Shibin El-Kom Research Articles

Neglected toxocariasis among eosinophilic children: A crosssectional study in Shibin El Kom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt

Neglected toxocariasis among eosinophilic children: A crosssectional study in Shibin El Kom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt

Assessment of some drinking water plants efficiency at El-Menofeya Governorate, Egypt

This study was conducted to investigate water quality from inlets and outlets of four drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) at El-Menofeya Governorate, Egypt. Results obtained from four seasonal trips (from January to December 2018) revealed variation in chemical, physical and microbiological properties of El-Rayah El-menofy. Some inlets (El-Bagour, Menof and Shibin El-Kom) recorded high concentrations of ammonia, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total alkalinity and depletion in dissolved oxygen. Total coliforms, fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci exceeded permissible limits of law 48/1982 for DWTPs inlets, while for DWTPs outlets are within the permissible standard limits of law 458/2007. The water quality index (WQI) categorized the plants inlets as being medium, while for plants outlets as being good. Six bacterial strains were discovered in DWTPs inlets by molecular analysis showed different 16s rRNA-gene sizes. Krona test showed varied appendance percentages, 99%, 67%, 6.2% and 4.9% Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in all DWTPs inlets. Nucleotide sequence data for bacterial strains were submitted to the NCBI GenBank database, USA and gained their accession numbers. Concluding remarks justify the strong correlation (r = +0.80) between physicochemical and bacteriological indicators in polluted aquatic ecosystems. The study recommends the protection of raw water resources from pollution by enforcement of actual applying of Egyptian laws coupled with rising the efficiency of water purification plants to ensure safe drinking water free of disease-causing agents.

INFLUENCE OF FEED FORM ON PERFORMANCE IN TWO STRAINS OF BROILER CHICKS

The current study was conducted in private poultry farm (area of 120m2), Shibin El-Kom, Menoufia Governorate. The experiment was extended from April to May 2014. The great object of this study was to determine the effect of feed forms on productive and economical efficiency of two broiler strains (Cobb 500 and Ross 308) at ages 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days. Chicks were individually weighted and randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups nearly similar in average body weight (40g). The birds of the first, second and third groups were feed on crumble, mash and pellets, respectively. Chicks housed on floor with sawdust. Feed and water were available ad libitun during the experimental period which lasted for 35 days. Body weights at different ages, growth rates, feed consumption (FC) (kg per bird/cycle), feed conversion ratio FCR, mortality and uniformity were studied. The main results were: For Cobb 500 strain, mash feed had a higher body weight at marketing age (35 days). Ross 308 strain, pellet feed had a higher body weight at marketing age (35 days). Ross 308 strain fed on crumble, and Cobb 500 strain fed on mash had lowest mortality %. The best economic efficiency was obtained with pellet feed form for both Cobb 500 and Ross 308.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Placental Sites and Thickness at Second Trimester and Its Correlation with Pregnancy Outcome

Background: Adverse fetal outcome has a wide spectrum of perinatal mortality and morbidity as low fetal Apgar score, admission to NICU, low birth weight, stillbirth & maternal morbidity, and mortality. The use of ultrasonography of placental sites and thickness is the most effective method to estimate the adverse pregnancy outcome. Objective: To investigate the relationship between placental sites, diameter, and thickness at the second trimester with pregnancy outcome. Patients and Methods: the current study was conducted at the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department in Shibin El Kom Teaching Hospital, on 200 pregnant women with a single fetus presenting for routine antenatal care in the second trimester, from September 2016 to August 2017. Detailed history, laboratory investigations, obstetric and ultrasound follow up study was done. Results: The mean age of all patients was 27.54±5.03 years old. Placental sites were associated with placenta previa, placenta abruption, bleeding, FGR, and preterm delivery. Also, the placental diameter was highly related to placenta previa, placental abruption, bleeding and positively correlated with age and body mass index. Regarding, the placental thickness, it was highly associated with macrosomia and negatively correlated with age, and positively correlated with GA. Conclusion: Placental implantation at the 18th to 24th weeks can be used as being at risk for adverse outcomes. Low placental implantation sites are associated with higher frequent preterm (labor & deliveries) and lower postpartum hemorrhage. High lateral placental implantations are associated with lower Apgar scores.

UTILIIZATION OF ORGANIC AMENDMENTS TO REMEDIATE CHEMICALLY POLLUTED SOIL AND REFLECTION ON PLANT GROWTH

This study was carried out in a pot experiment placed at private farm in Shibin Elkom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt, during growing summer season of 2018 to evaluate the effect of some soil organic amendments on plant growth and nutrients and heavy metals uptake as well as soil chemical properties and its content of available heavy metal in two polluted soils. The conclusions extracted from this study can summarized in the following points: 1- Applications of soil organic amendments improved some soil chemical properties such as soil EC, CEC and the content of OM. 2- Applications of soil organic amendments (compost and biochar) improved plant growth and remarkably stimulated fresh and dry matter yields. 3- Plants content of N, P and K significantly promoted with compost and biochar applications. 4- Elevating rate of added compost and biochar augmented soil content of available heavy metal that may be enhance their uptake by plants (sugar beet) consequently remove it from the contaminated soils. 5- Applications of soil organic amendments increased plant concentration and uptake of heavy metals consequently it could be utilizing as a remediated in removing heavy metals from the polluted soil.

UTILIIZATION OF ORGANIC AMENDMENTS TO REMEDIATE CHEMICALLY POLLUTED SOIL AND REFLECTION ON PLANT GROWTH

This study was carried out in a pot experiment placed at private farm in Shibin Elkom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt, during growing summer season of 2018 to evaluate the effect of some soil organic amendments on plant growth and nutrients and heavy metals uptake as well as soil chemical properties and its content of available heavy metal in two polluted soils. The conclusions extracted from this study can summarized in the following points: 1- Applications of soil organic amendments improved some soil chemical properties such as soil EC, CEC and the content of OM. 2- Applications of soil organic amendments (compost and biochar) improved plant growth and remarkably stimulated fresh and dry matter yields. 3- Plants content of N, P and K significantly promoted with compost and biochar applications. 4- Elevating rate of added compost and biochar augmented soil content of available heavy metal that may be enhance their uptake by plants (sugar beet) consequently remove it from the contaminated soils. 5- Applications of soil organic amendments increased plant concentration and uptake of heavy metals consequently it could be utilizing as a remediated in removing heavy metals from the polluted soil.

GENETIC ASSESSMENT OF LEAF RUST RESISTANCE IN SOME WHEAT VARIETIES

The experiments of this study were carried out through four growing seasons i.e., 2015/16 to 2018/19 at the farm of the faculty of Agriculture, Shibin El-Kom, Menoufia University.Using10 Egyptian wheat varieties,16 wheat promising lines from (CIMMYT) and 20 adult plant leaf rust resistance genes (Lr). lines Lr were used as (male) for crosses with the wheat cultivars (female) to obtain the F1 grains to produce F2 grains and perform genetic analysis. Recording final rust severity (FRS), rate of disease increase (r-value) and the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) from varieties and lines to responses leaf rust resistance. While STS marker specific for Lr19 and Lr28 genes were performed on the ten wheat varieties and the sixteen promising lines. The responses of rust severity and infection type of the 20 Lr strains were divided into three groups; I resistant genes i.e., Lr17, Lr18, Lr28, Lr 38 and Lr42, II susceptible genes i.e., Lr2c, Lr9, Lr14b, Lr24, Lr34, Lr35, Lr36, Lr37, Lr44 and Lr45, and III genes with variable reactions i.e. Lr2a, Lr19, Lr29, Lr30 and Lr39. Results suggested that genes of group I are important for breeding for leaf rust resistance under Egyptian field conditions. The ten wheat cultivars exhibited low values of FRS and AUDPC except Sids1, and no variety has high rate of (r-value). These cultivars except Sids1 have a good level of adult plant resistance to leaf rust and can be used as resistance sources, 16 wheat promising lines gave lowest values of (FRS), (r-value) and (AUDPC), and consequently they can be used in breeding programs. Genetic analysis showed that Sids1 did not have any of genes under study. However, Gemmeiza 7, Gemmeiza 9, Gemmeiza 10, Gemmeiza 11, Gemmeiza 12, Misr 1, Misr 2, Giza168 and Giza 171 have several Lr genes. Using STS marker specific for Lr19 and Lr28 genes, Lr19 was identified in Gemmeiza 7 and Gemmeiza 11 and Lr28 detected in Gemmeiza 9 and Gemmeiza 10, while Lr19 detected in 13 promising lines, Lr28 found only in five of them. These results showed that molecular markers for Lr genes might be a useful tool in marker-assisted breeding (MAS) for developing Egyptian wheat cultivars.

EFFECT OF SOME MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ON BROILER PERFORMANCE

The current study was conducted in special poultry farm, Shibin El-Kom, Menoufia Governorate. The experiment was extended from Aril 2014 to May. 2015. The great object of this study was to determine the effect genotype (strains) and some environmental factors (such litters, feed forms and in additions ages effects) on production and economical efficiency of broiler production in Menoufia Government. One density was applied in open system, 10 birds/m2. All birds were reared on land with two litter types (sawdust and straw) with thickness 10 cm. The dormitories were 120m2. The total No. of birds were 1200 which were presented in farm, two strains, Cobb 500 (600 birds) and Ross 308 (600 birds) at two reared seasons. - The studied traits were as follow: Body weights at different ages, growth rates, feed consumption (FC) (kg per bird/cycle), feed conversion ratio FCR, mortality and uniformity. The results indicated that all traits were significantly affected by strains, Litters and feed forms and ages.

Effect of some Plant Aqueous Extracts on Lettuce Growth, Chemical Constituents, Yield and Downy Mildew Disease. تأثیر المستخلص المائى لبعض النباتات على النمو والانتاج ومرض البیاض الزغبى للخس

A plant bio-stimulant is any substance or microorganism applied to plants with the aim to enhance nutrition efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, disease resistance and/or crop quality traits, regardless of its nutrients content. Certain aqueous plant extracts of five plants i.e., Neem (Azadirachta indica), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Garlic (Allium sativum), Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Eucalyptus (Cinnamomum camphora) extracts and fungicide (Dithane M-45) as well as tap water as control were evaluated as foliar spray under field conduction at Experimental Farm of Horticulture Department Faculty of Agriculture Menoufia University Shibin El-Kom, during fall seasons of 2018 and 2019 against Downy mildew disease caused by (Bremia lactucae), growth, yield, quality, water relation , photosynthetic pigments and some chemical analysis of lettuce plants cv. Balady (Local lettuce cultivar). The obtained results indicated that, application of plant extracts, and fungicide significantly decreased the disease severity, disease incidence and increased the growth characters and yield of lettuce plants.

Effect of Guided psychosexual Instructions on Sexual Activity among Hypoactive Women’s Sexual Dysfunctions

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a serious health problem because of its high prevalence and deleterious effects on women's quality of life. Practitioners of women's health must care able to detect FSD in its early stage so that timely treatment could be offered. Also, the clinicians have lack understanding about the approach for identification and evaluation of the sexual problem. The study aimed to investigate the effect of guided psychosexual health instructions on changes in sexual activity among women with reduced sexual dysfunctions (hypoactive). Methods: A quasi- experimental design was used (pre and posttest one group) Setting: The study was conducted at Kebly and Bahary Maternal& Child Health Care Centers at Shibin Elkom Sample 100 participants of women were selected according to their responses in two-scale of sexual dysfunctions and elicited as hypoactive sexual dysfunctions from MCH Tools of the study: 1- Structured interview questionnaire classified into two parts, the first part deal with a biosocial data as age, level of education, and the employment status as well as complaining from physical or gynecological problems hindering them for conducting healthy marital relationship with their partner. The second part was: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), A Multidimensional Self-Report Instrument for the Assessment of Female Sexual Function in a 19-item questionnaire, It was developed by Rosen, et al. (2010) as a brief instrument for assessing the key dimensions of sexual function in women. 2-Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire It was developed by Infrasca et, al (2011) to assess women's readiness and preparation for sexual functions disorders Introduced as a brief self-report inventory. Results showed that there was a highly statistically significant difference P well as vaginal lubrication, orgasm, and degree of satisfaction during sexual activity. It was concluded that the use of guided psychosexual intervention was effective in managing sexual dysfunctions problems and enhancing satisfaction to reach orgasm. Recommendations. All health care providers should include screening questions regarding sexual well-being as a standard of practice. Treating medical, psychosexual, relationship problems, and addressing sociocultural issues, which can be effective in helping women and their partners dealing with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Health care providers should involve the woman’s partner in the assessment and treatment of sexual health concerns when it is appropriate and safe to do so. Also, health guidelines protocol of care for (SD) should be providers to involve the woman’s partner in addressing sexual issues,

Angiotensin converting enzyme polymorphism and ischemic stroke.

Objectives:To assess the polymorphism of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in ischemic stroke in an Egyptian sample.Methods:One hundred subjects (70 ischemic stroke patients, and 30 healthy controls) were included in case control cross sectional study during the period from January 2017 to January 2018, at Neurology Department, Menufia University Hospital, Shibin EL-Kom, Egypt. Patients underwent complete neurological assessment, national institute health stroke scale (NIHSS), and Toast classification. All subjects underwent genotyping of ACE gene polymorphism.Results:There are 42.9% from the patients versus 33.3% from controls showed geno typing of Insertion/Deletion (I/D) and Allele D is more frequent regarding I allele in ischemic stroke patients but this difference did not reach significant level to be risk factor. The I/D polymorphism was the predominant type in SVS and LVS while DD was the predominant type in cardio-embolic one. There were no significant differences between NIHSS in different ACE gene polymorphism.Conclusion:In spite of ACE genotyping differences among Egyptian ischemic stroke patients, we cannot consider it a predisposing factor to stroke occurrence or severity.

Possible Food Sources of Listeriosis for Aborted Women in Menoufia Province

The study was carried out during the period extended from September 2018 to February 2019 at El-Menoufia Governorate to investigate the presence of Listeria species in some food sources as well as aborted women. A total of 250 different samples were collected including; milk (100), kariesh cheese (25), beef meat (25), hot dog (25) and Bolti fish (25). Moreover, 50 vaginal swabs were collected from 50 aborted women from El-Menoufia University Hospital and Shibin El-Kom Teaching Hospital. The obtained results in the current work showed that the highest rate of isolation of Listeria spp. was recorded in the examined samples of Bolti fish (40%), followed by beef meat (28%) then raw milk (25%), Hot dog (24%) and finally kariesh cheese (20%) with statistically significant association between these rates of isolation. In addition, distribution of Listeria spp. isolated from raw milk samples clarified the identification of L. monocytogenes (2%), L. ivanovii (7%), L. innocua (5%), L. seeligeri (6%) and L. murrayi (5%), distribution of Listeria spp. isolated from kariesh cheese samples clarified the identification of L. monocytogenes (4%), L. ivanovii (8%), L. innocua (4%), and L. seeligeri (4%), distribution of Listeria spp. isolated from beef meat samples clarified the identification of L. monocytogenes (8%), L. ivanovii (4%), L. innocua (4%), L. seeligeri (4%) and L. welshimeri (8%), distribution of Listeria spp. isolated from Hot dog samples clarified the identification of L. monocytogenes (4%), L. ivanovii (8%) and L. welshimeri (12%) and finally, distribution of Listeria spp. isolated from Bolti fish samples clarified the identification of L. monocytogenes (4%), L. ivanovii (12%), L. innocua (4%), L. seeligeri (4%) and L. welshimeri (16%). On the other side, the rate of isolation from vaginal swabs of aborted women was 16% and distribution of Listeria spp. clarified the presence of L. monocytogenes (4%), L. ivanovii (4%), L. seeligeri (2%), L. grayi (2%), L. welshimeri (2%) and L. innocua (2%). Finally, PCR was applied successfully to detect LM1 gene in identification of isolates of L. monocytogenes. The recorded results in the current study throw the light upon the zoonotic potential of L. monocytogenes in El Menoufia Province where investigated samples were found to be positive for presence of Listeria with different rates that could ring the hazard bell about the significant role of different food products in transmitting these organisms to pregnant women. Moreover, PCR is a useful diagnostic tool for detection of L. monocytogenes because it sensitive and specific so this technique should be adopted as a complementary tool to conventional tests.

Utilization of seaweed (Sargassum vulgare) extract to enhance growth, yield and nutritional quality of red radish plants

Seaweed extracts as natural plant growth stimulant could be significantly used as a good agricultural practice in sustainable and organic crop production. Therefore, the current study was carried out at a private farm in Shibin El-Kom, Monufia Governorate, Egypt during winter growing seasons of 2017 and 2018. The effect of brown seaweed extract used as a pre-sowing seed soaking for 12 h at a rate of 3 ml/l, in addition as foliar spraying once at rates of 1, 2 or 3 ml/l after 20 days from sowing date on vegetative growth, yield and some nutritional values of leaves and roots of red radish plants of Celesta F1 hybrid was assessed. The experiment was set in a split plot design with three replicates. The obtained results sharply indicated that seaweed soaked seeds gave significantly the higher values of all measured characters than water soaked seeds. It was highly apparent that the foliar spraying treatment of the highest rate of seaweed extract (3 ml/l) gave significantly the best values of all studied characters compared to the other treatments. The interaction had significant effects on all studied parameters, except for leaves and roots dry weight, leaves Fe, and roots Fe and Zn contents in both seasons as well as for chlorophyll a in the first season and chlorophyll b and carotenoids in the second season. The most effective treatment was found to be seaweed soaked seeds before sowing and foliar sprayed seaweed extract at 3 ml/l once 20 days after sowing (DAS).

SELECTION OF PROTEIN EFFICIENCY IN SINAI FOWLS

The present experiment was carried out in the Poultry Farm, Department of Poultry and Fish Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University at Shibin El-Kom, Egypt. The local strain used was Sinai Bedouin fowl. The experiments lasted for four years, starting from October 2004. The aim of the experiment was to study the response of selection for high protein efficiency (g protein/g egg) of laying Sinai hens. Protein efficiency for egg production during the first 90 days of production was calculated according to : 1. Protein efficiency (g protein / g egg) = The average protein efficiencies were 0.770 ± 0.159, 1.001 ± 0.452 and 0.670±0.171 in the first, second and third generations, respectively. The actual genetic responses to selection for protein efficiency were obtained. The selection responses were -0.081, -0.132 and -0.528 (g) in the first, second and third generations, respectively. The calculated heritability for protein efficiency g protein per 1 g eggs was 0.12

Physio-Biochemical Behaviour, Water Use Efficiency and Productivity of Wheat Plants Exposed to Magnetic Field

The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of magnetized field in improving the growth, physiological and biochemical aspects and yield attributes of wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L. cv Giza 168) as one of the important economically strategic crops. Pot experiments were executed in a glass greenhouse belonged to the experimental farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Shibin El-Kom, Egypt during two winter growing seasons 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. Magnetic treatments were magnetic grains, magnetic water and combined magnetic grains and water in addition to the control group. Vegetative growth of wheat plants was significantly increased by treating with different magnetic treatments compared to the control plants. Application of magnetic treatments caused significant increases in total leaf water content, relative water content, water use efficiency (WUE), membrane permeability and succulence degree, whereas the transpiration rate and leaf water deficit were significantly reduced. Most growth characteristics and WUE were more positively affected by the magnetized water treatment than other magnetic treatments. The concentrations of photosynthetic pigments and growth promoters (IAA, GA and Cytokinins) showed significant increases in the treated wheat plants with all magnetic treatments. A marked increase was observed in the uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu and Mn, but Na uptake was decreased in wheat plants by the application of magnetic field. Magnetic treatments caused a significant increase in the spike characters, grain and straw yield, and harvest index of wheat plants as well as some chemical constituents in grains compared with the control plants.

GENETIC IMPROVEMENT OF THE LOCAL SINAI STRAIN FOR EGG PRODUCTION BY USING GENERAL SELECTION INDEX

The present experiment was carried out in the Poultry Farm, Department of Poultry and Fish Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University at Shibin El-Kom, Egypt. The local strain used was Sinai Bedouin fowl. The experiments lasted for four years, starting from October 2014. The aim of the experiment was to study the rates of improvement in egg traits by applying the general selection Index (IG) for 3 generations. The actual genetic gain (response of selection) ∆G for mature egg weight were 3.33, 9.23 and 13.43 (g) in the first, second and third generations, respectively. The actual genetic gain (response of selection) ∆G for egg number during the first 90 day were 3.36, 4.03 and 6.01 (egg) in the first, second and third generations, respectively. The actual genetic gain (response of selection) ∆G for interval between clutches were -0.59, -1.40 and -1.60 (day) in the first, second and third generations, respectively. The actual genetic gain (response of selection) ∆G for clutch size were 0.36, 0.75 and 0.90 (egg) in the first, second and third generations, respectively. So, it concluded that selection index for improving egg production traits must content selection for persistency and profitability.

DIRECT SELECTION RESPONSE OF PROTEIN EFFICIENCY OF EGG PRODUCTION IN SINAI BEDOUIN FOWL

The present experiment was carried out in the Poultry Farm, Department of Poultry and Fish Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University at Shibin El-Kom, Egypt. The local strain used was Sinai Bedouin fowl. The experiments lasted for four years, starting from October 2014. The aim of the experiment was to study the response of selection for high protein efficiency (g protein/g egg) of laying Sinai hens. Protein efficiency for egg production during the first 90 days of production was calculated according to : 1. Protein efficiency (g Protein / g egg) = (Selected trait) The average protein efficiencies were 0.770 ± 0.159, 1.001 ± 0.452 and 0.670±0.171 in the first, second and third generations, respectively. The actual genetic responses to selection for protein efficiency were obtained. The selection responses were -0.081, -0.132 and -0.528 (g) in the first, second and third generations, respectively. The calculated heritability for protein efficiency g protein per 1 g eggs was 0.12

Carbetocin versus oxytocin in prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in late preterm twin pregnancy following cesarean section: a prospective clinical study

Objective The objective of this study was to compare effectiveness and safety of carbetocin versus oxytocin infusion in prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in women with late preterm twin pregnancy undergoing cesarean section. Patients and methods A prospective clinical study was conducted from June 2014 to August 2015 in Shibin El-Kom and Benha Teaching Hospitals in Egypt that enrolled 175 women with late preterm twin pregnancy undergoing cesarean section. Carbetocin group (n = 90) as a single intravenous bolus was compared with oxytocin (n = 85) 10 IU as six infusions as soon as the second twin was delivered, and the outcomes were compared. Results The mean blood loss during cesarean section was higher in oxytocin group as compared with carbetocin (685 ± 350 vs. 782.8 ± 370 ml, P > 0.05). The incident of primary PPH (>1000 ml) in cesarean delivery was lower in carbetocin group versus oxytocin group (3.33 vs. 11.76%, P 0.05). The need for another uterotonic agents in carbetocin was lower than in oxytocin (23.33 vs. 35.29%, P Conclusion This study found that carbetocin was an acceptable option with reduction of PPH compared with oxytocin in late preterm twin pregnancy undergoing cesarean section, and both had similar safety profile with minor hemodynamic effect.

Physiological and anatomical studies of two wheat cultivars irrigated with magnetic water under drought stress conditions

The aim of this study was to assess some physiological parameters and anatomical changes in two wheat plant cultivars (Triticum aestivum L. cvs. Sakha 93 and Sids 9) in response to irrigation with magnetized water under two levels of drought stress (field capacity (FC) of 75% and 50%) and the control (FC 100%) in two consecutive winter growing seasons (November 20 to May 5 2014/2015 and 2015/2016). Pot experiments were carried out in a greenhouse in the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Shibin El-Kom, Egypt. A water deficit, particularly at 50% FC, significantly decreased growth and parameter values, above all in Sakha 93, and disrupted most physiological aspects, biochemical constituents and internal structural features of both wheat cultivars. Irrigation with magnetized water alleviated the negative consequences of drought stress on most physiological and biochemical parameters to a variable extent: the whole plant dry weight, total water content, total soluble sugar concentration in leaves, total free amino acids and proline increased by about 32, 12, 17, 27 and 73%, respectively, under 50% FC drought stress in Sids 9 compared to the control. As the levels of drought increased, the grain yield (g/plant) decreased considerably, from about 81% in Sakha 93 at 50% FC to 26% in Sids 9 at 75% FC. The use of magnetic water increased grain yield from 61% in Sakha 93 at 75% FC to about 268% in Sids 9 at 50% FC. Magnetic water also increased the thickness of the flag leaf midvein and lamina, as well as the metaxylem vessel diameter of Sakha 93 by 28.8, 11.7 and 20.0%, respectively, compared to the control. The application of magnetic water increased the growth and the other parameter values studied in both cultivars but above all in Sakha 93, whereas Sids 9 produced more grain yield under all levels of drought stress. As the growth and grain production increased in both cultivars when using magnetic water, this study recommends this type of irrigation for these wheat plants, which are widespread in Egypt.

STUDY OF MATERNAL IMMUNITY IN RELATION TO SOME PRODUCTIVE TRAITS IN CHICKENS

The present study was carried out in the Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture at Shibin El-Kom, Menoufia University. The aim of the present study was to determine the concentration of maternal antibody (IgY) in blood serum and egg yolk of three, control, high and low IgY antibody lines of Sinai and Silver Montazah local chickens in relation to some productive traits in chicken. The results were discussed and summarized as follows: 1- Sinai strain had significantly higher IgY antibody concentration than Silver Montazah strain of chickens, being 4.68 vs 4.22 mg/ml in hen blood serum, 4.11 vs 3.46 mg/ml in egg yolk, 3.09 vs 2.66 mg/ml in hatched chicks serum and 48.00 vs 38.41 mg/egg yolk total, respectively. 2- Highly significant differences (P<0.01) among lines, the high lines harvested the highest IgY level and control lines occupied intermediate level, where the low lines had the lowest IgY level in both strains of chickens. 3- The transferred (%) of IgY were 66.24 vs 62.88 (%) from dams to newly hatched chicks in Sinai and Silver Montazah strains of chicken respectively. 4- The IgY (%) transferred from dams to newly hatched chicks were 67.21 vs 61.89 (%) for control lines, 76.47 vs 71.67 (%) for high lines and 58.17 vs 52.06 for low lines of Sinai and Silver Montazah strains of chickens respectively. 5- There were strong positive highly significant simple correlation coefficients between IgY concentration in the layers and egg yolk (r=0.994 vs 0.934), between layers and chicks (r= 0.937 vs 0.879) and between egg yolk and chicks (r= 0.930 vs 0.908) in Sinai and Silver Montazah strains of chicken respectively. 6- The birds high in IgY antibody levels had significantly higher percentages of fertility, hatchability, livability, early age at sexual maturity, and higher egg production traits as compared to low birds in IgY antibody concentrations. 7- The present results, explained that the IgY antibody can be used as genetic marker to improve some productive traits in chickens.