Dietary ratio of linoleic to alpha-linolenic acid affects the reproductive performance of Japanese quail.

1. This study was conducted to assess the effects of different dietary omega 6:3 ratios fed to male and female Japanese quail breeders on incubation performance, chick quality and progeny performance.2. A completely randomised design was used, with five diets containing different ratios of vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid (LA from soybean oil) or α-linolenic acid (ALA from linseed oil) with LA/ALA ratios of 13.75:1, 10.69:1, 7.63:1, 4.57:1 and 1.48:1 with 12 cage replicates containing six birds each.3. There was a quadratic effect of the LA/ALA ratio on total hatchability (p < 0.011), fertile hatchability (p = 0.046) and total mortality (p = 0.046). There was no effect on fertility (p > 0.05). The LA/ALA ratios of 1.48 and 13.75 fed to both hens and cockerels or hens resulted in greater fertility, as measured by the number of days after copulation during which fertile eggs were laid and the number of points of hydrolysis on the perivitelline membrane. A decreasing linear effect (p < 0.0001) was observed on chick length and an increasing linear effect on body weight at 1 day of age. There were no effects on progeny performance.4. The LA/ALA ratio affected yolk mineral matter (p = 0.009), crude protein (p = 0.091), chick mineral matter (p < 0.038) and ether extract (p < 0.0001) contents. Maternal diet affected the fatty acid profile of egg yolk and chick liver, indicating that dietary contents were transferred to eggs and chicks.5. Fertile egg production increased with lower LA/ALA ratios. Therefore, linseed oil can be used together with soybean oil to formulate diets for female Japanese quail obtain LA/ALA ratios between 4:1 and 10:1.

Pre-incubation storage time and in ovo injection with maltodextrin on Pekin duck incubation parameters / Efeito do tempo de estocagem pré-incubação e adição de maltodextrina in ovo sobre os parâmetros de incubação em marrecos de Pequim

The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of i) pre-incubation storage time of Pekin duck eggs on incubation parameters and ii) different levels of in ovo injection with maltodextrin on Pekin duckling weight. The study was divided into two experiments using hatching eggs of Cherry Valley SM2 hens with egg-laying ages between 31 and 40 weeks. In experiment I, 8,820 eggs were subjected to different periods of pre-incubation storage (one-seven days). For experiment II, 120 eggs weighing between 75 and 85 g were selected and inoculated with 250 µL of 0.75% saline solution with different concentrations of maltodextrin treatments (0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5%). In relation to pre-incubation storage time, eggs stored for one day had lower hatching and hatchability rates and higher duckling mortality rates than eggs stored for longer periods (P < 0.05). In ovo injection with 3.0% maltodextrin in 0.75% saline solution significantly increased the hatching weight of Pekin ducklings (53.62 g) compared to that by other study treatments (P < 0.05). Therefore, Pekin duck eggs produced between 31 and 40 weeks of life may be stored between two and seven days without affecting hatchery productivity parameters. The hatching weight of Pekin ducks may be improved with in ovoinjection with 3.0% maltodextrin in 0.75% saline solution.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram i) avaliar a influência do tempo de estocagem pré-incubação dos ovos de marrecos de Pequim sobre os parâmetros de incubação, e ii) avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de inclusão da maltodextrina in ovo sobre o peso inicial dos pintinhos de marrecos de Pequim. O estudo foi dividido em dois experimentos, onde foram utilizados ovos incubáveis de matrizes Cherry Valley SM2 com idade de postura entre 31 e 40 semanas. No experimento I 8.820 ovos foram submetidos a diferentes períodos de estocagem pré-incubação (um a sete dias). Para o experimento II, foram selecionados 120 ovos com peso entre 75 a 85 gramas, sendo inoculado 250 µL de solução salina 0,75% associada à maltodextrina em diferentes concentrações nos tratamentos (0%, 1,5%, 3,0% e 4,5%). Em relação ao tempo de estocagem pré-incubação, os ovos estocados por um dia apresentaram menores percentuais de eclosão e eclodibilidade e maior percentual de descarte ao nascimento quando comparado com os ovos estocados por mais tempo (P< 0,05). A inoculação de 3,0% maltodextrina em solução salina 0,75% in ovo resultou em maiores peso ao nascimento dos pintinhos (53,62g), diferindo dos demais tratamentos avaliados (P< 0,05). Portanto, ovos de marrecos produzidos entre as 31 e 40 semanas de vida das aves podem ficar estocados entre dois a sete dias em sala de estocagem sem influenciar os parâmetros de produtividade do incubatório e a inclusão de 3,0% de maltodextrina associada a solução salina 0,75% in ovo melhorou o peso ao nascimento de marrecos de Pequim.

Effect of in ovo injection of DL-methionine on hatchability, embryo mortality, hatching weight, blood biochemical parameters and gastrointestinal tract development of breeder chicks.

The current investigation was conducted to test the potential effects of in ovo feeding of DL-methionine (MET) on hatchability, embryonic mortality, hatching weight, blood biochemical parameters and development of heart and gastrointestinal (GIT) of breeder chick embryos. 224 Rhode Island Red fertile eggs were randomly distributed into seven experimental treatments: untreated egg (control), buffered saline (0.5% NaCl), and five solutions containing increased levels of MET (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%) + 0.5% NaCl, being separated into four groups/replicates (each one with 8 eggs), totaling 32 eggs/treatment. All embryos submitted to in ovo injection with MET presented a decrease in the hatchability results and an increase in the results of intermediary embryonic mortality. Chicks hatched from eggs injected with until to 1.0% MET were heavier and presented better development of the heart and GIT, especially important organs and regions for digestion and nutrient absorption. Conclusively, the in ovo feeding using MET showed positive impacts on hatching weight and GIT development of breeder chicks. However, caused negative impacts on hatchability when used at high levels.

In ovo feeding of creatine monohydrate increases performances of hatching and development in breeder chicks.

The current investigation was conducted to test the potential effects of in ovo feeding of creatine monohydrate (CMH) on hatchability, embryonic mortality, hatching weight, and development of heart and gastrointestinal tract (main organs and regions) of breeder chick embryos. Rhode Island Red fertile eggs were randomly distributed into seven experimental treatments: untreated egg (control), a sterile buffered solution (0.50% NaCl), and five solutions containing increased levels of CMH (0.50, 1.00, 1.50, and 2.00%) + 0.50% NaCl, being separated in four groups/replicates (three with 15 eggs and one with 16 eggs), totaling 61 eggs/treatment and a total of 427 fertile eggs used. All-in ovo injected groups with CMH decreased the hatchability and increased the intermediary embryonic mortality. At hatching, all-in ovo injected groups with CMH also increased the hatching weight and stimulated the development of the heart and the total length of the gastrointestinal tract, especially important organs for digestion of nutrients (yolk sac, pro-ventricle and gizzard) and regions for nutrient absorption (jejunum + ileum and colon + rectum). Conclusively, the in ovo feeding using CMH showed positive impacts on hatching weight and the development of gastrointestinal tract of chicks. However, caused negative impacts on hatchability.

Effect of the Line and Age of Female Broiler Breeder on Hatchability Performance of Eggs

An experiment was conducted to assess how hatchability performance of eggs is affected by line and age of female broiler breeders. Response variables analyzed were hatchability, infertility, pipping (i.e., pipped shell but not emerged), embryonic mortality (1st, 2nd, and 3rd wk), and embryonic malposition. The trials involved a total of 2,880 fertile eggs from two broiler breeder lines (Ross 308 and Cobb 500) at two different ages (30 and 50 wk). A 2 x 2 factorial design was used, where the broiler breeder line and broiler breeder age were the main effects. The hatchability in the Ross 308 line was higher than the Cobb 500 line, but its infertility was higher than the Ross 308 line. Hatchability in interaction (50 wk age of the hen in the Cobb 500 line) was less, and their infertility was higher. Embryonic mortality, pipping, and embryonic malposition did not present differences for the interaction between factors. The results suggest that hatchability performance of eggs can be improved, if egg management and incubation procedures are adjusted to account for the interaction between broiler breeder line and broiler breeder age.(AU)

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.

Outbreaks of Avipoxvirus Clade E in Vaccinated Broiler Breeders with Exacerbated Beak Injuries and Sex Differences in Severity.

Avipoxvirus affects chickens and wild birds, and it is characterized by lesions on the nonfeathered parts of the body (the cutaneous form), or necrotic lesions in the upper respiratory tract (the diphtheritic form). In poultry farming, avian pox is usually controlled by live attenuated vaccines. However, there have been many reports of outbreaks, even in flocks of vaccinated birds. In the present study, different outbreaks of the emerging clade E avipoxvirus were detected in commercial breeder flocks of chickens vaccinated against fowlpox virus in Southeast Brazil. Clinical manifestations of these outbreaks included a marked prevalence of moderate to severe progressive lesions in the beaks of affected birds, especially in roosters with increased mortality (up to 8.48%). Also, a reduced hatchability (up to 20.77% fewer hatching eggs) was observed in these flocks. Analysis of clinical samples through light and transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of Bollinger bodies and poxvirus particles in epithelial cells and affecting chondrocytes. PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of major core protein (P4b) and DNA polymerase (pol) genes identified this virus as clade E avipoxvirus. We also developed qPCR assays for open reading frames (ORFs) 49, 114, and 159 to detect and quantify this emergent virus. These results show the arrival and initial spread of this pathogen in the poultry industry, which was associated with harmful outbreaks and exacerbated clinical manifestations in vaccinated commercial breeder flocks. This study also highlights the relevance of permanent vigilance and the need to improve sanitary and vaccination programs.

Sexual Proportion and Egg Hatching of Vector Mosquitos in an Atlantic Forest Fragment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Some Aedinii mosquitoes are of high importance in the transmission of the sylvatic YFV. Usually, their eggs are very resistant and depend on the rain for their hatching. The present study evaluated the effect of multiple mosquito-egg immersions and the sex ratio of male and female specimens from Atlantic Forest remnants in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Three sampling sites were selected in the municipality of Casimiro de Abreu, where 50 ovitraps were randomly installed to collect eggs from the ground level up to different heights, from August 2018 to December 2020. The mosquito sex ratios were compared between seasons and forest sites, using the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), which included sampling months and trees as random effects. A total of 33,091 mosquito eggs were collected, of which 6152 eggs were already hatched (18%) and 26,939 were unhatched; of these, approximately 76% subsequently hatched. We found that 25% of the eggs corresponded to four species: Aedes albopictus (n = 1277), Ae. terrens (n = 793), Haemagogus janthinomys (n = 89), and Hg. leucocelaenus (n = 3033). The sex ratio (male:female) was variable concerning the sampling sites and the season. For most species, GLMM estimates found no difference in the variation of the average sex ratio as a function of these predictors, and there was no evidence of temporal autocorrelation in the mosquito data. The number of immersions necessary for hatching the eggs differed between mosquito species, and eggs collected in the dry season hatched both in the first immersions and the subsequent events. Co-occurrence of Aedes terrens and Hg. leucocelaenus was the most frequently observed pairwise species combination. Considering recurrent arbovirus outbreaks in Brazil and their burden on the human population, our study helps to shed light on how these vectors behave in nature; therefore, they can be used in surveillance programs.

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)

Results of hatching and rearing broiler chickens in different incubation systems.

Hatchery efficiency is based on hatchability and the number of salable chicks. The hatchery sector has been seeking new alternatives to optimize production rates, including the use of different systems (multistage [MS] or single-stage [SS] machines) to improve incubation conditions. The present study aimed to compare results for hatchability, chick quality, and broiler performance of chicks from 2 incubator systems-MS and SS. The experimental design for hatchability, hatch window, egg weight loss, and chick performance variables was completely randomized with 2 treatments (MS and SS). Performance variables were analyzed as a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (incubator type x chick sex). Egg weight loss between incubation and transfer was higher for eggs incubated in MS (P < 0.05). Hatchability was higher for eggs incubated in SS (P < 0.05), and chicks in SS had a longer hatch window (P < 0.05). Embryo diagnosis revealed higher final mortality for embryos incubated in MS (P < 0.05), as well as higher percentages of alive and dead pipped and cracked eggs (P < 0.05). Physical quality was better for chicks from SS (P < 0.05). There was no interaction between the studied factors for performance results (P > 0.05). Incubator type did not affect broiler performance for any of the studied ages (P > 0.05), whereas male broilers had better performance than females (P < 0.05). The SS incubation system proved better than the MS system at meeting embryo requirements during embryo development, with better hatching rates and chick quality, although performance variables were not influenced by incubation type.

Egg Storage Time Affects Incubation Yield and Hatch Window in Pekin Ducks (Anas Boschas)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage time on albumen quality, incubation yield, and hatch window in Pekin ducks (Anas boschas). A total of 1302 eggs were randomly distributed to seven treatments according to the storage time with durations ranging from 1 to 14 days. Each treatment consisted of 186 eggs with a two-day storage interval between treatments. The pH and Haugh unit (HU) of the albumen, egg weight loss during incubation (WL), hatchability (HTCH), incubation duration (ID), hatch window, asymmetry (ASS), percentile kurtosis (PK), and embryonic mortality were analyzed. A linear effect was observed forthe WL, ID, and PK and a quadratic effect forpH, HU, and HTCH over time. No significant effect of storage time was observed on ASS. Post-pipping embryonic mortality was linearly affected by storage time. Prolonging the storage period above 10 days reduces albumen quality and hatchability, delays the hatch of Pekins, and results in a higher percentage of post-pipping mortality.

Egg Storage Time Affects Incubation Yield and Hatch Window in Pekin Ducks (Anas Boschas)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage time on albumen quality, incubation yield, and hatch window in Pekin ducks (Anas boschas). A total of 1302 eggs were randomly distributed to seven treatments according to the storage time with durations ranging from 1 to 14 days. Each treatment consisted of 186 eggs with a two-day storage interval between treatments. The pH and Haugh unit (HU) of the albumen, egg weight loss during incubation (WL), hatchability (HTCH), incubation duration (ID), hatch window, asymmetry (ASS), percentile kurtosis (PK), and embryonic mortality were analyzed. A linear effect was observed forthe WL, ID, and PK and a quadratic effect forpH, HU, and HTCH over time. No significant effect of storage time was observed on ASS. Post-pipping embryonic mortality was linearly affected by storage time. Prolonging the storage period above 10 days reduces albumen quality and hatchability, delays the hatch of Pekins, and results in a higher percentage of post-pipping mortality.(AU)

Diferentes desinfetantes sobre a contaminação e desempenho da incubação de ovos de avestruz / Diferent disinfectantes on the contamination and incubation performace of ostrich eggs

A partir do momento da postura os ovos entram em contato com microrganismos que se aderem à casca e a desinfecção é o processo que reduza contaminação evitando que penetrem na casca e invadam o conteúdo interno do ovo, entretanto, diferentes princípios ativos podem resultar em efeitos diversos. Objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência de diferentes princípios ativos na desinfecção de ovos de avestruz sobre a contaminação e os índices produtivos da incubação. Foram utilizados 16 ovos distribuídos em dois princípios ativos desinfetantes (amônia quaternária e formaldeído) em Delineamento Inteiramente Casualizado com 8 repetições. A contaminação da casca dos ovos foi avaliada por meio de análise microbiológica na superfície da casca dos ovos após desinfecção. Osíndices produtivos da incubação foram avaliados por meio de índice de perda de peso do ovo (%), taxa de mortalidade (%), embriodiagnóstico (%) e eclodibilidade (%). Não houve diferenças ignificativa (p>0,05) entre os princípios ativos utilizados quanto à capacidade de desinfecção e índices produtivos da incubação. Conclui-se que ambos os princípios ativos são eficientes na desinfecção dos ovos, garantindo o controle da contaminação na superfície da casca dos ovos durante os processos de armazenagem e incubação, além de não afetar os parâmetros da incubação.(AU)

From the moment of laying, eggs come into contact with microorganisms that adhere to the shell and disinfection is the process that reduces contamination by preventing them from penetrating the shell and invading the egg's internal content, however, different active principles can result in effects several. The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of different active principles in the disinfection of ostrich eggs on contamination and the productive indexes of incubation. 16 eggs were used, distributed in two disinfectant active ingredients (quaternary ammonia and formaldehyde) in a completely randomized design with 8 replications. Contamination of the eggshell was evaluated by microbiological analysis on the surface of the eggshell after disinfection. The productive indexes of the incubation were evaluated by means of the index of weight loss of the egg (%), mortality rate (%), embryology (%) and hatchability (%). There was no significant difference (p> 0.05) between the active ingredients used in terms of disinfection capacity and productive indexes of incubation. It is concluded that both active ingredients are efficient in the disinfection of eggs, ensuring the control of contamination on the surface of the egg shell during the storage and incubation processes, in addition to not affecting the parameters of the incubation.(AU)

Diferentes desinfetantes sobre a contaminação e desempenho da incubação de ovos de avestruz / Diferent disinfectantes on the contamination and incubation performace of ostrich eggs

A partir do momento da postura os ovos entram em contato com microrganismos que se aderem à casca e a desinfecção é o processo que reduza contaminação evitando que penetrem na casca e invadam o conteúdo interno do ovo, entretanto, diferentes princípios ativos podem resultar em efeitos diversos. Objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência de diferentes princípios ativos na desinfecção de ovos de avestruz sobre a contaminação e os índices produtivos da incubação. Foram utilizados 16 ovos distribuídos em dois princípios ativos desinfetantes (amônia quaternária e formaldeído) em Delineamento Inteiramente Casualizado com 8 repetições. A contaminação da casca dos ovos foi avaliada por meio de análise microbiológica na superfície da casca dos ovos após desinfecção. Osíndices produtivos da incubação foram avaliados por meio de índice de perda de peso do ovo (%), taxa de mortalidade (%), embriodiagnóstico (%) e eclodibilidade (%). Não houve diferenças ignificativa (p>0,05) entre os princípios ativos utilizados quanto à capacidade de desinfecção e índices produtivos da incubação. Conclui-se que ambos os princípios ativos são eficientes na desinfecção dos ovos, garantindo o controle da contaminação na superfície da casca dos ovos durante os processos de armazenagem e incubação, além de não afetar os parâmetros da incubação.

From the moment of laying, eggs come into contact with microorganisms that adhere to the shell and disinfection is the process that reduces contamination by preventing them from penetrating the shell and invading the egg's internal content, however, different active principles can result in effects several. The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of different active principles in the disinfection of ostrich eggs on contamination and the productive indexes of incubation. 16 eggs were used, distributed in two disinfectant active ingredients (quaternary ammonia and formaldehyde) in a completely randomized design with 8 replications. Contamination of the eggshell was evaluated by microbiological analysis on the surface of the eggshell after disinfection. The productive indexes of the incubation were evaluated by means of the index of weight loss of the egg (%), mortality rate (%), embryology (%) and hatchability (%). There was no significant difference (p> 0.05) between the active ingredients used in terms of disinfection capacity and productive indexes of incubation. It is concluded that both active ingredients are efficient in the disinfection of eggs, ensuring the control of contamination on the surface of the egg shell during the storage and incubation processes, in addition to not affecting the parameters of the incubation.

Sound exposure and its beneficial effects on embryonic growth and hatching of broiler chicks.

1. The physical factors that involve artificial incubation determine embryonic growth and hatching of broiler chicks, and have important implications for the poultry production chain and chick welfare. This study explored the effects of sound exposure on incubation responses (hatching, embryonic development and chick quality).2. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment with the factors 'sound pressure level' (at 70 and 90 dB) and 'species-specific vocalisations' (at 75dB - 85dB) was performed in four experimental incubators (loaded with 90 eggs each) for eight consecutive cycles of incubation, totalling 2880 Cobb-500® broiler breeder eggs.3. Embryonic growth was not influenced by any experimental factor, but the highest sound pressure level (90 dB) led to earlier hatching, higher hatchability, better chick quality and lower weight at hatching. Additional effects of species-specific vocalisations were found at 70 dB noise, which caused early hatching and better chick quality.4. It was concluded that the loud noise found in commercial hatcheries (at 90 dB) can be beneficial. Furthermore, the presence of species-specific vocalisations could improve the hatching time and chick quality from experimental incubators (at 70 dB). However, this would not provide additional benefits in commercial hatcheries, due to the machinery noise masking them.

Effect of Essential Fatty Acid Proportion in Feed on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This investigation was carried out to determine the effect of Essential Fatty Acids proportion (EFAs [n-6, n-3]) in feed through the mixture of soy, olive, canola or chia oil on EFA profile in eggs as well as productive and reproductive performance of Japanese quail. We used 120 quail from 7 to 22 weeks of age, in 15 cages in groups of 6 females and 2 males assigned according to the completely randomized design to 3 treatments with 5 replicates. The treatments were n-6:n-3 proportions 10:1 (control), 4:1 and 1:1. FA profile in yolk, feed intake, laying rate, egg weight, fertility, hatchability, and embryonic mortality were measured. In the egg yolk, n-6 content was similar in the proportions (p>0.05), while n-3 content increased (p 0.01) as n-6:n-3 ratio decreased in the feed. Feed consumption per quail was similar between treatments (p>0.05). In 4:1 and 1:1 proportion laying percentage was greater, but egg weight was lower (p 0.01). Fertility and hatchability were similar between proportions n-6, n-3 (p>0.68). Early and total embryonic mortality was lower in 10:1 and 4:1 proportion (p 0.01); while intermediate and late mortality was similar (p>0.30). The results of the experiment indicate that the mixture of soy, olive, canola or chia oil, to obtain n-6:n-3 proportion of 1:1, 4:1 and 10:1 does not modify feed consumption, laying rate, egg weight, fertility, and hatchability; but, 4:1 and 10:1 proportions favor a lower embryonic mortality.(AU)

Study on the Efficient Methods for Chicken Eggshell windowing and the Factors Affecting the Hatchability

In order to find out the main factors influenced the hatchability and improve the hatchability of the windowed chicken eggs at stage X, several experiments were made on the basis of the former patent of eggshell windowing methods on equatorial plane, such as cutting and sealing techniques, air cell recovering, laying position immediately after sealing, as well as the injection volumes into the subgerminal cavity of the blastoderm. The result showed that:1) the best sealing material combination was straw powder (SP) and instant glue (IG); 2) there was a highly positive correlation between air cell rate and hatchability; 3) the highest hatchability increased to 71.6% when the eggs were windowed and sealed with IG dropped firstly and then SP sprinkled, finally lay down with the blunt end upward immediately after being sealed; 4) the hatchability was significantly reduced as injection volume (DMEM) was increased (p 0.05 or p 0.01) from 1 µL to 10 1 µL, and the group of injecting 1 µL was the highest (48.4 %). The hatchability and efficiency with such method of windowing, injecting, and sealing was the highest at the present time (more than 30 eggs per hour per person), and it might be broadly used in the fields of avian transgenesis, genetic resources preservation, and embryonic development model of human medicine.(AU)

Effect of Essential Fatty Acid Proportion in Feed on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This investigation was carried out to determine the effect of Essential Fatty Acids proportion (EFAs [n-6, n-3]) in feed through the mixture of soy, olive, canola or chia oil on EFA profile in eggs as well as productive and reproductive performance of Japanese quail. We used 120 quail from 7 to 22 weeks of age, in 15 cages in groups of 6 females and 2 males assigned according to the completely randomized design to 3 treatments with 5 replicates. The treatments were n-6:n-3 proportions 10:1 (control), 4:1 and 1:1. FA profile in yolk, feed intake, laying rate, egg weight, fertility, hatchability, and embryonic mortality were measured. In the egg yolk, n-6 content was similar in the proportions (p>0.05), while n-3 content increased (p 0.01) as n-6:n-3 ratio decreased in the feed. Feed consumption per quail was similar between treatments (p>0.05). In 4:1 and 1:1 proportion laying percentage was greater, but egg weight was lower (p 0.01). Fertility and hatchability were similar between proportions n-6, n-3 (p>0.68). Early and total embryonic mortality was lower in 10:1 and 4:1 proportion (p 0.01); while intermediate and late mortality was similar (p>0.30). The results of the experiment indicate that the mixture of soy, olive, canola or chia oil, to obtain n-6:n-3 proportion of 1:1, 4:1 and 10:1 does not modify feed consumption, laying rate, egg weight, fertility, and hatchability; but, 4:1 and 10:1 proportions favor a lower embryonic mortality.

Study on the Efficient Methods for Chicken Eggshell windowing and the Factors Affecting the Hatchability

In order to find out the main factors influenced the hatchability and improve the hatchability of the windowed chicken eggs at stage X, several experiments were made on the basis of the former patent of eggshell windowing methods on equatorial plane, such as cutting and sealing techniques, air cell recovering, laying position immediately after sealing, as well as the injection volumes into the subgerminal cavity of the blastoderm. The result showed that:1) the best sealing material combination was straw powder (SP) and instant glue (IG); 2) there was a highly positive correlation between air cell rate and hatchability; 3) the highest hatchability increased to 71.6% when the eggs were windowed and sealed with IG dropped firstly and then SP sprinkled, finally lay down with the blunt end upward immediately after being sealed; 4) the hatchability was significantly reduced as injection volume (DMEM) was increased (p 0.05 or p 0.01) from 1 µL to 10 1 µL, and the group of injecting 1 µL was the highest (48.4 %). The hatchability and efficiency with such method of windowing, injecting, and sealing was the highest at the present time (more than 30 eggs per hour per person), and it might be broadly used in the fields of avian transgenesis, genetic resources preservation, and embryonic development model of human medicine.

Quality of fresh and cryopreserved semen and their influence on the rates of fertilization, hatching and quality of the larvae of Piaractus mesopotamicus / Qualidade do semen fresco e criopreservado e sua influência nas taxas de fertilização, eclosão e qualidade das larvas de Piaractus mesopotamicus

Abstract In this work, the seminal parameters of P. mesopotamicus were evaluated fresh and after cryopreservation, focusing on the sperm variables that affect the rates of fertilization, hatching and post-hatching parameters such as larval survival and morphology. The semen and oocytes from the animals were collected after extrusion, and seminal quality and oocyte fertilization were analyzed. Subsequently, a portion of each semen sample was cryopreserved and, after two days, the oocytes from three new females were fertilized with cryopreserved semen from the males. The analyzes showed that progressive motility, spermatic vigor, motility duration, number of normal sperm and secondary abnormalities were higher in fresh semen than in semen after thawing (P <0.0001). Similarly, fertilization and hatching rates and the percentage of normal and abnormal larvae in fertilized oocytes were higher when fresh semen was used (P <0.0001). The cryopreservation process affected the qualitative parameters of the semen of Piaractus mesopotamicus. The primary abnormality of spermatozoa was the main variable that influenced both fertilization and hatching rates, both in fresh and thawed semen. The second most important variable that influenced, particularly, thawed semen, was the spermatic vigor.

Resumo Neste trabalho, os parâmetros seminais de P. mesopotamicus foram avaliados fresco e após criopreservação, com foco nas variáveis espermáticas ​​que afetam as taxas de fertilização, eclosão e os parâmetros pós-eclosão como a sobrevivência e a morfologia das larvas. Os espermatozoides e os ovócitos dos animais foram coletados após a extrusão, e a qualidade seminal e a fertilização dos ovócitos foram analisados. Posteriormente, uma porção de cada amostra de semen foi criopreservada e, após dois dias, os ovócitos de três novas fêmeas foram fertilizados com semen criopreservado dos machos. As análises mostraram que a motilidade progressiva, o vigor espermático, a duração da motilidade, o número de espermatozoides normais e anormalidades secundárias foram maiores no semen fresco do que no semen após descongelamento (P <0,0001). Da mesma forma, as taxas de fertilização e eclosão e a porcentagem de larvas normais e anormais em ovócitos fertilizados foram maiores quando o semen fresco foi utilizado (P <0,0001). O processo de criopreservação afetou os parâmetros qualitativos do sêmen de Piaractus mesopotamicus . A anormalidade primária dos espermatozoides foi a principal variável que influenciou tanto a taxa de fertilização como a de eclosão, tanto no semen fresco como no semen descongelado. A segunda variável mais importante que influenciou, particularmente, o semen descongelado, foi o vigor espermático.