Effects of Exogenous Ghrelin on Duodenal Growth and Development of African Ostrich Chicks

Background: The African ostrich is the largest herbivorous bird in the world, which has high economic value. However, the brooding period of African ostrich is long. During this period, the various organs of the body are not fully developed, the resistance is low and it is easy to get sick, thus affecting the growth and development. Therefore, it is of great significance to enhance the digestion and absorption capacity of ostrich chicks and improve its growth speed in shortening the incubation period of ostrich, improving the survival rate of ostrich and the economic benefits of ostrich breeding. Methods: Sixteen 40-day-old African ostrich chicks (male or female) were randomly divided into four groups and injected intravenously of Metatarsal vein with saline (control) or ghrelin (10, 50 and 100 µg/kg) for 6 days. The morphology, gastrin and pepsin levels in the duodenum were measured using stereology, HE staining and radioimmunoassay. Result: The 10, 50 and 100 µg/kg of ghrelin administered groups showed lower duodenal length and length index than the control group (P less than 0.05). Villus length increased in the 50 µg/kg and 100 µg/kg ghrelin administered groups (P less than 0.05). Crypt depth decreased in the 10 µg/kg ghrelin administered group (P less than 0.05). The ratio of villus length to crypt depth in each group increased and the difference was significant in the 50 µg/kg and 100 µg/kg ghrelin administered groups (P less than 0.05). Pepsin content in the duodenum slightly increased in the 10 µg/kg ghrelin administered group (P greater than 0.05) and it significantly decreased in the 50 µg/kg and 100 µg/kg ghrelin administered groups (P less than 0.05). Gastrin content in the duodenum increased significantly (P less than 0.05) in the 10 µg/kg ghrelin administered group and decreased in the 100 µg/kg ghrelin administered group (P less than 0.05).

Early Nutrition with Different Diets Composition versus Fasting on Immunity-Related Gene Expression and Histomorphology of Digestive and Lymphoid Organs of Layer-Type Chicks

Early feeding post-hatching (EFPH) can impact the immune response and modify the immunity-related gene expression. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effects of EFPH with different diets composition versus fasting during the first 72 h of chick’s life on the histomorphological structures of the liver, proventriculus, central and peripheral lymphoid organs, and immunity-related genes in layer-type chicks during the brooding period. A total of 400 chicks were randomly allotted into 4 groups with 4 replicates each. The experimental groups during the first 72 h of life were: feed and water deprivation (control, T1), feeding a starter layer diet (20% CP and 11.84 MJ/kg ME, T2), feeding a starter layer diet contained 3% molasses in its composition (20% CP and 11.81 MJ/kg ME; T3), and feeding a starter broiler diet (23% CP and 12.68 MJ/kg ME, T4). After the first 72 h of chick’s life, all chicks were fed ad libitum the T2 diet. EFPH had no negative effect on the development of the lymphoid or digestive organs in chicks. Greater relative weights of the spleen and bursa of Fabricius (p < 0.05) were observed in the early fed chicks compared to control at day 14 of age. Histomorphological examination revealed an increase (p < 0.05) in thymus cortex and cortex:medulla in the T3 and T4 groups compared to the fasted ones at day 28 of age. Pelicae height, follicular width, cortex, and cortex:medulla of bursa were improved (p < 0.01) in the fed groups compared to fasted chicks, with resultant influences on the primary lymphoid organs. Compared to control, higher germinal center areas and white pulp of the spleen (p < 0.05) were recorded in the early fed chicks, implying augmented proliferation and maturation of B cells in the secondary lymphoid organs. In the liver, a strong positive reaction to Best’s carmine stain in the early fed groups, indicating that the liver of these chicks had numerous glycogen granules or greater glycogen density in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. There was a significant enhancement in the proventriculus mucosal and gland thickness, as well as fold height (p < 0.05) in the early fed chicks. The expression levels of splenic Toll-like receptor 2, interleukin 4, tumor necrosis factor α, and interferon gamma were up-regulated (p < 0.01) in most of the early fed chicks (T2, T3, and T4) compared to fasted ones at 14 day of age. In conclusion, EFPH could modify the splenic-immunity related genes and modulate the histomorphology of the digestive (liver and proventriculus) and lymphoid organs in layer-type chicks during the brooding period.

An unusual homing behavior found in the Sichuan Partridge during the early brooding period

In this study, we report an unusual homing behavior of the Sichuan Partridge (Arborophila rufipectus) at the Laojunshan National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province, China. Hen Sichuan Partridges led the chicks back to the nests where they hatched in the evening and roosted there over night. This behavior lasted 6.7 ± 4.3 nights (range = 1–15; n = 13) after the chicks hatched. At this stage, the hens became very vigilant to predators and human disturbance. If disturbed, they often abandoned the nests immediately and no longer returned thereafter. The ambient temperature at night during the early brooding period of Sichuan Partridge at our study site was ~ 12.4 °C. Our findings suggest that hen Sichuan Partridges may make trade-offs between nest predation risks versus the thermoregulatory needs of their young.

KONTROL HEAT STRESS INDEX RUANGAN AYAM BROILER PADA PERIODE BROODING SECARA OTOMATIS BERBASIS ARDUINO-UNO

ABSTRACTHeat stress index is a combination of two types of temperature and percentage (%) of humidity. The amount of heat stress index will determine the success of broiler breeders especially in the brooding period. If the heat stress index is not fulfilled then the performance of his chickens can be problematic and can even lead to high mortality. Thus it is necessary to control the heat stress index tool, with the problem of how to plan, implement and test results control heat stress index broiler chicks brooding period automatically based on Arduino-Uno is in accordance with the setpoint. The purpose of this study is to plan, implement and obtain test results in accordance with the planning of this heat stress index control system. Methods used experimental research methods, including with 1) the development of system concepts, 2) system planning, 3) implementation of control systems and 4) system testing. The result analysis is done by quantitative descriptive method that is by comparing the planned setpoint value with the value of the test result of the tool. The results show that it is capable of planning, implementing Arduino-based heat stress index system in a broiler chamber / broiler room during the brooding period at the planned set point and in stable condition..Key words : heat stress index, brooding, broilerABSTRAKHeat stress index merupakan kombinasi dua besaran yaitu suhu dan persentase (%) kelembaban. Besaran heat stress index sangat menentukan keberhasilan peternak ayam broiler khususnya pada periode brooding. Apabila heat stress index ini tidak tepenuhi maka performance-nya ayam bisa bermasalah dan malah dapat menyebabkan tingginya kematian. Dengan demikian sangat dibutuhkan alat kontrol heat stress index, dengan permasalahan yaitu bagaimana merencanakan, mengimplemntasikan dan hasil pengujian kontrol heat stress index pada ruang anak ayam broiler periode brooding secara otomatis berbasis Arduino-Uno apakah sesuai dengan setpoint. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah dapat merencanakan, mengimplemntasikan dan memperoleh hasil pengujian yang sesuai dengan perencanaan dari sistem kontrol heat stress index ini. Metode yang dipergunakan metode penelitian eksperimen, diantaranya dengan 1) pengembangan konsep sistem, 2) perencanaan sistem, 3) implementasi sistem kontrol dan 4) pengujian sistem. Analisa hasil dilakukan dengan metode deskriptif kuantitatif yaitu dengan membanding nilai setpoint yang direncanakan dengan nilai hasil uji alat. Hasil menunjukkan yaitu mampu merencanakan, mengimplemntasikan sistem kontrol heat stress index berbasis Arduino pada sebuah ruang/kandang ayam broiler pada periode brooding pada setpoint yang direncanakan serta dalam kondisi stabil.Kata kunci : heat stress index, brooding, broiler.

Investigating fecundity and egg loss using a non-invasive method during brooding in European lobster (Homarus gammarus)

This article examines two important components of measurement of fecundity in the European lobster Homarus gammarus: (i) comparing the traditional gravimetric dry weight fecundity method against two non-invasive depth gauge methods initially developed for Homarus americanus and (ii) utilizing the depth gauge method to determine egg loss during the brooding period and its impacts on effective fecundity estimates. No significant difference was observed between fecundity estimates derived using either the traditional or depth gauge methods. Derived fecundity estimates from the two depth gauge methods differed by −0.31% (±2.7 s.e.) for cylinder and −1.1% (±2.4 s.e.) for ellipsoid fecundity estimates compared with the traditional method. This highlights the utility of the depth gauge method for providing fast, reliable and low-cost estimates without sacrificing lobsters or their egg masses. Egg loss is estimated to be as high as 44% from initial extrusion to hatching. The application of the non-invasive methods for estimating fecundity to other fisheries and stocks is discussed along with the importance of understanding egg loss in this commercially valuable fishery.

Kontribusi Faktor Klimat di Luar Kandang terhadap Perubahan Mikroklimat Closed House dengan Panjang Berbeda pada Periode Brooder di Musim Kemarau

ABSTRAK. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji kontribusi faktor klimat di musim kemarau terhadap kondisi mikroklimat closed house periode brooder dengan panjang kandang berbeda. Unit kandang digunakan yaitu kandang ukuran panjang 60 m dan 120 m. Pengamatan dilakukan pagi hari (05.00 WIB), siang hari (13.00 WIB) dan malam hari (21.00 WIB). Parameter makroklimat yang diamati meliputi suhu, kelembaban udara, kecepatan angin dan radiasi matahari serta kondisi mikroklimat meliputi suhu, kelembaban udara, kecepatan angin dan THI. Besaran kontribusi diukur berdasarkan keeratan hubungan dengan analisis korelasi. Koefisien korelasi yang menunjukkan hubungan cukup kuat dengan nilai r0,3, digunakan untuk membentuk persamaan regresi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan besaran kontribusi komponen makroklimat pada pagi hari, siang hari maupun malam hari terhadap kondisi mikroklimat berupa suhu, kecepatan angin dan THI lebih besar di kandang panjang 60 m, sedangkan kontribusi makroklimat terhadap kelembaban udara mikroklimat lebih besar di kandang 120 m (p0,05). Rentang nilai r pada korelasi yaitu cukup kuat hingga sangat kuat. Hasil persamaan regresi yang terbentuk memiliki nilai determinasi R2 sangat kuat, sehingga layak digunakan sebagai prediktor. Prediktor kelembaban udara di kandang 60 m berupa kecepatan angin, kelembaban udara dan radiasi matahari makroklimat, sementara prediktor kelembaban udara di kandang panjang 120 m berupa suhu, kelembaban udara dan radiasi matahari. Simpulan penelitian yaitu kontribusi faktor makroklimat terhadap variasi kondisi mikroklimat berupa suhu, kecepatan angin dan THI pada periode brooder lebih besar di kandang 60 m daripada 120 m, sedangkan kontribusi komponen makroklimat terhadap kelembaban udara di kandang 120 m lebih besar dari kandang 60 m. (Contribution of climatic factor outside the lengths to the change of microclimate closed house with different lengths in brooder period in the dry season) ABSTRACT. This study conducted to calculate macroclimate contribution during brooding period house to different closed house length in dry season. Two broiler closed house 60 m and 120 m length here used in this research. Observed data were daily at 05.00 a.m, 1.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m to represented microclimate condition in the morning, afternoon and night. Macroclimate parameters observed included temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, sun radiation and microclimate parameters included temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, THI. Macroclimate contribution on the microclimate was calculates based on the strength of the relationship using correlation analysis. Subsequently, regression equation formed on parameters which has r value more than 0.3. Results showed that macroclimate contributes on variation of microclimate condition such as temperature, air velocity and THI which is larger in the 60 m length than 120 m length closed house(p0.05). Macroclimate factors contributes on microclimate humidity which is larger in the 120 m than 60 m closed house length. The range of correlation r value are strong enough to very strong. Regression equations confirmed to having strong determination R value, thus can be used as a predictor of microclimate variation. Predictor parameter of microclimate humidity in 60 m closed house consist of air velocity, relative humidity and sun radiation, whereas microclimate humidity in 120 m closed house predictors consist of temperature, relative humidity and sun radiation. In conclusion macroclimate that contributes to the microclimate variation consist of temperature, air velocity and THI, which is larger in 60 m than 120 m closed house. Meanwhile, macroclimate that contributes to the microclimate humidity is larger in 120 m than 60 m closed house.

Productive and Reproductive Performances of Indigenous Chicken under Different Rearing System

A survey study was conducted to analyze the reproductive and productive performances of four indigenous chicken breeds under different rearing system. Six villages located in Eastern Cape, South Africa were used for the study from July 2017 to June 2018. Data on clutch per year (CPY), hatchability (HATCH), egg per clutch (EGC), survivability at 10-12 weeks (SURV), egg per year (EPY), recovery period (RP), average age at production (AA), duration of rearing (DR), mortality, egg laying length (EGL), natural brooding period (NBP) and natural incubating period (NIP) were obtained from Seven thousand, five hundred and thirty eight (7538) indigenous chicken. Potchefstroom Kooekok is observed to be a good egg producing breed with 15.11&plusmn;0.25eggs per clutch. Venda breed possess good mothering ability (hatchability) and high survivability with 86.03&plusmn;0.31days and 82.70&plusmn;0.26 days respectively. Naked Neck is known to be more prone to diseases with least (survivability) 60.08&plusmn;0.25days. Village was positively correlated with EGC and HATCH, EGY and SURV at p&le;0.01 and p&le;0.05 respectively. Rearing system was positively correlated with EGC. Rearing system was positively correlated at p&le;0.05 on EGC than CPY, HATCH, EGY and SURV. Breed and village interactions were significant at p&le;0.05 on RP, AA, DR, EGL, NBP and NIP. Therefore, productive and reproductive traits of indigenous chicken differ across different rearing systems, breeds and villages.

Spatio-temporal patterns and reproductive costs of abnormal clutches of female American lobster, Homarus americanus, in eastern Canada

Previous studies have documented female American lobster, Homarus americanus, carrying “abnormal clutches”, i.e. with eggs covering less than half of their abdomen. From 2011 to 2014, we worked alongside harvesters to quantify spatio-temporal patterns and reproductive costs of abnormal clutches among 138 738 egg-bearing female lobsters sampled from 193 homeports spread across eastern Canada. Females with abnormal clutches were ubiquitous, being found in 90% of homeports. Their incidence was, however, relatively low, averaging 6% across sampling times and locations. The incidence decreased between spawning and 7–9 months after spawning, potentially due to cases of complete brood failure caused by sperm limitation, and it then increased toward the end of the brooding period, potentially due to repeated catch and release of ovigerous females during the fishery. In most regions, small females were more likely to carry abnormal clutches than larger females. We estimated population-level egg loss between late oogenesis and hatching of embryos at 47–51%, with approximately half being associated with normal clutches and half with abnormal clutches and complete brood failure.

Reproductive biology and energetics of the brooding sea star Anasterias antarctica (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) in the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

The brooding sea star Anasterias antarctica is distributed from the coast of Patagonia to the northern Peninsula of Antarctica. In the Beagle Channel, the females of A. antarctica brood their eggs for seven months and do not feed during this period. The endoparasite Dendrogaster argentinensis (Crustacea: Ascothoracica) causes castration in several species of Anasterias. We randomly collected four samplings of adults in May, August and October (brooding period) and January (non-brooding period). The gonad (GI) and pyloric caeca index (PCI) were calculated as organ wet weight (g) x 100/total wet weight (g). Each individual was sexed by microscopic examination of the gonads. Sex ratio, brooding females/non-brooding females and mature females/non-mature females ratios was 1:1. The male GI reached maximum values in January, when most individuals were sexually mature. The GI of non-brooding females reached its maximum during October when it was significantly higher than those from brooding females. The PCI was minimum in October, being lower in brooding females (August and October). During the non-brooding period, mature females had a significantly higher GI than non-mature females. The PCI did not vary neither between males, nor between mature and non mature females. By the end of the brooding period, non-brooding females showed a higher GI than the brooding females. This is explained by proliferation and increase of the oocytes size of non-brooding females. Mature females showed an incremented GI with presence of mature oocytes, while non-mature females exhibited more abundance of previtelogenic oocytes. Males showed synchronicity in reproductive condition. The females that have not brooded presented a process of active gametogenesis, reaching the summer with a high GI, therefore becoming mature females. Females that had brooded were probably lacking energy for new gonadal maturation. The pyloric caeca would be performing the role of a reserve organ in the brooding females, decreasing its size during the brooding period. Prevalence of D. argentinensis in A. antarctica was 11.06%. As this parasite was recorded in sea stars lacking gonads, these infected hosts could have been castrated. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65(Suppl. 1): S221-S232. Epub 2017 November 01.