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Anthropogenic noise may significantly affect marine mammals' vocalizations. The aim of this work is to describe for the first time the acoustic features of the click trains, buzzes, burst pulses and whistles produced by the Risso's dolphins in the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean), the concurrent levels of noise to which dolphins are exposed, and the potential reactive changes in the acoustic structure of the species vocalizations. About 6 h of recordings were collected from April 2019 to September 2022 during daytime boat surveys. Elevated ambient noise levels were mainly present at the frequencies lower than 63 Hz, at about 1 kHz and 50 kHz likely attributable to anthropogenic activity, such as shipping and sonars. Even if the acoustic features of all the vocalizations can be disrupted, especially with increasing noise below 1 kHz and between 20 and 63 kHz, the click trains were the most affected vocalizations, showing changes in their Inter-Click-Interval and in the Peak Amplitude. Since these vocalizations are used for navigation and searching for prey, their alteration raises concerns on the potential negative effects on the well-being of the Risso's dolphin population in the Gulf of Taranto. • Acoustic features of Risso's dolphin vocalizations in the Gulf of Taranto. • Description of concurrent levels of noise recorded in the Gulf of Taranto. • Vessel traffic and high frequency sonar affect acoustic structure of Risso's dolphin vocalizations. • The click trains were the most affected vocalization when noise levels increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful assisted reproduction techniques, with specific focus on in vitro semen storage for artificial insemination, are dependent on certain key elements which includes the biochemical profiling of semen. The objective of this study was to complete an ostrich seminal plasma (SP) evaluation by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) among seven males at different daily intervals (day 1, 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28) for a period of 28 days during spring (August to September) for mineral profiling. The effect of collection day and male on sperm concentration, semen volume and seminal plasma volume, was explored as well as the relationships amongst these specific sperm traits and SP minerals. Variation amongst SP mineral concentrations, accounted for by the fixed effects of sperm concentration, semen volume, seminal plasma volume, collection day and male, ranged from 18% to 77%. Male had the largest effect on variation in SP minerals, namely: phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), boron (B), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), barium (Ba), arsenic (As) and selenium (Se). Sperm concentration instigated fluctuations of P, magnesium (Mg), B, zinc (Zn), Fe, aluminium (Al), Se, manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb). Semen volume had an effect on Na, K, B, Pb and Ba while seminal plasma volume only influenced variation in Na. There were fluctuations among collection days of specific micro minerals, Ni and Mo, with initial Ni concentrations being relatively greater and Mo at lesser concentrations. Semen volume, seminal plasma volume and sperm concentration varied amongst males. Sperm concentrations during the initial collection days, 1 and 3, were less than that for days 7 to 28. Significant variation of SP minerals and sperm characteristics among ejaculates and males suggest an association of these specific elements with sperm function and are, therefore, considered to be of potential importance to success of assisted reproduction technology for the ostrich. The relationship amongst sperm concentration and collection day confirms the need to conduct an initial period of collection to stabilise a greater sperm concentration to optimise sperm numbers for artificial insemination purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dilution of semen is a very important initial process for semen processing and evaluation, storage and preservation in vitro and efficient artificial insemination. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of two synthetic diluents (OS1 and OS2) on ostrich sperm motility parameters during in vitro storage. Formulation of OS1 was based on macro minerals (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg) and OS2 on the further addition of micro minerals (Se and Zn), based on mineral concentration determined in the ostrich seminal plasma (SP). Sperm motility was evaluated at different processing stages (neat, after dilution, during storage and after storage) by measuring several sperm motility variables using the Sperm Class Analyzer® (SCA). Processing (dilution, cooling and storage) of semen for in vitro storage purposes decreased the values for all sperm motility variables measured. The percentage motile (MOT) and progressive motile (PMOT) sperm decreased 20% to 30% during 24 h of storage, independent of diluent type. Quality of sperm swim (LIN, STR and WOB), however, was sustained during the longer storage periods (48 h) with the OS2 diluent modified with Se and Zn additions. Quality of sperm swim with use of OS1 was 6% to 8% less for the LIN, STR, and WOB variables. Male fitted as a fixed effect accounted for >60% of the variation for certain sperm motility variables (PMOT, MOT, VCL, VSL, VAP and ALH) evaluated at different processing stages. Semen from specific males had sustained sperm motility characteristics to a greater extent than that of other males during the 24-h storage period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the greatest challenges for nutritionists is ensuring that breeder hens consume the quantity of nutrients necessary to ensure proper development while also ensuring the production of good quality chicks. However, new studies must investigate how nutrition can positively affect the performance of these poultry. The present study aimed to evaluate hydrolyzed yeast supplementation in the diet of Cobb 500 broiler breeder hens, starting from 25 wk of age, and to evaluate the performance of the hens and their progeny. Broiler breeder hens fed hydrolyzed yeast supplement exhibited better performance compared with the control group. The results of the progeny demonstrated improved performance in chicks from the breeder hens fed the hydrolyzed yeast supplement. However, no improvement was observed in breast or leg yields; only carcass yield improved in these broilers. The results demonstrate that supplementation with hydrolyzed yeast in the diet of broiler breeder hens improves the performance of hens and their progeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dilution rate, dilution temperature and storage time have been recognized as vital steps in the processing of semen for storage before artificial insemination. The objective of this study was to determine optimal dilution and dilution temperature with an ostrich-specific semen extender for chilled storage. Four preselected ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) males, known for their ease of collection and specific semen quality parameters, were collected using the "dummy" female method. Dilution of 384 semen samples, at rates of 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 and 1:8 semen/diluent ratio with a diluent set at 5, 21 and 38 °C was performed and stored for 48 h at 5 °C. In vitro sperm function tests were conducted to evaluate treated semen during different storage intervals of 1, 5, 24 and 48 h. Motility and kinematic parameters were measured by the Sperm Class Analyzer®, the percentage live sperm measured by fluorescence SYBR14®/PI (LIVE/DEAD®), the percentage of sperm able to resist the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) stress test and sperm morphology determined by Nigrosin-Eosin staining. Progressive motility (PMOT), motility (MOT), sperm kinematics, LIVE and HOS were best (P < 0.05) maintained at a higher dilution of 1:4–1:8. The beneficial effect (P < 0.05) of a higher dilution temperature (21 °C) was prominent in terms of PMOT at a higher dilution. Storage of chilled semen at 5 °C requires dilution, at interpolated rates of 1:6–1:7, together with an extender temperature of 21 °C, to maintain optimal sperm function with minimal loss over a 48 h storage period. • An interpolated dilution rate of 1:6–1:7 maintained sperm function best. • Sperm cell membrane integrity was most affected by dilution rate. • Higher dilution temperatures of 21 °C were optimal for 24 h storage at 5 °C. • Ostrich sperm demonstrated a degree of thermal sensitivity with higher cooling rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of assisted reproduction techniques is dependent on a sound foundation of understanding sperm characteristics to evaluate so as to improve semen processing. This study offers a descriptive basis for ostrich semen quality in terms of sperm function characteristics (SFC) that include motility, measured by computer assisted sperm analysis CASA (SCA ® ), viability (SYBR14/PI) and membrane integrity (hypo-osmotic swelling test). Relationships among these SFC’s were explored and described by correlations and regressions. Certain fixed effects including the dilution of semen, season, year and male associated with semen collection were interpreted for future applications. The seasonal effect on sperm samples collected throughout the year suggested that it is prudent to restrict collections to spring and summer when SFC’s and sperm concentration are maximized, compared to winter when these aspects of sperm quality are suppressed. Dilution of ejaculates helped to maintain important SFC’s associated with fertilization success. The SFC’s and sperm concentration varied among males, with specific males, having greater values for the percentage of motile (MOT) and progressively motile (PMOT) sperm, as well as sperm velocity (VCL, VSL, VAP) and linearity (LIN) variables. Males may thus be screened on these variables for inclusion in an artificial insemination (AI) programme to optimize fertility success rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ostrich females producing eggs in the absence of males was a major breakthrough for the development of an artificial insemination (AI) protocol. This study evaluated monthly egg production (EP) and average egg weight (EW) for 71 individually penned female ostriches from 2009 to 2020 and estimated the genetic parameters for these traits. EP was highly variable compared to EW (coefficients of variation: 124.9 vs. 10.27%, respectively). EP continued throughout the year with maxima from July to December and minima in February and May. The two-trait heritability (h2) for EP was low at 0.13, while EW had a higher h2 of 0.40. EP and EW were not genetically correlated. The genetic improvement of EP and EW for females used for AI is feasible. Further studies should target incubation and hatching traits after AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • PFAS are hazardous pollutants posing risks to reproduction of freshwater species. • PFOA bioaccumulates and reduces sperm velocity in the guppy. • GenX affects sexual behaviour and decreases sperm velocity. • GenX and PFOA impair expression of genes governing immunity and spermatogenesis. • GenX toxicity potential may be higher than that of PFOA. Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are frequently detected in the environment and are linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes in humans. Although legacy PFAS have been phased out due to their toxicity, alternative PFAS are increasingly used despite the fact that information on their toxic effects on reproductive traits is particularly scarce. Here, we exposed male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) for a short period (21 days) to an environmentally realistic concentration (1 ppb) of PFOA, a legacy PFAS, and its replacement compound, GenX, to assess their impact on reproductive traits and gene expression. Exposure to PFAS did not impair survival but instead caused sublethal effects. Overall, PFAS exposure caused changes in male sexual behaviour and had detrimental effects on sperm motility. Sublethal variations were also seen at the transcriptional level, with the modulation of genes involved in immune regulation, spermatogenesis, and oxidative stress. We also observed bioaccumulation of PFAS, which was higher for PFOA than for GenX. Our results offer a comprehensive comparison of these two PFAS and shed light on the toxicity of a newly emerging alternative to legacy PFAS. It is therefore evident that even at low concentrations and with short exposure, PFAS can have subtle yet significant effects on behaviour, fertility, and immunity. These findings underscore the potential ramifications of pollution under natural conditions and their impact on fish populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yeast cell walls can strengthen the immune system and promote agglutination of gastrointestinal tract pathogens, thereby improving animal health and productivity. This study evaluated the effect of supplementing the diet of commercial laying hens with 0, 225, 450, or 900 ppm of yeast cell wall supplement on hen productive performance, egg quality, and economic viability. Yeast cell wall supplementation increased the feed intake, egg production, egg mass, albumen height, and Haugh unit score. Shell thickness and yolk color also were affected by the treatments. The economic viability analysis demonstrated that although feeding costs more with supplementation, the production of more eggs is possible, resulting in a greater than proportional increase in the gross margin. Thus, yeast cell wall supplementation had beneficial effects on the productive performance of laying hens, improved the internal and external egg quality, and contributed to greater profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]