Review Article
Significance of Artificial Insemination over Natural Mating in Poultry and the Risks of Post-Insemination Physical Trauma
Helen Aklilu*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
1-4
Received:
6 December 2024
Accepted:
26 December 2024
Published:
16 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbls.20251301.11
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Views:
Abstract: Artificial insemination (AI) is a key reproductive technology in modern poultry farming, offering significant advantages over natural mating. It enhances genetic selection, reproductive efficiency, and disease control while minimizing physical interaction between birds, thereby improving biosecurity. AI allows for precise selection of superior traits, optimizing productivity and genetic diversity. However, improper techniques and frequent insemination can lead to physical trauma, reproductive organ injuries, and stress in hens, which may impact welfare and productivity. Ensuring best practices in AI, such as trained personnel, hygienic procedures, and appropriate insemination frequency, is critical to mitigating these risks. This paper explores the benefits of AI in poultry production, emphasizing its role in genetic improvement, biosecurity, and reproductive efficiency. Additionally, it assesses potential risks, particularly post-insemination trauma, and discusses mitigation strategies to enhance animal welfare. The study highlights AI’s role in overcoming natural mating limitations, including size incompatibilities and reduced fertility in aging breeder males. Despite its advantages, AI requires careful management to balance productivity gains with ethical considerations. Addressing these concerns through proper training, ergonomic equipment, and welfare monitoring ensures AI’s sustainable application in poultry farming. As AI continues to evolve, integrating welfare-focused practices will be essential to maintaining both productivity and ethical standards in poultry breeding.
Abstract: Artificial insemination (AI) is a key reproductive technology in modern poultry farming, offering significant advantages over natural mating. It enhances genetic selection, reproductive efficiency, and disease control while minimizing physical interaction between birds, thereby improving biosecurity. AI allows for precise selection of superior trai...
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Research Article
Genetic Variability and Heritability Study in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.) Germplasm in Relation to Yield and Yield Components
Welde Ketema*,
Diriba Beyene,
Obsi File,
Milkinesh Tujuba
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
5-13
Received:
13 December 2024
Accepted:
30 December 2024
Published:
16 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbls.20251301.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a self-pollinating crop belonging to the Poaceae family. It is a highly nutritious cereal cultivated primarily in Eastern and Central Africa and South Asia. Despite its importance as a source of dietary fiber, minerals, and sulfur-containing amino acids, finger millet research has been limited. This study examined the genetic variability and heritability of finger millet germplasm collected from Ethiopia to assess its potential for yield improvement. Thirty-six finger millet germplasm accessions along with one local variety (Gudetu) were evaluated for yield and yield components in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) at the Uke research and demonstration site of Wollega University during the 2021 main cropping season. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences (P < 0.001) among genotypes for all eight traits assessed: days to 95% maturity, grain yield, plant height, 1000-seed weight, finger length, number of productive tillers per plant, number of fingers per main ear, and finger weight per plant. This genetic variation indicates the potential for improvement through breeding programs. The estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV) provided insights into the influence of environmental factors on trait expression. PCV values were consistently higher than GCV values for all traits, suggesting a moderate environmental influence. Broad-sense heritability estimates ranged from 25.8% for the number of fingers per plant to 99.9% for days to maturity. These values suggest that most traits are moderately to highly heritable, indicating the potential for genetic improvement through selection. Grain yield exhibited the lowest genetic advance (0.63%), while finger weight per plant displayed the highest (63.2%). These findings suggest that finger weight may be a more effective target for improvement in finger millet breeding programs compared to grain yield under the studied conditions. Overall, this study highlights the presence of significant genetic variation and moderate to high heritability for yield and yield-related traits in finger millet germplasm. These findings provide valuable insights for breeders aiming to develop improved finger millet varieties with enhanced productivity.
Abstract: Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a self-pollinating crop belonging to the Poaceae family. It is a highly nutritious cereal cultivated primarily in Eastern and Central Africa and South Asia. Despite its importance as a source of dietary fiber, minerals, and sulfur-containing amino acids, finger millet research has been limited. This study exa...
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