Level Of Egg Production Research Articles

Hematological status and egg production of laying hen with probiotic powder as feed supplements

The study aimed to observe the effect of adding probiotic powder on the hematological status and egg production in layer-phase laying hens. This research was conducted for 30 days, located in a layer farms in Sumedang Regency, West Java. The production of probiotic powder was carried out at the Central Laboratory, Padjadjaran University. The blood was analyzed at the Multitest Commercial Laboratory, Margahayu Raya, Bandung City. The variables observed in this study were the levels of erythrocytes, leukocytes, hematocrit, and egg production in layer-phase laying hens. This study used an experimental method with statistical analysis using a completely randomized design (CRD) with four levels of probiotics (0%, 2%, 3%, 4%) and five replications. The research data were analyzed using the 0.05% Variety Print Test. The result of this research showed that the addition of probiotic powder gave the same effect on the levels of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and hematocrits of laying hens. However, probiotic powder increased egg production along with the addition of the dose of probiotic powder. It can be seen that 2%, 3% and 4% probiotic powder increased 64.1%, 41.5% and 118% egg production compared to control.

A Study on the Analysis and Collection of Big Data from Domestic Chicken Farms Using for the National Big-Data Project

This study was conducted to collect and analyze efficient and predictable big data from domestic layer chicken farms for the National Big-Data Project (NBDP), which has been deployed for domestic livestock farms since 2019. Big data from layer chicken farms located in the Chung-Buk region were collected and analyzed for valuable and efficient big data for layer chicken farm consulting projects. According to the analysis of various and complex big data from layer chicken farms, the number of dead chickens, level of egg production, water and feed intake data, vaccination data, and antibiotics and drugs treatment data were evaluated as the most useful and valuable big data. As a result, this study suggests that the NBDP, which is connected with diverse ICT instruments at farms nationwide, must be rapidly developed for the efficient and predictable smart livestock farming in Korea.

Amino acids in compound feed when rearing replacement young quails

In the technology of production of quail eggs it is important to prepare the replacement young quails for egg laying since the timing of the beginning and duration of the productive period, the level of egg production, and the quality of eggs depend on it. A prerequisite for obtaining high productivity of laying quails in the future is a complete feeding during the rearing period. One solution to this problem is the use of synthetic amino acids in poultry feeding, which increase the biological value of the feed protein to meet the poultry’s protein needs. The results of research on the use of compound feed with an increased content of amino acids (lysine and methionine with cystine) by 15 and 20 % in the nutritional content of replacement young quails of Omskaya breed of meat and egg productivity have been presented in the article. It has been found that the use of experimental compound feed contributed to the increase in the live weight of quails of the experimental groups by 3,94 and 2,97 %, the decrease in the average daily feed consumption by 11,21 and 7,56 %, and expenditures of compound feed for 1 kg of gain by 14,54 and 8,31 %. The higher content of amino acids has increased the yield of effective young quails in the experimental groups by 4,09 and 7,07 %. It has been found in the result of carrying out anatomical cutting of carcasses that feeding quails with experimental compound feed had a stimulating effect on the development of egg-forming organs. The calculation of the economic efficiency of rearing replacement young quails has shown that the use of compound feed with the increase in amino acids by 15 and 20 % in compound feed reduced the expenditures of their rearing by 8,04 and 5,28 % and the prime-cost of one replacement female quail by 12,86 and 11,63 %.

Duck Farming in Coastal Area: Assessing Nutritional Status and Its Contribution to Egg Production

The nutritional status of laying ducks is the balance between the supply of nutrients from the feedstuff consumed with the nutritional needs for maintenance and egg production. Therefore, the nutritional status can be measured through the level of egg production. This study was aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of laying ducks cultivated in coastal areas and its contribution to egg production. Using a survey method with a Dietary Assessment Approach onto 200 flocks of ducks and their breeders as a sample. Every week for 6 consecutive weeks, the farmers were interviewed about the amount and type of feed stuff that was given to their ducks. Sampling from each feedstuff was carried out to be analyzed in the laboratory for its nutritional content. The results of the analysis were used to calculate the amount and nutritional components consumed by the ducks, then compared with the nutritional requirements of laying ducks according to the Indonesian National Standard (INS). Nutritional status is considered Sufficient Status (SS) if the consumption of ducks from each nutritional component is the same as INS, and Insufficient Status (IS) if < INS. Daily egg production was recorded. To determine the contribution of nutritional status to egg production, the data were analyzed by regression. The results showed that 58.50% of samples were in SS and 41.50% IS. The regression results showed that the contribution of SS to egg production was 72.132% higher than the contribution of IS which was 49.91%. The IS ration contains a high rice brand while the portion of anchovies and abandoned fish is relatively low. The study concluded that the level of egg production was determined by nutritional status, increasing the nutritional status from IS to SS can be done by reducing the portion of bran and increasing the portion of anchovies and fish waste in ration.

Transcriptome Analysis During Follicle Development in Turkey Hens With Low and High Egg Production.

Low and high egg producing hens exhibit gene expression differences related to ovarian steroidogenesis. High egg producing hens display increased expression of genes involved in progesterone and estradiol production, in the granulosa layer of the largest follicle (F1G) and small white follicles (SWF), respectively, whereas low egg producing hens display increased expression of genes related to progesterone and androgen production in the granulosa (F5G) and theca interna layer (F5I) of the fifth largest follicle, respectively. Transcriptome analysis was performed on F1G, F5G, F5I, and SWF samples from low and high egg producing hens to identify novel regulators of ovarian steroidogenesis. In total, 12,221 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between low and high egg producing hens across the four cell types examined. Pathway analysis implied differential regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, particularly thyroid hormone transporters and thyroid hormone receptors, and of estradiol signaling in low and high egg producing hens. The HPT axis showed up-regulation in high egg producing hens in less mature follicles but up-regulation in low egg producing hens in more mature follicles. Estradiol signaling exclusively exhibited up-regulation in high egg producing hens. Treatment of SWF cells from low and high egg producing hens with thyroid hormone in vitro decreased estradiol production in cells from high egg producing hens to the levels seen in cells from low egg producing hens, whereas thyroid hormone treatment did not impact estradiol production in cells from low egg producing hens. Transcriptome analysis of the major cell types involved in steroidogenesis inferred the involvement of the HPT axis and estradiol signaling in the regulation of differential steroid hormone production seen among hens with different egg production levels.

Age-related variability of indicators of protein metabolism in the blood of laying hens

Proteins are one of the most important indicators of blood. More than 150 individual whey proteins are currently known. However, an idea of the protein spectrum of blood can also be obtained on the basis of the concentration of total protein, albumin, globulins, the value of the protein coefficient, and the nature of their ratio gives an idea of the direction of protein metabolism (anabolic or catabolic), since the specificity of metabolic processes determines the productivity of layers. The concentration of total protein in the blood of chickens did not depend on the age of the bird, namely the period of the reproductive period, and hence the level of egg production. It fluctuated at the level of 37.2-42.0 g / l. Albumin concentration significantly increased during oviposition from 17.51 ± 1.71 to 21.36 ± 2.09 g / L. At the same time, the percentage of albumin in the total protein concentration increased from 47.07 ± 1.27 (26 weeks of age) to 53.93 ± 1.33% (p≤0.05) (80 weeks of age). The amount of globulins in the blood of hens did not depend on the age and duration of the reproductive period, but had a tendency to decrease, which was the result of a gradual decrease in the defenses of the bird’s body. The resistance of the body of laying hens decreases to the greatest extent at the age of 80 weeks, which causes an increase in Alb / Gl - coefficient by 1.51 times (p≤0.05) compared to the beginning of oviposition. The concentration of urea in the body of hens steadily increased during oviposition from 2.76 ± 0.18 (26 weeks of age) to 4.03 ± 0.11 mmol / L (p≤0.05) (80 weeks of age). The uric acid content in the blood of laying hens did not depend on the age and duration of the reproductive period and varied in the range of 0.39 ± 0.007 - 0.43 ± 0.002 mmol / L.

ORGANS REACTION TO INTAKE OF MANSONIA ALTISSIMA IN LAYING HENS AND COCKS

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of intake of Mansonia altissima in the feed of laying hens and cocks with respect to the testis, ovary, liver and spleen. A tota of 45 birds consisting of 36 Isa-Brown layers and 9 cocks were completely randomized into three treatments. A, B and C, which contained 0, 30 and 50g/kg, pulverized M. altissima bark meal, respectively. Each treatment was replicated thrice and each replicate contained 5 birds consisting of 4 females and 1 male. Results showed enlargement and hyperemia of the testis, severe congestion of the ovaries and venous congestion of the live. However, the spleen appeared normal in both the control and treatment groups. Furthermore, the result showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the level of egg production between treatment group with group C (50g/kg/feed) laying the highest number of eggs. It was therefore concluded that 50g/kg/feed of M. altissima can be used as an egg booster.

Photostimulated changes in egg production and reproductive performance of the Guinea fowl in a sub-humid tropical environment.

The effect of photo-induced changes on egg production and reproductive performance of female guinea fowl was studied by exposing the birds to three photo-regimens, namely natural daylight all day for 12 weeks (NDL), 8 hours of light per day for 8 weeks (8L-16D) plus supplementary light for 16 hours per day for 4 weeks (16L-8D) (RSL), and provided natural daylight all day for 8 weeks plus supplementary light at 16 hours per day for 4 weeks (SL). Weight gain during the pre-laying period was similar (P>0.05) in all the treatment groups between 20-36 weeks of age. The reverse was the case during the laying period between 36-52 weeks, which coincided with the age at sexual maturity. Feed intake was similar (P>0.05) for the NDL and SL groups during the pre-laying period but the RSL group had significantly lower (P<0.05) feed intake than the others. Overall laying mortality was lowest in the RSL birds. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in body weight for all the groups. Age at first egg was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the RSL (207 d) than in the NDL (249 d) and SL (235 d) birds which were similar (P>0.05). The guinea fowls which received 8 weeks of restricted light (RSL) responded more rapidly in terms of day-to-first-egg after exposure to 16 hours of light and achieved significantly higher (P<0.05) level of egg production than the other two groups. The overall economy of production, in terms of cost, revealed that RSL birds performed better than the NDL and SL, in that it cost N36.58 and 127.05 more to produce each NDL and SL guinea fowl at point of lay respectively. The results indicate that different light regimes altered the time during which egg production response took place and apparently affected the genetic potentials of the groups with regard to egg mass and total number of eggs laid during the period covered by this trial.

Reaction of the reproductive system of hens to the chronic stressor

During the panic, hens of white egg crosses, which are generally characterized by excessive timidity, immediately resort to escape and hysterically fight against the partitions and other elements that enclose the territory of their stay. It leads to numerous injuries, bleeding in the liver and ovaries, peritonitis, mass physiological anovulations and other disorders of the ovulatory cycles, and thus -at overcrowding, ie at 26 and 28 hens/m2, respe to reduction or stop of egg production and even death. Therefore, it is the level of egg production that determines and evaluates the reaction of the body of hens to acute stress in the first place, also for the immediate elimination of its stimulus. With regard to chronic stress, its diagnosis is complicated by the subtle current effects on the body of laying hens. However, with prolonged and cumulative action of the stimulus, it also causes significant material losses. The lack of a significant number of eggs under uncomfortable conditions of keeping hens during the year is probably a consequence of their being in a state of chronic stress. However, the possibility and effectiveness of its detection by the level of laying hens, especially at the beginning of the stimulus, has not been studied yet. This is especially true of situations that arise when the density of laying hens in cages. The urgency of detecting chronic stressors by the egg laying capacity of hens is also connected with the lack of objective data on the amount of material losses during their operation. Due to it and the attempt to obtain as many food eggs as possible from 1 m2 of available technological areas, some of their powerful producers resort to keeping the laying hens in the cages of multitiered batteries and even at higher densities, ie not at the densities recommended by the developer of the cross, but at higher ones established by the domestic standards. Therefore, the aim of the experiment was to determine the response of the reproductive system of hens to the intensity of chronic stressors formed by keeping them in cages of 12-tier batteries at a slightly higher density. To do it, on the conditions of a modern complex of the alimentary egg production 3 groups of laying hens of industrial herd of the cross «Hy-Line W-36» were formed, each was kept in a separate poultry house-analogue (area 2463.3 m2) with 12-tier cages batteries «Salmet», consisting of 30912 cages with the area of 0.392 m2. Hens of the 1st (control) group were kept at a density of 23 hens/m2 in accordance with domestic standards, and the 2nd and 3rd groups – at overcrowding, ie at 26 and 28 hens/m2, respectively. The effect of chronic stress on hens was determined by standard zootechnic and morphological methods of measuring their egg production, preservation, live weight and weight of eggs, strength and thickness of the shell, intensity of yolk color, etc. It was found that in accordance with the domestic requirements the normative density of keeping (23 hens/m2) of the hens of the cross «Hy-Line W-36» does not provide their inherent productivity, which should be at least 262.2 eggs per initial laying hen within 62 weeks of life (and at the density of keeping in the range of 13–20 hens/m2). In particular, in hens of group 1 it was (231.4 eggs/hen), ie it was 11.7% lower. Preservation of hens of group 1 (91.3%) also did not reach the normative level (96.4%). The increase in the intensity of chronic stressors, namely the increase in the density of hens of groups 2 and 3 to 26–28 hens/m2, led to a corresponding reaction of their body, in particular, to a decrease in egg productivity (up to 220.8–227.2 pcs/hen.) and preservation (up to 88.4–91.1%). This increase in the density of laying hens in the cages of 12-tier batteries to 26–28 hens/m2 (by 4–27% relative to domestic standards) provides for obtaining of 1.6–5.2 thousand more eggs from 1 m2 of poultry area, but under conditions of reduction of the level of the European coefficient of efficiency of their production. Thus, it was found that overcrowding of hens of the industrial flock of egg cross «Hy-Line W-36» is a chronic stressor, which causes a decrease not only in egg production due to ovulatory cycles, but also their viability and efficiency of egg production in general.

Implementation of Connected Component Labelling for Calculation Amount of Eggs on the Laying Pullet Cage

Chicken eggs are one of the commodities that become easily available foodstuffs. The level of egg production in good condition is directly proportional to the capacity of the cage. The process of calculating the amount of egg production becomes a problem for farmers when they want to calculate the amount of egg production in the condition of a chicken coop on a large scale. Smart systems are one form of technological development with the primary goal of producing effective and efficient systems. One area that plays a role in technological development is image processing, eggs are objects with certain color characteristics and pixel scales. In this study, the process of calculating the number of eggs based on color segmentation and selection of pixel scales on eggs and the process of calculating objects using the Connected Component Labeling algorithm of images that have gone through gray-scale and threshold processes and implemented using MATLAB. The trial results show that the object image of an egg is strongly influenced by the size of the image, the intensity of the light, and distance of capturing images. The number of eggs that can be detected in this study depends on the process of segmentation and measurement of the object’s egg scale, in this study it was found that colors other than egg colors and objects that are outside the egg scale will be considered as noise and will not be detected.

Chickens in motion: Effects of egg production level and pen size on the motor abilities and bone stability of laying hens (Gallus gallus forma domestica)

Laying hens have undergone strong selection pressure for traits related to productivity in recent decades. This has led to an impressive increase in egg production but is also assumed to cause undesirable side effects, such as behavioural changes or increased bone damage. Resource trade-offs resulting from egg production might trigger such changes. Our hypothesis was that hens from lines selected for high levels of egg production need to conserve energy to maintain productivity by reducing locomotor activity. We further assumed that the reduced locomotor activity is accompanied by poorer motor coordination abilities. In addition to the performance level, phylogenetic origin has potential implications for behavioural and physiological differences. Thus, we compared hens from four purebred layer lines in a 2 × 2 model that differed in productivity levels (a line with high egg production (320 eggs/year) and a line with moderate egg production (200 eggs/year)) and phylogenetic origins (white and brown egg layer lines). Furthermore, hens of each line were kept in compartments of two different sizes (large, with stocking densities of 3.19 hens/m2; and small, with stocking densities of 5.94 hens/m2), to examine the effect of space and stocking density on the behaviour and bone strength of the hens. In total, we tested 742 chickens from the four different layer lines. We recorded their general locomotor activity in their home compartments and tested their motor coordination using a rotarod test. After the laying period, we examined the bone breaking strength of the tibiotarsi and the humeri from chickens of all four lines. The hens from both highly productive lines possessed poorer motor coordination than the hens from the moderately productive lines of corresponding phylogenetic origin. Furthermore, the hens from the brown egg-laying lines performed better than the hens from the white egg-laying lines. Compartment size had a positive effect on the motor coordination of the hens from the moderately productive lines and interacted with productivity. However, general locomotor activities were not different between the hens from lines with different productivities or of different phylogenetic origins. The hens from the moderately productive lines possessed higher bone breaking strengths than the hens from the highly productive lines within the phylogenetic groups. Our results show that the hens from the lines with high productivity have poorer motor coordination and lower bone breaking strength than the hens with moderate productivity. These results can help to gain further understanding of practical problems, such as the high prevalence of bone damage in laying hens.

Estimating the catchable size of orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) in Kwandang Bay, Gorontalo Utara District, Indonesia

The orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) is a valuable food fish. To support the sustainable management of orange-spotted grouper fisheries, it is important to determine the optimum catchable size. The purpose of this study was to determine an optimal catchable size for the orange-spotted grouper stock in Kwandang Bay, North Gorontalo District, Indonesia. The Catchable size was determined based on the size at first sexual maturity, fecundity, and reproductive potential. The study was conducted from December 2016 to November 2017. The size at first sexual maturity was estimated based on the examination of gonads from 141 specimens, while fecundity was estimated based on a sample of 40 female fish with ripe gonads. The mean total length (TL) at first maturity was 40 cm. Fecundity ranged from 30,526 - 1,395,846 eggs with a mean of 687,025 eggs. The reproductive potential was highest in the size range of 55-64 cm TL. The recommended size for orange-spotted grouper is above 64 cm, to enable females to attain their maximum level of egg production before capture and thus contribute to maintaining the stock.

Protective efficacy of the Newcastle disease virus genotype VII–matched vaccine in commercial layers

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a major threat to the poultry industry worldwide, with a diversity of genotypes associated with severe economic losses in all poultry sectors. Class II genotype VII NDV are predominant in the Middle East and Asia, despite intensive vaccination programs using conventional live and inactivated NDV vaccines. In Egypt, the disease is continuously spreading, causing severe economical losses in the poultry industry. In this study; the protective efficacy of a commercial, inactivated recombinant genotype VII NDV–matched vaccine (KBNP-C4152R2L strain) against challenge with the velogenic NDV strain (Chicken/USC/Egypt/2015) was evaluated in commercial layers. Two vaccination regimes were used; live NDV genotype II (LaSota) vaccine on days 10, 18, and 120, with either the inactivated NDV genotype II regime or inactivated NDV genotype VII–matched vaccine regime on days 14, 42, and 120. The 2 regimes were challenged at the peak of egg production on week 26. Protection by the 2 regimes was evaluated after experimental infection, based on mortality rate, clinical signs, gross lesions, virus shedding, seroconversion, and egg production schedule. The results show that these 2 vaccination regimes protected commercial layer chickens against mortality, but some birds showed mild clinical signs and reduced egg production temporarily. However, the combination of live NDV genotype II and recombinant inactivated genotype VII vaccines provided better protection against virus shedding (20% and 0% vs. 60% and 40%) as assessed in tracheal swabs and (20% and 0% vs. 20% and 20%) in cloacal swabs collected at 3 and 5 D post challenge (dpc), respectively. In addition, egg production levels in birds receiving the inactivated NDV genotype VII–matched vaccine regime and in those given inactivated genotype II vaccines were 76.6, 79, 82, and 87.4% and 77.7, 72.5, 69, and 82.5% at 7, 14, 21, and 28 dpc, respectively. The results of this study indicate that recombinant genotype-matched inactivated vaccine along with a live attenuated vaccine can reduce virus shedding and improve egg production in commercial layers challenged with a velogenic genotype VII virus under field conditions. This regime may ensure a proper control strategy in layers.

Characterization of the hypothalamo–pituitary–gonadal axis in low and high egg producing turkey hens

Variation in egg production exists in commercial turkey hens, with low egg producing hens (LEPH) costing more per egg produced than high egg producing hens (HEPH). Egg production correlates with ovulation frequency, which is governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. Ovulation is stimulated by a preovulatory surge (PS) of progesterone and luteinizing hormone, triggered by gonadotropin releasing hormone release and inhibited by gonadotropin inhibiting hormone. Differences between LEPH and HEPH were characterized by determining HPG axis plasma hormone profiles and mRNA levels for key genes, both outside and inside of the PS (n = 3 per group). Data were analyzed with a 2-way ANOVA using the mixed models procedure of SAS. In the HPG axis, plasma progesterone levels were not affected by egg production level but were elevated during the PS. In contrast, plasma estradiol levels were higher in HEPH than in LEPH but were not associated with the PS. LEPH exhibited decreased gene expression associated with ovulation stimulation and increased gene expression associated with ovulation inhibition in the hypothalamus and pituitary. In ovarian follicle cells, LEPH displayed decreased gene expression associated with progesterone, androgen, and estradiol production in the F1 follicle granulosa cells, F5 theca interna cells, and small white follicle cells, respectively. Different degrees of stimulation and inhibition within all tissues of the HPG axis were noted between LEPH and HEPH turkey hens, with HEPH showing higher expression of genes related to ovulation and steroidogenesis.

Effect of Probiotics on production and egg quality of dual purpose chicken at Kathmundu in Nepal

A total of 448, Sakini (224) and Giriraja (224) breed of chickens were used to investigate the feed intake & weight gain from 0-150 days and egg production and egg quality from 150 – 240 days of age in Khumaltar Lalitpur Nepal. The four different levels of probiotics viz. 0,5, 10 and 15 ml of Probiotic (Poultry biosa)/kg of feed were used with randomized factor design 2*4*8(RBD) with 8 treatments and 8 replications. The data was recorded daily on feed intake and egg production and in every 15 days interval for weight gain. Results showed that the addition of probiotic to the feed significantly improved feed intake, weight gain , egg production and egg quality on sakini and giriraja breeds of chickens(P<0.05). Additionally, data on egg production and egg quality showed increased production in treatment group than control group (P<0.05).The general trend revealed increasing level of egg production from five to eight months with significant difference (P<0.05). Nutrient analysis of eggs by proximate analysis in terms of CP, CF, fat and energy showed significant difference (P<0.05). Thus to conclude, there is positive effect of probiotics for production and productivity in terms of feed conversion ratio, weight gain, egg production & egg quality in Sakini and Giriraja breed of Chicken.
 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2019. 48 (1): 29-35

Spectrum Lighting During Pullet Rearing and Its Impact on Subsequent Production Performance in Layers

Artificial lighting is used to control growth and reproduction. Lighting protocols are defined by the quantity (photoperiod, intensity) and the quality (wavelength) of light. Recently, with the introduction of light emitting diode (LED) bulbs, interest has grown in investigating the effect of spectrum lighting. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of red and green light on growth during pullet rearing, and on possible carry-over effects during the subsequent adult phase. Lohmann Brown-Lite chicks were raised in a 2-story free run barn divided into 4 sections and exposed to either 60% red LED (RL) or 60% green LED (GL) light treatments. At 19 wk, all birds were moved to an adult free-run barn with RL and GL pullets placed on separate halves of the barn. In the adult barn, all birds were exposed to RL. Body weight, egg production, ovarian morphology, estradiol and calcium levels, as well as bone structure were recorded until 70 wk. Although no consistent significant difference was observed in body weight or general reproductive parameters, RL pullets tended to sexually mature earlier. As well, no carry-over effect was detected. Regardless of pullet treatment, egg production remained high throughout, especially towards the end of lay. In conclusion, spectrum lighting during the rearing of layer pullets did not impact growth or subsequent production performance; however, exposing adult hens to RL may be beneficial to maintain high egg production.

Local Community Knowledge of Productivity and Diversity of Chicken Phenotypes (Gallus gallus domesticus) as an Effort to Support Ternate's Community Food Security

Research with the title Local Community Knowledge of Productivity and Diversity of Chicken Phenotypes (Gallus gallus domesticus) as an Effort to Support Ternate's Community Food Security will be carried out with the aim of studying local knowledge about variations from local chickens, traditions in raising local chickens, and local chicken conservation efforts as studies beginning for the conservation of germplasm in supporting the food security of the people of Ternate City. This research will be carried out for 3 months. The location of the study was determined by purposive sampling with the provisions of the dominant research location having a local chicken population. The main material in this study were adult chickens, both male and female. Changing the phenotype of qualitative characteristics of chickens observed included: feather color, shank color (claw) and comb shape. To see the relationship between community knowledge about productivity and phenotype diversity, 67 interviewed native chicken farmers who are used to conducting selection in seed selection, based on their local knowledge system (LK). Operational Variables consist of independent variables and dependent variables. The independent variable is local knowledge of farmers with parameters: bones, feathers, combs, scales of feet, eyes, cloaca, anal bones, toes, head and back. While the dependent variable is the productivity of domestic chicken with parameters of average egg production per month during three months. The results showed that there was a significant correlation between local knowledge of the community and the level of egg production (P <0.01) with a correlation coefficient of 0.46. While for the phenotypic characterization of qualitative properties of free-range chicken in Ternate City, it is still quite diverse, both feather color, shank color and comb shape and do not yet have specific features that are firm, so that native chickens cannot be categorized as new varieties and selection to form superior and specific chicken varieties.

Egg Weight and Hen Day Production (HDP) Layer Commercial at High and Low Altitude

The research about “Egg weight and Hen Day Production (HDP) Layer Commercial at High and Low Altitude” was conducted at Bogor district (low altitude) and Majalengka district (high altitude). Location farms in Majalengka (altitude of about 1.200 meters above sea level; the average daily temperature: 15-220C); Bogor (height of about 140 meters above sea level; the average daily temperature 22-310C). This aims to determine the level of egg production (egg weight and Hen Day Production (HDP)). Data collection technique was purposive sampling. The data comes from eight cages in the high altitude and fifteen cage on low altitude. The observed data were analyzed descriptively and t test. The results showed that the high altitude environment (Majalengka) supports the achievement of the egg weight and Hen Day Production (HDP) optimal.

Tingkat Hen Day Production (HDP) dan Break Event Point (BEP) Usaha Ayam Ras Petelur (Gallus sp)

This study aims to determine the daily egg production level (HDP) and Break Event Point (BEP). The research location and respondents were determined intentionally (purposive sampling) with a total of 4 farmers consisting of 1,000 tail respondents, 1,350 heads, 4,500 heads and 6,000 heads. The data used are primary and secondary data. Data collection techniques are carried out by interviewing, recording and observing. The analysis model used is a descriptive analysis model with verbal and mathematical methods. The verbal method is a way of using words to explain a thing, while a mathematical method uses break event point (BEP) analysis. Based on the results of the study it was found that the production level of 51-day Hen Day production (HDP) of laying hens aged 85 weeks between 85.1% -85.3% . Break Event Point (BEP) production obtained from a scale of 1,000 head was 30,379.5 kg, 1,350 tails of 36,282.5 kg, 4,500 tails of 124,180 kg, and 6,000 tails of 159,231.5 kg. Break Event Point (BEP) prices on a 1,000-tail scale of Rp. 16,893, 1,350 scale of Rp. 14,965, a 4,500 scale of Rp. 15,349 and the scale of 6,000 is Rp. 14,698. The conclusion of this study is that the HDP level is still below standard because the maintenance system for laying hens has not been maximized while the yield of the product and the rupiah is above the BEP value so that the laying hens business produces profits

Relationship between the Distribution of Broodstock and Vorticity of Spawning Grounds of Four Major Chinese Carps in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River during Ecological Operation of the Three Gorges Dam

Hydrodynamic characteristics of spawning grounds are important factors affecting the spawning of four major Chinese carps (Mylopharyngodon piceus, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, and Aristichthys nobilis). To investigate the relationship between the preferred hydrodynamic characteristics of spawning sites and the response of fish spawning behavior, we monitored the flow field of spawning sites during ecological operation of the Three Gorges Dam (i.e., man-made flood regulation) in 2014 and 2015. We used the data to explore the correlation between vorticity changes in spawning grounds and the spawning amount. Pearson correlation coefficients of the average vorticity in all cross-sections of the Yidu spawning ground and spawning amount in 2014 and 2015 were 0.730 and 0.822, respectively, indicating a significant positive correlation between vorticity and spawning activity. In some specific regions, this correlation was even stronger (Pearson correlations of the regional vorticity and egg production were >0.95). To further corroborate and analyze the relationship between these specific regions and the distribution of broodstock during the breeding season, an ultrasonic telemetry test of broodstock was conducted in the Yidu spawning ground in 2016. The results showed that the broodstocks were concentrated in the reach near the Quantong Pier (~76 km from the Three Gorges Dam). These regions were consistent with areas of river characterized by highly correlated vorticity and egg production levels, suggesting that these regions are areas preferred by four major Chinese carps for spawning.