• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.83-92
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• 2014

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary CP levels in gestation under equal lysine content on reproductive performance, blood metabolites and milk composition of gilts. A total of 25 gilts ($F_1$, Yorkshire${\times}$Landrace) were allotted to 4 dietary treatments at breeding in a completely randomized design, and fed 1 of 4 experimental diets containing different CP levels (11%, 13%, 15%, or 17%) at 2.0 kg/d throughout the gestation. Body weight of gilts at 24 h postpartum tended to increase linearly (p = 0.09) as dietary CP level increased. In lactation, backfat thickness, ADFI, litter size and weaning to estrus interval (WEI) did not differ among dietary treatments. There were linear increases in litter and piglet weight at 21 d of lactation (p<0.05) and weight gain of litter (p<0.01) and piglet (p<0.05) throughout the lactation as dietary CP level increased. Plasma urea nitrogen levels of gilts in gestation and at 24 h postpartum were linearly elevated as dietary CP level increased (p<0.05). Free fatty acid (FFA) levels in plasma of gestating gilts increased as dietary CP level increased up to 15%, and then decreased with quadratic effects (15 d, p<0.01; 90 d, p<0.05), and a quadratic trend (70 d, p = 0.06). There were no differences in plasma FFA, glucose levels and milk composition in lactation. These results indicate that increasing dietary CP level under equal lysine content in gestation increases BW of gilts and litter performance but does not affect litter size and milk composition. Feeding over 13% CP diet for gestating gilts could be recommended to improve litter growth.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.842-850
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• 2018

Objective: Several studies have reported the development of new molecular methods for the prognosis and diagnosis of male fertility based on biomarkers aimed at overcoming the limitations of conventional male fertility analysis tools. However, further studies are needed for the field application of these methods. Therefore, alternative methods based on existing semen analysis methods are required to improve production efficiency in the animal industry. Methods: we examined the possibility of improving litter size in various pig breeds using combined Hoechst 33258/chlortetracycline fluorescence (H33258/CTC) staining. The correlation between field fertility and capacitation status by combined H33258/CTC staining in different ejaculates spermatozoa (n = 3) from an individual boar (20 Landrace, 20 Yorkshire, and 20 Duroc) was evaluated as well as overall accuracy. Results: The acrosome reacted (AR) pattern after capacitation (%) was positively correlated with the litter size of Landrace, Yorkshire, and Duroc pigs and the overall accuracy was 75%, 75%, and 70% in Landrace, Yorkshire, and Duroc pigs, respectively. The difference (${\Delta}$) in AR pattern before and after capacitation was positively correlated with the litter size of Landrace, Yorkshire, and Duroc pigs and the overall accuracy was 80%, 65%, and 55% in Landrace, Yorkshire, and Duroc pigs, respectively. However, the difference (${\Delta}$) in capacitated (B) pattern before and after capacitation was negatively correlated with the litter size of Landrace pigs and the overall accuracy was 75%. Moreover, average litter size was significantly altered according to different combined H33258/CTC staining parameters. Conclusion: These results show that combined H33258/CTC staining may be used to predict male fertility in various breeds. However, the selection of specific efficiency combined H33258/CTC staining parameters requires further consideration. Taken together, these findings suggest that combined H33258/CTC staining may constitute an alternative method for predicting male fertility until such time as fertility-related biomarkers are further validated.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.256-261
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• 2005

The experiment was conducted at the Ban­gabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur to study the response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) to dual inoculation of Rhizobium and arbuscular mycorrhiza, poultry litter, nitrogen, and phosphorus on spore population and colonization, nodulation, growth, yield attributes, and yield. The performance of Rhizobium inoculant alone was superior to control in all the parameters of the crop studied. Among the treatments dual inoculation of Rhizobium and arbuscular mycorrhiza in presence of poultry litter performed best in recording number and dry weight of nodules, dry weight of shoots and roots, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, and seed yields of chickpea. The highest seed yield of 3.96g/plant was obtained by inoculating chickpea plants with dual inoculation of Rhizobium and arbuscular mycorrhiza in association with poultry litter. Treatments receiving dual inoculation of Rhizobium and arbuscular mycorrhiza in presence of nitrogen and phosphorus, Rhizobium inoculant in presence of nitrogen and phosphorus, and that of arbuscular mycorrhiza in presence of nitrogen and phosphorus were similar as that of treatment receiving dual inoculation of Rhizobium and arbuscular mycorrhiza in presence of poultry litter. From the view point of nodulation, growth, yield attributes, and yields of chickpea, dual inoculation of Rhizobium inoculant and arbuscular mycorrhiza along with poultry litter was considered to be the balanced combination of nutrients for achieving the maximum output from cultivation of chickpea in Shallow Red Brown Terrace Soil of Bangladesh.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.10
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• pp.1375-1378
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• 2005

The objective of this study was to investigate polymorphisms of BMPRIB (bone morphogenetic protein type IB receptor) gene and its effect on litter size traits in sheep. Three populations including 101 Small Tailed Han sheep, 79 Poll Dorset and 81 hybrids (Poll Dorset${\times}$Small Tailed Han sheep) were used to detect the polymorphisms in exon 6 region of sheep BMPRIB gene. A fragment of approximately 190bp was amplified by one pair of primers, the polymorphism was revealed from the analysis of three populations by the technique of PCR -SSCP, and a mutation from A to G at 746 of the coding region was confirmed by sequencing in several individual. Statistical results indicated the distribution of allele B (with a A$\longrightarrow$G mutation) and A (without mutation) or genotype AA, AB and BB frequencies differed in three populations. BB genotype (44.55%) and B allele (66.34%) frequencies of Small Tailed Han sheep were higher than those of the others. Analysis of variance showed that the polymorphism of BMPRIB gene was associated with positive effect on litter size traits. The means of genotype BB and AB were about 1.04 and 0.74 more than genotype AA for litter size (p<0.05). Analysis of BMPRIB genotype effects on litter size in three populations indicates the existence of genotype BB or B allele increases the litter size. It suggested that the polymorphism in exon 6 (at 746 in the coding region) of sheep BMPRIB gene may be used as a marker for early selection of prolificacy in sheep.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.401-410
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• 2011

We assayed the effects of simulated acid rain on the mass loss, $CO_2$ evolution, dehydrogenase activity, and microbial biomass-C of decomposing Sorbus alnifolia leaf litter at the microcosm. The dilute sulfuric acid solution composed the simulated acid rain, and the microcosm decomposition experiment was performed at 23$^{\circ}C$ and 40% humidity. During the early decomposition stage, decomposition rate of S. alnifolia leaf litter, and microbial biomass, $CO_2$ evolution and dehydrogenase activity were inhibited at a lower pH; however, during the late decomposition stage, these characteristics were not affected by pH level. The fungal component of the microbial community was conspicuous at lower pH levels and at the late decomposition stage. Conversely, the bacterial community was most evident during the initial decomposition phase and was especially dominant at higher pH levels. These changes in microbial community structure resulting from changes in microcosm acidity suggest that pH is an important aspect in the maintenance of the decomposition process. Litter decomposition exhibited a positive, linear relationship with both microbial respiration and microbial biomass. Fungal biomass exhibited a significant, positive relationship with $CO_2$ evolution from the decaying litter. Acid rain had a significant effect on microbial biomass and microbial community structure according to acid tolerance of each microbial species. Fungal biomass and decomposition activities were not only more important at a low pH than at a high pH but also fungal activity, such as $CO_2$ evolution, was closely related with litter decomposition rate.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.648-654
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• 1998

Twenty-four Javanese thin-tail ewes (11, 9, and 4 ewes giving birth to 1, 2, and 3 lambs, respectively) with similar body weight and age at breeding were used to study serum progesterone concentrations during pregnancy, milk production during lactation, and mammary gland indices at the end of lactation (3 months postpartum). The results of the experiment showed that averages serum progesterone concentrations during pregnancy in the ewes giving birth to twin and triplet lambs were higher (p < 0.01) than those giving birth to a single lamb. Ewes giving birth to 3 lambs had higher (p < 0.01) mammary dry fat-free tissue (DFFT) (by 31 and 34%), DNA concentration (by 25 and 16%) and RNA concentration (by 29 and 16%) at the end of lactation than those giving birth to 1 and 2 lambs. There was no difference in mammary collagen, protein and glycogen concentrations at the end of lactation among litter sizes. Ewes giving birth to 3 lambs had higher (p < 0.01) total mammary DNA content (by 64 and 61%) and RNA content (by 69 and 53%) at the end of lactation than those giving birth to 1 and 2 lambs. There was no difference in total mammary collagen, protein and glycogen contents at the end of lactation among litter sizes. Even though ewes with higher litter size had numerically higher milk production, there was no significant difference in milk production per 4 h among litter sizes. The results of the experiment indicated that ewes having higher litter size had greater mammary cell number and synthetic activities at the end of lactation. The results suggested that ewes with higher progesterone concentrations and better developed mammary glands during pregnancy could maintain higher cell number and activities throughout lactation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.789-792
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• 2006

Two separate trials were conducted to determine the effects of uterine priming prior to first breeding and quantify any changes in the reproductive efficiency of gilts. In trial I twelve (12) gilts were randomly assigned to 3 treatments:T1:infusion of distilled water (control), T2: single infusion of killed semen (KS1), and T3: double infusion of killed semen (KS2). Each treatment had 4 breeding gilts which were bred by natural insemination (NI). In trial II, another set of 12 breeding gilts were randomly allotted to the same treatments and were subsequently bred by artificial insemination (AI). Infusions, through the use of AI catheters, were done during the $2^{nd}$ estrous cycle for T1 and T2, whereas infusions for T3 were made during the $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ cycles. Regular breeding was subsequently made during the $3^{rd}$ estrous cycle. All gilts that returned to cycle were rebred within the 30-day period. In trial I (natural breeding), total piglets born was higher (p<0.05) in T2 (12.75 piglets) and T3 (11.75 piglets) than in the control (10.5 piglets). T3 obtained the highest (p<0.05) litter size (10.25 piglets) and heaviest litter weight (74.12 kg) at 28 days weaning, followed by T2 (9.80 piglets and 65.0 kg, respectively). The control yielded the lowest (p<0.05) litter size (7.50) and the lightest litter weight (47.00 kg) at weaning. For Trial II gilts (artificially inseminated), T3 gave higher (p<0.05) litter size born alive (10.88 piglets), total piglets born (11.72 piglets) and live litter weight at birth (15.30 kg) than those of T2 and the control. These results indicate that prebreeding intrauterine infusion of killed boar semen, either single or double, improved the reproductive performance of gilts.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.1500-1506
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• 2017

Objective: High $NH_3$ emissions from poultry houses are reported to have negative impacts on health, welfare and safety of birds and humans, and on the environment. Objective of the present study was to determine the effects of two litter amendments on the $NH_3$ levels in broiler closed houses under hot-humid conditions. Methods: Giving a completely randomize design, nine closed houses, each housed 32,500 birds on paddy husk litter, were randomly allocated into two treatment (Mizuho; a bacterial culture mix and Rydall OE; an enzymatic biocatalyst) and control groups. $NH_3$ levels were determined thrice a day (0600, 1200, and 1800 h), at three heights from the litter surface (30, 90, and 150 cm), at 20 predetermined locations of a house, from day 1 to 41. Results: Rydall significantly reduced the $NH_3$ level compared to control and Mizuho. $NH_3$ levels at 30 cm were significantly higher than that of 90 and 150 cm. The $NH_3$ levels at 30 cm height were higher than 25 ppm level from day 9, 11, and 13 in Mizuho, control, and Rydall groups, respectively to day 41. $NH_3$ levels at 150 cm height were higher than maximum threshold limit of 50 ppm for human exposure from day 12, 14, and 15 in Mizuho, control, and Rydall groups, respectively to day 33. Being significantly different among each other, the $NH_3$ level was highest and lowest at 0600 and 1800 h. Litter amendments had no significant effects on growth performance. Rydall significantly increased the litter N content on day 24. Conclusion: It was concluded that the $NH_3$ levels of closed house broiler production facilities under tropical condition are so high that both birds and workers are exposed to above recommended levels during many days of the growing period. Compared to microbial culture, the enzymatic biocatalyst was found to be more effective in reducing $NH_3$ level.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.155-160
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• 2019

The Korean Hanhyup broiler has commercialized native meat-type chicken. This study aimed to determine the effects of two types of litter material-sawdust and rice husk, and gender on the Korean Hanhyup broiler. Chicks (n=416) were randomly assigned in a $2{\times}2$ factorial design by type of litter material and gender. The behavior of chicken's was monitored continuously for 12 hours during the $1^{st}$ through $8^{th}$ week of age. The time spent on standing, sitting, and walking and the frequency of drinking, feeding, preening, dust bathing, flapping, and aggressive pecking, and pecking of chicken's behavior were recorded. The behavior of chickens during the starter (1 to 4 weeks) and finisher period (5 to 8 weeks) was compared to observe the changes upon maturity. Our results indicate that litter material type and gender have no effect on the behavior of chickens. However, aggressive pecking and pecking caused increment in the rice husk as compared to sawdust (P<0.05). Sawdust as litter material for bedding was found to be better than rice husk with respect to Korean Hanhyup broiler behavior.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.247-250
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• 2011

The objective of this study was to find out candidate genes associated with litter size trait in pigs of inbred Large Yorkshire and Landrace populations. 86 sows were screened for candidate genotypes along with litter size data recordings. Association of litter size with genotypes of candidate genes were investigated to verify the usefulness of each gene's genotypes as markers for the trait. For the lines of Large Yorkshire, PRLR3 and RBP4 genes were genotyped. Frequency distribution of PRLR3 with genotypes AA, AB and BB were each 0.14, 0.44 and 0.42. And the average litter size by PRLR3 genotypes were 8.83, 10.81 and 10.70 piglets per litter, the average estimated breeding values of which were 0.243, 0.332, 0.365, respectively for AA, AB and BB genotypes. Genotypic frequencies of RBP4 by AA, AB and BB genotypes were 0.10, 0.44 and 0.46. The average litter size by genotypes of RBP4 were 10.40, 10.57 and 10.35 piglets per litter and their corresponding average estimated breeding values were 0.451, 0.353 and 0.261, respectively for genotypes AA, AB and BB. Significance in differences among genotypes were not observed, but B allele of RBP4 seems to be associated with litter size. In Landrace lines, frequencies of RBP4 genotypes, AA, AB and BB were 0.29, 0.55 and 0.16. And the average litter size of these genotypes were 10.50, 11.08 and 11.00 piglets per litter. The corresponding averages of estimated breeding values of each genotypes were 0.172, 0.135 and 0.104. In Landrace lines, allele A was more likely to be associated with litter size, even if differences among average litter size were not significant. We conclude that genotyping of two candidate genes is a helpful tool to identify genetic potentials of litter size in pigs.