Breeder Genetic Algorithms represent a class of random optimisation techniques gleaned from the science of population genetics, which have proved their ability to solve hard optimisation problems with continuous parameters. In this paper we test a parallel version of this technique against a sequential Breeder Genetic Algorithm on a typical inverse design problem in Aerodynamics, the problem of...

Hormonal asynchronies during oestrus, related to the presence of suprabasal plasma-progesterone (P4) concentrations and a delayed ovulation, interfere with the fertility of repeat-breeder heifers (RBH). Since tubal dysfunction can occur in connection with hormonal asynchronies and constrained availability of fertile spermatozoa at the time of ovulation, the present study tested the hypothesis t...

Fifty repeat breeder (RB) Friesian cows were allocated to five groups of 10 cows each, to determine the effect of progesterone (P4) supplement on P4 concentrations and pregnancy rates during the periods of corpus luteum (CL) formation and development between days 2-7 and 7-12 following a spontaneous or PGF2α-induced estrus. Cows were artificially inseminated during PGF2α-induced (PGF-P4-d2 and ...

In social groups, subordinates may gain dominant breeding status either by inheriting the top position in their current group or by dispersing to join a new group. The pathway to breeder status is likely to vary between males and females as a result of sex differences in the costs of dispersal and inbreeding. We report results from a field study conducted to explore sex differences in the rates...

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (Salmonella Enteritidis) has been associated with morbidity and mortality in broiler chickens worldwide. The present study described purulent arthritis of broilers infected with Salmonella Enteritidis and investigated antibiograms and genetic characteristics of Salmonella Enteritidis isolates from epidemiologically related properties such as a hatchery an...

This trial examined the effect of 2 turkey breeder hen ages (33 or 55 wk of age) on performance, intestinal histology, and inflammatory immune response of female turkey poults grown to market weight. Using a randomized design, female poults were separated by breeder flock age (n = 8 floor pens/breeder flock age; n = 26 poults/pen; 0.195 m(2)/bird), fed identical commercial diets (9 phases), and...

Repeat breeder (RB) cows have been reported to have an alteration in ovarian steroid concentrations in the circulation. The endocrine alteration disturbs the endometrial growth factor-cytokine network in the endometrium and, in turn, may cause embryonic death in RB cows. An example may be loss of peaks in the cyclic change of epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations in the endometrium. This...