Search Results (351)

High nighttime temperature (HNT) due to asymmetric diurnal warming threatens wheat productivity. This study evaluated the effect of HNT on wheat phenology, physiology, and yield through field and controlled environment experiments in Central Queensland, Australia. Two wheat genotypes, Faraday and AVT#6, were assessed under three sowing dates—1 May (Early), 15 June (Mid), and 1 August (Late)—within the recommended sowing window for the region. In a parallel growth chamber study, the plants were exposed to two nighttime temperature regimes, of 15 °C (normal) and 20 °C (high), with consistent daytime conditions from booting to maturity. Late sowing resulted in shortened vegetative growth and grain filling periods and increased exposure to HNT during the reproductive phase. This resulted in elevated floret sterility, lower grain weight, and up to 40% yield loss. AVT#6 exhibited greater sensitivity to HNT despite maturing earlier. Leaf gas exchange analysis revealed increased nighttime respiration (Rn) and reduced assimilation (A), resulting in higher Rn/A ratio for late-sown crops. The results from controlled environment chambers resembled trends of the field experiment, producing lower grain yield and biomass under HNT. Cumulative nighttime hours above 20 °C correlated more strongly with yield losses than daytime heat. These findings highlight the need for HNT-tolerant genotypes and optimized sowing schedules under future climate scenarios. Full article

Understanding future changes in crop phenology and climate suitability is essential for sustaining winter wheat production in the Huang-Huai-Hai (3H) Plain under climate change. This study integrates bias-corrected CMIP6 climate projections, the DSSAT CERES-Wheat crop model, and Random Forest analysis to assess spatiotemporal shifts in winter wheat phenology and climate suitability. The assessment focuses on the mid- (2041–2060) and late 21st century (2081–2100) under the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. The results indicate that the vegetative and whole growing periods (VGP and WGP) will be extended in the mid-century but shorten by the late century. In contrast, the reproductive growing period (RGP) will be slightly reduced in the mid-century and extended under high emissions in the late century. Temperature suitability is projected to increase during the VGP and WGP but decline during the RGP. Precipitation suitability generally improves, except for a decrease during the reproductive period south of 32° N. Solar radiation suitability is expected to decline across all stages. Temperature is identified as the primary driver of phenological changes, with solar radiation and precipitation playing increasingly important roles in the mid- and late 21st century, respectively. Adaptive strategies, including the adoption of heat-tolerant varieties, longer reproductive periods, and earlier sowing, are recommended to enhance yield stability under future climate conditions. Full article

In this study the objective was to morphologically characterize fruits, seeds and seedlings of Cereus fernambucensis Lem., as well as evaluate the seed germination and phenological dynamics of these columnar cacti, native to Brazil, which occur in restinga ecosystems. Biometric and morphological determinations were performed using 100 fruits, describing seed morphology in external and internal aspects and considering five stages of development for the characterization of seedlings. In the study of seed germination, two light conditions (12 h photoperiod and complete darkness) were tested under 25 °C, in a completely randomized design with four replicates of 50 seeds each. In the estimation of reproductive phenology, information was collected from herbarium specimens on the SpeciesLink online platform, and the exsiccatae were analyzed for the notes on their labels to evaluate reproductive aspects. Fruits showed an average mass of 21.11 g, length of 44.76 mm, diameter of 28.77 mm and about 336 seeds per fruit. Seeds behave as positive photoblastic, with a high percentage of germination under controlled conditions (94%). Germination is epigeal and phanerocotylar, with slow growth and, at 30 days after sowing, the seedling measures approximately 2 cm, which makes it possible to visualize the appearance of the epicotyl and the first spines. The species blooms and bears fruit throughout the year, with peaks of flowering and fruiting in January and March, respectively. The various characteristics make C. fernambucensis a key species for maintaining the biodiversity of restingas. Full article

This experiment examined whether multiparous sows fed a diet lower in energy and lysine at a reduced feed allowance would still mobilise fat and (or) protein to support piglet growth and negatively impact subsequent reproductive performance. A total of 152 multiparous sows was allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial design with the respective factors being diet type fed in lactation (gestation, 13.0 MJ digestible energy (DE)/kg, 0.42 g standardised ileal digestible (SID) lysine/MJ DE; or lactation, 14.3 MJ DE/kg, 0.62 g SID lysine/MJ DE) and feed allowance (ad libitum or 7.5 kg/d, ~15% reduction on ad libitum intake). Body composition was estimated on the day after farrowing (day 2) and at weaning (day 21). Blood was collected on days 2, 21 and at standing heat, for the analysis of insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Diet type did not alter (p > 0.05) bodyweight or P2 backfat depth change in lactation, estimated body fat and protein changes, litter growth, or subsequent total piglets born. Ad libitum-fed sows showed a significant gain in girth compared to sows offered 7.5 kg/d (2.9 versus −0.4 mm, p = 0.015) and had a tendency for a shorter wean-to-service interval (p < 0.10). Sows fed the lactation diet had higher insulin concentrations at weaning (p < 0.05), but levels were the same (p > 0.10) by heat detection; IGF-1 concentrations remained unaffected. These data indicate that imposing a calculated negative energy and lysine balance on lactating sows had a limited impact on lactation or subsequent reproductive performance, supporting the notion that the modern sow may be more resilient to nutritional impositions than has been historically reported. Full article

Understanding protein and amino acid deposition in pregnant gilts is important for developing nutritional strategies that meet these demands and enhance reproductive performance. Current models, such as the NRC (2012) gestating sow model, assume a constant proportional protein and amino acid content in tissues throughout pregnancy. However, empirical data suggest that gestational tissue growth and composition change dynamically. In this study, we developed a gestation model that characterizes the dynamic changes in growth, crude protein, and amino acid deposition throughout gestation. Based on a systematized search of published data, mathematical functions were developed to estimate daily protein and amino acid deposition in key tissues, including allantoic and amniotic fluid, uterus, placenta, fetus, mammary gland, and maternal body. Our results suggest that dietary crude protein levels and amino acid profiles should be adjusted to meet metabolic demands, particularly in early gestation, where a potential nutritional deficiency was identified. Additionally, the amino acid profile of deposited protein shifts during late gestation, suggesting a changing demand for specific amino acids. These findings challenge existing models and highlight the need for adaptive dietary strategies that better align with pregnancy’s biological demands. By refining protein and amino acid deposition estimates, this study provides a framework guiding future research on precision feeding, ultimately improving gilt and sow reproductive performance. Full article

Mungbean is grown as a summer crop in subtropical climates globally. The global demand for mungbean is increasing, and opportunities exist to expand production regions to more marginal environments, such as southern Australia, as an opportunistic summer crop to help meet the growing global demand. Mungbean has the potential to be an opportunistic summer crop when an appropriate sowing window coincides with sufficient soil water. This expansion from subtropical to temperate climates will pose challenges, including low temperatures, a longer day length and a low and variable water supply. To assess mungbean suitability to temperate, southern Australian summer rainfall patterns and soil water availability, we conducted field experiments applying a range of water treatments across four locations with contrasting rainfall patterns within the state of Victoria (in southern Australia) in 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. The water treatments were applied prior to sowing (60 mm), the vegetative stage (40 mm) and the reproductive stage (40 mm) in a factorial combination at each location. Two commercial cultivars, Celera II-AU and Jade-AU, were used. Water scarcity during flowering and the pod-filling stages were important factors constraining yield. Analysis of yield components showed that increasing water availability at critical growth stages, viz. the vegetative and reproductive stages, of mungbean was associated with increases in total biomass, HI and grain number in addition to increased water use and water use efficiency (WUE). Average WUEs ranged from 1.3 to 7.6 kg·ha⁻¹·mm⁻¹. The maximum potential WUE values were 6.4 and 5.1 kg·ha⁻¹·mm⁻¹ for Celera II-AU and Jade-AU across the sites, with the estimated soil evaporation values (x-intercept) of 83 and 74 mm, respectively. Nitrogen fixation was variable, with %Ndfa values ranging from 9.6 to 76.8%, and was significantly affected by soil water availability. This study emphasises the importance of water availability during the reproductive phase for mungbean yield. The high rainfall zones within Victoria have the potential to grow mungbean as an opportunistic summer crop. Full article

This study investigates the effect of tryptophan treatment on aged pig oocytes, focusing on its potential to reduce oxidative stress and improve oocyte quality. An oxidative stress model was induced using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to mimic aging effects on oocytes. Fresh ovaries from young sows were collected, and oocytes were aspirated and cultured for in vitro maturation. Oocytes in the H₂O₂ and the H₂O₂+Trp groups were exposed to 100 µM H₂O₂ for 30 min, with the H₂O₂+Trp group receiving an additional 50 µM tryptophan supplementation. RNA-sequencing was performed to study the underlying mechanism through which tryptophan mitigated the H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in oocytes. The results demonstrated that tryptophan supplementation significantly reduced oxidative stress markers such as H₂O₂ and malonaldehyde (MDA) while restoring key antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) confirming its antioxidant role. Furthermore, tryptophan improved cumulus cell expansion, and oocyte quality, which were compromised by oxidative stress. Transcriptomics study revealed the enrichment of several KEGG pathways, such as P13K-Akt signaling pathways as a critical regulator of cell survival and function, emphasizing the protective effects of tryptophan on oocyte integrity. Moreover, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network identified several hub genes in the tryptophan-treated group compared with H₂O₂, including TIMP1, CCN2, and MMP12 as key players in ECM remodeling and cellular adhesion, which are critical for restoring oocyte quality. These findings suggest that tryptophan supplementation not only mitigated oxidative stress but also modulated gene expression related to cellular functions and stress response. These results propose that tryptophan could be a valuable therapeutic strategy for improving reproductive outcomes in aging sows and other mammals facing age-related oocyte dysfunction. Full article

Vernalization genes (Vrn) play a key role in plant adaptation to various geographic locations and their allelic diversity can have fundamental importance for breeding programs. In the current study, 340 barley genotypes were studied, including germplasm accessions and advanced breeding lines. For phenotype evaluation in South-Eastern Kazakhstan, the transition of barley plants from vegetative to reproductive stages was estimated in field trials with spring- and winter-sown seeds. For molecular analysis, 10 previously described molecular markers were studied in three barley vernalization loci: Vrn-H1, Vrn-H2 and Vrn-H3. The comparison between molecular results and phenotypes for plant development confirmed 211 spring genotypes, 56 winter and 28 facultative. Vrn-H1 haplotypes 1A and recessive allele vrn-H3 were in the majority. Best spring and winter high-yielding advanced breeding lines were identified. Based on Vrn allele combination, a breeding line 76/13-4 with facultative type development showed superior results in both winter and spring sowings, presenting a new prospective barley cultivar that can be grown equally either in spring or winter sowing conditions. The presented results can be used for barley marker-assisted selection predicting crosses with favourable combinations of Vrn alleles for prospective breeding line development. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary ISF:SF ratio on reproductive performance, biochemical parameters, colostrum composition, and fecal microbial composition in gestating sows. A total of 30 multiparous sows were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups: 8% inulin diet (ISF:SF 1.14, Inulin group), 8% cotton fiber diet (ISF:SF 6.61, Cotton group), and 4% inulin + 4% cotton fiber diet (ISF:SF 2.37, Inulin + Cotton group). The results showed that, compared to the other groups, the Inulin group had a significantly higher number of piglets born alive, as well as increased plasma concentrations of acetic acid, butyric acid, hexanoic acid, and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (p < 0.05). Sows in the Inulin group had significantly lower fecal scores than those in the other groups from days 81 to 85 and from days 106 to 110 of gestation (p < 0.05). On day 90 of gestation, the serum levels of albumin, urea, uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus in the Inulin group were significantly lower than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the serum levels of triacylglycerol in the Inulin + Cotton Fiber group were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in serum concentrations of total protein, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, or LDL-cholesterol among the treatments (p > 0.05). On day 110 of gestation, the serum content of urea, uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus in the Inulin group was significantly lower than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the plasma levels of uric acid, triacylglycerol, and HDL-cholesterol in the Inulin + Cotton Fiber group were significantly higher than those in the Cotton Fiber group (p < 0.05), while the creatinine levels in the Inulin group were higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the composition and immune performance of colostrum (p > 0.05). Microbial sequencing analysis showed that dietary inulin supplementation to increase the proportion of soluble fiber significantly decreased the abundance of Firmicutes, Clostridia, Clostridiales, Lachnospiraceae, Streptococcaceae, and Streptococcus (p < 0.05). The abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing microorganisms—Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidia, Bacteroidales, and Muribaculaceae—was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The results indicated that inulin supplementation decreased the dietary ISF:SF ratio, significantly alleviated constipation in sows, increased the number of piglets born alive, regulated intestinal microecology, and increased the plasma concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetic, propionic, and butyric acids. Full article

Although porcine sapelovirus (PSV) is generally subclinical, it can cause a wide range of clinical signs in some individuals, including respiratory distress, acute diarrhea, pneumonia, skin lesions, reproductive failure, and neurological diseases. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and genotype of PSV isolated from domestic pigs and wild boars in Korea. We also analyzed potential recombination events, and assessed the pathogenicity of the virus through animal experiments. In wild boars, the prevalence of PSV antibodies decreased slightly (by 1.8%) over 5 years (from 2019 to 2024); however, prevalence increased significantly (by 17.8%) in breeding sows. In samples from animals with diarrhea and respiratory clinical signs, the prevalence of PSV alone was 21.1%, whereas the prevalence of PSV mixed with other pathogens was also 21.1%. The whole genome of the PSV/Goryeong/KR-2019 strain isolated from a piglet with diarrhea was closely related to the Jpsv447 strain isolated in Japan in 2009, and recombination analysis predicted that the PSV/Goryeong/KR-2019 strain was generated by genetic recombination between the KS05151 strain and the Jpsv447 strain. However, when the PSV/Goryeong/KR-2019 strain was orally administered to 5-day-old suckling pigs, diarrhea clinical signs were mild, and no significant changes were observed in villus height and ridge depth in the duodenum, jejunum, or ileum. In addition, no neurological clinical signs were observed when the isolated virus was administered to 130-day-old pigs, and no specific lesions were found upon histopathological examination of brain tissue. In conclusion, PSV/Goryeong/KR-2019 appears to be a weakly pathogenic virus that does not cause severe diarrhea in suckling pigs, and does not cause neurological clinical signs in fattening pigs. Therefore, it is presumed that most PSVs detected in Korean pig farms are weakly pathogenic strains. Full article

Background/Objectives: As a well-known source of energy from feed, the significance of fatty acids in regulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received attention in recent years, especially follicular development. Moreover, successful ovulation is a process that is crucial for reproduction and fertility in domestic animals. Therefore, it is important to reveal the signatures of fatty acids in follicular fluid during mammalian ovulation, and this provides a possible method to prevent the occurrence of ovarian cysts in domestic animals. Methods: Pre-ovulatory follicles (n = 6) and peri-ovulatory follicles (n = 6) during normal ovulation, as well as cystic follicles (n = 6) in ovulation-deficient ovarian cyst were isolated and characterized, while follicular fluid was collected for targeted fatty acid metabolomics detection and analysis. Results: We have illustrated the anatomical and biochemical characterization of pre-ovulatory, peri-ovulatory, and cystic follicles. Subsequently, we identified changes in 51 fatty acids profiles in the follicular fluid. The highest proportion of fatty acids in the follicular fluid at three different ovulation stages is polyunsaturated fatty acids, among which the abnormality of the linoleic acid metabolism pathway was involved in ovulation defects in cystic follicles. Remarkably, we found that linoleic acid was significantly increased while arachidonic acid was significantly decreased in cystic follicles. Conclusions: Polyunsaturated fatty acids play a significant role in the follicular ovulation stage of sows. Among them, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid are closely related to the ovulation defects of cystic follicles, which suggests that identifying changes in important metabolic signatures may give us a better understanding of the pathogenesis of ovarian cyst. Full article

Background: Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a highly contagious disease characterized by reproductive failure in sows and severe respiratory disorders across all swine ages, causing significant economic losses. In China, the PRRSV epidemiological landscape is complex, with the coexistence of multiple lineages and frequent recombination. The major circulating strains include sublineages 1.8 (NADC30-like PRRSV) and 1.5 (NADC34-like PRRSV), along with lineages 8 (HP-like PRRSV) and 5 (VR2332-like PRRSV), highlighting the urgent need for rapid detection and lineage differentiation. Methods: A quadruplex RT-qPCR assay was developed targeting lineage-specific deletions in the NSP2 gene to simultaneously detect PRRSV-2 and differentiate NADC30-like PRRSV, HP-like PRRSV, and NADC34-like PRRSV strains. The assay was optimized with respect to reaction conditions, including annealing temperature, primers, and probe concentrations. The method’s performance was evaluated in terms of specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, stability, limit of detection (LOD), and consistency with sequencing results. Results: The assay demonstrated high sensitivity (LOD of 3 copies/μL), high specificity, and good repeatability (coefficient of variation < 1.5%). Field application using 938 samples from Guangxi A and B farms revealed NADC30-like PRRSV wild-type strains at positivity rates of 13.44% and 3.53%, respectively. Positive samples selected for sequencing were further confirmed using ORF5-based phylogenetic analysis and NSP2 deletion pattern comparison, which aligned with RT-qPCR detection results. Field application primarily detected NADC30-like PRRSV, while further validation is still needed for HP-like and NADC34-like strains. The developed quadruplex RT-qPCR assay enables rapid and simultaneous detection of PRRSV-2 and differentiation of three major lineages, providing a sensitive, specific, and reliable tool for distinguishing vaccine-derived from circulating strains and supporting targeted disease surveillance and control in swine farms. Full article

Many researchers focus on improving reproductive health in sows and ensuring successful breeding by accurately identifying the optimal time of ovulation through estrus detection. One promising non-contact technique involves using computer vision to analyze temperature variations in thermal images of the sow’s vulva. However, variations in camera distance during dataset collection can significantly affect the accuracy of this method, as different distances alter the resolution of the region of interest, causing pixel intensity values to represent varying areas and temperatures. This inconsistency hinders the detection of the subtle temperature differences required to distinguish between estrus and non-estrus states. Moreover, failure to maintain a consistent camera distance, along with external factors such as atmospheric conditions and improper calibration, can distort temperature readings, further compromising data accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, without addressing distance variations, the model’s generalizability diminishes, increasing the likelihood of false positives and negatives and ultimately reducing the effectiveness of estrus detection. In our previously proposed methodology for estrus detection in sows, we utilized YOLOv8 for segmentation and keypoint detection, while monocular depth estimation was used for camera calibration. This calibration helps establish a functional relationship between the measurements in the image (such as distances between labia, the clitoris-to-perineum distance, and vulva perimeter) and the depth distance to the camera, enabling accurate adjustments and calibration for our analysis. Estrus classification is performed by comparing new data points with reference datasets using a three-nearest-neighbor voting system. In this paper, we aim to enhance our previous method by incorporating the mean pixel intensity of the region of interest as an additional factor. We propose a detailed four-step methodology coupled with two stages of evaluation. First, we carefully annotate masks around the vulva to calculate its perimeter precisely. Leveraging the advantages of deep learning, we train a model on these annotated images, enabling segmentation using the cutting-edge YOLOv9 algorithm. This segmentation enables the detection of the sow’s vulva, allowing for analysis of its shape and facilitating the calculation of the mean pixel intensity in the region. Crucially, we use monocular depth estimation from the previous method, establishing a functional link between pixel intensity and the distance to the camera, ensuring accuracy in our analysis. We then introduce a classification approach that differentiates between estrus and non-estrus regions based on the mean pixel intensity of the vulva. This classification method involves calculating Euclidean distances between new data points and reference points from two datasets: one for “estrus” and the other for “non-estrus”. The classification process identifies the five closest neighbors from the datasets and applies a majority voting system to determine the label. A new point is classified as “estrus” if the majority of its nearest neighbors are labeled as estrus; otherwise, it is classified as “non-estrus”. This automated approach offers a robust solution for accurate estrus detection. To validate our method, we propose two evaluation stages: first, a quantitative analysis comparing the performance of our new YOLOv9 segmentation model with the older U-Net and YOLOv8 models. Secondly, we assess the classification process by defining a confusion matrix and comparing the results of our previous method, which used the three nearest points, with those of our new model that utilizes five nearest points. This comparison allows us to evaluate the improvements in accuracy and performance achieved with the updated model. The automation of this vital process holds the potential to revolutionize reproductive health management in agriculture, boosting breeding success rates. Through thorough evaluation and experimentation, our research highlights the transformative power of computer vision, pushing forward more advanced practices in the field. Full article

(1) Background: Litter size traits are critical for pig breeding efficiency but pose challenges due to low heritability and sex-limited influences. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic architecture and identify candidate genes for these traits in Large White pigs using genomic selection (GS) and genome-wide association analyses (GWAS). (2) Methods: This study utilized phenotypic data from nine litter size traits in Large White sows. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) was performed to obtain genotype data, retaining 153,782 high-quality SNPs after quality control. Genetic evaluation was conducted using single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP), with genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlations) estimated via an animal model (repeatability model). To assess prediction accuracy, 10-fold cross-validation was employed to compare traditional BLUP with ssGBLUP. Furthermore, a single-step genome-wide association study (ssGWAS) integrated genomic information and pedigree-based relationship matrices to screen for significant SNPs associated with litter size traits across the genome. Functional analysis of key candidate genes was subsequently conducted based on ssGWAS results. (3) Results: Heritabilities for litter traits ranged from 0.01 to 0.06. ssGBLUP improved genomic prediction accuracy by 6.38–13.33% over BLUP. Six genomic windows explaining 1.07–1.77% of genetic variance were identified via ssGWAS, highlighting GPR12 on SSC11 as a key candidate gene linked to oocyte development. (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrates the efficacy of ssGBLUP for low-heritability traits and identifies GPR12 as a pivotal gene for litter size. Prioritizing NHB and LBWT in breeding programs could enhance genetic gains while mitigating adverse effects on piglet health. These findings advance genomic strategies for improving reproductive efficiency in swine. Full article

Porcine reproductive failure (PRF) has multiple etiological origins, primarily involving the viruses PCV2, PPV1, and PRRSV. Some emerging viruses, such as PCV3, PCV4, and novel parvoviruses (nPPVs), have also been suggested as contributors. In this study, we longitudinally evaluated 40 healthy sows (20 gilts and 20 multiparous sows) over three phases: pregnancy (PP), farrowing (FP), and their litters during lactation (LP). We detected viruses through PCR and serology in mono- and coinfections. The results showed that primary viruses were present during all three phases, with PCV2 being the most frequently detected. PCV3 positivity was highest at the time of insemination, and PPV1 was found in all. Additionally, PPV1-positive fetuses and pre-suckling piglets were identified, indicating vertical transmission. PRRSV was also present in an unstable herd, with the PRRSV2 lineage A detected and evidence of vertical transmission. The majority of coinfections were either dual or triple. The most common coinfections in the PP and LP were PCV2/PPV1 and PCV2/PCV3, while in the FF, PCV2/PPV1 and PCV2/PRRSV predominated. Notably, coinfection PCV2/PPV1 impacted the replication of PCV2. In contrast, the likelihood of detecting PRRSV decreased in fetuses coinfected with PRRSV and either PCV2, PCV3, or PPV1. The detected viruses exhibited low viral loads, indicating subclinical infections. Therefore, we propose recognizing a subclinical presentation of PRF and establishing criteria to differentiate between this and symptomatic reproductive disease. Full article