Breeding Areas Research Articles

Climate change drives migratory range shift via individual plasticity in shearwaters

How individual animals respond to climate change is key to whether populations will persist or go extinct. Yet, few studies investigate how changes in individual behavior underpin these population-level phenomena. Shifts in the distributions of migratory animals can occur through adaptation in migratory behaviors, but there is little understanding of how selection and plasticity contribute to population range shift. Here, we use long-term geolocator tracking of Balearic shearwaters (Puffinus mauretanicus) to investigate how year-to-year changes in individual birds' migrations underpin a range shift in the post-breeding migration. We demonstrate a northward shift in the post-breeding range and show that this is brought about by individual plasticity in migratory destination, with individuals migrating further north in response to changes in sea-surface temperature. Furthermore, we find that when individuals migrate further, they return faster, perhaps minimizing delays in return to the breeding area. Birds apparently judge the increased distance that they will need to migrate via memory of the migration route, suggesting that spatial cognitive mechanisms may contribute to this plasticity and the resulting range shift. Our study exemplifies the role that individual behavior plays in populations' responses to environmental change and highlights some of the behavioral mechanisms that might be key to understanding and predicting species persistence in response to climate change.

CRISPR-Cas9 based molecular breeding in crop plants: a review.

Traditional crop breeding techniques are not quickly boosting yields to fulfill the expanding population needs. Long crop lifespans hinder the ability of plant breeding to develop superior crop varieties. Due to the arduous crossing, selecting, and challenging processes, it can take decades to establish new varieties with desired agronomic traits. Develop new plant varieties instantly to reduce hunger and improve food security. As a result of the adoption of conventional agricultural techniques, crop genetic diversity has decreased over time. Several traditional and molecular techniques, such as genetic selection, mutant breeding, somaclonal variation, genome-wide association studies, and others, have improved agronomic traits associated with agricultural plant productivity, quality, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, modern genome editing approaches based on programmable nucleases, CRISPR, and Cas9 proteins have escorted an exciting new era of plant breeding. Plant breeders and scientists worldwide rely on cutting-edge techniques like quick breeding, genome editing tools, and high-throughput phenotyping to boost crop breeding output. This review compiles discoveries in numerous areas of crop breeding, such as using genome editing tools to accelerate the breeding process and create yearly crop generations with the desired features, to describe the shift from conventional to modern plant breeding techniques.

Molecular and genetic basis for improving the quality of soft wheat grain

The increase in agricultural territories in Azerbaijan can no longer cover the problem of shortage of high-quality baking flour in the domestic market. Thus, there is a need to improve the quality of grain harvested from existing areas to obtain more grain products. The purpose of this study is to review and investigate the physico-chemical and genetic parameters of local and introduced soft wheat varieties to further identify promising areas of breeding. For this purpose, a PCR study of individual loci of the Wx genes responsible for amylose synthesis and electrophoresis of Glu genes encoding gluten quantity and quality were performed. In addition, for the varieties Shafaq 2 and Gonen, which were selected during the research for the test baking of bread, a PCR analysis was performed to compile the gliadin formula of the varieties using a sample of the Bezostaya 1 variety as a marker. The physico-chemical characteristics were determined according to quality standards, as well as baking bread sample. During the pilot sowing, one of the varieties – Girmizi Gul1, was sown on plots with various tillage methods – traditional, minimal, and zero. Thus, it was determined that the varieties Gonen and Ekinci 84 contain a zero allele of the Wx-B1 – Wx-B1b gene, which means that their endosperm contains higher-quality starch, and the varieties Askeran, Azemetli 95, Gonen, Kirmizigul, Nurlu 99, Tale 38, and Ugur, in turn, contain a zero allele of the gene GluA1 – GluA1d, which on the contrary worsens the gluten quality of these varieties. As for tillage, the traditional system showed itself to be the best, the minimal tillage was slightly worse, and the zero tillage system turned out to be the least suitable in these conditions. Thus, the obtained data outline further areas for conducting research and open up prospects for targeted selection for alleles of the considered genes

Environmental drivers of persistent humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae feeding events in a Mexican breeding area

Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae typically fast for several months in low-latitude breeding areas. Here we report on persistent feeding events during 5 wintering seasons between 2013 and 2020 in a known upwelling region of Banderas Bay of the mainland Mexico breeding area. In total, there were 76 unique feeding events documented (group size = 1 to ~100 individuals), involving 201 photo-identified whales, of which 18 were documented feeding in multiple years. The most prolific years of documented feeding in 2017 and 2018 (based on number of reports/individuals photo-identified feeding) followed the strongest marine heatwave ever recorded in the North Pacific. Whales documented feeding in Banderas Bay had significantly shorter mean sighting histories (2.3 yr) than a non-feeding sample (8.7 yr) and were reported to be of small size, suggesting they were predominantly younger whales. Most high-latitude recaptures of Banderas Bay feeding whales were in more northern North Pacific feeding grounds (50.8% were resighted in Russia, Alaska, and northern British Colombia, Canada). A binomial general linear model revealed a significant relationship between the probability of whales feeding in Banderas Bay and sea surface temperature (SST). Specifically, feeding consistently occurred in years of lower than average winter SST (<25°C), associated with La Niña years of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). We conclude that feeding of humpback whales is now a predictable occurrence in the upwelling region of Banderas Bay in years that ENSO fluctuations lead to lower regional SST. The magnitude of several years of low-latitude feeding events reported here was likely influenced by climate change induced marine heatwaves that occurred during the study period.

Influencing Mechanism of Tidal Disasters on Locust Breeding Area Evolution in the Eastern Coastal Area of China during the Ming and Qing Dynasties

Locust plagues and tidal disasters are primary natural hazards in China’s eastern coastal regions, yet their interrelationship remains unclear. This study, drawing on historical documents from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911 AD), focuses on Zhejiang Province and its Hangzhou Bay coastline, areas typically affected by tidal disasters. Employing advanced quantitative analysis and spatiotemporal models, the research aims to reveal the mechanisms behind tidal disasters and their impact on locust population dynamics. The findings indicate a limited spatiotemporal correlation between locust plagues and tidal or drought disasters but a significant association with flooding. The relationship between locust infestations and floods is notably strong in the unique geographical context of Hangzhou Bay’s northern shore. The ‘hydromarginal’ nature of the north coast creates an ideal habitat for locusts. This study pioneers in identifying flooding as a crucial mediator between tidal disasters and locust plagues, shedding light on the ‘typhoon-tidal-flood-locust’ disaster sequence and offering new insights into understanding and mitigating natural disasters in the region. In this study, we primarily employ a quantitative methodology, utilizing advanced data analysis and sophisticated spatiotemporal modeling to investigate the interplay between locust plagues and tidal disasters. Although some progress has been made in the study of historical natural disasters, systematic studies of the relationship between tidal floods and locust breeding sites along the east coast of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties are still scarce. This study fills this gap by employing advanced GIS and time series analysis techniques, combining traditional historical documentary studies with modern scientific methods and providing a new methodological approach to the analysis of historical disaster patterns.

Analysis of ddRAD-seq data provides new insights into the genomic structure and patterns of diversity in Italian donkey populations.

With more than 150 recognized breeds, donkeys assume relevant economic importance, especially in developing countries. Even if the estimated number of heads worldwide is 53M, this species received less attention than other livestock species. Italy has traditionally been considered one of the cradles of European donkey breeding, and despite a considerable loss of biodiversity, today still counts nine autochthonous populations. A total of 220 animals belonging to 9 different populations were genotyped using the double-digest restriction site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing to investigate the pattern of diversity using a multi-technique approach. A total of 418,602,730 reads were generated and successfully demultiplexed to obtain a medium-density SNP genotypes panel with about 27K markers. The diversity indices showed moderate levels of variability. The genetic distances and relationships, largely agree with the breeding history of the donkey populations under investigation. The results highlighted the separation of populations based on their genetic origin or geographical proximity between breeding areas, showed low to moderate levels of admixture, and indicated a clear genetic difference in some cases. For some breeds, the results also validate the success of proper management conservation plans. Identified ROH islands, mapped within genomic regions related to immune response and local adaptation, are consistent with the characteristics of the species known for its rusticity and adaptability. This study is the first exhaustive genome-wide analysis of the diversity of Italian donkey populations. The results emphasized the high informativeness of genome-wide markers retrieved through the ddRAD approach. The findings take on great significance in designing and implementing conservation strategies. Standardized genotype arrays for donkey species would make it possible to combine worldwide datasets to provide further insights on the evolution of the genomic structure and origin of this important genetic resource.

Migration patterns and breeding areas of Green Sandpipers Tringa ochropus wintering in southern Britain

ABSTRACT Capsule: Green Sandpipers Tringa ochropus wintering in southern Britain breed in western Scandinavia, from southern Norway to Finland. They leave Britain in late April and return by the end of June/early July. Aims: To determine the breeding areas of Green Sandpipers that spend their winter in southern Britain and to investigate their migration ecology. Methods: Green Sandpipers were fitted with archival tags (light level and GPS) whilst in their wintering area. Location data were collected during their northward migration to the breeding area, the breeding period and their return to southern England. Results: Birds departed from the wintering area in late April (median April 20) and moved rapidly to the breeding areas (median duration two days), a mean distance of 1463 km. Females stayed in the breeding areas for only 42 days and males 60 days. The return migration back to the wintering area took a median of 11.5 days with the first birds back by June 19 and the last by July 6. Conclusions: By spending the winter so far north and close to the breeding areas the birds are balancing the risks of poor survival in extreme cold winters with the benefits of rapid and relatively easy movement to and from their breeding areas.

Migration patterns of breeding Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus in Spain

ABSTRACT Capsule Tracked Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus breeding in Spain winter either in the southern parts of the Iberian Peninsula or in Morocco, although migration timing and distances did not differ between birds using different wintering regions. Aims To study, for the first time, the migratory patterns of Hen Harriers breeding in Spain. Methods Eight breeding adult Hen Harriers were tagged in Spain with GPS/GSM transmitters between 2019 and 2022 to study autumn and spring migration between breeding areas in central or northern Spain, and wintering quarters in southern Spain and Morocco. Results Males and females did not differ significantly in their patterns of migration (dates for start and end of migration, duration, daily distance, and total distance) in either migratory period. Individuals started the autumn migration between July and January, with the peak migration in mid-October. Spring migration took place from February to April and peaked in mid-March. Mean (± sd) distances travelled were: daily distance 168.99 ± 80.10 km/day and total distance 995.07 ± 402.90 km in autumn, and 141.74 ± 41.41 km/day and 1035.26 ± 593.51 km in spring. Two types of migration patterns were found: intra-peninsular migration and migration to Morocco. Migration dates and distances did not differ significantly between individuals with intra-peninsular migration strategies and those migrating to Morocco. Conclusion These results are the first to describe the migratory behaviour of Spanish breeding Hen Harriers using satellite telemetry. Knowledge of migratory routes and behaviour are important for planning the conservation of species.

Local population decline of the threatened Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor is linked to the modernisation of the rural landscape

Summary Landscape changes and the intensification of agriculture in recent centuries were largely responsible for the dramatic decline in the biodiversity of farmlands. Rural settlements have also been subject to radical changes due to modernisation, but their impact on bird populations is poorly quantified. The Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor is a threatened farmland bird and already extinct in many areas. We monitored a population of this long-distance migrant in a traditional farming area in the Poľana Mountains (central Slovakia) in three breeding seasons (1996, 2016, and 2021). We analysed the impact of the increase in number of modern habitations and the decrease in traditional farmsteads on the population decline. The number of breeding territories decreased from 73 in 1996 to 38 in 2016 and 22 in 2021. As the population has declined, the breeding area has also shrunk significantly. While there were no modern homesteads in the breeding territories in 1996, by 2021 their number had increased to the number of traditional farmsteads. Building a single modern house in a territory reduced the probability of nesting to about 6%, and this effect was also seen when one or two farms were still present (17% and 40%, respectively). An additional modern homestead in the territory reduced the nesting probability to almost zero, even if a farmstead was already present. In this long-term empirical study, we identified these changes as a local threat factor for the species studied. The results presented can help in the design and implementation of conservation measures in traditional farming landscapes.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ СЕЗОННОГО РАЗВИТИЯ ПАСТБИЩНОЙ РАСТИТЕЛЬНОСТИ В ПУСТЫННОЙ ЗОНЕ РЕСПУБЛИКИ КАЛМЫКИЯ

The Republic of Kalmykia is one of the largest areas of sheep and beef cattle breeding. The basis of the forage base is made up of natural lands. For the rational use, conservation and increase of productivity of pastures and hayfields, it is necessary to know the composition of vegetation, the phases of its development and other features. Climatic and weather conditions, which are characterized by the greatest variability, which causes significant fluctuations in yields, affects the composition of cenoses, affects the timing and forms of use of forage lands, are crucial in the formation of the harvest of natural herbages, along with nutrients and biological characteristics of plants. Therefore, the study of the conditions for the formation of yields on pastures is of great practical importance. The article presents data on climatic indicators for two weather stations of the Republic of Kalmykia – Yashkul and Lagan for the long-term period 1993-2022 and describes in detail the year 2023 (long-term, annual, monthly, maximum, minimum air temperature, amplitude of fluctuations, precipitation), productivity of pasture grass. The average annual temperature for 2023 was 12.9 °C at the Yashkul weather station and 12.7 °C at Lagan. The intra-annual precipitation distribution in 2023 is also heterogeneous. The annual course of precipitation has shown that most of it falls in the spring period (53...79 mm). The months in which precipitation exceeds the norm alternate with their reduction. A significant increase in precipitation was noted in February, May, June, and July by 20...57 mm above the average annual norm.

СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ ЦЕН НА ОПЛАТУ ПОТРЕБЛЕННЫХ ЭНЕРГОРЕСУРСОВ В ЖИВОТНОВОДСТВЕ

At large scale dairy producing enterprises, having an innovative technical-and-technological resource in livestock there is an expanded type of reproducing. At the same time, scientific-and-technological progress in the technical-and-technological production’s improvement in animal breeding, feeding and other areas of dairy cattle management, ensuring a products’ unit in labor intensity and cost reducing is being achieved. Despite the Russian Federation Government’s measures by the agriculture development, dairy cattle breeding have continued a tendency to the number of cows is facilitated by a long industry production cycle reducing, as well as weak material-and-technical base and dairy farms and complexes’ an inadequate energy system supplying. As a result, the milk production sustainability in the regions is low. The methodology of the industry’s power supply systems technical-and-economic assessment in the context of accelerating technical-and-technological reequipment and livestock’s reliable and high quality energy supply to importance is presented. The effectiveness of electrification of technological processes’ technical means for the industry products’ producing using largely depends on the quality of power supplying. In addition the electricity supply reliability, it is necessary the energy supply system efficiency by the electricity’s supply quality parameters influence taking into account the level of economic losses from insufficient reliability of rural power grids increasing. A calculating method for economic feasibility of local energy supply systems using in livestock has been proposed, that has been tested in the divisions of a large, closed cycle meat and dairy products "from field to counter", agroholding "Agropromkomplektatsiya" producing. The results confirming the economic feasibility of local energy supply systems for large scale production using study and of livestock products processing. The energy production by the energy complex cost turned out to be almost in 40% lower than the electricity tariff and more than in 20% lesser than the thermal energy tariff establishing.

River dams, free stretches and migratory fish species: a review of the state of the art in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Population growth combined with the need for electrical energy resulted in the construction of hundreds of hydroelectric plants in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The consequence of these interventions was the fragmentation of rivers, forming barriers, that hinder the mobility of migratory fish species, generating an impact on the life cycle of these species, especially about movement between breeding and feeding areas. For this reason, this article aimed to evaluate the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding dams, free stretches, and migratory species in the three main river basins of the state of São Paulo and its tributaries. Through a systematic review from 2003 to 2023, 89 articles were obtained, 48 of which were about dams, 5 which addressed fish transposition systems, and 36 portraying migratory species. In the first half, research focused more on the impacts of dams on fish fauna, while in the second half of the period studied, studies of migratory fish were dominant. Most research was conducted in the main rivers, with few in the tributaries. Finally, 16 migratory species, considered long-distance, were studied, the most studied being P. lineatus, P. maculatus, L. friderici, M. obtusidens and S. hilarri and the ones that occurred most frequently in rivers are Prochilodus lineatus, Pimelodus maculatus, Megaleporinus obtusidens and Salminus hilarii. Therefore, we recommend maintaining the natural flow regime that still exists in the main rivers and tributaries of the state of São Paulo, to maintain healthy populations of the inventoried species.

Plant genetic resources for the development of priority areas of breeding

In this article it is noted that N.I. Vavilov, a gifted Russian geneticist, botanist and breeder, made an invaluable contribution to the development of world science of plant genetic resources. These advances provide valuable tools for dealing with the challenges of the modern world and make it possible to preserve and utilize the wealth of genetic potential of the plant world for the benefit of humanity. A very important aspect of working with genetic resources is the creation and maintenance of collections that serve as sources of valuable genes, alleles and polygenic systems. These collections are unique ranges of plant seeds, tissues and DNA collected from around the world. They serve as the basis for breeding work, making it possible to improve existing varieties and create new, more stable and productive ones.

An overview of the current status of Lake Jipe and its biodiversity dilemma

AbstractLake Jipe, is a shared water resource between Kenya and Tanzania located at the East African Coast is under multiple pressures. The present study assessed the current state of Lake Jipe and its biodiversity dilemma. Random sampling was conducted at 14 sampling points set at equidistant parallel to each other. Sampling depths and location coordinates were measured using Solar Transducer and GPSMAPS® 65 s. In situ water quality parameters were measured using YSI Pro Plus multiparameter; water samples for nutrients analysis were collected and preserved in cooler boxes prior transportation to Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) laboratory for analysis according to ALPHA 2005. Socio‐economic data in relation to status of Lake Jipe ecology were generated using Key Informants Interviews at identified beaches along Kenya and Tanzania. Present findings indicated that the lake has receded from the original 108.72 Km2 to 27.32 Km2 with annual temperatures, dissolved oxygen and conductivity of 28.58 ± 0.95, 5.19 ± 00 and 799.24 ± 69.41, respectively, for dry season. Wet season recorded 31.21 ± 0.31, 4.16 ± 0.01 and 882.44 ± 57.41 for temperature, dissolved oxygen and conductivity, respectively. Agricultural activities have significantly (90%) contributed to the lake levels decline and further affected the lakes' aquatic biodiversity. Among the most affected are the commercially important endemic fish species of the lake of which Oreochromis jipe has experienced the greatest decline. Overfishing, use of illegal unreported and unregulated fishing gears, intensified fishing along protected fish breeding areas as well as poor management and uncoordinated conservation efforts have significantly contributed to the decline of fish catches from 348 kg of O. jipe in 2016 to 90 kg daily catches in 2022. Consequently, the lake is in the verge of extinction if no action is taken. This calls for awareness on the significance of the L. Jipe ecosystems and its immediate and long‐term benefits. Further, there is need to revive and promote alternative economic activities including sustainable aquaculture and agriculture to local communities.

Protective Measures for Dalian Spotted Seal Reserve

Dalian Spotted Seal Reserve is one of the eight harbor seal breeding areas in the world. Leopard seals in the Liaodong Bay breeding area lack genetic gene exchange with other breeding areas in the world, and there is a phenomenon of reproductive isolation. They belong to a branch of the world's independently evolved leopard seals and have their own unique genetics, so are of high conservation value in this regard. This paper highlights the benefits that aquaculture and captive breeding bring to protected areas. The focus of aquatic products is mainly on the bottom-sown varieties. There is a foundation for artificial breeding, and what people need to do is to continue to expand the number and scope when there is sufficient funding. At the same time, this paper will clarify the relationship between them, and explain the measures and development of seal protection from the biological and economic perspectives. Both focus studies could help further protect seals.

Restricted dispersal and inbreeding in a high‐elevation bird across the ‘sky islands’ of the European Alps

AbstractAimHigh‐elevation specialist species are threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and their distributions are becoming increasingly reduced and fragmented. In such a context, dispersal ability is crucial to maintain gene flow among patches of suitable habitat. However, information about dispersal is often lacking for these species, especially for those taxa that are usually considered as good dispersers such as birds. We adopted a landscape genomics approach to investigate dispersal in a climate‐sensitive high‐elevation specialist bird. Our aims were to assess the levels of gene flow within a wide mountain area, and to assess the effects of geographic distance and landscape characteristics on dispersal, by testing the isolation by distance (IBD) hypothesis against the isolation by resistance (IBR) hypothesis.LocationEuropean Alps.Taxon Montifringilla nivalis. MethodsWe sampled individuals from several breeding areas and obtained single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data by ddRAD sequencing. We then calculated site‐ and individual level genetic distances and individual inbreeding coefficients. To test IBD versus IBR, we related genetic distances to both geographic distances and different measures of landscape resistance by using maximum likelihood population effects models.ResultsGene flow among breeding areas was partly restricted, and we found support for IBD, indicating that geographic distance limits snowfinch dispersal. Spatial patterns of genetic distances suggested that philopatry strongly contributed to determine the observed IBD. High inbreeding coefficients in several individuals indicated frequent mating among relatives.Main ConclusionsRestricted dispersal and frequent inbreeding within ‘sky island’ systems can also occur in highly mobile species, because their potential ability to cover very large distances can be counteracted by high philopatry levels that are likely related to high dispersal costs. IBD and philopatry will increasingly hinder snowfinch dispersal among suitable areas within the future more restricted and fragmented breeding range, increasing the risks of local extinctions.

Adaptation of Reproductive and Growth Traits of Primiparous Kilis Goats to High-Altitude Mountain Areas

Kilis goat is an important local gene source in terms of fertility and milk yield and its original breeding area is Kilis, Adana, Gaziantep and Hatay provinces in Türkiye. This study was carried out to determine the reproductive and growth characteristics of primiparous Kilis goats and their adaptation to high-altitude mountainous areas (altitude 1550 m). A total of 120 Kilis goats from four different farms in Konya province were used in the study in 2019. Among the reproductive traits of Kilis goats, birth rate, litter size at birth, litter size at weaning, twinning rate and survival rate were found to be 92.5%, 1.25, 1.11, 25.1% and 88.2%, respectively, and the difference between the flocks were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Most of the births occurred between 06:00 and 09:00 during the day (P

Evaluation of Doubled Haploid Maize Hybrids under Normal and Drought Condition

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of doubled haploid maize hybrids under normal and drought condition. Fifteen doubled haploid maize hybrids were sown in Research Area of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad by using Randomized Complete Block Design during spring 2019. The experimental area was divided into two blocks. Both blocks contain two replications of 15 hybrids. One out of these two blocks was treated with normal irrigations and second block was treated with drought. Data was recorded for various growth and yield related traits. To estimate the performance of doubled haploid maize hybrids under normal and drought conditions the recorded data was subjected to ANOVA by using the STATISTIX 8.1 software. LSD mean comparison test at 0.05% level of significance for hybrids and hybrids × treatment interaction was also calculated. Analysis of variance showed the significant difference among all the hybrids and also in hybrid × treatment interaction. Hybrids DH-26S × 3B and DH-100A × 21 showed maximum 100 grain weight (31.9g) under drought condition. Hybrid DH-100A × 21 showed maximum biomass (278.9g) under drought condition. Genetic advancement and heritability percentage were also calculated for all parameter and listed in the tables. The results showed that maximum genetic advancement was found in biomass; (56), (47) respectively under normal and drought condition.

Следы животных на строительной керамике золотоордынского Солхата

The archaeological researches of the Crimean ulus of the Golden Horde discovered a multitude of finds in the cultural layers from the late fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries, particularly building ceramic ware with footprints of animals. Such finds not only reflect the level of development of building technique, but also allow the one to determine the species composition of the fauna in the mediaeval Crimea, to amend the information on the economic and industrial activities of the population of Solkhat in the Golden Horde period. Among the footprints on bricks there are traces of canines (domestic dog and wolf), felines (cat), and artiodactyls (goat). Most of the footprints, 14 specimens, belong to canine animals, cat footprints are documented on four bricks, and only one artefact shows a footprint of goat’s hoof. This statistic is indirectly confirmed by the analysis of osteological materials, with a significant percentage of dogs’ remains and a little less of cats’. Goat’s bones are also rare; small cattle is mostly represented by sheep’s bones, the breeding area of which probably does not coincide with the place where Solkhat building ceramics were produced. The building ceramics with footprints of animals’ paws and hoofs originating from the excavations of the mediaeval settlement of Solkhat is published for the first time.

FARMERS' GROUP STRATEGIES IN INCREASING PRODUCTION OF PASSING THE CERTIFIED RICE SEED TEST IN DISTRICT BATANG ASAM DISTRICT TANJUNG JABUNG BARAT


 
 
 This research aims to determine the internal and external factors of passing the certified rice seed test and to determine the strategy of farmer groups in increasing production of passing the seed test in Rawa Medang Village, Batang Asam District, West Tanjung Jabung Regency. Sampling was carried out using purposive sampling technique. This research method uses SWOT analysis. Strength factors include high rice seed production, farmer experience, availability of facilities and infrastructure, cohesiveness of management and group members, and supporting land. Weakness factors include minimal capital for farmer groups, technology implementation that is not yet fully used, only producing a few seed varieties, lack of seed storage technology, lack of evaluation. Opportunity factors include government policy in institutional development, government assistance, availability of seed testing centers, demand for rice seeds, marketing cooperation and market reach. Threat factors include unstable rice seed prices, climate change, pests and diseases, long seed testing times and production costs.The results show that the position of the strategy to increase production passing the certified rice seed test is in quadrant I, namely the SO (strength - Opportunities) combination strategy. An aggressive strategy is to take maximum advantage of opportunities. Alternative strategies to improve the irrigation system in the breeding area, increase farming experience, increase the use of facilities and infrastructure, increase the cohesiveness of management and members of farmer groups, increase seed production.