T he domestic dog (Canis familiaris) is a non-seasonal monoestrus species that present spontaneous ovulation. The bitch's reproductive cycle is very typical, where significant variations do occur between and within dogs. The duration of the different phases of the cycle, such as pro-oestrus and oestrus can vary from 5 to 20 days and 6 to 11 days, respectively and, therefore, these variations explain poorly known breeding dates (Concannon, 2010). The fertile period can sometimes extend from 5 days before and after ovulation (Levy et al., 2007). On the other hand, the male's sperm lifespan is very short, and studies have shown that, after freeze-thaw, the percentage of motile and viable sperm decreases up to 45% (Thomassen et al., 2006). Hence, it become utmost important to precisely determine the date of ovulation. For subject matter, there are several techniques available to predict the time of ovulation, and these include vaginal epithelium exams, hormone dosage, or ovarian ultrasonography. Vaginal cytology determines the phases of the oestrus cycle. Supplemented with a hormone test, it is most often used to monitor the onset of the period when ovulation date approaches (Bouchard et al., 1991). However, due to variations in cycles between and within bitches, ovulation cannot be determined with precision by this method (Rosset et al., 2009). The LH blood test performed by radio-immunological method (RIA) or by ELISA test is another method to be used. However, owing the fact that blood LH surge has a short duration, its detection is so delicate to a point where it is often necessary to carry out daily blood tests (ideally two blood samples) until the surge detection (England et al., 2002; Levy et al., 2007). In addition, some studies have shown that the LH surge is sometimes biphasic where an initial rise needs not to be taken into account in determining the date of ovulation ( Jeffcoate and Lindsay, 1989
Background: Natural additives supplementation in broiler feed is intended to produce organic meat and minimize the use of chemical drugs that have harmful effects on humans, animals, and the environment. Using locally available plants such as fenugreek and green anise is a much safer and inexpensive alternative Methods: 318 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three different experimental groups: birds of the first group considered as the control group received an enrofloxacin-based antistress drug; birds of the second group received an aqueous extract of fenugreek; birds of the third group received an aqueous extract of aniseed. Both natural products were used in gradual levels according to the following dosages and duration of treatment:7 grams/liter of water during the period from day15 to day 21 of age; 14 grams/liter of water from day 22 to day 28 and 28 grams/liter of water from day 29 to day 35. For each group, the following zootechnical parameters and carcass characteristics were recorded: mortality rates; Feed Intake (FI), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR); live weight at slaughter; carcass yield and the weights of the liver, gizzard, and abdominal fat. Findings: Fenugreek was found to have the lowest mortality rate (6,60%) compared to 9,34% for the "control" group and 8,41% for the "anise group. Both Fenugreek and aniseed aqueous extracts had similar results to the synthetic antistress on the zootechnical and carcass variables studied. There was no significant difference between the three experimental groups (p> 0,05). Novelty: Supplementation of fenugreek and anise aqueous extracts in broilers' drinking water has no adverse effect on their zootechnical performance or carcass characteristics. Both natural products could replace synthetic enrofloxacin-based antistress, allowing organic broiler production with reduced costs.
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