scholarly journals Born without night: The consequence of the no-night environment on reproductive performance in diurnal zebra finches

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neelu Anand Jha ◽  
S. K. Tahajjul Taufique ◽  
Vinod Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Plasma Corticosterone ◽  
Zebra Finches ◽  
Reproductive Effects ◽  
Surrounding Environment ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Activity Behaviour ◽  
Offspring Mortality ◽  
Diurnal Species ◽  
F1 Generation

We investigated the consequence of no night environment (constant light, LL) on reproductive performance in zebra finches in the parent (P) and subsequent F1 generation. As a measure of the overall effects on the metabolic reproductive health, we monitored daily activity behaviour, recorded song and cheek patch size in males, and measured body size and hormone levels. As compared to controls under 12 h light: 12 h darkness (12:12 h LD), both P and F1 pairs showed a compromised reproductive success, as evidenced by fewer fledglings and viable offsprings with longer fledging durations, and increased offspring mortality with successive three clutches under LL. The overall negative effect of the no-night environment was increased in the F1generation. As compared to P pairs, F1pairs had more failed nesting and breeding attempts, took longer to initiate reproduction, incubated fewer eggs, produced fewer viable offspring with longer fledging duration, and showed increased offspring mortality. Consistent with negative reproductive effects, P males showed significant changes in the motif duration and other spectral features of song, and both F1 and F2 males copied poorly the song of their parent under LL. Plasma corticosterone and sex hormones (testosterone in males and estradiol in females) levels were significantly lower under LL. Daily plasma melatonin rhythm persisted but with a reduced amplitude under LL. These results demonstrate the importance of night in reproduction in a continuously breeding diurnal species, and give insights into the possible impact on physiology of animals whose surrounding environment is consistently losing the darkness of night.

scholarly journals Effects of inbreeding on number of piglets born total, born alive and weaned in Austrian Large White and Landrace pigs

2009 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Köck ◽  
B. Fürst-Waltl ◽  
R. Baumung
Keyword(s):  
Inbreeding Depression ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Inbreeding Coefficient ◽  
Significant Positive Effect ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Large White ◽  
Inbreeding Coefficients ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Positive Effect

Abstract. In this study records of 58 925 litters of Austrian Large White and 17 846 litters of Austrian Landrace pigs were analysed. Regression models were used to determine the effects of litter, dam and sire inbreeding on total number of born, born alive and weaned piglets in Large White and Landrace. In both populations, litter and dam inbreeding showed a negative effect on all traits. Sire inbreeding had no effect in Large White, whereas a significant positive effect was observed in Landrace. On average, inbred sires with an inbreeding coefficient of 10 % had 0.45 more piglets born total and 0.43 more piglets born alive in comparison to non-inbred sires. In a further analysis the total inbreeding coefficients of the animals were divided into two parts: »new« and »old« inbreeding. »New« inbreeding was defined as the period of the first five generations. It was shown that the observed inbreeding effects were not only caused by recent inbreeding. Reproductive performance was also affected by »old« inbreeding. Finally partial inbreeding coefficients of four important ancestors in each population were calculated to investigate if inbreeding effects are similar among these ancestors. The results revealed a varation of inbreeding effects among the four ancestors. Alleles contibuting to inbreeding depression were descendent from specific ancestors.

The effect of feeding supplements in the autumn on the reproductive performance of grazing ewes 2. Feeding supplements in relation to sward height

1992 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. Gunn ◽  
J. R. Jones ◽  
D. A. Sim
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Sward Height ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Repeated Experiment ◽  
Effect Of Feeding ◽  
Lambing Rate

AbstractThe effects of feeding supplements in relation to sward height in the autumn on the reproductive performance of ewes grazing predominantly perennial ryegrass swards were studied in four experiments with three genotypes. Treatments in which either no supplements were given or supplements were offered according to the height of the sward were compared when ewes were grazed on swards which were managed to decline in height from > 5 cm to 2·5 cm either before or after mating. At a sward height of < 3·5 cm, 400 g ground and pelleted barley was offered per head per day; at < 3·0 cm, 700 g was offered; and, at < 2·5 cm, hay was offered in addition to the barley. Responses to these treatments were compared with that of a treatment in which a sward was maintained at > 5 cm. Sward heights were controlled by varying stocking rate. In experiment 1, with 305 Scottish Blackface ewes, supplementation was not necessary until after the start of the mating period. In experiment 2, with 200 Brecknock Cheviot ewes, the supplementation protocol was examined on swards declining in height either before or after a synchronized mating. Experiment 3 repeated experiment 2 with 200 Beulah Speckled-face ewes and experiment 4 repeated only the pre-mating phase of experiment 3 with 195 Beulah Speckled-face ewes.In experiment 1, ovulation, ova loss and potential lambing rates were determined from the number of corpora lutea and viable embryos at slaughter at 8 to 10 weeks after the start of mating in 103 ewes and lambing rate was determined from the number of lambs at lambing in the remaining 202 ewes. In experiments 2, 3 and 4, ovulation, ova loss and potential lambing rates were determined from the number of corpora lutea and viable embryos at slaughter at return to service or at 4 weeks after a synchronized first mating.Grazing a sward declining in height below 3·5 cm in the pre-mating period significantly reduced ewe live weight, body condition and reproductive performance, particularly in the relatively prolific Beulah Speckled-face breed, compared with grazing a sward maintained at > 5 cm. Supplementation at the levels offered overcame some of the effects of the lower sward height treatment in the pre-mating period but did not compensate fully. Grazing a sward declining in height below 3·5 cm in the post-mating period, although reducing ewe live weight and body condition, had little effect on reproductive performance, compared with that achieved on a sward maintained above 4 cm. Supplementation at the levels offered at the lower sward height during the post-mating period produced no increase in overall reproductive performance and had a negative effect on some reproductive parameters.

Impact of Zygogramma bicolorata on vegetative and reproductive performance of Parthenium hysterophorus in Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (02) ◽  
pp. 2296-2306
Author(s):  
A. S. R. Bajracharya ◽  
◽  
R. B. Thapa ◽  
G. B. KC ◽  
S. B. Pradhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Soil Seed Bank ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Parthenium Hysterophorus ◽  
Shoot Biomass ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Zygogramma Bicolorata ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Noxious Weed ◽  
Parthenium Weed

Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. is one of the most aggressive, invasive weeds threatening natural and agricultural ecosystems in Nepal. Leaf feeding beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is regarded as a potential candidate for biological control of Parthenium weed. Considering the fact effectiveness of Z. bicolorata against P. hysterophorus was evaluted in Nepal. Z. bicolorata caused 98.25 % defoliation of P. hysterophorus reducing 38.88 % plant height, 27.29 % plant width, 26.25 % root length, 12.33 % leaves, 40.58 % shoot biomass and 36.59 % root biomass in the period of 90 days. The flower production and soil seed bank were reduced by 50.22 % and 40.29 %, respectively. Z. bicolorata was an efficient bio-control agent with a significant negative effect on the vegetative and reproductive performance of the noxious weed P. hysterophorus.

AGEWEAN – The effect of weaning age on sow performance over four parities

2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 ◽  
pp. 85-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.L. Edge ◽  
K. Breuer ◽  
K. Hillman ◽  
C.A. Morgan ◽  
A. Stewart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Growth Promoter ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Weaning Pigs ◽  
Piglet Growth

Weaning pigs from the sow at an older age, when their digestive systems are more mature, has been suggested as an approach to reduce the potentially negative effect of the in-feed antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) ban on the national pig herd. Whilst this approach has been shown to improve feed intake and piglet growth rate during the early postweaning period (Edge et al. 2006) it is also important to consider how changes in weaning age may influence sow productivity and longevity in the herd. The AGEWEAN programme of research followed 570 gilts whose piglets were weaned at either 4, 6 or 8 weeks of age through four successive parities; reproductive performance, litter data and the timing and reasons for any sow being culled from the herd were recorded.

scholarly journals Traffic noise exposure depresses plasma corticosterone and delays offspring growth in breeding zebra finches

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Anne Zollinger ◽  
Adriana Dorado-Correa ◽  
Wolfgang Goymann ◽  
Wolfgang Forstmeier ◽  
Ulrich Knief ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Plasma Corticosterone ◽  
World Health ◽  
Anthropogenic Noise ◽  
Zebra Finches ◽  
Offspring Growth ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The impact of human activity on the acoustic environment is overwhelming, with anthropogenic noise reaching even remote areas of the planet. The World Health Organization has identified noise pollution as one of the leading environmental health risks in humans, and it has been linked to a myriad of short- and long-term health effects in exposed individuals. However, less is known about the health effects of anthropogenic noise exposure on animals. We investigated long- and short-term effects of traffic noise on zebra finches breeding in small communal aviaries, using a repeated measures design. Birds bred in both noise and no-noise conditions, and we measured baseline plasma glucocorticoid levels before, during and after breeding. In addition, we assayed immune function, measured reproductive success and offspring growth and compared rates of extra-pair paternity of breeding adults. Breeding birds had significantly lower baseline plasma corticosterone levels when exposed to traffic noise than when they were not exposed to noise playback. In addition, the nestlings reared during noise exposure were lighter than nestlings of the same parents when breeding in control conditions. Our results suggest that traffic noise poses a more severe hurdle to birds at more vulnerable stages of their life history, such as during reproductive events and ontogeny. While chronic exposure to traffic noise in our birds did not, by itself, prove to be a sufficient stressor to cause acute effects on health or reproductive success in exposed individuals, it did result in disruptions to normal glucocorticoid profiles and delayed offspring growth. However, animals living in urban habitats are exposed to a multitude of anthropogenic disturbances, and it is likely that even species that appear to be thriving in noisy environments may suffer cumulative effects of these multiple disturbances that may together impact their fitness in urban environments.

Adverse reproductive performance in zebrafish with increased bioconcentration of microcystin-LR in the presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1208-1217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Houcheng Cheng ◽  
Wei Yan ◽  
Qin Wu ◽  
Juanli Lu ◽  
Chunsheng Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Titanium Dioxide ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Reproductive Effects

The aim of the present study was to investigate the reproductive effects of microcystin-LR (MCLR) in the presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (n-TiO2).

scholarly journals Tavaborole, a Novel Boron-Containing Small Molecule Pharmaceutical Agent for Topical Treatment of Onychomycosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 543-557
Author(s):  
Vic Ciaravino ◽  
Dina Coronado ◽  
Cheryl Lanphear ◽  
Alan Hoberman ◽  
Sanjay Chanda
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Dose Group ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Oral Gavage ◽  
Pharmaceutical Agent ◽  
The Us ◽  
Adverse Effect Level ◽  
Effect Level ◽  
F2 Generation ◽  
F1 Generation

Tavaborole is a topical antifungal agent approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of toenail onychomycosis. The effects of tavaborole on gestation, parturition (delivery, labor), offspring development, and survival during the perinatal and postnatal periods were assessed in mated female rats. Females (F0 generation) were administered single daily oral (gavage) doses of 15, 60, or 100 mg/kg/d from gestation day 6 through lactation day 20. The females were allowed to deliver naturally and rear their offspring until lactation day 21, at which time the F0 females were euthanized. One male and female from each litter were selected (F1 generation) and retained for assessments, including growth, neurobehavior, fertility, and their ability to produce an F2 generation. Reproductive and offspring parameters were determined for the F1 and F2 generations, as applicable. F1 females and F2 pups were euthanized on postnatal day 7. In the F0 females, decreased activity was observed in the 100 mg/kg/d dose group. Excess salivation was observed in the 60 and 100 mg/kg/d dose groups (slight to moderate), however, this finding was not considered adverse. There were no tavaborole-related effects on the growth, viability, development, neurobehavioral assessments, or reproductive performance of the F1 generation. Survivability and mean body weight of the F2 pups were unaffected. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for maternal toxicity (F0 generation) was 60 mg/kg/d, based on the decreased activity observed in the 100 mg/kg/d dose group. The NOAEL for the offspring effects was ≥100 mg/kg/d, based on the lack of test article-related changes.

Parasite performance and host alternation: is there a negative effect in host-specific and host-opportunistic parasites?

Parasitology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 144 (8) ◽  
pp. 1107-1116 ◽  
Author(s):  
LUTHER VAN DER MESCHT ◽  
IRINA S. KHOKHLOVA ◽  
ELIZABETH M. WARBURTON ◽  
BORIS R. KRASNOV
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Host Specialization ◽  
Environmental Fluctuation ◽  
Offspring Number ◽  
Parasite Fitness ◽  
Host Alternation ◽  
First Feeding ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Faster Development ◽  
Preferred Hosts

SUMMARYEnvironmental fluctuations are expected to require special adaptations only if they are associated with a decrease in fitness. We compared reproductive performance between fleas fed on alternating (preferred and non-preferred) hosts and fleas fed solely on either a preferred or a non-preferred host to determine whether (1) host alternation incurs an immediate negative effect, and, if yes, then (2) whether this effect is greater in a host specialist (Parapulex chephrenis) than in host generalists (Xenopsylla conformisandSynosternus cleopatrae). We also compared flea performance under alternating host regimes with different host order (initial feeding on either a preferred or a non-preferred host). An immediate negative effect of alternating hosts on reproductive performance was found inP. chephrenisonly. These fleas produced 44·3% less eggs that were 3·6% smaller when they fed on alternating hosts as compared with a preferred host. In contrast,X. conformisandS. cleopatraeappeared to be able to adapt their reproductive strategy to host alternation by producing higher quality offspring (on average, 3·1% faster development and 2·1% larger size) without compromising offspring number. However, the former produced eggs that were slightly, albeit significantly, smaller when it fed on alternating hosts as compared with a preferred host. Moreover, host order affected reproductive performance in host generalists (e.g. 2·8% larger eggs when the first feeding was performed on a non-preferred host), but not in a host specialist. We conclude that immediate effects of environmental fluctuation on parasite fitness depend on the degree of host specialization.

scholarly journals Influence of Small Ruminant Lentivirus Infection on Reproductive Traits in Ewes

2013 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-18
Author(s):  
Czesława Lipecka ◽  
Andrej Junkuszew ◽  
Jacek Kuźmak ◽  
Tomasz M. Gruszeck ◽  
Bożena Kozaczyńska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Small Ruminant ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Genetic Group ◽  
Sheep Flock ◽  
Research Results ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Negative Effect

AbstractThe study included a sheep flock comprising five genetic groups. The ELISA was applied to perform constant monitoring (every six months) for the infection of ewes with small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV). The research results demonstrated a negative effect of SRLVs infection on lamb rearing that, depending on the genetic group, proved to be lower 1.3%-1.4% compared to the seronegative mothers. At relatively equal fertility (94%-100%) and more differentiated prolificacy (179%-198%) in all the examined groups (except the Suffolk breed), a rearing index was higher in the seronegative animals 6.8%-24.1% compared to the seropositive mothers. The Suffolk breed proved to be the genetic group most susceptible to SRLV infection. A prolificacy of infected ewes was 10% lower, a lamb rearing rate was 13% lower , and a general reproductive performance was 18% lower in comparison to healthy ewes.

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