Search Results (1,696)

Drought stress is a major abiotic constraint to rice productivity. Seedling-stage screening of rice genotypes is therefore essential for identifying key adaptive traits and drought-tolerant genotypes. This study evaluated 40 lowland rainfed rice genotypes for seedling-stage drought tolerance under greenhouse conditions using a split-plot randomized complete block design. Progressive drought stress was imposed for 21 days, and root and shoot traits were assessed. Substantial morphological variability was observed among genotypes for most traits. Drought stress significantly reduced root dry weight (52.8%), shoot dry weight (51.6%), seedling biomass (51.5%), number of roots (39.3%), number of roots with at least 5 cm length (37%), and shoot length (21.1%). Root-to-shoot ratio showed significant water × genotype interaction. Correlation analysis, heritability, and genetic advance identified root traits as reliable selection criteria for seedling-stage drought stress screening. Combined Drought Stress Response Index (CDSRI) classified 17.5% of genotypes as tolerant and 12.5% as sensitive. Tolerant genotypes (B1P15, Chupa, Mucabo, Mpulo, Nasoco, Nene, and Mutanzania) represent a valuable resource for rice breeding targeting early-season drought resilience. These findings support breeders in identification of adaptive traits and provide a basis for policy interventions to invest in drought-resilient varieties that benefit farmers in rainfed areas. Full article

The extensive diversification of flower shape and organs underpins the adaptive success of angiosperms. Despite substantial knowledge of the molecular mechanisms controlling flower induction and development, few studies have quantified the variability in floral traits within species or explored their correlation with other reproductive traits. In cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), human selection has driven fruit diversification in terms of size and shape. In the present study, 48 landraces representing tomato diversity in reproduction-related characteristics were phenotyped for 18 flower structural or dimensional traits. Flower traits exhibited lower coefficients of variation compared to other reproductive traits, though organ numbers showed high heritability values. Flower organ number and size were tightly correlated, but the correlation between dimensional traits was weaker. This likely reflects the selective pressures on pistil traits during domestication, including specific mutations affecting carpel number and ovary morphology. While ovary and fruit size were positively correlated, no relationship was found between ovule and seed size, suggesting that genes related to seed size generally act after fruit set. The collection was genotyped at the Fasciated (Fas) locus, and 13 floral traits were significantly different in fas mutants. The phenotypic variability described in this study could help breeders select for more fertile flowers and assist reproductive biologists in linking genes to flower development. Full article

This study evaluates performance data and genetic merit of the main horse populations competing in Olympic disciplines in Spain and examines their implications for the optimization of official Breeding Programs. Performance records from 2004–2023 were analyzed, including 101,093 participations in Dressage, 319,000 in Show Jumping, and 17,535 in Eventing. These records were combined with pedigree information from 35,589 horses in Dressage, 33,935 in Show Jumping, and 12,102 in Eventing and evaluated using BLUP animal models to obtain standardized Estimated Breeding Values (EBV; mean 100 ± 20) and a Genetic Global Index (GGI). A single unified evaluation model was implemented for all studbooks, enabling a direct comparison of genetic quality across different breeds. Results revealed marked differences in genetic merit and genetic progress among breeds. Similar mean EBVs were obtained for the three analyzed breeds in Dressage in both the complete and the top 10% populations, with positive genetic trends in Caballo de Deporte Español (CDE) and Pura Raza Española (PRE), while the slope of EBV on birth year was not significantly different from zero in Spanish Anglo-Árabe (AA). CDE showed the highest mean EBVs and accuracies in Show Jumping (EBV up to 109.27; R up to 0.72), with a clear positive genetic trend. In Eventing, CDE and AA showed similar EBVs, while PRE consistently exhibited lower ones, although with a comparatively more favorable genetic trend. Analysis of selection intensity indicated that PRE breeders applied the most consistent genetic criteria, preferentially using animals with GGI > 100, whereas CDE and AA showed discrepancies between genetic merit and reproductive use. Overall, the unified Spanish genetic evaluation system provides reliable comparative information across breeds and has enabled measurable genetic progress, although improvements in breeders’ decision-making and in the use of genetic information are needed to maximize selection response. Full article

Fruit size and weight are valuable characteristics for cherry breeders, mainly because of their higher market price. Several molecular markers have been developed in recent years and have been correlated with fruit weight. In cherries, FW_G2a was identified as a promising hotspot for fruit size and weight characteristics. Two markers flanking that region were taken into consideration in this study. The local sweet and sour cherry collection in Érd, Hungary, was analyzed using molecular markers to identify possible correlations between the markers and phenotypes. The duration of phenotypic observations varied from 3 years in sour cherry to 5 years in sweet cherry. In our study, we observed correlations between fruit size and weight and the molecular markers of our germplasm collection. We confirmed the previously published association of haplotypes 190–255 and 192–233 with large and small fruit size, respectively, in sweet cherry. Individual alleles of both markers were identified, showing moderate to strong correlations with large and small fruit size in sweet cherry. In tetraploid sour cherry, a higher number of unique allelic combinations were found due to the higher level of ploidy compared to sweet cherry. Individual alleles were detected with moderate positive correlations with fruit size, while one allele showed a strong negative correlation with fruit dimension-related traits. These markers were found to be useful for the characterization of fruit size characteristics, for population selection and for the differentiation of the Hungarian germplasm collection. Full article

In recent years, outbreaks of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) have been reported with increasing frequency worldwide. In Austria, the presence of fowl aviadenoviruses (FAdVs) and/or IBH has been documented sporadically. The present report describes a surge of natural IBH cases in fifteen Ross 308 broiler flocks. The clinical picture was characterized by the sudden onset of increased mortality in birds 3 to 15 days of age, persisting for approximately one week, resulting in cumulative flock mortality ranging from 2% to 27%. The main pathological findings were hepatitis with diffuse necrotic foci and petechial hemorrhages with intranuclear inclusion bodies by histology. FAdV was detected in liver samples from all affected flocks. Based upon partial hexon sequence analysis, FAdV serotype-11, species-D (FAdV-11, FAdV-D) was identified, showing complete sequence identity among broiler-derived strains and high identity with previous isolates from Austria and globally IBH-associated isolates. Furthermore, FAdV-11 DNA was detected in dead-in-shell embryos collected during the ongoing outbreak, originating from one suspect broiler breeder flock, confirming vertical transmission. Serological investigations of the suspect breeders confirmed the FAdV-11 infections within the studied timeframe. In conclusion, investigations confirmed vertical transmission of FAdV-11 and subsequent manifestation of IBH in broilers under field conditions, highlighting the epidemiological importance of broiler breeders in IBH outbreaks. Full article

Sustainable water management in high Andean ecosystems involves identifying and protecting recharge areas, integrating both biophysical and social knowledge. The purpose of this study was to conduct a participatory analysis of the recharge zone in the Totorani micro-basin, with a total area of 61.39 km², located in Puno District, Peru, which supplies water to more than 21,000 people. A hierarchical multicriteria analysis in a GIS environment was used, considering five variables (vegetation cover, slope, soil type, geology, and land use), complemented by participatory workshops. The results indicate that moderate recharge predominates in 56.01% of the area, followed by high (39.91%) and very high (3.81%) recharge, associated with the high-altitude Andean wetlands and alluvial plains. Areas of low recharge comprised 0.28% and were found on slopes >30%, with thin soils and low infiltration. The participatory validation process confirmed the alignment between the maps and local knowledge, emphasizing the wetlands and springs as essential areas for water regulation. The stakeholder analysis identified three key groups as direct users: farmers and livestock breeders, public or educational institutions, and social organizations. The stakeholders highlighted threats, such as agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and climate variability, while also emphasizing the importance of traditional conservation practices. Water recharge in Totorani is both a biophysical and social process, requiring the integration of technical methodologies with community participation for effective management. These findings represent a strategic contribution to water governance and offer a replicable model for other high Andean micro-basins. Full article

Transmissible viral proventriculitis (TVP) is an emerging disease in chickens, linked to chicken proventricular necrosis virus (CPNV), a recently identified birnavirus. Here, we provide the first molecular confirmation of TVP in Bangladesh from a coloured meat-type parent stock (PS) flock, while documenting a contemporaneous white layer flock with consistent clinical signs and characteristic gross lesions. Affected birds exhibited growth retardation, diarrhoea, and increased mortality, alongside hallmark gross changes in proventricular enlargement and wall thickening. From the meat-type PS, proventricular samples were collected for histopathology and molecular diagnostics. Histological analysis revealed severe glandular epithelial damage, necrosis, mononuclear infiltration, epithelial hyperplasia, and metaplasia. Using RT-PCR on nucleic acid extracted from FTA card samples, CPNV was detected. In addition, infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), and avian reovirus (ARV) nucleic acids were also identified. The amplified CPNV VP1 fragment was sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis placed the Bangladeshi strain within clades of previously reported CPNV isolates. This study represents the first molecularly confirmed report of CPNV associated with TVP in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for active surveillance in commercial and breeder poultry flocks to understand the virus’s epidemiology and support the development of control strategies. Full article

To address knowledge gaps in urban wetlands’ role in sustaining avian diversity along migration corridors, this study systematically surveyed three Yancheng wetland parks with a distinct habitat gradient. Monthly surveys were conducted from January to December 2024 using fixed-width line transects and point counts, with three 300 m transects set in each park and all birds within 50 m of the transect line recorded, and Shannon–Wiener, Simpson, Pielou’s Evenness, and Margalef Richness indices were employed for quantitative analysis. A total of 83 bird species across 16 orders and 41 families were documented, including the National Class I Protected and Endangered Oriental Stork and three Class II nationally protected species (Black-winged Kite, Crested Goshawk, Common Kestrel). Fengyi Lake Park, with 71 species, served as a critical migratory waterbird hub. Yandu Wetland Park sustained community stability through high habitat heterogeneity, supporting specialized breeders, and Dongfang Wetland Park, with 34 urban adaptor-dominated species, provided key autumn pulsed resources for frugivores and granivores. This study identifies habitat heterogeneity as the primary driver of avian community differentiation and highlights that the ecological functions of urban wetlands are contingent on multi-habitat complementarity. We, therefore, advocate for prioritizing the construction of heterogeneous habitat structures in urban wetland planning, enhancing functional complementarity and connectivity among distinct wetland types, and preserving the continuity of migratory bird habitat corridors along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. These findings furnish robust scientific evidence and actionable guidance for regional green space planning and biodiversity conservation. Full article

Soil salinization is a major environmental hazard, hindering rapeseed development due to sodium ion (Na⁺) toxicity and ionic imbalances in plant cells. Understanding tolerance mechanisms and categorizing reliable physiochemical indicators is vital for enhancing rapeseed tolerance. Herein, we aimed to enhance knowledge about the stress-responsive mechanism of ten rapeseed varieties (C71, C88, C91, C97, C123, C136, C196, C272, C280, and C320) exposed to five NaCl concentrations (0, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mM) through determining key factors related to salt tolerance at the seedling stage. Our results showed that salt stress significantly reduced seedling growth and biomass with increasing salt stress concentration in a similar pattern in all studied varieties, especially in sensitive seedlings. Furthermore, photosynthetic pigment, osmotic solutes, and MDA showed significant variations under salt treatment versus control in all studied varieties. Based on morpho-physiochemical trait analysis of ten rapeseed varieties, C71 and C272 were selected as tolerant and sensitive varieties to study stress responses during six weeks (weekly time points) in the leaf, petiole, stem, and root of seedlings under 250 mM NaCl. Current findings demonstrated superior osmotic adjustment of C71 through higher accumulation of total soluble sugars and protein, reflected in lower MDA levels, which contributed to maintaining cellular homeostasis and membrane integrity to improve resilience under salinity versus C272. Besides, total amino acid content was enhanced in C71 versus C272 seedlings, which was attributed to stress tolerance. In different tissues of C71 and C272, Na⁺ and K⁺ levels varied with increasing growing time, reaching the maximum increment at the 6th week under salt stress conditions. Moreover, Na⁺ initially accumulates in roots and enhances the K⁺ level in tolerant seedlings; besides, K⁺ was accumulated higher in the roots of tolerant seedlings, resulting in K⁺ homeostasis, thereby improving stress tolerance. Our results can be a great reference value for rapeseed plant breeders to develop salt-tolerant cultivars. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in poultry-associated Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a persistent One Health concern, particularly when ESBL/pAmpC determinants co-occur with resistance to multiple antimicrobial classes. Between March and October 2024, we investigated commensal E. coli from three interconnected compartments of the poultry production chain in Bosnia and Herzegovina (parent-breeder flocks, commercial broiler farms, hatchery-associated material). A total of 333 samples were examined, and 99 E. coli isolates were recovered (29.7%). Phenotypic characterization included ESBL confirmation, disk diffusion susceptibility testing, and EUVSEC broth microdilution. Targeted real-time PCR assays were used to screen key ESBL/pAmpC-associated genes and selected carbapenemase and plasmid-mediated colistin resistance targets within the targeted panel. ESBL phenotypes were detected in 52/99 isolates (52.5%), and multidrug resistance was highly prevalent across compartments (93/99; 93.9%). ESBL/pAmpC-associated genes were detected in 91/99 isolates (91.9%), with bla_TEM predominating. Gene pattern analysis indicated that bla_TEM occurred most frequently as a single determinant and as part of the predominant multi-gene combinations, most notably bla_TEM + bla_CMY and bla_TEM + bla_CTX-M, while bla_SHV was sporadic. Carbapenemase genes (bla_KPC, bla_NDM, bla_GES, bla_OXA-48) and mcr-1 to mcr-9 were not detected. Overall, our findings indicate a substantial ESBL/MDR burden throughout the poultry production chain, supporting the need for strengthening antimicrobial stewardship and biosecurity measures across both farms and hatcheries. Full article

Octopus mimus aquaculture has gained relevance owing to its commercial potential; however, optimization of its reproductive and growth conditions in captivity requires further study. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive conditioning, morphometric growth, and water quality of this species in a controlled system. To do this, adult O. mimus were selected and kept in circular tanks with controlled temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and salinity. Weight, total length (TL), mantle length (ML), and arm length (AL) measurements were made, in addition to monitoring seawater quality throughout the conditioning cycle. Paralarvae hatching productions were recorded, and Fulton’s condition index (k) was calculated to assess octopus health. The results showed that larger females produced more paralarvae, and that temperature significantly influenced the incubation period. The morphometric relationships between TL, ML, and LA were highly correlated, particularly in females. The seawater quality, with temperatures close to 22 °C, dissolved oxygen between 7.8 and 9.2 mg/L, 7.1–8.0 pH, and salinity around 35.3 PSU, was optimal for the welfare and reproduction of octopuses. This study provides keys to the effective management of O. mimus in aquaculture, with an emphasis on the importance of proper water quality management and the selection of larger broodstock. Full article

In advancing the green transformation of the livestock industry, whether “carrots” or “sticks” prove more effective remains to be further tested. Drawing on micro-level survey data from 273 beef cattle farmers in Yunnan Province, China, this study employs farmers’ subjective evaluations of green subsidies and environmental regulation intensity to characterize corresponding policy instruments. An ordered Probit model is used to analyze the impact and underlying mechanisms of green subsidies and environmental regulations on farmers’ green production behaviors. Results indicate: (1) Both green subsidies and environmental regulations promote green production practices among beef cattle farmers, with green subsidies demonstrating stronger effects that remain robust across a series of stability tests. (2) Heterogeneity analysis reveals that both policy instruments positively influence various types of green production behaviors, with the most significant effect observed on manure resource utilization. This effect is stronger among risk-preferring farmers and those participating in cooperatives. Furthermore, green subsidies significantly promote green production behaviors among small and medium-sized farmers, while environmental regulations enhance green production behaviors across all farmer sizes, with larger farmers experiencing stronger effects. (3) Mechanism analysis indicates that green subsidies and environmental regulations primarily promote green production practices by encouraging farmers to participate in green training, build green facilities, and enhance their green awareness. (4) Further analysis reveals no synergistic effects between green subsidies and environmental regulations. The research conclusion of this study can provide a reference for optimizing policy tool combinations in regions with similar beef cattle farming structures and regional characteristics. Full article

This study aimed to characterize hunting dog packs (rehalas) and identify management typologies within a Mediterranean mountain system (Sierra Morena region of Córdoba). An ethno-demographic survey was designed and completed by 30 breeders. Descriptive statistics were used for general characterization, while variability assessment and typology identification were performed using multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering. The typical dog pack breeder was a 48-year-old man with extensive experience (28.5 years) and basic formal education. Dog packs comprised an average of 51.9 dogs, predominantly of the Large-sized Podenco Andaluz breed, participating in approximately 40 hunting events per year. Feeding practices commonly combine commercial feed with supplementary food items. Health management included routine deworming every six months, and 43% of breeders reported concern about leishmaniasis. Training generally began at around 14.5 months of age and followed regular weekly routines. Ten factors explained 82.4% of the observed variability, allowing the identification of three typologies: traditional, pragmatic, and non-organized. These findings underline the cultural, genetic, and socio-ecological relevance of dog packs as working groups in Mediterranean rural systems. The long-term sustainability of these systems depends on reinforcing selective breeding, improving health management, and safeguarding traditional practices adapted to each identified typology. Full article

This study evaluated the sanitization of fertile eggs using a blend of oregano (Origanum vulgare) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) essential oils as an alternative to paraformaldehyde. The experiment was conducted at the Animal Biochemistry and Metabolism Laboratory of IF Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, using 344 incubatable eggs from ROSS breeder hens. A completely randomized design with four treatments and 86 eggs per tray was applied: no sanitization (control); conventional paraformaldehyde fumigation; sanitization with essential oil blend by spraying (nebulization); and sanitization with the essential oil blend by immersion. Hatchability performance showed 133 chicks hatched in both essential oil treatments (immersion and nebulization), like paraformaldehyde (134 chicks). There was a statistical difference for (p < 0.05) and chick weight at hatch was lower for eggs sanitized by immersion (38.54 g) compared to the control (44.50 g), paraformaldehyde (44.48 g), and nebulization (43.78 g). Fertility rates were 77.51%, 78.29%, 77.32%, and 73.67% for the control, paraformaldehyde, nebulization, and immersion treatments, respectively. Hatchability reached 80.67% for paraformaldehyde and 79.83% for nebulization. Fungal contamination was lowest with paraformaldehyde (9 occurrences), followed by immersion (12), while the control and nebulization showed similar counts (19). Overall, sanitization of fertile eggs with the cinnamon–oregano essential oil blend applied by nebulization demonstrated performance comparable to paraformaldehyde, indicating its potential as a natural sanitizing alternative. Full article

Toxoplasmosis is a globally prevalent protozoan parasitic disease of livestock, among others, with significant zoonotic potential. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples from water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Sohag governorate, Upper Egypt. In addition, several factors related to animals, management, and environment were analyzed to identify the risk factors for T. gondii infection. A cross-sectional epidemiological approach was employed, with samples collected from various locations across the region and tested using a commercially available indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Animal and environmental factors were evaluated to identify potential risk factors for the disease. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii among the tested buffaloes was 7% (24/342). Seasonal variations were observed, with the highest seropositivity recorded in spring (10.7%; 11/103), followed by autumn (8%; 2/25), summer (5.6%; 7/125), and winter (2.2%; 2/89). High seropositivity was detected in aborted females, at 19% (4/21), and in repeated breeders, at 10.5% (4/38), in relation to buffaloes showing anestrus (no positive cases), although the differences were not statistically significant. Our findings suggest that T. gondii is endemic in Sohag, with water buffaloes serving as sentinel animals for the disease. The spring season appears to be a risk factor for infection. Further studies are needed to assess the potential risk to humans, particularly regarding the consumption of raw or undercooked buffalo meat infected with T. gondii. Full article