Total Egg Research Articles

Impacts of brood parasitism by shiny cowbird Molothrus bonariensis on the breeding success of a small host, the black-backed water tyrant Fluvicola albiventer.

The shiny cowbird Molothrus bonariensis parasitizes many species with different life-history traits and has a detrimental effect on the survival of the progeny of the hosts. In response, hosts have developed numerous antiparasitic defenses. Here, we examined the effects of brood parasitism by shiny cowbird on the clutch and brood sizes (83 nests) in a small host, the black-backed water tyrant Fluvicola albiventer. We also studied whether the death of parasite nestlings was related to the care of the foster parents and whether the host had any antiparasitic defense against the shiny cowbird. Our results indicate that brood parasitism significantly decreased the host hatching and fledging successes. The majority of nest failures (57%) were caused by brood parasitism. Shiny cowbird parasitism occurred in 52% of nests and the intensity of parasitism was 1.23 ± 0.53 eggs per parasitized nest. Of the total host eggs, 54% were damaged. During the incubation stage, 20 nests (47%) were abandoned because of egg punctures by shiny cowbirds females. Only two parasitic fledglings were recorded, while the remaining nestlings either died from starvation (n = 12) or predation (n = 3). Foster parents abandoned parasitic nestlings between 5 and 10 days old. Our findings demonstrate that the shiny cowbird has very low rates of fledging success when parasitizing black-backed water tyrant. Also, parasitism had a high reproductive cost in the black-backed water tyrant because a very low proportion (7%) of the parasitized nests (n = 43) were successful.

Effects of energy restriction during growing phase on the productive performance of Hyline Brown laying hens aged 6 to 72 wk

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of energy-restricted feeding during growing phase on the productive performance of Hyline Brown laying hens aged 6 to 72 wk. A total of 720 six-week-old layer chicks were allocated equally to 3 groups with 6 replicates of 40 pullets each, and were fed 1 of 3 diets that were nutritionally similar except for the apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) content. At the age of 6 to 17 wk, the pullets in the control group were given diet with 2,850 kcal/kg AMEn, and were fed ad libitum. The levels of AMEn in diet of pullets in the experimental groups were 90% (2,565 [2,850×90%] kcal/kg) and 80% (2,280 [2,850×80%] kcal/kg) of that in control group, and the daily amount of feed was restricted to the absolute quantity of the diet consumed by pullets in control group. At the age of 18 to 72 wk, all the hens were fed with the same diets ad libitum. As energy restriction increased in the growing phase, body weight (BW) dropped at the ages of 12 and 15 to 23 wk (at 23 wk: P=0.001; at other ages: P < 0.001), but it showed no significant difference at 24 wk (P=0.071). At 20 wk, restricting energy induced a delay in the development of sexual organs, including the ovary stroma, oviduct, and small yellow follicle (P < 0.05), as well as a delay in sexual maturity (P < 0.05). Consequently, the laying rate in the first and second periods dropped linearly (P=0.046, 0.030, and 0.038, P < 0.001, respectively). The coefficient of variation (CV) in the BW at 19, 20, and 21 wk (P=0.040, 0.023, and 0.042, respectively), the CV of age at first egg (P < 0.001), and CV of individual egg number at age 18 to 72 wk (P < 0.001) decreased linearly. There was a linear increase in the laying rate of hens in the later periods (at age 32-72 wk, P < 0.05), as well as in the average total egg number per hen and average laying rate at the age of 18 to 72 wk (P=0.006). The average egg mass also showed a linear increase with increasing levels of energy restriction (P < 0.001). In summary, although appropriate energy restriction during growing phase delayed sexual maturity and sexual organ development in early-laying Hyline Brown pullets, it improved uniformity of BW, age at first egg laying, and individual egg number, and increased egg number per hen, laying rate, average egg mass, and number of settable eggs from 18 to 72 wk of age.

A method for estimating colony size using queen fecundity in termites under field conditions.

Colony size in social insects is one of the most important factors in shaping their self-organized system. It affects a wide variety of traits such as foraging and defense strategies, social immune responses, the degree of polymorphism, and reproductive output. However, colony size estimation of subterranean termites in the field has been challenging, due to their extremely cryptic biology and multiple site-nesting behavior. Since natural selection favors workers that maximize the number of their siblings, the amount of egg production may reflect the number of workers in the colony. Here, we report a method for inferring colony size in the field using total egg production in each colony from a subterranean termite, Reticulitermes speratus. Our investigation of field colonies revealed that the body weight of queens reaches a peak and had the largest variance in June and July and accurately predicts the number of eggs laid by the queen per 24 h. Using laboratory-reared colonies, we found that the total egg production in each colony is proportional to the number of workers. We also estimated the colony size of 198 field colonies and found that the median and maximum colony size was 24,500 and 451,800 workers per colony. The method for inferring colony size presented here may also be applicable to termite species with a clear seasonality in egg production. The colony size estimate will contribute to understanding the life history strategies and social systems of termites.

Effect of metabolizable energy and crude protein levels on performance, fertility, hatchability and egg quality of Rajasri breeder birds

This study investigated the impact of different levels of dietary energy and crude protein on productive performance, egg quality, and reproductive parameters in Rajasri breeder birds during a 12-week period between 25 to 36 weeks of age. A total of 648 birds were divided into nine dietary treatments, each with eight replicates, following a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of three dietary metabolizable energy levels (2400, 2500, and 2600 kcal ME/kg) and three crude protein levels (14, 15, and 16%). The results of the study indicated that metabolizable energy had a significant effect on feed intake, egg weight, body weight, yolk colour, and shell thickness. However, there was no significant effect of energy on egg production and feed efficiency. An increase in egg weight was observed as crude protein levels increased in the diet, but there was no significant difference in albumin quality, yolk index, and shape index. Yolk colour was higher in the 2600 kcal ME/kg fed group. Furthermore, the study found that there was no significant effect of ME and CP levels on the percentage of shell, but shell thickness decreased as energy increased. There was also no significant effect on density and shell breaking strength, fertility, hatchability on total eggs set (TES), and hatchability on fertile eggs set (FES). Based on the findings, concluded that the Rajasri breeder birds require a diet containing 2400 kcal ME/kg and 14% CP for optimal productive and reproductive performance.

Effect of genotype and season on fertility and hatchability of eggs in Dahlem Red, Native and DND chicken under intensive system in Himachal Pradesh

The present study assessed the effect of genotype, season and period on fertility and hatchability of chicken eggs during five year period (April 2017 to March 2022). The eggs for hatching were collected from birds belonging to three genotypes viz. Dahlem Red (DR), Native and cross of (Dahlem Red × Native) with Dahlem Red (DND). Average fertility percentage was observed highest in DND followed by native and Dahlem Red. Hatchability percentage on fertile egg set and total egg set was 80.91 &amp; 70.20, 80.83 &amp; 70.29 and 76.78 &amp; 66.52 in native, DND and Dahlem Red respectively. Significant difference in hatchability percentage of Dahlem Red with native and DND was observed. Hatchability percentage was found better in native and DND bird. Season wise, fertility percentage was observed highest in winter (87.40) followed by rainy (86.34) and summer (86.01). Hatchability percentage on fertile egg set and total egg set was observed highest in rainy (81.22 &amp; 70.09) followed by summer (80.60 &amp; 69.36) and winter (77.31 &amp; 67.63). Mean difference in hatchability on fertile egg set in winter was significant from rainy and summer season. Dead embryo percentage was observed significantly higher in winter than summer and rainy season. Hatchability percentage on fertile egg set and total egg set was highest in 2021-22 (83.73 &amp; 76.54) followed by 2017-18 (80.91 &amp; 69.48), 2018-19 (80.58 &amp; 70.19), 2019-20 (76.76 &amp; 66.08) and 2020-21 (76.38 &amp; 65.93). The hatchability operations under sub temperate condition of the region can be carried out efficiently throughout the year without a significant drop in fertility and hatchability. However, greater care and managerial precision are required in winter season during the hatching.

Effect of Use Different of L-Carnitine on Productive Performance on Egg of Two Breeds of Japanese Quail

This study was conducted on 270 quail females at the age of 42 days from two strains of Japanese quail, the desert and white, in order to show the effect of the strain and the levels of carnitine (0,200,250) mg carnitine/kg feed by three treatments and three replicates for each strain during the egg production stage (42-101) days. The results of study showed that there was a significant difference (p≤0.05) for the effect of strain on the number of eggs, the ratio of egg production HD%, the height of albumen, and the height of yolk, while there were no significant differences in egg weight, total egg mass, egg white ratio, yolk ratio, shell ratio shell thickness, yolk diameter, feed consumption rate, and feed conversion efficiency and mortlity ratio. The results showed, in relation to the effect of carnitine levels, that there were a significant differences (p≤0.05) in the characteristics of egg weight, total egg number, total egg mass, HD% egg albumen height, and yolk diameter, while the differences were not significant in the characteristics of whiteness and yolk ratio, shell, thickness of shell,, feed consumption rate (g/bird), feed conversion efficiency g/g egg, and mortality ratio. As for the effect of the interaction between the quail strains and three levels of carnitine, the results of the statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences (p≤0.05) in the egg weight, the number and the mass of the total egg, HD%, the ratio of whiteness, yolk, shell, height and diameter of the albumen, feed consumption rate, and feed conversion efficiency, while the difference were not significant in the ratio of yolk, thickness of shell, height of yolk and the ratio of mortality

Reproduction pattern on Melanotaenia ajamaruensis (Allen & Cross 1980) the endemic rainbowfish of Lake Ajamaru Papua, Indonesia fed by Spirulina

Melanotaenia ajamaruensis with the common name Ajamaru Rainbowfish belongs to Rainbowfish group that endemic of Lake Ajamaru Papua, Indonesia. These fish are very potential as ornamental fish, but the biological information is very rare. The fish has just domesticated, therefore a research to inceased the reproductive factors in captivity is needed. The research of reproduction ability was conducted by using various levels of Spirulina in feed (A=0; B=3, and C=6%) during 40 days (September-October 2020) at the RC for Limnology-Indonesian Institute of Sciences Laboratory. Fish rearing used an aquarium sized. of 45x45x40 cm with two replications and the analysis was carried out descriptively. Treatment C (feed 6% Spirulina) had advantages in total eggs (220 eggs), number of eggs per female (110 eggs/female), total number of larvae (214 larvae), number of larvae per female (107 larvae/female), survival rate 7-day and 15-day of larvae were 96.502±8.414% and 91.829±14.030%, respectively. Treatment B (3% Spirulina) had advantages in spawning frequency (12 times), fertilization rate/FR (100%), hatching rate/HR (100%) and shortest egg incubation time (5,916±1,676 days). Spirulina was able to increase the reproductive ability of the endemic fish M ajamaruensis in a captivity conditions. Further research of this fish is still needed.

The effects of different choice feeding methods on laying hen performance, egg quality, and profitability

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of using whole wheat in choice feeding on performance, egg quality, and income of laying hens. In the study, a total of 160-Hyline W-80 white commercial laying hens aged 28 weeks were divided into four treatment groups and fed for 84 days. The treatment groups were as follows: 1) Control (C, standard commercial laying hen feed), 2) C feed+choice feeding continuously with whole wheat in a separate cup (CW), 3) C feed+weekly intermittent choice feeding with whole wheat in a separate cup (WW), 4) C feed+choice feeding with continuous whole wheat+limestone together in a separate cup (WL). Choice feeding by using whole wheat methods (continuous, weekly intermittent, and with limestone) caused a significant decrease in the live weight change of laying hens (P&amp;lt;0.01), increased feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio compared to the control group (P&amp;lt;0.05). Total egg yield and egg weight were not affected by choice feeding with whole wheat methods (P&amp;gt;0.05). Choice feeding by using whole wheat caused a decrease in total eggshell weight, thickness, shell weight per unit area, and egg yolk color (P&amp;lt;0.01). However, it did not significantly affect the egg shell ratio, surface area, albumen height, and Haugh unit values of eggs (P&amp;gt;0.05). Also, total production costs, egg sales income, and net profit values were similar in all groups (P&amp;gt;0.05). In conclusion, the choice feeding by using whole wheat in laying hens did not affect the performance and economic parameters negatively; however, it caused reductions in some egg quality values.

P-634 Is duo stim a better approach than non-consecutive cycles in patients undergoing PGTA?

Abstract Study question Are there differences in the results of cycles and in the time to achieve an euploid embryo in cycles with DuoStim compared to non-consecutive cycles? Summary answer A DuoStim strategy does not compromise ovarian response, oocyte competence or euploidy rate, and reduces time to pregnancy. What is known already In patients with advanced maternal age undergoing PGT-A, the risk of not reaching embryo transfer is relatively high. Increasing the number of oocytes available should increase the chances of finding a healthy euploid embryo and reach embryo transfer. Recently, DuoStim has been proposed as an alternative to accumulate oocytes prior to the final cycle in which oocytes will be fertilized, cultured, and biopsied Duostim strategy allows to reduce the time between ovarian stimulations, which may reduce the stress that waiting for assisted reproduction treatments entails for patients Study design, size, duration Retrospective study carried out at our institution during 2015-2020 with 451 patients &amp;gt; 38 years undergoing PGT-A and whose previous cycles were distributed as follows: n = 101 performed DuoStim (first OS with oocyte vitrification, second was reinitiating OS five days after OPU) and a control group of 350 patients who underwent two standard non-consecutive cycles, the first to accumulate oocytes and from the second cycle, and then performed PGT-A with all oocytes, fresh and vitrified. Participants/materials, setting, methods All patients undergoing PGT-A performed 1 or 2 ovarian stimulations (OS) cycles to accumulate oocytes. OS cycles were re-initiated after a 5-day interval. Trophectoderm biopsies were studied by NGS. The variables were expressed as mean ± SD and comparison among groups by using ANOVA. Main results and the role of chance Mean age was comparable in both groups, DuoStim vs control 39.3±3.1 vs 39.2±3.0; p:0.76 AMH was lower in DuoStim group compared with control group (1.07±0.56 vs 2.64±4.1 ng/mL; p:0.006, and AFC were 4.3±2 vs 7.1±3; p:0.013 respectively. Gonadotropin doses were higher in DuoStim group compared control group 4576.8±1847 vs 4045±1857 IU; p:0.01, and total stimulation days were significantly higher in DuoStim compared with control group (22.7±4.85 vs 18.5±10,74; p &amp;lt; 0.001. The mean of total eggs retrieved in both OS were similar between DuoStim and control group (12.9 vs 13.1; p = 0.78) The ratio of euploid embryos found was similar 35.99 % vs 38.6% When we compared pregnancy rates per embryo transfer, were similar between both groups 66.6% (36/54) vs 65.3% (132/211); p value=0.98. We confirmed differences in the time to achieve the first euploid embryo in favour of DuoStim group 30.2±6 vs 36±9 with a p value: 0.001. Limitations, reasons for caution The retrospective nature is the major limitation of this study. The study population reflects the indication of PGT-A in a particular setting, mainly advanced maternal age and in DuoStim group a poor prognosis profile Wider implications of the findings Accumulating oocytes through vitrification prior to PGT-A with DuoStim offers similar clinical outcomes in both groups, it may reduce time to reach an euploid embryo, which is relevant for advanced maternal age group of patients. Trial registration number Not applicable

Kuluçkahane Kökenli F5 ve F6 Nesil Karadeniz Somonu Anaçlarının (Salmo labrax PALLAS, 1811) Üreme Performansları

In this study, reproductive performances of F5 and F6 generation hatchery-originated female Black Sea salmon (Salmo labrax) were evaluated to determine the effects of the ongoing selective breeding program. The study was conducted in freshwater pools and marine cage systems between 2018 and 2021. For the study, 53 specimens from F5 generation females with an average length of 52.71±7.08 cm and weight of 1561.29±639.76 gr, and also 56 broodstıcks specimens from F6 generation females with an average length of 51.92±5.35 cm and weight of 1506.12±417.28 gr were used. Gonad maturity controls and spawning studies were carried out in the 2018-2019, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 breeding periods along the entire season, lasting from November to January. The number of ovulating females, their fecundity, egg diameters and fertilisation rates of eggs were recorded. In all seasons, 36.17% of F5 females ovulated in November, and the remaining females (63.83%) ovulated in December. Ovulation time in F6 females also showed a similar pattern of 1/3 of females (37.40%) ovulating in November and the remaining majority (62.60%) ovulating in December. According to the results, total egg yields as 4439.31±1675.69 and 4112.08±1041.16 egg/broodstock, relative egg yields as 2313.44±278.48 and 2345.76±516.30 egg/kg, egg diameters as 5.08±0.19 and 5.21±0.17 mm, and fertilisation rates as 96.78±3.24% and 96.63±3.73% were determined for F5 and F6 generations, respectively. In both generations, as the size of the broodstock increases, the total egg production increases (F5: r=0.9169, F6: r=0.74254), while the relative egg production (F5: r=-0.2526, F6: r=-0.3486) decreases. When the total egg yields and fertilisation rates were compared, the difference between the F5 and F6 groups was insignificant (p≤0.05). The condition factors of the two generations were found to be statistically similar (p≤0.05).

Tradeoffs explain scaling, sex differences, and seasonal oscillations in the remarkable weapons of snapping shrimp (Alpheus spp.).

Evolutionary theory suggests that individuals should express costly traits at a magnitude that optimizes the trait bearer's cost-benefit difference. Trait expression varies across a species because costs and benefits vary among individuals. For example, if large individuals pay lower costs than small individuals, then larger individuals should reach optimal cost-benefit differences at greater trait magnitudes. Using the cavitation-shooting weapons found in the big claws of male and female snapping shrimp, we test whether size- and sex-dependent expenditures explain scaling and sex differences in weapon size. We found that males and females from three snapping shrimp species (Alpheus heterochaelis, Alpheus angulosus, and Alpheus estuariensis) show patterns consistent with tradeoffs between weapon and abdomen size. For male A. heterochaelis, the species for which we had the greatest statistical power, smaller individuals showed steeper tradeoffs. Our extensive dataset in A. heterochaelis also included data about pairing, breeding season, and egg clutch size. Therefore, we could test for reproductive tradeoffs and benefits in this species. Female A. heterochaelis exhibited tradeoffs between weapon size and egg count, average egg volume, and total egg mass volume. For average egg volume, smaller females exhibited steeper tradeoffs. Furthermore, in males but not females, large weapons were positively correlated with the probability of being paired and the relative size of their pair mates. In conclusion, we identified size-dependent tradeoffs that could underlie reliable scaling of costly traits. Furthermore, weapons are especially beneficial to males and burdensome to females, which could explain why males have larger weapons than females.

Improvement of rooster semen freezability and fertility rate after sericin supplementation in freezing semen extender.

Semen cryopreservation result in decreased sperm parameters and fertilization ability. Sericin exhibits antioxidant activity by reducing lipid peroxidation resulting from free radicals, which can potentially improve cryopreservation outcomes. The present study aimed to examine the efficacy of various sericin concentrations supplemented with a rooster semen-freezing extender on post-thaw semen quality and fertilizing ability of sperm after cryopreservation. Semen samples were collected from 40 roosters (5 reps), then were pooled, and divided into four groups by the levels of sericin supplementation (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%) in a freezing extender. Semen suspensions were loaded in medium straw (0.5 mL) and cryopreserved with the traditional liquid nitrogen vapor method. Post-thawed semen was evaluated for sperm motility, sperm viability, and lipid peroxidation. Also, the fertility test was determined. The results showed that supplementation of the freezing extender with 0.50% to 0.75% sericin resulted in greater total motility and progressive motility and lower malondialdehyde levels than the other groups after cryopreservation (p<0.05). However, the viability of 0.75% decreased compared with the value of 0.50% sericin supplementation (p<0.05). Moreover, the fertility and hatchability of total eggs were significantly higher in the 0.50% sericin group than in the other groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, 0.50% sericin is recommended as an alternative component of the freezing extender to improve cryopreserved rooster semen.

Assessment of chicken husbandry practices in selected districts of Gamo zone, Southern Nation Nationality and Peoples Region, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in two districts of Gamo zone, with the objective of describing poultry husbandry practices in the study area. A total of 120 indigenous chicken owning farmers for survey were considered in this study. Descriptive statistics, frequency procedures, general linear model, were used with SPSS version 20 to analyze the data. The study further indicated that improved (formulated) feed utilization is not practiced in the study area; the nutritional management practices were scavenging (main practice) and supplementary feeding. The common poultry feeds identified at the study area were: maize (100%), wheat (27.4%), sorghum (16.5) and leftovers (100%). According to feed source 38.6%, and 61.4% of the respondent’s gate supplementary feed material from purchasing and household. Almost all of the respondents in three districts provide water for their chickens. The survey indicated that almost all farmers provided night shelter for their chickens; the principal causes of chicken loss in the study area were reported to be diseases (56.1%) and predators (43.9%). The result of this study revealed that the purpose of rearing chicken in the study area was primarily for cash income through selling of chicken and egg and for home consumption. The average chicken owned per household was 15.40±1.24. The average age at sexual maturity for male and female chicken was 6.25±0.55 and 6.25±0.55 months, respectively. The number of clutch per hen per year, eggs per clutch and total eggs produced per hen per year were 3.66±0.97, 17.34±3.36 and 50.46±10.64 eggs, respectively. Disease and predator were the major constraints in the study areas.

The Effect of [(D-Ala6, Pro9NEt)mGnRH-a + Metoclopramide] (Ovopel) on Propagation Effectiveness of Two Breeding Lines of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) and on Luteinizing Hormone and 17α,20β-Dihydroxyprogesterone Levels in Females during Ovulation Induction.

The study evaluates the impact of Ovopel on the reproductive effectiveness of carp from Polish line 6 and Lithuanian line B and the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and 17α,20β-dihydroxyprogesterone (17α,20β-DHP) in females from these lines during ovulation induction. The levels of both hormones were determined in blood plasma samples taken just before the priming injection of Ovopel (0 h), at the time of administering the resolving dose of Ovopel (12 h), and after the next 12 h (24 h). Following Ovopel treatment, the mean egg weight obtained for line 6 was higher, but not statistically different, than that observed for line B. Egg quality, on the other hand, was significantly higher in line B. Female provenance did not significantly affect the number of eggs and living embryos after 70 h incubation. However, the total egg number for line 6 was higher. The mean number of living embryos (70 h) was similar for both lines. LH concentrations at 0, 12, and 24 h were not statistically different between the lines. A comparison of LH concentrations between ovulated and non-ovulated females at different sampling times revealed no significant differences either within or between the lines. Statistically significant differences in LH levels were found for both ovulated and non-ovulated females from a given line between the sampling times. The results for 17α,20β-DHP were similar, with only one difference: 24 h after the priming dose of Ovopel, 17α,20β-DHP levels in ovulated fish were significantly higher compared with non-ovulated females, but only in line 6.

Compared to Fishmeal, Dietary Soybean Meal Improves the Reproductive Performance of Female Yellow Catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) Broodstock.

To investigate the effects of different dietary protein sources on the reproductive performance of female broodstock, yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) were fed with three experimental diets using fishmeal (FM), soybean meal (SBM), and rapeseed meal (RSM) as main protein sources, respectively. Females (initial weight: 64.56 ± 0.45 g) were distributed into 9 net cages for feeding trial. Results indicated that 30% dietary SBM improved the reproductive performance for higher gonadosomatic index (GSI), relative fecundity, total egg production, egg diameter, and hatching rate. In addition, SBM and RSM diets resulted in higher estradiol (E2), vitellogenin (VTG), luteinizing hormones (LH), and lower follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) in plasma (P < 0.05) of female broodstock. Dietary SBM and RSM also resulted in lower mesenteric fat index (MFI), plasma total cholesterol (TC), plasma total bilirubin (T-Bil) contents, and gonadal cortisol concentrations, while dietary SBM downregulated the transcription levels of steroidogenesis-related proteins by negative feedback (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that dietary SBM and RSM could promote sex steroid hormone and VTG biosynthesis and showed hypocholesterolemic effects. Besides, 30% dietary SBM inclusion could improve the reproductive performance of female yellow catfish broodstock.

Effects of blood meal source on blood consumption and reproductive success of cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis.

Cat fleas, small blood-feeding ectoparasites that feed on humans and animals, cause discomfort through their bites, and can transmit numerous diseases to animals and humans. Traditionally, fleas have been reared for research on live animals, but this process requires animal handling permits, inflicts discomfort on animals, and requires money and time to maintain the host animals. Although artificial membrane-based feeding systems have been implemented, these methods are not sustainable in the long term because they result in lower blood consumption and egg production than those with rearing on live hosts. To maximize these parameters, we tested blood from four hosts to determine the most suitable blood, on the basis of blood consumption and egg production. We also tested the effects of adding the phagostimulant adenosine-5´-triphosphate to the blood to maximize blood consumption. In 48 hours, fleas fed dog blood consumed the most blood, averaging 9.5 μL per flea, whereas fleas fed on cow, cat, or human blood consumed 8.3 μL, 5.7 μL, or 5.2 μL, respectively. Addition of 0.01 M and 0.1 M adenosine-5´-triphosphate to dog and cow blood did not enhance blood consumption. In a 1-week feeding period, the total egg production was also greatest in fleas fed dog blood, with females producing 129.5 eggs, whereas females on cat, human, and cow blood produced 97.2, 83.0, and 70.7 eggs, respectively. The observed results in dog blood indicate an improvement over previously reported results in cat fleas fed with an artificial feeding system. Improving the sustainability of rearing cat flea colonies without feeding on live animals will enable more humane and convenient production of this pest for scientific research.

DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL POULTRY, BURGO CHICKEN TO IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY IN BENGKULU

&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;ABSTRACT&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This study aims to evaluate the production, population, and develop scenarios for the development of burgo chicken. The research was conducted for 3 months in Bengkulu Tengah, Bengkulu Province. Thirty-eight respondents were selected by the snowball sampling method used in this study. Data obtained through interview. filling out questionnaires, and observing; covering the identity of respondents, rearing management, production, and population; then a population development scenario is prepared. Research result, the purpose of raising chickens for food production, business, hunting chickens, and ornamental chickens. Chickens are housed during the day and night, released during the day and night, and a combination. Egg production 6-12 eggs/hen/period, an average of 8.64 eggs/hen/period; egg laying period 2-6 times/year, average 3.14. Total egg production per year is 2946, incubated is 90.98%, egg hatchability is 80.17%; and produced 2148 chicks. The population of burgo chickens was 357 (hens 29.97%, roosters 25.21%, chicks 29.41%, and young chickens 15.41%). The highest selling value of burgo chicken is IDR 800000 (decorated chicken) and the lowest is IDR 50000. In conclusion, burgo chicken has high productivity and selling value which is able to support food security through the provision of animal food and people's purchasing power increases, and population development is slow due to poor management. Recommendations, population development by multiplying hens, improving rearing and hatchery management, increasing egg laying period, reducing mortality, and preventing predators.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Changes in Egg Production, Egg Quality, Blood and Egg Cholesterol Levels with Age in Layer Hen

This study aims to investigate the changes in egg production, quality, and blood, and egg cholesterol levels with age and examine the relationship between these parameters. In this context, a total of 340 eggs were used obtained from 34-53 weeks-old Brown Nick layer hens. In the experiment, egg weight and egg production were daily, egg quality and cholesterol level was weekly measured for 20 weeks. The serum cholesterol level was determined at 34, 42 and 53 weeks. According to the research results, live weight, average egg weight, weekly total egg weight and weekly egg cholesterol level increased with age. Whereas the number of weekly eggs per animal was low at the beginning, it increased towards the middle and decreased towards the end of the experiment. Among the quality parameters, yolk weight, shell weight, shell breaking strength, average shell thickness, yolk index, L and a* value of yolk color, number of blood and flesh stains were affected by increasing age, whereas albumen weight, albumen index, Haugh Unit, shape index and yolk color b* value was unaffected. And the changes in serum and egg cholesterol levels were not significant at 34, 42 and 53 weeks. On the other hand, there was a significant relationship between egg yolk weight and egg yolk cholesterol and between egg weight and egg yolk weight. The results show that egg quality traits changed with age. It is necessary to focus on new studies to improve the internal and external quality of eggs in order to extend the holding period of commercial flocks and thus increase the operating profit.

Genetic parameters for production, quality, and colors from eggs in Brazilian lineages of chickens.

Genetic parameters were estimated for egg production, egg quality, and eggshell colors in eight lineages of Brazilian laying hens. Age at first egg (AFE), total egg production up to the 45th week (PROD), egg weight (EW), albumen height (AH), yolk color (YC), the Haugh units (HU), eggshell strength (ESS), eggshell thickness (EST), yolk weight (YW), eggshell weight (ESW), and eggshell color (L*, a*, and b*) were measured in 2030 eggs obtained from 645 laying hens. Variance components were estimated from a mixed animal model, which included the fixed effects of contemporary groups, cage location, and hen line, and the additive genetic, permanent environmental, and residual as random effects. In general, heritabilities were low to moderate (h2 = 0.11 to 0.48). Genetic correlations among eggshell quality traits were moderate to high (0.36 and 0.69). High genetic correlations were obtained between the eggshell color traits [rg = -0.90 (L* and a*); rg = -0.64 (L* and b*); and rg = 0.65 (a* and b*)]. Results suggest that EW is strongly correlated with ESW, but the genetic correlations between EW and ESS and between EW and EST were low. Genetic correlations between L* and eggshell quality traits were low to moderate, suggesting that L* has little or no relation with external egg quality. However, genetic correlations between a* and b* values and eggshell quality traits were high. The genetic correlations between eggshell color and eggshell quality traits were low, suggesting that the eggshell color does not influence external egg quality. Genetic correlations between PROD and egg quality traits were negative and varied between -0.42 and -0.05. This antagonistic relationship emphasizes the importance of adopting breeding schemes that allow the simultaneous genetic progress of these traits by considering their genetic correlation and economic relevance, such as the selection index.

Estimation of repeatability and phenotypic correlation of reproductive traits in zebrafish Danio rerio

This study was conducted to estimate the repeatability and phenotypic correlation of reproductive traits of zebrafish Danio rerio, in captive condition. Breeding trials were conducted on 10 breeding pairs (2 male:1 female). The data on fecundity, fertility, hatchability and survival rate were recorded. The repeatability values were computed as a measure of consistency using the intra-class correlation coefficient. The repeatability estimates for fecundity, fertility, hatchability of total eggs, hatchability of fertilised eggs, survival rate of total eggs and survival rate of larvae were 0.701, 0.406, 0.336, 0.049, 0.295 and 0.314, respectively. Most of the reproductive traits analysed had moderate repeatability values barring the hatchability of fertilised eggs. The phenotypic correlation was calculated using the Pearson correlation method. The phenotypic correlations of fertility with hatchability of fertilised eggs; hatchability of total eggs; survival rate of total eggs and survival rate of larvae were highly significant (p≤0.01). This study provided valuable information on the consistency of reproductive parameters which would serve as model for conducting research in other fish species. Keywords: Genetic parameters, Phenotypic correlation, Repeatability, Reproductive traits, Zebrafish