Fecundity Index Research Articles

Vitamin Solutions Effects on Reproduction of Broodstock, Growth Performance, and Survival Rate of Pangasius Catfish Fingerlings.

This study evaluates the effect of different diets supplemented with vitamin solutions on Pangasius catfish broodstock reproduction, growth performances, and the survival rates of fish larvae and fingerling. The growth and reproductive performances of breeders fed with different test diets showed significant differences among the six tested diets (p < 0.05). The highest final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), daily weight gain (DWG), specific growth rate (SGR) of broodstock, and survival rate of Pangasius fingerlings were found in Treatment 5, which contained 0.6% H-OVN mixed with 12.6% algal oil, and Treatment 3, which contained 0.6% vitamin premix H-OVN. The average gonadosomatic index (GSI), relative fecundity index (RFI), fertilized eggs, hatching rates of eggs, and survival rate of fingerlings was 9.1 ± 2.8 (6.7-12.8%), 133,224 ± 39,090 (104,267-199,512 eggs/kg), 77.9 ± 22.2 (62.2-93.6%), and 45.3 ± 17.4 (22.0-66.3%), respectively. The findings of this study showed that the diet containing 35% CP contents supplemented with 0.6% vitamin premix H-OVN mixed with algal oils showed the highest results in terms of growth, reproductive performance indices, and survival rates of Pangasius catfish fingerlings.

Path analysis of desirable traits and evaluation of reproductive performance of Crassostrea sikamea in different ages

Kumamoto oysters (Crassostrea sikamea) are important marine aquaculture shellfish because of their taste and round shell shape. Due to its small size, selective breeding is required to improve its market size, but there are no reports on traits suitable for direction selection and reproductive productivity of Kumamoto oysters of different ages. In this study, path analysis and one-way ANOVA were used to explore the influential indices of oyster body weight and fecundity. The results showed that shell height was the main factor affecting the body weight of Kumamoto oysters at one-year-old and two-year-old, followed by shell length. Body weight was the main factor influencing fecundity, and shell height showed a significant correlation with fecundity. Therefore, shell height should be considered the first parameter for selection when selecting Kumamoto oysters for body weight as the direct selection target. When one-year-old and two-year-old Kumamoto oysters were selected as parents from Xiangshan Bay, hatching parameters and growth parameters of F1 generation larvae were measured. The fecundity and egg diameters were 1.72 × 106 and 46.60 ± 3.62 μm, respectively, which were significantly greater than one-aged oysters (5.86 × 105, 40.26 ± 3.52 μm). The hatching parameters (fertilized egg size, fertilization rate, and hatching rate) and larval growth performance (D-stage veliger and veliger) were similar and did not differ significantly (P > 0.05), and after metamorphosis, there was also no significant difference in shell height size at 40 days of age (P > 0.05). Therefore, there was no significant effect of age on reproduction, larval development, and the early growth of Kumamoto oysters. These results could provide a basis for parental sources and proper traits for Kumamoto oyster selection, which is beneficial to developing and utilizing this excellent germplasm resource.

Maternal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) causes multigenerational adverse effects on the uterus of F1 and F2 offspring rats.

Phthalates are one of the ubiquitous chemicals found in day-to-day products like food packaging, children's toys, and other consumer commodities. There is rising concern that repeated exposure to phthalates during pregnancy and lactation could have long-term effects on maternal and fetal health. We hypothesize that exposure to DEHP during the developmental windows might affect the expression of molecules that regulate uterine function and that this effect would be passed on to further generations. Rat dams were treated with olive oil (vehicle) or DEHP (100 mg/kg b.wt./day) orally from gestational day 9 (GD 9) to the end of lactation (PND 21). F0 maternal DEHP exposure resulted in multigenerational (F1 and F2) reproductive toxicity, as evidenced by an extended estrous cycle, decreased mating, fertility, and fecundity indices. Serum progesterone and estradiol levels were decreased and their cognate receptors (PR and ERα) in the uterus were decreased in the DEHP-exposed offspring rats. Further analysis of the expression of estrogen and progesterone regulatory genes such as Hox a11, VEGF A, Ihh, LIFR, EP4, PTCH, NR2F2, BMP2, and Wnt4 were reduced in the uteri of adult F1 and F2 generation rats born from DEHP-exposed F0 dams. Decreased expression of these crucial proteins due to DEHP exposure may lead to defects in epithelial proliferation and secretion, uterine receptivity, and decidualization in the uteri of successive generations. This study showed that maternal DEHP exposure impairs the expression of molecules that regulate uterine function and this multigenerational effect is transmitted via maternal lineage.

THE IMPACT OF CHOLECALCIFEROL ON THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM FUNCTION IN RATS MALES WITH EXPERIMENTAL GONADOPATHY

Actuality. Nowadays, the disturbances of men’s reproductive function are the important problem which often accompany sex glands diseases. During last years, scientific researchers are taking into consideration vitamin D with aim to create safe medicines or treatment schemes for therapy hypofertility developed due to gonadopathies. It is thought, Vitamin D may improve not only spermogramm, but, probably, acts on men’s reproductive ability by influencing fertility. The correction of reproductive disturbances requires the experimental grounding of vitamin D and its complex schemes using on the infertility experimental models. The aim of this investigation was to determine the condition of rat males’ reproductive system with experimental damage of testicles during correction by vitamin D3. Materials and methods. The correction by vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) as a monotherapy or together with Tribestan® has been carried out in Vistar rats with experimental gonadopathy induced by Serotonin hydrochloride. The drug of comparison Tribestan® has been introduced per os in dose of 68 mg/kg body mass three days before Serotonin hydrochloride introduction; under the condition of serotonin obtaining (14 days) and during three days after its last injection once a day. Vitamin D3 has been given according to the same scheme in value of 0,5 ml in dose of 4000 IU (per os). The male fertility has been determined according to fertility and fecundity indices of rats’ females fertilized by experimental rats’ males. Due to results of mating with intact females the integral index of average realized fecundity (fertility) of rats’ males has been calculated. The researches of spermatogenesis has been carried out in epididymis’s suspension, the morphometric indices were studied on the histological sections. Results. Under the condition of serotonin induced gonadopathy the disturbance of all indices of fertility and reproductive function has been observed. The introduction of cholecalciferol as a monotherapy during three weeks has statistically increased the part of motile epididymal sperms relative to gonadopathy, but not reaching the intact animals level; the number of spermatogonia and index of spermatogenesis have been normalized. However, the vitamin D using hasn’t influenced general number and percentage of pathological forms of sperm cells in rats with modelled testicles damage; hasn’t improve males’ fertility. The introduction of vitamin D3 together with Tribestan to rats mails with serotonin induced testicles damage has positively affected all the spermogramm and gonads morphometric indices. The fecundity, as an embryonic losses level, has almost declined to Control rats’ values, whereas, the number of alive fetuses in thus group has been statistically higher than in groups with pathology as well as in those animals which obtained only cholecalciferol or referent medicine separately. The index of realized fecundity Fi has normalized in rats obtained vitamin D3 together with Tribestan. Fi in this group was higher than in other experimental animals. Conclusions. The using of cholecalciferol in complex schemes of treating of reproductive system disturbances due to gonads damage has led to improving of reproductive function and may be considered being pathogenetic therapy due to influence the different chains of reproductive health.

LOCAL-IGF-1 and GH application IMPROVES germ cell histology, spermatogenesis and fertility after experimental testicular torsion and detorsion

To evaluate the impact of insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH) on testis histology, spermatogenesis, and fertility in prepubertal rats exposed to 6h of testicular torsion (TT) and detorsion. Forty-eight male Wistar-albino rats weighing 30-70g and at 3-week age were allocated into six groups involving eight rats in each group as follows: Group 1:Sham, Group 2:Control, Group 3:Gelatin, Group 4:Local-IGF-1, 5: Local-GH, Group 6: Systemic-GH. Right testis was only exposed and sutured in the sham group, and right testes were rotated clockwise, 720°, fixed, and 6h later, detorsion on the testis was done in groups 2-6. Unloaded gelatin, 5μg local-IGF-1 loaded, and 2IU rhGH loaded gelatin were sutured to the right testis after detorsion in groups 3-5. In Group 6, 0.3IU/100gr/d rhGH was given for seven days via subcuticular route after detorsion. Each of the rats cohabited with two female rats five weeks later. Afterward, both right and left testes were removed. Mean diameter of seminiferous tubules (STD), mean biopsy score count of the testis (TBSC), mean percentage of haploid cells (HCP) were assessed, and fertility parameters were evaluated. STD and TBSC of the ipsilateral testes were significantly reduced in control and gelatin groups when compared to sham, local-IGF-1, and local-GH groups. STD and TBSC of the ipsilateral testes of the systemic-GH group were decreased compared to the sham group. HCP of the ipsilateral testes of control, gelatin, and systemic-GH groups were significantly lower than the sham, local-IGF-1, and local-GH groups. STD, TBSC, and HCP of the contralateral testes were significantly reduced in control and gelatin groups when compared separately to sham, local-IGF-1, systemic- GH, and local-GH groups. The difference between groups regarding potency, fertility, fecundity indexes, and mean fetus numbers were not significant. Even though there was significant and permanent histologic germ cell damage and reduced HCP in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes, experimental 6h TT and detorsion in prepubertal rats did not have a negative impact on future fertility. Local-IGF-1and rhGH treatment improved germ cell histology and spermatogenesis in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes of prepubertal rats, subjected to 6h of TT and detorsion.

Environmental influences on breeding biology and pup production in Australian fur seals.

Knowledge of factors affecting a species' breeding biology is crucial to understanding how environmental variability impacts population trajectories and enables predictions on how species may respond to global change. The Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, AUFS) represents the largest marine predator biomass in southeastern Australia, an oceanic region experiencing rapid warming that will impact the abundance and distribution of prey. The present study (1997–2020) investigated breeding phenology and pup production in AUFS on Kanowna Island, northern Bass Strait. The pupping period varied by 11 days and the median pupping date by 8 days and were negatively correlated to 1- and 2-year lagged winter zonal winds, respectively, within Bass Strait. While there was no temporal trend over the study period, annual pup production (1386–2574 pups) was negatively correlated to 1-year lagged summer zonal winds in the Bonney Upwelling region and positively correlated to the current-year Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). In addition, a fecundity index (ratio of new-born pups to adult females at the median pupping date) was positively correlated with current-year Southern Annular Mode (SAM) conditions. Periods of positive SOI and positive SAM conditions are forecast to increase in coming decades, suggesting advantageous conditions for the Kanowna Island AUFS population.

Endocrine and molecular factors of increased female reproductive performance in the Dummerstorf high-fertility mouse line FL1.

The Dummerstorf high-fertility mouse line FL1 is a worldwide unique selection experiment for increased female reproductive performance. After more than 190 generations of selection, these mice doubled the amount of offspring per litter compared to the unselected control line. FL1 females have a superior lifetime fecundity and the highest Silver fecundity index that has been described in mice, while their offspring show no signs of growth retardation. The reasons for the increased reproductive performance remained unclear. Thus, this study aims to characterize the Dummerstorf high-fertility mouse line FL1 on endocrine and molecular levels on the female side. We analyzed parameters of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis on both hormonal and transcriptional levels. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were decreased in FL1 throughout the whole estrous cycle. Luteinizing hormone (LH) was increased in FL1 mice in estrus. Progesterone concentrations were decreased in estrus in FL1 mice and not affected in diestrus. We used a holistic gene expression approach in the ovary to obtain a global picture of how the high-fertility phenotype is achieved. We found several differentially expressed genes in the ovaries of FL1 mice that are associated with different female fertility traits. Our results indicate that ovulation rates in mice can be increased despite decreased FSH levels. Cycle-related alterations of progesterone and LH levels have the potential to improve follicular maturation, and interactions of endocrine and molecular factors lead to enhanced follicular survival, more successful folliculogenesis and therefore higher ovulation rates in female FL1 mice.

Induction of oocyte developer hormones (oodev) on the maturity of Poropuntius tawarensis

Poropuntius tawarensis is an endemic fish belonging to the Cyprinidae family found in Laut Tawar Lake, Central Aceh, Indonesia. P. tawarensis has a limited distribution and the fertilization only occurs in the rainy season. The purpose of this research was to observe the effect of Oodev hormone with different doses on the maturity of P. tawarensis. This study was used completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 3 treatments and 3 replicates. Treatments used were the hormone doses of 0.25 mL/kg, 0.50 mL/kg and treatment without hormone (control). The parameters used in this study were gonadosomatic index (GSI), egg diameter, coefficients of variation (CV) of egg diameter, fecundity, and hepatosomatic index. The study revealed the highest value found in a dose of 0.50 mL/kg which the value of egg diameter was 0.8791±0.02 mm, coefficients of variation of egg was 6.46±0.49% and fecundity was 869±33.99 egg/kg. While the highest gonadosomatic index was found in a dose of 0.25 ml/kg (10.41±2.03%). Moreover, the induction of Oocyte developer (Oodev) hormone on the maturity of P. tawarensis did not significantly affect the hepatosomatic index (HSI), but Oodev hormone was efficient to accelerate the gonad maturity of fish.

Mercury exposure of tidal marsh songbirds in the northeastern United States and its association with nest survival.

The biogeochemistry of tidal marsh sediments facilitates the transformation of mercury (Hg) into the biologically available form methylmercury (MeHg), resulting in elevated Hg exposures to tidal marsh wildlife. Saltmarsh and Acadian Nelson's sparrows (Ammospiza caudacutua and A. nelsoni subvirgatus, respectively) exclusively inhabit tidal marshes, potentially experiencing elevated risk to Hg exposure, and have experienced range-wide population declines. To characterize spatial and temporal variation of Hg exposure in these species, we sampled total mercury (THg) in blood collected from 9 populations spanning 560 km of coastline, including individuals resampled within and among years. Using concurrent nesting studies, we tested whether THg was correlated with nest survival probabilities, an index of fecundity. Blood THg ranged from 0.074-3.373 µg/g ww across 170 samples from 127 individuals. We detected high spatial variability in Hg exposure, observing differences of more than 45-fold across all individuals and 8-fold in mean blood THg among all study plots, including 4-fold between study plots within 4 km. Intraindividual changes in blood Hg exposure did not vary systematically in time but were considerable, varying by up to 2-fold within and among years. Controlling for both species differences and maximum water level, the dominant driver of fecundity in this system, nest survival probability decreased by 10% across the full range of female blood THg concentrations observed. We conclude that Hg has the potential to impair songbird reproduction, potentially exacerbating known climate-change driven population declines from sea-level rise in saltmarsh and Acadian Nelson's sparrows.

English

Investigation on the Reproductive Biology of Bagrus bayad in Jibiya Dam from Katsina State, Nigeria was carried out from July – December 2019 using standard procedures. One hundred and sixteen (116) samples of B. bayad were harvested and collected during the study period in order to determine sex ratio, fecundity and Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) of the fish species. Results indicated that the male:female sex ratio was 1.3:1 which was not significantly different from the hypothetical 1:1 (p&gt;0.05). It was also found that the GSI of B. bayad was highest in July (0.23) and lowest in October (0.12). The relationship between fecundity and ovary weight was positively significant (p&lt;0.05). Similarly, there was a significant positive relationship between fecundity and body weight as well as between ovary weight and age (p&lt;0.05). However, no significant relationship was found between ovary weight and body weight, body weight and age and between fecundity and age (p&gt;0.05). It is recommended that comparative study on the stages of maturity of male and female B. bayad in Jibiya Dam be investigated.

Cervical mucus patterns and the fertile window in women without known subfertility: a pooled analysis of three cohorts.

STUDY QUESTION What is the normal range of cervical mucus patterns and number of days with high or moderate day-specific probability of pregnancy (if intercourse occurs on a specific day) based on cervical mucus secretion, in women without known subfertility, and how are these patterns related to parity and age? SUMMARY ANSWER The mean days of peak type (estrogenic) mucus per cycle was 6.4, the mean number of potentially fertile days was 12.1; parous versus nulliparous, and younger nulliparous ( 3 days (exceeded by 72% of women), most minus fewest days of non-peak type mucus >4 days (exceeded by 54% of women), greatest minus least cervical mucus cycle score >4.0 (exceeded by 73% of women), and most minus fewest potentially fertile days >8 days (found in 50% of women). Race did not have any association with cervical mucus parameters. Recent oral contraceptive use was associated with reduced cervical mucus cycle score and partial breast feeding was associated with a higher number of days of mucus (both peak type and non-peak type), consistent with prior research. Among the women for whom data were available (CEIBA and TTP), alcohol and tobacco use had minimal impact on cervical mucus parameters. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We did not have data on some factors that may impact ovulation, hormone levels, and mucus secretion, such as physical activity and body mass index. We cannot exclude the possibility that some women had unknown subfertility or undiagnosed gynecologic disorders. Only 27 women were age 35 or older. Our study participants were geographically dispersed but relatively homogeneous with regard to race, ethnicity, income, and educational level, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Patterns of cervical mucus secretion observed by women are an indicator of fecundity and the fertile window that are consistent with the known associations of age and parity with fecundity. The number of potentially fertile days (12 days) is likely greater than commonly assumed, while the number of days of highly estrogenic mucus (and higher probability of pregnancy) correlates with prior identifications of the fertile window (6 days). There may be substantial variability in fecundability between cycles for the same woman. Future work can use cervical mucus secretion as an indicator of fecundity and should investigate the distribution of similar cycle parameters in women with various reproductive or gynecologic pathologies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding for the three cohorts analyzed was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (CMFS), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (TTP), and the Office of Family Planning, Office of Population Affairs, Health and Human Services (CEIBA). The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

The impact of oestrus synchronization by hormone medication and varying numbers of artificial insemination sessions, determined by sow reproductive indices

This study was conducted on a central Albanian pig farm with a capacity of 80 sows. A uniform distribution of piglets born and the number of reared piglets sold every week and month was the target. To achieve this goal, a hormone-based synchronization scheme was used, combined with the use of one, two, or three artificial insemination sessions during the same oestrus. The main reproduction indices of sows were monitored, and the results indicated that the farrowing rate after the first insemination was 78.57%, 83.64% and 83.33% for the three groups in which one, two and three artificial insemination sessions were used during the same oestrus, obtained by inoculation with the hormone Sergon PG 400/200 IU. Average litter size (the number of live born piglets) per farrowing sow was 10.22 ± 0.33, 10.8 ± 0.2 and 10.6 ± 0.3 in the three groups, respectively. The fecundity index (FI) was 803, 905.8 and 883.3 in the three experimental groups of sows, respectively. A total of 1436 piglets from 136 farrowing sows were sold during 2018, achieving uniform sales of over 100 pigs per month with a weight over 90 kg. Therefore, it can be concluded that oestrus synchronization of sows with the Sergon PG 400/200 hormone can achieve a uniform distribution of piglets born and consequently a uniform distribution of piglets sales per week or month, regardless of the fact that this should be achieved at a larger scale. The best result as seen in the reproductive indicators was achieved by the use of artificial insemination with two sperm inoculations at a 12-hour interval during the same oestrus, synchronized by the Sergon PG 400/200 hormone.

Milk productivity and reproductive abilities of black-and-white cows of different lines

The article presents the results of the research on the comparative study of the main economically valuable traits of dairy cattle of various origin. The population of Holstein cows of black-and-white breed was taken as the object of the study. Source material for the research was provided by data of breeding records (n = 4848) of cows from breeding plant "Semyonovsky", Medvedevsky district, Mari El Republic. The breeding stock of the herd was presented by four lines: Vis Bek Idial 1013415 – 55.6 %, Reflection Sovering 198998 – 36.9 %, Montvik Chieftain 95679 – 6.7 % and Siling Trijun Rokit 252803 – 0.3 %. Animals of V. B. Idial line were most productive. They were superior to the representatives of other lines: in milk yield by 448-891 kg of milk (7.1-15.2 %) (p&gt;0.99), in milk fat yield – by 17.5-35.0 kg (7.3-15.7 %) (p&gt;0.99), in milk protein – by 4.7-28.6 kg (7.4-15.5 %) (p&gt;0.99) and they had a high coefficient of milking capacity of 1323 kg. Animals of all lines except S. T Rokit line were characterized by a uniform (stable) lactation curve, the coefficient of lactation stability was 93 %. The lowest age of the first calving was observed in animals of the R. Sovering line (26.5 months), the highest – in the S. T. Rokit line (30.7 months). The duration of the service period in the V.B. Idial line was 129.4 days, that was higher than this indicator for other lines by 8.3-11 days (6.8-9.3 %) (p&gt;0.95-0.99). The duration of the calving interval in all studied lines exceeded the optimal one (365 days) and changed in accordance with the change of the service period. A high index of fecundity was in cows of V. B. Ideal line (45.3), a low index - in S. T. Rokit line (37.2). In the studied lines, the coefficient of reproductive ability that characterizes the fertility of cows was 0.90-0.92, in S. T. Rokit line – 0.84.

Variation in Reproductive Investment among Ohio Reservoir Largemouth Bass Populations

AbstractReproductive investment, expressed in terms of fecundity and egg quality produced by individual female fish, varies among populations for many species, reflecting plasticity in life history strategies related to intraspecific density dependence or environmental variability. Fisheries scientists and managers have long sought to understand differences in Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides population dynamics, yet basic life history traits, such as variation in reproductive investment, remain largely unknown. We determined the fecundity–weight and ovary energy density–weight relationships (where fecundity indexes egg quantity and ovary energy density indexes egg quality) for Largemouth Bass populations from 19 Ohio reservoirs and examined factors that were correlated with population‐specific differences. We found that both relationships varied among reservoir populations, with some interannual variation in reservoirs sampled in multiple years. We then related fecundity and ovary energy density to (1) population characteristics, including population density (as indexed by standard shoreline boat electrofishing CPUE, fish/h) and growth (as indexed by the growth coefficient k from the von Bertalanffy growth function); and (2) reservoir characteristics, including reservoir size (as surface area) and productivity (as Secchi transparency depth). We found that populations with greater fecundity also exhibited greater ovary energy density, indicating that the quantity and quality of reproductive output were greater in some populations than in others. Populations with high reproductive investment were associated with low Largemouth Bass density, fast growth, large reservoir size, and high productivity (i.e., low Secchi transparency). The among‐population variation in reproductive investment provides evidence of density‐dependent control of fecundity and egg quality.

Reproduction and Age Structure of the Plains Killifish Fundulus zebrinus from Two Tributaries of the Upper Red River, Texas

Plains Killifish Fundulus zebrinus (subgenus Plancterus) is native to river basins in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. Original descriptions of Plains Killifish life history information are now applicable to the sister taxon Northern Plains Killifish Fundulus kansae following recognition of the 2 species in 2001. Study objectives were to quantify (1) length of the reproductive season, using the gonadosomatic index and categories of gonadal maturation, (2) batch fecundity, and (3) number of age groups for Plains Killifish taken from 2 rivers within the upper Red River basin of Texas. Reproductive season was from March through September, with the production of multiple batches and a maximum batch of 131 mature oocytes. Plains Killifish were sexually mature at age 1 and had an estimated life span of 2–3 years. Reproductive season, production of multiple batches, and age of Plains Killifish were similar to those reported for Northern Plains Killifish and 2 other closely related subgenera, Wileyichthys and Zygonectes. These similarities suggest strong trait conservatism among a monophyletic group of fundulids that inhabit a diversity of freshwater and saltwater environments in western shallow bays and salt marshes, southwestern arid and prairie streams, and eastern low-gradient streams of North America.

The effect of carbohydrates on nutritional preference and development of Mediterranean flour mouth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

In this study, the effect of different carbohydrates on food consumption, growth and development duration of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae) larvae was investigated. 13 diets containing different carbohydrates were prepared. Control diet did not contain carbohydrates. The 8 diet contains 3% concentration of glucose, galactose, maltose, starch, arabinose, mannose, sucrose or fructose. 2 of the diets contains 10% or 30% starch. 2 of the diets contain a mixture of carbohydrates (2 Glucose: 1Fructose; 2 Fructose: 1 Glucose). According to the results, only the increase in food consumption does not indicate that a carbohydrate is a feeding stimulus. The conversion of carbohydrates is also important. Although the dietary consumption of arabinose is high, pupa dry weight, pupa lipid and pupa protein are not high. Conversely, although the consumption of the glucose-containing diet is low, the pupa dry weight and pupa lipid content are high. The glucose-fructose mixture is stimulant for E. kuehniella larvae. G2-F1 diet is the diet with high food consumption and growth performance. In addition, it was determined that as the starch concentration in the diet increased, the amount of consumption increased but the pupa dry weight, which is an indicator of fecundity, decreased. It is important result that the amount of pupa protein does not differ in diets except carbohydrate free diet and G2-F1 diet.

Low dose of flurochloridone affected reproductive system of male rats but not fertility and early embryonic development

BackgroundFluorochloridone (FLC) is a widely used herbicide, and its target organs are testes and epididymides. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals classified FLC as Level 2-possibly cause fertility or fetal damage (no relevant data support). The maximum residue levels of FLC in processed crops have been reviewed in the latest European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) report in 2018. However, the toxic effect of FLC on fertility and early embryonic development is limited, and the health risk assessment of FLC needs further consideration. This study investigated the potential effects of FLC on fertility and early embryonic development in rats.MethodsOne hundred rats of each sex were divided into four groups including three FLC-treated groups at doses of 2 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg, and a vehicle control group (0.5% (w/v) sodium carboxymethyl cellulose). Male and female rats were dosed for 9 and 2 consecutive weeks, intragastrically, prior to cohabitation and lasted throughout the mating period for males and continued until Gestation Day 7 (GD7) for females. Parameters such as weights and coefficients of reproductive organs, epididymal sperm number and motility, indexes of copulation, fecundity and fertility indexes, mating period, estrous cycle, corporalutea number, implantations, live, dead and resorbed fetuses, preimplantation loss rate, and postimplantation loss rate were observed in this study.ResultsObvious toxicity of male reproductive system was found at the dose of 15 mg/kg including decreases in testicular and epididymal weight, also in sperm motility rate. Whereas the increase in sperm abnormality rate was observed. However, no significant effects of FLC were found on lutea count, implantations count, fetuses count and weight, live fetuses count (rate), dead fetuses count (rate), resorbed fetuses count (rate), placentas weight, fetuses gender, preimplantation loss (rate) and postimplantation loss (rate). Furthermore, FLC had no adverse effects on fertility and early embryonic development in rats.ConclusionThe no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of FLC on fertility and early embryonic development in rats was considered to be 5 mg/kg/day.

Відновлення репродуктивної функції жінок після органозберігальних операцій на яєчниках

The objective: to study features of restration of reproductive function of women after organ-preserving operations on ovaries. Materials and methods. Investigated morfofunctionale condition of ovaries at 100 patients with a simple serous cystadenoma (n=50) and a mature teratoma (n=50) – before organ-preserving operations (cystectomia, resection). Taking into account the volume of the executed operative measure, surveyed were distributed on groups. The complex of the conducted researches included clinical, endocrinologic, biochemical, morphological and staticsti methods. Results. The women who have undergone organ-preserving operations concerning benign tumors of ovaries, to the most vulnerable still have reproductive health. Results of the conducted research showed that patients with normal ovariale reserve in the majority of observations have not changed indicators of fecundity. Complications of pregnancy were more often taped at patients with moderate depression and low ovariale reserve that it is necessary to consider when conducting pregnancy at these patients. The data obtained by us confirm opinion that in connection with the high frequency of sterility at patients with the lowered ovariale reserve after an operative measure in the late reproductive period use of auxiliary genesial technologies for realization of reproductive function is shown. Conclusion. The obtained data need to be considered when developing algorithm of diagnostic, treatment-and-prophylactic and rehabilitational actions. Key words: benign tumors of ovaries, reproductive age, restoration of reproductive function.

Los sistemas biofloc: una estrategia eficiente en la producción acuícola

La piscicultura en Colombia es la actividad pecuaria que ha reportado mayor crecimiento en la última década mejorando los indicadores de desarrollo del sector agropecuario nacional. Para hacer más eficiente su producción, se propone la implementación de los Sistemas Biofloc (SB), agregados de comunidades microbianas en forma de flóculos integrados por bacterias, fitoplancton, materia orgánica e inorgánica, generados fácilmente en los estanques; bajo condiciones de recirculación constante de agua, alta oxigenación y suplementación con fuentes ricas en carbono; brindándole condiciones para ejercer control de la calidad del agua, mediante procesos naturales (metabolismo de oxígeno y nitrógeno), realizados por bacterias, fitoplancton y algunas microalgas; que captan e inmovilizan el amoniaco producido en el estaque, (procesos de nitrificación), para producir proteína bacteriana de excelente calidad, fácilmente aprovechable por los peces, que reincorporada a la cadena alimenticia del estanque maximiza la producción de carne de pescado por unidad de área; con utilización mínima del recurso agua (Sistemas de mínimo recambio de agua) por lo que disminuye la posibilidad de la entrada de patógenos y enfermedades al estanque, mejorando la bioseguridad por su actividad como controlador de poblaciones de bacterias patógenas. Asimismo, se ha encontrado un efecto positivo en el desarrollo y la estimulación de algunos mecanismos de defensa del sistema inmunológico innato de peces y camarones, confirmando su papel como compuestos inmunoestimulantes. También presentan otras ventajas nutricionales como mejora en la tasa de ingestión, digestión, absorción, conversión alimenticia, crecimiento, efectos positivos sobre la actividad enzimática digestiva entre otras; incluso optimando el rendimiento reproductivo, los indicadores de fecundidad, desove y composición bioquímica de los huevos en algunas especies acuícolas.

Growth and reproductive characteristics of rarely observed resident female Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma malma) in North America

Among North American populations of northern form Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma malma) exhibiting partial migration, the resident female life history is rarely encountered. Between 2012 and 2016, three sexually mature females confirmed as residents using otolith strontium analysis were captured from three rivers in the western Canadian Arctic (< 1% of residents sampled). Size-at-capture and size-at-age, estimated using otolith back-calculation, were compared to resident males and anadromous females. Fecundity, egg diameter, and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were compared to anadromous female current-year spawners. Resident females (fork length range 220–360 mm) tended to be among the largest-sized residents (two were > 90th percentile). Early size-at-age of resident females either exceeded or were among the largest sizes compared to resident males and pre-smolt anadromous females. Residents had similar fecundity predicted for length and egg size (range 3.5–4.2 mm) compared to anadromous, although GSI (range 13.2–17.4%) was inconsistent among populations. Interestingly, one resident female attained a greater size-at-capture and fecundity than the smallest anadromous current-year spawner. Our results suggest that conditional mating tactics of Dolly Varden can be expressed by both sexes in multiple populations, and increases understanding of Dolly Varden life history diversity and bet-hedging strategies in partially migratory populations.