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Reproductive traits, behavioral and hormonal changes during breeding season in Egyptian Geese under natural photoperiod

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Abstract

A gradual change in daylight length during the year affects the breeding season of Egyptian geese. So the application of optimal photoperiod is essential to improve the reproductive capacity of the animal. This study was conducted to assess the changes in behaviour, circulating levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, and reproductive traits during the season of breeding in Geese. Eighty female geese at age 12 months with an average body weight of 2800 ± 200 g were selected and observed from 1st January to June. A total of 80 female Egyptian geese at age 12 months with an average body weight 2800 ± 200 g were distributed randomly into four groups (20 geese for each group), 5 replicates groups were made comprising 4 birds each. Our results showed a significant increase in feeding, locomotion, body care, and alert behaviour during laying period, with more walking, flaying and swimming, sun rays help bird for more preening to self-grooming enrichment by a pool of water help bird for swimming. The highest FSH and LH levels were recorded during the period of laying, while their lowest levels were during the period of incubation. Egg number and hatchability increased in June compared to March, April, and May by an increase in daylight hours during the breeding season. It could be concluded that the increase in daylight length had a favorable effect on behaviour, gonadotropins, egg number, and hatchability during spring (March- beginning of June, where there is an increase in daylight length) in geese.

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Acknowledgements

This project was supported financially by the Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF), Egypt, (Grant No 26193).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

    Azhar F. Abdel Fattah

  2. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

    Noura E. Abd Elhameed

  3. Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

    Elshimaa M. Roushdy

  4. Department of Poultry, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt

    Mohamed S. El Kholy & Mahmoud Alagawany

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  1. Azhar F. Abdel Fattah
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  2. Noura E. Abd Elhameed
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  4. Mohamed S. El Kholy
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  5. Mahmoud Alagawany
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Correspondence to Elshimaa M. Roushdy or Mahmoud Alagawany.

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Fattah, A.F.A., Abd Elhameed, N.E., Roushdy, E.M. et al. Reproductive traits, behavioral and hormonal changes during breeding season in Egyptian Geese under natural photoperiod. Rend. Fis. Acc. Lincei 32, 539–547 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-021-00999-x

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