Stress and fear responses of slow-growing broiler chickens to light stimulation initiated at different phases of embryonic development

Photo-incubation can influence the fear and stress responses of poultry. However, it is unclear how photostimulation initiated at different phases of development influences the welfare status of slow-growing broiler birds. 500 Sasso eggs were assigned to 4 treatments; some were incubated in the dark throughout incubation (TA), while TB, TC and TD were photo-stimulated (12L:12D) from days 1, 7, and 14 of incubation, respectively, until hatch using a 6,500k LED at 788 clux intensity. Birds were raised in 5 replicates per treatment with 16 birds per replicate using a 6,500k LED (at 28 clux) and a photoperiod of 16L:8D. Fear (emergence, tonic immobility, isolation and inversion tests) and stress response (physical asymmetry) of 10 birds per treatment were examined. At the end of the three-week brooding, all parameters measured were not significantly influenced (P > 0.05) by the onset of photo-incubation. At slaughter age (12 weeks), physical asymmetry was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in TA compared to the other treatments. The frequency of isolation vocalisation was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in TB compared to TA, and latency to rightness during tonic immobility was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in TA compared to the other treatments. Latency to emerge was significantly longer (P < 0.05) in TA compared to TC and TD. The frequency of wing flaps during inversion was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in TA and TD. Conclusively, photo-incubating eggs reduce stress and fear, and initiating photo-incubation during the first phase of incubation is more beneficial.

Incubation variables, performance, and morphometry of the duodenal mucosa of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) submitted to different incubation temperatures and thermally challenged after hatching / [Variáveis de incubação, desempenho e morfometria da mucosa duodenal de codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) submetidas a diferentes temperaturas de incubação e desafiadas termicamente após eclosão]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different temperatures on incubation variables, performance, and morphometry of the duodenal mucosa of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) submitted to chronic heat stress after hatching. We distributed 540 eggs in three incubators with a temperature of 37.8°C and 60% of humidity. From the 6th day of incubation until hatching, the temperatures were adjusted to (37.8°C, 38.5°C and 39.5°C). After hatching, quails were evaluated for the quality score, weighed, and distributed in a completely randomized design with three incubation temperatures (37.8, 38.5, and 39.5°C) and two ambient temperatures (stress and thermoneutral). At 10, 20, 30, and 40 days they were weighed to determine the live weight (g) and weight gain(g). To collect the duodenum and determine morphometric parameters, we euthanized four quails of each treatment. The data were analyzed, and the differences between the means determined by the Tukey test at 5%. The incubation temperature of 39.5°C provided lower hatching rate and the live weight at birth; however, from the 10th day of age, increased live weight, weight gain, and positively influenced the morphological parameters of the duodenal mucosa in situations of chronic stress.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de diferentes temperaturas de incubação sobre as variáveis de incubação, desempenho e morfometria da mucosa duodenal de codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) submetidas ao estresse térmico crônico por calor após eclosão. Foram distribuídos 540 ovos em três incubadoras, com temperatura de 37,8°C e umidade 60%. A partir do sexto dia de incubação até a eclosão, as temperaturas foram ajustadas para 37,8°C, 38,5°C e 39,5°C. Após a eclosão, as codornas foram avaliadas quanto ao escore de qualidade, pesadas e distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três temperaturas de incubação (37,8ºC, 38,5ºC e 39,5°C) e duas temperaturas ambientes (estresse e termoneutro). Aos 10, 20, 30 e 40 dias, foram pesadas para determinar o peso vivo (g) e o ganho de peso(g). Quatro codornas de cada tratamento foram eutanasiadas para coleta do duodeno, para determinar os parâmetros morfométricos. Os dados foram analisados e as diferenças entre as médias foram determinadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5%. A temperatura de incubação de 39,5°C proporcionou menor taxa de eclosão e menor peso vivo ao nascer, entretanto, a partir do 10° dia de idade, essa temperatura aumentou o peso vivo, o ganho de peso e influenciou positivamente os parâmetros morfológicos da mucosa duodenal em situações de estresse crônico.(AU)

Development of copper hatch baskets and evaluation of the productive indexes of a commercial hatchery

Background: The dissemination of pathogenic microorganisms in hatcheries leads to a higher number of contaminated eggs, causing reduction in hatchability and increase of discarded chicks. Sanitation programs are crucial for maximum hatchability and chick quality. Efforts have been made to find alternative approaches to the conventional disinfectants, and surfaces with copper, which have antimicrobial properties, could assist in this process. However, the possible adverse effects of copper surfaces on chicks in hatcheries have not yet been evaluated. The present study aimed at developing hatch baskets composed of copper and evaluating the effect of these baskets on the productive indexes of a hatchery. Materials, Methods & Results: For this experiment, 3.15 kg hatch tray prototypes with 99.9% Cu (Cu11000) were developed to fit inside conventional polypropylene hatch baskets (580 × 755 × 83 mm). Six polypropylene hatch baskets (control group) and six polypropylene hatch baskets covered by 99.9% copper (Cu11000) hatch trays (test group) were evaluated during 5 hatchings. Hatched eggs and chicks remained in contact with the hatch basket surfaces for at least 72 h, corresponding to the entire period in which they were located in the hatcher. Cleaning and disinfection programs of the hatchery were not modified. The level of microbial contamination on the hatch baskets was evaluated at 6 different periods: 0 h (initial contamination after disinfection and egg transfer to the trays); 24 h, 30 h, 45 h and 60 h after the first sampling; and at the moment when chicks were removed from the hatching cabinet and transferred to the chick-holding room (> 60 h). Counting of total moulds and yeasts, mesophilic microorganisms, Enterobacteria and Escherichia coli colonies was performed. The number of hatched chicks, non-hatched eggs, and chicks discarded were registered for each hatching. Microbiologic analyses showed no growth on hatch baskets neither of the..

Efeito da manipulação térmica durante a incubação sobre as variáveis hematológicas, bioquímica sérica e morfometria da bolsa cloacal de codornas japonesas submetidas ao estresse crônico por calor / Effect of thermal manipulation during incubation on the hematological variables, serum biochemistry and morphometry of cloacal bursa of Japanese quails submitted to chronic heat stress

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da manipulação da temperatura de incubação sobre a resposta imune de codornas desafiadas termicamente após eclosão. Para isso, foram utilizados 540 ovos, distribuídos em três incubadoras, com temperatura de 37,8°C e umidade de 60%. A partir do sexto dia de incubação até a eclosão, as temperaturas foram ajustadas em 37,8°C (padrão), 38,5°C (intermediária) e 39,5°C (alta). Após a eclosão as codornas foram pesadas e distribuídas, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três temperaturas de incubação (37,8, 38,5 e 39,5°C) e duas temperaturas de ambiente (estresse e termoneutro). Aos 10, 20, 30 e 40 dias, quatro codornas por tratamento foram eutanasiadas para coleta da bolsa cloacal, do fígado e do coração, para se determinar o peso absoluto (g), o peso relativo (%) e a área dos folículos bursais. Sangue foi coletado para realização do hemograma, do leucograma e da bioquímica sérica. Os dados foram analisados e as diferenças entre as médias foram determinadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5%. O estresse térmico por calor, a partir dos 20 dias, promove redução no peso absoluto do fígado, do coração, da bolsa cloacal e na área dos folículos bursais, além de heterofilia, linfopenia e aumento da relação heterófilo/linfócito. Em conclusão, o estresse térmico por calor após 10 dias de idade pode causar imunossupressão.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of manipulation of the incubation temperature on the immune response of quails challenged thermally after hatching. For this, 540 eggs were distributed in three incubators, with temperature of 37.8°C and 60% humidity. From the 6th day of incubation to hatching the temperatures were adjusted to 37.8°C (standard), 38.5°C (intermediate) and 39.5°C (high). After hatching the quails were weighed and distributed in a completely randomized design with three incubation temperatures (37.8, 38.5 and 39.5°C) and two ambient temperatures (stress and thermoneutral). At 10, 20, 30 and 40 days four quail per treatment were euthanized to collect the cloacal burse, liver and heart to determine the absolute weight (g), relative weight (%) and area of the bursal follicles. Blood was sampled for determination of hemogram, leukogram and serum biochemistry. The data were analyzed and the differences between the means were determined by the Tukey test at 5%. Heat stress from 20 days onwards promotes a reduction in the absolute weight of the liver, heart, cloacal sac and in the area of the follicles. In addition, there was heterofilia, lymphopenia and increased heterophile/lymphocyte ratio. In conclusion, heat stress after 10 days of age can cause immunosuppression.(AU)

Efeito da manipulação térmica durante a incubação sobre as variáveis hematológicas, bioquímica sérica e morfometria da bolsa cloacal de codornas japonesas submetidas ao estresse crônico por calor / Effect of thermal manipulation during incubation on the hematological variables, serum biochemistry and morphometry of cloacal bursa of Japanese quails submitted to chronic heat stress

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da manipulação da temperatura de incubação sobre a resposta imune de codornas desafiadas termicamente após eclosão. Para isso, foram utilizados 540 ovos, distribuídos em três incubadoras, com temperatura de 37,8°C e umidade de 60%. A partir do sexto dia de incubação até a eclosão, as temperaturas foram ajustadas em 37,8°C (padrão), 38,5°C (intermediária) e 39,5°C (alta). Após a eclosão as codornas foram pesadas e distribuídas, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três temperaturas de incubação (37,8, 38,5 e 39,5°C) e duas temperaturas de ambiente (estresse e termoneutro). Aos 10, 20, 30 e 40 dias, quatro codornas por tratamento foram eutanasiadas para coleta da bolsa cloacal, do fígado e do coração, para se determinar o peso absoluto (g), o peso relativo (%) e a área dos folículos bursais. Sangue foi coletado para realização do hemograma, do leucograma e da bioquímica sérica. Os dados foram analisados e as diferenças entre as médias foram determinadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5%. O estresse térmico por calor, a partir dos 20 dias, promove redução no peso absoluto do fígado, do coração, da bolsa cloacal e na área dos folículos bursais, além de heterofilia, linfopenia e aumento da relação heterófilo/linfócito. Em conclusão, o estresse térmico por calor após 10 dias de idade pode causar imunossupressão.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of manipulation of the incubation temperature on the immune response of quails challenged thermally after hatching. For this, 540 eggs were distributed in three incubators, with temperature of 37.8°C and 60% humidity. From the 6th day of incubation to hatching the temperatures were adjusted to 37.8°C (standard), 38.5°C (intermediate) and 39.5°C (high). After hatching the quails were weighed and distributed in a completely randomized design with three incubation temperatures (37.8, 38.5 and 39.5°C) and two ambient temperatures (stress and thermoneutral). At 10, 20, 30 and 40 days four quail per treatment were euthanized to collect the cloacal burse, liver and heart to determine the absolute weight (g), relative weight (%) and area of the bursal follicles. Blood was sampled for determination of hemogram, leukogram and serum biochemistry. The data were analyzed and the differences between the means were determined by the Tukey test at 5%. Heat stress from 20 days onwards promotes a reduction in the absolute weight of the liver, heart, cloacal sac and in the area of the follicles. In addition, there was heterofilia, lymphopenia and increased heterophile/lymphocyte ratio. In conclusion, heat stress after 10 days of age can cause immunosuppression.(AU)

Assessment and incidence of fish associated bacterial pathogens at hatcheries of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan / Avaliação e incidência de patógenos bacterianos associados a peixes em incubadoras da Caxemira de Azad, Paquistão

Fish is the most indispensable source of proteins for individuals and have high nutritional value. On the other hand, the fish culturing raised issues of fish health due to close contact between the aquatic environment and the fish pathogens. So, the aim of the current study was to identify the bacterial pathogens and screen the injured Rainbow trout rearing in different trout hatcheries run under fisheries department of the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Seven bacterial pathogens such as Shigella flexneri, Enterobacter amnigenus, Salmonella Typhimurium, Serratia odorifera, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Bacillus cereus were isolated and identified. Results revealed that the injury of fish specimens was due to overcrowding. Instead of rainbow coloration, specimens have darker black in color. The water of ponds was not clean and clear and such conditions was because of the greater quantity of feed thrown in the water. It was concluded that poor hygienic water condition and overloading allowed the opportunistic bacterial contaminations to succeed which cause a serious threat to hatcheries.(AU)

O peixe é a fonte mais indispensável de proteínas para os indivíduos e tem alto valor nutricional. Por outro lado, a cultura dos peixes levantou questões sobre a saúde dos peixes devido ao próximo contato entre o ambiente aquático e os agentes patogênicos desses peixes. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar os patógenos bacterianos e rastrear a criação da truta arco-íris que apresentou lesões em diferentes incubadoras de trutas, com supervisão do departamento de pesca do governo de Azad Jammu e Caxemira, Paquistão. Sete patógenos bacterianos foram isolados e identificados, tais como: Shigella flexneri, Enterobacter amnigenus, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia odorifera, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes e Bacillus cereus. Os resultados revelaram que a lesão de espécimes de peixes foi devido à superlotação. Em vez da coloração do arco-íris, os espécimes tiveram uma coloração preta mais escura. A água das lagoas não era limpa e nem clara, e tais condições ocorreram devido a maior quantidade de alimento lançada na água. Concluiu-se que a precária condição higiênica da água e também a sobrecarga permitiram que as contaminações bacterianas oportunistas fossem bem-sucedidas, causando séria ameaça às incubadoras.(AU)

Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Breeders Age, Breed and the Incubator Types on Quality and Animal Welfare in the Hatchery

About 33.3% of chicken life is conditioned by the result of embryonic development. Therefore, understanding and improving the early phase of the broilers life is critical to guarantee their well-being. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the relationship between the breeders age, breed and the incubator types on quality and animal welfare in the hatchery. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement (incubator, breed and age), with 12 treatments and 6 replicates each. The eggs derived of Cobb 500 and Rosss breeders at the beginning of the laying period, middle age and at the end of the laying period. It is concluded that the size of the eggs is related to the breeders age and breed, which influences directly the number of bled eggs. In addition, well-being in the hatchery can be affected by decreased hatching and contamination that is higher in older breeders. Cobb eggs also need more attention because they are larger, therefore, they have a higher risk of breakage and they are more sensitive to the low concentration of CO2 at the hatcher.(AU)

Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Breeders Age, Breed and the Incubator Types on Quality and Animal Welfare in the Hatchery

About 33.3% of chicken life is conditioned by the result of embryonic development. Therefore, understanding and improving the early phase of the broilers life is critical to guarantee their well-being. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the relationship between the breeders age, breed and the incubator types on quality and animal welfare in the hatchery. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement (incubator, breed and age), with 12 treatments and 6 replicates each. The eggs derived of Cobb 500 and Rosss breeders at the beginning of the laying period, middle age and at the end of the laying period. It is concluded that the size of the eggs is related to the breeders age and breed, which influences directly the number of bled eggs. In addition, well-being in the hatchery can be affected by decreased hatching and contamination that is higher in older breeders. Cobb eggs also need more attention because they are larger, therefore, they have a higher risk of breakage and they are more sensitive to the low concentration of CO2 at the hatcher.

Influência dos níveis de CO2 e do tipo de incubadora sobre o desempenho zootécnico e morfometria cardíaca de frangos de corte / Influence of CO2 levels and type of incubator on the performance of broilers

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar incubadoras de estágio múltiplo e único e diferentes níveis de CO2 sobre o desempenho, número e diâmetro das fibras musculares, morfometria cardíaca e rendimento de carcaça de frangos de corte. Foram incubados 2.520 ovos férteis em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, distribuídos em quatro níveis de CO2 (4.000, 6.000, 8.000 e 10.000ppm) em incubadoras de estágio único durante os primeiros dez dias de incubação e um tratamento controle utilizando uma incubadora de estágio múltiplo, totalizando cinco tratamentos com 504 ovos em cada um. Após a eclosão, 1.050 pintos machos foram alojados de acordo com o delineamento utilizado no incubatório. A hipercapnia aplicada nos primeiros 10 dias de incubação afetou o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar dos pintos na primeira semana de vida, no entanto, esses efeitos não foram mantidos até o final do período de criação. Não houve efeito de incubadoras ou da hipercapnia sobre a morfometria muscular e cardíaca. Houve maior rendimento de coxas das aves na idade de abate oriundas de incubadoras em estágio único com até 6.000 ppm de CO2, quando comparadas à incubação em máquinas de estágio múltiplo. Esse efeito pode ser atribuído à maior vascularização induzida pela hipercapnia precoce.

The aim of this work was to assess single and multiple-stage incubators and different CO2 levels over performance, number and diameter of muscle fibers, cardiac morphometry and carcass yield of broilers. Two thousand five hundred and twenty fertile eggs were randomly allocated and distributed into four different CO2 levels (4,000, 6,000, 8,000 and 10,000ppm) during the first ten days of incubation. After hatchling, 1,050 male chicks were placed into an experimental barn following the design used in the hatchery. Induced hypercapnia during the first ten days affected weight gain and feed conversion ratio of one-week-old chicks. However, these aspects did not last until the end of the rearing period. There was no effect of either hatchers or hypercapnia on number and diameter of muscle fibers and cardiac morphometry. Higher thigh yield was noted in the birds from single-stage incubators up to 6,000ppm of CO2. This fact is explained through higher vascularization caused by premature hypercapnia.

Effects of Incubator Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen Levels, and Egg Weight on Broilers Hatchability of Fertile Eggs

This study investigated the effects of incubator carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) levels, and egg weight (EW) on embryo mortality (EM) and hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE). A total of 1920 hatching eggs were obtained from a middle-aged (41 weeks) ROSS 308 broiler breeder flock. The eggs were classified according to EW as heavy (69.63 ± 0.09 g), medium (65.20 ± 0.04 g) and light (61.11 ± 0.08 g) and randomly allocated to four separate identical incubators. To these incubators, four different incubator ventilation programmes (IVP) classified as control (C; 0.7% CO2 and 20.9% O2), high CO2 (HC; 1.1% CO2 and 20.3% O2), high O2 (HO; 0.6% CO2 and 22.0% O2), and high CO2 + O2 (HCO; 0.9% CO2 21.0% O2) were applied, and EM and HFE were examined. IVP affected EM and HFE; a higher rate of early EM and a lower rate of HFE were obtained from the HO group compared to the HCO group, and a lower rate of HFE was observed in the HO group than to the C group (p 0.05). An association was found between EW and IVP (p 0.05), being more evident in early EM for light eggs. Consequently, IVP; i.e., different CO2 and O2 levels in the incubator affected the hatching results. This is considered to be due to the altitude of the experiment (724m) and the uniform eggs being obtained from the same middle-aged flock, and incubator O2 levels should be taken into consideration, as well as CO2.(AU)

Influência dos níveis de CO2 e do tipo de incubadora sobre o desempenho zootécnico e morfometria cardíaca de frangos de corte / Influence of CO2 levels and type of incubator on the performance of broilers

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar incubadoras de estágio múltiplo e único e diferentes níveis de CO2 sobre o desempenho, número e diâmetro das fibras musculares, morfometria cardíaca e rendimento de carcaça de frangos de corte. Foram incubados 2.520 ovos férteis em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, distribuídos em quatro níveis de CO2 (4.000, 6.000, 8.000 e 10.000ppm) em incubadoras de estágio único durante os primeiros dez dias de incubação e um tratamento controle utilizando uma incubadora de estágio múltiplo, totalizando cinco tratamentos com 504 ovos em cada um. Após a eclosão, 1.050 pintos machos foram alojados de acordo com o delineamento utilizado no incubatório. A hipercapnia aplicada nos primeiros 10 dias de incubação afetou o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar dos pintos na primeira semana de vida, no entanto, esses efeitos não foram mantidos até o final do período de criação. Não houve efeito de incubadoras ou da hipercapnia sobre a morfometria muscular e cardíaca. Houve maior rendimento de coxas das aves na idade de abate oriundas de incubadoras em estágio único com até 6.000 ppm de CO2, quando comparadas à incubação em máquinas de estágio múltiplo. Esse efeito pode ser atribuído à maior vascularização induzida pela hipercapnia precoce.(AU)

The aim of this work was to assess single and multiple-stage incubators and different CO2 levels over performance, number and diameter of muscle fibers, cardiac morphometry and carcass yield of broilers. Two thousand five hundred and twenty fertile eggs were randomly allocated and distributed into four different CO2 levels (4,000, 6,000, 8,000 and 10,000ppm) during the first ten days of incubation. After hatchling, 1,050 male chicks were placed into an experimental barn following the design used in the hatchery. Induced hypercapnia during the first ten days affected weight gain and feed conversion ratio of one-week-old chicks. However, these aspects did not last until the end of the rearing period. There was no effect of either hatchers or hypercapnia on number and diameter of muscle fibers and cardiac morphometry. Higher thigh yield was noted in the birds from single-stage incubators up to 6,000ppm of CO2. This fact is explained through higher vascularization caused by premature hypercapnia.(AU)

Effects of Incubator Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen Levels, and Egg Weight on Broilers Hatchability of Fertile Eggs

This study investigated the effects of incubator carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) levels, and egg weight (EW) on embryo mortality (EM) and hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE). A total of 1920 hatching eggs were obtained from a middle-aged (41 weeks) ROSS 308 broiler breeder flock. The eggs were classified according to EW as heavy (69.63 ± 0.09 g), medium (65.20 ± 0.04 g) and light (61.11 ± 0.08 g) and randomly allocated to four separate identical incubators. To these incubators, four different incubator ventilation programmes (IVP) classified as control (C; 0.7% CO2 and 20.9% O2), high CO2 (HC; 1.1% CO2 and 20.3% O2), high O2 (HO; 0.6% CO2 and 22.0% O2), and high CO2 + O2 (HCO; 0.9% CO2 21.0% O2) were applied, and EM and HFE were examined. IVP affected EM and HFE; a higher rate of early EM and a lower rate of HFE were obtained from the HO group compared to the HCO group, and a lower rate of HFE was observed in the HO group than to the C group (p 0.05). An association was found between EW and IVP (p 0.05), being more evident in early EM for light eggs. Consequently, IVP; i.e., different CO2 and O2 levels in the incubator affected the hatching results. This is considered to be due to the altitude of the experiment (724m) and the uniform eggs being obtained from the same middle-aged flock, and incubator O2 levels should be taken into consideration, as well as CO2.

Efeito de diferentes sistemas de maturação e cultivo sobre a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos / Effect of different maturation and growth systems on in vitro production of bovine embryos

O objetivo desse estudo foi comparar dois diferentes sistemas de incubação (incubadora convencional – CONV e minibancada – MINI) sobre a produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE) de bovinos. Para tanto, complexos cumulusoócito (CCOs) foram submetidos a maturação in vitro e posterior fecundação e cultivo in vitro em ambos os sistemas. As estruturas foram avaliadas pós-maturação e pós-cultivo, para avaliação de maturação nuclear e quantidade de células/blastocisto, respectivamente. Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas (p>0,05) nos diferentes parâmetros estudados. Concluímos que ambos os sistemas testados demonstraram ser eficientes para PIVE de bovinos.

The objective of this study was to compare two different incubation systems (conventional incubator - CONV and minibank - MINI) on the in vitro production of bovine embryos (PIVE). For this purpose, cumulus cytotoxic complexes (CCOs) were submitted to in vitro maturation and subsequent fertilization and in vitro culture in both systems. The structures were evaluated post-maturation and post-culture, for evaluation of nuclear maturation and amount of cells / blastocyst, respectively. No statistical differences (p>0.05) were observed in the different parameters studied. We conclude that both tested systems proved to be efficient for bovine PIVE.

Efeito de diferentes sistemas de maturação e cultivo sobre a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos / Effect of different maturation and growth systems on in vitro production of bovine embryos

O objetivo desse estudo foi comparar dois diferentes sistemas de incubação (incubadora convencional CONV e minibancada MINI) sobre a produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE) de bovinos. Para tanto, complexos cumulusoócito (CCOs) foram submetidos a maturação in vitro e posterior fecundação e cultivo in vitro em ambos os sistemas. As estruturas foram avaliadas pós-maturação e pós-cultivo, para avaliação de maturação nuclear e quantidade de células/blastocisto, respectivamente. Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas (p>0,05) nos diferentes parâmetros estudados. Concluímos que ambos os sistemas testados demonstraram ser eficientes para PIVE de bovinos.(AU)

The objective of this study was to compare two different incubation systems (conventional incubator - CONV and minibank - MINI) on the in vitro production of bovine embryos (PIVE). For this purpose, cumulus cytotoxic complexes (CCOs) were submitted to in vitro maturation and subsequent fertilization and in vitro culture in both systems. The structures were evaluated post-maturation and post-culture, for evaluation of nuclear maturation and amount of cells / blastocyst, respectively. No statistical differences (p>0.05) were observed in the different parameters studied. We conclude that both tested systems proved to be efficient for bovine PIVE.(AU)

Effect of Egg Position in the Incubator on Broiler Hatching Results

This study investigated whether the effect of egg location during incubation on hatching results in broiler eggs. For this purpose, a total of 756 broiler eggs were incubated for 21 days. The eggs were divided near the door and near the fan, and distributed on top (216 eggs), 324 in the middle (324 eggs), and in the bottom (216 eggs) according to a completely randomized design (CRD). As a result of this study, no significant effect of egg location on incubation yield, hatchability, and embryonic mortalities was found (p>0.05). In some locations the eggs which were closer to the fan had generally higher hatchability (top fan 86.9%, middle fan 69.6%, and bottom fan 81.7%). The value of the incubation yield was among 67.3-85.2%. Embryonic mortalities were also analyzed according to the locations and were found as 0,00-2.57% for the early period, 0.00-1.00% for the middle period, 11.0-16.5% for the late period and 0.00-8.65% for pipped eggs. At different hatching times, the effect of the egg position on the hatching rate was found insignificant (p>0.05). The hatching rates support the result that temperatures measured in different locations of the machine were suitable for chick hatching. As a result, the effect of egg position in the machine was not statistically significant on the hatching results. However, the eggs closer to the fan had earlier hatching than the ones close to the door.(AU)

Effect of Egg Position in the Incubator on Broiler Hatching Results

This study investigated whether the effect of egg location during incubation on hatching results in broiler eggs. For this purpose, a total of 756 broiler eggs were incubated for 21 days. The eggs were divided near the door and near the fan, and distributed on top (216 eggs), 324 in the middle (324 eggs), and in the bottom (216 eggs) according to a completely randomized design (CRD). As a result of this study, no significant effect of egg location on incubation yield, hatchability, and embryonic mortalities was found (p>0.05). In some locations the eggs which were closer to the fan had generally higher hatchability (top fan 86.9%, middle fan 69.6%, and bottom fan 81.7%). The value of the incubation yield was among 67.3-85.2%. Embryonic mortalities were also analyzed according to the locations and were found as 0,00-2.57% for the early period, 0.00-1.00% for the middle period, 11.0-16.5% for the late period and 0.00-8.65% for pipped eggs. At different hatching times, the effect of the egg position on the hatching rate was found insignificant (p>0.05). The hatching rates support the result that temperatures measured in different locations of the machine were suitable for chick hatching. As a result, the effect of egg position in the machine was not statistically significant on the hatching results. However, the eggs closer to the fan had earlier hatching than the ones close to the door.

Comparison of Several Turning Frequencies During the Storage Period of Red-Legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) Hatching Eggs

The effects of three egg-turning regimes during the pre-incubation storage period on egg weight loss, hatchability, embryonic mortality, chick weight at hatching and incubation length of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) compared with unturned eggs were investigated. Two hundred eggs were allocated to four 50-egg batches stored at 15ºC and 80% RH that being turned one, four and 24 times a day or remaining unturned, respectively. Eggs were incubated at 37.8ºC and 55% RH during the first 21 days and at 37.5ºC and 75% RH until hatching. Fertility was 70.5% and a good hatchability performance was obtained, characterised by 81.6% hatchability of fertile eggs, and weight losses of 0.78% during storage and of 10.04% during the first 21 days of incubation, 13.6 ±0.1 g hatchling weight, and incubation length of 23.45 ± 0.07 days (mean ± SEM). Hatchability, embryonic mortality developmental stage, egg weight loss during storage and incubation, hatchling weight and length of the incubation period were not affected by the turning frequency or the absence of turning during storage. Higher hatching synchrony was observed for eggs turned four times a day compared with unturned eggs and eggs turned once a day. In conclusion, turning red-legged partridge eggs during medium-term storage periods does not improve egg viability compared with unturned eggs.(AU)

Comparison of Several Turning Frequencies During the Storage Period of Red-Legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) Hatching Eggs

The effects of three egg-turning regimes during the pre-incubation storage period on egg weight loss, hatchability, embryonic mortality, chick weight at hatching and incubation length of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) compared with unturned eggs were investigated. Two hundred eggs were allocated to four 50-egg batches stored at 15ºC and 80% RH that being turned one, four and 24 times a day or remaining unturned, respectively. Eggs were incubated at 37.8ºC and 55% RH during the first 21 days and at 37.5ºC and 75% RH until hatching. Fertility was 70.5% and a good hatchability performance was obtained, characterised by 81.6% hatchability of fertile eggs, and weight losses of 0.78% during storage and of 10.04% during the first 21 days of incubation, 13.6 ±0.1 g hatchling weight, and incubation length of 23.45 ± 0.07 days (mean ± SEM). Hatchability, embryonic mortality developmental stage, egg weight loss during storage and incubation, hatchling weight and length of the incubation period were not affected by the turning frequency or the absence of turning during storage. Higher hatching synchrony was observed for eggs turned four times a day compared with unturned eggs and eggs turned once a day. In conclusion, turning red-legged partridge eggs during medium-term storage periods does not improve egg viability compared with unturned eggs.

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.