@article { author = {}, title = {SEROPREVALENCE OF SALMONELLA GALLINARUM INFECTION IN FREE-RANGE CHICKENS REAREDIN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA.}, journal = {Egyptian Poultry Science Journal}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {665-680}, year = {2014}, publisher = {The Egyptian Poultry Science Association}, issn = {1110-5623}, eissn = {2090-0570}, doi = {10.21608/epsj.2014.5361}, abstract = {The study determined the seroprevalence of S. gallinarum infection in free-range chickens in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 2772 serum samples collected from free-range chickens in 12 selected villages/towns in Nasarawa State were screened for specific antibodies against S. gallinarum by the rapid serum agglutination method. Overall, 236 (8.5%) of the chickens had detectable antibodies against S. gallinarum. Nasarawa South Senatorial Zone had a significantly higher (p<0.05) antibody prevalence of 109 (9.5%) when compared with Nasarawa North, 59 (8.5%) and Nasarawa West, 68 (7.2%). There was significant difference (p<0.05) in S. gallinarum antibody prevalence in chickens sampled from individual villages/towns, with Assakio, Keana and Wamba having significantly higher antibody prevalence rates of 17 (21.3%), 21 (21.0%) and 16 (20.0%), respectively. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in the prevalence of S. gallinarum antibody in the sampled chickens in relation to age, and prevalence was found to be higher (p<0.05) in the older.birds Thus chickens of age greater than 34 weeks and 28-34 weeks had antibody prevalence of 47 (13.4%) and 57 (10.0%), respectively. S. gallinarum antibody prevalence was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the rainy season (June to October) 126 (10.5%) with the highest infection peak in September, when compared with the dry season (December to May), 110 (7.0%). The layer chickens had a significantly higher (p<0.05) antibody prevalence of 138 (19.1%) compared with cockerel, 60 (5.3%) and pullets, 38 (4.1%).}, keywords = {seroprevalence,S. gallinarum,Infection,Free-range chickens,Nigeria}, url = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_5361.html}, eprint = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_5361_5afc3e8a72c5c8555fbaf9d794a1e8f6.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {USE OF CORN DISTILLERS DRIED GRAINS WITH SOLUBLES (DDGS) IN LAYING QUAIL DIETS}, journal = {Egyptian Poultry Science Journal}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {681-703}, year = {2014}, publisher = {The Egyptian Poultry Science Association}, issn = {1110-5623}, eissn = {2090-0570}, doi = {10.21608/epsj.2014.5364}, abstract = {An experiment was conducted at the Quail Research and Production Unit, Environmental Studies and Research Institute (ESRI), University of Sadat City, Menufyia province, Egypt to evaluate the partial inclusion of Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) in laying quail diets with or without Zaylam® supplementation. Two hundred and forty (240) of Japanese quail laying hens 6 weeks of age and 120 males were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design. A 2 x 4 factorial arrangement, with the variables being (DDGS) substitution for yellow corn and soybean meal at four levels (0, 10, 15 or 20%) and Zaylam at two levels (0 or 100 mg/ kg feed). Productive Performance, egg quality, nutrients digestibility, apparent retention (%) of Calcium, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and excretion of fecal nitrogen; some blood plasma parameters and economical efficiency were evaluated.Results showed that:1- average egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio and the change in body weight of laying Japanese quails were significantly (P<0.05) decreased as dietary inclusion of DDGS was increased.2- No significant differences (P>0.05) in laying Japanese quail egg production(N/bird) or egg production as (%/bird); egg weights ;daily egg mass(g/bird /day)and total egg mass (g/bird) were observed when laying quails were fed diets with or without Zaylam supplementation.3- Adding Zaylam to the diets containing 10% DDGS significantly improved both of Albumin height, Yolk height and Shell wt. as compared to the corresponding Zaylam -free diets.4- The digestibility values were not significantly affected by the interaction between dietary corn DDGS and Zaylam supplementation, except for Ether Extract (EE).5- No differences were observed for apparent nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium retention among the dietary enzyme effect. A linear increase was observed in N, P and Ca retention as DDGS levels was increased.}, keywords = {Distillers dried grains with solubles,Laying Quail,egg quality,Egg production}, url = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_5364.html}, eprint = {} } @article { author = {}, title = {EFFECT OF FEED SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SODIUM BENTONITE ON JAPANESE QUAIL PERFORMANCE}, journal = {Egyptian Poultry Science Journal}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {705-713}, year = {2014}, publisher = {The Egyptian Poultry Science Association}, issn = {1110-5623}, eissn = {2090-0570}, doi = {10.21608/epsj.2014.5365}, abstract = {The effect of feeding different levels of sodium bentonite on Japanese quail chicks performance was studied. An experiment of 42 days was conducted with a flock of 240 unsexed one- day old chicks, distributed at random into 4 groups each in 3 replicates. Treatments were control no additive, T1containing 2% sodium bentonite, T2 containing 4% sodium bentonit and T3 containing 6% sodium bentonit). All chicks had free access to feed and water ad libitum during the 6-wk experiment. Average daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency were determined. The results indicated that, chicks fed 4% and 6 % bentonite had higher body weight gain at 42 days; performance index lower feed intake; and better feed conversion ratio compared to the control diet. Feeding diet containing 6% had the highest total serum protein, globulin, Glucose and AST concentrations; moreover lower in LDL and HDL than the control diet. No significant effect of different levels of sodium bentonite on the averages values of carcass characteristics. Evidently, it is concluded that the dietary supplementation of Japanese quail chicks with 6% sodium bentonit resulted in considerable improvement in the growth and economic efficiency without adverse effects on carcass characteristics and constituents of blood serum.}, keywords = {Sodium bentonite,Quail,Growth,carcass,Blood,economic efficiency}, url = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_5365.html}, eprint = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_5365_c533f1b5cf7ef950606f87364f1e2144.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {EFFECT OF SPRAYING HATCHING EGGS BY ASCORBIC ACID DURING INCUBATION ON HATCHABILITY, POST-HATCH CHICK GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN A LOCAL STRAIN OF CHICKENS.}, journal = {Egyptian Poultry Science Journal}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {715-733}, year = {2014}, publisher = {The Egyptian Poultry Science Association}, issn = {1110-5623}, eissn = {2090-0570}, doi = {10.21608/epsj.2014.5363}, abstract = {The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of spraying hatching eggs with ascorbic acid (AA) on embryonic mortality, hatchability, growth performance of hatched chicks and some blood constituents as well as, economical efficiency of Silver Montazah local strain chickens. A total number of 1944 hatching eggs were obtained from breeder hens of Silver Montazah strain at 44 weeks of age. Eggs were randomly distributed into 12 treatment groups (162 eggs/group). Each group was divided into three replicates of 54 eggs each. A 3x4 factorial design experiment was performed including three times (4th ,14th or 4th + 14th days of incubation period) and four doses of ascorbic acid , control (without spraying), spraying with distilled water, spraying with 20 g AA/liter distilled water and spraying with 30 g AA/liter distilled water. Post- hatch a number of 105 newly hatched- unsexed chicks were taken from each treatment and separately reared up to 28 days of age to study the effect of incubating treatments on their performance.The obtained results showed that the percentages of embryonic mortality {medium (8-14 d) and late (15-21d)}, hatchability of fertile eggs, white blood cells (WBC’s) count, Phosphorus (P), body weight (at 28 day of age), body weight gain (from 14-28 days of age) and feed conversion (from 14-28 and 1-28 days of age) were significantly (P≤ 0.05and 0.01) improved for spraying treatments contained either 20 or 30 g AA as compared to the control or distilled water. While, spraying time had no significant effects on percentages of embryonic mortality, unhatched chicks, hatchability of fertile eggs, SRBC’s count, WBC’s count, Ca , P, glucose and T3 in chicks at hatch and at 28 days of age except , SRBC’s count and P value at the late time of Silver Montazah chicks during different times. The relative weights of lymphoid organs and antibody titer against SRBC’S of chicks at 28 days of age were significantly higher in the AA groups than the distil water and unsprayed control.}, keywords = {Spraying Eggs,ascorbic acid,Hatchability,embryonic mortality,immunity}, url = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_5363.html}, eprint = {} } @article { author = {}, title = {EFFECT OF USING SOME NATURAL FEED ADDITIVES TO SUBSTITUTE ANTIBIOTIC GROWTH PROMOTERS ON PERFORMANCE AND BLOOD PARAMETERS OF BROILERS}, journal = {Egyptian Poultry Science Journal}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {735-750}, year = {2014}, publisher = {The Egyptian Poultry Science Association}, issn = {1110-5623}, eissn = {2090-0570}, doi = {}, abstract = {This investigation aimed to evaluate the biostrong, probiotic or pungent substance as natural feed additives instead of antibiotics (zinc bacteriacin) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, bone measurements, some blood metabolites and economic efficiency of broiler chicks. One hundred and fifty unsexed one day old age Hubbard chicks were weighed and randomly allocated for four dietary treatment groups.The 1st group was fed the basal diets without supplementation (control), while the 2nd, (T1) the 3rd (T2), the 4th (T3), and 5th (T4) groups were fed the basal diets supplemented with biostrong, probiotic, pungent substance and zinc bacteriacin at the level of 150g, 1000g, 500g and 500g/ton, respectively. Diets and water were provided ad lib. throughout the experimental period (1-32 days of age).The results indicated that:-1- Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion for the broiler chicks fed basal diets supplemented with pungent substance (T3) were significantly differences than those fed control diets at 18 days of age. However at 32 days of age there were insignificant differences among treatments in body weight gain, but numerically pungent treatment (T3) represented the highest body weight gain and significant lowest feed intake and significant improved feed conversion.2- Total edible parts were significantly higher for the treatments received probiotic (T2) or pungent substance (T3) than those fed on control diets.3- Bone measurements (wet tibia weight, Tibia length, Tibia width and tibia seedor Index) showed that insignificant figures when broiler chicks fed different dietary treatments.4- Blood parameters showed insignificant figures in most parameters. However uric acid and ALP activity have significant difference (P0.05) for dietary treatments.}, keywords = {Biostrong-Pungent – Tibia – antibiotics – uric acid}, url = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_56664.html}, eprint = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_56664_9d0fba8070df24d2a8b549202df3815c.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {DETERMINING GENETIC SIMILARITY AND GENETIC DIVERSITY IN SELECTED ALEXANDRIA CHICKENS USING RAPD TECHNIQUE}, journal = {Egyptian Poultry Science Journal}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {751-760}, year = {2014}, publisher = {The Egyptian Poultry Science Association}, issn = {1110-5623}, eissn = {2090-0570}, doi = {10.21608/epsj.2014.56663}, abstract = {The Alexandria chicken considered as one of our Egyptian local strain. A lot of attempts were done to improve productive traits. A control line (or a base line) and another selected one are derived from this local strain. The selected line subjected to a long term selection program lasted for 16 generations from 1995 to 2011 in order to improve some egg production traits and also to reach earlier sexual maturity. This long term selection program expected to reduce most of the variations in this closed population which normally reflected on the response of selection. So, the main target was to estimate the genetic similarities by calculating the genetic improvement occurred during different generations. RAPD analysis technique used to estimate the degree of diversity and stability for this selected line. The mean average percentage differences (MAPD), genetic similarity, genetic distance based on band frequencies or based on band sharing which had been estimated for Alexandria selected and control lines. The mean average percentage difference (MAPD) into Alexandria selected and control lines recorded 0.415 and 0.667 respectively. While, genetic similarity had recorded into selected line (0.635) and into control line (0.351). The genetic distance had been calculated by two methods, the first method calculated the genetic distance on the basis of band frequency recorded 0.46. This result explained the genetic identity index of selected and control Alexandria lines. While the second method calculated the genetic distance on the basis of band sharing recorded 0.41. The phylogenetic relationships within 12 samples randomly taken from Alexandria selected line cleared that the degree of similarity reached 80% within line from primer 1 ,70% from primer 2 ; 65% from primer 3,50% from primer 4; 55% from primer 5 and 60% from primer 6. While; this similarity when calculated within samples into line each primers recorded approximately %63. The results of this present research concluded that, the Alexandria selected line did not consume some of the variability present in this studied population and did not yet reach genetic stability. So, it can to continue the selection program.}, keywords = {RAPD-PCR,Polymorphism,selection}, url = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_56663.html}, eprint = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_56663_4ef7c9b0ad30bc4c2296274867c7d2b0.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {DIRECT AND CORRELATED RESPONSES TO SHORT-TERM INDEX SELECTION FOR SOME ECONOMIC TRAITS OF JAPANESE QUAIL.}, journal = {Egyptian Poultry Science Journal}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {761-778}, year = {2014}, publisher = {The Egyptian Poultry Science Association}, issn = {1110-5623}, eissn = {2090-0570}, doi = {10.21608/epsj.2014.56666}, abstract = {A selection experiment was conducted at the Poultry Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University using a total number of 4923 birds of three successive hatches as a base population producing 655 females (333 for the selected line and 322 for the random bred control line) through four successive generations. The main results are summarized as follows:1. There were significant differences due to generation effect for all BW's tested and all egg production-related traits studied, except at BW35 and AGE30. All BW's from 7 up to 35 days of age and all egg production-related traits -except BW1- were significantly affected by line favouring the selected line compared to the control line.2. In the control line, average phenotypic response per generation for ASM and AGE10 showed fluctuations over generations, estimated by regression of phenotypic means on generation numbers were significantly positive for ASM and AGE10 (2.17 and 2.18 days). Significant positive changes for BW's at seven, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of age being 0.79, 4.55, 6.84, 7.58 and 4.36g, respectively and AGE30 (1.96 days) however, negative significant changes were shown for EM10, EM30 and EM60(-3.10, -9.69 and -15.96g) .3. In the selected line, the average phenotypic response per generation of multi-trait selection index estimated by the regression of generation means on generation number in ASM, BWSM, DN10 and AGE10 were significantly negative being -0.86 day, -3.30g, -0.25 day and -0.99 day, respectively, but was positive for BW 14 (+1.97g ).4. Negative correlated significant changes were shown for all egg production-related studied traits (EM30, EM60, DN30, DN60, AGE30 and AGE60 being -3.98,-8.55,-1.41,-3.26,-2.06 and -4.07, respectively), except EM10 (1.75g, P≤0.01). The average genetic response per generation in ASM, BWSM, DN10 and AGE10 were -3.74days, -3.06g, -0.22day and -4.12 days, respectively.}, keywords = {selection,short–term,index selection,economic traits and Japanese quail}, url = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_56666.html}, eprint = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_56666_85938d09ce507f2b6eb3e7f5aabd1cb3.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION TIME OF PROBIOTIC IN DRINKING WATER ON NEW ZEALAND WHITE RABBIT PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE}, journal = {Egyptian Poultry Science Journal}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {779-794}, year = {2014}, publisher = {The Egyptian Poultry Science Association}, issn = {1110-5623}, eissn = {2090-0570}, doi = {}, abstract = {This experiment was conducted to study the effect of different times of probiotic supplemented on performance and some blood characteristics of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. A total of 40 NZW rabbits weaned at six weeks of age were divided equally into five treatment groups. Each group contained four replicates with two rabbits each. The experimental period, extended from 6 to 14 weeks of age. Five treatment groups were tested: 1), the control diet (without probiotic; 2) supplemented probiotic in drinking water from 6 to 10 weeks of age; 3), supplemented probiotic in drinking water from 8 to 12weeks of age; 4) supplemented probiotic in drinking water from 10 to 14weeks of age; 5) supplemented probiotic in drinking water from 12 to 14weeks of age. The experimental diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous (17.25% CP) and iso-caloric (2568 kcal DE/kg diet).Results obtained could be summarized as follow:The final live body weight and total body weight gain were significantly (P<0.01) affected by experimental treatment groups. The highest (P<0.01) values of live body weight and total body weight gain were recorded with rabbits that supplemented probiotic in drinking water during 8-12 weeks period (2187.75 g and 1451.50 g).Feed intake was insignificantly (P<0.05) with rabbits that supplemented probiotic in drinking water during interval 10-14 weeks and the whole 6-14 weeks period. The best (P<0.01) feed conversion value was recorded with rabbits that supplemented probiotic in drinking water during 8-12 weeks period (2.87g feed/g gain).The lowest (P<0.05) value of dressing wt.% was recorded with rabbits that supplemented probiotic in drinking water during(10-14) weeks period (51.72 %) compared with the other experimental treatments. Rabbits supplemented with probiotic during (6-10) recorded the highest (P<0.01) value of total giblets wt. % (66.96 %) compared with the other experimental treatments.}, keywords = {Rabbits,probiotic,Growth performance,carcass traits,economical efficiency}, url = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_56665.html}, eprint = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_56665_dba58dab6243221958023b3e81b3a160.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {RESPONSE OF GROWING JAPANESE QUAIL TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FENNEL SEEDS MEAL}, journal = {Egyptian Poultry Science Journal}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {795-807}, year = {2014}, publisher = {The Egyptian Poultry Science Association}, issn = {1110-5623}, eissn = {2090-0570}, doi = {10.21608/epsj.2014.5362}, abstract = {A total number of 400 Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japanica) chicks at hatch. The quail chicks were housed in cages at hatch up to 42 days of age. The experiment aimed to study the response of growing Japanese quail to different levels of fennel seeds meal. Quail chicks were divided randomly into four equal experimental treatments (100 in each treatment) and randomly divided into four equal replicates (25 chicks / replicate).The first treatment was fed the basal diet as a control, while the other three treatments were fed the basal diet supplemented with the fennel seeds meal (as medicinal plants), at levels of 0.25, 0.50 or 0.75 g/kg diet, respectively. The experimental diets were iso-caloric (2900 kcal ME/kg), iso-nitrogenous (24% CP) and iso- fibrous (3.01%).The results obtained could be summarized as followsLive body weight and body weight gain of quail chicks were significantly (P<0.05) increased with dietary feed fennel seeds meal (FSM). The highest live body weight and body weight gain were recorded by using fennel seeds meal, while, those fed the control diet recorded the lowest values.It is worth noting that feed intake significantly (P<0.05) increased among treatments, compared to the control diet.Fed diet containing 0.50 g/kg FSM recorded the best values (P<0.05) of feed conversion ratio (FCR) (g feed/g gain). Mortality rate recorded a non-significant difference between treatments.Dressing percentage showed significant (P<0.05) increase with the feed additives, while edible giblets (liver, heart and gizzard) percentage was insignificantly increased by FSM.Digestibility coefficients of OM, CP, CF, EE, NFE and the nutritive values expressed as DCP, TDN % and ME (kcal/kg) were significantly varied (P<0.05) among the different experimental treatments. Fed diet containing 0.50 g/kg diet FSM showed the best net return as well as the highest value of economic efficiency among experimental treatments.}, keywords = {Response of growing quail to different levels of fennel seeds meal}, url = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_5362.html}, eprint = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_5362_354d14b8be2c0835c0268efa0ebea930.pdf} } @article { author = {amin, emad}, title = {USING STEPWISE MULTIPLE REGRESSION MODELS TO PREDICT BODY WEIGHT AND SOME CARCASS TRAITS FROM SOME BODY MEASUREMENTS AT EARLY AGE IN TURKEYS}, journal = {Egyptian Poultry Science Journal}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {809-830}, year = {2014}, publisher = {The Egyptian Poultry Science Association}, issn = {1110-5623}, eissn = {2090-0570}, doi = {10.21608/epsj.2014.5369}, abstract = {The objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationship between live measurements and carcass traits and use the develop linear regression models to predict live weight and some of carcass traits in the local Black Baladi (BB), White Nicholas (WW) turkey strains and their repeated backcrosses according some body measurements at early age. Pearson's correlation was used to determine the coefficient of simple correlation between live weight, body measurements and the target carcass components (carcass weight and edible parts). Stepwise multiple regressions were performed to estimate live weight and carcass weight at 20 wks of age using both of body weight and body measurements traits at 16 wks of age to produce the best regression model for each of the dependent variable based on the regression coefficient. Results obtained from descriptive statistics showed that the differences of mean values among the different genotypes, live weight at 16 and 20 week of ages (BW16 and BW20), shank length (SL), keel length (KL), breast width (BW), breast circumference (BC) were highly significant (P<0.01) and influenced by repeated backcrosses. This was also applicable to carcass (CW), and edible parts (EP) weights. Simple Pearson correlation coefficients (r) between body weight at 20 wks of age and body measurements (SL, KL, BW and BC) and carcass yields (CW and EP) had positive and significantly high values of most of the studied traits where (r = 0.25 to 0.99) for the four genotypes (except BW for two repeated backcrosses which had negative and low values). The results of stepwise multiple regression reveals that BW16 seems to be the major trait in determining for predicting BW20, CW and EP base on high adjusted determination coefficient (R2) as shown in all equations. These results based on R2 change for each independent variable. Generally, all models for predicting the former three dependent variables had highly significant .High coefficient of multiple regression between the dependent and independent variables and consequently, high R2 and adjusted R2 values (P<0.01).}, keywords = {turkey,Stepwise Regression,predicts live,carcass and edible parts weight}, url = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_5369.html}, eprint = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_5369_37f248e17ca092408cbd777eed4dc21a.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {GENETIC EVALUATION OF A CROSSBREEDING EXPERIMENT INCLUDED TWO SELECTED LINES OF JAPANESE QUAIL AND THEIR CROSSES FOR SOME GROWTH AND MATURITY-RELATED TRAITS}, journal = {Egyptian Poultry Science Journal}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {831-848}, year = {2014}, publisher = {The Egyptian Poultry Science Association}, issn = {1110-5623}, eissn = {2090-0570}, doi = {}, abstract = {Data of the present study were obtained on a total of 2502 birds of purebred (1300) and crossbred (1202) birds of two differently selected Japanese quail lines (paternal and maternal), as well as their reciprocal crosses. The studied traits were weekly body weight from hatch up to 6th week of age, body weight (BWSM) and age at sexual maturity (ASM) of females, egg number for the first 50 days of production (EN50) and degree of sexual dimorphism for body weight (DSD) weekly from hatch to 6th week of age. The crossbreeding effects (heterosis, direct additive, maternal additive) were estimated for all traits. Fixed effects (line, sex and hatch) and their possible interactions were included in the models to analyze the studied traits. Line differences were significant for all traits. Paternal line showed expected significant (P<0.05) superiority over the rest of the genetic groups for body weight traits. Both crossbreds showed significantly (P<0.05) better performance in ASM, EN50 and DSD than their purebred parents. Degree of sexual dimorphism (DSD) for body weight was significant (P<0.05) at later ages at 5th and 6th weeks but not apparent earlier in the whole experiment. Both sex and hatch significantly (P<0.05) affected body weight traits, except the effect of sex on hatch weight. Hatch effect was significant (P<0.05) on BWSM, ASM and EN50. Direct heterosis was almost significant (P<0.05) for all traits, except for WH though generally negative for body weight traits, while it was positive and significant for EN50 and most of DSD traits. Direct additive and maternal additive effects were significant (P<0.05) for most traits, except for WH, ASM and EN50, where only direct addtive effect estimates were significant. DSD traits showed inconsistent effects and trends for both direct and maternal additive effects. Impact of additive rather than maternal effects were clear in most traits. Generally, it could be concluded that crossbreeding between one paternal line with another maternal line had negative heterotic effects on body}, keywords = {Japanese quail,crossbreeding,body weight,sexual maturity,Egg production}, url = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_56668.html}, eprint = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_56668_5c39cbf2407f7c6bd62c63c5ec33a254.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {EFFECT OF CROSSING AND SEASONS ON FITNESS TRAITS IN TURKEYS}, journal = {Egyptian Poultry Science Journal}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {849-867}, year = {2014}, publisher = {The Egyptian Poultry Science Association}, issn = {1110-5623}, eissn = {2090-0570}, doi = {}, abstract = {Crossing between the local Black Baladi (BB) and a commercial White Nicholas (WW) was carried out to estimate heterosis, direct additive and maternal effects for fitness traits, in addition to season effect. The breeding plan permitted the simultaneous production of the two pure varieties (BB and WW) and their reciprocal crosses (BWand WB) throughout two successive years from 2006 to 2007.Crossing and season had significant effect on most fitness traits studied (fertility, hatchability, late embryonic mortality, total egg loss, mortality rate, survival rate, and fitness index). The interactions between Genotypes and seasons were significant for all fitness traits studied. Eggs of BB hens and those produced from WW hens mated with BB toms had significantly the highest means for most fitness traits. The estimates of heterosis percentages for fitness traits indicated that the BW crosses had superior heterotic effect than the WB cross. The values of maternal additive and direct additive effects showed superiority of BB as sires which suggest that using of this variety as a terminal sire breed in crossbreeding programs including WW dams would be beneficial for improving the fitness traits.It could be concluded that crossing between BB variety and WW strain of turkey can improve fertility, hatchability and late embryonic mortality percentages, total egg loss, morality rate, survival rate and fitness index.}, keywords = {turkeys,Crossing,embryonic mortality,egg loss,survival rate,fitness index}, url = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_56667.html}, eprint = {https://epsj.journals.ekb.eg/article_56667_90166c38e33bd711ae0ef955ac8f5a8a.pdf} }