scholarly journals Biological features of egg productivity of black African ostriches under a semi-intensive keeping

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-36
Author(s):  
N. Prokopenko ◽  
V. Melnyk ◽  
S. Bazyvoliak
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Steppe Zone ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Necessary Condition ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
High Positive Correlation ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

The study of egg-laying patterns and defining ways of increasing egg-laying productivity is a necessary condition for the development and increased efficiency of ostrich breeding. Therefore, some studies deal with egg productivity of ostriches of different age groups (group 1 - age 8-9 years, group 2 - age 4-5 years) for their long-term keeping under a semi-intensive system forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. The sex ratio in the families was 1: 2-3. Behavioral patterns of poultry during the breeding season are close to natural ones. Older individuals are characterized with a longer productive period (January-October) than younger ones (March-September). According to the most extended daylight hours at this time of year, the higher level of egg-laying performance is established in May and summer months. The females’ egg-laying performance analysis shows their significant individual features - 9-42 eggs were obtained from one female. It is worth mentioning that the productivity period’s duration does not continuously regulate the number of eggs. There is a high positive correlation between the duration of the egg-laying process and total egglaying performance in group 1 (r = 0.7981); in group 2 � there is no relation between these features (r = -0.0843). The variability of egg-laying cycles of ostrich females has been confirmed, and it requires further studies. According to the intensity of lying during the breeding season, there are differences between younger and older poultry groups. The first two months and the last month of egg-laying are the least productive for all. It was established that the egg weight of older females is higher compared to young ones, with a potential difference between the groups (P> 0.999) and a significant level of individual variability (Cv = 1.78-8.06%). This indicates the necessity of successive work with the herd to optimize egg weight, as a significant variation in egg weight affects the duration of incubation and embryonic development of ostriches. It also leads to the elongation of the “hatch window” that causes heterogeneity of ostrich weight. New data allow characterizing the peculiarities of ostrich physiology, their ability to adapt to industrial conditions of breeding at farms located in the northern part of the forest-steppe zone of Ukrai.

Effect of constant photoperiods on the laying performance of broiler breeders allowed conventional or accelerated growth

2005 ◽  
Vol 143 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. D. LEWIS ◽  
D. BACKHOUSE ◽  
R. M. GOUS
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Sexual Development ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Broiler Breeders ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Accelerated Growth

An experiment was conducted at the University of KwaZulu–Natal to assess the effect of constant photoperiods on sexual maturity and egg-laying performance in broiler breeders given two levels of control-feeding during the rearing phase. Cobb broiler breeder females were grown to reach 2·1 kg body weight at 17 or 21 weeks, and maintained on 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 16-h photoperiods from 2 days to 68 weeks of age. There were no significant interactions between photoperiod and growth rate for any production parameter. The time required reaching 2·1 kg increased proportionally with photoperiod but, because of delayed sexual development, birds on longer photoperiods consumed more feed to, and were heavier at, sexual maturity than shorter daylengths. The longer-photoperiod birds also had inferior rates of lay in the first half of the cycle, but superior in the second, which, together with the photoperiodic effects on maturity, resulted in birds on 11, 13 or 14 h producing most eggs to 68 weeks, and those on 16 h fewest. It is possible that the pattern of egg production was due to some of the birds on [ges ]13-h photoperiods becoming photorefractory, having a mid-cycle pause, and then spontaneously resuming egg production in the latter half of the cycle. However, a hinge-analysis of current and other data to the more usual depletion age of 60 weeks showed that the combined effects of photoperiod on sexual maturity and egg production resulted in constant 10-h birds producing the highest number of eggs, with numbers decreasing by 3·6 eggs/h of photoperiod above the hinge and 7·8 eggs/h of photoperiod below it. Mean egg weight increased by 0·4 g/h of photoperiod, but the proportion of abnormally large and floor eggs and the incidence of mortality were unaffected by daylength. For each photoperiod, accelerated growth resulted in body weights being heavier than controls at sexual maturity, despite the mean age at maturity being 10 days earlier for the faster-growing birds. Body weights for the two growth groups were not significantly different at 68 weeks. Faster-growth birds consumed 1 kg less feed to 2·1 kg body weight, but 1·3 kg more feed to sexual maturity and 2·7 kg more to 68 weeks, and produced 6 more eggs than, but had similar patterns of egg production to, the conventionally managed controls. Mean egg weight, the proportion of floor eggs and the incidence of mortality were similar for both groups. Notwithstanding that the overall production of abnormally large eggs was low (1·1 eggs per bird); the faster-growing birds produced significantly more than the controls. Egg weight was positively influenced by age at sexual maturity, body weight at sexual maturity and photoperiod, but was unaffected by rate of growth to 2·1 kg per se.These findings show that there are differences between broiler breeders and egg-type pullets in their response to constant photoperiods. It is likely that the factors responsible for these differences, particularly in terms of sexual development, are the exhibition of photorefractoriness by, and the retardational effects of controlled feeding on, broiler breeders.

Seasonal changes in reproductive and pelage status during the initial ‘quiescent’ and first ‘active’ breeding seasons of the peripubertal pony colt

2001 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. McG. Argo ◽  
M.G. R. Collingsworth ◽  
J. E. Cox
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Lh Release ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Plasma Prl ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Biphasic Profile ◽  
Group 1

AbstractPony colts (~12 m) are generally infertile during the breeding season of mature stallions. The mechanism which ‘delays’ puberty beyond the first potential breeding opportunity has not been described. Four pre- and four post-pubertal colts were monitored from November for 13 (group 1, 6 to 19 months of age) and 9 months (group 2, 18 to 27 months of age). Fortnightly, 15 blood samples were collected at hourly intervals from each colt to determine concentrations of prolactin (PRL), LH, FSH and testosterone (T). Testicular biopsies were collected monthly to evaluate spermatogenic activity. Puberty occurred between 17 and 19 months, and at the onset of the 2-year-old breeding season, all colts were fertile. Seasonal changes in the concentrations of all four hormones were observed in both groups. Prolactin concentrations were correlated with changes in day length (r = 0·88) in both groups, but a biphasic profile was noted in group 1. Moulting of the winter coat was coincident with seasonally increased PRL concentrations (P < 0·001). Seasonal changes in FSH, LH and T concentrations were similarly timed between groups and levels were maximal in mid April, mid March and mid May, respectively. However, overall mean concentrations of LH and T in group 1 animals were only 0·33 and 0·22 of group 2 values (P < 0·001). Suppression of gonadal activity during the colts’ first ‘quiescent’ breeding season was associated with low concentrations of circulating LH. Appropriately timed changes in plasma PRL, FSH and T concentrations and pelage indicated that the photoperiodic mechanism was functional in the pre-pubertal colt but pituitary LH release may be blocked by immaturity or active suppression.

scholarly journals Effect of Addition of Selenium-Enriched Bean Sprouts Powder in Egg Laying Hen Feed

2021 ◽  
pp. 121-128
Author(s):  
Myongdok Im ◽  
Hakchan Oh ◽  
Yongchol Ri ◽  
Kuangchol Kim ◽  
Dongchol Jong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Process ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Selenium Content ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Organic Selenium ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
Bean Sprouts

Although selenium was considered an essential trace element in the early 1970s, it is now widely used as a biological effect, and research projects are also actively underway. In the production process of selenium-enriched eggs that can meet people's demand for selenium, this article specifically analyzed the effects of different levels of selenium-enriched bean sprouts powder on the laying performance and egg quality of laying hens. First of all, adding selenium-enriched bean sprouts powder(a kind of organic selenium) to the basal diet fed for a long time(20weeks) will affect the egg laying rate and feed intake, egg weight, egg shape index, and eggshell strength, thickness of eggshell. Next, we analyzed the accumulation of selenium in eggs, breast muscles, liver, skin and kidneys after feeding organic selenium. Results when 15~22.5g/kg selenium-enriched bean sprouts powder(selenium content 40mg/kg) was added to the basal diet fed, the egg laying rate, feed intake, egg weight, eggshell strength and eggshell thickness respectively increased by 100.6~102.9%, 101.3~102.3%, 117.1~117.6% and 105.6~108.3%, and the selenium content in eggs increased by 197.7~206.9%. Selenium is obviously deposited on the eggs, breast muscles and skin of laying hens. Therefore, in the production process of selenium-enriched eggs, adding selenium-enriched bean sprouts powder not only increased the production efficiency of eggs, but also increased double the selenium content in eggs. From the 15th day of the laying test, selenium-enriched eggs can be obtained.

scholarly journals HARNESS FITTINGS OF 7th—6th CENTURIES BC IN THE TRANSCAUCASIA AND THE NEAR EAST

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-50
Author(s):  
S. V. Makhortykh
Keyword(s):  
Near East ◽  
Northern Caucasus ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
The South ◽  
South Caucasus ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Main Period ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

The article is devoted to the analysis of different types of metal and bone harness fittings of VII—VI centuries BC which were found in the South Caucasus and the Near East. Among those fittings, which are constituted about 50 artifacts, two major groups could be distinguished: plain fittings of various geometric shapes and fittings with zoomorphic decorations. The latter group dominates and constitutes about 80 % of the total number of findings. The major regions of distribution of these horse harness attachments are Armenia and Turkey. The cylindrical harness fittings of the first type from the group 1 were the most widespread among the geometrical samples (8 items), while among the zoomorphic ones — claw-shaped, or beak-shaped objects of type 1 from the group 2 (19 items). It should be noted that the majority of the analyzed finds were found not in burial monuments, as in the Northern Caucasus and in the Ukrainian forest-steppe, but at settlements. The emergence of the tradition of manufacturing, as well as the widespread using of various types of harness fittings, and primarily the zoomorphic ones, to the South of the main Caucasian ridge, was the result of the staying and activity on this territory of the Scythians of the South of Eastern Europe. The main period of existence of strap-dividers in Transcaucasia and the Near East was the second half of the VII — the first half of the VI centuries BC.

519. INFLUENCE OF THE DURATION OF CIDR INSERTION ON OVARIAN RESPONSES IN AN eCG PROGRAM DURING NON-BREEDING SEASON IN EWES

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
R. Salehi ◽  
H. Kohram
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Weight Maintenance ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Standing Position ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Maintenance Ration ◽  
Group 1 ◽  
Follicular Activity

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 14 versus 7 days CIDR insertion before eCG treatment on superovulatory responses during non-breeding season in ewes. 10 Iranian Shall ewes, between 2 and 3 years old were kept inside during the experiment period and were fed a live weight maintenance ration. Ewes were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. CIDR was inserted to the ewes of group 1 for 14 days and for 7 days to group 2. Each ewe received 1500 IU eCG on the day of CIDR removal. Ovarian follicular activity was monitored by transrectal ultrasonography on the days of eCG treatment, estrus, and 7 days after estrus to monitor the number of corpus lutium. During examination the animals were held in a standing position. Scanning of both ovaries was recorded using a MP4 player. The number of medium and large follicles (≥3 mm in diameter) were recognized, measured and mapped to their location using printed images of both ovaries. Data were analyzed using GLM procedure of the SAS. The results presented in Table 1 shows that the ovarian responses in terms of the number of ≥3 mm follicles at estrus is greater (P<0.05) in group 1 than group 2 ewes. The mean number of CL after eCG injection in group 1 and 2 were also significantly different (3.6±0.24 vs 2.4±0.51; P<0.05). The results showed that the 14 days synchronization before eCG treatment during non-breading seasons in ewes had the beneficial effects on ovarian responses.

scholarly journals Reduced LH sensitivity in vivo and in vitro of corpora lutea induced during anoestrus by GnRH, and during the late breeding season, in Scottish Blackface ewes

2004 ◽  
Vol 183 (3) ◽  
pp. 517-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
T A Bramley ◽  
D Stirling ◽  
G S Menzies ◽  
D T Baird
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
High Plasma ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Scottish Blackface ewes were synchronised in mid-breeding (November; group 1; n=12 ewes) or late-breeding season (March; group 2; n=16). Anoestrous ewes (May) were treated with progestagen sponges for 7 days and then given 250 ng GnRH 3-hourly for 24 h, 2-hourly for 24 h and hourly for a further 24 h (group 3; n=12). A second group of anoestrous ewes (group 4, n=19) received three bolus injections (30 μg) of GnRH at 90-min intervals without progestagen pretreatment. After ovulation, ewes were bled twice daily until slaughter (day 4 or day 12: oestrus=day 0). Mid-breeding season (group 1) and anoestrous ewes in group 3 formed ‘adequate’ corpora lutea (CL) with high plasma progesterone levels (3–4 ng/ml) maintained for at least 12 days, and responded in vivo to ovine LH (oLH) (10 μg) with a rise in plasma progesterone on day 11 (group 3, but not group 1, ewes also responded on day 3). CL minces from these ewes responded to human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in vitro with a dose-dependent increase in progesterone secretion. Ewes in group 4 had a foreshortened luteal phase (8–10 days) and low plasma progesterone levels (~1 ng/ml), consistent with formation of inadequate CL. LH injection failed to induce a significant plasma progesterone increase. Furthermore, although progesterone secretion in vitro in response to maximally stimulating doses of hCG or dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) was similar to that in adequate CL, the sensitivity of these CL to hCG (EC (effective concentration)50, 1 IU hCG/ml) was reduced 10-fold compared with adequate CL (EC50, 0.1 IU hCG/ml; P<0.01). Ewes that ovulated in the late breeding season (group 2) had high plasma progesterone, although levels began to decrease after day 10. Injection of oLH in vivo increased plasma progesterone. However, sensitivity to hCG in vitro (EC50, 0.5 IU hCG/ml) was intermediate between that of adequate luteal tissue (groups 1 and 3; EC50, 0.1 IU/ml) and that of group 4 ewes (EC50, 1 IU hCG/ml). Our data demonstrate a markedly reduced luteal sensitivity to LH in vivo and hCG in vitro in Scottish Blackface ewes with inadequate CL, and suggest that a similar loss of sensitivity to LH may occur in the late breeding season.

scholarly journals Forest birds of the right-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 237-240
Author(s):  
L. M. Moroz ◽  
E. D. Andriienko ◽  
S. O. Liulenko ◽  
S. L. Hrabovska ◽  
T. A. Nebykova
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Steppe Zone ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Geographical Differences ◽  
Reproductive Ability ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Specific Species ◽  
The Right

Forest biogeocenosis is a necessary environment for the normal existence of many species of wild animals, including birds. Recently, however, a gradual decrease in their numbers is observed in most forest areas of the Forest-Steppe zone. This indicator is one of the most important criteria for estimation of the general condition of this or that ecosystem. In this regard, specialists-zoologists, ornithologists, etc. pay great attention to the study of this issue (Koval' N.F. 1982). Currently, there is a quite extensive and often conflicting material regarding the number of birds. The most fundamental is the book by D. Lack, “The number of animals and its regulation in nature” (1957), which shows the influence of the food supply, the number of nesting places, “shelters”, and enemies on the reproductive ability, survival and general dynamics of the number of many bird species. Determining the breeding intensity of specific species populations of bird, we proposed to use the so-called productivity coefficient, which allows us to compare both the degree of biomass stability over the breeding period during a number of years and its geographical differences. The total number of birds on nesting can be different in various parts of the range under the influence of environmental conditions. The number of birds nesting on the ground and in the underwood has recently decreased significantly due to the large recreational burden of forest cenoses. Consideration of the dynamics of the number of daytime predatory birds and owls is of special attention. Their numbers have recently stabilized, although it continues to decline in some regions according to the available literary data. Ornithologists consider this mainly as a consequence of environmental pollution, killing of birds by humans, destruction of their habitats. The number of animal populations, for example, can vary significantly during the year or on average over the years. It is determined by the breeding rate and mortality of individuals. The breeding rate of birds is directly dependent on the size of egg laying, the success of eggs brooding and the percentage of flying out of viable young animals, which in total determines the success of breeding.

154 EVALUATION OF EMBRYO RECOVERY RATE AND EMBRYO TRANSFER IN ANGORA GOATS

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 168
Author(s):  
K. Karakas ◽  
H. Alkan ◽  
G. Onur ◽  
D. Ozen ◽  
M. Kaymaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Embryo Recovery ◽  
Angora Goats ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

The aims of this study were to compare the embryo recovery rate in Angora goats based on application timing; at the beginning (September – October; Group 1) and end (December; Group 2) of the breeding season and to evaluate the viability and survivability of fresh or vitrified-thawed embryos when transferred. For this purpose, nine Angora goats were used as donors and thirthy Angora goats were used as recipients. Donor goats were synchronized and superovulated with traditional protocol and were mated with fertile bucks. At the 156th hour of the mating, embryos were collected surgically and evaluated under a stereo microscope. In group 1, 103 embryos and in group 2, 63 embryos were collected from nine goats. Fresh or vitrified-thawed embryos were transferred surgically to synchronized recipients. In Group 1 fresh/thawed embryos were transferred to 15/15 goats and in group 2, fresh/thawed embryos were transferred to 8/8 goats, respectively. Each recipient received 1 or 2 embryos ipsilateral to the ovary containing one or more corpora lutea. On day 30 of the transfer, goats were examined by transrectal ultrasonography, pregnancy rates of fresh/thawed embryos were 66.6%/26.6% for group 1 and 62.5%/62.5% for group 2. On day 100 of the transfer, goats were examined again by ultrasonography, and pregnancy rates were 46.6%/0% for group 1 and 37.5%/0% for group 2, respectively. After about 50 days, goats were kidded. In group 1, 3 twins and 4 single kids were born; in group 2, 2 twins were born. The total number of collected embryos and pregnancy rates among the groups were analysed using SPSS® (version 14.01, Chicago, IL, USA) and for all comparisons, differences were considered with a minimum of 5% significance level. After statistical analyses, the numbers of collected embryos at the beginning and at the end of the breeding season were compared. There was no difference in freezable/transferable embryo quality. As a result, embryos could be collected after superovulation protocols in Angora goats both at beginning and end of the breeding season, however there might be a decrease in numbers of collected embryos and the reasons for this might not be only the seasonal factors but also the environment, care, nutrition and previous superovulation protocols. The pregnancy rate following transfer of fresh embryos was satisfactory but not all does confirmed pregnant kidded; hence, reducing the number of recipients kidding. The pregnancy rate following transfer of vitrified-thawed embryos was generally low and unsatisfactory. Further research is warrented in improving the cryopreservation techniques and thus the embryo survival rate of Angora goat embryos. This study was financed with the University of Ankara Grant.

Effect of Spirulina-Chinese herbal medicine on quality of eggs and serum biochemical indexes of egg-laying hens

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liu Peipei ◽  
Zang Sumin
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Chinese Herbal Medicine ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine ◽  
Chinese Herbal ◽  
Laying Performance

This study used three-factor linear regression orthogonal design to examine the impacts of traditional Chinese herbal medicine on egg quality and egg-laying hens’ biochemical indexes. 495 and 210d Hy-Line gray commercial egg-laying hens were selected and spirulina powder was added to their diet at 5 g/kg, 10g/kg, 15g/kg in the diet, rchmannia glutnosa polysaccharides were added at 2.5g/kg, 3 g/kg, 3.5 g/kg, and Leonurus Japonicas was added at 0.7 g/kg, 0.9g/kg, 1.1 g/kg. The hens were randomly allocated to a control group and ten test groups, in order to study the herbs’ effects on laying performance and immunity parameters. The results showed that: (1)When spirulina-Chinese herbal medicine was added, the average egg weight, yolk color, and Hartz unit increased significantly.(2) When spirulina powder levels were increased, the egg yolk color and iron content significantly increased while the cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower (P>0.05). With the increase of rchmannia glutnosa polysaccharides extracts, eggshell strength increased significantly (P>0.01). Egg yolk color and eggshell strength increased significantly (P>0.05 and P>0.01, respectively) when Leonurus Japonicas increased. (3) Spirulina powder and rchmannia glutnosa polysaccharides extracts were significantly antagonistic to average egg weight and eggshell strength (P>0.01). Leonurus Japonicus and rchmannia glutnosa polysaccharides were significantly antagonistic to eggshell strength and cholesterol levels (P>0.05).

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