Search Results (249)

Thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) has important characteristics that make it a promising candidate species for diversifying Mediterranean aquaculture. However, spontaneous spawning in captivity has not been documented, mainly due to failure of females to spawn, highlighting the need for further research on reproduction control. This study evaluated the efficacy of GnRHa administration, using repeated intramuscular injections or slow-release Ethylene–Vinyl Acetate (EVAc) implants combined with a dopamine antagonist (metoclopramide, Met), in terms of spawning performance and egg quality. Three groups were established: (a) saline injection (0.9% NaCl; Saline-INJ), (b) GnRHa [Des-Gly¹⁰, D-Ala⁶-ProNEth⁹-mGnRHa] injection at 10 μg kg⁻¹ BW (GnRHa-INJ), and (c) EVAc implant containing GnRHa at 50 μg kg⁻¹ bw (GnRHa-IMP). Over four weeks, Saline-INJ and GnRHa-INJ females received weekly saline or GnRHa, respectively. GnRHa-INJ and GnRHa-IMP females also received weekly Met (15 mg kg⁻¹ bw). GnRHa induced 11 spawns (1,768,680 eggs), nearly triple the Saline-INJ group (4 spawns, 394,400 eggs). Daily relative fecundity (DRF) and fertilization success were highest in GnRHa-INJ (56,982 eggs kg⁻¹ day⁻¹; 59.7%), followed by GnRHa-IMP (20,375; 18.8%) and Saline-INJ (13,061; 9.1%). Multiple injections showed a trend toward higher spawning performance and egg quality compared to implants, although variability was high and further replication is needed. Nevertheless, optimizing both GnRHa delivery methods could further enhance their effectiveness while maintaining operational benefits for aquaculture. Full article

Hexaflumuron, a benzoylurea insecticide, exhibits high toxicity against various insect pests. Sublethal doses of hexaflumuron significantly impair nymphal development and subsequent fecundity in the resulting Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür) adults. However, the effects on adults of A. lucorum that are exposed to sublethal concentrations of hexaflumuron are not known. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of hexaflumuron to 1st- and 3rd-instar nymphs, as well as one-day-old adults, of A. lucorum using an artificial diet with hexaflumuron incorporated. Acute toxicity bioassays determined the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) for 1st- and 3rd-instar nymphs of A. lucorum to be 0.311 and 0.337 mg/L. In contrast, the LC₅₀ level for one-day-old adults of A. lucorum was 13.193 mg/L. To evaluate the sublethal effects of hexaflumuron on 3rd-instar nymphs, we used LC₁₀, LC₂₀, and LC₅₀ concentrations (0.018, 0.127, and 0.337 mg/L), fed for 48 h. The exposure of 3rd-instar nymphs to the LC₅₀ concentration significantly reduced the fecundity of adults. We also exposed one-day-old adults to LC₁₀, LC₂₀, and LC₅₀ dietary concentrations (0.089, 4.587, and 13.193 mg/L) for 48 h. Exposure to the LC₁₀ and LC₂₀ concentrations caused significant reductions in longevity and fecundity in adult females. The LC₅₀ concentration also caused a significant reduction in the longevity of adult males and the egg hatching rate. An understanding of these sublethal impacts can facilitate the development of effective control strategies targeting A. lucorum. Full article

Fish have become increasingly prominent as experimental models due to their unique capacity to bridge basic biological research with translational applications across diverse scientific disciplines. Their biological traits, such as external fertilization, high fecundity, rapid embryonic development, and optical transparency, facilitate in vivo experimentation and real-time observation, making them ideal for integrative research. Species like zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes) have been extensively validated in genetics, toxicology, neuroscience, immunology, and pharmacology, offering robust platforms for modeling human diseases, screening therapeutic compounds, and evaluating environmental risks. This review explores the multidisciplinary utility of fish models, emphasizing their role in connecting molecular mechanisms to clinical and environmental outcomes. We address the main species used, highlight their methodological advantages, and discuss the regulatory and ethical frameworks guiding their use. Additionally, we examine current limitations and future directions, particularly the incorporation of high-throughput omics approaches and real-time imaging technologies. The growing scientific relevance of fish models reinforces their strategic value in advancing cross-disciplinary knowledge and fostering innovation in translational science. Full article

Sarcotaces arcticus (Collett, 1874) is a relatively large, internal parasitic copepod that infects many marine fishes. Although its large size suggests it may have a negative effect on host reproduction by reducing space available in the abdominal cavity (i.e., volumetric effect), such quantitative aspects of host-parasite relationships for S. arcticus have never been documented. We compared the prevalence and the ratio of live to dead parasites among sizes and sexes of two species of rockfish hosts (Sebastes ciliatus, Tilesius, 1813, dark rockfish; and Sebastes variabilis, Pallas, 1814, dusky rockfish) and quantified the reduction of internal space available in infected hosts. Samples were collected in southeast Alaskan waters where the two host rockfish species coexist in sympatry. Both total prevalence and prevalence of live S. arcticus were significantly higher in S. variabilis compared to S. ciliatus, because of higher prevalence in female S. variabilis. The relationship between body cavity volume, volume available for reproduction, and total length was isometric for both host species combined. An average live S. arcticus with a volume of 8.1 milliliters occupied about 45% in smaller hosts and about 5% in larger hosts of the volume available for reproductive organs. The high prevalence and large size of this parasite could significantly reduce fecundity and fitness of rockfish hosts through reductions in internal volume available for reproduction. Full article

The Indonesian Local Ettawah Goat (ILEG) exhibits substantial genetic variation, suggesting its potential for high productivity and promote sustainable practices in farm animal breeding. This study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics of prolific ILEG by identifying potential candidate genes through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1B (BMPR1B) gene with two variants: alleles G and A. The research involved PCR amplification and sequencing of the BMPR1B A allele, followed by a combined PCR approach integrating both A and G alleles for genotyping. Blood samples were collected from 73 does with documented prolificacy history and 358 does without prolificacy histories, sourced from seven village breeding operations in East Java. PCR amplification yielded fragments of 556–1181 base pairs in all samples. Haplotype analysis revealed 15 unique haplotypes with a diversity of 0.94 and a mutation frequency of 27.15%. Integration of the BMPR1B alleles G and A revealed polymorphic prolific traits. Polymorphism analysis of 385 ILEGs demonstrated allele frequencies of 0.55 for allele A and 0.45 for the allele G. Average fecundity rates associated with the BMPR1B polymorphism were 1.49 offspring for the homozygous AA, 1.60 for the heterozygous GA, and 1.89 for the homozygous GG. While overall differences among genetic groups were approached statistically significantly (Kruskal–Wallis, p = 0.056), pairwise comparison (Mann–Whitney test) revealed that homozygous GG was significantly associated with higher prolificacy compare to the heterozygous GA (p = 0.029) and homozygous AA (p = 0.040). Similar results were also obtained from data without documented history. These findings suggest that the GG polymorphism of BMPR1B may increase prolificacy in ILEG. Furthermore, the higher frequency of allele G highlights the importance of considering prolificacy traits in breeding selection strategies to enhance sustainable genetic improvement and increase litter size in ILEG. It is recommended to apply dual-primer specific amplification and fragment size differentiation as key molecular approaches for polymorphism of the BMPR1B gene and prolificacy, since these methods can highlight genetic variation and provide valuable markers for breeding programs of the Indonesian Local Etawah Goat. Full article

The Lop sheep (LOP), a unique local breed from Xinjiang, exhibits remarkable resilience to the harsh conditions of a desert arid climate and frequent sandstorms, alongside notable fecundity characteristics. This study aims to investigate the adaptability of LOP within this challenging environment by collecting whole blood samples from 110 LOP individuals in the Lop Nur region of Xinjiang for genome resequencing. The resulting data will be compared with whole genome resequencing information from 22 local sheep breeds worldwide to analyze the origin and evolution of LOP. Additionally, comparisons will be made with HUS sheep from warm and humid regions to identify genomic differences through selection signal analysis, thereby assessing the impact of a desert arid climate on the extreme living conditions of LOP. Finally, qPCR was used to preliminarily analyse the impact of the desert arid climate on the genome of the Bactrian sheep. Genetic diversity results indicate that LOP exhibits a relatively stable genetic structure alongside high genetic diversity. The results of population structure analysis and gene flow indicate that we can tentatively posit that LOP is a breed that originated from the Middle East, subsequently mixing with MGS upon its arrival in Xinjiang. Chinese local sheep breeds trace their origins to AMS, with the gene flow evolving from west to east, progressing through mountainous hills (BSBS), basins (LOP, HTS, CLHS, DLS), plains (MGS, TANS), and coastal areas (HUS). LOP is associated with ALTS, BSBS, HTS, CLHS, and DLS, as well as with MGS, HUS, TANS, WDS, and SSSP, in a context of gene exchange, with the degree of exchange diminishing in that order. Selection signal analysis revealed that the candidate genes identified are closely related to adaptation to desert arid climates and disease resistance (PDGFD, NDUFS3, ATP1B2, ITGB8, and CD79A), using HUS as the reference group. qPCR results demonstrated that LOP was significantly upregulated in cardiac, splenic, and lung tissues compared to HUS, suggesting that LOP plays a crucial role in cardiac function, immune response, and respiratory capacity. Full article

Cyclophyllideans, which diverged from diphyllobothriideans, have evolved compact genomes to meet ecological and biological demands associated with rapid development, early maturation, and prolific asexual reproduction. This streamlining is accompanied by inactivation of transposable elements (TEs), including retrotransposons. In contrast, diphyllobothriideans retain large, retrotransposon-rich genomes, but information on their individual retrotransposons is lacking. Here, Saci2-like long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, formerly annotated as lennie in taeniid cestodes, were identified in the diphyllobothriideans Spirometra erinaceieuropaei and Sparganum proliferum, along with orthologs from Schistocephalus solidus and Ligula intestinalis. The Saci2 homologs in these genomes diversified into at least eight families, exhibiting substantial variation in LTR and primer binding site sequences, reflecting ongoing regulatory diversification. Phylogenetic and divergence analyses indicated that they maintain structural and functional integrity under purifying selection, while early signs of inactivation appeared in S. proliferum. These findings suggest that diphyllobothriideans have faced little pressure for genome compaction, permitting the retention of functional retrotransposons, whereas cyclophyllideans, particularly taeniids, underwent genome streamlining linked to shortened life cycles and high fecundity, resulting in retrotransposon degradation. This contrast underscores the reciprocal relationship between biological demands and genome remodeling with TE inactivation in metazoans. Full article

The Spodoptera litura, a Lepidopteran pest known for its high fecundity, undergoes a complete metamorphosis, including a distinctive process during which the male testes fuse from two separate organs into a single entity, significantly enhancing its fertility. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this testicular fusion, this study employed an integrated multi-omics approach to investigate concurrent changes at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels. We identified a series of synchronized alterations on the peritestic larval membrane, including heme binding, peptidase activity, hydrolase activity, metal ion transport, redox reactions, and chitin metabolism, all of which are substantially enriched at specific temporal points during testicular fusion. Nine genes/proteins co-expressed at the mRNA and protein levels were selected for targeted quantitative proteomics (PRM) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) validation, leading to the identification of five genes potentially involved in the testicular fusion process: Sl3030, ARCP, PSLRE, Obstructor-E, and Osris9B. Notably, the gene Sl3030, once knocked out, not only disrupted the normal fusion process but also resulted in reduced testis size, thickened peritestic membranes, and abnormal sperm development. Transcriptomic sequencing of the Sl3030 knockout mutant revealed its primary influence on the fusion process by affecting the assembly of the microtubule system and cytoskeleton. This research, for the first time, provides a multi-omics perspective on the response of key signaling pathways and molecular changes during the testicular fusion of S. litura and validates the role of the previously uncharacterized gene Sl3030 in this process, offering valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of testicular fusion in this species. Full article

Temperature is a critical factor affecting the development and population dynamics of many organisms. An organism’s ability to withstand extreme temperature events, such as heat waves, will become increasingly important as the severity, duration, and frequency of these events continue to rise worldwide due to global warming. Knowledge on the effects of heat stress on both pests and their natural enemies will thus be crucial for keeping biological control and pest control programs effective in future. This research aimed to study the effect of short-term heat stress on the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, which is one of the important natural enemies utilized as a biocontrol agent against spider mites such as Tetranychus urticae. The experiments assessed the immature developmental time of P. persimilis after a four-hour incubation of eggs at high temperatures, namely 36, 38, 40, and 42 °C, as well as 85 ± 5% RH and a 16:8 h photoperiod (L:D). After adult females emerged, they were exposed to the same conditions again and the population parameters were monitored. The results demonstrated that the immature development time decreased as temperature increased, with the shortest development duration of 5.30 days seen in eggs exposed to 40 °C, while the eggs exposed to 42 °C did not hatch. Female and male adult longevity decreased significantly as the temperature increased. Fecundity, the adult pre-ovipositional period, and the total pre-ovipositional period were lowest following the 40 °C treatment. The population parameters of P. persimilis, including r and λ, reached their highest values in mites treated at 36 °C, and were significantly higher than in the control group. Addressing these challenges through targeted research and adaptive management is essential to sustaining the efficiency of P. persimilis in biocontrol programs, particularly in the context of global climate change. Full article

Sheep have evolved remarkable phenotypic diversity through artificial and natural selection, with reproductive traits being pivotal for breeding economics. As a unique genetic resource, Pishan red sheep exhibit exceptional advantages, including perennial estrus, high fecundity, and stable hereditary characteristics, establishing them as an optimal model for investigating reproductive genetics. In this study, we performed whole-genome resequencing of Pishan red sheep, generating 9084.81 Gb of raw data and identifying 53,968,686 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Through selective sweep analysis, 92 genomic regions under selection were detected, containing 90 positional candidate genes significantly associated with growth, reproduction, and immune functions. Notably, we revealed BMPRIB, UNC5C, PDLIM5, GRID2, and HPGDS as core positional candidate genes influencing litter size, operating through the TGF-beta and Thyroid hormone signaling pathways. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) further identified 59 trait-related SNPs, including 39 loci linked to growth traits (affecting positional candidate genes such as PROM1, TAPT1, LDB2, and KIF16B) and 20 loci of positional candidate genes associated with reproductive traits (involving ASPA, RAP1GAP2, PHIP, and WDR82).These findings not only elucidate the molecular basis of superior reproductive performance in Pishan red sheep, but also provide functional markers for precision breeding. Full article

As high-quality sheep germplasm resources in China, Hu sheep are characterized by fast growth and development, high fecundity, and tolerance to drought and cold. Tibetan sheep, adapted to high-altitude environments, have developed strong environmental adaptability. To explore the differences in the interaction among rumen microbial flora, hepatic gluconeogenesis, and mitochondrial function between Tibetan sheep and Hu sheep in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, this study systematically compared and analyzed the rumen flora density, key enzyme activities related to hepatic gluconeogenesis and mitochondrial function, and the expression levels of related genes in Tibetan sheep and Hu sheep under identical feeding management conditions, followed by correlation analysis. The results showed that Hu sheep had significantly higher densities of Ruminobacteramylophilus (Ram) and Fibrobacter succinogenes (Fs) associated with starch and protein degradation (p < 0.01). The expression levels of Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), pyruvate carboxylase (PC) activity, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content were also significantly higher than those in Tibetan sheep (p < 0.01). In contrast, Tibetan sheep had higher densities of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens (Bf), Ruminococcus albus (Ra), Ruminococcus flavefaciens (Rf), etc., related to cellulose degradation (p < 0.01). The gluconeogenesis-related genes, Glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 1 (G6PC1) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase1 (PCK1), and the activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) were significantly higher in Tibetan sheep than in Hu sheep (p < 0.01). Mitochondrial function-related genes Mitofusin-1 (Mfn1), Mitofusin-2 (Mfn2), subunit 6 of ATP synthase (ATP6), cytochrome b (Cytb), etc., also showed significantly higher expression in Tibetan sheep (p < 0.01). While no significant differences were observed in the contents of citric acid (CA), pyruvic acid (PA), glucose (Glu), etc. (p > 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that rumen flora was associated with the key enzyme activities and gene expressions of hepatic gluconeogenesis and mitochondrial function to varying degrees. In summary, Tibetan sheep exhibit strong fiber degradation capacity, the efficient utilization of gluconeogenic intermediates, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) ability, forming adaptive strategies for high-altitude environments. By contrast, Hu sheep show efficient protein and starch degradation capacity, thereby enhancing the supply of gluconeogenic precursors. It is indicated that when introducing Hu sheep to high-altitude areas, dietary intervention can be used to regulate rumen microorganisms, such as increasing fiber-decomposing bacteria or enhancing mitochondrial oxidative capacity, to counteract metabolic limitations induced by hypoxia. Full article

In the Australian primary industries, beef cows are recognized as monovular while sheep are less so, and both seem likely to benefit from increased litter sizes. In both species, there have been genetic developments causing increased litter sizes, but these have only had limited commercial application. This report describes the commercial use of the FecB (Booroola) gene in prime lamb ewes to increase lambing percentage from the 111% typical of the local industry to 145% in the flock described. In cattle, the use of the USMARC Twinner selection line genetics raised calf weaning percentage from the 89% typical of the local industry to 115% in the herds described. Full article

Aphis craccivora significantly affects cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) production, leading to yield reductions. Management strategies encompass physical barriers and biological and chemical methods, which can be costly and detrimental to the environment. Host-plant resistance offers a more sustainable alternative. This study evaluated cowpea genotypes in a screenhouse experiment. Tswana and B261-B were resistant, while B301, B259, and ER7 showed a tolerance phenotype. Tswana exhibited a low aphid population and minimal plant damage, probably due to suppression of reproduction and fecundity. Conversely, IT97K-556-6, SARI-21KTA-6, SARC 1-57-2, B013-F, B339, and Blackeye were susceptible to aphids, as shown by high aphid populations and dense sooty molds. Severe damage to plant vigor may be linked to direct aphid feeding and reduced photosynthesis efficiency. SNP1_0912 and CP 171F/172R markers confirmed aphid resistance in Tswana and ER7 as well as in the IT97k-556-6 and SARI-21KTA-6 controls. The inverse susceptible phenotype in the control group suggests that the markers may not function properly due to negative interactions between quantitative trait loci (QTL) and environmental factors. This could also indicate the presence of different aphid biotypes that severely damage Western African breeding lines. This study offers essential insights for breeding aphid-resistant cowpea varieties. Future efforts will involve sequencing Tswana to identify more resistance sources and create novel markers. Full article

(1) Background: Larval diet composition significantly influences the developmental, physiological, and reproductive traits of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti, major arbovirus vectors. Optimizing larval nutrition is essential for mass-rearing programs supporting the sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique. This study evaluated the effects of three larval diets on key fitness traits, including pupation rate, male flight ability, adult longevity, female fecundity, pupal size, and wing length, which are critical for the success of SIT and IIT programs. (2) Methods: Ae. albopictus (GT strain) and Ae. aegypti (AEG strain) were reared on three diets with varying protein sources: diet 1 (≈1.23 dollars/kg; porcine liver/shrimp/yeast = 6:3:1), the IAEA-recommended diet; diet 2 (≈1.78 dollars/kg; bovine liver/shrimp/yeast = 6:3:1), a modified IAEA diet; and diet 3 (≈0.55 dollars/kg; tortoise food), a low-cost laboratory formulation. Life history traits were assessed using standardized protocols, and data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. (3) Results: Diet 3 consistently improved pupation rates, adult longevity, and male flight ability compared with diet 2. Mosquitoes reared on diets 1 and 3 exhibited significantly larger pupae and longer wings, while diet 2 performed sub-optimally. Adult eclosion rates (~100%) remained high across all diets. Male flight ability varied by species, with Ae. albopictus performing best on diet 1 and Ae. aegypti on diet 3. Female fecundity was diet-dependent, with diet 1 favoring Ae. albopictus and diet 3 benefitting Ae. aegypti. Longevity was highest in mosquitoes reared on diet 3, with a median survival of 19.5 days for GT males and 37.5 days for GT females. (4) Conclusions: Diet 3 emerged as the most cost-effective option, enhancing key fitness traits essential for SIT and IIT. Future studies should refine nutrient formulations and validate findings under field conditions to optimize mass-rearing efficiency in vector control. Full article

Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping is an effective tool for identifying genetic variations that regulate gene expression. An increasing number of studies suggested that SNPs associated with complex traits in farm animals are considered as expression quantitative trait loci. Identifying eQTLs associated with gene expression levels in the endometrium helps to unravel the regulatory mechanisms of genes related to reproductive functions in this tissue and provides molecular markers for the genetic improvement of high-fertility sow breeding. In this study, 218 RNA-seq data from pig endometrial tissue were used for eQTL analysis to identify genetic variants regulating gene expression. Additionally, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify hub genes involved in reproductive functions. The eQTL analysis identified 34,876 significant cis-eQTLs regulating the expression of 5632 genes (FDR ≤ 0.05), and 90 hub genes were identified by WGCNA analysis. By integrating eQTL and WGCNA results, 14 candidate genes and 16 fine-mapped cis-eQTLs were identified, including FRK, ARMC3, SLC35F3, TMEM72, FFAR4, SOWAHA, PSPH, FMO5, HPN, FUT2, RAP1GAP, C6orf52, SEL1L3, and CLGN, which were involved in the physiological processes of reproduction in sows through hormone regulation, cell adhesion, and amino acid and lipid metabolism. These eQTLs regulate the high expression of candidate genes in the endometrium, thereby affecting reproductive-related physiological functions. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of reproductive traits and provide valuable genetic markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS), which can be applied to improve sow fecundity and optimize breeding strategies for high reproductive performance. Full article