Fertility of male and female emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) as determined by spermatozoa trapped in eggs

2002 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irek A. Malecki ◽  
Graeme B. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Male Fertility ◽  
Sharp Increase ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Fertile Period ◽  
Weekly Basis ◽  
Egg Incubation ◽  
Fertility Status ◽  
Dromaius Novaehollandiae ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Perivitelline Membrane

Changes in the fertility status of 10 pairs of emus were investigated using egg break-out and numbers of sperm in the perivitelline membrane of the germinal disc (GD) region. After the sexes were separated, sperm in consecutive eggs declined approximately logarithmically at a mean (±SEM, n = 10 females) rate of –0.148 ± 0.021 per log day. Sperm continued to be detected in eggs for 16.5 ± 1.7 days during which 5.6 ± 0.6 fertilized eggs were laid. Fertilized eggs that did not contain detectable sperm were laid by five females for a further 2.2 ± 0.9 days. Based on break-out fertility, the fertile period continued for up to 18.7 ± 2.1 days, for which the mean number of laid eggs was 6.3 ± 0.8. An egg with a 50 : 50 chance of being fertilized would contain 3.5 sperm mm–2 of GD. Based on the sperm decline model, an egg containing that many sperm would be laid 21 days after the last copulation. In emus that were not separated and allowed to incubate their eggs (n = 3 pairs), the number of sperm in eggs laid before and during incubation declined in a manner similar to that after the last copulation and egg-laying stopped after the females had laid 3.3 ± 0.3 eggs. After incubation was terminated, females resumed laying within 8.3�±�1.2�days and the number of sperm in eggs gradually increased but it did not return to pre-incubation levels. In non-incubating emus (three pairs), the number of sperm in eggs declined as laying progressed, although lit was higher during the period when the first seven eggs were laid than during the period when the rest of eggs were laid (214 ± 39 v. 100 ± 16 sperm mm–2 of GD). Sperm numbers varied between successive eggs but a sharp increase followed by a decrease acted as an indicator of recent copulation. There were 8.7 ± 0.3 such increases per laying period (one per 2.8 ± 0.2 eggs), a frequency that suggests that emus copulate once weekly. In conclusion, as long as a female emu is supplied with sperm on a weekly basis, she will be fertile but, when copulations stop, she will stop laying soon after. Male fertility appears to fall towards the end of the laying season and it can be affected by egg incubation at any time of the season.

The influence of nutrition on egg-production and longevity in unmated female body-lice (Pediculus humanus corporis: Anoplura)

Parasitology ◽  
1941 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Haddow
Keyword(s):  
Female Body ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
The Body ◽  
Unmated Female ◽  
Pediculus Humanus ◽  
The Third ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Body Lice

1. Isolated unmated female body-lice were worn in pillboxes between the skin and the clothes. They were kept constantly on the body but, by a simple device, groups of ten were permitted feeding periods of different length. These groups were fed for 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hr. per day respectively. Another group of ten were never allowed to feed after the last moult.2. Some of the figures for egg yield were high. Lice in the 24 hr. group were able to maintain a rate of ten eggs per day for 4−5 days at a time.3. No significant difference in longevity or rate of egg-laying was found to exist between the 12, 16, 20 and 24 hr. groups nor between the 4 and 8 hr. groups but a pronounced and significant difference exists between the 8 and 12 hr. groups. Below 12 hr. there is a sharp fall in longevity and rate of egg production. The unfed group all died, without laying, on the third day.4. The rate of laying as shown by the mode increases progressively with increase in time allowed daily for feeding.5. With regard to the mean eggs per louse the position is less clear. It is felt that the 24 hr. group may differ significantly from the 12, 16 and 20 hr. groups but this is uncertain.

scholarly journals Duration of colonial bird species egg incubation

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-64
Author(s):  
Yuri Gennadievich Lamekhov
Keyword(s):  
Ordinal Number ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Early Ontogeny ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Early Ontogenesis ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Egg Incubation ◽  
Colonial Bird ◽  
Incubation Duration ◽  
Colonial Settlement

The paper deals with one of the aspects of bird early ontogenesis biology - egg incubation duration, which was defined as the time interval between egg laying and hatching from it. The oomorphological parameters are determined taking into account the ordinal number of the laid eggs. Parameters of early ontogeny of birds are studied on the example of colonially nesting species: blackberry toadstool ( Podiceps nigricollis C.L. Brehm.) and lake gull ( Larus ridibundus L.). Within the colonial settlement of these species, the biological center and the periphery of the colony were isolated. When studying the parameters of early ontogeny of birds and oomorphological characteristics, the same number of eggs was taken into account. During field and laboratory studies it was found that the incubation of eggs lasts longer in eggs from the nests of the biological center of the colony. The first eggs are incubated longer. These features clearly manifested in the early ontogeny of the gull. The increase in the egg incubation duration occurs against the background of an increase in their mass and a decrease in the concentration of lysozyme in the protein shell of the egg. Egg incubation duration is one of the results of embryonalization as a way of evolution of ontogeny. The manifestation of the results of embryogenesis was revealed for the first eggs in the nests of the biological center of the colony. Embryonalization leads to an increase in egg incubation duration as well as to a decrease in the intensity of elimination in early ontogenesis, which affects the number of individuals breeding in the colony and, accordingly, the structure of the colonial settlement of birds.

Using length-frequency data to elucidate the population dynamics of Argulus foliaceus (Crustacea: Branchiura)

Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (9) ◽  
pp. 1023-1032 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. G. H. TAYLOR ◽  
R. WOOTTEN ◽  
C. SOMMERVILLE
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Frequency Data ◽  
Length Frequency ◽  
Reliable Prediction ◽  
Egg Incubation ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Argulus Foliaceus ◽  
Length Frequency Data

SUMMARYThis study uses a novel method for discriminating cohorts and investigating the population dynamics of the parasitic crustacean, Argulus foliaceus. Analysis of parasite length-frequency data was carried out in order to elucidate the timings and drivers behind the parasite's life cycle. Up to 6 cohorts of the parasite emerge through the course of 1 year in still-water trout fisheries in England. Recruitment ceases over the winter months; however, 3 cohorts of the parasite over-winter, 2 as eggs and 1 as a hatched stage. The technique, when used in conjunction with temperature data, also allowed for the reliable prediction of growth rates and provided estimates of egg incubation times and the length of hatching periods. These data showed that growth rates increased exponentially between the observed temperatures of 4 to 22°C. The method allowed for the time taken from hatching to egg laying under field conditions to be predicted and produced estimates that were validated against independent laboratory studies on the growth of the parasite.

scholarly journals Biology of Anicla infecta (Ochsenheimer, 1816) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Noctuinae), under laboratory conditions

2001 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 661-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. TESTON ◽  
A. SPECHT ◽  
E. CORSEUIL
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Standard Error ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Economic Importance ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Adult Longevity ◽  
Environmental Chamber ◽  
Laboratory Conditions ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Lepidoptera Noctuidae

Larvae of Anicla infecta (Ochsenheimer, 1816) (Noctuidae) feed upon many grasses and may be harmful to cereals and fodder of economic importance. This study was developed aiming to contribute to knowledge of the biology of this species. The rearing was done in an environmental chamber with the following settings: temperature of 25 ± 1ºC; relative humidity of 70% <FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT> 10%, and photoperiod of L14: D10. The larvae fed on ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum Lam. The results express the mean and standard error for the length of every stage in days. For each stage we observed the following time of development: egg 3.2 <FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT> 0.09; larvae 18.7 <FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT> 0.07; pre-pupae 3.3 <FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT> 0.04; pupae 12.6 <FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT> 0.14; and adult longevity was 12.1 <FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT> 1.03. Also the pre-egg-laying period was 4.4 <FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT> 0.59; the egg-laying period was 8.1 <FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT> 0.84; and the post-egg-laying period was 0.3 <FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT> 0.14. The mean number of egg-laying cycles per female was 6.7 <FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT> 0.73; that of eggs per cycle was 77.5 <FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT> 4.37; and total eggs per female was 521.4 <FONT FACE=Symbol>±</FONT> 47.36.

The influence of temperature on development, longevity, and fecundity in the Rutherglen bug, Nysius vinitor (Hemiptera : Lygaeidae)

1972 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 67 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Kehat ◽  
M Wyndham
Keyword(s):  
Egg Laying ◽  
Population Increase ◽  
Threshold Temperature ◽  
Nymphal Development ◽  
Influence Of Temperature On ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Fluctuating Temperatures ◽  
Significant Mortality

The mean duration of the egg stage of N. vinitor at constant temperatures ranged from 36.8 days at 15C to 3.8 days at 32C and that of the nymphs from 45 days at 20C to 12.0 days at 32C. Within the range 20-35C egg and nymphal mortalities were low; temperatures of 12 or 40C were lethal to both eggs and nymphs. Mean nymphal development times for males and females were similar. The threshold temperature for egg development was 14.5C and that for nymphs 15C; 70 and 225 day-degrees were required for completing egg and nymphal development respectively. The immature stages developed more rapidly at fluctuating temperatures out of doors than they did indoors at constant temperatures equal to the mean of the fluctuating temperatures. Within the range of screen temperatures 21.5-23.0C the difference between mean development in shade and in sun was 9-10 days. Age-specific fecundity and mortality schedules were determined for N. vinitor at constant temperatures. Temperature and longevity were inversely related and males survived longer than females. Thus at 22OC mean longevity of males was 115 days and of females 90 days, as compared with 31 and 18 days respectively at 30�C. After a maturation period that was longer at lower temperatures, daily egg-laying per female decreased with age from a maximum that occurred before there was significant mortality of females. The rates of the cumulative egg-laying increased with temperature from 22 to 35C. Mean total number of eggs per female was significantly higher at 25 and 30�C than at 22 or 35�C. However, life-table calculations revealed that a temperature of 35�C yielded the maximum rate of population increase. Within the range 22-35C, temperatures and rc values were linearly related. Unmated females laid significantly fewer eggs than those that had mated, but survived longer.

scholarly journals Intravenous supplementation type and volume are associated with 1-year outcome and major complications in patients with chronic intestinal failure

Gut ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (10) ◽  
pp. 1787-1795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loris Pironi ◽  
Ezra Steiger ◽  
Francisca Joly ◽  
Geert J A Wanten ◽  
Cecile Chambrier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parenteral Nutrition ◽  
Malignant Disease ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Intestinal Failure ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Clinical Classification ◽  
Weekly Basis ◽  
Research Protocols ◽  
The Mean

Background and aimNo marker to categorise the severity of chronic intestinal failure (CIF) has been developed. A 1-year international survey was carried out to investigate whether the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism clinical classification of CIF, based on the type and volume of the intravenous supplementation (IVS), could be an indicator of CIF severity.MethodsAt baseline, participating home parenteral nutrition (HPN) centres enrolled all adults with ongoing CIF due to non-malignant disease; demographic data, body mass index, CIF mechanism, underlying disease, HPN duration and IVS category were recorded for each patient. The type of IVS was classified as fluid and electrolyte alone (FE) or parenteral nutrition admixture (PN). The mean daily IVS volume, calculated on a weekly basis, was categorised as <1, 1–2, 2–3 and >3 L/day. The severity of CIF was determined by patient outcome (still on HPN, weaned from HPN, deceased) and the occurrence of major HPN/CIF-related complications: intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD), catheter-related venous thrombosis and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI).ResultsFifty-one HPN centres included 2194 patients. The analysis showed that both IVS type and volume were independently associated with the odds of weaning from HPN (significantly higher for PN <1 L/day than for FE and all PN >1 L/day), patients’ death (lower for FE, p=0.079), presence of IFALD cholestasis/liver failure and occurrence of CRBSI (significantly higher for PN 2–3 and PN >3 L/day).ConclusionsThe type and volume of IVS required by patients with CIF could be indicators to categorise the severity of CIF in both clinical practice and research protocols.

Effects of sow, udder section and time on colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations and piglet colostrum intake

1998 ◽  
Vol 1998 ◽  
pp. 159-159
Author(s):  
G. Jones ◽  
S.A. Edwards ◽  
S. Jagger ◽  
S. Hoste
Keyword(s):  
Milk Composition ◽  
Milk Intake ◽  
Individual Growth ◽  
Controlled Environment ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Weekly Basis ◽  
Daily Group ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Sow Nutrition ◽  
Better Than

Relationships between sow nutrition, milk yield, milk composition and piglet performance during lactation have been studied in numerous experiments. However, the subsequent effects of these pre-weaning factors on post-weaning piglet performance are less well studied. Commonly a growth check in piglets in response to weaning is noted, but to date it is unknown why some piglets do better than others in this period. The present experiment explored some of the pre-weaning factors that could explain the variability in piglet post-weaning growth.The performance of piglets from 41 litters was monitored during a lactation period of 26 days. Litter size was standardised to 10 piglets, which were not offered creep food. Piglets were weighed individually on a weekly basis from farrowing to weaning at 26 days. Daily litter milk intake was estimated by a weigh-suckle-weigh technique in 24 litters on 4 occasions at 5 day intervals across lactation. On the day after each of these days, the composition of milk was determined from milk samples obtained by hand milking following oxytocin injection. Litter milk intake and composition of milk were used to calculate the mean daily piglet nutrient intakes during lactation. After weaning some piglets were sacrificed for the analysis of body composition and 310 piglets out of the 41 litters were penned in litter groups in controlled environment flat decks for two weeks to monitor daily group feed intakes and weekly individual growth rates.

scholarly journals Modification and Clinical Application of the Inner Perivitelline Membrane Test in Different Avian Species

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Judith Krohn ◽  
Dominik Fischer ◽  
Helena Schneider ◽  
Klaus Failing ◽  
Michael Lierz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Evaluation ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Dark Field ◽  
Avian Species ◽  
Egg Incubation ◽  
Dark Field Microscopy ◽  
Chicken Eggs ◽  
Perivitelline Membrane

The aim of this study was to adapt an inner perivitelline membrane (IPVM) test as an interspecies penetration assay for avian spermatozoa. The IPVM of different bird species was evaluated to test the penetrating ability of avian spermatozoa in an intra- and interspecies design. Isolation of the IPVM via acid hydrolysis was tested in pre-incubated chicken eggs and in six other avian species. The separation protocol was modified (time, acid concentration) to facilitate practicability. Separated membranes were evaluated with dark field microscopy for the presence of holes produced by penetrating spermatozoa. In chicken eggs, the influence of different membrane storage conditions was tested. In the penetration assay, the IPVM of chicken eggs was used as a model for fresh and frozen–thawed rooster sperm and for fresh spermatozoa of cockatiels and falcons. Results demonstrated that the time of egg-incubation had a significantly negative influence on the isolation ability of the IPVM (p < 0.0001). IPVM-separation was successful for a maximum of two days after preincubation. In the experiments with eggs from other avian species, results were heterogenous: there was no isolation in geese and cockatiels, 20% in the European kestrel, and 40% in pheasant, quail, and duck. In the penetration assay, holes were found in 100% of the IPVM of chicken eggs after incubation with native and frozen–thawed rooster semen and in 10% with fresh cockatiel semen. Falcon spermatozoa failed to produce visible holes. In conclusion, the IPVM of chicken eggs seems to be unsuitable to establish a functional sperm assay in other species tested but is suitable for quality evaluation of cryopreserved rooster sperm.

Aberrant sperm DNA methylation predicts male fertility status and embryo quality

2015 ◽  
Vol 104 (6) ◽  
pp. 1388-1397.e5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth I. Aston ◽  
Philip J. Uren ◽  
Timothy G. Jenkins ◽  
Alan Horsager ◽  
Bradley R. Cairns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Fertility Status ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Sperm Dna Methylation

scholarly journals Male fertility status is associated with DNA methylation signatures in sperm and transcriptomic profiles of bovine preimplantation embryos

BMC Genomics ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenna Kropp ◽  
José A. Carrillo ◽  
Hadjer Namous ◽  
Alyssa Daniels ◽  
Sana M. Salih ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Preimplantation Embryos ◽  
Fertility Status
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