

Oviposition Preference of Rugose Spiraling Whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on Five Host Plant Species

Rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is an invasive species that underwent a period of outbreak in southern Florida (Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, and Monroe counties) between 2010 and 2013. It infested numerous plant species in the landscape and nurseries of southern Florida and became a nuisance and economically damaging species in many urban areas. In order to study its oviposition preference, an experiment was conducted in a shadehouse using 5 known host plant species, namely coconut, Cocos nucifera L. (Aurecaceae); gumbo limbo, Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg. (Burceraceae); avocado, Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae); black olive, Bucida buceras L. (Combretaceae) var. ‘Shady Lady;' and giant white bird of paradise, Strelitzia nicolai Regel & Korn (Strelitziaceae). Gumbo limbo was the most preferred and giant white bird of paradise was the least preferred of the host plant species. This is consistent with survey data on frequency of plants serving on hosts provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services-Division of Plant Industry. There was a significant difference between the number of eggs per spiral among host species with gumbo limbo having the highest number of eggs per spiral. No significant correlation was found between the leaf size and the number of eggs on each host species. A strong and significant correlation was found between the number of spirals and the number of eggs per plant species. Adult females deposited the first eggs on source plants, and later oviposited on test host plants, but always returned back to their eclosion site on the source plant. No statistically significant difference was found among the survival of rugose spiraling whitefly on different host plant species tested.

Demographic parameters of the predaceous ladybird, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), on the aphid species, Aphis craccivora (Koch), reared on four host plants

The reproductive and demographic attributes of the aphidophagous ladybird, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), when fed on the aphid species, Aphis craccivora (Koch), reared on four host plants, viz. Dolichos lablab L., Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp., and Ranunculus sceleratus L., were investigated in the laboratory to find host suitability for the production of the ladybird. Results indicated that there was a significant effect of host plant on both reproductive and demographic parameters of the predator. The host plant suitability was in the rank order D. lablab = V. unguiculata > C. cajan > R. sceleratus. This ladybird started reproducing very early and laid a high number of eggs for a longer period of time when the adults were fed on aphids raised on D. lablab and V. unguiculata. Both the fecundity and percent egg hatching increased significantly in the case of the abovementioned two host plants. Similar host plant effects were found on demographic parameters of H. variegata, with significantly high values of net reproductive rate (rm), short generation (Tc), and doubling times (D.T.) on D. lablab and V. unguiculata. Age-specific fecundity of H. variegata at all host plant treatments was triangular in function with an initial increase in ovipositional rate with age, followed by attainment of peak and gradual decline till egg laying ceases. These peaks were higher on the host plant treatments, D. lablab and V. unguiculata. Sub-optimal values of both reproductive and demographic parameters were found on the host plant, R. sceleratus. Thus, it could be concluded that both D. lablab and V. unguiculata were the suitable host plants to raise aphid, A. craccivora, for the augmentative rearing of the ladybird, H. variegata.

The effects of cold treatment on the pupal period, emergence rate, and number of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae spawned

To develop a system for the mass production of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (Pbl), this study analyzed the oviposition characteristics of third instar Pbl through successive rearing and cold treatments. In the first generation, females laid 50 eggs each on average, and spawned higher numbers of eggs for the first 5 days but then fewer after this. However, all of the 2ⁿᵈ‐generation females that were produced through the successive rearing of eggs from the 1ˢᵗ generation did not spawn. When test insects (TI) were raised at 32°C, their mean ± SE pupal period and emergence rate were 28.4 ± 1.9 days and 87%, respectively. However, most individuals raised in cold treatments (5°C and − 5°C) without a pre‐cooling period did not survive. Individuals exposed to a pre‐cooling period, however, had a 7–10 days longer pupal period than those raised at 32°C, and their emergence rate (90%) was slightly higher. Different cold treatment temperatures (0°C, 3°C, or 5°C) and periods (30 or 60 days) were tested in further experiments. The experimental group kept for 30 days at 0°C and 3°C had the shortest pupal period of all, and emergence rates exceeded 90% in most groups. With respect to the number of eggs spawned by the second generation females after cold treatments, the experimental groups held in cold treatments at 5°C for 30 and 60 days were found to spawn the most eggs. Consequently, the experimental group kept at 5°C for 30 days was the most effective set of conditions tested during the entire breeding period.

Modification and optimization of the FECPAKG2 protocol for the detection and quantification of soil-transmitted helminth eggs in human stool.

BackgroundStandard diagnosis of human soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections is based on the microscopic detection of helminth eggs in stool and supports programmatic decision making in control programs. However, the current standard diagnostic techniques still show a number of limitations. Recently, the FECPAKG2 method was developed to detect helminth infections and asses drug efficacy in sheep or cattle. It includes a device that takes digital images of helminth eggs that have been concentrated into one microscopic field of view and stores these images online for future evaluation. The goal of this study was to introduce a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the detection and quantification of human STH eggs using the FECPAKG2 and to optimize 2 crucial steps of the protocol, namely the sedimentation step (aimed at separating sinking eggs from floating debris) and the accumulation step (aimed at concentrating the eggs by flotation).Methodology/Principal findingsA total of 55 stool samples from naturally infected children were used from 4 different geographical areas (Ethiopia, Laos, Tanzania and Brazil). The results showed that Trichuris eggs generally moved slower than eggs of the other two STH species during both sedimentation in water in the FECPAKG2 sedimenter as during accumulation in flotation solution in the FECPAKG2 cassettes. The highest number of eggs were present in the slurry of the sedimenter after overnight sedimentation (Ascaris: 95.7%, Trichuris: 89.8% and hookworm: 94.2% of the eggs). A minimum of 24 minutes were needed to ensure the accumulation of at least 80% of the eggs from all three STH species in the FECPAKG2 cassette (Ascaris: 96.1%; Trichuris: 88.2% and hookworm: 87.6%).Conclusions/SignificanceThis study introduces for the first time a SOP for the FECPAKG2 method. Different aspects of the method for diagnosing human STH infections were optimized. Our study forms the basis for a thorough and objective evaluation of the system as a diagnostic tool that could be implemented in STH control programs.

How Does Oocyte Uptake Occur? A Macroscopic Study of the Ovarian and Oviductal Modifications for Egg Capture in the Coral-Snake Micrurus corallinus.

The processes of follicular development, ovulation, egg capture, and egg transport vary among vertebrates. Therefore, analysis of the reproductive tract of several lineages is needed for understanding the evolutionary changes of the reproductive system. In turtles, the ovulated eggs are released into the coelomic cavity and taken up by one of the two oviducts, a phenomenon called extrauterine migration of eggs. However, the process of egg uptake in lizards is different. The egg is ovulated directly into the infundibulum, and oocyte uptake by the contralateral oviduct rarely occurs. The same pattern has been hypothesized to occur in snakes. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the reproductive tract of female Micrurus corallinus preserved in zoological collections. We examined the anatomical characteristics of the infundibulum and ovary and compared the reproductive output between the ovaries to verify the mechanism of egg capture and the anatomical viability of extrauterine migration of eggs. The reproductive output of the right ovary was higher than that of the left ovary, and the higher number of eggs in the right oviduct is due exclusively to the production of the ipsilateral ovary. Several anatomical features prevent extrauterine migration of eggs, including the asymmetry of the reproductive system, the arrangement of the ovarian follicles in a single row, and the formation of a wrapping around the ovary and infundibulum by the visceral pleuroperitoneum membrane (preventing against ectopic eggs). Therefore, the hypothesis of egg capture by the contralateral oviduct is anatomically infeasible in M. corallinus and possibly in other snakes. Anat Rec, 301:1936-1943, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Life Tables of &lt;em&gt;Hermetia illucens&lt;/em&gt; (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) on Different Foods

In this study, the effects of different food types on life table parameters of Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) were investigated. Five different foods, namely Tomato, Banana, Yoghurt, Apple and Corn meals were put in 10 cm petri dishes separately and then 500 newly laid eggs were transferred into each petri dishes. Experiments with larvae were carried out at 25 o C, 50% RH, and 16:8 L:D photoperiod. Temperature and humidity levels were switched to 29 o C, and 60%, respectively after pupation to facilitate adult eclosion. According to results, the longest and the shortest development time of H. illucens from egg to adult were found on Yoghurt (77.67 days) and Corn flour (42.18 days), respectively. The highest mortality rate was found as 94.8% on Corn meal, while the lowest mortality rate was calculated as 65.8% on Banana. The highest number of eggs were recorded in the females feed on Banana (1426 eggs), and followed by the ones which feed on Yoghurt (1262 eggs), Corn meal (384) and apples (205 eggs). on the contrary, no eggs were obtained from the females which developed on Tomatoes life tables could only be constructed for the individuals which feeding on Banana and Yoghurt since females which developed on other food types did not lay any eggs. The difference between the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) on Banana and Yoghurt was found to be statistically nonsignificant (p<0.05). The intrinsic rate of increasing was the highest on Banana (0.022 females / female / day). The net production rate (Ro) was the highest (2.891 female / female / generation) on Banana, while its difference from Yoghurt was statistically nonsignificant (p<0.05).

Field comparison of oviposition substrates used in ovitraps for Aedes aegypti surveillance in Salta, Argentina

AbstractAedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is a mosquito broadly found in tropical and temperate areas of the world. It is the main vector of dengue, chikungunya, zika and yellow fever (urban cycle), among other viruses. Aedes aegypti immatures develop in water holding containers, and frequently use artificial containers in urban settings as larval habitat. Ovitraps are artificial oviposition sites, a tool developed for mosquito population surveillance and to assess effectiveness of control measures. The preference for different oviposition substrate materials was assessed in the field, in two localities of Salta province, northern Argentina, where dengue outbreaks are frequent. The proportion of positive traps did not differ between oviposition substrates. However, higher numbers of eggs were laid in cotton fabric and velour paper, which were better than wooden paddle and blotting paper if the aim was to maximize the numbers of eggs collected. The results also evidenced that substrate preference for oviposition did not differ between geographic regions.

Spatial distribution and egg production in squat lobsters (Decapoda: Munididae, Munidopsidae) from the collection of the Museu de Zoologia of the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Spatial distribution and egg production of squat lobsters is examined from specimens deposited in the collection of the Museu de Zoologia of the Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP), Brazil. A total of 1,346 specimens of squat lobsters were analyzed, out of which 169 were ovigerous females. Ovigerous females contained ten species of Munididae (n = 165) and three of Munidopsidae (n = 4). Eleven of the thirteen studied species were distributed along the Brazilian coast, while two of the remaining species in other marine regions. The analysis of bathymetric distribution revealed the presence of four species on the continental shelf (&lt; 200 m depth: M. spinifrons, M. pusilla, M. irrasa, M. flinti), two on the first layer of the continental slope (200-500 m: Munida forceps, A. longipes) and five distributed between 500 and 1,048 m (M. erinacea, M. constricta, M. valida, M. microphthalma, M. transtridens). Overall, species belonging to Munididae produced a higher number of eggs (554 ± 619 eggs) but of minor size (0.48 ± 0.120 mm) than species of Munidopsidae (13 ± 10 eggs; 1.12 ± 0.337 mm, respectively). Such tendency is consistent with the phylogeny of both clades whose common origin is reflected in morphological similarities both in larval and adult forms, but not in terms of the reproductive strategy that clearly separates the species belonging to these families. Results also demonstrated that egg size in squat lobsters is strongly associated with depth, which suggests the strong influence of habitat on the duration of larval development of these species.

Expression of Resistance in Amaranthus spp. (Caryophyllales: Amaranthaceae): Effects of Selected Accessions on the Behaviour and Biology of the Amaranth Leaf-Webber, Spoladea recurvalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Spoladea recurvalis F. is a major pest moth of amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) flowers worldwide, with a potential of causing complete foliage loss under severe outbreaks. Chemical insecticides are uneconomical for resource-poor farmers and pose health and environmental risks. Host plant resistance (HPR) to insects is an effective, economical and environmentally friendly alternative that is poorly understood and largely unexploited among traditional leafy vegetables. A total of 35 amaranth accessions were evaluated for the expression of their antixenotic and antibiotic traits against S. recurvalis, focusing on their effects on the biology of the pest in comparison with a susceptible accession. The accession VI036227 was found to be highly resistant against the pest, exhibiting exemplary antibiosis by causing 100% larval mortality within the first 36 h, despite not being deterrent for oviposition. The accessions VI048076, VI056563 and VI047555-B demonstrated moderate resistance against the pest for specific parameters including low oviposition, moderate early stage larval mortality and reduced adult longevity. Total mortality and weight gain in these three accessions were, however, not significantly different from the susceptible control. Higher numbers of eggs were laid in no-choice compared to choice situations. The implications of these findings in the management of S. recurvalis on amaranths are discussed.

Reaction of potential guava rootstocks to Meloidogyne enterolobii

ABSTRACT Root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii is the main phytosanitary problem of guava cultivation in Brazil. Among the strategies to manage the problem, the best prospects are in identifying or developing cultivars or rootstocks that are resistant to this nematode. To identify plants with potential as rootstocks for guava, the reaction of araçá (wild guava) to M. enterolobii was assessed in a greenhouse experiment. Seven araçá species were evaluated (Eugenia stipitata, Psidium acutangulum, P. cattleyanum ‘yellow’, P. friedrichsthalianum, P. guajava var. minor, P. guineense, and Psidium sp.). The plants were inoculated with a suspension of 3,000 eggs of M. enterolobii, using eggplant as control treatment. The parameters fresh root mass, number of eggs and second stage juveniles (J2) per root system, the reproduction factor (RF = Pf/Pi), and araçá reaction were determined during the experiment. RF of the araçá species E. stipitata, P. cattleyanum ‘yellow’, and P. friedrichsthalianum was less than one (RP &lt; 1), therefore resistant to M. enterolobii. The araçá trees had good root system development and the susceptible plants showed many root galls, high number of eggs and J2, and Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani root rot. The araçá species, P. cattleyanum ‘yellow’, P. friedrichsthalianum, and E. stipitata are resistant to M. enterolobii and can be tested as potential guava rootstocks.

Parental sex effect of parthenogenesis on progeny production and performance of Chinese Painted Quail (Coturnix chinensis)

Embryonic development of an unfertilized egg, parthenogenesis, is known to occur in Chinese Painted quail. However, selection for parthenogenesis in both the dam and sire leads to a reduction in hatchability following mating. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if selection for parthenogenesis in the dam, sire, or both also impact their progeny performance. There were 2 lines of birds used in this trial: 1 line selected for parthenogenesis and 1 line not selected for parthenogenesis (control) yielding breeding pairs as follows: control dams + control sires (CC), control dams + parthenogenetic sires (CP), parthenogenetic dams + control sires (PC), and parthenogenetic dams + parthenogenetic sires (PP). For all progeny, a dam line main effect revealed that the parthenogenetic line dams had heavier offspring hatch weight and 4 wk body weight as well as higher 1st wk chick mortality versus control line dams. However, control line dams had the highest 4th wk chick mortality versus parthenogenetic line dams. In female virgin progeny, a dam by sire interaction revealed that PP, PC, and CP had the heaviest 1st egg in the clutch position versus CC. Also, eggs from PP had the highest number of eggs and the most female progeny exhibiting parthenogenesis versus CC. There was a linear increase in egg weight as clutch position increased for progeny from PP and CC yet a linear decline for CP. In conclusion, it appears that both the dam and sire selected for parthenogenesis impact progeny performance as parthenogenetic dams and sires additively contribute to the degree of parthenogenesis exhibited by virgin female progeny. Moreover, because parthenogenesis is known to exist in the modern poultry industry, even the accidental selection of the parthenogenetic trait in either males or females could have a negative impact on overall chick production and performance.

Effet du poids de l’œuf de pintade (&lt;em&gt;Numida meleagris&lt;/em&gt;) sur les paramètres de reproduction et de croissance des pintadeaux au Burkina Faso

Deux mille trois cents œufs de pintades collectés à la station de Gampéla au Burkina Faso ont été pesés puis répartis en six catégories allant de 20–25 g à 45–50 g. Les œufs ont été incubés et les paramètres suivants ont été enregistrés : les taux de fertilité et d’éclosion, le poids des pintadeaux, les mortalités, et la croissance pondérale jusqu’à 56 jours d’âge. Le poids moyen des œufs a été de 35,2 ± 1,3 g avec une répartition inégale dans les six catégories ; le plus grand nombre d’œufs était dans la catégorie des 35–40 g. Le taux de fertilité moyen des œufs a été de 84,4 % ; il était corrélé (r = 0,81 ; p &lt; 0,05) au poids de l’œuf. Le taux d’éclosion apparent a été de 65,7 % et le taux réel de 82,7 % ; ce dernier était corrélé (r = 0,85 ; p &lt; 0,05) au poids de l’œuf. Le poids vif moyen du pintadeau à l’éclosion a été de 25,3 ± 4,3 g ; il était également significativement lié au poids de l’œuf (r = 0,96 ; p &lt; 0,05). Le taux de mortalité des pintadeaux a été en moyenne de 16,5 % ; il était lié au poids de l’œuf et donc du pintadeau. Le poids moyen des pintadeaux à 56 jours (PDS56) a été de 152,5 ± 20,3 g ; il était lié au poids de l’œuf (PO) selon la régression : PDS56 = -279,1 + 11,8 PO avec R² = 0,87. Cette étude montre que dans la perspective de production de pintadeaux performants il importe de rejeter les œufs de calibre faible (&lt; 35 g).

Performa Kualitas Telur Ikan Gabus (Channa striata blkr) Dengan Pemberian Pakan Berbeda Dalam Wadah Terkontrol

This study aims to determine the management techniques of snakehead fish in the spawning process conducted in a controlled container and to know the performance of egg quality of snakehead fish. The experimental method was done experimentally by using a complete randomized design (RAL) with three feeding treatments and three replications, the treatment consisted of treatment A using 38% artificial protein, B treatment using rucah (fresh fish), and C treatment using mascot . The test animal used is the snake head totaling 49 tail, with the size of weight 350 grams up to 800 grams. The variables observed in this research consist of fecundity, hatchability, survival rate and water quality. The feed treatment A (golden snail) resulted in the highest number of eggs (fecundity) 5928 grains, followed by treatment B (feed trash) that is 4360 grains, and treatment A (pellet feed) ie 4134 grains. The result of hatching rate analysis at the highest treatment A reached 92,10%, in treatment B hatching degree was obtained 71,42%, while at treatment C obtained 56,60%. The observation variable for seed survival rate in treatment A resulted in 4367 head, whereas at treatment B obtained larvae 2245 tail, and at treatment C obtained 1450 tail. Based on the results of the research I can conclude that with different did not give a real effect on the number of eggs, hatchability and survival rate in snake head. While for water quality measurement obtained temperature value around 27-320C, brightness 30 - 40 cm, oxygen and pH at normal value 7. Keywords : Quality eggs, snakehead fish, Feed

The relationships between faecal egg counts and gut microbial composition in UK Thoroughbreds infected by cyathostomins

A growing body of evidence, particularly in humans and rodents, supports the existence of a complex network of interactions occurring between gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasites and the gut commensal bacteria, with substantial effects on both host immunity and metabolic potential. However, little is known of the fundamental biology of such interactions in other animal species; nonetheless, given the considerable economic losses associated with GI parasites, particularly in livestock and equines, as well as the global threat of emerging anthelmintic resistance, further explorations of the complexities of host-helminth-microbiota interactions in these species are needed. This study characterises the composition of the equine gut commensal flora associated with the presence, in faecal samples, of low (Clow) and high (Chigh) numbers of eggs of an important group of GI parasites (i.e. the cyathostomins), prior to and following anthelmintic treatment. High-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA amplicons and associated bioinformatics and statistical analyses of sequence data revealed strong clustering according to faecal egg counts (P = 0.003). A trend towards increased populations of Methanomicrobia (class) and Dehalobacterium (genus) was observed in Clow in comparison with Chigh. Anthelmintic treatment in Chigh was associated with a significant reduction of the bacterial Phylum TM7 14 days post-ivermectin administration, as well as a transient expansion of Adlercreutzia spp. at 2 days post-treatment. This study provides a first known insight into the discovery of the intimate mechanisms governing host-parasite-microbiota interactions in equines, and sets a basis for the development of novel, biology-based intervention strategies against equine GI helminths based on the manipulation of the commensal gut flora.

Life table of Plutella Xylostella (L.) on Brassica Hosts

Life table of diamond back moth Plutella xylostella (L.) was studied on varieties of cabbage viz., Field Man, Golden Acre and Diamond Express and Indian mustard; Pusa Bold, Varuna and Pusa Bahar. Survivorship was greater on cabbage varieties than Indian mustard. Highest number of eggs hatched when P. xylostella was reared on Diamond Express variety of cabbage compared to Pusa Bahar. Larval mortality was greater on Indian mustard than cabbage varieties. Adult emergence was higher on Diamond Express than Indian mustard. Expectancy of life was higher on cabbage (Diamond Express) than Indian mustard varieties. Females preferred to lay more eggs when reared on Diamond Express than Pusa Bahar. Potential fecundity (pf) was 124.05 females/female/generation on Diamond Express compared to 52.42 on Pusa Bahar. Net reproductive rate (Ro) was highest on Diamond Express and lowest on Varuna. Highest (0.049 females/female/day) intrinsic rate of increase (rm) occurred on Golden Acre and lowest (0.027) on Varuna. Finite rate of increase (e) was reduced on Varuna compared to Golden Acre. Generation time (T-c) was 29.57 days on Diamond Express while, fractional difference was recorded on tested varieties. Plutella xylostella multiplies fast on cabbage varieties compared to Indian mustard.

Mating, oviposition behaviour and biology of hogplum beetle

Experiments were conducted to observe mating and oviposition behabiour as well as biology of hog-plum beetle. Results revealed that the average mating frequency, mating duration and mating interval were 11.2, 30.5 hours and 60.3 hours, respectively. The highest number of eggs per clusters was on leaf rachis followed by young stem. The mean number of eggs per cluster was 15.70 while the length and breadth of an egg was 1.95 mm and 0.60 mm, respectively. The mean duration of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae were 3.80, 3.40, 3.70 and 3.00 days, respectively. The mean pupal period was 22.74 days. The female beetle lived longer (48.30 days) than the male (45.10 days). The size of female beetle was larger (15.30 mm) than male (11.96 mm). The mean length of antennae was 7.42 mm. The length of fore, mid and hind legs were 9.20, 9.50 and 11.70 mm, respectively. Hind wings were larger (16.10 mm length and 7.85 mm breadth) than fore wings (12.38 mm length and 5.30 mm breadth).Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(3): 503-508, September 2017

Census survey approach to quantifying īnanga spawning habitat for conservation and management

ABSTRACTHere, we describe a methodology for quantifying the spawning habitat of īnanga (Galaxias maculatus), a protected native fish species. Our approach is demonstrated with a survey of the Heathcote/Ōpāwaho following the Canterbury earthquakes that produced unexpected findings. Spawning habitat was detected over a 2.5 km reach and the area occupied by spawning sites (75m2) was much larger than in previous records (ca. 21m2). Sites dominated by the invasive Phalaris arundinaceae were found to support high egg numbers. Spawning has not previously been recorded on this species and it is identified in the literature as a threat to spawning habitat. Considerable spatio-temporal variation was also detected in the location of spawning sites and pattern of egg production. Together, these aspects illustrate the need for a comprehensive survey methodology to reliably quantify spawning habitat. The Heathcote/Ōpāwaho example shows the utility of our census approach for achieving this, and supporting habitat conservation objectives.