Assessing Differences in the Quality Properties and Ultrastructure of Eggshell as Affected by Chicken Strain and Flock Age During Incubation Period

Three hundred hatching eggs from two layer breeder flocks (Hy-Line Brown and hy-Line W-36; 150 each) were obtained at three different periods of laying cycle (early, middle and late stages). The hatching eggs were randomly taken to assess the impact of chicken strain, age, and hatching time on some eggshell measurements and structures. Results indicate that egg weight, shell percentage and shell thickness were significantly affected by strain, breeder age, and incubation time. Increasing rate of calcium absorption and utilization by the embryos during the embryonic stage clearly reflects the decrease occurred in eggshell strength. The differences of eggshell breaking strength during incubation time periods were 0.41 and 0.55 kg/cm2, the differences due to the incubation time may be due to the higher demand for calcium utilization in the late incubation period (18 days), observed on the10th day of incubation. Brown eggs recorded significant higher calcium percentage in eggshell compared to the white ones. The brown breeder hens recorded significant higher total pores per egg compared to the white egg. Concerning eggshell ultrastructure, total thickness of the brown eggshell was significantly higher than those of the white eggshell by about 3.7%. All parameters, except for total thickness, were significantly affected by the interaction between strain and breeder age. Finally, we conclude that some traits including egg weight, shell percentage, shell thickness, calcium percentages in eggshell, and total pores per egg were significantly affected by strain, breeder age, and incubation time. Eggshell ultrastructure of brown egg was better compared to the white ones.(AU)

Effect of Egg Weight and Patio Strategies on Hatching Traits and Subsequent Performance of the Broilers

Objectives of the present study were to assess the hatchery based interventions and their impact on hatching traits and subsequent performance of broilers. In total, 3000 eggs of Hubbard broiler breeders were equally divided into Small (50-55 g), Medium (56-61 g) and Large (62-70 g) eggs. The eggs from each category were distributed into 20 trays each containing 50 eggs. Each tray was considered as a replicate. At the end of the 18th day of incubation, the eggs of each weight category were divided into four different patio strategies i.e. P0, P3, P5 and P7 where feed and water were provided to the chicks for 0, 3, 5 and 7 days in the hatcher followed by conventional rearing. Data were collected for hatch window, hatching traits, growth, physical asymmetry, welfare and blood profile in broilers. Statistical analysis showed that the smaller eggs had significantly (P 0.05) shorter hatch window compared to larger and medium eggs. Hatching traits were significantly (p 0.05) better in medium eggs but the embryonic mortalities did not differ (p>0.05). The post-hatch performance was significantly (p 0.05) better in P3 birds from medium eggs. Physical asymmetry and scores of feather and gait were not affected by both treatments (p>0.05). Blood profile was also significantly (p 0.05) better in P3 birds from medium-size eggs. It was recommended that the eggs of 56-61g should be selected for better hatchability and the chicks should be provided with feed and water within the hatcher for at-least three days for optimum performance on rearing facility.(AU)

Effect of Egg Weight and Patio Strategies on Hatching Traits and Subsequent Performance of the Broilers

Objectives of the present study were to assess the hatchery based interventions and their impact on hatching traits and subsequent performance of broilers. In total, 3000 eggs of Hubbard broiler breeders were equally divided into Small (50-55 g), Medium (56-61 g) and Large (62-70 g) eggs. The eggs from each category were distributed into 20 trays each containing 50 eggs. Each tray was considered as a replicate. At the end of the 18th day of incubation, the eggs of each weight category were divided into four different patio strategies i.e. P0, P3, P5 and P7 where feed and water were provided to the chicks for 0, 3, 5 and 7 days in the hatcher followed by conventional rearing. Data were collected for hatch window, hatching traits, growth, physical asymmetry, welfare and blood profile in broilers. Statistical analysis showed that the smaller eggs had significantly (P 0.05) shorter hatch window compared to larger and medium eggs. Hatching traits were significantly (p 0.05) better in medium eggs but the embryonic mortalities did not differ (p>0.05). The post-hatch performance was significantly (p 0.05) better in P3 birds from medium eggs. Physical asymmetry and scores of feather and gait were not affected by both treatments (p>0.05). Blood profile was also significantly (p 0.05) better in P3 birds from medium-size eggs. It was recommended that the eggs of 56-61g should be selected for better hatchability and the chicks should be provided with feed and water within the hatcher for at-least three days for optimum performance on rearing facility.

Effects of placement time on performance and gastrointestinal tract growth of male broiler chickens

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of placement time on the performance of broiler chickens and the development of their gastrointestinal tract. Two methodologies for measuring broiler performance were compared, one considering day of pulling as the first day, the other considering day of placement as the first day. A total of 1,056 one-day old male Cobb® 500 broiler chicks were subjected to treatments of different placement times after pulling from the hatchery: 3, 24, 48, and 72 h. The studied traits were: feed intake, body weight, feed conversion, viability, and gastrointestinal tract development. When day of pulling was considered the first day, feed intake and body weight at 39 days decreased as placement time increased. However, when day of placement was considered the first day, fasting up to 72 h did not have any negative effect on broiler performance at 39 days post-placement. Placement time did not affect yolk sac utilization or liver weight. At nine days post-placement, weights of gizzard + proventriculus, pancreas, and small intestine increased with increasing placement time. At seven days of age, there was no effect of placement time on villus height or crypt depth. It is possible to place broiler chicks up to 72 h post-hatching with no negative effects when day of placement is considered the first day for evaluating broiler performance.(AU)

Reproductive traits in different Nile tilapia genetic groups / [Características reprodutivas em diferentes grupos genéticos de tilápia do Nilo]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive traits of the non-inbred and inbred AquaAmérica, GIFT and AquaAmérica × GIFTgenetic groups. Six fish from each genetic group were used (2 females:1 male). Females were examined for the presence of eggs in their mouth at every four days, for 12 weeks. Reproduction occurred in all genetic groups (GIFT: 100%; non-inbred AquaAmérica and AquaAmérica ×GIFT: 75%; inbred AquaAmérica: 50%). Female weight, female standard length, total spawning weight, absolute fecundity, relative fecundity, spawn index and hatching rate did not differ significantly between the genetic groups. However, the non-inbred AquaAmérica variety showed lower values (P<0.05) for egg diameter (2.4mm) and egg weight (4.2mg) and higher values (P<0.05) for relative number of eggs (247.6 eggs/g of egg) than GIFT (egg diameter: 2.8mm; egg weight: 5.7mg; relative number of eggs: 175.4 eggs/g of egg) and AquaAmérica ×GIFT (egg diameter: 2.8mm; egg weight: 5.9mg; relative number of eggs: 168.8 eggs/g of egg). In conclusion, the non-inbred AquaAmérica variety produces smaller, lighter eggs but a higher relative number of eggs than the GIFT variety and the AquaAmérica ×GIFT cross; and inbreeding negatively affects spawning rate.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características reprodutivas dos grupos genéticos AquaAmérica não endogâmicos e endogâmicos, GIFT e AquaAmérica × GIFT. Foram utilizados seis peixes de cada grupo genético (duas fêmeas:um macho). As fêmeas foram examinadas quanto à presença de ovos na boca a cada quatro dias, durante 12 semanas. A reprodução ocorreu em todos os grupos genéticos (GIFT: 100%; AquaAmérica não endogâmica e AquaAmérica × GIFT: 75%; AquaAmérica endogâmica: 50%). Peso e comprimento padrão de fêmea, peso total de desova, fecundidade absoluta, fecundidade relativa, índice de desova e taxa de eclosão não diferiram significativamente entre os grupos genéticos. Entretanto, a variedade não endogâmica da AquaAmérica apresentou valores mais baixos (P<0,05) para diâmetro do ovo (2,4mm) e peso do ovo (4,2mg) e maiores valores (P<0,05) para número relativo de ovos (247,6 ovos/g de ovo ) que GIFT (diâmetro do ovo: 2,8mm; peso do ovo: 5,7mg; número relativo de ovos: 175,4 ovos/g de ovo) e AquaAmérica × GIFT (diâmetro do ovo: 2,8mm; peso do ovo: 5,9mg; número relativo de ovos: 168,8 ovos/g de ovo). Em conclusão, a variedade AquaAmérica não endogâmica produz ovos menores e mais leves, mas um número relativo maior de ovos que a variedade GIFT e o cruzamento AquaAmérica × GIFT; a consanguinidade afeta negativamente a taxa de desova.(AU)

Productive Performance, Egg Characteristics and Hatching Traits of Three Chicken Genotypes under Free-Range, Semi-Intensive, and Intensive Housing Systems

The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of housing system on the live performance, egg quality, and hatching traits of three dual-purpose chicken genotypes. In total, 180 birds, comprising 48 pullets and 12 cockerels from each of three genotypes, were evaluated during the production phase (27-46 weeks). For this, 144 pullets and 36 cockerels were randomly picked from 18 treatment block groups were shifted to breeding coops, allotting 4 pullets to one cockerel. A completely randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed. Three genotypes, purebred Naked Neck (NN) and two crosses Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck (RIR × NN = RNN) and Black Australorp × Naked Neck (BAL × NN = BNN), were compared. Intensive system (p 0.0001) and BNN hens (p 0.0001) were heavier on week 26 and 46. Higher egg production (p 0.0001) was obtained in the intensive system and in BNN hens (p 0.0001). Hens maintained in the intensive systems produced heavier eggs and higher egg mass (p 0.0001), and RNN and BNN hens laid heavier eggs (p 0.0001) while higher egg mass (p 0.0001) was found in BNN hens. Higher egg shape index (initial, p=0.0002), egg surface area (initial, p 0.0001; final, p 0.0001), egg volume (initial, p 0.0001; final, p 0.0001) and Haugh unit score (initial, p=0.0002; final, p= 0.0001) were obtained in RNN and BNN hens. At the end of the experiment (46 weeks), higher yolk index (p=0.0004) was found in RNN and BNN eggs, and thicker eggshells (p 0.0001) in RNN eggs. Higher egg hatchability was obtained in the free-range system (p 0.0001) and in the RNN genotype (p 0.0001). The highest fertility rates were detected in the free-range system (p 0.0001), and in the RNN and BNN genotypes (p 0.0001). The lowest infertile egg rates were observed in the free-range system (p 0.0001) and in RNN and BNN genotypes (p 0.0001). The lowest dead-in-shell rate was calculated for the free-range system (p=0.0456). In conclusion, free-range and semi-intensive system largely influence productive performance, egg quality and hatching traits. Regarding genotypes, RNN and BNN crossbred hens perform better than NN purebreds.(AU)

Productive Performance, Egg Characteristics and Hatching Traits of Three Chicken Genotypes under Free-Range, Semi-Intensive, and Intensive Housing Systems

The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of housing system on the live performance, egg quality, and hatching traits of three dual-purpose chicken genotypes. In total, 180 birds, comprising 48 pullets and 12 cockerels from each of three genotypes, were evaluated during the production phase (27-46 weeks). For this, 144 pullets and 36 cockerels were randomly picked from 18 treatment block groups were shifted to breeding coops, allotting 4 pullets to one cockerel. A completely randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed. Three genotypes, purebred Naked Neck (NN) and two crosses Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck (RIR × NN = RNN) and Black Australorp × Naked Neck (BAL × NN = BNN), were compared. Intensive system (p 0.0001) and BNN hens (p 0.0001) were heavier on week 26 and 46. Higher egg production (p 0.0001) was obtained in the intensive system and in BNN hens (p 0.0001). Hens maintained in the intensive systems produced heavier eggs and higher egg mass (p 0.0001), and RNN and BNN hens laid heavier eggs (p 0.0001) while higher egg mass (p 0.0001) was found in BNN hens. Higher egg shape index (initial, p=0.0002), egg surface area (initial, p 0.0001; final, p 0.0001), egg volume (initial, p 0.0001; final, p 0.0001) and Haugh unit score (initial, p=0.0002; final, p= 0.0001) were obtained in RNN and BNN hens. At the end of the experiment (46 weeks), higher yolk index (p=0.0004) was found in RNN and BNN eggs, and thicker eggshells (p 0.0001) in RNN eggs. Higher egg hatchability was obtained in the free-range system (p 0.0001) and in the RNN genotype (p 0.0001). The highest fertility rates were detected in the free-range system (p 0.0001), and in the RNN and BNN genotypes (p 0.0001). The lowest infertile egg rates were observed in the free-range system (p 0.0001) and in RNN and BNN genotypes (p 0.0001). The lowest dead-in-shell rate was calculated for the free-range system (p=0.0456). In conclusion, free-range and semi-intensive system largely influence productive performance, egg quality and hatching traits. Regarding genotypes, RNN and BNN crossbred hens perform better than NN purebreds.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Soy Isoflavones on the Performance and Egg Quality in Native Chinese Breeder Hens

To investigate the effects of soy isoflavones (ISF) on the laying performance of Xueshan breeder hens at different phases of the egg production cycle, 32 weeks (wks) old local Chinese breeder hens were assigned to two groups with three replicates (750 hens/replicate) for control and treatment groups. Then every group was divided into three sub-groups following 4, 12, and 20 wks administration of control or ISF diet. General Linear Model procedure was used (2× 3), and treatments were considered of two factors (diets and time) with different levels (control and ISF diets; 4, 12, and 20 wks of diet supply time). Basal diet with 3 mg/kg ISF was used. Performance, egg quality, organs relative weight and cholesterol level were measured at three time-points of 36, 44, and 52-wks of age old. The results showed that both diets and time significantly affected the production performance and physiological parameters. In details, ISF inclusion significantly (p=0.02) decreased average egg weight and average feed intake compared to control at 52-wks of age old, however, feed conversation ratio was not affected by ISF diet. Moreover, ISF diet caused to an increase hatching rate (p=0.01) at 36-wks old hens, an abnormal egg rate decrease (p=0.02) at 44-wks old, an increase in yolk color (p=0.035) and Haugh unit (p=0.039), and a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (p=0.03) at 52-wks of age old. ISF diet also increased spleen relative weight (p=0.041) and total antioxidant capacity compared to the control group. The results revealed that ISF inclusion exerted some benefits, thus it could be a potential feed additive for the breeder hens.(AU)

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Soy Isoflavones on the Performance and Egg Quality in Native Chinese Breeder Hens

To investigate the effects of soy isoflavones (ISF) on the laying performance of Xueshan breeder hens at different phases of the egg production cycle, 32 weeks (wks) old local Chinese breeder hens were assigned to two groups with three replicates (750 hens/replicate) for control and treatment groups. Then every group was divided into three sub-groups following 4, 12, and 20 wks administration of control or ISF diet. General Linear Model procedure was used (2× 3), and treatments were considered of two factors (diets and time) with different levels (control and ISF diets; 4, 12, and 20 wks of diet supply time). Basal diet with 3 mg/kg ISF was used. Performance, egg quality, organs relative weight and cholesterol level were measured at three time-points of 36, 44, and 52-wks of age old. The results showed that both diets and time significantly affected the production performance and physiological parameters. In details, ISF inclusion significantly (p=0.02) decreased average egg weight and average feed intake compared to control at 52-wks of age old, however, feed conversation ratio was not affected by ISF diet. Moreover, ISF diet caused to an increase hatching rate (p=0.01) at 36-wks old hens, an abnormal egg rate decrease (p=0.02) at 44-wks old, an increase in yolk color (p=0.035) and Haugh unit (p=0.039), and a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (p=0.03) at 52-wks of age old. ISF diet also increased spleen relative weight (p=0.041) and total antioxidant capacity compared to the control group. The results revealed that ISF inclusion exerted some benefits, thus it could be a potential feed additive for the breeder hens.

Effect of Egg Weight on External and Internal Qualities, Physiological and Hatching Success of Japanese Quail Eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of egg weight and egg physical characteristics on embryonic development, hatchability, and hatchling weight of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). In total, 689 eggs were classified in two categories: small ( 13.5 g) or large (13.5 g), and different external eggshell and internal quality traits were measured. On days 6 and 14 of incubation, tissue triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were extracted from embryos in both egg sizes and analyzed. Relative to internal egg-quality traits, large eggs had significantly higher yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk weight, albumen height, and albumen weight than small eggs (p0.01). However, Haugh unit score (p=0.27) was not significantly different between the two egg sizes. Relative to eggshell quality parameters, large eggs had significantly higher total pore count, surface area, eggshell volume, and eggshell weight than small eggs (p0.05), with consequent higher hatchability rate and hatchling weight. Pearsons correlation coefficients revealed significant correlations (p0.05) between egg weight and different external and internal egg quality parameters. Thyroid hormone levels were not significantly different between egg groups on d 6 day, while on d 14, a significant difference was recorded (p0.05). In conclusion, larger egg sizes are recommended to obtain better hatchability, lower embryonic death rates, and heavier hatchlings compared with smaller eggs of Japanese quails.(AU)

Effect of Egg Weight on External and Internal Qualities, Physiological and Hatching Success of Japanese Quail Eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of egg weight and egg physical characteristics on embryonic development, hatchability, and hatchling weight of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). In total, 689 eggs were classified in two categories: small ( 13.5 g) or large (13.5 g), and different external eggshell and internal quality traits were measured. On days 6 and 14 of incubation, tissue triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were extracted from embryos in both egg sizes and analyzed. Relative to internal egg-quality traits, large eggs had significantly higher yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk weight, albumen height, and albumen weight than small eggs (p0.01). However, Haugh unit score (p=0.27) was not significantly different between the two egg sizes. Relative to eggshell quality parameters, large eggs had significantly higher total pore count, surface area, eggshell volume, and eggshell weight than small eggs (p0.05), with consequent higher hatchability rate and hatchling weight. Pearsons correlation coefficients revealed significant correlations (p0.05) between egg weight and different external and internal egg quality parameters. Thyroid hormone levels were not significantly different between egg groups on d 6 day, while on d 14, a significant difference was recorded (p0.05). In conclusion, larger egg sizes are recommended to obtain better hatchability, lower embryonic death rates, and heavier hatchlings compared with smaller eggs of Japanese quails.

The effects of using garlic extract for quail hatching egg disinfection on hatching results and performance

This experiment was carried out to determine the effects of using garlic extract (Allium sativum) as an alternative to formaldehyde for the disinfection of hatching eggs on hatching traits and growth performance of quails. Four treatments, with 240 hatching eggs each, were evaluated: egg immersion in two different levels (2.5% and 5.0%) of garlic extract (garlic-1, garlic-2), formaldehyde fumigation (positive control), and eggs not submitted to disinfection (negative control). Mid-term and late embryomortality, pipped egg, and culled chick rates were not influenced by the (p>0.05). The highest (p<0.05) early embryo mortality rate was detected in the formaldehyde treatment (9.99%), and the lowest in garlic-2 treatment (2.68%). Hatchability of fertile eggs was the lowest in the formaldehyde group (83.78%), followed by the control (85.20%), garlic-1 (87.11%) and garlic-2 (88.72%) groups, respectively. The highest final body weight (5 weeks of age) was obtained in the garlic-2 group (304.1 g), followed by the control (294.13 g), formaldehyde (290.56 g), and garlic-1 (288.44 g), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not influenced by the treatments (p>0.05). The results obtained for hatching traits and live performance parameters indicated that the immersion of eggs in garlic extract may be used as an alternative to formaldehyde fumigation for the disinfection of hatching quail eggs.(AU)

The effects of using garlic extract for quail hatching egg disinfection on hatching results and performance

This experiment was carried out to determine the effects of using garlic extract (Allium sativum) as an alternative to formaldehyde for the disinfection of hatching eggs on hatching traits and growth performance of quails. Four treatments, with 240 hatching eggs each, were evaluated: egg immersion in two different levels (2.5% and 5.0%) of garlic extract (garlic-1, garlic-2), formaldehyde fumigation (positive control), and eggs not submitted to disinfection (negative control). Mid-term and late embryomortality, pipped egg, and culled chick rates were not influenced by the (p>0.05). The highest (p0.05). The results obtained for hatching traits and live performance parameters indicated that the immersion of eggs in garlic extract may be used as an alternative to formaldehyde fumigation for the disinfection of hatching quail eggs.

Effect of Egg Weights on Hatching Results, Broiler Performance and Some Stress Parameters

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of hatching egg weight of broiler parent stocks on hatching results, chick performance, carcass characteristics, internal organ weights and some blood stress parameters. Eggs were divided into 3 egg weight groups (55.0 to 60.0 g (light), 60.1 to 65.0 g (medium) and 65.1 to 70.0 g (heavy)) for the experiments. After incubation, mixed-gender broiler chicks from the hatcher were placed into 27 grower pens (2x1 m) with 9 replications for 3 weight groups by using randomized block design. Each pen had 25 broiler chicks. Therefore, 225 chicks were used for each group and 675 chicks in total. The experiment was designed with nine replicates. Chi-square test, variance analysis test and Duncan multiple range test were used during statistical analysis. Hatching egg weight significantly affected egg shell thickness (p=0.042), egg weight loss on 18th day of incubation (p 0.001), number of healthy chick (p=0.001) and deformed chicks (p=0.003), hatchability (p=0.003), hatchability yield (p=0.002), hatching weight and 7 day chick body weight (p=0.001), fresh carcass yields (p=0.002), and cooled carcass yields (p 0.001), blood triglyceride level (p=0.031), back toe relative asymmetry (p=0.032) and back toe fluctuating asymmetry (p=0.038). It was concluded in the present study that medium-weight eggs yielded better hatching results and the chicks of medium-weight eggs also yielded better outcomes with regards to other investigated parameters.(AU)

Effect of Egg Weights on Hatching Results, Broiler Performance and Some Stress Parameters

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of hatching egg weight of broiler parent stocks on hatching results, chick performance, carcass characteristics, internal organ weights and some blood stress parameters. Eggs were divided into 3 egg weight groups (55.0 to 60.0 g (light), 60.1 to 65.0 g (medium) and 65.1 to 70.0 g (heavy)) for the experiments. After incubation, mixed-gender broiler chicks from the hatcher were placed into 27 grower pens (2x1 m) with 9 replications for 3 weight groups by using randomized block design. Each pen had 25 broiler chicks. Therefore, 225 chicks were used for each group and 675 chicks in total. The experiment was designed with nine replicates. Chi-square test, variance analysis test and Duncan multiple range test were used during statistical analysis. Hatching egg weight significantly affected egg shell thickness (p=0.042), egg weight loss on 18th day of incubation (p 0.001), number of healthy chick (p=0.001) and deformed chicks (p=0.003), hatchability (p=0.003), hatchability yield (p=0.002), hatching weight and 7 day chick body weight (p=0.001), fresh carcass yields (p=0.002), and cooled carcass yields (p 0.001), blood triglyceride level (p=0.031), back toe relative asymmetry (p=0.032) and back toe fluctuating asymmetry (p=0.038). It was concluded in the present study that medium-weight eggs yielded better hatching results and the chicks of medium-weight eggs also yielded better outcomes with regards to other investigated parameters.

Effects of Protein in Diet and Sex Ratio on Egg Production, Egg and Hatching Chick Weight, Fertility, Hatchability and Embryonal Mortality in Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus)

This study was performed to investigate the effects of crude protein (CP) in diet and sex ratio on egg production, egg and hatching chick weight and hatchability traits in pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus). In this study, the treatment groups were constructed as 15% CP-5:1; 15% CP-7:1; 18% CP-5:1; 18% CP-7:1 for CP and sex (male:female) ratio respectively. The eggs were obtained from 48 weeks old pheasant. In this study, it was determined that there was positive effective on egg production, egg and hatching weight and hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE) for 18% CP. In contrast, fertility (FR) (p 0.05) and hatchability rate of total eggs (HR) (p>0.05), EPEM (p>0.05) and MPEM (p>0.05) tended to decrease with increasing CP. It was found that there was egg production, egg (p>0.05) and hatching weight (p>0.05), FR (p>0.05), HR (p>0.05) and HFE (p>0.05) increased with increasing female for sex ratio. In terms of embryonic mortality, the EPEM (p>0.05) and LPEM (p>0.05) rate decreased with increasing female. For protein levels × sex ratio, it was found that hatchability traits were adversely affected for 15% CP-1:7. Also, it was determined that the lowest EPEM, MPEM and LPEM were determined for 7:1 in 18% CP group. Based on these results, to improve hatchability traits and a lower embryonic mortality rate, it may be beneficial to use 15% CP-5:1 or 18% CP-7:1 for pheasant breeding.(AU)

Effects of Protein in Diet and Sex Ratio on Egg Production, Egg and Hatching Chick Weight, Fertility, Hatchability and Embryonal Mortality in Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus)

This study was performed to investigate the effects of crude protein (CP) in diet and sex ratio on egg production, egg and hatching chick weight and hatchability traits in pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus). In this study, the treatment groups were constructed as 15% CP-5:1; 15% CP-7:1; 18% CP-5:1; 18% CP-7:1 for CP and sex (male:female) ratio respectively. The eggs were obtained from 48 weeks old pheasant. In this study, it was determined that there was positive effective on egg production, egg and hatching weight and hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE) for 18% CP. In contrast, fertility (FR) (p 0.05) and hatchability rate of total eggs (HR) (p>0.05), EPEM (p>0.05) and MPEM (p>0.05) tended to decrease with increasing CP. It was found that there was egg production, egg (p>0.05) and hatching weight (p>0.05), FR (p>0.05), HR (p>0.05) and HFE (p>0.05) increased with increasing female for sex ratio. In terms of embryonic mortality, the EPEM (p>0.05) and LPEM (p>0.05) rate decreased with increasing female. For protein levels × sex ratio, it was found that hatchability traits were adversely affected for 15% CP-1:7. Also, it was determined that the lowest EPEM, MPEM and LPEM were determined for 7:1 in 18% CP group. Based on these results, to improve hatchability traits and a lower embryonic mortality rate, it may be beneficial to use 15% CP-5:1 or 18% CP-7:1 for pheasant breeding.

The effect of eggshell thickness on hatching traits of partridges

Incubation is an important factor in poultry production, particularly in species with relatively low fertility and hatchability rates. This study examined the effect of eggshell thickness on hatching traits of partridges (A. chukar). A total of 462 eggs from intensively reared partridges were separated into three groups according to eggshell thickness, which was measured ultrasonically before incubation. Hatchability, chick weight, and chick length were assessed at the end of the incubation period. Hatching times were recorded during hatching. Embryonic mortalities in unhatched eggs were classified according to mortality stage at the end of incubation. The effect of eggshell thickness on hatchability was found to be insignificant for all groups. Moreover, eggshell thickness had no significant effect on chick weight or length.

The effect of eggshell thickness on hatching traits of partridges

Incubation is an important factor in poultry production, particularly in species with relatively low fertility and hatchability rates. This study examined the effect of eggshell thickness on hatching traits of partridges (A. chukar). A total of 462 eggs from intensively reared partridges were separated into three groups according to eggshell thickness, which was measured ultrasonically before incubation. Hatchability, chick weight, and chick length were assessed at the end of the incubation period. Hatching times were recorded during hatching. Embryonic mortalities in unhatched eggs were classified according to mortality stage at the end of incubation. The effect of eggshell thickness on hatchability was found to be insignificant for all groups. Moreover, eggshell thickness had no significant effect on chick weight or length.(AU)

The effects of in-ovo injection of propolis on egg hatchability and starter live performance of Japanese Quails

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of in-ovo injection of a propolis water extract on hatchability, embryonic mortality, starter live performance, and livability of Japanese quails. In total, 500 fresh hatching eggs were randomly distributed into five treatment groups of 100 eggs per treatment with four replicates of 25 eggs each. On day 14 of incubation, eggs from group 1 were not injected (control), group 2 was injected with distilled water (water), group 3 was injected with 1% propolis water extract (1% propolis), group 4 was injected with 2% propolis water extract (2% propolis), and group 5 was injected with 3% propolis water extract (3% propolis). A completely randomized design was applied, and data were analyzed using the least-square methodology. Hatchability and embryonic mortality in the 2% propolis and 3% propolis treatment groups were significantly lower compared with the control group, but no significant differences were observed between the 1% propolis and control groups. There were no significant bodyweight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or livability differences among treatments. The results of this study demonstrated that in-ovo injection of propolis water extract, especially at doses of 2% and 3% propolis, had negative effects on hatchability and embryonic mortality, but 1% propolis had no detrimental effects on hatchability or embryonic mortality. In all treatment groups, propolis did not negatively affect body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or livability.