Mating Ratio Research Articles

Impact of different mating ratios of broiler breeder on reproductive performance during post moult phase.

Studies comparing mating ratio after forced molting are important for improving the efficiency of broiler breeder flocks. This study examined the effect of mating ratios on Egg production, chick weight, fertility, hatchability and embryonic mortality rate in Arbor Acres Plus broiler breeders post-moult phase. A total of 195 birds (62 weeks old), consisting of 15 cocks and 180 hens were randomly allocated with uniform body weight in a Completely Randomized Design into three groups based on the mating ratio (cock to hen). The groups included ratios of 1:10, 1:12, and 1:14, with each group replicated 5 times. Eggs were collected twice a day, and stored for 7 days at room temperature before placing them in the incubator. Results showed that mating ratios 1:10 and 1:12 had a positive effect on fertility rate and total hatchability compared to the 1:14 ratio. However, mating ratios did not affect laying rate, egg weight, egg mass, chick weight, hatchability of fertile eggs, and embryonic mortality rate. In conclusion, to reduce the cost of raising and caring cocks, a mating ratio of one cock to every twelve hens can be used for broiler breeders after forced molting to obtain the best fertility and hatching results.

REPRODUCTIVE AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF FOUR GENOTYPES OF RABBITS FED WITH TOASTED CHRISTMAS BUSH FRUITS (Alchornea cordifolia) SEED MEAL

The body weight and reproductive performance of four genotypes of rabbits fed with toasted Alchornea cordifolia seed meal were examined in the study, as well as the body weight performance of their first filial generation and their reciprocal crosses. Toasted Alchornea cordifolia seed meal (TASM) inclusion was to know the (%) level that will perform better. The mating ratio of 1 sire to 9 dams in combinations of Dutch black buck and New Zealand does (DTB X NZW), New Zealand buck and Dutch black does (NZW X DTB), and then their reciprocal crosses resulted in a total of 127 kittens (NZW X DTB). The treatment diets were formulated at different levels to meet the rabbit’s nutritional requirements. Rabbits were kept in hutches inside rabbit’s pens, and feed and water were provided ad libitum. Reproductive and body weight were recorded. Preliminary and phytochemical analysis of the TASM revealed that it has values of 20.00%, 90.30%, 14.50%, 12.00%, 1.05%, and 65.2% for crude protein, dry matter, Ether extract, crude fiber, Ash, and Nitrogen-free extract, and phytochemical contains 6.50mg/g and 86.05mg/g for phytic acid and tannins. From the experiment, it is revealed that the rabbit fed on 15% TASM (NZW X DTB) significantly (p˂0.05) had a better body weight and reproductive performance than other groups. The findings of this study show that TASM can be incorporated into rabbits' diets up to 15% inclusion level for better weight gain and reproductive efficiency without having any negative impact on the animal.

Response to Selection of Indigenous Chicken in Rwanda Using Within-Breed Selection Strategy

The study evaluated response to selection from within-breed selection strategy for conventional (<I>CBS</I>) and genomic (<I>GBS</I>) breeding schemes. These breeding schemes were evaluated in both high-health environments (nucleus) and smallholder farms (commercial). Breeding goal was to develop a dual-purpose IC for both eggs and meat through selective breeding. Breeding objectives were body weight (BW), egg weight (EW), egg number (EN) and resistance to Newcastle disease (AbR). A deterministic simulation was performed to evaluate rates of genetic gain and inbreeding. Base population in the nucleus was made up of 40 cockerels and 200 pullets. Selection pressure was 4% and 20% in the males and the females, respectively. The impact of nucleus size and selection pressure on rates of genetic gain and inbreeding of the breeding program was investigated through sensitivity analysis. SelAction software was used to predict rates of genetic gain and inbreeding. Results showed that using <I>CBS</I> in the nucleus, the breeding goal was 340.41\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\$ and 1.13 times higher than that in the commercial flock. Inbreeding rate per generation of selected chicken in the nucleus was 1.45% and lower by 1.32 times compared to their offspring under smallholder farms. Genetic gains per generation in the nucleus for BW and EN traits were 141.10 g and 1.07 eggs and 1.12 and 1.10 times greater than those in smallholder farms, respectively. With <I>GBS</I>, the breeding goal was increased by 3.00 times whereas inbreeding rate was reduced by 3.15 times. Besides, using <I>GBS</I>, the selected birds in the nucleus were relatively similar to those in a commercial environment. Finally, the study revealed that the nucleus size and mating ratio influence the rates of genetic gain and inbreeding in both <I>GBS</I> and <I>CBS.</I> This study shows that IC in Rwanda have the potential to be improved through within-breed selection strategy using either <I>CBS</I> or <I>GBS</I>.

Mutational analyses of the interacting domains of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Byr2 with 14-3-3s

The Byr2 kinase of fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is recruited to the membrane with the assistance of Ras1. Byr2 is also negatively regulated by 14-3-3 proteins encoded by rad24 and rad25. We conducted domain and mutational analysis of Byr2 to determine which region is critical for its binding to 14-3-3 proteins. Rad24 and Rad25 bound to both the Ras interaction domain in the N-terminus and to the C-terminal catalytic domain of Byr2. When amino acid residues S87 and T94 of the Ras-interacting domain of Byr2 were mutated to alanine, Rad24 could no longer bind to Byr2. S402, S566, S650, and S654 mutations in the C-terminal domain of Byr2 also abolished its interaction with Rad24 and Rad25. More than three mutations in the C-terminal domain were required to abolish completely its interaction with 14-3-3 protein, suggesting that multiple residues are involved in this interaction. Expression of the N-terminal domain of Byr2 in wild-type cells lowered the mating ratio, because it likely blocked the interaction of Byr2 with Ste4 and Ras1, whereas expression of the catalytic domain of Byr2 increased the mating ratio as a result of freeing from intramolecular regulation by the N-terminal domain of Byr2. The S87A and T94A mutations of Byr2 increased the mating ratio and attenuated inhibition of Byr2 by Rad24; therefore, these two amino acids are critical for its regulation by Rad24. S566 of Byr2 is critical for activity of Byr2 but not for its interaction with 14-3-3 proteins. In this study, we show that 14-3-3 proteins interact with two separate domains in Byr2 as negative regulators.

The effect of triclosan on intergeneric horizontal transmission of plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance gene tet(X4) from Citrobacter freundii isolated from grass carp gut

The transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in pathogenic bacteria affects culture animal health, endangers food safety, and thus gravely threatens public health. However, information about the effect of disinfectants - triclosan (TCS) on ARGs dissemination of bacterial pathogens in aquatic animals is still limited. One Citrobacter freundii (C. freundii) strain harboring tet(X4)-resistant plasmid was isolated from farmed grass carp guts, and subsequently conjugative transfer frequency from C. freundii to Escherichia coli C600 (E. coli C600) was analyzed under different mating time, temperature, and ratio. The effect of different concentrations of TCS (0.02, 0.2, 2, 20, 200 and 2000 μg/L) on the conjugative transfer was detected. The optimum conditions for conjugative transfer were at 37 °C for 8h with mating ratio of 2:1 or 1:1 (C. freundii: E. coli C600). The conjugative transfer frequency was significantly promoted under TCS treatment and reached the maximum value under 2.00 μg/L TCS with 18.39 times that of the control group. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, cell membrane permeability of C. freundii and E. coli C600 were obviously increased under TCS stress. Scanning electron microscope showed that the cell membrane surface of the conjugative strains was wrinkled and pitted, even broken at 2.00 μg/L TCS, while lysed or even ruptured at 200.00 μg/L TCS. In addition, TCS up-regulated expression levels of oxidative stress genes (katE, hemF, bcp, hemA, katG, ahpF, and ahpC) and cell membrane-related genes (fimC, bamE and ompA) of donor and recipient bacteria. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment demonstrated significant changes in categories relevant to pilus, porin activity, transmembrane transporter activity, transferase activity, hydrolase activity, material transport and metabolism. Taken together, a tet(X4)-resistant plasmid could horizontal transmission among different pathogens, while TCS can promote the propagation of the resistant plasmid.

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An experiment was carried out to assess the optimum turmeric concentration and ideal mating ratios for Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) for production performance of fertile eggs and hatchability. A total of 162 ten weeks old females and 27 males were assigned in the study. They were fed on a commercial layer quail diet containing approximately 18 % crude protein and 3000 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME)/kg and reared for 12 weeks in three mating ratios: 1:4, 1:6 and 1:8. (male: female), each replicated three times. A total of 540 selected hatching eggs per batch of incubation were collected and less than 7 days stored, then were incubated for hatching performance. Percentage of average egg production (AEP-%), feed intake (FI-g), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg weight (EW-g), egg mass (EM-g/bird) and hatching performance were determined. It was observed that FI were the only performance production affected significantly (P<0.001) by feeding a commercial diet mixed with liquid turmeric. Mating ratios influence FI and FCR (P<0.001). Most hatching performances were affected by turmeric and sex ratios, except dead in-shell and normal quail chicks. The values of AEP (87.16%) and EM (8.42 g/bird/d) were the highest performance with 10 g/kg of turmeric. The ratio of 1:4 was the best mating ratio for local quail breed with highest records of all hatching performances significantly.

Mating success of timed pregnancies in Sprague Dawley rats: Considerations for execution.

This study compares three different mating techniques in Sprague-Dawley rats, using the pregnancy rate as the main indicator of success. It provides recommendations for timed-pregnancy experiments to achieve an appropriate sample size for the study of human pregnancy disorders. The implementation of a preconditioning phase, determination of the estrous cycle, the use of two mating strategies (Lee-Boot and Whitten effect), female: male mating ratios, and cohabitation duration should be considered as they improve the mating success rate.

Sterility of Cydia pomonella by X ray irradiation as an alternative to gamma radiation for the sterile insect technique.

The codling moth Cydia pomonella is a major pest of global significance impacting pome fruits and walnuts. It threatens the apple industry in the Loess Plateau and Bohai Bay in China. Sterile insect technique (SIT) could overcome the limitations set by environmentally compatible area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) approaches such as mating disruption and attract-kill that are difficult to suppress in a high-density pest population, as well as the development of insecticide resistance. In this study, we investigated the effects of X-ray irradiation (183, 366, 549 Gy) on the fecundity and fertility of a laboratory strain of C. pomonella, using a newly developed irradiator, to evaluate the possibility of X-rays as a replacement for Cobalt60 (60Co-γ) and the expanded future role of this approach in codling moth control. Results show that the 8th-day is the optimal age for irradiation of male pupae. The fecundity decreased significantly as the dosage of radiation increased. The mating ratio and mating number were not influenced. However, treated females were sub-sterile at a radiation dose of 183 Gy (20.93%), and were almost 100% sterile at a radiation dose of 366 Gy or higher. Although exposure to a radiation dose of 366 Gy resulted in a significant reduction in the mating competitiveness of male moths, our radiation biology results suggest that this new generation of X-ray irradiator has potential applications in SIT programs for future codling moth control.

Optimization of response to selection using genomic selection in indigenous chicken breeding programmes

This study tested the hypothesis that the use of pooled genetic and phenotypic parameters and genomic selection would optimize selection response in indigenous chicken breeding programmes. This premise was tested with deterministic simulation in three breeding schemes based on the sources of information used to estimate breeding values. These schemes used a conventional breeding scheme with non-pooled parameters (CSN), pooled parameters (CSP), and genomic information in a genomic selection scheme (GSS). A one-tier closed nucleus breeding programme was considered with a mating ratio of 1 to 5 for males to females, Four traits were used in the breeding goal, namely live weight at twelve weeks (LW), egg number for twelve weeks (EN), age at first egg (AFE), and antibody response (Ab). The genetic gain for CSN was 1.5 times higher than that of CSP. The rate of inbreeding for CSN was 19% lower than in CSP. The accuracy of selection followed the same trend with CSN producing 9% higher accuracy of selection than CSP. The GSS scheme resulted in an additional 59.3% genetic gain and 30% accuracy compared with CSP. The GSS scheme also had a reduced rate of inbreeding by 46% compared with CSP. When compared with CSN, GSS produced 38.7% greater genetic gain, a 27% lower rate of inbreeding and 21.0% higher accuracy of selection. Use of pooled parameter estimates and genomic information optimized response to selection, whereas non-pooled inputs overestimated and underestimated rates of genetic gain and inbreeding.

Size-dependent enhancement on conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes by micro/nanoplastics

Recently micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) have raised intensive concerns due to their possible enhancement effect on the dissemination of antibiotic genes. Unfortunately, data is still lacking to verify the effect. In the study, the influence of polystyrene MNPs on the conjugative gene transfer was studied by using E. coli DH5ɑ with RP4 plasmid as the donor bacteria and E. coli K12 MG1655 as the recipient bacteria. We found that influence of MNPs on gene transfer was size-dependent. Small MNPs (10 nm in radius) caused an increase and then a decrease in gene transfer efficiency with their concentration increasing. Moderate-sized MNPs (50 nm in radius) caused an increase in gene transfer efficiency. Large MNPs (500 nm in radius) had almost no influence on gene transfer. The gene transfer could be further enhanced by optimizing mating time and mating ratio. Scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) production did not affect the cell membrane permeability, indicating that the increase in cell membrane permeability was not related to ROS production. The mechanism of the enhanced gene transfer efficiency was attributed to a combined effect of the increased ROS production and the increased cell membrane permeability, which ultimately regulated the expression of corresponding genes.

Influence of exogenous corticosterone on testicular function and mating behavior of Nigerian indigenous cocks.

In bridging the knowledge gap on stress physiology of Nigerian indigenous chickens, this study investigated the effect of exogenous corticosterone (eCORT) as stress inducing agent on the testicular function and mating behavior of Nigerian indigenous cocks. Twenty-four (24) cocks and one hundred and forty four (144) hens (mating ratio of 1 cock: 6 hens) were grouped into four and assigned to each of the four eCORT treatments (0, 2, 4 and 6 mgeCORT/KgBW) daily for 14 days. Semen samples were collected on days 0, 7 and 14 and analyzed for semen volume (SV), progressive sperm motility (PSM), membrane integrity (MI) and sperm abnormality (SA). Mating behaviors were monitored on days 3, 5 and 8. Blood samples, for hormonal (Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Testosterone (TEST) and stress analysis (heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, H/L) were collected from brachial vein on days 7 and 14. On day 15, cocks were euthanized and testes harvested for histomorphometry. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis, one–way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests all in SPSS 23. Administration of 4 mgeCORT/KgBW declined (P<0.05) PSM while 4 mgeCORT/KgBW and 6 mgeCORT/KgBW cocks had reduced (P<0.05) SV and MI with increased SA. Compared to baseline values, progressive sperm motility of cocks administered 6 mgeCORT for 7 and 14 days decreased (P<0.05) by 57.5% and 52.4%, respectively. Exogenous CORT had no significant (P>0.05) influence on the mating behaviors, H/L ratio, FSH and TEST. However, 2 mgeCORT/KgBW enhanced LH levels. Administration of eCORT did not affect the testicular epithelial height and seminiferous tubular diameter. In conclusion, optimal stress induced by eCORT impaired semen quality but with less impact on reproductive hormones, H/L and mating behaviors of intensively raised Nigerian indigenous cocks.

Optimizing breeding structures and related management in community-based goat breeding programs in the Borana pastoral system of Ethiopia

The study simulated different potential breeding programs to design the optimal breeding structure and operational management structure for Borana goat. It evaluated different scenarios using ZPLAN+ software to maximize the genetic gain, discounted profit and to determine the optimum size of the base population for a community-based breeding program (CBBP) nucleus. The study analyzed the different combinations of objective traits in the index, assessed the effect of changing the breeding buck to doe ratio, evaluated the impact of improved kid survival, and determined the optimum size of the base population for a CBBP. A two-tier breeding program based on 577 does in the CBBP and 1,006 does in the surrounding base flocks was assumed, where selected CBBP bucks were disseminated to the base populations. Combining the weight of kids at six months (SMWT) and the lactation milk yield of dams (LMY) in the selection index resulted in a genetic gain doe−1 generation−1 of 0.13 kg, 0.58 kg, 0.02 and 0.004 for SMWT, LMY, the number of kids that survived to market age (NKS) and the number of kids born (NKB), respectively. This also generated a total discounted profit of US$5.76 doe−1 over 10 year investment period. This result was 30 percent higher than when LMY was evaluated separately and 225.7 percent higher than when SMWT was evaluated separately. The addition of NKB and NKS traits in the selection index did not significantly change the genetic progress and the profit. However, further optimization of the combined SMWT and LMY by improving mating ratio only, and a combined improvement in mating ratio and kid survival rate resulted in a substantial increase in profit to US$11.13 doe−1 and US$15.58 doe−1, respectively over 10 year investment period. The maximum discounted profit was attained when the base population size was 3,579 breeding does. This resulted in accumulated total profit of US$14,776 over the 10 year investment period. A two-tier dispersed CBBP with a unit size of about 577 does in the nucleus and 3,579 does in the base is recommended. In Borana goat community-breeding program, breeding buck need to be selected using an index combining at least own live weight and dam milk yield performance. Essential requirements for ensuring the sustainability of such programs are also discussed in the paper.

P–036 Investigation of the 2100 MHz electromagnetic field effects on sperm CatSper calcium channel

Abstract Study question Does electromagnetic field (EMF) effect sperm motility through CatSper calcium channels in rat? Summary answer 2100 MHz EMF may reduce sperm motility by acting on CatSper calcium channels. What is known already EMF exposure has become a serious concern in infertility patients. The effects of EMF through by using mobile phone and laptop have been explored previously, mostly focusing on sperm motility and DNA fragmentation. EMF activates the voltage gated calcium channels and increases calcium concentration. As a result of the EMA exposure, the sperm motility may increase. However, if this happens while sperms are in non-progressive motile phase in the epididymis, it may result with the depletion of limited energy stores. Sperms may become immotile and they can’t move forward in the progressive motile phase in the female reproductive system. Study design, size, duration This basic research study was an in vivo experimental approach involving the use of 50 male rats. Wistar-Albino rats (n = 10) weighing ∼320 –350g were included in each groups. The duration of EMF exposure was 1 hour per day for 28 days. Amlodipine (1 mg/kg, 28 days) was used as a calcium channel blocker. The experiment was held between July to December in 2020. 20 female rats were recruited for mating test. Participants/materials, setting, methods 50 rats were divided into five groups. Group 1; Pure control. Group 2; Sham. Group 3; EMF exposure, Group 4: EMF+Amlodipine, Group 5: Amlodipine positive control. After four weeks of exposure, rats were sacrificed and sperm were collected from cauda epididymis. Sperm motility parameters were analyzed. Intracellular calcium levels were determined with two different method, fluorescence spectrophotometer and laser scanning confocal microscope. Before sacrifice, rats were mated with female rats to evaluate mating ratios. Main results and the role of chance The mating score and live birth rates did not vary significantly among the groups (p &amp;gt; 0.05). The sperm motility (A+B, 47.62±16.92 versus 34.19±14.62) and intracellular calcium levels (2.46±0.20 versus 1.85±0.18) were significantly decreased in the EMF group (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The results of fluorescence spectrophotometer and laser scanning confocal microscopy with fluorescent attachment were consistent with each other. There were no significant differences found among the other groups in terms of investigated parameters. Statistical analysis was performed with Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Dunn-Bonferroni’s test. Limitations, reasons for caution The Catsper 1, 2, 3, 4 gene expression levels are still under analyses. These gene expression levels will be helpful to understand possible changes of the sperm motility. The determination of other motility related gene expressions may strength the results. Wider implications of the findings: EMF exposure may have a significant effect on sperm motility parameters. Mobile phones carried very close to the reproductive organs may adversely affect the motility of sperm cells due to its emitted radiation levels Trial registration number Not applicable

Effect of a near-zero magnetic field on development and flight of oriental armyworm (Mythimna separata)

The geomagnetic field affects all living organisms on the Earth. In this study we investigated the developmental and behavioral effects of rearing Mythimna separata in a near-zero magnetic field (<500 nT) compared to the local geomagnetic field (approximately 50 µT). The near-zero magnetic field produced by a Helmholtz coil system significantly lengthened larval and pupal development durations, increased male longevity, and reduced pupal weight, female reproduction, and the relative expression level of the vitellogenin (Vg) gene in newly emerged females. Moreover, the near-zero magnetic field had a considerable negative effect on the mating ratio of M. separata adults. In addition, the moths in the near-zero magnetic field displayed less flight activity late in the night than those in the Earth's normal geomagnetic field, indicating that the flight rhythm of M. separata may be affected by the near-zero magnetic field. Reduction in magnetic field intensity may have negative effects on the development and flight of oriental armyworm, with consequent additional effects on its migration.

Chromosomal Microarray Analysis on Intergenerational Effects of Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins Against Bisphenol-A Induced Brain Deformities

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC) is a type of polyphenolic compound which have been demonstrated to have anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic properties that may have the potential to reduce intergenerational effect of BPA towards DNA. This study was conducted to determine the effect of OPC on the DNA damage of BPA-induced rats using microarray CGH Chromosome Karyotyping. Adult Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups which are Normal, BPA, OPC10, OPC20, BPA+OPC10 and BPA+OPC20. The administration of BPA and/or OPC were conducted for 21 days using oral gavage before being mated with female rats of the same age at 1:1 mating ratio. Once the female rats were confirmed pregnant, the male rats were decapitated and their blood were collected for chromosome microarray analysis. The male offspring (F1 generation) were allowed to grow until 10 weeks old and their blood were also collected for chromosome microarray analysis. BPA group had a deletion of Vomeronasal receptor genes in which the deletion magnitude increased from P to F1 generation may affect the ability of the rats to detect chemosensory cues during neurobehavioral test. The amplification of Major Histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene in BPA+OPC20 group may aid in a better performance during hippocampal-dependent memory tests. These results suggested that OPC could be a potential agent in reducing the intergenerational effect of BPA. Current finding may enrich our understanding particularly in the possible mechanism of OPC on BPA-induced memory impairment&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Bisphenol-A, Brain, microarray CGH Chromosome Karyotyping, Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins, Intergenerational

Fertility, Body Weight and Survivability of Two Lines of Broiler Stock under Selection

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of two lines of broiler breeders under selection. The traits of interest were fertility, body weight and survival rate. A total of 120 day-old broiler chicks were hatched from two lines of broiler breeder chickens under selection (Sire and Dam lines). The chicks were hatched from a population of breeder hens and cocks with a mating ratio of 1 broiler cock to 6 broiler hens (1:6). Eggs were collected and pedigreed according to the lines and sire information. The eggs were weighed on a Camry model digital sensitive scale in grams. Eggs were set and hatched in a Buckeye incubator. Each hatched chick was tagged and weighed at hatching and then weekly up to 8 weeks. Data were analyzed using general linear model (GLM). Correlation and regression analysis were based on pooled data from both lines. Results showed that the lines differed with respect to fertility (67.67% and 83.00%), hatchability (77.79 and 49.00) and survival rate (77.78 and 94.14). Also changes in body weight increased as their ages increased with the dam line being superior. There was a low R2 value of between 0.05-0.33 when egg weight and hatch weight were pooled and considered as independent variables. In conclusion the lines were superior to each other differently as the sire line had better egg weight and hatchability while the dam line was better in fertility, survival rate and body weight performance. This variation in traits can be used in selection for hybrid strain in the broiler.

The Stimulation Time for Copulation in Purposeful Strange Matings of House Pigeons (Columba Livia L.)

The purposeful strange matings of house pigeons involved pairing 24 female and 24 male racing pigeons in special cells which prevented purposeless matings. However, only 4 of the males (elites) were allowed to mate (service) with the 24 female pigeons- a mating ratio of 1:6. There were altogether 277 attempted matings in four laying periods. Out of this number 151 resulted in successful copulations (matings) whereas 126 resulted in unsuccessful matings (copulations). Successful matings (N= 151) occurred between one to 35 minutes whereas the unsuccessful matings (N= 126) were observed between 5 to 58 minutes. It was specifically found that over 90% of all successful copulations came within 5 minutes of introduction of female pigeons to strange elite pigeons. 5 minutes appeared then to be the optimum time of stimulation among the pigeons under purposeful strange matings.

Fertility, Body Weight and Survivability of Two Lines of Broiler Stock under Selection

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of two lines of broiler breeders under selection. The traits of interest were fertility, body weight and survival rate. A total of 120 day-old broiler chicks were hatched from two lines of broiler breeder chickens under selection (Sire and Dam lines). The chicks were hatched from a population of breeder hens and cocks with a mating ratio of 1 broiler cock to 6 broiler hens (1:6). Eggs were collected and pedigreed according to the lines and sire information. The eggs were weighed on a Camry model digital sensitive scale in grams. Eggs were set and hatched in a Buckeye incubator. Each hatched chick was tagged and weighed at hatching and then weekly up to 8 weeks. Data were analyzed using general linear model (GLM). Correlation and regression analysis were based on pooled data from both lines. Results showed that the lines differed with respect to fertility (67.67% and 83.00%), hatchability (77.79 and 49.00) and survival rate (77.78 and 94.14).Also changes in body weight increased as their ages increased with the dam line being superior. There was a low R2 value of between 0.05 – 0.33 when egg weight and hatch weight were pooled and considered as independent variables. In conclusion the lines were superior to each other differently as the sire line had better egg weight and hatchability while the dam line was better in fertility, survival rate and body weight performance. This variation in traits can be used in selection for hybrid strain in the broiler

Fertility and hatchability of Japanese quail eggs under semi arid conditions in Nigeria

Some factors affecting the fertility and hatchability of Japanese quail eggs were studied at the Poultry Unit of the University of Maiduguri Livestock Teaching and Research Farm. A total of 1850 eggs were used for the study and data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance. The mean values of fertility, hatchability of total and fertile eggs set, early, mid and late embryo mortalities were 74.33, 51.35, 69.09, 10.25, 7.57 and 12.30% respectively. Fertility was highest (84.92%) in the dry cold, least (35.58%) in the dry hot, with wet season (80.75%) being intermediate. Similarly, hatchability of total and fertile eggs set were 67.18 and 79.11% in the dry cold, 14.11 and 39.66% in the dry hot and 46.86 and 58.03% in the wet season. Younger quails (≤10 and 11-22 weeks) had higher fertility and hatchability than older ones (23-34 and 35-52 weeks). Early embryo mortality also increased with age. Fertility and hatchability of eggs from caged birds was 89.54 and 62.34% as compared to 54.93 and 37.35% from deep litter reared birds and hatchability of fertile eggs was 69.63 and 67.96% respectively. Fertility and hatchability was highest (92.15 and 71.48%) for birds of ratio 1:3 and least for 1:5 (19.60 and 10%). Breeders that weighed 181-200 g had the highest hatchability (79.22%) and ≤140 g the least (60.83%). In contrast, breeder's with weights ≤ 140 g had the highest late embryo mortality (20%) and 141-160 g the least (9.67%). Light brown quails had lower hatchability of total and fertile eggs (23.71% and 35.71%) as compared to wild type or normal colored ones (52.04% and 69.84%). Light brown, however, had higher (P&lt;0.05) early and late embryo mortalities (21.43% and 35.71%) than wild type (10.0% and 11.77%). It can be concluded from this study that for optimum fertility and hatchability, Japanese quail should be reared in cages at a mating ratio of 1:3 male to female.

EVALUATION OF GROWTH, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF RABBITS FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA) POWDER

Sixty four (7-8 weeks old) crossbred male and female rabbits weighing between 700 and 800g were used to determine the effect of inclusion of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder on growth, economic benefits and reproductive performance of rabbits. The rabbits on sex basis were randomly allotted to diets containing four levels (0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%) of turmeric powder as a supplement in a 2x4 factorial arrangement. Data were collected on growth performance and economic benefits. Reproductive, At 20 weeks old, 24 rabbits comprising of 8 bucks and 16 does along dietary treatment were used for reproductive performance evaluation in mating ratio of 1:2 per treatment. Data were collected on gestation length, litter size, birth weight and weaning weight. Data collected were analyzed using ANOVA. Highest (p 0.05) on feed conversion ratio of the rabbits.. Litter size was (p 0.05) difference was recorded on gestation length, litter size at weaning and weaning weight. The study concluded that turmeric inclusion had no detrimental effect of growth performance of rabbits. However, 1.0% supplement appeared as economic inclusion level for weight gain, efficient feed utilization, optimum profit, economic benefit, litter size and litter weight at kindling in rabbit production enterprise.