Seasonal increase in nest defense,but not egg rejection,in a cuckoo host

The interactions between avian brood parasites and their hosts provide an informative and easy-to-handle system for studying coevolution.Avian brood parasitism reduces the reproductive success of hosts,and thus,hosts have evolved anti-parasitic strategies,such as rejecting parasitic eggs and adopting aggressive nest defense strategies,to avoid the cost brought on by brood parasitism.To test whether host anti-parasitic strategies are adjusted with the risk of being parasitized when the breeding seasons of brood parasites and hosts are not synchronous,we conducted a field experiment assessing nest defense and egg recognition behaviors of the Isabelline Shrike(Lanius isabellinus),a host of the Common Cuckoo(Cuculus canorus).In the local area,the host Isabelline Shrike begins to breed in April,whereas the summer migratory Common Cuckoo migrates to the local area in May and begins to lay parasitic eggs.Results showed that nest defense behaviors of the Isabelline Shrike increases significantly after cuckoo arrival,showing higher aggressiveness to cuckoo dummies,with no significant difference in attack rates among cuckoo,sparrowhawk and dove dummies,but their egg rejection did not change significantly.These results imply that Isabelline Shrikes may adjust their nest defense behavior,but not egg rejection behavior,with seasonality.

Yolk free egg substitute improves the serum phospholipid profile of mice with metabolic syndrome based on lipidomic analysis

In this study,the impacts of egg consumption on mice model of metabolic syndrome(Met S)were comparatively investigated.Mice were divided into five groups(n=8):normal diet group(ND),high-fat diet group(HFD),HFD with whole egg group(WE),HFD with free-yolk egg substitute group(YFES),and HFD with lovastatin group(Lov).Main biochemical indexes and a non-targeted lipidomic analysis were employed to insight the lipid profile changes in serum.It was revealed that WE could significantly improve serum biochemical indexes by reducing body weight,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and total cholesterol(TC),while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.YFES exhibited remarkably better performance in increasing phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidic acids,while decreasing phosphatidylinositol than WE.A total of 50 differential lipids biomarkers tightly related to glycerophospholipids metabolism were screened out.Carnitine C18:2 and C12:1,SM(d18:0/12:0),and SM(d18:1/14:1)were significantly upregulated in YFES compared to WE.YFES reduced expression of SREBP-1c and Cpt1a,while did not affect the expression of PPAR-α.Sphingomyelin biomarkers were positively related to the TC(|r|>0.6),while PPAR-αwas negatively correlated with triglyceride and LDL-C levels.To sum up,YFES attenuated HFD-induced Met S by improving the serum phospholipids,which account for its modulation of glycerophospholipid metabolism.

Prevalence of Enteric Pathogens Associated with Infections among Table Egg Consumers in Some Primary Health Establishments in the Center Region of Cameroon

Method: In Cameroon limited data are available regarding the prevalence of enteric bacteria associated with table egg consuming infections. As such, a situational-based study was performed in patients with complains of stomach disorders after egg consumption. Data related to sociodemographic characteristics and other factors were collected using a structured based questionnaire. Stool culture of utmost importance in stomach disorders patients and serum were collected for typhoid serological test. Results: A total of 207 participants took part in the survey, Results indicated nontyphoidal Salmonella infections were highest in the 3 areas of study with Mfoundi (73.44%) having the highest level of infection compared to other bacterial infection. other enteric bacteria associated to this infection were E. coli serotype 157, Aeromonas, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloaca and typhi salmonella. Meanwhile salmonelosis caused by typhic salmonella had highest prevalence in the Lekie Division (13.11%) as a result of poor hygienic practices associated with the conservation and preparation of eggs, Stool culture was observed to detect more positive cases in the diagnosis of typhoid fever than Widal test, but with no statistically significant (p > 0.05) difference between the stool culture and Widal test in the 3 areas of study. Conclusion: this study revealed that egg consumers are pruned to enteric bacterial and salmonella infections depending on how and where egg is consumed.

Increased CO2 Levels during the First Half of Incubation at High Altitude Modifies Embryonic Development of Fertile Leghorn Breeder Eggs

The exchange of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) within an incubator has a significant impact on embryonic development (ED) and hatching processes. This study examines the influence of non-ventilation (NV) conditions during the first ten days of incubation at high altitudes on Leghorn hens hatching eggs. Five hundred four hatching eggs were equally divided into three treatment groups and placed in twelve incubators (R = 4). The first group was subjected to standard ventilated conditions (V) during the setting phase. The ventilation inlet holes of the remaining incubators in the NV treatments were closed with either micropore (M) or polypropylene (P) tape, referred to as NVM and NVP groups, respectively. These two different airtight settings were intended to allow for a gradual rise in CO2 naturally generated by the embryos. Results indicate that carbon dioxide concentration gradually increased during the first half of incubation, reaching 1.42% in the NVM group and 1.20% in the NVP group, while the V condition group remained at 0.15%. From 10 days of incubation onwards, normal V conditions were restored in all incubators. The highest hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE) was shown by the NVP group (55.7%), followed by the V (52.6%) and NVM (38.6%) groups. The NVP group showed a greater yolk-free body mass (YFBM) from 10 days of incubation until the hatch basket transfer. NV conditions during the first 10 days of incubation at high altitude produced higher YFBM with gradually decreasing yolk sac mass. In comparison to the NVM and V conditions, the particular NVP condition showed a beneficial impact on the quality of hatched chicks. Sustaining NVP condition (1.2% of CO2) throughout the first half of incubation at high altitude generated the optimal environment in the incubator ensuring the best hatchability results. This study highlights how important it is for hatchery managers to recognize the influence of low O2 and high levels of CO2 on the development trajectories of Leghorn embryos during early incubation at high altitudes.

Recognition and rejection of foreign eggs of different colors in Barn Swallows

Brood parasitic birds lay eggs in the nests of other birds,and the parasitized hosts can reduce the cost of raising unrelated offspring through the recognition of parasitic eggs.Hosts can adopt vision-based cognitive mechanisms to recognize foreign eggs by comparing the colors of foreign and host eggs.However,there is currently no uniform conclusion as to whether this comparison involves the single or multiple threshold decision rules.In this study,we tested both hypotheses by adding model eggs of different colors to the nests of Barn Swallows(Hirundo rustica)of two geographical populations breeding in Hainan and Heilongjiang Provinces in China.Results showed that Barn Swallows rejected more white model eggs(moderate mimetic to their own eggs)and blue model eggs(highly non-mimetic eggs with shorter reflectance spectrum)than red model eggs(highly nonmimetic eggs with longer reflectance spectrum).There was no difference in the rejection rate of model eggs between the two populations of Barn Swallows,and clutch size was not a factor affecting egg recognition.Our results are consistent with the single rejection threshold model.This study provides strong experimental evidence that the color of model eggs can has an important effect on egg recognition in Barn Swallows,opening up new avenues to uncover the evolution of cuckoo egg mimicry and explore the cognitive mechanisms underlying the visual recognition of foreign eggs by hosts.

Effect of Six Bacterial Strains on the Activity of Second Instar Larvae and Egg Hatching of Meloidogyne incognita

[Objectives]The paper was to screen effective biocontrol strains against Meloidogyne incognita.[Methods]The effect of six bacterial strains sourced from the research group s strain library on the activity of second instar larvae of M.incognita,as well as on egg hatching,was evaluated.[Results]The treatment of fermentation supernatant derived from the X-2 strain exhibited a pronounced lethal effect on M.incognita,with a corrected mortality rate reaching 97%within 72 h.Additionally,this treatment significantly inhibited egg hatching,achieving an inhibition rate of 94.69%at a 20-fold dilution.The strain was identified as Bacillus velezensis,belonging to the genus Bacillus,and was designated as RKN1111.[Conclusions]This study presents alternative strains and a theoretical framework for the biological control of M.incognita.

A Simple Egg Membrane Patch Bridging Method for Repairing Tympanic Membrane Perforation

Objective:To analyze the clinical effect of a simple egg membrane patch bridging method in repairing tympanic membrane perforation.Methods:A total of 93 tympanic membrane perforation patients admitted to the hospital between September 2022 and October 2023 were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number table method.The control group implemented the conventional treatment(n=46 cases),and the patch group adopted the simple egg membrane patch bridging method(n=47 cases).The healing rate of the tympanic membrane,the air-bone gap,the air conduction hearing threshold,the dry ear rate,and the incidence of complications in both groups were compared before and after treatment.Results:The healing rate of the tympanic membrane in the patch group was significantly higher than that of the control group(95.75%vs.76.09%),with P<0.05;there was no difference in the air-bone gap and air conduction hearing threshold levels between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05),and the hearing indexes of the patch group were significantly lower than those of the control group 3 months after treatment(P<0.05);the dry ear rate in the patch group was significantly higher than that of the control group after treatment(85.11%vs.67.39%),and the total incidence of complications was also significantly lower than that of the control group(6.38%vs.21.74%),with P<0.05.Conclusion:The simple egg membrane patch bridging method is effective in repairing tympanic membrane perforation,which can effectively improve patients’hearing levels and reduce the occurrence of post-treatment complications.Thus,it is worth popularizing and applying in the clinic.

Cartan-Egg域与复欧氏空间的不相关性

多复变中某些特定度量下的域与复欧氏空间的相关性一直是近年来研究的热点问题.如果两个Kähler流形具有公共的Kähler子流形,则称它们是相关的,否则称为不相关的.Cartan-Egg域是一类非常好的有界非齐性域,其Bergman核函数的显表达式可以通过膨胀原理构造得到,研究具有Bergman度量的Cartan-Egg域与具有平坦度量的复欧氏空间的相关性是有意义的.如果一个域的Bergman核函数是Nash函数,容易分析在其诱导的Bergman度量下与复欧氏空间的相关性,而Cartan-Egg域的Bergman核函数不是Nash函数.通过分析Cartan-Egg域的Bergman核函数的偏导函数的代数性质,得到具有Bergman度量的Cartan-Egg域与具有平坦度量的复欧氏空间是不相关的.

融合蛋白接头linker在细粒棘球蚴重组疫苗EgG1Y162-2(4)中的选择设计

目的:分析蛋白EgG1Y162-2通过不同长度接头序列连接后形成的肽段四聚体蛋白EgG1Y162-2(4)的氨基酸序列特征,明确其理化性质及三级结构,预测并对比经不同长度柔性接头连接后其优势抗原表位变化,为增强重组疫苗免疫原性选取最理想的linker序列。方法:利用生物信息学方法选择GSGGSG、GGGGSGGG和GSGGSGGGSGGSGGG 3种linker序列进行连接设计EgG1Y162-2(4)重组蛋白疫苗。在线软件ProtParam分析其理化性质;SOPMA在线数据库对设计有不同linker序列的重组蛋白二级结构进行预测分析;I-TASSER在线软件预测所设计重组疫苗的三级结构,并使用SYFPEITHI、IEDB等软件对其T/B细胞抗原表位进行预测。结果:经预测通过GSGGSG、GGGGSGGG、GSGGSGGGSGGSGGG 3种linker序列连接的EgG1Y162-2(4)均是稳定蛋白且具有亲水性并得到其二级结构特点。设计的重组疫苗EgG1Y162-2(4)通过生物信息学方法预测得知通过GSGGSG连接的EgG1Y162-2(4)中α螺旋占8.50%,β-转角占16.67%,无规则卷曲约占40.48%,延伸链约占34.35%,该蛋白有8个T/B联合表位,前后串联的EgG1Y162-2蛋白不仅能够正常折叠,且与EgG1Y162-2蛋白相比T/B抗原表位未发生偏移。三级结构显示通过linker序列GSGGSG串联的4个蛋白EgG1Y162-2均能正常表达,而通过GGGGSGGG、GSGGSGGGSGGSGGG串联的蛋白EgG1Y162-2(4)表位发生了一定程度右移。结论:利用GSGGSG 6个氨基酸连接EgG1Y162-2蛋白构成的EgG1Y162-2(4)的T/B联合表位高度重合,表位未发生迁移说明蛋白EgG1Y162-2(4)通过这种方式连接后几乎未对EgG1Y162-2蛋白优势表位造成影响,并通过重复蛋白表位数增强疫苗免疫应答效果,制备有效的棘球蚴病表位疫苗。

Egg recognition and nestling discrimination in the Crested Myna(Acridotheres cristatellus):Size matters

Most studies exploring abilities of hosts to detect brood parasitism are based on detecting colour and/or pattern differences among parasitic and host eggs or nestlings,while only few were focused on size differences.True recognition and recognition by discordancy are used to explain cognitive mechanisms of host egg recognition;however,only a few studies have found that hosts use recognition by discordancy.This study investigated:1)whether egg and nestling recognitions in the Crested Myna(Acridotheres cristatellus) are based on size cues;2)whether the egg cognitive mechanism is recognition by discordancy based on size cues;and 3) whether the longer the experiment time,the higher the egg recognition rate.Our results showed that the Crested Myna uses egg or nestling size as a recognition cue while the egg and nestling colour and patterning are not associated with egg or nestling rejection,thus the cognitive mechanism of egg recognition in the Crested Myna is recognition by discordancy based on egg size cues.Furthermore,there is a rejection delay in time of egg rejection behaviour of the Crested Myna.Therefore,we suggest that the periodicity of egg rejection experiments could be appropriately extended,especially for species with relatively low egg recognition ability.

Preserved egg white alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice through the reduction of oxidative stress,modulation of inflammatory cytokines,NF-κB,MAPK and gut microbiota composition

Traditional Chinese preserved egg products have exhibited some anti-inflammatory effects,but their mechanisms of action remain unknown.This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of preserved egg white(PEW)treatment on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice and the underlying mechanisms.The results showed that treatment with PEW in mice with DSS-induced colitis for 14 days effectively improved the clinical signs,inhibited the secretion and gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines,and reduced myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity and oxidative stress levels.In addition,western blotting results showed that PEW significantly suppressed DSS-induced phosphorylation levels of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)p65 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)in colon tissues of mice with colitis.PEW also enhanced the production of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)and modulated gut microbiota composition in mice with DSS-induced colitis,including increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria Lachnospiraceae,Ruminococcaceae and Muribaculaceae,and reducing the relative abundance of harmful bacteria Proteobacteria.Taken together,our study demonstrated that preserved egg white could alleviate DSS-induced colitis in mice through the reduction of oxidative stress,modulation of inflammatory cytokines,NF-κB,MAPK and gut microbiota composition.

Egg rejection and egg recognition mechanism in a Chinese Azure-winged Magpie(Cyanopica cyanus)population

Recognition and rejection of foreign eggs are effective defense of hosts against brood parasitism.However,brood parasitism can impose various selection pressures on different geographic populations of the same host species.In a multiple cuckoo system in China,Azure-winged Magpies(Cyanopica cyanus)are parasitized by both Indian Cuckoos(Cuculus micropterus)and Asian Koels(Eudynamys scolopaceus).In this study,egg recognition ability and recognition mechanism of the Azure-winged Magpie were investigated using a population in Fusong,southeastern Jilin,China.The results showed that 55.6%(20/36)of the Azure-winged Magpies correctly rejected quail(Coturnix japonica)eggs in their nests,while 13.9%(5/36)of the individuals experienced rejection costs by wrongly rejecting their own eggs.Azure-winged Magpies could accurately reject the experimental eggs when the number of such eggs in the nests was the same as that of the magpie eggs.However,Azure-winged Magpies do not recognize and reject conspecific eggs(0/28).The present study indicates that the Azure-winged Magpie has moderate egg recognition ability toward non-mimetic quail eggs and shows a true recognition mechanism with rejecting foreign eggs by accurately recognizing their own eggs.However,they cannot recognize conspecific eggs.

A significant quantitative trait locus on chromosome Z and its impact on egg production traits in seven maternal lines of meat-type chicken

Background:Egg production is economically important in the meat-type chicken industry.To better understand the molecular genetic mechanism of egg production in meat-type chicken,genetic parameter estimation,genome-wide association analyses combined with meta-analyses,Bayesian analyses,and selective sweep analyses were performed to screen single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)and other genetic loci that were significantly associated with egg number traits in 11,279 chickens from seven material lines.Results:Yellow-feathered meat-type chickens laid 115 eggs at 43 weeks of age and white-feathered chickens laid 143 eggs at 60 weeks of age,with heritability ranging from 0.034–0.258.Based on meta-analyses and selective sweep analyses,one region(10.81–13.05 Mb)on chromosome Z was associated with egg number in all lines.Further analyses using the W2 line was also associated with the same region,and 29 SNPs were identified that significantly affected estimation of breeding value of egg numbers.The 29 SNPs were identified as having a significant effect on the egg number EBV in 3194 birds in line W2.There are 36 genes in the region,with glial cell derived neurotrophic factor,DAB adaptor protein 2,protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha 1,NAD kinase 2,mitochondrial,WD repeat domain 70,leukemia inhibitory factor receptor alpha,complement C6,and complement C7 identified as being potentially affecting to egg number.In addition,three SNPs(rs318154184,rs13769886,and rs313325646)associated with egg number were located on or near the prolactin receptor gene.Conclusion:Our study used genomic information from different chicken lines and populations to identify a genomic region(spanning 2.24 Mb)associated with egg number.Nine genes and 29 SNPs were identified as the most likely candidate genes and variations for egg production.These results contribute to the identification of candidate genes and variants for egg traits in poultry.

基于EGG信号的藏语康方言塞音分析研究

塞音是汉藏语系语言的辅音中最重要的音素类型。本文利用EGG-D800设备采集藏语康方言塞音的生理语音数据,分析了藏语康方言塞音的声学和生理参数特征。经过分析康方言塞音的语图和EGG信号,首先发现EGG信号的波形图存在识别清音与浊音的作用,得出康方言塞音分为有声浊音和无声清音;其次开商与塞音的“送气”量存在密切关系,根据塞音开闭比提出藏语康方言塞音有4种发声类型,并且得出塞音的开闭比是区别康方言塞音发声类型的重要参数。这些对语音的辅音研究、藏语塞音的发声研究均有一定的理论意义和参考价值。

The amino acids differences in epitopes may promote the different allergenicity of ovomucoid derived from hen eggs and quail eggs

Quail egg ovomucoid can inhibit activation of basophils and eosinophils,while hen egg ovomucoid has been shown to be a major allergen,named Gal d 1.At present,the differences in structure and function between two ovomucoid are unclear.We found the homology of ovomucoid in quail eggs and hen eggs reached77%.Compared with hen egg ovomucoid,the distribution of secondary structure was different in AA52-53,AA57-58,AA66-68,AA71-72,AA131-133,AA139-140,AA157-159 and AA184-185.Among 9 epitopes of egg ovomucoid,there were different amino acids from quail egg ovomucoid in 8 epitopes.Recombination quail egg ovomucoid had trypsin inhibition activity and quail egg ovomucoid didn't specifically bind to serum of eggs allergic patients.Quail egg ovomucoid can significantly inhibit RBL-2 H3 cells degranulation and protect cells morphology to a certain extent,indicating quail egg ovomucoid can inhibit cells activation and have potential anti-allergic effects,which is related to trypsin inhibitory activity.The difference in sensitization compare to hen egg ovomucoid may be due to amino acids differences affecting protein structure by changing antigenic epitopes.

Effects of Desmodium uncinatum Leaf Meal in the Diet on Lohmann Brown Hens’ Laying Performance and Eggs Quality

A cheap, safe and available alternative protein source to soybean is a huge priority for the developing world. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of Desmodium uncinatum leaf meal incorporation levels in the diet on Lohmann Brown hens’ laying performances. For this purpose, 60 Lohmann Brown hens aged 33 weeks with an average weight of 1.78 kg were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups of 20 birds each with 4 replicates. The experimental treatments consisted of DULM 0, DULM5, and DULM10 containing 0, 5 and 10 kg of D. uncinatum leaf meal (DULM) per 100 kg of feed respectively. The results reveal that except for the weights of hens, laying performances were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by DULM in the diet. Daily feed intake was lower with 10% incorporation of DULM in the diet as compared to a diet with 5% DULM which recorded the highest value for this parameter. Moreover, the highest value for the egg weight, egg mass, yolk index, albumen index and egg production were recorded with diet DULM5. On the other hand, the diet with 10% of DULM (DULM10) recorded the highest relative shell weight, feed conversion ratio and egg price. Nevertheless, the mortality rate found in this study was 0% for all treatments confirming the good quality of DULM as protein feedstuff for layer. It was concluded that incorporation levels of D. uncinatum leaves at 5% in the diet improved the laying performances of Lohmann Brown hens.

Hatching egg polyunsaturated fatty acids and the broiler chick

Transgenerational effects of certain nutrients such as essential fatty acids are gaining increased attention in the field of human medicine and animal sciences as a new tool to improve health and animal performance during perinatal life.Omega-3(n-3)and omega-6(n-6)fatty acids are denoted by the position of the first double bond from methyl end of the hydrocarbon chain.Alpha-linolenic acid(18:3 n-3)and linoleic acid(18:2 n-6)are essential n-3 and n-6 fatty acids and cannot be synthesized by the vertebrates including chickens.Alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid are the parent fatty acids of long chain(>20–22C)n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA)such as eicosapentaenoic acid(20:5 n-3,EPA),docosapentaenoic acid(22:5 n-3/or 22:5 n-6,DPA),docosahexaenoic acid(22:6 n-3,DHA)and arachidonic acid(20:4 n-6).As components of cell membrane phospholipids,PUFA serves as precursors of eicosa-noids,act as ligands for membrane receptors and transcription factors that regulate gene expression and are pivotal for normal chick growth and development.Considering the role of egg lipids as the sole source of essential fatty acids to the hatchling,dietary deficiencies or inadequate in ovo supply may have repercussions in tissue PUFA incorpora-tion,lipid metabolism,chick growth and development during pre and early post-hatch period.This review focus on studies showing how maternal dietary n-3 or n-6 fatty acids can lead to remodeling of long chain n-3 and n-6 PUFA in the hatching egg and progeny chick tissue phospholipid molecular species and its impact on chick growth and PUFA metabolism during early life.

Transfer of the zp3a gene results in changes in egg adhesiveness and buoyancy in transgenic zebrafish

Reproductive strategies and spawning habits play key roles in the evolution of endemic East Asian cyprinids.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of spawning habits are not well understood.We recently identified zona pellucida(Zp) as the top differentially expressed protein between East Asian cyprinids that produce adhesive and semi-buoyant eggs,suggesting that Zp protein may play important roles in the regulation of egg type.In this work,we generated transgenic zebrafish in which oocyte-specific expression of zp genes from rare minnow(Gobiocypris rarus),an East Asian cyprinid laying adhesive eggs,was driven by a zebrafish zp3.2 gene promoter.We found that the transgenic eggs obtained partial adhesiveness and exhibited alteration in hydration and buoyancy.Abnormal metabolism of vitellogenin(VTG) may contribute to enhanced hydration and/or buoyancy.Our work shows that expression of the exogenous zp3a gene from an adhesiveegg producing fish is sufficient to induce changes in both egg adhesiveness and buoyancy in zebrafish,emphasizing the important role of zp genes in the regulation of spawning habits.Our results thus provide new insights into how endemic East Asian cyprinids may have adapted to the Yangtze river-lake system via changes in spawning habits.

Walleye Egg Survival Was Unaffected by Four Semen Inclusion Techniques during Artificial Fertilization

Improving the percent hatch during artificial spawning of walleye (Sander vitreus) could save agencies substantial resources. Semen inclusion techniques used to artificially fertilize walleye eggs may have a subsequent influence on the percent hatch. We compared walleye egg survival to the early embryo stage across four semen inclusion techniques used during fertilization to determine if one or more of the techniques would result in a higher percent hatch. Six mL of freshly collected (within 2 h) semen was presented to common pools of walleye eggs separated into 250 mL lots by either 1) pouring semen on top of the eggs before sperm activation, 2) placing 3 mL of semen below and above the eggs before sperm activation, 3) pouring 3 mL of semen on top of the eggs, activating sperm, and adding the remaining 3 mL of semen after 30 s, or 4) activating the sperm by adding semen to 1 L of water, mixing and pouring the solution on the eggs within 3 s. All treatments received 1 L of filtered lake water for sperm activation and fertilization. Mean egg survival was similar ranging from 49.5% to 56.7% among the four techniques and was not significantly different across methods. These results suggest that any of the semen inclusion techniques will likely provide a similar percent hatch for walleye eggs when 250 mL of eggs, 6 mL of semen, and 1 L of water are used during fertilization.

Garden Egg (Solanum melongena L.) Performance under Different Sources of Animal Manure as a Sustainable Alternative Fertilizer for Farmers

To ensure food security, continuous intensive farming systems with limited fallowing periods and other farming systems like crop rotation have led to poor soil health with extremely low organic matter, especially in tropical regions with high organic matter mineralization. Small-scale farmers in developing countries cannot afford intensive agricultural systems with heavy chemical inputs, which have not improved soil health. Inorganic fertilizers are harmful to the environment, so farmers should use cheap, locally available organic fertilizers like animal manure, which supports organic agricultural systems and soil health. Animal manure is used as a soil amendment to improve soil health, fertility, and crop yields, but data on how different manures affect specific crops is scarce. Poultry, cattle, and goat manure were compared to no fertilizer and mineral fertilizer on garden egg phenology, vegetative growth, and yield. Poultry manure improved garden egg vegetative growth, phenology, yield, and yield components compared to the negative control and the other treatments. Poultry manure yielded the most fruit at 0.921 kg∙ha-1, followed by cattle and goat manure at 0.709 kg∙ha-1 and 0.698 kg∙ha-1. In conclusion, poultry manure may be a better alternative to synthetic NPK with yield performance similar to garden eggs and long-term soil health benefits similar to other manure sources.