Percentage Of Eggs Research Articles

In vivo anti-schistosomal activity of the methanol extracts from Searsia longipes and Lannea schimperi

Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by the flat worms under the genus Schistosoma. The disease is prominent in tropical and sub tropical countries and it is manifested in two forms; the acute and the chronic form. Treatment and control of the schistosomiasis is constrained with various factors including immerging worm resistance and selective efficacy of the current recommended drug of choice. This therefore calls for the search of new approaches to offset the problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the methanolic extract from Searsia longipes and Lannea schimperi against Schistosoma mansoni by using animal model. Swiss albino mice were used for the efficacy testing, whereby, for each extract, 5 groups of mice were used, and each contained 5 mice. Three different doses were administered to three groups, whereas the remaining two groups were used as negative and positive control arms. Efficacies were assessed based on the reduction of the worm eggs in the faeces and organs, body weight gain, loss of liver weight, as well as reduction of worm burden. Both extracts demonstrated significant egg and worm reduction, which was directly proportional to the dose increment. At the highest dose used, Searsia longipes expressed the higher percentage egg reduction (73.33 %), whereas Lannea schimperi demonstrated the higher worm burden reduction (68.53 %). The present study provides strong evidence of the anti-schistosomal activity of the extracts from both S. longipes and L. schimperi. These findings are a significant step forward, suggesting that these plants could be a promising alternative medicine for the treatment of schistosomiasis. However, further investigations are warranted to isolate the compound responsible for this activity and to assess the sub-acute toxicity of the plant extracts. This next phase of research is crucial for advancing our understanding and potential use of these plant extracts.

Effects of xylo-oligosaccharide supplementation on the production performance, intestinal morphology, cecal short-chain fatty acid levels, and gut microbiota of laying hens

This study investigated the effects of xylo-oligosaccharide supplementation on the production performance, intestinal morphology, cecal short-chain fatty acid levels, and gut microbiota of laying hens. A total of 800 Lohmann pink layers, each 48 wk old, were randomly divided into 5 dietary treatment groups, namely XOS at 0 (CON), 100 (XOS1), 200 (XOS2), 300 (XOS3) and 400 (X0S4) mg/kg. The experimental period was 24 wk. The results revealed that the egg production rate and the number of eggs laid by each layer between 1 to 12 wk increased as the XOS concentration increased (Plinear < 0.05). The sand-shell egg percentage decreased significantly from 1 to 12 wk in the XOS1, XOS2, and XOS3 groups (PANOVA < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the 4 XOS dosage groups presented significant increases in the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum (PANOVA < 0.05), whereas a linear decrease in jejunal crypt depth (Plinear < 0.05) was noted. In addition, XOS supplementation significantly increased the concentrations of butyric acid and isovaleric acid in the caeca (PANOVA < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA revealed that dietary XOS supplementation influenced the cecal microbiota. The alpha diversity analysis indicated that the richness of cecal bacteria was greater in the laying hens fed XOS. The modulation of the cecal microbiota composition upon the addition of XOS was characterized by an increased abundance of Firmicutes and Bifidobacteriaceae, and decreased abundance of Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, dietary XOS supplementation resulted in decreases in the abundances of Bacteroides and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and an increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus. In conclusion, dietary XOS supplementation improved the production performance of laying hens by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids and improving their intestinal morphology, which was achieved mainly through changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota. The recommended level of XOS in the diet of laying hens is 200 mg/kg.

Efficiency of ozone compared to commercial sanitizers for hatching eggs from older breeders

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of ozone as a sanitizer compared to commercial sanitizers for hatching eggs stored in hatching machines using different turning systems. The eggs (n = 120) were distributed in a completely randomized design using a factorial scheme (6x2) where the treatments were constituted by different sanitizers applied (non-treated eggs, Ozone 1.6 mg L-1, Ozone 3.2 mg L-1, Cyphenothrin, UVC, and paraformaldehyde) and two turning systems (vertical and horizontal) with 10 eggs each, with the egg considered as a replicate. Data collected were subjected to the Tukey test at 0.05. We observed a very similar performance in the incubation yield results of the hatching machines with different turning systems, where the hatching percentage of eggs stored in the hatching machine using vertical turning presented better (p &lt; 0.05) results. Comparing ozone to other sanitizers, we observed that paraformaldehyde and UVC provided better (p &lt; 0.05) hatching percentage. However, both ozone concentrations used also presented good hatching percentage results. Chicks from treated eggs, except those from eggs treated with the highest ozone concentration (3.2 mg L-1), were heavier (p &lt; 0.05) at hatch. Chicks from eggs treated with the low concentration of ozone (1.6 mg L-1) presented, in several scenarios, higher (p &lt; 0.05) weight at hatch than chicks from eggs treated with sanitizers commonly used, especially paraformaldehyde and UVC. Conclusively, ozone can be used as a sanitizer to treat eggs from older breeders, presenting potential to replace commonly used sanitizers stored in hatching machines using both vertical and horizontal turning systems.

Ovicidal activity of diaryl dichalcogenides and ivermectin on Fasciola hepatica: A novel candidate for a blending-based therapeutic strategy

Fasciolosis is a food and waterborne disease caused by Fasciola spp., representing a global health burden to various hosts, including humans and other animals. This study investigates the in vitro activity of tellurium- and selenium-containing diaryl dichalcogenides: diacetal ditelluride (LQ07), diacetal diselenide (LQ62), and diacetyl diselenide (LQ68) alone and in combination with ivermectin (IVM) against eggs of Fasciola hepatica. The eggs were exposed for 12 h with each organochalcogen (OC) (0.1 - 2 mmol l-1) and IVM (0.01 - 2 mmol l-1) following an incubation of 15 days, allowing embryonation. The inhibitory concentration of 50 % (IC50) of each OC or IVM was tested with the IC10, IC30, and IC50 of IVM or each OC, respectively. LQ07, LQ62, and LQ68, as well as IVM, demonstrated a concentration-dependent ovicidal activity. The peak ovicidal activity of 99.74 % was achieved when IVM was tested at 2.0 mmol l-1. LQ62 and LQ68 demonstrated greater ovicidal activity, having an IC50 < 0.32 mmol l-1 being 6.25-fold more toxic than IVM alone. The percentage of dead eggs was significantly higher in the IVM group (early mortality), as Se-containing OCs led to the (miracidia) embryonation of the eggs with no hatching (late mortality). Blending Se-containing OCs and IVM showed an additive effect of up to 27 % against F. hepatica eggs. The present data contribute to the potential use of blending-based therapeutic strategies to combat F. hepatica infections in eradication programs worldwide. The combinations may also act against multidrug-resistant strains, reinstating drug-based parasite control.

Persentase penambahan bagian telur ayam pada proses pengolahan amplang ikan lele dumbo (Clarias gariepinus)

Amplang is a traditional food/cracker of East Kalimantan that is made by mixing mackerel, tapioca flour, eggs, and some seasonings. Innovation is needed to improve the local product of african catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The portion of egg has a different functions in the dough of amplang. This study aimed to determine the effect of the portion and percentage of eggs on the chemical, physical, and organoleptic characteristics of amplang made from catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The study used randomized group design (RGD) in factorial with two factors. The first factor (A) was the eggs that were added consisted of egg white, yolk, and mixed egg white and yolk (1:1). The second factor (B) was the percentage of eggs that were added to the weight of african catfish (20%, 30%, 40%). The result showed that the best characteristics of amplang were amplang A1B3 (40% of white egg): water content was 2.59% (bb); fat content was 20.39% (bb); protein content was 9.11% (bk); brightness value was 64.95; texture value was 526 gf/mm 2; blooming capacity was 440%; hygroscopicity was 1.22%; oil absorption 18.85%; color sensory value was 4.6 (like to very like); taste sensory value was 3.88 (rather like to like); crispness sensory value was 4.24 (like to very like); the overall sensory value was 4.32 (the favorable to the most favorable).

Effects of adult diet on the longevity, fecundity and ovarian development of the rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis

AbstractRice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is an important migratory pest in Asia. While many lepidopteran species are known to enhance adult life history by obtaining supplementary nutrition, little is known about the effects of adult diet on C. medinalis. We first examined the effects of offering five dilutions of honey solution (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) on the longevity, fecundity and ovary development of adult C. medinalis. We then compared the effects of 10% honey solution to 25% glucose solution, which was previously reported to be the best adult diet for C. medinalis. We found that adult male and female C. medinalis fed 5%–20% honey solution lived significantly longer than those fed just water. Importantly, a honey–based diet accelerated and increased ovary development and prolonged the oviposition period, leading to higher fecundity. More specifically, females fed 5%–15% honey solution had the highest fecundity, followed by 20% honey solution, and the lowest when fed only water. In addition, the oviposition rate was 100% in females fed 10% and 15% honey solution. When we compared 10% honey solution to 25% glucose solution, those fed honey solution had significantly higher estimated female performance, which is a composite measure consisting of fecundity, percentage of egg‐laying females and percentage of eggs that hatched. Overall, our findings indicate that adult diet quality significantly impacts C. medinalis performance and that using a 10%–15% honey solution is optimal for mass‐rearing under laboratory conditions.

Effect of temperature on the biological parameters of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Pink bollworm (PBW) Pectinophora gossypiella is an important pest cotton worldwide. There are multiple factors which determines the occurrence and distribution of P. gossypiella across different cotton growing regions of the world, and one such key factor is ‘temperature’. The aim was to analyze the life history traits of PBW across varying temperature conditions. We systematically explored the biological and demographic parameters of P. gossypiella at five distinct temperatures; 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 ± 1 °C maintaining a photoperiod of LD 16:8 h. The results revealed that the total developmental period of PBW shortens with rising temperatures, and the highest larval survival rates were observed between 30 °C and 35 °C, reaching 86.66% and 80.67%, respectively. Moreover, significant impacts were observed as the pupal weight, percent mating success, and fecundity exhibited higher values at 30 °C and 35 °C. Conversely, percent egg hatching, larval survival, and adult emergence were notably lower at 20 °C and 40 °C, respectively. Adult longevity decreased with rising temperatures, with females outliving males across all treatments. Notably, thermal stress had a persistent effect on the F1 generation, significantly affecting immature stages (egg and larvae), while its impact on reproductive potential was minimal. These findings offer valuable insights for predicting the population dynamics of P. gossypiella at the field level and developing climate-resilient management strategies in cotton.

Functional oil in the feeding of heat-stressed Japanese quail

The objective of the present study was to evaluate a blend of functional oils (FO) composed of copaiba and garlic essential oils, pepper oleoresin and cashew nut liquid to mitigate the effects of heat stress on productivity, egg quality, organ morphology of the gastrointestinal tract, serum biochemical profile, nutrient metabolism and body temperature of Japanese quail. A completely randomized design was used in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme (without additive; 300 and 500 mg FO/kg of feed x birds raised in a thermal comfort (TC) and heat stress (HS) environment), with 6 replicates of 8 birds per plot. The birds under HS had lower feed intake (P = 0.0000), egg mass (P = 0.0000), laying rate (P = 0.0000) and higher percentage of infertile non-commercial eggs (P = 0.0004), lower head temperature amplitude (P = 0.0000) and higher average of body temperature (P = 0.0312). HS worsened the external and internal quality of the eggs. Birds kept in HS showed higher values of cholesterol (P = 0.0000) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (P = 0.0272). The use of 300 and 500 g FO/ton of feed improved the feed conversion (P = 0.0000) and egg mass (P = 0.0000) of the quail bred under HS, respectively, by 8.4 and 7.2% and increased the relative weight of liver (P = 0.0064) and pancreas (P = 0.0492). The use of such additives also provided a higher % of yolk (P = 0.0018) and reduced the percentage of albumen (P = 0.0029) of the eggs produced in TC, in addition to reducing the amplitude of head temperature (P = 0.0484) of birds bred under HS. The breeding of Japanese quail under HS results in negative impacts on the production, physiological and qualitative aspects of the eggs. The use of 300 g/ton of FO in the diet of Japanese quail leads to improvements in feed conversion, increased liver capacity in nutritional metabolism and results in eggs with a higher proportion of yolks, being, therefore, an alternative for feeding quail in a hot climate.

EFFECTS OF LIVE BODY WEIGHT AND LEPTIN CONCENTRATION ON IRAQI CHICKENS FERTILITY AND HATCHABILITY

This Study was conducted out at the Ministry of Agriculture's Poultry Research Station/Animal Resources Department/Agricultural Research Center. To see how body weight (BW) and leptin hormone (LEP) levels in breeder blood affect fertility and hatchability. 140 Iraqi local laying chickens (120 females + 20 males) aged 28 weeks were used in the study. Following the numbering of females, the birds were grown in individual cages and dispersed sequentially on cages. The experiment was divided into three periods, each lasting 28 days, during which the breeder's live body weight was recorded and divided into two categories (greater than 1.5 kg and less than 1.5 kg), and blood samples were collected at the end of each period to determine the concentration of leptin hormone in the breeders' blood. For comparison between mothers' performance, hormone concentration is separated into three groups: high, medium, and low. The percentage of fertile eggs (FE), the percentage of hatched chicks from total eggs (HAT), the percentage of hatched chicks from fertile eggs (HAF), and the percentage of mortality (MO) all showed a significant increase (p&lt;0.05), and a linear relationship was discovered between the studied traits and hormone concentration levels. Leptin arrived at the best predictive values that reflect reality by computing regression and correlation coefficients and using a hypothetical technique in estimating prediction results. This study concludes that body weight and leptin levels have unknown impacts on hatching fertility rates.

Nematicidal and insecticidal activity of essential oils from Artemisia scoparia and Centratherum punctatum and their mixtures

The present study involves the phytochemical analysis and assessing potential synergies among essential oils (EOs) against pests. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation from the aerial part (ASAO) and the root part (ASRO) of Artimisia scoparia, and from the aerial part of Centratherum punctatum (CPAO). The EOs yield ranged from 0.5 to 0.1% (v/w). The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 35, 43, and 49 compounds, constituting 99.2%, 98.34%, and 99.93% in ASAO, ASRO, and CPAO, respectively. Capillene was identified as the dominant compound both in ASAO and ASRO, but in variable amounts. Caryophyllene oxide (36.4%) was identified as the major component of CPAO. Pure EOs were blended in binary and ternary mixtures at ratios to analyze their synergistic effect against pests. The nematicidal activity (percent mortality and egg hatchability against Meloidogyne incognita at different concentrations was evaluated and the ternary mixture (ASAO + ASRO + CPAO) was found to be most effective at 1 μL/mL with 55.67 ± 1.41% larval immobility at 96 h of exposure. The antifeedant activity of pure and blended EOs was examined against Spodoptera litura using the leaf-dip method. Individually ASAO was most effective with 66.91% feeding inhibition, however the ternary combination showed 58.03% feeding inhibition. Moreover, molecular docking of selected volatiles (≥4% area) from the tested samples was carried out to analyze the interactions with target protein; acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferases (GST-1) and the ligands interacted favourably with the target proteins. The blending of EOs resulted in synergistic effects, enhancing their efficacy. Data acquired highlighted that A. scoparia and C. punctatum essential oils could be natural alternatives for nematode control and pest control in agriculture.

Nest Design and Breeding Success: Replicability of Methodologies and Research Findings in Secondary Hole Nesting Passerines

More than 40 hypotheses predict associations between features of nest architecture and at least one measure of reproductive success. However, quantitative studies of reproductive consequences of nest characteristics remain scarce. In addition, most studies were conducted on model species of which nests can be easily monitored with artificial nest-boxes. Here, we review the replicability of research protocols and findings in model species, with many repeat studies focusing mainly on nest-size components, animal-derived nest material, or fresh greenery in model species of secondary hole-nesting birds: Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), Great Tits (Parus major), Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), and Starlings (Sturnus spp.). The studies looked for correlations between nest traits and aspects of breeding performance that can be easily quantified in the field, such as clutch size, brood size at hatching or fledging, the percentage of eggs that hatch or fledge, or nestling characteristics assumed to reflect qualities associated with survival probabilities (e.g., morphometry, body condition, blood profiles). We discuss the consequences of poor replicability of research methodologies and provide explanations for why many of these studies reported poor associations between nest design and breeding success at different spatiotemporal scales. We also make suggestions for future research.

Proactive biological control of spotted lanternfly: Parasitism and host feeding behavior of Anastatus orientalis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) on Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) egg masses

Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) is a recognized threat to perennial vine, tree crops, and forest ecosystems. Native to China, L. delicatula has invaded eastern Asian countries (The Republic of Korea [i.e., South Korea] and Japan) and is spreading rapidly through the eastern and mid-western regions of the USA. Stablished populations in these regions present a significant incursion threat to California’s multi-billion-dollar perennial crops (e.g., grape and nut production). As a part of a proactive classical biological control program targeting L. delicatula in California, USA, the egg parasitoid, Anastatus orientalis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), is being evaluated for possible use against this pest should it establish in California. In support of this proactive research, the oviposition and host feeding behavior of A. orientalis was investigated. The effect of time exposure (i.e., 48-, 72-, 96-, 168-hours) on the percentage of eggs parasitized by 7-day old female parasitoids previously exposed to L. delicatula egg masses in presence/absence of a conspecific male was also investigated. Parasitism rates were significantly higher after 96 h of exposure time and offspring sex ratio did not change in any of the treatments (i.e., exposure time, presence/absence of a male). In another experiment, mated and unmated female parasitoids of three different ages (i.e., ≤ 24-, 72- and 120 h of age) were digitally video recorded for 24 h while foraging on L. delicatula egg masses and host use behaviors were quantified. Anastatus orientalis females that were 72 h old (mated) and 120 h (mated and unmated) spent significantly more time antennating and probing/ovipositing in L. delicatula egg masses than younger unmated females. An increase in host feeding behavior was always associated with increased oviposition behavior. No detrimental effects of host feeding on rates of parasitism and A. orientalis offspring emergence were detected. This finding confirms that A. orientalis is a concurrent parasitoid and can use the same host egg for feeding and parasitism. Implications of these results on possible rearing and release strategies of A. orientalis as a biological control agent of L. delicatula are discussed.

Evaluation of Reproductive and Growth Performance in New Breeds and Hybrids of Bivoltine Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.)

This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive and growth performance of recently developed bivoltine silkworm parental breeds and their hybrids to improve silk production and ensure the long-term sustainability of sericulture. Utilizing five thermotolerant pure breeds (B1, B2, B4, B6 and B8) and four popular CSR breeds (CSR2, CSR27, CSR6 and CSR26), six foundation crosses and eight double hybrids were developed and evaluated for ten traits. Results showed that B1 exhibited superior performance in fecundity (524.00), hatching percentage (98.67%), dead eggs (1.33%), pupal weight (1.31 g), pupation rate (96.84%) and cumulative survival index (CSI) (93.84%). The foundation cross B1 × B2 excelled in fecundity (553.67), larval mortality (2.67%), pupal weight (1.53 g), ERR (97.33%) and CSI (93.27%) while FC2 performed better in hatching percentage (97.60%), dead eggs percentage (2.40%), fifth instar larval duration (157.21 h), fifth instar larval weight (35.64 g/10 larvae) and pupation rate (96.33%). Among the double hybrids, (B1 × B2) × (FC1) demonstrated superior performance in fecundity (614.33), larval mortality (1.41%), pupal weight (2.06 g), ERR (98.59%) and CSI (97.24%). FC2 × FC1 excelled in larval duration (141.11 h), fifth instar larval weight (51.96 g/10 larvae) and pupation rate (98.94%). Double hybrids showed significant improvements compared to parental breeds and foundation crosses, indicating potential for field testing and further development. These results indicate the potential of using the newly identified breeds and foundation crosses in silkworm breeding, particularly in developing new double hybrids as an alternative to established CSR breeds and hybrids.

Reproduction of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in the Maumee River, Ohio: Part 2—Optimal river conditions for egg and larval drift

This study uses a one-dimensional steady-state hydraulic model and the Fluvial Egg Drift Simulator (FluEgg) to model the drift and dispersion of grass carp eggs and larvae in the Maumee River, Ohio, for 180 scenarios representing different combinations of 10 river flows, 6 water temperatures, and 3 spawning locations. The FluEgg simulations were used to quantify in-river suspended hatching rates (the percentage of eggs that hatch within the river and in suspension) and in-river larval retention rates (the percentage of larvae that reach the gas bladder inflation stage within the river after hatching in suspension), and identify which scenarios produce the highest likelihood of recruitment. The simulations indicate that at low flows, in-river suspended hatching and larval retention rates in the Maumee River are limited by the capacity of the flow to keep fertilized eggs in suspension, whereas at high flows, the limiting factor is the distance available for the eggs/larvae to drift in the river. A wide range of scenarios result in eggs hatching within the river, but all larvae drift into Maumee Bay prior to the gas bladder inflation stage when flows exceed the mean annual flow. The simulations were assessed in the context of the hydraulic conditions that trigger spawning and maximize egg fertilization and the nursery habitat requirements for larval grass carp. The results indicate that the Maumee River, although suitable for grass carp spawning, may not be an ideal setting for recruitment unless Maumee Bay provides adequate nursery habitat for larvae.

Investigation on the Biology of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Chickpea under Laboratory Condition

The Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) is a polyphagous pest that is found throughout the world. Due to its damaging nature, it causes quantitative as well as qualitative loss and finally overalleconomic loss in agricultural crop production. So, the present investigation was done by rearing of H. armigera on chickpeas under laboratory conditions. The study revealed that this pest has four distinct stages i.e., egg, larva, pupa, and adult for completing its life cycle. The total life cycle of males and females were completed in 49-50 days and 52.30-53.00 days, respectively. The wholelife period was divided asthe incubation period takes 4-5 days, larval stage was completed in 20.00-20.50 days by passing through six instars under laboratory conditions at a temperature of 27±10C with 70±5 % relative humidity in 12 hours of light. The last larval instar did not molt and it contracted into a grub-like pre-pupal stage which lasted for 2-3 days and a pupal period of 13-14 days. The adult period of male and female insects was completed in 8.50-9.00 and 12.00-12.50 days, respectively. The female moths had a pre-oviposition period of 3-4 days that included a sexual maturity period. The oviposition and post-oviposition periodsrecorded were 5-6 days and 2 days, respectively. A single female produced on average 992.50-1085 eggs throughout her entire life span. The average hatching percentage of eggs recorded on 63.00-67.50 percent.

Impacts of storage period and egg weight on hatching and growth performance of growing Japanese quails

This investigation aimed to assess how Japanese quail hatchability, growth, and carcass traits were affected by quail egg weight, storage length, and their interactions. One thousand two hundred sixty eggs of the commercial Japanese quail were purchased, and the average age of the birds was 13 weeks. Quail egg weights were divided into three groups using a 3 × 4 factorial design: small (< 11 g), medium (11–12 g), and large (> 12 g). Each group had four storage times (1, 4, 7, and 10 days) and held 105 eggs. The study used a storage room with 70% humidity and 18°C. There were 12 treatment groups. For the final three days of incubation, the eggs were positioned in a hatching machine after being incubated for 14 days at 37.6°C and 65% humidity. For the study, 540 one-day-old Japanese unsexed quail chicks were randomly chosen and placed in groups of five that resembled the distribution of eggs. Three duplicates (15 chicks each) made up each of the four storage periods that comprised the 180 birds. The findings showed that the percentage of hatchable eggs is significantly influenced by their weight and the length of storage; medium and heavy-weight eggs exhibited higher percentages of hatchability while holding for 7–10 days. However, no significant interaction was observed—additionally, heavy egg weight results in higher weight at different ages. Egg weight also significantly impacts chick weight at hatch, three weeks, and six weeks. Egg weight and storage time affect dressing and carcass measurement percentages. We can conclude that the best results in terms of hatch and post-hatch efficiency, as well as carcass characteristics, were obtained with medium or heavy quail eggs and storage times of either one day or four days.

Evaluating the efficiency of silver nanoparticles prepared using &lt;i&gt;Pseudomonas fluorescens&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Bacillus thuringiensis&lt;/i&gt; subsp. &lt;i&gt;tenebrionis&lt;/i&gt; in controlling eggs and adults of &lt;i&gt;Callosobruchus maculatus&lt;/i&gt; (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which are prepared biologically by two bacterial species, Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrionis (Btt) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (P.f) to control southern cowpea beetle insect, Callosobruchus maculatus. Many features of the prepared nanoparticles were examined, and the results obtained showed that the highest absorption value of AgNPs was at 262 nm. Whereas the results of FTIR analysis showed that several compounds played a role in the silver ions reduction process, which included alcohol, alkane, primary amine, and amine group. The scanning electronic microscopic images showed that the average diameter of nanoparticles which was created by P.f was 48.52 nm, while it was 56.08 nm for the nanoparticles prepared by Btt. The study showed no significant differences between the activity of both AgNP types against C. maculatus eggs, while a significant preference was recorded for the activity of Btt AgNPs against the C. maculatus adults. The highest percentage of unhitched eggs was 53.8% recorded at 3000 ppm concentration, while Btt AgNPs gave 59.6% at 3000 ppm. The highest mortality rate of the adults who were treated by Btt AgNPs was 58.8 % at 3000 ppm concentration, while it was recorded 50% at 3000 ppm with P.f AgNPs treatment. The current study demonstrates the efficiency of biologically prepared AgNPs in controlling C. maculatus insect life stages, which encourages using of these nanoparticles as a modern strategy in management of insect pests.

Impact of early feed restriction and continued supplementation with coated organic acid and essential oils on sustainability of laying performance, egg quality, fertility, hatchability, immunity status, and gut microbiota of Japanese quail hens

Abstract Three hundred and sixty, 42-day-old Japanese quail (JQ) hens were randomly divided into six experimental groups with 5 replicates/group. Each replicate consisted of 12 birds (8 females and 4 males). During the growing period, chickens were fed restricted (FR) during only the second week of age at days 7, 9, 11, and 13. Three levels of FR were applied: 0.0 (control), 12.5 (12.5FR), and 25.0% (25FR) of the ad libitum intake of chickens measured on the previous day (groups 1, 2 and 3). In the other three groups (4, 5 and 6) the control, 12.5FR and 25.0FR diets were supplemented with coated organic acid + essential oils (COAWEO ) at 100 g/ton feed. The trial lasted from 6 to 18 weeks of age. Feed intake was significantly reduced by 12.5% FR compared with the control group. FR improved all external and internal egg quality of JQ hens except for egg weight, while albumen % decreased in the group fed 12.5FR diet. Coated organic acid with essential oils did not affect all JQ hens’ external and internal egg quality. Feed restriction did not affect fertility, pipped and dead chicks, and hatchability, as total and fertile egg percentage. COAWEO increased fertility and hatchability percentage. FR did not affect blood serum biochemistry and immunity characteristics except for high density lipoprotein (HDL) and hemagglutination inhibition test for infectious bursal disease virus (HI IBDV). Coated organic acid with essential oils did not affect quail blood characteristics but significantly decreased total lipids and increased IL6 at 18 weeks of age. Dietary COAWEO decreased E. coli, Clostridia, and Salmonella while increasing Lactobacillus counts. It can be concluded that 25.0% FR supplemented with COAWEO considerably improved the sustainability of productive performance of JQ hens without adverse effects on egg production, quality, fertility and hatchability traits, serum biochemistry and immune markers, and gut microbiota.

New artificial hematophagy system with attractive polymeric biofilm for maintenance of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the laboratory

BackgroundMaintaining mosquito colonies in the laboratory requires a blood supply so that females' oocytes can mature and oviposition can take place. In this study, a new artificial hematophagy system for colonization and maintenance of Culex quinquefasciatus in the laboratory was developed and tested.MethodsWe developed an attractive polymeric biofilm including 25% l-lactic acid for use as a membrane in an artificial hematophagy system and compared the feeding rate of females with Parafilm-M®. We also evaluated the oviposition rate, larval survival and adult emergence of females fed through the attractive biofilm.ResultsThe average percentage of female Cx. quinquefasciatus fed through the attractive biofilm was 87%, while only 20% became engorged with Parafilm-M® (p < 0.0001). Feeding through the attractive biofilm developed in this study produced high levels of evaluated biological parameters; the percentage of egg laying by females that underwent artificial hematophagy through the biofilm was 90%, with an average of 158 eggs per raft. From these eggs, 97% of the larvae hatched, of which 95% reached the pupal stage. The adult emergence rate corresponded to 93% of pupae.ConclusionsInsects fed with attractant through the biofilm system had a higher engorgement rate compared to those fed through Parafilm-M®. Our study is preliminary and suggests that polymeric biofilm has great potential for artificially feeding mosquitoes in the laboratory. Based on this research, new studies will be carried out with biofilm and different systems.Graphical

Egg Quality Parameters Evaluation of Indigenous and Sasso Chicken in Sidama Region, Ethiopia

A study was conducted at Aleta Wondo district of Sidama Region to evaluate quality parameters of eggs collected from indigenous and Sasso chickens reared under a traditional management system. About 100 eggs from each chicken type were collected from households who keep indigenous or Sasso chicken. Eggs were transported to Hawassa university poultry farm for quality parameters analysis. External and internal egg quality analysis was done according to laboratory procedure. Collected data was analyzed using SAS (Version 9.0). Results indicated that eggs collected from Sasso chicken showed superiority over indigenous chicken’s eggs for egg weight, egg length, egg width, shell weight, shell thickness and surface area. There is no significant difference on shape index and shell percentage of eggs collected from indigenous and Sasso chickens. Shape index recorded was 72.66 and 74.04 for indigenous and Sasso chickens respectively. Albumen weight was statistically higher for eggs collected from Sasso chickens (P&lt;0.0001). Eggs from indigenous chickens have superiority over Sasso’s eggs for yolk ratio, Haugh Unit and yolk albumen ratio. However, there is no significant variation on albumen height, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk color, yolk diameter and yolk index. It can be concluded that Sasso chicken produce heavier eggs than indigenous chicken. Yolk related parameters are similar for indigenous and Sasso chicken eggs produced at traditional management system.