Biology of three hammerhead sharks (Eusphyra blochii, Sphyrna mokarran and S. lewini) from Northern Australia

1989 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 129 ◽  
Author(s):  
JD Stevens ◽  
JM Lyle
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Seasonal Cycle ◽  
Size At Maturity ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Gill Net ◽  
Form Part ◽  
Incidental Catch ◽  
Hammerhead Sharks ◽  
Size At Birth

The hammerhead sharks Eusphyra blochii, Sphyrna mokarran and S. lewini form part of the incidental catch of a commercial gill-net fishery off northern Australia. Of the specimens sampled between June 1980 and December 1986, 46% of S. mokarran, 41% of E. blochii and 31% of S. lewini were females. Few adult female S. lewini were caught and it is suggested that these occur offshore of the study area. In northern Australia, the usual size at maturity of male E. blochii, S. lewini and S. mokarran is 108, 150 and 225 cm total length (TL), ,and of females is 120, 200 and 210 cm TL, respectively. S. mokarran and E. blochii gave birth in January and February/March, respectively, after a gestation period of 10-11 months. S. Iewini appears to have a more extended seasonal cycle: the young are born between October and January after 9-10 months gestation. Size at birth is about 45-50 cm TL in E. blochii and S. lewini, and 65 cm TL in S. mokarran. Mean litter size is 12 in E. blochii, 15 in S. mokarran and 17 in S. lewini. Individual E. blochii females breed every year, whereas S. mokarran females probably breed every other year. Fish are an important component of the diet of all three species as, to a lesser extent, are cephalopods for S. lewini and crustaceans for S. mokarran and E. blochii.

Biology of two commercially important carcharhinid sharks from northern Australia

1986 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 671 ◽  
Author(s):  
JD Stevens ◽  
PD Wiley
Keyword(s):  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Size At Maturity ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Gill Net ◽  
Average Litter Size ◽  
Commercially Important ◽  
Mature Fish ◽  
Reproductive Cycles ◽  
Size At Birth ◽  
Pelvic Fin

Sharks represent 78% of the total catch by weight of a Taiwanese surface gill-net fishery off northern Australia. Two carcharhinids, Carcharhrnus tilstoni (previously described as C. limbatus) and C. sorrah, together comprise 83% of this shark catch by number. C. tilstoni is distinguished from C. limbatus by differences in enzyme systems, vertebral counts, size data and pelvic fin coloration. Of the specimens of C. tilstoni and C. sorrah caught in the Arafura and Timor Seas from 1981 to 1983, 43% and 47%, respectively, were female; at birth these proportions were 46% and 50%, respectively. In both species, females tended to be relatively more abundant in catches of mature fish, except around March, when males predominated. In northern Australia, the usual size at maturity for C. tilstoni is 110 cm for males and 115 cm for females; for C. sorrah, it is 90 cm and 95 cm, respectively. Both species exhibit placental viviparity and have almost identical restricted reproductive cycles. Mating occurs in February-March, ovulation in March-April and the main parturition period is in January. The gestation period is 10 months and individual fish breed each year. The average litter size for both species is three. The size at birth is about 60 cm for C. tilstoni and 50 cm for C. sorrah. Stomach contents indicate that teleost fish are an important component of the diet of both species and there is some indication of a change in feeding depth with shark size.

Caste Development and Its Seasonal Cycle in the Australian Harvester Termite, Drepanotermes Perniger (Froggatt) (Isoptera; Termitinae).

1974 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 471 ◽  
Author(s):  
JAL Watson
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Cycle ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Fourth Instar ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
The South ◽  
Worker Characteristics ◽  
Caste Development ◽  
Single Worker

The development of Drepanotermes perniger (Frogg.) in Australia is simple, with non-reproductive and reproductive lines separating at the first moult, a single worker line, a monomorphic soldier caste derived from two or three worker stages, and brachypterous neotenics formed by the premature metamorphosis of fifth-instar reproductive nymphs. Intercastes are known between soldier and fifth-instar reproductive nymph; presoldier and neotenic; and third-instar worker and fourth-instar reproductive nymph. All have substantially nymphal thoraces and abdomens, with minor intercaste modifications, and heads that are variously modified from nymphal towards soldier, presoldier or worker characteristics. The development of the castes shows a marked seasonal cycle, and only workers, soldiers and fourth-instar reproductive nymphs occur during the winter. Oviposition begins after the resumption of foraging in spring, and in the south growth and differentiation continue through much of the summer. Fourth-instar nymphs break diapause synchronously in early summer, and the alates fly with rains in January or February. In northern Australia there is a break in oviposition during summer, and the reproductive nymphs develop from eggs laid in autumn, after the alates have flown.

A note on purebred performance of Belgian Piétrain pigs

1977 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. N. Howard ◽  
W. C. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Cross Section ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Muscle Quality ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Feeding Regime ◽  
Weight Range ◽  
Breed Difference ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Size At Birth

SUMMARYIn an analysis of data from 211 litters in a Pietrain herd, litter size at birth and at weaning was lower than is generally found in indigenous breeds. Mortality in growing and breeding pigs was high with circulatory failure accounting for 23% and 95% of deaths respectively. Pietrains, fed ad libitum over the live-weight range 27 to 87 kg, grew more slowly by 130 g/day than contemporary Large Whites on the same feeding regime, had higher killing-out percentages (by 3 to 4 units) and larger eye muscles in cross-section (by 9·9 cm2) but tended to have higher feed conversion ratios. There was no breed difference in backfat measurements but Pietrain carcasses were shorter by 83 mm and their muscle quality was markedly inferior to that of the Large Whites.

THE ACCUMULATIVE EFFECT OF FINNSHEEP BREEDING IN CROSSBREEDING SCHEMES: REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE

1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
MOHAMED H. FAHMY ◽  
JACQUES J. DUFOUR
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Linear Regressions ◽  
Size At Birth

Reproductive performance and body weight were studied on 361 ewes, representing Finnsheep (F), DLS (a population of 1/2 Dorset, 1/4 Leicester, 1/4 Suffolk) and seven combinations ranging from 1/8 to 7/8 Finnsheep breeding. Conception rate in yearlings was 61.5% for DLS compared to 89.0% for F with the crosses being intermediate. Conception rate in older ewes was similar in the different genetic groups (avg. 94%). Ovulation rate and litter size at birth of DLS ewes were 1.72 and 1.44 lambs, which was less than half those of F ewes (3.51 and 2.86 lambs, respectively). Both traits increased progressively with an increase in F breeding in crosses and with advances in age. DLS ewes weaned 1.22 lambs compared to 2.03 lambs for F ewes and 1.84 lambs for 4/8 F ewes. The heaviest litters at weaning (31.7 kg) were raised by 4/8 F ewes, followed by 7/8 F (30.8 kg) while those raised by DLS ewes weighed 23.0 kg and F ewes 29.1 kg. Percentage of ova lost per ewe mated averaged 24% and ranged between 18% (DLS and 1/8 F) and 29% (6/8 F). About 3.6% of lambs were born dead and a further 13.8% died before weaning. Preweaning mortality rate was highest in F (22.9%) and lowest in 3/8 F (9.4%). Average kilograms of lambs weaned per ewe exposed was highest in 4/8 F (27.6 kg) followed by F (26.0 kg), whereas that of DLS was the lowest at 18.1 kg. The 4/8 F cross showed 25% heterosis in kg of lambs weaned per ewe exposed and 52.5% increase over DLS. Significant positive linear regressions were calculated for ovulation rate, litter size and preweaning mortality rate on proportion of Finnsheep breeding in crosses. The relation was quadratic for percent ova lost and lamb mortality at weaning. Yearling DLS females weighted 36 kg compared to 44 kg for F yearlings. However, at 5 yr of age DLS ewes weighed 62 kg, 5 kg heavier than F ewes. The heaviest ewes at all ages were the 4/8 F (45 kg at 1 yr, 65 kg at 5 yr). Key words: Reproduction, DLS sheep, Finnsheep, crossbreeding, heterosis, repeatabilities

scholarly journals Effect of farrowing pen size on pre-weaning performance of piglets

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine D Vande Pol ◽  
Austin L Laudwig ◽  
Aaron M Gaines ◽  
Beau A Peterson ◽  
Caleb M Shull ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Commercial Production ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Pig Production ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cross Fostering ◽  
Size At Birth

Abstract Litter sizes in commercial pig production have increased substantially over recent years; however, farrowing pen sizes have generally not changed over the same time period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of farrowing pen size on piglet pre-weaning growth and mortality. Differences in pen size were created by varying the width of pens of the same length, increasing the creep area available to the piglets. The study used a total of 1,786 litters in a randomized complete block design to compare two Farrowing Pen Size treatments (FPS): Standard (pen width 1.52 m) and Increased (pen width 1.68 m). Litter sizes were equalized across treatments (12.9 ± 1.95 piglets) at 24 h after birth using cross-fostering. Litter weights were collected at birth and weaning (21.3 ± 2.08 d); pre-weaning mortality was recorded. The experimental unit was the litter; models included FPS and replicate. Farrowing Pen Size had no effect (P > 0.05) on litter size at birth (12.8 and 13.0 for the Standard and Increased FPS, respectively), after cross-fostering (12.9 for both treatments), or at weaning (11.2 and 11.3, respectively). There was no effect (P > 0.05) of FPS on total litter or average piglet weight at birth, after cross-fostering, and at weaning. These results suggest no benefit in piglet performance from increasing the width of farrowing pens. As litter sizes continue to increase in commercial production, further research is warranted to re-evaluate the impact of farrowing pen size on pre-weaning mortality.

scholarly journals EVALUASI REPRODUKSI INDUK KELINCI NEW ZEALAND PADA BERBAGAI PARITAS (Studi Kasus di UD. Alastika Jaya Desa Tulungrejo Kecamatan Gandusari Kabupaten Blitar)

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
Iva Mardiani Fatimah ◽  
Nita Opi Ari kustanti ◽  
Edya Moelia Moeis
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Days Open ◽  
Size At Birth

The aim of this study is to find out reproctive performance of New Zealand doe in UD. Alastika Jaya. This study use 35 of 51 doe population as the sample and field survey to take primary and secondary data from observation and interview as the research method.  The result of observation and data analysis of study indicate that average value of service per conception (S/C), long of days open, gap of bred after whelped, interval of birth, litter size at birth, and litter size at weaning in a row is 2,17+0,57, 33,33+16,56 days, 32,6+22,14 days, 65,67+16,54 days, 6,65+2,54 kits, dan 4,24+2,05 kits

Estimates Of Genetic Parameters For Economic Traits In West African Dwarf Goat

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 114-119
Author(s):  
I. K. Odubote ◽  
J. O. Akinokun
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
West African ◽  
Economic Traits ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
West African Dwarf Goat ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
Size At Birth ◽  
Birth Body Weight

Records of 848 West African Dwarf goat kids and 220 kiddings over a period of eight years (1982-1989) were analysed. The records were used to provide heritability and repeatability estimates for litter size at birth, kidding interval (repeatability estimate alone) and body weight at birth, weaning, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year of age. Heritability estimates of 0.28±0.005, 0.18±0.003, 0.14±0.003, 0.29±0.005, 0.11±0.003 and 0.17±0.004 were obtained for litter size at birth, body weight at birth, and at weaning, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months of age respectively. Corresponding repeatability estimates were slightly higher than the heritability estimates. However, repeatability estimates of 0.04±0.030 was obtained for kidding interval.

Effect of remating interval and diet on the performance of female rabbits and their litters

1993 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Cervera ◽  
J. Fernandez-Carmona ◽  
P. Viudes ◽  
E. Blas
Keyword(s):  
Factorial Design ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Intensive Treatment ◽  
The Other ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Energy Concentration ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Size At Birth

AbstractIn an experiment of factorial design, female rabbits were given four diets, containing 13·0, 11·4, 10·4 and 9·7 kJ digestible energy (DE) per g and subjected to two remating intervals (R) of 1 to 2 days (intensive) or 9 days (semi-intensive) from parturition. The experiment lasted for 2 years during which 352 does produced a total of 1254 litters. The only major differences due to diet were that the diet with the highest energy concentration, and which contained 35 g/kg added fat, promoted a significantly higher energy intake in lactation (111 v. an average of 94 MJ DE) than the other diets, and thereby increased litter weight at weaning at 28 days (3·48 v. 2·99 kg). Diet and R showed no major interactive effects. The intensive treatment significantly reduced parturition interval (46 v. 52 days) and increased the output of weaned rabbits per doe per year (35 v. 29). As actual R was more variable than the theoretical R imposed by the treatments, further analyses were made by dividing the does into four groups according to the actual R. In these analyses, the effects of R on current and subsequent lactation performance were assessed separately. The main difference between the groups was that litter size increased significantly with R (e.g. litter size at birth in subsequent parities was 8·0, 9·2, 9·7 and 9·0 for mean intervals of 2, 10, 16 and 37 days). However, the same pattern of differences occurred in the current parity, indicating that it was litter size that affected R, rather than the reverse (i.e. does with small litters conceived earlier than those with larger litters).

Growth of the Eastern Quoll, Dasyurus viverrinus (Shaw), (Marsupialia) in Captivity

1984 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
JC Merchant ◽  
K Newgrain ◽  
B Green
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Mammary Glands ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Molar Teeth ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
At Will

The growth and development, from 10 to 270 days old, of eastern quolls in a captive colony was recorded. Young were able to detach from the teat by 65 days of age and their eyes were open by 80 days. Statistically significant differences in some measurements from males and females were found as early as 85 days of age. The weaning period commenced at 102 days ofage, and coincided with eruption ofthe first molar teeth. Total independence, determined by the cessation of lactation in the mother, was as early as 142 days in litters of one or as late as 200 days in larger litters. There was a high correlation between litter size and age at independence. Lactation was maintained in all previously suckled mammary glands of adult females after the death of young aged 65 days or over if some siblings remained. This was due to the ability of young of this age to detach and reattach to the teats at will. The implication of this observation is that the commonly held view that the numbers of surviving young in marsupial litters corresponds to the number of lactating teats in the adult female may not always be correct.

Genetic correlations for reproductive and growth traits in rabbits

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rym Ezzeroug ◽  
Rafik Belabbas ◽  
Maria José Argente ◽  
Ali Berbar ◽  
Samir Diss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
High Coefficient ◽  
Genetic And Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
The Common ◽  
Large Coefficient ◽  
Size At Birth

The objective of this study was to obtain heritability estimates for reproductive (litter size at birth, number born alive, litter size at weaning) and growth traits (individual weaning weight, individual weight at the end of the fattening period), then determine the genetic correlation between them in a synthetic rabbit line. A total of 805 females, 3242 parities, and 18 472 growth records were measured from 2006 to 2017. A pentavariate animal model was used with reproductive and growth traits. Heritability ranged from 0.025 to 0.126 for reproductive traits and from 0.033 to 0.059 for growth traits. These traits showed a large coefficient of variation (from 32% to 56% for reproductive traits and from 21% to 28% for growth traits). The repeatability of reproductive traits was low and the common litter effect for growth traits was the most important component of total variance. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between reproductive and growth traits were high and negative, especially with weight at weaning (−0.848, −0.922, and −0.854 for litter size at birth, number born alive, and litter size at weaning, respectively). In conclusion, because of the high negative correlation between reproductive and growth traits, both reproductive and growth traits should be selected in independent lines and the response to selection should be due mainly to the high coefficient of variation of the traits.

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