M.G. Mangiagalli

Effect of lycopene on semen quality, fertility and native immunity of broiler breeder

1. The effect of drinking water supplementation with lycopene on the semen quality, fertility and immunity of broiler breeders was evaluated. 2. Broiler breeder males were individually caged from 25 to 42 weeks old and divided into two group: L group, treated birds (lycopene 0.5 g/l) and C group, control birds. Laying hens were divided into two groups and artificially inseminated. 3. Semen variables were evaluated and daily fertility recorded. Serum bactericidal activity was tested. 4. Semen production and viability were affected by lycopene supplementation. Serum bactericidal activity was better in L than in C group. The fertility rate curve of the L group displayed a positive trend.

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL on laying hen performance

Abstract In order to evaluate the effects of dietary addition of probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL on hen performance and egg quality, 160 commercial Hy-Line Brown pullets, 17 weeks old, were divided in control group (C) (N=80) and treated group (T) (N=80), with 4 alternate replicates of 20 animals each per group. C was fed with a “standard diet”, whereas the T group received the same diet with an inclusion of 1x109 CFU kg-1 of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (freeze dried cells). The experimental trial lasted 39 weeks after one week of acclimatization. Hen performance and egg quality (egg production, FCR, egg specific gravity, shell thickness, Haugh Units) were recorded. The results show a higher overall egg production (P<0.01) and better FCR (Kg feed intake/Kg saleable eggs) (P<0.05) in the T birds, but no statistically significant differences were observed in egg weight. The eggs from the T birds were characterized by a higher specific gravity (ESG) (P<0.01) and albumen viscosity (Haugh Units) (P<0.05). No significant differences in egg shell thickness were recorded. In conclusion, Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL improved some important parameters in laying hen performance and egg quality.

Pellet cryopreservation for chicken semen: effects of sperm working concentration, cryoprotectant concentration, and equilibration time during in vitro processing.

The aim of the study was to standardize the pellet cryopreservation procedure for chicken semen. Mericanel della Brianza male chicken breeders (Italian breed) were used. Pooled semen samples were processed according to the following conditions: (1) dilution in prefreezing extender to 1 versus 1.5 bill cells/mL sperm working concentration (SWC); (2) 6% versus 9% dimethyl acetamide (DMA) concentration (DMAco); (3) 1 versus 30 minutes DMA equilibration (DMAeq) at 4 °C. Sperm viability and motility were assessed in semen (four replicates/treatment) soon after collection (time 0), after DMAeq (time D), and after freezing/thawing (time FT). The recovery rates (%) of viable and motile sperm after freezing/thawing were also calculated. The low SWC (1 bill/mL) and the low DMAco (6%) indicated a positive significant effect on the proportion of motile sperm (1 bill/mL = 53% vs. 1.5 bill/mL = 48%; 6% DMA = 55% vs. 9% DMA = 47%). Very short DMAeq (1 minute) did not significantly change sperm viability during processing (from time 0 to time D) before freezing whatever the DMAco, and, in contrast, the longer DMAeq showed a significant negative effect on sperm viability. The highest proportion of motile sperm was recorded in semen samples diluted to 1 bill/mL and added with 6% DMA; in this condition, DMAeq had no effect (57% 1 minute and 61% 30 minutes). Increasing SWC to 1.5 bill/mL and adding again 6% DMA, a significant effect of DMAeq was observed, and the higher proportion of motile sperm (58% vs. 43%) was recorded after 1 minute DMAeq. A general decrease in sperm motility was shown in semen samples with 9% DMA (47% vs. 55%), and different conditions in SWC and DMAeq were not effective in the prevention of such decrease.

Egg related parameters affecting fertility and hatchability in the Italian bantam breed Mericanel della Brianza.

Local chicken breeds are a vital reservoir of gene resources and their conservation has a technical role related to the future development of the productive system, as well as a social-cultural role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of egg weight, egg storage period and egg weight loss on hatchability of fertile eggs in the Italian bantam breed Mericanel della Brianza. Fourteen females and eight males were kept in floor pens and divided in 8 families (1M:1 or 2F) during the reproductive season (March-June). Birds received a photoperiod of 14L:10D and were fed ad libitum. Egg production and egg weight were recorded daily. Eggs were divided in 4 weight groups: EW1 =< 33 g, EW2 = 33-36 g, EW3 = 36-39 g and EW4 =≥ 39 g. Eggs were stored at 18 °C and classified in 3 egg storage groups: ES1 = 0-4, ES2 = 5-9 and ES3 = 10-15 days. Egg weight loss was recorded and distributed in 5 different classes: EWL1 =< 10%, EWL2 = 10-15%, EWL3 = 16-20%, EWL4 = 21-25%, EWL5 => 25%. Fertility, embryo mortality and hatchability were recorded. The mean values during the reproductive season were 82% fertility and 50% hatchability of fertile eggs. The best combination of fertility and hatchability values were recorded in EW2 and lower fertility was recorded in EW1 (P < 0.05). Hatchability decreased under 50% after 10 day storage period before incubation and the best hatchability was recorded in EWL1. The present results contribute to the knowledge on reproductive parameters necessary to improve the reproductive efficiency of this Italian breed within a conservation plan.

Effect of cooling rate on the survival of cryopreserved rooster sperm: Comparison of different distances in the vapor above the surface of the liquid nitrogen

The aim of the present trial was to study the effect of different freezing rates on the survival of cryopreserved rooster semen packaged in straws. Slow and fast freezing rates were obtained keeping straws at different distances in the vapor above the surface of the nitrogen during freezing. Adult Lohmann roosters (n=27) were used. Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, semen was packaged in straws and frozen comparing the distances of 1, 3 and 5cm in nitrogen vapor above the surface of the liquid nitrogen. In Experiment 2, the distances of 3, 7 and 10cm above the surfaces of the liquid nitrogen were compared. Sperm viability, motility and progressive motility and the kinetic variables were assessed in fresh and cryopreserved semen samples. The recovery rates after freezing/thawing were also calculated. In Experiment 1, there were no significant differences among treatments for all semen quality variables. In Experiment 2, the percentage of viable (46%) and motile (22%) sperm in cryopreserved semen was greater when semen was placed 3cm compared with 7 and 10cm in the vapor above the surface of the liquid nitrogen. The recovery rate of progressive motile sperm after thawing was also greater when semen was stored 3cm in the vapor above the surface of the liquid nitrogen. More rapid freezing rates are required to improve the survival of rooster sperm after cryopreservation and a range of distances from 1 to 5cm in nitrogen vapor above the surface of the liquid nitrogen is recommended for optimal sperm viability.

Breeding performance in the Italian chicken breed Mericanel della Brianza

In Italy, 90 local avian breeds were described; the majority (61%) were classified as extinct and only 8.9% as still widely spread. Therefore, efforts for conservation of Italian avian breeds are urgently required. The aim of this study was to record the breeding performance of the Italian breed Mericanel della Brianza to multiply a small population, in order to develop a conservation programme. Fourteen females and eight males were available at the beginning of the reproductive season in 2009 and organised into eight families (1 male/1–2 females) kept in floor pens. Birds received a photoperiod of 14L:10D and were fed ad libitum. Breeding performance was recorded from March to June. Egg production and egg weight were recorded daily; eggs were set every two weeks and fertility, embryo mortality and hatchability were recorded. Mean egg production was 37% and mean egg weight was 34±3.49 g. High fertility values from 94% to 87% were recorded in the first three settings and the overall mean fertility value was 81.6%. Overall hatchability was only 49.6% owing to a high proportion of dead embryos. Embryo mortality occurred mainly between days 2 and 7 of incubation and during hatching. The highest hatchability values were recorded in settings 1 and 2, 69% and 60% respectively, and a large decrease was found in the subsequent settings. Marked variations in egg production, fertility, hatchability and embryo mortality were found among families. The present results represent the basic knowledge of reproductive parameters necessary to improve the reproductive efficiency of the breed within a conservation plan.

Effect of pheasant breeders management on eggs' fertility

Riassunto Effetto della gestione dei fagiani riproduttori sulla fertilità delle uova. Il fagiano (Phasianus colchicus) è in Italia l’animale maggiormente allevato per la caccia. I riproduttori di fagiano vengono allevati in maggioranza utilizzando il sistema con batterie di gabbie a più piani sovrapposti. Ogni gabbia contiene un gruppo di femmine ed un solo maschio. Queste strutture assicurano un miglior management e buoni livelli igienici per l’uovo da cova. Nell’allevamento avicolo in genere il rapporto numerico maschi/femmine riveste un ruolo importante nel determinare la fertilità. Lo scopo della ricerca è quello di valutare l’effetto del maschio di fagiano e delle caratteristiche strutturali dell’allevamento sulla fertilità a fine stagione riproduttiva. I risultati statisticamente significativi ottenuti dall’elaborazione dei dati confermano l’importanza del maschio e dei parametri ambientali nel determinare l’efficienza riproduttiva nel fagiano da caccia. La percentuale media di uova chiare per maschio sul totale delle uova varia tra il 2,15 e il 67,42%. Le gabbie posizionate vicino al suolo (piano 1) sono caratterizzate da una migliore produzione di uova rispetto alle gabbie dei piani 2 e 3: le medie delle uova deposte per femmina sono al primo piano 2,39, al secondo 1,48 ed al terzo 0,80. L’efficienza riproduttiva della specie presa in esame risulta significativamente influenzate sia dalla capacità fecondante del maschio che dalle caratteristiche strutturali e gestionali dell’allevamento.

Characteristics of reared game pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)’s egg

Abstract Chemical and physical characteristics of game pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)’s egg were studied and compared with domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus)’s egg. The birds were housed in individual cages in a environmentally controlled room (T=18÷20°C; 16L:8D) and fed ad libitum standard breeder diet. A sample of thirty eggs was analysed for each phase of the laying period (beginning, peak and end). The following chemico-physical parameters: egg, albumen, yolk and shell weight; yolk colour; egg and shell dry matter (DM); shell thickness (blunt end, pointed end and middle part) were measured. The protein, lipid, and cholesterol content was evaluated; the fatty acid (FA) profile analysed. We observed: egg weight average of 34.5g ; a high proportion of yolk (37%) in the whole egg (Y/E), consequently, a high lipid content of 13.9%; a protein content DM of 44.3%; the fatty acid composition was similar to that of chicken egg and the oleic acid (36.4%) was the major proportion of the total fatty acids, as in the domestic fowl. The rearing pheasant’s egg has a high nutritive concentration, due to high ratio yolk/whole egg, with biological and nutritional characteristics similar to domestic fowl’s egg.

Feasibility Study on the FAO Chicken Microsatellite Panel to Assess Genetic Variability in the Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo)

The aim of this work was to study the feasibility of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) microsatellite panel developed for chickens to assess genetic variability in turkeys. Genomic DNA was extracted from a total of 37 blood samples collected from turkey of different breeds [15 Brianzolo (BR); 12 Colli Euganei (EU); 10 Nero d’Italia (NI)], and all 31 chicken microsatellite markers recommended by the FAO were tested. The results show that 22 chicken markers out of 31 suggested by FAO guidelines can be applied to turkey populations. In particular, the multiplex groups confirmed in the turkey were the Multiplex Master Mix 1 (ADL0268, ADL0278, LEI0094, MCW0216, MCW0248) and the Master Mix 2 (MCW0034, MCW0069, MCW0081, MCW0222, MCW0295), whereas 13 microsatellites were amplified only under single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions. No PCR products were obtained for 9 markers (LEI0166, MCW0020, MCW0078, MCW0080, MCW0104, MCW0123, MCW0248, MCW0284 and MCW0330), which is 29% of the total markers used. A panel of 22 markers was used to assess genetic diversity in three turkey breeds and a total number of 63 alleles were found. Observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity and polymorphism information content (PIC) values for each microsatellite and the relative mean values were also calculated. The mean values were 0.210, 0.250, 0.203 for Ho; 0.301, 0.348, 0.228 for He; and 0.265, 0.313, 0.199 for PIC in NI, BR and EU, respectively.