Breeding Patterns Research Articles

Prevalence of canine distemper in minks, foxes and raccoon dogs from 1983 to 2023 in Asia, North America, South America and Europe.

Canine distemper (CD) is a virulent disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV) in canines and mustelidaes with high mortality. The incidence of CDV is worldwide distribution and it has caused huge economic losses to multiple industries around the world. There are many studies investigating the prevalence of CD infection, but no comprehensive analysis of CDV infection in minks, foxes and raccoon dogs worldwide has therefore been carried out. The aim of this meta is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the prevalence of CDV infection in minks, foxes and raccoon dogs dogs through a meta-analysis of articles published from around the world. Data from 8,582 small carnivores in 12 countries were used to calculate the combined prevalence of CD. A total of 22.6% (1,937/8,582) of minks, foxes and raccoon dogs tested positive for CD. The prevalence was higher in Asia (13.8, 95% CI: 22.2-45.6), especially in South Korea (65.8, 95% CI: 83.3-95.8). Our study found that the incidence of CD was also associated with geographic climate, population size, health status, and breeding patterns. CD is more commonly transmitted in minks, foxes and raccoon dogs. However, the concentrated breeding as an economic animal has led to an increase in the prevalence rate. The difference analysis study recommended that countries develop appropriate preventive and control measures based on the prevalence in the minks, foxes, and raccoon dogs industries, and that reducing stocking density is important to reduce the incidence of CDV. In addition, CDV is more common in winter, so vaccination in winter should be strengthened and expanded to reduce the incidence of CD in minks, foxes and raccoon dogs.

Protection Gains and Potential Risks: Insights from a Decade of Change of Chiru in the Arjinshan

As a migratory ungulate species, the chiru ( Pantholops hodgsonii ) primarily inhabits the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau. The population of the chiru has experienced a steady increase in recent years due to the implementation of rigorous conservation measures, including the establishment of nature reserves and legislation prohibiting hunting and killing. However, the study of chiru population ecology remains poorly understood duo to the unique and harsh natural conditions, as well as the seasonal migration and breeding patterns. In our study, we observed a higher overall population of the chiru (with average daily observations of 352 in 2012–2013 and 453 in 2023) and a demographic shift toward younger age groups (with juvenile percentage at 17.23% in 2023 and 15.85% in 2012–2013), implying the effectiveness of conservation efforts. But the marked increase in mortality rates among chiru warrants serious attention, particularly with regard to juvenile fatalities (from 1 death in 2012–2013 to 51 deaths in 2023). During past conservation efforts, the chiru population has gradually recovered; however, it is imperative to acknowledge the potential future risks due to accelerated climate change and intensification of human activity.

Population genetic structure of tropical bed bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) populations and their breeding pattern in Iraq.

A study was conducted to investigate the population genetic structure and breeding pattern of 140 tropical bed bugs, Cimex hemipterus (F.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), collected from 14 infested sites in major cities in Iraq. The samples were genotyped using a set of 7 polymorphic microsatellite markers. High genetic variety was seen among populations, with an average of 2-9 alleles per locus. The number of alleles across 7 microsatellite loci was between 6 and 18. There was a notable disparity in the alleles per loci when comparing the overall population to those within it. The overall population exhibited an average observed heterozygosity of 0.175 and an average expected heterozygosity of 0.730. Among the population, the average observed heterozygosity was 0.173, while the average expected heterozygosity was 0.673. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 93% of the genetic variability was within the populations, and 7% was among them. The genetic differentiation coefficient (FST = 0.045), indicates a low degree of genetic differentiation and a high degree of inbreeding (FIS = 0.761), as indicated by notably significant positive inbreeding coefficients. Admixed individuals were revealed using STRUCTURE and neighbor-joining phylogenetic trees, demonstrating moderate gene flow between populations and a lack of genetic structure in the regional groups. Thus, both active dispersion and human-mediated dispersion possess the potential to influence the low population genetic structure of tropical bed bug C. hemipterus populations in Iraq, which can have implications toward tropical bed bug and management strategies.

Oceanographic Analysis for Optimal Lobster Artificial Reef Placement in Prigi Bay, East Java

Oceanographic states are closely related to marine biota’s distribution and breeding patterns, especially in the intertidal zone. This study analyses the water quality variability and their relationship in the water of Prigi Bay. Water quality data was collected in situ using a Water Quality Checker. The statistical analyses were performed by applying PAST software version 4.11. The suitable waters with the best tendency value for the placement of lobster artificial reefs are stations 2 (Karang Gongso) and 4 (Damas). It is not only explained by salinity and turbidity but also by the ORP role, which has the solution potential to transfer electrons from oxidants to reductants, thus affecting the chemical processes. The high potential suitability at 2 locations is due to the concentration of a supportive environment with variability in ORP concentrations, having more potential for electron transfer, which significantly affects the attached benthic life as a pioneer for the reef. Salinity stability is safer from the impact of water mixing from the estuary. Parameter concentrations are more stable according to water temperature standards for coralline algae growth and are affected by turbidity and dissolved oxygen. In addition, other research is needed, such as social factors and fishermen’s activities.

Morphological Characterization of Gadik Sheep in North East Part of Afghanistan

The Gadik sheep, the local breed in Afghanistan, is reared mainly for meat. The sheep is a native breed in Badakhshan and Panjshir provinces of Afghanistan and has good adaptation to cold weather and mountainous regions. It also plays a vital role in the income of households, this study investigated the documentation and morphological traits of the sheep, a survey was conducted during the research that examined the sheep's habitat, body biometry, management procedures, and reproductive and productive performance. To examine the sheep's morphological characteristics, 40 sheep 20 ewes and 20 rams from one to four years old had their morphological features measured. Morphological characteristics that are included in measurements are: head and neck traits; back and tail traits; teats and testes; height, length, and depth traits; coat covert; and coloring. Gadik had a characteristically three-color coat: brown, white, and black. All data were collected from 40 flocks, with an average of 28.1±1.9 heads per flock. They lambed twins at about 45.0±3.33% and remain single, and they also followed a restricted breeding pattern, i.e., they got just one lambing per year in the spring but others lambed twice per year. The flocks graze for 10±0.2 h daily during the summer. Shearing was done twice a year, in spring and fall, with an average wool production of 0.4±0.02 kg/clip animal.
 Gadik is a small breed among other sheep breeds in Afghanistan and possesses a small, thin, short-tail sheep with an average weight of 25.35±0.0 kg (males: 26.6±0.40 kg; females: 24.1±0.40 kg) and a slightly convex nose. Males had horns, Females were hornless. Birth weight averaged 1.2±4.39 kg. The average body length was 50.85±0.03 cm. Sex and age were important contributors to differences in most traits; however, location differences also affected a few of the traits. Location differences existed for weight traits, and animals at Wiyar and Bashar were slightly bigger and heavier as compared to Shedoj, Dashar, and Sarchashma villages. Animals had medium-sized heads with a slightly bulging forehead, a tapering face, and shining eyes. Rams carried horns, 21.9±0.44 cm long, affected by sex and age. In mature males, horns run backward and grow outward somehow spirally. The adult population had fully developed, floppy (semi-pendulous), laterally protruded, and free of any pricks, small-sized ears with an average length of 7.00±0.13 cm and a blade width of 7.00±0.12 cm, and was affected by age and sex factors. Lambs in Wiyar and Bashar had higher respective body weights, while lambs in Shedoj, Dashar, and Sarchashma were inferior to those in the remaining villages.

Reproductive biology aspects with a specific focus on histological analysis of oogenesis in Heterocarpus woodmasoni Alcock, 1901 from Southeastern Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean

The expansion of deep-sea fisheries in India has underscored the necessity for comprehensive data on the reproductive characteristics of targeted species to facilitate effective resource management. Heterocarpus woodmasoni Alcock, 1901 plays a pivotal role in supporting India’s deep-sea shrimp fishery sector. In this pioneering study, we provide novel insights into the reproductive dynamics of H. woodmasoni, utilizing specimens collected from 2019 to 2022 at the primary deep-sea shrimp landings site of Sakthikulangara fisheries harbour, Kerala, India. The research revealed that H. woodmasoni exhibits a continuous breeding pattern characterized by three prominent spawning peaks: two occurring in January and April with an additional extended peak observed in September. Moreover, the study observed a consistently high proportion of ovigerous females throughout all seasons, suggesting year-round reproductive activity in H. woodmasoni. Size (CL) at the onset of sexual maturity (SOM) for males and females measured 16 mm and 17 mm, respectively. In terms of brood size, the mean absolute brood size estimated in H. woodmasoni was 5438 ± 2687. Interestingly, while brood size increased as a power function of carapace length, the correlation between reproductive output and carapace length was found to be statistically not significant. Embryo volume varied significantly between the three developmental stages (Stage I: 0.03 ± 0.02 mm3, stage II: 0.05 ± 0.04 mm3 and stage III: 0.11 ± 0.03 mm3). The gonadosomatic index showed increasing trend corresponding ovary maturation. However, the index declined in the final maturity stage characterized by a black coloured ovary. The vivid colour changes observed in mature ovaries, spanning early vitellogenesis, late vitellogenesis and maturation phases offer valuable insights into the dynamic cellular transformations occurring during ovarian development. The present study regarding the various reproductive traits of H. woodmasoni with histological examination of oogenesis will help to facilitate sustainable exploitation and adequate conservation management of this species.

Using generalised additive models to visualise the annual cycle of primary feather moult patterns

Moult is a vital but energy-demanding event in a bird's phenological cycle. Primary moult is the shedding of old feathers and the regeneration of new flight feathers to maintain efficient functioning of these critical structures. Life history events, such as moult, breeding and migration, are typically separated from one another temporally because of the costs associated with moult Thus, extrapolation of other life-history events is possible from an understanding of the primary moult schedule in species for which data are easier to collect This study aimed to explore the primary moult patterns of nine nectarivorous species (seven Sunbirds and two Sugarbirds) using data extracted from the South African Bird Ringing Unit (SAFRING) database. Logistic generalised additive models (GAMs) were fitted to active/inactive moult observations to explore annual primary moult patterns. Breeding patterns based on the presence of brood patches in females were also analysed using GAMs for species with sufficient data. The GAMs illustrated the annual patterns well, with the probability of moult having clear peaks and troughs, allowing intuitive understanding of annual life-history patterns, such as the probability of breeding. Generally, GAMs hold potential to be used as a supplementary tool to study the timing of primary moult GAMs appear especially useful for species with no well-defined annual moult period.

Impact of Temperature on Insect Behavior in India

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the Impact of Temperature on Insect Behavior in India.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library
 Findings: Research on the impact of temperature on insect behavior in India has demonstrated significant findings. As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, insects are exhibiting altered behaviors, affecting various ecosystems and agricultural practices. Studies indicate shifts in the timing of insect life cycles, including altered breeding patterns and earlier emergence from diapause. Additionally, rising temperatures have been associated with increased insect pest activity, posing threats to crop yields and ecosystem dynamics. These findings underscore the need for proactive measures to mitigate the consequences of changing insect behaviors in India, including adaptive agricultural strategies and ecosystem management practices.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Degree-Day Theory, Temperature-Dependent Activity Theory and Optimal Foraging Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the Impact of Temperature on Insect Behavior in India. Pest control strategies should be tailored to account for temperature-dependent shifts in insect activity patterns, thereby optimizing the timing and choice of control measures. Policymakers should recognize the critical role of temperature in shaping insect behavior and its cascading effects on ecosystems, food security, and public health.
 Keywords: Temperature, Insect, Behavior 
 ©2023 by the Authors. This Article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

The Breeding Pattern and Population Genetic Structure of Coptotermes gestroi (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) Population in Natural Woodland Habitats

Microsatellite markers are suitable tools for assessing the population structure of eusocial species, especially those with a dynamic breeding system, such as the Asian subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae). Therefore, this study applied seven microsatellite markers to infer the breeding pattern and population genetic structure of C. gestroi found in natural woodland habitats at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia. The natural woodland habitat C. gestroi colonies show significant deviation from HWE (all p < 0.05). The uncovered genetic pattern suggested that the C. gestroi colonies presented a combined breeding pattern of mixed- and extended-family colonies with moderate genetic differentiation and elevated inbreeding. In particular, the breeding pattern of C. gestroi colonies was inferred to vary depending on the demographic variation and the age of the colony. Nevertheless, the results revealed comprehensive information on the C. gestroi population structure, habitat-specific to natural woodlands. Furthermore, future studies with exclusive datasets on the population structure of C. gestroi on marginal demography are necessary to enhance the management strategies of this pest species.

Management and Reduction Techniques Strategies of Ammonia Emission in Agricultural Sectors in China

Agricultural ammonia (NH3) emissions (including farmland, livestock and poultry) are China’s main sources of NH3 emissions. China’s government has proposed a national strategic goal to reduce NH3 emissions. Excessive protein feeds, unreasonable manure treatments and agricultural fertilizer applications result in large emissions of NH3. Agricultural activities such as the breeding of livestock and fertilization in farmlands are the main sources of atmospheric NH3 emissions. This article discussed the progress and characteristics of typical NH3 emission inventory, calculated the nationwide NH3 emissions and analyzed the NH3 emission control strategy in the past 40 years in China. There was also an integration analysis of national documents on emission reduction technologies (including government reports) in China. The results showed that there existed single calculation methods and insufficient localization of emission factors in the estimation of domestic NH3 emissions. NH3 emission inventories varied greatly influenced by meteorology, planting structure and breeding pattern. The control strategy of NH3 emission in China has transformed from emission standards to technical guidelines to national strategic control, and it involves the coordination and cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs departments. Current domestic NH3 emission management strategy needs scientific emission verification specification, multi-department and inter-provincial regional coordination mechanisms, and suggestions for further improvement have been put forward. It is urgent to evaluate precise NH3 emission inventories at different regional scales, followed by intensive NH3 emission controls in the key regions (such as North China). Government, agriculture, and breeding industries should vigorously promote low-protein feeds, large-scale livestock farming (including poultry), and pilot projects on closed negative pressure farming. Also, agriculture-related NH3 emission reduction measures should be fully implemented by providing technical support for NH3 emission control in domestic agricultural farms.

Differences in Mother-Infant Bond and Social Behavior of African Elephant Calves Living In Situ and Ex Situ.

African zoo elephants live in safe environments with sufficient resources, are protected from threats, and have their health and body conditions cared for. Calves ex situ undergo the same developmental stages as in situ and are raised by the whole family unit. However, due to environmental differences, there might be behavioral modifications between calves in situ and ex situ. We hypothesize that these differences increase with ongoing generations. This ethological study compares social and general behavior and the distance calves kept to their mothers' between calves of the first (F1) and second (F2) zoo generation and the wild. Using ethological methods, data were collected for ~90 in situ calves and 16 ex situ (8 F1, 8 F2) between the ages of 0.5 to 4 years (120 observation hours per group). Results showed that in situ calves spent significantly more time close to mothers than the F1 and the F2 zoo generations (F1/in situ: p = <0.001; F2/in situ: p = 0.007). The behaviors of eating, drinking, trunk movement, washing, and affiliative behaviors showed significant differences between in situ and ex situ calves. The amount and distribution of affiliative and agonistic behavior initiated and received by calves was displayed with a greater variety ex situ. Ex situ calves not only performed affiliative but, in contrast to the in situ, also agonistic behavior (F1/in situ: initiated p = 0.002, received p = 0.010; F2/in situ: initiated p = 0.050, received p = 0.037). The comparison of zoo generations suggests that differences did not increase with the generation. The more casual binding between mothers and offspring in zoos and the age-dependent improvement of social behavior of zoo-born calves are seen as a result of elephants' adaptation to secure zoo conditions. The results of this study agree with the faster development of ex situ African elephants, like earlier puberty and more frequent breeding patterns, as known from the literature.

Telomere length links with physiological phenotype and breeding patterns in a long-lived seabird

Abstract Telomere length (TL) is known to covary with a suite of physiological traits involved in energy balances that may influence breeding success. Thus, TL may be an indicator of individual quality, influencing mate choice and breeding strategies. In the Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster), a long-lived seabird, we investigated in a total of 72 pairs whether TL may indicate the individual physiological phenotype by examining how it relates to mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and corticosterone (CORT) levels. Then, we tested if TL is associated with mating patterns by looking for covariation with skin coloration (a condition-dependent sexual trait), whether there is assortative mating by TL, and if the degree of TL similarity between partners influences an individual’s likelihood of changing mates between reproductive seasons. Because environmental conditions can have important effects on the condition and reproductive strategies of individuals, the study was performed in 2 colonies with contrasting breeding conditions. We found that TL was positively related to mtDNAcn (but not CORT levels), suggesting that individuals with shorter telomeres may have a reduced mitochondrial density. TL was reflected in sexual coloration, but only in the colony with good breeding conditions. There was positive assortative mating by TL; however, the degree of assortative mating was unrelated to the probability of mate change, which greatly varied between the 2 colonies. Our results suggest that TL is associated with the physiological phenotype of individuals and their breeding patterns. Importantly, contrasting environmental conditions influenced the link between TL and sexual coloration and the propensity of individuals to change mate, highlighting the importance of environmental variation on mating patterns.

Optimal dietary energy and protein levels for breeding pigeons in the winter "2 + 3" lactation pattern

The nutritional requirements of breeding pigeons depend on their physiological period, breeding pattern, and environmental conditions. Despite works on reduced litter size in winter production to combat high mortality and the poor welfare of squabs, there are few studies on the related nutritional requirements of these pigeons. A total of 432 pairs of European Mimas pigeons were randomly divided into 9 groups in which 3 crude protein (CP) levels (15, 16.5, and 18%) and 3 metabolizable energy (ME) levels (12.2 MJ/kg, 12.4 MJ/kg, and 12.6 MJ/kg) were tested to determine the optimal energy and protein requirements of breeding pigeons in the winter "2+3" breeding pattern. The results showed that ME and CP levels had little effect on the body weight, feed intake, and egg quality of breeding pigeons during the lactation period. An 18% CP diet significantly increased the laying rate and hatchability (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in the laying rate with 18% CP and 16.5% CP during the whole reproductive cycle (P > 0.05). There was a significant interaction between ME and CP levels, and the laying interval of breeding pigeons in group 9 (18% CP; 12.6 MJ/kg) was significantly shortened (P < 0.05). For squabs, the ME level had no effect on growth performance, slaughter performance, or meat quality. The body weight of 21-day-old squabs in the 18% CP group increased by 3.16% compared with that of the 15% CP group, but there was no difference between the 18% CP and 16.5% CP groups. Compared with other experimental groups, group 7 (18% CP; 12.2 MJ/kg) had the fastest growth rate in squabs (P < 0.05), and the corresponding slaughter weight was also the heaviest (P < 0.05). We further found that the height of the squab intestinal epithelium was significantly increased in both the 16.5% CP and 18% CP groups of squabs (P < 0.01), but male breeding pigeons showed a certain degree of oxidative stress with an increase in CP level. In conclusion, the effects of 15 to 18% CP levels and 12.2 to 12.6 MJ/kg ME levels on the reproductive metabolism of breeding pigeons and the growth and development of squabs in the "2+3" breeding pattern during winter are small. For economic efficiency, we suggest that the CP level can be reduced to 16.5% while the ME level should not be less than 12.2 MJ/kg in practical production.

What is Suksdorf’s hawthorn? Revision of the Western North American 20-stamen black-fruited hawthorns (Crataegus series Douglasianae, Rosaceae subtribe Malinae)

An agamic complex of 20- and 10-stamen, black-fruited hawthorns (Crataegus subg. Sanguineae, sect. Douglasianae) occurs in western North America, with a 10-stamen taxon disjunct in the upper Great Lakes basin. Here, we recircumscribe the 20-stamen taxa at the core of this complex (C. ser. Douglasianae). This is needed in order to distinguish between a presumptively ancestral diploid and its allo- and autopolyploid derivatives, all differing in breeding system, distribution, morphology, and pattern of genetic variation. The earliest name for these 20-stamen taxa, Crataegus gaylussacia A. Heller, was given to distinctive plants of Marin and Sonoma counties in California that have recently been shown to be autotriploids. In Flora North America, however, this name was applied to all 20-stamen, black-fruited hawthorns. We recircumscribe C. gaylussacia, and also recircumscribe and typify a slightly younger name, C. suksdorfii (Sarg.) Kruschke, with a specimen from southern Washington with the diminished pollen fertility found in allopolyploid, apomictic black-fruited hawthorns occurring east of the Cascades, from northern California north to southernmost Alaska. Finally, we recognize the diploid, self-incompatible, sexual black-fruited hawthorns found west of the Cascades from northern California to southwestern Washington as Crataegus rhodamae-loveae sp. nov. Together with the 10-stamen, black-fruited hawthorns in predominantly tetraploid, apomictic, and self-fertile C. douglasii Lindl. and its segregates (discussed in detail in a companion paper), these species are linked by whole genome duplications associated in most cases with hybridization, with members of red-fruited C. subg. Americanae, and with each other. We suggest that this complex provides a model for understanding other such groups of Crataegus species that are related by whole genome duplications resulting from the fertilization of unreduced gametes (facilitated by but not necessarily dependent on occurrence of gametophytic apomixis), often together with hybridization. We note that an earlier effort at DNA barcoding these and other hawthorn species that provided limited support for our taxonomic decisions here also demonstrated some limited utility of the original plant DNA barcoding loci in groups like Crataegus. The taxonomic decisions we advocate will warrant consideration when other groups of hawthorns are revised in the light of data like those employed here.

Reproductive biology of wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) in the Canary Islands (eastern-central Atlantic)

The reproductive status of wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) in the eastern-central Atlantic was investigated to better understand their migration and breeding patterns. The waters around the Canary Islands are considered a breeding area for wahoo; and this study documents the first described breeding activity found in the eastern Atlantic. The presence of many mature and spawning capable wahoo reported in this study confirms its spawning activity in this region. Off the Canary Islands, only mature individuals spawn in the region where no immature individuals were observed to date. Most of the specimens captured in Canary Islands waters exceed 100 cm TL (about 2 years old). Values of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) of males were much lower than those estimated for females. Testes showed little changes in size throughout gametogenesis, while ovaries increased significantly (p<0.05). The low values make it inadvisable to use GSI in males to determine spawning activity. In the Canary Islands, wahoo females spawn (fishes with tertiary vitellogenic oocytes, postovulatory follicles or germinal vesicle migration, yolk coalescence, germinal vesicle breakdown and hydrated oocyte) mainly during a 4-month period in summer. Both females of spawning capable outside the main summer breeding period and females in regressing phase during the spawning period have been observed in the Canary Islands. Males were found in the spawning capable phase throughout the year, with greater prevalence between May and October.

Overwintering and breeding patterns of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in coastal plain habitats of the southeastern USA

Understanding variability in species’ traits can inform our understanding of their ecology and aid in the development of management and conservation strategies. Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are native to the western hemisphere and are well-known for their long-distance migrations but have experienced significant population declines in recent decades. Here we use a 5-year capture-mark-recapture dataset to compare monarch distributions, mating activity, and larval host plant use between two coastal plain habitats in South Carolina, USA. We observed seasonally specific habitat use, with maritime habitats serving as overwintering areas while nearby inland swamps support significant breeding in spring, summer, and fall seasons due to an abundance of aquatic milkweed (Asclepias perennis). We also observed mating activity by fall migrating monarchs and their use of swallow-wort (Pattalias palustre) in the spring as an important larval host plant in maritime habitats. This phenology and habitat use of monarchs diverges from established paradigms and suggest that a distinct population segment of monarchs may exist, with significance for understanding the conservation status of monarch butterflies and associated habitats in eastern North America. Further research should explore how monarchs along the Atlantic coast of North America relate to other eastern monarch populations.

Genetic Diversity Analysis of the Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus clarkii in Three Cultured Populations Based on Microsatellite Markers.

With the increasing scale of crayfish breeding, the self-propagation and "catch large and keep small" breeding patterns have led to serious degradation of the fry, so the selection and breeding of high-quality fry is very important. Selecting a population with a high genetic diversity as the base population for breeding can greatly improve the breeding efficiency. Fifteen microsatellite loci were used to understand the genetic structure and diversity of three Procambarus clarkii populations in Chongming, Shanghai; Gaoyou, Jiangsu; and Xuancheng, Anhui. The results indicated that the three populations were diverse and the number of alleles, observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, Shannon information index, and polymorphic information content ranged from 4.8 to 6.2, 0.5567 to 0.6257, 0.6166 to 0.7086, 1.1292 to 1.3987, and 0.5446 to 0.6452, respectively. The Xuancheng population had the highest genetic diversity. The genetic differentiation coefficient and gene flow of the three populations were between 0.0553 and 0.1068 and 2.0908 and 4.2708, respectively, and there was extensive genetic exchange between the Chongming and Xuancheng populations. Analyses of molecular variance indicated that the genetic variation was mainly within the population (91.51%) and inter-population genetic variation accounted for 8.49%. The unweighted pair group method with an arithmetic mean clustering map was utilised based on the genetic distance between groups, and the results showed that the Gaoyou group was grouped alone, while the Chongming and Xuancheng groups were clustered together. The structural results indicated that the Chongming and Xuancheng groups had the same origin, although the Xuancheng group possessed a more complex genetic structure. This study indicated that all three populations had a high genetic diversity, with the Xuancheng population exhibiting the highest diversity. The results of the study provide a reference for the selection of base populations in breeding programs and confirm that the Xuancheng population in Anhui has a better genetic background. The selection of the Xuancheng population as one of the base populations for genetic breeding will be more efficient to accumulate superior traits.

MODERNIZATION OF HYDROPNIC FARMERS THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF INTERNET OF THINGS-BASED AUTOMATION SYSTEMS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF CROP PRODUCTS

Hydroponics is one of the agricultural techniques with great potential to produce plant products. Hydroponics is also a pattern of plant breeding that is environmentally friendly and does not require a large area of ​​land. Although it has been developed for long time ago, the quality and quantity of hydroponics does not really give significant results. In order to improve the quality of agricultural products, a modernization step is needed by implementing an automation system based on Internet of Things. Thus, the solution offered to overcome the problems of the current hydroponic system, the innovation offered is green hardware, namely Airlangga Sahabat Petani Hidroponik (Arsenik). In this hardware, monitoring of the system with an integrated manner and measuring several aspects such as environmental and soil levels, nutrients in plants and interpreting them into an output that can be read directly by users. The expected result through this hardware is community empowerment in developing hydroponic systems and maximum hydroponic plant yields.

Breeding and demographic aspects of Montemys delectorum, an East African endemic rodent

AbstractMontemys delectorum is the only member of the genus Montemys within the family Muridae, which is an endemic rodent of the Eastern Africa Highlands. It is a threatened species due to habitat loss, and its current conservation status is uncertain. We studied the breeding pattern and population size of M. delectorum, two of the most important factors in understanding the conservation status of a species. Capture–mark–release studies were conducted from February 2021 to June 2022 in open patchy forests and dense forest habitats. Montemys delectorum showed bimodal breeding seasonality: a low rate for the short interval between December and February and a pronounced rate for May–July, following the high rainfall in April. This shows that rainfall promotes vegetation availability, which stimulates breeding activity and adds offspring to the population, resulting in increased population abundance. The population of M. delectorum is not stable in this landscape, as indicated by the significant differences in population size between the two forest types, with a significantly greater population in the patchy open forest. This indicates that the patchy open forest should be considered an essential refuge for the species.

A multi-site study of the relationship between photoperiod and ovulation rate using Natural Cycles data

Many species exhibit seasonal patterns of breeding. Although humans can shield themselves from many season-related stressors, they appear to exhibit seasonal patterns of investment in reproductive function nonetheless, with levels of sex steroid hormones being highest during the spring and summer months. The current research builds on this work, examining the relationship between day length and ovarian function in two large samples of women using data from the Natural Cycles birth control application in each Sweden and the United States. We hypothesized that longer days would predict higher ovulation rates and sexual motivation. Results revealed that increasing day length duration predicts increased ovulation rate and sexual behavior, even while controlling for other relevant factors. Results suggest that day length may contribute to observed variance in women’s ovarian function and sexual desire.