Effect of some technical processes on deep-freezing, enzyme leakage and fertility of buffalo spermatozoa

The present study was performed to clarity the effect of 2 diluents [Tris and Milk], 2 cooling rates [35°C to 5°C for 1 and 2 hr], 2 equilibration periods [1 and 2 hr] and their interactions on the freezability, alkaline phosphatase [AKP], Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [GOT] leakages and fertility of frozen-thawed semen in 24 ejaculates from 4 buffalo bulls. The present study revealed that the pre- and post-freezing motility, acrosomal integrity, AKP, GOT leakages and fertility rate were significantly [P<0.01] influenced by different cooling rates and equilibration periods, diluents and their interactions. The mean pre-freeze and post-thawing motility following 2 hr of cooling was significantly higher [P<0.01] than that following 1 hr Whereas, the mean pre-freeze and post-thawing acrosomal defects following 2 hr of cooling was significantly less [P<0.01] than that following 1 hr. The leakage of GOT was significantly lower [P<0.01], leakage of AKP was significantly higher [P<0.01] and the conception rates were higher for semen frozen after 2 hr [64.8%] than from 1 hr [38.4%]

Studies on the effect of litter type on some behavioral patterns and performance in broilers

One hundred and twenty broiler chicks of 10-days old were in the current study. Birds classified into 3 equal groups, each of 40 broiler chicks. One group was allocated on a traditional poultry litter of wheat straw and used as a control. The second was allocated on an earthy floor litter, and the third group on a sawdust litter. For each group ingestive behavior, rest, play, sleeping and comfort behavior patterns were recorded for 3 days/week. Productive performance in the form of feed consumption [kg], mean body weight [kg] were recorded for each group. Hygienic quality of the litter [pH value, moisture content, total bacterial count [T.B.C.], total coliform count [T.C.C.] and total mold and yeast count were estimated. Obtained results revealed significant differences [P <0.01] in ingestive behavior, and comfort activities [scratching of the head, dustbathing] between birds in the 3 groups. Preening, W/L stretch wing flap were more frequent in birds permitted the earthy floor litter. The final body weights increased in birds on earthy floor litter than those of wheat straw and saw dust litters. Moisture content, T.B.C., T.C.C. and yeast count significantly increased [P <0.01] in saw dust litter and the earthy floor litter represent the most comfortable and hygienic of the three tested litter types

Some studies on behavioural, physiological and productive aspects in Egyptian goslings kept under two systems of management

The behavioral and physiological performance of 20 young Egyptian goslings were studied under two systems of management [confined and open systems]. Birds were divided into 2 equal groups, each of 10, 6-week old goslings. The study was conducted for 6 consecutive weeks in the Department of Hygiene and Animal Ethology. Obtained results revealed that goslings kept in open system and showed a marked increase in feed consumption [kg] have good feathering and obtained a 2.19 kg final body weight. While goslings kept in confinement showed less feed consumption, poor feathering and they obtained 1.696 kg final body weight. Goslings in open system were more active, feed searching, ground pecking, playful, contented, sleeping and sunbathing, more performing comfort movements than do goslings in confinement. The ethogram of goslings in open system was timed by nature than the ethogram of those in confinement. No significant differences in RBCs [million/ml], Hb% MCV, MCH, PCV and MCHC [P <0.01] were found between goslings of the two systems of management