Do Female Zebra Finches Vary Primary Reproductive Effort in Relation to Mate Attractiveness?

Behaviour ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Balzer ◽  
Tony Williams
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Size ◽  
Reproductive Effort ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Male Partner ◽  
Zebra Finches ◽  
Mate Quality ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Song Frequency ◽  
Breeding Propensity

AbstractFemale choice and mate preference have been shown to affect female reproductive effort both prior to copulation (e.g. females seeking extra-pair copulation) and during parental care ('secondary' reproductive effort) in relation to mate quality. Here we show that female zebra finches, Taeniopygia guttata, vary their 'primary' reproductive effort in egg production in relation to the attractiveness of their male partner, for some components of reproduction but not others. Females were allowed to choose 'preferred' and 'non-preferred' males in standard mate choice trials, and were then paired sequentially with each male. Preferred males had significantly higher song duration and song frequency than non-preferred males confirming that females preferred attractive, higher quality males. Male attractiveness had a positive, but weak, effect on clutch size: in breeding experiments individual females laid on average 0.5 eggs more when paired with their preferred male compared to the non-preferred male. However, there was no significant difference in breeding propensity (whether females laid eggs or not), number of days between pairing and laying, mean egg size or egg quality (protein and lipid composition) in relation to male type. These results suggest that components of primary reproductive effort in individual female zebra finches are relatively non-plastic traits.

Effect of Supplementation of Multi Enzymes on Production Performance and Egg Quality Traits in White Leghorn Layers

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Pandian ◽  
A. Sundaresan ◽  
A. V. Omprakash
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
White Leghorn ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Enzyme Supplementation

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of supplementation of Multi-enzymes with lysophospholipids on production performance of pure line White Leghorn layers. Body weights before and after the experiment did not differ significantly across the experimental diets. Irrespective of the dietary treatments, the birds gained 3.83 per cent of live weight relative to its initial body weight. Mean per cent Hen housed egg production was significantly (Pis less than 0.05) higher in diet supplemented with 0.10 MEC-L than other groups. Mean egg weight and average daily feed consumption during 25 to 35 weeks of age indicated no significant effect of enzyme supplementation. Average daily feed consumption per bird in control, 0.05 % and 0.1% multi-enzyme supplemented groups was 108.13, 105.66 and 107.67 g respectively and birds offered control diet recorded numerically more feed intake than enzyme supplemented groups. Comparatively low feed per egg was observed in 0.10 per cent group followed by 0.05 per cent group which offers economic benefits than control diets. However, the egg quality traits between different dietary enzyme supplementation groups showed no significant difference.

Intraspecific variation in reproductive effort by female Parapediasia teterrella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and its relation to body size

1990 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry D. Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Size ◽  
Reproductive Effort ◽  
Life History Evolution ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Egg Number ◽  
Lepidoptera Pyralidae

Daily egg production of the moth Parapediasia teterrella declined over the life-span of the female but egg size remained constant. The absence of water resulted in lower fecundity and early mortality. Egg size and lifetime fecundity showed considerable inter-individual variation and large females produced more and larger eggs than their smaller counterparts. Large females expended greater reproductive effort than small females. Hatching success was negatively related to egg size. In spite of this, large females laying large eggs had higher fitness than small females. I postulate that multiple reproductive strategies within a species, resulting from differences in reproductive effort expended, may explain why expected trade-offs in reproductive parameters (e.g., egg size versus egg number) were not found in this species. Furthermore, I argue that the prevalent interpretation of life-history evolution (that body size is the important determining parameter of life-history parameters) may reflect correlation of body size with reproductive effort, and reproductive effort may be more important in determining the nature of trade-offs between reproductive parameters.

The reproductive effort of Lepeophtheirus pectoralis (Copepoda: Caligidae): insights into the egg production strategy of parasitic copepods

Parasitology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 143 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. FRADE ◽  
M. J. SANTOS ◽  
F. I. CAVALEIRO
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Size ◽  
Reproductive Effort ◽  
Parasitic Copepods ◽  
Egg Number ◽  
Production Strategy ◽  
European Flounder ◽  
Fish Hosts ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Relationship

SUMMARYThe reproductive effort of Lepeophtheirus pectoralis (Müller O. F., 1776), a caligid copepod, which is commonly found infecting the European flounder, Platichthys flesus (Linnaeus, 1758), is studied in detail for the first time. Seasonal variation in body dimensions and reproductive effort are analysed. Data for 120 ovigerous females, 30 from each season of the year, were considered in the analyses. Females were larger and produced a larger number of smaller eggs in winter, than during the summer. The relationship between egg number and egg size is similar to that recorded for other copepods exploiting fish hosts. Much of the recorded variation was also similar to that reported for a copepod parasitic on an invertebrate host, which suggests the possibility of a general trend in copepod reproduction. Overall, our results provide further support for the hypothesis that there is an alternation of summer and winter generations.

scholarly journals Vegetable pigments in sorghum-based diets for laying hens

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donaldo Antônio Nunes Junior ◽  
Heder José D’Avila Lima ◽  
Jean Kaique Valentim ◽  
Laura Aline Zanelatto Souza ◽  
Nayara Emanoelle Matos e Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Natural Pigment ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Egg Yolks ◽  
Completely Randomized Design

The main objective of this research is to evaluate the inclusion of different natural pigment solutions in diets formulated with maize and sorghum solutions on the growth performance and egg quality of commercial laying hens created in hot climates. Throughout the conduction of this experiment, were used 252 laying hens of the Hisex Brow, in a completely randomized design, with six treatments, seven repetitions, and six birds per plot. The experimental diets were assigned with different energy sources and adding pigmentation solutions, diet 1 (corn), diet 2 (corn + annatto), diet 3 (corn + carrot), diet 4 (sorghum), diet 5 (sorghum + annatto), diet 6 (sorghum + Carrot).  Afterward, being evaluated the performance and quality of eggs. It was observed significant difference with reference t egg production, egg weight (g), gem weight (g), the weight of shell (g), albumin in weight (g), and gem coloration (tons) among the treatments. There was no difference in the parameters of performance and quality of eggs evaluated, only the variable yolk color had a significant effect between treatments. Replacing the energy source of the corn diet with sorghum in the diet of laying hens at peak production provides similar performance and egg quality, which can be a substitute for quality and efficiency. The use of annatto and carrots as a natural pigmentation promotes greater pigmentation of the egg yolks of laying Hisex Brown eggs and does not impair the performance of the birds.

scholarly journals Production performance and egg quality of White Rock laying hens fed diets containing whole linseed

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 48-53
Author(s):  
H Khatun ◽  
MN Islam ◽  
MA Rashid ◽  
MY Ali ◽  
MSK Sarker
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Quality Aspects ◽  
Significant Difference

This study was conducted to know the production performance of laying hen by using different graded level of linseed. At 56 weeks of age, a total of 160 laying hens were raised up to 63 weeks of age. All hens were fed a basal corn soyabean meal diet. The experiment was allowed 4 dietary treatments (T0, no addition of whole linseed in the basal diet; T1,  addition of 5% whole linseed; T2, addition of 10% whole linseed and T3, addition of 15% whole linseed) with 5 replications and per replication contains eight hens. Egg production, feed intake, egg weight of each treatment was recorded. Egg samples were collected and analyzed for egg quality. The results showed that egg production and egg mass (kg) exhibited for all dietary treatment groups were unaffected (P>0.05) by feeding linseed to the laying hens. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was found significant difference within the four dietary group (P<0.05). Egg quality aspects such as yolk weight, egg weight, HU and yolk index were not differed significantly (P>0.05) among treatments.  A trend for lower yolk weight was observed in birds fed 10% linseed, where as the highest yolk weight percentage was recorded in control diet. There was no statistical difference among the different diets for yolk index. The results of the present trial suggested that feeding linseed to the laying hens has no detrimental effects on egg production and egg quality. Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 20(1-2): 48-53, Jan-Dec 2013

Egg Size and Egg Quality

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony D. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Egg Size ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Life History Trait ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Optimum Size ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Mate Quality ◽  
Good Proxy ◽  
Egg Components

This chapter deals with variations in egg size and egg quality. Egg size is a highly variable life-history trait, with up to twofold differences in egg mass among individual females within a population. Larger eggs contain absolutely more major egg components (shell, albumen, yolk) and absolutely more of several minor egg components (maternally derived antibodies and antioxidants), and, in this regard, egg size is a good proxy for egg quality. Many studies assume that high-quality females produce large, high-quality eggs, but it is equally plausible that individual females produce eggs of the optimum size and quality for their phenotype or genotype. Either way, the aspects of a female's phenotype that would determine maximum or optimum egg size are unknown, although these are not primarily factors such as age, experience, body condition, or mate quality that continue to be the focus of much current work.

scholarly journals Effect of Probiotics on production and egg quality of dual purpose chicken at Kathmundu in Nepal

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-35
Author(s):  
D Neupane ◽  
DB Nepali ◽  
N Devkota ◽  
MP Sharma ◽  
IP Kadaria
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Proximate Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Nutrient Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference

A total of 448, Sakini (224) and Giriraja (224) breed of chickens were used to investigate the feed intake & weight gain from 0-150 days and egg production and egg quality from 150 – 240 days of age in Khumaltar Lalitpur Nepal. The four different levels of probiotics viz. 0,5, 10 and 15 ml of Probiotic (Poultry biosa)/kg of feed were used with randomized factor design 2*4*8(RBD) with 8 treatments and 8 replications. The data was recorded daily on feed intake and egg production and in every 15 days interval for weight gain. Results showed that the addition of probiotic to the feed significantly improved feed intake, weight gain , egg production and egg quality on sakini and giriraja breeds of chickens(P<0.05). Additionally, data on egg production and egg quality showed increased production in treatment group than control group (P<0.05).The general trend revealed increasing level of egg production from five to eight months with significant difference (P<0.05). Nutrient analysis of eggs by proximate analysis in terms of CP, CF, fat and energy showed significant difference (P<0.05). Thus to conclude, there is positive effect of probiotics for production and productivity in terms of feed conversion ratio, weight gain, egg production & egg quality in Sakini and Giriraja breed of Chicken. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2019. 48 (1): 29-35

scholarly journals Fermented Astragalus in diet improved laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant and immunological status and intestinal microbiota in laying hens

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongtao Shi ◽  
Baiyu Wang ◽  
Chuanzhou Bian ◽  
Yingqian Han ◽  
Hongxing Qiao
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Immunological Status ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract In the era of increased antibiotic resistance and ever stricter control on antibiotic use, it is urgent to develop green, safe and non-residue alternatives to antibiotics applied to the poultry industry. To this end, we supplied the potential Lactobacillus Plantarum (L. Plantarum) fermented Astragalus in the diet of laying hens, with a final addition of 3‰. Its effects have been assessed on laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant and immunological status and intestinal microbiota, and are compared to the control group, to the Astragalus group containing 3‰ unfermented Astragalus, and to the L. Plantarum group containing 2% L. Plantarum (1 × 108 CFU/mL). During the second half of the experimental period (15 to 28 days), the egg production rate was significantly higher in the fermented Astragalus group than that in the other groups, with the fermented Astragalus group having the lowest feed conversion ratio. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed among treatments on egg quality. Fermented Astragalus-treated hens exhibited significantly increased catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum. Furthermore, fermented Astragalus supplementation resulted in a significant increase in ileal microbiota abundance relative to control. In conclusion, feeding laying hens with L. Plantarum fermented Astragalus has beneficial effects on production, antioxidant potential, immunity and ileal microbiota. L. Plantarum fermented Astragalus is expected to be a novel feed additive used in poultry production.

Intra- and inter-individual variation in reproductive effort in captive-breeding zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)

1996 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony D. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Intraspecific Variation ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Egg Size ◽  
Reproductive Effort ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Taeniopygia Guttata ◽  
Zebra Finches

Intraspecific variation in egg size, clutch size, and timing of laying was studied in captive-breeding zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) maintained under conditions of constant temperature, humidity, photoperiod (14 h light: 10 h dark), and ad libitum food supply. Individual variation was marked in the experimental population: egg size 0.915–1.342 g, clutch size 2–7 eggs, and laying interval 4–13 days; however, within individual females egg size (r = 0.742) and clutch size (r = 0.588) were highly repeatable between first and second clutches. Body condition explained only 8% of egg size variation, and clutch size and laying interval were independent of body condition. Clutch size was negatively related to laying interval: females laying later relative to pairing laid smaller clutches (b = −0.175 eggs/day). Body mass of breeding females decreased by 1.57 g (9% of initial mass) during laying of first clutches; mass loss was positively related to initial body condition (R2 = 27.8%) and total clutch mass (R2 = 7.6%). Mass loss was lower (0.47 g) during laying of second or replacement clutches than during laying of first clutches. Individual variation in reproductive effort in captive-breeding zebra finches is very similar to that in free-living avian populations. Laboratory studies on captive-breeding species can provide a valuable approach for the study of proximate physiological mechanisms underlying intraspecific variation in reproduction.

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