Normal Mating Research Articles

Investigation of extragonadal teratomas in two Poecilia wingei.

Teratoma is a rare tumour in fish consisting of tissues from more than one germ layer, that may be located in either the gonads or extragonadal sites. Teratomas in many fish species remain poorly understood. In this work, we performed the first histological examinations of extragonadal teratomas in Poecilia wingei and also examined the influence of a large teratoma on male sexual activity. The studied teratomas shared general organizational features, but they also had variations in both external and internal features. In teratomas, the most common and highly differentiated tissues were striated muscle and nervous tissue. Despite the tumour, the male P. wingei exhibited normal mating behaviour and retained the ability for successful copulation. The structural features of extragonadal teratomas in guppy fish indicate a possible connection between these tumours and a failure of conserved processes operating in the embryonic germline.

The low-affinity calcium channel protein AaFig1 is essential for the growth and development, infection structure differentiation, and pathogenicity of Alternaria alternata

Fig1, as a low-affinity Ca2+ channel, is needed for Ca2+ influx and normal mating found in a few species, but its detailed molecular regulating mechanism in fungi, especially in Alternaria alternata, the causal agent of pear black spot, is still unclear. In this study, Fig1 in A. alternata was cloned, identified and named as AaFig1, and its function was characterized by targeted gene knockout strategy. The results showed that the ΔAaFig1 was severely decreased in vegetative growth, biomass accumulation and sporulation. Fluo-4, AM staining indicated that the Ca2+ content in ΔAaFig1 was decreased. Deletion of AaFig1 reduced the response of A. alternata to exogenous Ca2+ but improved the tolerance to osmotic stresses. Interestingly, the appressorium formation of the ΔAaFig1 strain on hydrophobic and pear wax extract coated surface, and infection hyphae formation on the onion epidermis were significantly reduced, meanwhile, the ΔAaFig1 strain could not penetrate the cellophane. In addition, virulence on wound-inoculated pear fruit and intact pear leaves, melanin production and the activities of cell wall degrading enzymes in AaFig1 strain were reduced. In summary, these results indicate that AaFig1-mediated Ca2+ homeostasis positively regulates the growth and development, infection structure formation and pathogenicity of A. alternata. The findings will provide a basis for developing new strategies to control this pathogen in pear fruit.

Effects and mechanisms of intrauterine chronic hypoxia on ovarian reserve function of zygotic rats

Chronic intrauterine hypoxia (ICH) may lead to permanent alterations in the offspring's body structure, function, and metabolism through the "developmental programming" pathway, resulting in lasting changes in physiology and metabolism, as well as the onset of adult-onset diseases. The aim was to investigate intrauterine growth restriction caused by ICH and its effect on ovarian reserve function in female offspring at different developmental stages after birth. Healthy female Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 20) were pregnant by normal mating, and the rats in the ICH group were treated with chronic intrauterine hypoxia twice a day for 04 h00 each time from day 4 to 21 of gestation. After the first hypoxic treatment, four pregnant rats were randomly selected from the ICH and natural control groups for arterial blood gas analysis. In the ICH group, birth weight and body weight on the 5th day after birth were less than in the control group, the total number of follicles and the number of primordial follicles in the offspring of the ICH group were significantly reduced on postnatal days 5, 20, and 40 (p < 0.05). ICH decreases ovarian reserve function in female offspring rats and programmatically regulates the differential expression of ovarian miRNAs in female offspring rats.

CfCpmd1 Regulates Pathogenicity and Sexual Development of Plus and Minus Strains in Colletotrichum fructicola Causing Glomerella Leaf Spot on Apple in China.

Colletotrichum fructicola is a devastating fungal pathogen of diverse plants. Sexually compatible plus and minus strains occur in the same ascus. However, the differentiation mechanism of plus and minus strains remains poorly understood. Here, we characterized a novel Cys2-His2-containing transcription factor CfCpmd1. The plus CfCpmd1 deletion mutant (Δ+CfCpmd1) resulted in slow hyphal growth and a fluffy cotton-like colony, and the minus deletion mutant (Δ-CfCpmd1) exhibited characters similar to the wild type (WT). Δ+CfCpmd1 led to defective perithecial formation, whereas Δ-CfCpmd1 produced more and smaller perithecia. The normal mating line was developed by pairing cultures of Δ-CfCpmd1 and plus WT, whereas a weak line was observed between Δ+CfCpmd1 and minus WT. Conidial production was completely abolished in both plus and minus mutants. When inoculated on non-wounded apple leaves with mycelial plugs, Δ-CfCpmd1 was nonpathogenic because of failure to develop conidia and appressoria, while Δ+CfCpmd1 could infect apple leaves by appressoria differentiated directly from hyphal tips, even though no conidia formed. Collectively, our results demonstrate that CfCpmd1 of C. fructicola is an important gene related to plus and minus strain differentiation, which also affects hyphal growth, sporulation, appressorium formation, and pathogenicity.

On-demand male contraception via acute inhibition of soluble adenylyl cyclase

Nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended; thus, existing family planning options are inadequate. For men, the only choices are condoms and vasectomy, and most current efforts to develop new contraceptives for men impact sperm development, meaning that contraception requires months of continuous pretreatment. Here, we provide proof-of-concept for an innovative strategy for on-demand contraception, where a man would take a birth control pill shortly before sex, only as needed. Soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) is essential for sperm motility and maturation. We show a single dose of a safe, acutely-acting sAC inhibitor with long residence time renders male mice temporarily infertile. Mice exhibit normal mating behavior, and full fertility returns the next day. These studies define sAC inhibitors as leads for on-demand contraceptives for men, and they provide in vivo proof-of-concept for previously untested paradigms in contraception; on-demand contraception after just a single dose and pharmacological contraception for men.

The Drosophila dopamine 2-like receptor D2R (Dop2R) is required in the blood brain barrier for male courtship.

The blood brain barrier (BBB) has the essential function to protect the brain from potentially hazardous molecules while also enabling controlled selective uptake. How these processes and signaling inside BBB cells control neuronal function is an intense area of interest. Signaling in the adult Drosophila BBB is required for normal male courtship behavior and relies on male-specific molecules in the BBB. Here we show that the dopamine receptor D2R is expressed in the BBB and is required in mature males for normal mating behavior. Conditional adult male knockdown of D2R in BBB cells causes courtship defects. The courtship defects observed in genetic D2R mutants can be rescued by expression of normal D2R specifically in the BBB of adult males. Drosophila BBB cells are glial cells. Our findings thus identify a specific glial function for the DR2 receptor and dopamine signaling in the regulation of a complex behavior.

Impact of High Glucose Exposure on Induction of Apoptosis and Its Implication on Developing Retina of Zebrafish Embryos

The objective was to study the effects of high glucose on the morphological changes and to observe the expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins in the developing retina in vivo using zebrafish embryos. Wild-type male and female zebrafish were allowed for normal mating and the fertilized eggs were collected and exposed to hyperglycemic conditions (25 mM D-glucose) for 96 h. The embryos were subjected to various morphological and histological analyses in a time-dependent manner. The embryos showed morphological defects such as body curvature, abnormal eye shape, and low pigmentation of the eye in the high glucose-induced embryos compared to the control. Histomorphometry studies using H&E-stained slides showed increased thickness of GCL and INL and thinning of the IPL in the retina of high glucose-exposed embryos when compared to its time-matched control. Furthermore, the TUNEL assay and modified trichrome staining indicated apoptosis of many cells in the high glucose-induced group compared to the control. Immunohistochemistry findings revealed that expression of BAX, caspase 3, and caspase 9 was increased with decreased expression of Bcl-2 in the high glucose-treated group compared to control. From the present data, it is concluded that gestational exposure to high glucose stimulates apoptotic cell in the developing retinal layers via activating the pro-apoptotic and repressing the anti-apoptotic proteins.

Surgical treatment of exuberant granulation tissue of the glans penis and paraphimosis in a stallion

SummaryA 15‐year‐old male Quarter Horse stallion was referred with paraphimosis and suspected exuberant granulation tissue (EGT) of the glans penis. Physical examination revealed a painful, voluminous, pink, irregular, cauliflower‐shaped lesion on the penis. Based on the history, anatomical location and clinical presentation EGT was suspected. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis with no evidence of neoplasia. To obtain breeding soundness, surgical excision of the EGT and reconstruction of the glans penis was recommended. Following surgical removal of the granulation tissue, the stallion recovered without complications and returned to breeding with satisfactory performance including normal libido and mating behaviour.

Aqueous extracts of Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) leaf contain a P2-purinoceptor antagonist-Implications for male fertility.

Stinging nettle root and leaf extracts were tested for their effect on prostatic smooth muscle contractility. Root extract did not affect electrical field stimulation induced-nerve mediated contractions of isolated rat prostates. On the other hand, leaf extract attenuated electrical field stimulation-induced contractions at all frequencies. Similarly, contractions elicited by exogenous administration of ATP and αβ-methylene ATP were inhibited by leaf extract, whereas contractions elicited by exogenous administration of noradrenaline or acetylcholine were unaffected. The active component was present within the aqueous phase of the leaf extract. In mouse mating studies, stinging nettle leaf extract (50 mg p.o. daily) reduced male fertility by 53% compared to vehicle-treated male mice. Cardiovascular parameters were unaffected by administration of stinging nettle leaf extract (p ≥ 0.057). Treated mice exhibited normal mating behaviour. Bladder and testes weighed less in stinging nettle leaf extract treated mice. All other organs and total body weight were unaffected. It is concluded that stinging nettle leaf extract reduces contractility of genitourinary smooth muscle by acting as an antagonist at postjunctional P2X1-purinoceptors. These data indicates that blocking sperm transport through pharmacological blockade of P2X1-purinoceptors via oral administration is consistent with an effective and convenient biological strategy male contraception.

The role of the hot foot gene in the fertility of The in vitro fertilization and embryonic development of young adult and old mice as a model for assisted reproductive technology

The hotfoot mutation first occurred in strain of mice C57BL/Ks in 1964. The homozygous (ho/ho) hotfoot mutation show a quick pattern motion that produces a progressive neuromuscular disability of the hind legs. The (ho/ho) is an autosomal recessive mutation affects fertility and neuromuscular system in mice. ObjectiveThis study was implemented to determine the nature and causes of infertility, to ascertain potential value as an animal model due to the presence of similar mutation in human and other mammals. MethodsThe experimental design to evaluate the fertility and sterility of young and old adult female and male hotfoot mice by utilizing the assisted reproduction technology (ART) via the in vitro fertilization, the in vitro embryo development, and the normal matting, the growth of the new born hotfoot mice. ResultsDemonstrated that the young adult and the old hotfoot females produce about similar rate of ova number following superovulation. In addition, they yielded similar rate of embryo development in vitro form 1 cell to the 16 cell stage, morula and blastula stage compared to normal females. The old hotfoot females show better rate in the in vitro fertilization IVF and embryo development 53.6%, and the rate of the degenerating ova (46.4%) compared to the young adult females 38.5%, 61.35, respectively. The hotfoot males show sterility (22%) of the homozygous mutant males compared to phenotypically normal males. Regarding the normal matting, the hotfoot female mating with males had less litter size compared to normal mice mating. ConclusionThe hotfoot gene had a noticeable effect on the in vitro fertilization IVF of young adult compared to old adult hotfoot female, also the body weight growth and litter size of hotfoot less than normal mice.

Eradication of sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius, from Tsuken Island, Okinawa, Japan, under transient invasion of males

AbstractAn eradication project against the sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae), one of the most important pests of sweet potato in the world, was initiated in Oct. 2007 on Tsuken Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The sterile insect technique (SIT) and male annihilation technique (MAT) were employed as the main control measures to suppress and ultimately eradicate wild populations by impeding normal mating. In addition, two monitoring methods (host plant survey and trap survey) were used to evaluate the progress of the control actions. However, several years after the start of the project, wild male weevils were regularly captured by male‐attractant traps in seasonal patterns, although infestation was scarcely detected by host plant surveys. Evidently, the males flew to Tsuken Island from uncontrolled areas that were farther away than the weevils were previously expected to travel. Although the transient invasion of only males did not cause new colonization, it created a challenge for the progress of the project and the confirmation of the eradication of the weevil on Tsuken Island. To solve this problem, suppressive control measures in the uncontrolled area (Okinawa Island) to reduce transient invaders were implemented. In addition, to assess if control actions needed after eradication, a system was introduced to detect recolonization of the weevil based on trap catches of transient invading males. After the successive collection of 142,257 m of stem of host plants and 158.45 kg of root tubers of sweet potato without infestation (from February 2019 to November 2020), the eradication of C. formicarius from Tsuken Island was ultimately confirmed in November 2020.

Role of F-box Protein Cdc4 in Fungal Virulence and Sexual Reproduction of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic yeast-like pathogen that mainly infects immunocompromised individuals and causes fatal meningitis. Sexual reproduction can promote the exchange of genetic material between different strains of C. neoformans, which is one of the reasons leading to the emergence of highly pathogenic and drug-resistant strains of C. neoformans. Although much research has been done on the regulation mechanism of Cryptococcus sexual reproduction, there are few studies on the sexual reproduction regulation of Cryptococcus by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This study identified an F-box protein, Cdc4, which contains a putative F-box domain and eight WD40 domains. The expression pattern analysis showed that the CDC4 gene was expressed in various developmental stages of C. neoformans, and the Cdc4 protein was localized in the nucleus of cryptococcal cells. In vitro stress responses assays showed that the CDC4 overexpression strains are sensitive to SDS and MMS but not Congo red, implying that Cdc4 may regulate the cell membrane integrity and repair of DNA damage of C. neoformans. Fungal virulence assay showed that although the cdc4Δ mutant grows normally and can produce typical virulence factors such as capsule and melanin, the cdc4Δ mutant completely loses its pathogenicity in a mouse systemic-infection model. Fungal mating assays showed that Cdc4 is also essential for fungal sexual reproduction in C. neoformans. Although normal mating hyphae were observed during mating, the basidiospores’ production was blocked in bilateral mating between cdc4Δ mutants. Fungal nuclei development assay showed that the nuclei failed to undergo meiosis after fusion inside the basidia during the bilateral mating of cdc4Δ mutants, indicating that Cdc4 is critical to regulating meiosis during cryptococcal mating. In summary, our study revealed that the F-box protein Cdc4 is critical for fungal virulence and sexual reproduction in C. neoformans.

Incidence of pregnancy loss and characterization of fetal development in red pandas.

Previous reports indicate that red pandas (Ailurus fulgens styani) may experience fetal loss during gestation; however, neither the rate nor timing of pregnancy failure has been described in this species. The objective of this study was to utilize ultrasound video and images collected between 2010 and 2020 at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden to better characterize pregnancy loss and fetal development. Trans-abdominal ultrasound examinations were performed on six female red pandas over a 10-year period, resulting in 12 profiles. Pregnancy was diagnosed via ultrasound in 10 of 12 profiles, and 40.0% of pregnancies showed evidence of fetal loss prior to parturition. Pregnancy loss was classified into lost (2 of 10; 20.0%), in which no cubs were produced, or partial loss (2 of 10; 20.0%), in which two concepti were visualized via ultrasound, but only one cub was born. Fetal loss occurred between days 51 and 23 pre-partum. Fetal growth characteristics were documented, including skeletal ossification (occurring between days 32 and 27 pre-partum), crown-rump length, head length, cranial length, and fetal heart rate (173–206 b.p.m.). These findings provide novel insights into pregnancy loss, may serve as a reference for milestones of fetal development, and may be useful in diagnosing pregnancy and assessing pregnancy loss in red pandas.Lay summaryFor many wildlife species, there is no non-invasive method of determining pregnancy; therefore, the rate of pregnancy loss oftentimes is unknown. Many red pandas in human care that are paired for breeding are observed exhibiting normal mating behaviors; however, only a relatively low proportion of females produce cubs. We utilized animals conditioned for ultrasound examination to diagnose pregnancy and characterize the incidence and timing of pregnancy loss. In total, 12 potential pregnancies were monitored, beginning after breeding season and ending ~2 weeks prior to anticipated cubbing. Of these, ten were (83.3%) were diagnosed as pregnant, with 40% undergoing either full or partial pregnancy loss. Fetal growth characteristics, such as body length and head size, are described which may be useful for monitoring pregnancies and estimating fetal age. Results of this study provide novel data on pregnancy loss in red pandas. Insights into the rate and timing of reproductive failure may illuminate causes and contributing factors, ultimately allowing for improvements in husbandry which may result in greater reproductive success of individuals recommended for breeding.

Effect of normal loads and mating pairs on the tribological properties of diamond-like carbon film

The influence of normal loads and mating pairs on the tribological properties of diamond-like carbon (DLC) film was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman characterizations. The friction and wear behaviors of DLC film are not only related to the friction pairs but also related to the normal loads. The friction coefficient and wear rate of DLC film are smaller with the increase of load, but the wear degree of DLC film is more serious with the increase of hardness of the friction pair. Raman analysis indicates that the structural evolution of DLC film should have a limited contribution on the different friction behaviors of DLC film against ZrO2, bearing steel and SiC balls. The results of TEM and Raman characterizations further show that the key factor determining the low friction of DLC film is the graphitization degree of the transfer layer rather than the formation continuity and compactness of the transfer layer. The results further deepen our understanding of the related mechanisms between DLC films and friction pairs under different normal loads as guidance for the application of DLC films in future industrial fields.

Sterile males and females can synergistically suppress wild pests targeted by sterile insect technique

The sterile insect technique (SIT) involves periodically releasing artificially sterilized insects to inhibit normal mating between wild insect pests, ultimately resulting in the eradication of wild pest populations. It has often been discussed whether releasing either one sex, mainly males, of sterile insects (i.e., a unisexual release) can enhance the pest-control effect of the SIT more than releasing both sexes (i.e., a bisexual release). We constructed a mathematical model to examine the contribution of sterile males and females to the pest-control effect and the synergy between them. We consider that males seek out and court females in accord with their own female searching ability and preference, and that females subsequently choose one male from among males courting them in accordance with their own preference. Using this model, we compared the pest-control effect of bisexual and unisexual release, focusing on the difference in mating systems of the targeted insects. We showed that for swarm-type mating systems (with few courtship chances with higher encounter rates), bisexual release was the most effective, irrespective of the relative female searching ability between wild and sterile males. In this case, sterile females indirectly reduce wild females mating with either male by absorbing courtship from both wild and sterile males. By contrast, bisexual release is the most effective for scramble-type mating systems (more courtship chances with lower encounter rates) only when the female searching ability of sterile males is lower than that of wild males. In this case, sterile females absorb courtship from males with higher searching abilities. Therefore, the net impact of sterile females depends on the difference in sexual performance between wild and sterile males. Because the sexual performance of sterile insects is often degraded during the process of sterilization, we suggest that bisexual release can be a compatible measure to efficiently suppress wild pest populations.

Tec1, a member of the TEA transcription factors family, is involved in virulence and basidiocarp development in Ustilago maydis.

The life cycle of Ustilago maydis involves alternation of a haploid saprophytic yeast-like stage and a dikaryotic hyphal virulent form. Under in vitro conditions, basidiocarps are formed. Analysis of the transcriptional network of basidiocarp formation revealed the possible involvement of a Tec transcription factor (Tec1, UMAG_02835) in the process. In some Ascomycota, Tec factors are involved in mycelial formation, pathogenesis, and interaction with other regulatory elements, but their role in Basidiomycota species is almost unknown. Accordingly, we proceeded to determine the role of this gene in U. maydis by its mutation. Tec1 was found to be a crucial factor for normal mating, basidiocarp development, and virulence, all of the functions related to the dikaryotic stage dependent of the b genes, whereas dimorphism and resistance to different stress conditions occurring in the haploid stage were not affected in tec1 mutants. The observation that mutants showed a low residual wild-type phenotype suggests the presence of a secondary mechanism that partially compensates the loss of Tec1.

Influence of the quick-to-court gene deletion on courtship behaviour of Drosophila melanogaster

Using an original method, we have received Drosophila melanogaster with a deficiency including a complete sequence of quick-to-court gene. In this report, we describe the behavioural features of this new deletion mutant. There were no serious deviations from the normal mating behaviour in flies with the deletion, but the behaviour of deletion mutants still had some features. Of all the elements, only the frequency of licking significantly increased in mutants. The duration of mating elements did not change in flies with deletion, and the latent period decreased only for following the female and licking. We have found that mutant males produce more courtship song than control males when courting Oregon R females as estimated by the pulse song index. In our experiment, mutant females provoked much less pulse song production by Oregon R males than control females do. Moreover, Oregon R males initiate courtship song towards mutant females later than towards control females. In other words, the study of pulse song production showed that the deficiency in females leads to a decrease in the intensity of courtship of wild-type males, whereas the deficiency in males leads to more intensive care for wild-type females.

The Drosophila melanogaster Levodopa-Induced Depression Model Exhibits Negative Geotaxis Deficits and Differential Gene Expression in Males and Females.

More than 320 million people live with depression in the world, a disorder that severely limits psychosocial functioning and diminishes quality of life. The prevalence of major depression is almost two times higher in women than in men. However, the molecular mechanisms of its sex-specific pathophysiology are still poorly understood. Drosophila melanogaster is an established model for neurobiological research of depression-like states, as well as for the study of molecular and genetic sex differences in the brain. Here, we investigated sex-specific effects on forced-climbing locomotion (negative geotaxis) and gene expression of a fly model of depression-like phenotypes induced by levodopa administration, which was previously shown to impair normal food intake, mating frequency, and serotonin concentration. We observed that both males and females show deficits in the forced-climbing paradigm; however, modulated by distinct gene expression patterns after levodopa administration. Our results suggest that Drosophila models can be a valuable tool for identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying the difference of depressive disorder prevalence between men and women.

Sex peptide receptor mediates the post‐mating switch in Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) female reproductive behavior

In Drosophila, the sex peptide receptor (SPR) in females to detect male sex peptide (SP) and trigger changes in female behavior including mating rejection and oviposition. In moths, the SPR had been identified and investigated the limited function by using RNA interference (RNAi). However, the detailed function of SPR after a normal mating in moths, especially the role in female sexual receptivity, remains to be elucidated. In this study, we use Helicoverpa armigera, an economically important pest worldwide, as a case study to verify the function of SPR in vivo by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system. Analyzing the post-mating behaviors in mutant females, we investigated that HarmSPR could mediate the long-term sexual receptivity (remating, sex pheromone production and calling behavior) switch in female, but not affect the short-term sexual receptivity and the duration time of remating. The oviposition of mated HarmSPR-/- females was significantly decreased by ~70% comparing to wild-type (WT) mated females and there were more eggs staying in the ovary of mutant females. SPR also showed effect on female longevity, which is that the mated HarmSPR-/- females showed longer longevity than mated WT females. The results detailedly demonstrated the functional role of SPR in female post-mating behaviors and we could propose a pest control strategy in which developing an antagonist of SPR to reduce the oviposition of female. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

INTERCROPPING TO IMPROVE EGG FERTILISATION RATES

In assessing the productivity of the parent flock, one of the most important indicators is the productivity of brood males. For the productive use of brood males, the interspiking method is used. Interspiking is the exchange of 25–30% of males between sections of the house of the same flock, which produces a similar response to increased mating activity as in normal stocking. The effect lasts for 6-8 weeks. The advantage of interspiking is that the males that are swapped are already trained to mate, have the same mass and maturity as the bulk of the males in the house, which significantly increases their chances of success. During the research period, two groups of birds of the parent flock of the Cobb-500 cross were formed using the analog pair method. In the first group, normal mating was used. And in the second group, the interspiking method was used at the age of 36 weeks, in which 25% of the males from the total population were exchanged between poultry houses. The conditions for keeping and feeding the parent flock were the same. Live weight indicators in the second group slightly exceed those of the first group. Thus, the live weight of females after entering the parent herd workshop in the first group was 2194 g, and males - 2793 g, in the second group - 2240 and 2997 g, respectively. At the age of 36 weeks, the live weight of chickens in the second group was higher by 1.8% (3420 g), cockerels - by 0.8%, and amounted to 4012 g. Fertility of eggs in group II is higher by 1.2% (84.9%) than in the first (83.7%), hatchability in group II slightly exceeds this indicator by 0.5% than in group I and amounted to 87, 2 and 86.7%, respectively. The hatching of day-old chickens in group I was 72.6%, in group II it increased by 1.4% and amounted to 74%. Safety in both groups was at a high level and amounted to 92.9 and 93.2%. The gross collection of eggs in group I amounted to 2087.83 thousand pieces, in group II - 2272.34 thousand pieces.