From the laboratory to the field: how to mitigate pregnancy losses in embryo transfer programs?

Pregnancy losses negatively affect the cattle industry, impacting economic indices and consequently the entire production chain. Early embryonic failure has been an important challenge in the embryo industry because proper identification of embryo death at the beginning of gestation is difficult. This review aimed to provide a better understanding on reproductive failure and the relationship between early embryonic loss and different reproductive biotechniques. This review also considers insights and possible strategies for reducing early embryonic loss. The strategies addressed are as follows: i) great impact of rigorous embryo evaluation on reducing embryo losses; ii) selection of recipients at the time of transfer, taking into account health and nutritional status, and classification of the corpus luteum using ultrasound, either in area or vascularization; and iii) paternal effect as one of the factors that contribute to pregnancy losses, with a focus on embryo transfer.

Comamonas testosteroni as the cause of mortality in embryonated chicken eggs of breeding broiler hens in Costa Rica.

Mortality of chicken embryos and first-week chickens was reported in a commercial incubator company in Costa Rica. Six 1-day-old Cobb chickens and twenty-four embryonated chicken eggs were examined in the Laboratory of Avian Pathology and the Laboratory of Bacteriology of the National University of Costa Rica. Twelve dead-in-shell embryos showed maceration and were immersed in a putrid, turbid, slightly thick brown liquid. Additionally, the other 12 embryonated eggs had milky yellow-orange content. The livers of those embryos had congestion, haemorrhages and multifocal cream foci of necrosis. Granulocytic infiltration was observed in the bursa of Fabricius, myocardium, liver, lung and kidney. Livers and egg yolks from six embryonated chickens and all 1-day-old chickens were aseptically collected and cultured. In addition, tissues from six better conserved embryos and all 1-day-old chickens were fixed in buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. Biochemical and molecular tests identified Comamonas testosteroni as the cause of the early, middle and late embryo mortality. As all the eggshells from the sampled embryonated eggs were dirty with soiled a fecal matter, contamination after manipulating the eggs was considered the source of infection. C. testosteroni is an environmental microorganism that has rarely been reported to cause human disease. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. testosteroni causing mortality in a hatchery. Cleaning and disinfection using ozone were implemented in the hatchery to eliminate the embryo mortality associated with C. testosteroni.

Molecular characterization of chicken astrovirus from high embryonic mortality, based on the capsid protein (ORF2) gene, in Brazil.

CAstV infections were found in farms and incubators with increased embryo mortality.Brazilian CAstV Biv strains were associated with white chick syndrome.Antigenic peptides were predicted on the surface of the capsid protein.

The new psychoactive substances 25H-NBOMe and 25H-NBOH induce abnormal development in the zebrafish embryo and interact in the DNA major groove.

Toxicological effects of 25H-NBOMe and 25H-NBOH recreational drugs on zebrafish embryos and larvae at the end of 96 h exposure period were demonstrated. 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe caused high embryo mortality at 80 and 100 µg mL-1, respectively. According to the decrease in the concentration tested, lethality decreased while non-lethal effects were predominant up to 10 and 50 µg mL-1 of 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe, respectively, including spine malformation, egg hatching delay, body malformation, otolith malformation, pericardial edema, and blood clotting. We can disclose that these drugs have an affinity for DNA in vitro using biophysical spectroscopic assays and molecular modeling methods. The experiments demonstrated that 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe bind to the unclassical major groove of ctDNA with a binding constant of 27.00 × 104 M-1 and 5.27 × 104 M-1, respectively. Furthermore, these interactions lead to conformational changes in the DNA structure. Therefore, the results observed in the zebrafish embryos and DNA may be correlated.

Effect of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine on Pregnancy Failure in Beef Cows.

This study evaluates whether the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination increases pregnancy failures in Bos taurus beef cows. A total of 3,379 cows were assigned to two experimental groups to receive (n = 1,722) or not receive (n = 1,657) a FMD vaccine (commercial preparation containing FMD virus, O1 Campos and A24 Cruzeiro) at different gestational age. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography at vaccination time (Day 0), and the cows were classified by days of pregnancy as follows: (a) <29 days after mating (presumed pregnant cows, n = 778), (b) between 30 and 44 days of pregnancy (n = 1,100), (c) 45 and 59 days of pregnancy (n = 553), and (d) between 60 and 90 days of pregnancy (n = 948). Pregnancy failure was determined 30 days after vaccination by a second ultrasound examination. Cows that were vaccinated within 29 days after mating had a 7.8% greater pregnancy failure rate than non-vaccinated cows (44.1%, 163/370 vs. 36.3%, 148/408, respectively; P <0.05). Cows vaccinated between 30 and 44 days of gestation had a pregnancy failure rate greater than non-vaccinated cows (4.9%, 28/576 vs. 2.5%, 13/524, respectively; P <0.05). When cows received the vaccine between days 45 and 90 of gestation no differences in pregnancy failure were observed (0.8%, 6/776 vs. 1.2%, 9/725, respectively; P = NS). Body temperature and local adverse reactions to vaccine inoculation were recorded in a subset of 152 multiparous cows. Hyperthermia (>39.5°C) was detected on Day 1 or 2 in 28.0% (21/75) of vaccinated vs. 7.8% (6/77) of non-vaccinated cows (P <0.01). Local adverse reaction to the FMD vaccine inoculation increased from 0.0% (0/75) on Day 0, to 15.7% (11/75) on Day 4, and 38.7% (29/75) on Day 10 (P <0.01). On Day 30 local reaction was detected in 10.5% (34/323) and fell to 2.2% on Day 60 (7/323) post vaccination (P <0.01). In conclusion, FMD vaccine increases pregnancy failure when it is administered before 45 days of gestation, an effect that was associated with hyperthermia and local adverse reaction. No effect on pregnancy failure was found when vaccination was performed after 45 days of gestation.

Efficiency of ultraviolet light for disinfection of fertile broiler eggs / Eficiência da luz ultravioleta para desinfecção de ovos férteis de matrizes de frangos de corte

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultraviolet light in reducing bacterial load of eggshells and the impact of experimental disinfection on hatching, embryo mortality, and time-borne distribution using broiler breeder hens of different ages (38, 42, and 48 weeks old). Fertile eggs were subjected to different exposure periods (5, 7, and 9 minutes) of UV light (UV-C) with a 254 nm wavelength. For controls, eggs disinfected with paraformaldehyde (5.3 g/m3) and eggs not disinfected (NC). After subjection to disinfection protocols, the eggs were placed into sterile plastic bags containing 20 mL of peptone saline solution (0.1% m:v) and massaged for 1 minute to release the bacterial load. Aliquots of this solution were incubated in specific medium for bacterial growth for 48 hours at 37ºC for subsequent CFU counts. To evaluate the effects of disinfection on production, eggs previously disinfected by UV-C (9 min) and paraformaldehyde and NC eggs were candled between incubation days 10 and 13 and at the end of the incubation period to assess embryonic mortality. Hatchability distribution was performed every 8 hours. The 9 minutes 254nm UV-C light exposure was able to disinfect viable eggs and matched the effectiveness of the paraformaldehyde technique.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a eficácia da luz ultravioleta na redução da carga bacteriana de cascas de ovos e o impacto na eclosão e na mortalidade embrionária observando-se a idade das matrizes (38, 42 e 48 semanas). Os ovos foram submetidos a diferentes períodos de exposição (cinco, sete e nove minutos) à luz UV (UV-C) com comprimento de onda de 254nm. Os controles foram ovos desinfetados com paraformaldeído (5,3g/m³) e ovos não desinfetados (NC). Após a desinfecção, os ovos foram colocados em sacos plásticos estéreis contendo 20mL de solução salina peptonada (0,1% m:v) e massageados por um (1) minuto para descolamento das bactérias. Alíquotas dessa solução foram incubadas em meio para crescimento bacteriano por 48 horas a 37ºC e contagem de UFC. Para avaliar os efeitos da desinfecção, ovos previamente desinfetados por UV-C (nove minutos) e ovos com paraformaldeído e NC foram submetidos à ovoscopia entre os dias 10 e 13 de incubação e ao final do período de incubação, para avaliação da mortalidade embrionária. A distribuição da eclodibilidade foi realizada a cada oito horas. A exposição à luz UV-C de 25nm de nove minutos desinfetou os ovos férteis e coincidiu com a eficácia do paraformaldeído.(AU)

Effects of different egg turning frequencies on incubation efficiency parameters.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different egg turning frequencies on incubation efficiency parameters. Nine hundred sixty brown fertile eggs, with an average weight of 52.20 ± 0.85 g, from 38-week-old CJD (Carijó Pesadão) breeder hens were randomly distributed among 4 treatments before incubation. Each treatment corresponded to a turning frequency, being 24 (control), 12, 6, or 3 times per day, at an angle of 45°, until day 18 of incubation. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with 4 treatments. Analysis of the incubation parameters was based on 6 replications per treatment. The eggs that were turned 12, 6, and 3 times per day exhibited a decrease in hatchability of the fertile eggs of 6.61, 15.51, and 19.70%, respectively, when compared with the control group (91.84 ± 2.73%). With a decrease in turning frequency, there was a gradual increase in early (2.84 ± 1.89 to 14.31 ± 1.82%) and late (3.57 ± 1.39 to 8.05 ± 1.24%) mortality rates. An egg turning frequency of 24 times per day during incubation provided high hatchability rates. In contrast, the turning frequencies of 12, 6, and 3 times per day showed significant losses in hatchability.

Effect of In Ovo Feeding of L-Glutamine to Chick Embryos

In ovo feeding (IOF), injecting nutrients into the amnion of the avian embryo may enhance hatchability, gastrointestinal development and serum metabolism changes. This hypothesis was evaluated with 5 IOF solutions containing L-glutamine. Were used 315 fertile Rhode Island Red eggs were used (breeders with 32-weeks). The experimental design was completely randomized with the treatments constituted by two controls and five solutions containing L-glutamine levels with 45 replicates each. Data collected were subjected to polynomial regression at 5% of significance. Differences (p>0.05) were observed in hatchability and intermediary mortality, with a gradual lower of decrease in hatchability from the IOF of L-glutamine. The yolk sac was higher (p 0.05) after the IOF (control and L-glutamine) in the in ovo fed embryos at 0.5% L-glutamine. IOF of L-glutamine alone enhanced the blood pH and reduced the other serum parameters (p 0.05), which may have fuelled more embryo development, mainly vital organs how as the heart and the liver due to the larger concentration of available nutrients for the embryo. The results of this study indicate that until 0.5% L-glutamine may be supplemented in-ovo to chick embryos without negative influence on chick weight and gastrointestinal tract development, acting as serum biochemical metabolism regulator and obtaining better hatchability.(AU)

Effect of In Ovo Feeding of L-Glutamine to Chick Embryos

In ovo feeding (IOF), injecting nutrients into the amnion of the avian embryo may enhance hatchability, gastrointestinal development and serum metabolism changes. This hypothesis was evaluated with 5 IOF solutions containing L-glutamine. Were used 315 fertile Rhode Island Red eggs were used (breeders with 32-weeks). The experimental design was completely randomized with the treatments constituted by two controls and five solutions containing L-glutamine levels with 45 replicates each. Data collected were subjected to polynomial regression at 5% of significance. Differences (p>0.05) were observed in hatchability and intermediary mortality, with a gradual lower of decrease in hatchability from the IOF of L-glutamine. The yolk sac was higher (p 0.05) after the IOF (control and L-glutamine) in the in ovo fed embryos at 0.5% L-glutamine. IOF of L-glutamine alone enhanced the blood pH and reduced the other serum parameters (p 0.05), which may have fuelled more embryo development, mainly vital organs how as the heart and the liver due to the larger concentration of available nutrients for the embryo. The results of this study indicate that until 0.5% L-glutamine may be supplemented in-ovo to chick embryos without negative influence on chick weight and gastrointestinal tract development, acting as serum biochemical metabolism regulator and obtaining better hatchability.

Characterization of embryonic mortality in broilers / Caracterización de mortalidad embrionaria en pollos de engorde

ABSTRACT Objective. The purpose of this study was to characterize the incidence of EM in Ross 308 strain eggs. Materials and methods. A prospective cohort study was performed, through candling and embryodiagnosis, in 4 groups of eggs coming from 4 different age breeders. Other data such as percentage of infertility, malformation, malposition, cracked and contaminated eggs were reported. Results. General EM reached 16.08% IC95% (14.69; 17.60) and was different among the different age-groups (p<0.001), being higher for eggs from 64 week-old breeders with 27.66% IC95%(23.92; 31.99) and lower for the 47 weeks old ones (8.84% IC95%) (6.97; 11.22). In the first week of incubation 57.53% of the embryos died and mortality was at its highiest during days 1 and 3; in the second week EM was 38.42% died, with a maximum of deaths between days 19 and 21. Conclusions. This study allowed confirmation on the biphasic behaviour of EM, although there are variations in the peaks of mortality possibly attributed to differences in production conditions for each enterprise.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El propósito de este estudio fue caracterizar la incidencia de mortalidad embrionaria (ME) en huevos de estirpes Ross 308 en una empresa de Santander, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo en el cual se siguieron durante la incubación, por medio de ovoscopía y embriodiagnóstico, 4 grupos de huevos provenientes de reproductoras de 4 edades diferentes. Se reporta el porcentaje de infertilidad, de malformaciones, malposición, huevos fisurados y contaminados. Resultados. La ME general alcanzó 16.08% IC95%(14.69; 17.60) y fue diferente entre los grupos de edad (p<0.001); esta fue mayor para los huevos de reproductoras de 64 semanas con 27.66% IC95% (23.92; 31.99) y menor para las de 47 semanas con 8.84% IC95% (6.97; 11.22). En la primera semana de incubación murió el 57.53% de los embriones y se presentó el pico de muerte entre los días 1 y 3; la segunda semana murió el 38.42%, con un máximo de muertes entre el día 19 y 21. Conclusiones. Este estudio, es el primero de su naturaleza para la zona y la estirpe y permitió confirmar el comportamiento bifásico de la ME aunque existen variaciones en los picos de mortalidad atribuidas posiblemente a las diferencias de las condiciones de producción propias de las empresas.

Reproductive management of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Italy / Manejo reprodutivo da búfala (Bubalus bubalis) na Itália

Livestock products in tropical areas play a crucial role, which extends beyond their traditional supply of meat and milk. Unprecedented economic growth in developing countries, accompanied by the increases in income and purchasing power and by changes in food preferences, together with the growth of human population, has increased demands on the livestock sector. Livestock products, such as milk and meat, have undergone great modification in response to these recent developments. In Italy, buffalo population has grown from 12 thousand heads in 1947 to 397 thousand in 2017. On the national territory there are 2212 farms concentrated for 74% in the Campania Region, which allow Italy to position itself in the 7th place for the production of fresh buffalo milk in the world, generating an economic induced linked to the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP of 721 million euros for consumption. The Italian Mediterranean buffalo has undergone selection for efficiency of production in intensive dairy systems that aim to achieve milk production throughout the year. Continuous production of buffalo milk is required to meet the market demand for mozzarella cheese and other dairy food products derived from buffalo milk. In the Mediterranean region, female buffaloes show annual fluctuations in reproduction with distinct breeding and nonbreeding seasons. The decline in fertility during the transition from the breeding to nonbreeding seasons is associated with a greater incidence of anestrus, a decline in the function of the CL, and an increase in embryonic mortality Season affects oocyte developmental competence in buffalo, as indicated by higher cleavage and embryo yields recorded in autumn compared to spring, with intermediate results observed in summer and winter. The seasonal characteristic of this species, causes an increase in the phenomenon of embryonic mortality during the periods characterized by increasing daylight length. . In the farms that carry out TAI, absolute or associated with natural mated technique, different plans are used, based on the specific market needs of each farm, on the structures, the management and the reproductive season, preferring protocols such as ovsynch during the period of decreasing daylight length and protocols supported by progesterone during periods of anoestrous. The results obtained in the development and application of the most innovative techniques in the buffalo breeding sector, in synergy with the efficiency of the veterinary information systems, make of Italy a nation at the forefront in the international scene in the breeding techniques and health problems of the buffalo, to which many countries look as a model.(AU)

Reproductive management of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Italy / Manejo reprodutivo da búfala (Bubalus bubalis) na Itália

Livestock products in tropical areas play a crucial role, which extends beyond their traditional supply of meat and milk. Unprecedented economic growth in developing countries, accompanied by the increases in income and purchasing power and by changes in food preferences, together with the growth of human population, has increased demands on the livestock sector. Livestock products, such as milk and meat, have undergone great modification in response to these recent developments. In Italy, buffalo population has grown from 12 thousand heads in 1947 to 397 thousand in 2017. On the national territory there are 2212 farms concentrated for 74% in the Campania Region, which allow Italy to position itself in the 7th place for the production of fresh buffalo milk in the world, generating an economic induced linked to the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP of 721 million euros for consumption. The Italian Mediterranean buffalo has undergone selection for efficiency of production in intensive dairy systems that aim to achieve milk production throughout the year. Continuous production of buffalo milk is required to meet the market demand for mozzarella cheese and other dairy food products derived from buffalo milk. In the Mediterranean region, female buffaloes show annual fluctuations in reproduction with distinct breeding and nonbreeding seasons. The decline in fertility during the transition from the breeding to nonbreeding seasons is associated with a greater incidence of anestrus, a decline in the function of the CL, and an increase in embryonic mortality Season affects oocyte developmental competence in buffalo, as indicated by higher cleavage and embryo yields recorded in autumn compared to spring, with intermediate results observed in summer and winter. The seasonal characteristic of this species, causes an increase in the phenomenon of embryonic mortality during the periods characterized by increasing daylight length. . In the farms that carry out TAI, absolute or associated with natural mated technique, different plans are used, based on the specific market needs of each farm, on the structures, the management and the reproductive season, preferring protocols such as ovsynch during the period of decreasing daylight length and protocols supported by progesterone during periods of anoestrous. The results obtained in the development and application of the most innovative techniques in the buffalo breeding sector, in synergy with the efficiency of the veterinary information systems, make of Italy a nation at the forefront in the international scene in the breeding techniques and health problems of the buffalo, to which many countries look as a model.

Inoculação de proteína isolada de soja em ovos embrionados oriundos de matrizes semipesadas com diferentes idades / Isolated soy protein inoculation in embryonated eggs of semi heavy from matrices with different ages

Este estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos da inoculação de proteína isolada de soja (P.I.S.) em ovos embrionados de matrizes semipesadas com diferentes idades. Foram utilizados 320 ovos embrionados de matrizes semipesadas da linhagem Rhode Island Red com 35 e 70 semanas de idade. Ao 17º dia de incubação, os ovos foram inoculados com 0,5mL de solução diretamente na cavidade alantoide. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial (2 x 4), constituído por dois fatores: idades das matrizes (matrizes jovens e matrizes velhas) e soluções inoculadas (ovo íntegro; 0,5% de solução salina; 1% de P.I.S. + 0,5% de solução salina; e 2% de P.I.S. + 0,5% de solução salina), totalizando oito tratamentos contendo 40 ovos cada. Os dados coletados foram analisados pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. A inoculação de proteína isolada de soja apresentou efeito positivo sobre a relação pinto-ovo, porém sem proporcionar melhora nos rendimentos de incubação, no desenvolvimento dos órgãos e no desempenho de pintos na fase pré-inicial. A idade da matriz influenciou diretamente as variáveis avaliadas, em que ovos oriundos de aves velhas apresentaram maior peso, maior mortalidade embrionária na fase tardia, pintos mais pesados e pior conversão alimentar.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of inoculation of isolated soy protein (P.I.S.) in embryonated eggs of semi-heavy with different ages. 320 embryonated eggs were used from semi-heavy breeders of Rhode Island Red lineage with 35 and 70 weeks of age. In the 17th day of incubation, the eggs were inoculated with 0.5 ml of solution in the allantoic cavity. The experimental method was completely randomized in factorial scheme (2 x 4), consisting of two factors: matrices ages (young and old matrices) and inoculation solutions (non-inoculated eggs; 0.5% of saline solution; 1% of P.I.S. + 0.5% of saline solution; and 2% of P.I.S. + 0.5% of saline solution, totalling eight treatments containing 40 eggs each. The inoculation of isolated soy protein showed positive effect on the chick-egg relation, albeit without improving incubation yields, organ development and chicks's performance in the pre-initial phase. The age of the breeder directly influenced the variables evaluated, with eggs from older breeder showing better weight, higher embryonic mortality in late phase, heavier chicks and worse feed conversion.(AU)

Inoculação de proteína isolada de soja em ovos embrionados oriundos de matrizes semipesadas com diferentes idades / Isolated soy protein inoculation in embryonated eggs of semi heavy from matrices with different ages

Este estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos da inoculação de proteína isolada de soja (P.I.S.) em ovos embrionados de matrizes semipesadas com diferentes idades. Foram utilizados 320 ovos embrionados de matrizes semipesadas da linhagem Rhode Island Red com 35 e 70 semanas de idade. Ao 17º dia de incubação, os ovos foram inoculados com 0,5mL de solução diretamente na cavidade alantoide. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial (2 x 4), constituído por dois fatores: idades das matrizes (matrizes jovens e matrizes velhas) e soluções inoculadas (ovo íntegro; 0,5% de solução salina; 1% de P.I.S. + 0,5% de solução salina; e 2% de P.I.S. + 0,5% de solução salina), totalizando oito tratamentos contendo 40 ovos cada. Os dados coletados foram analisados pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. A inoculação de proteína isolada de soja apresentou efeito positivo sobre a relação pinto-ovo, porém sem proporcionar melhora nos rendimentos de incubação, no desenvolvimento dos órgãos e no desempenho de pintos na fase pré-inicial. A idade da matriz influenciou diretamente as variáveis avaliadas, em que ovos oriundos de aves velhas apresentaram maior peso, maior mortalidade embrionária na fase tardia, pintos mais pesados e pior conversão alimentar.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of inoculation of isolated soy protein (P.I.S.) in embryonated eggs of semi-heavy with different ages. 320 embryonated eggs were used from semi-heavy breeders of Rhode Island Red lineage with 35 and 70 weeks of age. In the 17th day of incubation, the eggs were inoculated with 0.5 ml of solution in the allantoic cavity. The experimental method was completely randomized in factorial scheme (2 x 4), consisting of two factors: matrices ages (young and old matrices) and inoculation solutions (non-inoculated eggs; 0.5% of saline solution; 1% of P.I.S. + 0.5% of saline solution; and 2% of P.I.S. + 0.5% of saline solution, totalling eight treatments containing 40 eggs each. The inoculation of isolated soy protein showed positive effect on the chick-egg relation, albeit without improving incubation yields, organ development and chicks's performance in the pre-initial phase. The age of the breeder directly influenced the variables evaluated, with eggs from older breeder showing better weight, higher embryonic mortality in late phase, heavier chicks and worse feed conversion.(AU)

Eggshell structure in Caiman latirostris eggs improves embryo survival during nest inundation.

Egg inundation often results in poor hatching success in crocodylians. However, how tolerant eggs are to submergence, and/or how eggshell ultrastructure may affect embryo survival when inundated, are not well understood. In this study, our objective was to determine if embryo survival in Caiman latirostris is affected by eggshell surface roughness, when eggs are submerged under water. Tolerance to inundation was tested early (day 30) versus late (day 60) in development, using eight clutches (four per time treatments), subdivided into four groups: (N = 9 per clutch per treatment; 9 × 4 = 36 eggs per group). 'Rough' eggshell represented the natural, unmodified eggshell surface structure. 'Smooth' eggshell surface structure was created by mechanically sanding the natural rough surface to remove surface columnar elements and secondary layer features, e.g. irregularities that result in 'roughness'. When inundated by submerging eggs under water for 10 h at day 30, 'smooth' eggshell structure resulted in more than twice as many dead embryos (16 versus 6, smooth versus rough; N = 36), and fewer than half as many healthy embryos (6 versus 13, smooth versus rough, respectively; N = 36). By contrast, at day 60, inundation resulted in very low hatching success, regardless of eggshell surface structure. Only two hatchlings survived the inundation, notably in the untreated group with intact, rough eggshells. Inundation produced a high rate of malformations (58% at day 30), but did not affect hatchling size. Our results indicate that eggshell roughness enhances embryo survival when eggs are inundated early in development, but not late in development. Apparently, the natural surface 'roughness' entraps air bubbles at the eggshell surface during inundation, thereby facilitating gas exchange through the eggshell even when the egg is submerged under water.

Effects of Hen Age and Egg Weight Class on the Hatchability of Free Range Indigenous Chicken Eggs

In total, 806 eggs of free-range Hassawi indigenous chickens were collected from local farm in Saudi Arabia. Eggs were weekly collected for 11 weeks. Initial egg weight (IEW) was recorded, and eggs were graded into four classes (A: 35-40 g, B: 40-45 g, C: 45-50 g, and D: 50-55 g). Eggs were stored for seven days at 75-80% relative humidity and 14-16 C, after which egg weight losses (WL0) were calculated. During incubation, eggs were weighed on days 7 (W7) and 14 (W14), and egg weight losses on days 7 (WL7) and 14 (WL14), and total loss (WL0-14) were calculated. Hatchling weight (CW) was measured. The proportion of CW relative to egg weight loss (WL) on days0, 7 and 14 days of incubation (CW:WL0; CW:WL7 and CW:WL14, respectively), and break out analyses, fertility (F),total hatchability (HC) and hatchability of fertile eggs (HF) were also calculated. IEW decreased (p 0.05) with hen age. Stored egg weight (SEW) were decreased as hen age increased (p 0.05). WL7, WL14 and WL0-14 showed significant differences (p 0.001) and increased up to first six-week of egg collection time. Hen age affected CW:WL before incubation, and on days 7 and 14 of incubation. Fertility (F) was affected (p 0.05) in unpredicted way of increasing and decreasing by hen age. Egg weight class affected SEW, W7and W14 (p 0.001). Class D eggs were the highest weight. Class C eggs had highest HC. In summary, hatching eggs of Hassawi hens were affected by hen age and egg weight in randomly increase and decrease(AU)

Effects of Hen Age and Egg Weight Class on the Hatchability of Free Range Indigenous Chicken Eggs

In total, 806 eggs of free-range Hassawi indigenous chickens were collected from local farm in Saudi Arabia. Eggs were weekly collected for 11 weeks. Initial egg weight (IEW) was recorded, and eggs were graded into four classes (A: 35-40 g, B: 40-45 g, C: 45-50 g, and D: 50-55 g). Eggs were stored for seven days at 75-80% relative humidity and 14-16 C, after which egg weight losses (WL0) were calculated. During incubation, eggs were weighed on days 7 (W7) and 14 (W14), and egg weight losses on days 7 (WL7) and 14 (WL14), and total loss (WL0-14) were calculated. Hatchling weight (CW) was measured. The proportion of CW relative to egg weight loss (WL) on days0, 7 and 14 days of incubation (CW:WL0; CW:WL7 and CW:WL14, respectively), and break out analyses, fertility (F),total hatchability (HC) and hatchability of fertile eggs (HF) were also calculated. IEW decreased (p 0.05) with hen age. Stored egg weight (SEW) were decreased as hen age increased (p 0.05). WL7, WL14 and WL0-14 showed significant differences (p 0.001) and increased up to first six-week of egg collection time. Hen age affected CW:WL before incubation, and on days 7 and 14 of incubation. Fertility (F) was affected (p 0.05) in unpredicted way of increasing and decreasing by hen age. Egg weight class affected SEW, W7and W14 (p 0.001). Class D eggs were the highest weight. Class C eggs had highest HC. In summary, hatching eggs of Hassawi hens were affected by hen age and egg weight in randomly increase and decrease

Aumento de la temperatura de incubación en huevos de gallina araucana (Gallus inauris): efecto sobre la mortalidad embrionaria, tasa de eclosión, peso del polluelo, saco vitelino y de órganos internos / Increasing incubation temperature of Araucana hen eggs (Gallus inauris): effect on embryo mortality, hatchability, chick, yolk sac and internal organs weight

Se evaluó el efecto del incremento de la temperatura de incubación en huevos de gallina Araucana sobre la tasa de eclosión, la mortalidad embrionaria, el peso del polluelo, del saco vitelino y de los órganos internos. Los huevos (n= 426) fueron distribuidos al azar en: a) grupo Control (n=215), incubados a 37,5 °C por 21 días y b) grupo Experimental (n= 211), incubados a 39,5 °C, por 18 días, disminuyéndose a 37,5 °C los 3 días restantes. En ambos grupos la incubación se realizó con una humedad relativa constante del 55 %. La tasa de mortalidad embrionaria total fue significativamente menor (P 0,05) para el grupo Control (14,9 vs 44,1 %) y consecuentemente la tasa de eclosión fue significativamente mayor (P 0,05) en este mismo grupo (97,8 vs. 80,5 %). El peso promedio de los polluelos y del saco vitelino a las 36 h post eclosión fue significativamente diferente (P 0,05) entre ambos grupos (37,1 vs. 36,3 y 2,5 vs 6,2 g para el grupo Control y Experimental respectivamente). Por otra parte, el peso de todos los órganos internos fue menor (P 0,05) en polluelos del grupo Experimental. Se concluye que el uso de una temperatura de incubación de 39,5 C por 18 días en huevos de gallina araucana influye negativamente, aumentando la mortalidad embrionaria, disminuyendo la tasa de eclosión, el peso del polluelo y de los órganos internos, y aumentando el peso del saco vitelino.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing incubation temperature of Araucana hen eggs on embryo mortality, hatchability,chick, yolk sac and internal organs weight. Eggs (n= 426) were randomly distributed into: a) Control group (n= 215), which were incubated at 37.5 °C for 21 days or b) Experimental group (n= 211), which were incubated at 39.5 °C, for 18 days and then at 37.5 °C for the remaining 3 days. In both groups eggs were incubated with a relative humidity of 55 %. The embryo mortality rate was greater (P 0.05) for the experimental than the control group (44.1 vs. 14.9 % respectively). On the contrary, hatching rate was greater (P 0.05) for the control than the experimental group (97.8 vs. 80.5 % respectively). The average weight of chicks, at 36 h of age, was lower (P 0.05) for the experimental than control group (36.3 vs. 37.01 g respectively). Also, increasing incubation temperature reduced (P 0.05) internal organs weight of chicks in the Experimental compared to Control group. On the other hand, yolk sac weight was reduced (P <0.05; 2.5 vs. 6.2 g for Control and Experimental group respectively). We conclude that increasing the incubation temperature of Araucana hen eggs up to 39.5 °C for 18 days has a negative effect on embryo survival, hatchability, chick and internal organs weight and absorption of yolk.

Supplementation with sunflower seed increases circulating cholesterol concentrations and potentially impacts on the pregnancy rates in Bos indicus beef cattle.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with sunflower seed on blood concentrations of progesterone and cholesterol and on the pregnancy rate in beef cattle subjected to timed artificial insemination (TAI) and timed embryo transfer (TET). In experiment 1, cows were received 22-day supplements containing (sunflower, n = 66) sunflower seed or not (control, n = 67) immediately after a progesterone/estradiol-based TAI protocol (Day 0). The cholesterol concentration on Day 21 and the pregnancy rate were greater (P < 0.03) in the sunflower group (148.2 ± 6.1 mg/dL and 66.7%) than those in the control group (116.0 ± 6.4 mg/dL and 47.8%). In experiment 2, heifers received an in vitro-produced embryo 7 days after the expected time of the synchronized ovulation. Heifers were separated into two supplementation groups (sunflower, n = 106 and control, n = 111) for 22 days. The plasma progesterone concentration on Day 7 was not different between the groups. However, on Day 19, the plasma progesterone concentration was greater (P < 0.0001) in the sunflower group (5.8 ± 0.4 ng/mL) than that in the control group (3.5 ± 0.4 ng/mL). A greater (P < 0.05) cholesterol concentration was observed in the sunflower group than that in the control group on Days 7 (306.0 ± 11.6 vs. 277.1 ± 11.9 mg/dL, respectively) and 19 (260.5 ± 8.0 vs. 232.0 ± 8.0 mg/dL, respectively). The pregnancy rate was greater (P = 0.01) in the sunflower-treated heifers (55.7%) than that in control-treated heifers (36.9%). Results indicate that sunflower seed supplementation increases the circulating cholesterol concentrations and potentially impacts the pregnancy rate in suckled beef cattle subjected to TAI or TET.

Role of diestrus progesterone on endometrial function and conceptus development in cattle

Successful growth and development of the post-hatching blastocyst and pregnancy establishment are a result of the interaction between a competent embryo and a receptive uterine environment. Progesterone (P4) plays a key role in reproductive events associated with establishment and maintenance of pregnancy through its action on the uterine endometrium. Elevated concentrations of circulating P4 in the immediate post conception period have been associated with an ement of conceptus elongation, an increase in interferontau production and higher pregnancy rates in cattle. The potential beneficial effects of exogenous P4 supplementation on fertility have been acknowledged for a long time but results of supplementation have been inconsistent and may be related to the strategy used to achieve high P4 endogenous concentrations in the animal. This review summarizes recent data highlighting the role of progesterone in regulating uterine function and embryo development in cattle.(AU)