Feather Color Research Articles

Genetic Basis and Evolution of Structural Color Polymorphism in an Australian Songbird.

Island organisms often evolve phenotypes divergent from their mainland counterparts, providing a useful system for studying adaptation under differential selection. In the white-winged fairywren (Malurus leucopterus), subspecies on two islands have a black nuptial plumage whereas the subspecies on the Australian mainland has a blue nuptial plumage. The black subspecies have a feather nanostructure that could in principle produce a blue structural color, suggesting a blue ancestor. An earlier study proposed independent evolution of melanism on the islands based on the history of subspecies divergence. However, the genetic basis of melanism and the origin of color differentiation in this group are still unknown. Here, we used whole-genome resequencing to investigate the genetic basis of melanism by comparing the blue and black M. leucopterus subspecies to identify highly divergent genomic regions. We identified a well-known pigmentation gene ASIP and four candidate genes that may contribute to feather nanostructure development. Contrary to the prediction of convergent evolution of island melanism, we detected signatures of a selective sweep in genomic regions containing ASIP and SCUBE2 not in the black subspecies but in the blue subspecies, which possesses many derived SNPs in these regions, suggesting that the mainland subspecies has re-evolved a blue plumage from a black ancestor. This proposed re-evolution was likely driven by a preexisting female preference. Our findings provide new insight into the evolution of plumage coloration in island versus continental populations, and, importantly, we identify candidate genes that likely play roles in the development and evolution of feather structural coloration.

A late burst of colour evolution in a radiation of songbirds (Passeriformes: Parulidae) suggests secondary contact drives signal divergence.

Evolutionary radiations provide important insights into species diversification, which is especially true of adaptive radiations. New World wood warblers (Parulidae) are a family of small, insectivorous, forest-dwelling passerine birds, often considered an exemplar of adaptive radiation due to their rapid diversification followed by a slowdown. However, they deviate from the expectations of an adaptive radiation scenario due to the lack of conspicuous morphological and ecological differentiation. We fitted several macroevolutionary models to trait data in 105 species of wood warblers. We tested whether morphological traits underwent an early burst of evolution (suggesting adaptation to new ecological niches in adaptive radiations) and whether song and colour underwent a diversity-dependent acceleration of trait evolutionary rate (consistent with reproductive interference driving signal evolution). Morphology and song evolved gradually under stabilizing selection, suggesting niche conservatism, with morphology possibly acting as a constraint on song evolution. In contrast, many feather colour traits underwent a diversity-dependent burst of evolution occurring late in the clade's history. We suggest that a two-step process has led to the remarkable diversification of wood warblers. First, their early diversification probably proceeded by allopatric speciation. Second, feather colour divergence likely occurred during secondary contact after range expansion. This diversification of signalling traits might have facilitated species coexistence, in combination with behavioural niche partitioning. Wood warblers seem to present characteristics of both adaptive and non-adaptive radiations.

EFFECT OF ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS ON DESI AND FAYOUMI CHICKEN TRAITS AT DISTRICT KASHMORE, SINDH-PAKISTAN

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the different body organs measurement and multiple phenotypic traits of desi and fayoumi selected chicken breeds under free range and intensive management conditions during, 2021. Host birds were collected from local peoples and hatcheries of district Kashmore and brought through intensive care management system in Animal Husbandry, Department of Zoology, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs. Both chicken male and female populations were reared separately in the same ecology and F1 generation chickens were obtained. The feeding and rearing procedures were followed by NRC and ISA recommended guidelines. The average values of phenotypic traits like neck length of desi and fayoumi males measured in cm (20.4±1.9), (16.5±1.4) body height (43.4±3.2), (33.7±3.2) shank length (12.5±0.82) (8.3±0.72) beak length (3.6±0.21) (2.7±0.16) and wings span (23.7±1.6) (18.3±1.5) in intensive conditions. While as, in the free range conditions the neck length of desi and fayoumi males was recorded in cm (18.7±1.6) (16.4±1.3) body height (38.7±3.2) (34.6±3.1), shank length (10.3±0.97) (9.4±0.94), length of beak (3.3±0.24) (2.7±0.18), and wing span (20.4±1.5) (18.5±1.4), in both chicken breeds. The different phenotype traits of desi and fayoumi chicken breeds viz., the color of eyes, comb, plumage, feather, barbell, mumps, and beak colors percentage were found with variation in intensive and free range conditions. Concludingly, desi chickens were found with larger body parts with dark color variants. The present study suggests, more work should be carried on other characteristics to enhance poultry quality and quantity in future endeavors.

Screening and preliminary analysis of differentially expressed genes in quail embryos for feather colour based on RNA-Sequencing

The purpose of this study was to use RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and analyse transcriptomic data from embryonic skin tissues of maroon-feather and white-feather quails. The transcriptome of embryonic skin tissues from quails was sequenced using the Illumina HiSeqTM 2000 sequencing platform. A total of 2 512 DEGs were found. Of these, 550 DEGs were up-regulated and 1 562 DEGs were down-regulated in the skin tissues of white-feather quail embryos. Five hundred and ninety-seven DEGs were enriched and annotated into 50 entries in Gene Ontology (GO) database. The total number of DEGs annotated in each entry in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database was 341, enriched in 230 pathways, of which the tight junction pathway and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction were the most significantly enriched. Candidate genes were analysed using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (to verify the accuracy and reliability of the RNA-Seq results. The relative expression of agouti signalling protein (ASIP) and DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) in white-feather quails were increased. Relative expression of homeobox D1 (HOXD1), cathepsin D (CTSD), keratin 2 (KRT2), methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 (MBD2), and melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) were decreased. The results of this study provide useful data on the analysis of the feather colour regulatory mechanism in white- and maroon-feather quails.

Dorsal and Ventral Plumage Coloration Evolve as Distinct Modules with Different Environmental Correlations.

AbstractMany animals exhibit contrast between their dorsal coloration and their ventral coloration. If selection acts differently on dorsal versus ventral coloration, ancestral covariance between these traits should break down, eventually leading to independent modules of trait evolution. Here, we compare the evolution of feather color across body regions for a clade of Australasian songbirds (Meliphagoidea). We find evidence for three modules of covarying color regions. Among these modules, ventral feathers evolve with high lability, evolving at three times the rate of dorsal plumage and 20 times the rate of flight feathers. While both dorsal plumage and ventral plumage are darker in areas with more precipitation and vegetation, we find that dorsal plumage is twice as similar to colors in satellite photos of background substrates. Overall, differential selection on ventral and dorsal colors likely maintains these as distinct modules over evolutionary timescales-a novel explanation for dorsoventral contrast in pigmentation.

UV-induced feather color change reflects its porphyrin content.

Pigmentary coloration is widespread in animals. Its evolutionary and ecological features are often attributed to the property of predominant pigments; therefore, most research has focused on predominant pigments such as carotenoids in carotenoid-based coloration. However, coloration results from predominant pigments and many other minority pigments, and the importance of the latter is overlooked. Here, we focused on porphyrin, an "uncommon" pigment found in bird feathers, and investigated its importance in the context of feather color changes in the barn swallow Hirundo rustica. We found that the "pheomelanin-based coloration" of the barn swallow faded after the irradiation of UV light, and this effect was particularly strong in the feathers of young swallows (nestlings and fledglings, here). We also found that it is not the predominant pigment, pheomelanin, but protoporphyrin IX pigment that showed the same pattern of depigmentation after the irradiation of UV light, particularly in the feathers of young swallows. In fact, the abovementioned age-dependent feather color change was statistically explained by the amount of porphyrin in the feathers. The current study demonstrates that a minority pigment, porphyrin, explains within-season dynamic color change, an ecological feature of feather coloration. The porphyrin-mediated rapid color change would benefit young birds, in which feather coloration affects the parental food allocation during a few weeks before independence, but not later. Future studies should not ignore these minor but essential pigments and their evolutionary and ecological functions.

A single-cell transcriptome atlas of Lueyang black-bone chicken skin

As the largest organ of the body, the skin participates in various physiological activities, such as barrier function, sensory function, and temperature regulation, thereby maintaining the balance between the body and the natural environment. To date, compositional and transcriptional profiles in chicken skin cells have not been reported. Here, we report detailed transcriptome analyses of cell populations present in the skin of a black-feather chicken and a white-feather chicken using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). By analyzing cluster-specific gene expression profiles, we identified 12 cell clusters, and their corresponding cell types were also characterized. Subsequently, we characterized the subpopulations of keratinocytes, myocytes, mesenchymal cells, fibroblasts, and melanocytes. It is worth noting that we have identified a subpopulation of keratinocytes involved in pigment granule capture and a subpopulation of melanocytes involved in pigment granule deposition, both of which have a higher cell abundance in black-feather chicken compared to white-feather chicken. Meanwhile, we also compared the cellular heterogeneity features of Lueyang black-bone chicken skin with different feather colors. In addition, we also screened out 12 genes those could be potential markers of melanocytes. Finally, we validated the specific expression of SGK1, WNT5A, CTSC, TYR, and LAPTM5 in black-feather chicken, which may be the key candidate genes determining the feather color differentiation of Lueyang black-bone chicken. In summary, this study first revealed the transcriptome characteristics of chicken skin cells via scRNA-seq technology. These datasets provide valuable information for the study of avian skin characteristics and have important implications for future poultry breeding.

KARAKTERISASI BENIH DAN KEKERABATAN KULTIVAR PADI LOKAL PASANG SURUT DI KABUPATEN INDRAGIRI HILIR

Similarity analysis was carried out on the characteristics of local type tidal rice grain in Indragiri Hilit Regency in January-October 2015 in Indragiri Hilir Regency. This research aims to inventory, characterize and determine the relationship between each type of local tidal rice grain in Indragiri Hilir Regency. This research uses a qualitative-quantitative description method. The beginning of this research was to explore the types of rice grains in each village and sub-district of Indfagiri Hilir Regency, then they were characterized and analyzed using the agglomerative method by calculating the distance between relatives using hierarchical cluster average linkage (between gropus). The research results show that Indragiri Hilir Regency has 27 local tidal rice cultivars. These cultivars consist of 'Karya Kuning', 'Karanduku', 'Ramos', 'Pulut Putih', 'Pandan Wangi', 'Ordinary', 'Lembu Sawah Merah', 'Karya Merah', 'Pulut Hitam', ' Pariaman', 'Lembu Sawah', 'Karya Tinggi', 'Panama', 'Batang Tuaka', 'Ir Super', 'Batang Piaman', 'Maron', 'Merah Putih', 'Serang', 'Putri Malu', 'Super', 'Opium', 'White', 'Kuatik', 'Frog', 'Lentik Bamban', 'Sere'. Morphological characters that differentiate rice cultivars are grain characteristics (length, width, thickness, weight of 100 seeds, grain surface shape, grain surface color, sterile lemma length, grain tip color, grain tip tail feather color and grain tip tail feather length), character rice (length, width, thickness, ratio of length to width, and color of rice epidermis). Phenetic analysis using the Minitab Release version 17 program divided 27 local tidal rice cultivars into 9 clusters at a similarity level of 56.78%. Which consists of group 1, consisting of Karya Kuning, Karya Merah, Maron, Pulut Putih, Putih, Putri Malu, Merah Putih, Super; Group II consists of Karanduku, Opium and Lembu Sawah Merah; cluster III consists of Ramos, Batang Tuaka, Karya Tinggi, Serang and Pariaman, cluster IV consists of paddy cattle; Group V consists of Kuatik, Serai, Lentik Bamban, Kodok, Group VI consists of Ordinary and Batang Piaman and groups VII, VIII and IX respectively consist of Pandan Wangi, Super and Pulut Hitam.

Differential expression of ASIP transcripts reveals genetic mechanism underpinning black-tail independence from body plumage in yellow-bodied chickens.

The genetic foundation of chicken body plumage color has been extensively studied. However, little attention has been paid to the inheritance patterns and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of distal feather colors (tail and wingtip). Differences in these colors are common; for example, the Chinese Huiyang Beard chicken has black tail feathers, but yellow body plumage. Here, the hybrid offspring of Huiyang Beard and White Leghorn chickens were used to study the inheritance patterns of tail-feather color. The expression levels of pigment genes in differently colored feather follicles were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that genetic regulation of tail-feather color was independent of body-plumage color. The Dominant White locus inhibited eumelanin synthesis in tail feathers without affecting the formation of yellow body plumage, whereas the Silver locus had the opposite effect. The expression of agouti signaling protein (ASIP) gene class 1 transcripts was significantly lower in black tail-feather follicles than in yellow body follicles, whereas tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) gene expression was significantly higher in black tail feathers. These differentially expressed genes were confirmed to exert an effect on eumelanin and pheomelanin formation in feathers, thus influencing the regulation of chicken tail-feather color. In conclusion, this study lays the foundation for further research on the genetic mechanisms of regional differences in feather color, contributing to a better understanding of plumage pigmentation in chickens.

Genome-Wide Association Studies Reveal Candidate Genes Associated with Pigmentation Patterns of Single Feathers of Tianfu Nonghua Ducks.

In modern advanced genetics and breeding programs, the study of genes related to pigmentation in ducks is gaining much attention and popularity. Genes and DNA mutation cause variations in the plumage color traits of ducks. Therefore, discovering related genes responsible for different color traits and pigment patterns on each side of the single feathers in Chinese ducks is important for genetic studies. In this study, we collected feather images from 340 ducks and transported them into Image Pro Plus (IPP) 6.0 software to quantify the melanin content in the feathers. Thereafter, a genome-wide association study was conducted to reveal the genes responsible for variations in the feather color trait. The results from this study revealed that the pigmented region was larger in the male ducks as compared to the female ducks. In addition, the pigmented region was larger on the right side of the feather vane than on the left side in both dorsal and ventral feathers, and a positive correlation was observed among the feather color traits. Further, among the annotated genes, WNT3A, DOCK1, RAB1A, and ALDH1A3 were identified to play important roles in the variation in pigmented regions of the various feathers. This study also revealed that five candidate genes, including DPP8, HACD3, INTS14, SLC24A1, and DENND4A, were associated with the color pigment on the dorsal feathers of the ducks. Genes such as PRKG1, SETD6, RALYL, and ZNF704 reportedly play important roles in ventral feather color traits. This study revealed that genes such as WNT3A, DOCK1, RAB1A, and ALDH1A3 were associated with different pigmentation patterns, thereby providing new insights into the genetic mechanisms of single-feather pigmentation patterns in ducks.

The effects of urban thermal heterogeneity and feather coloration on oxidative stress and metabolism of pigeons (Columba livia)

Urbanization stands out as a significant anthropogenic factor, exerting selective pressures on ecosystems and biotic components. A notable outcome of urbanization is thermal heterogeneity where the emergence of Urban Heat Islands is characterized by elevated air and surface temperatures compared to adjacent rural areas. Investigating the influence of thermal heterogeneity on urban animals could offer insights into how temperature variations can lead to phenotypic shifts. Urban pigeons (Columba livia) serve as an excellent model for studying urban thermal effects, given the melanism variations, which are associated with the pleiotropy of the melanocortin system. To examine the development of physiological plasticity in response to urban thermal variations, we conducted a study on pigeons in Santiago, Chile, during the rainy season. We assessed the influence of habitat on physiological traits related to metabolism and antioxidant capacities, which are theoretically affected by feather coloration. Our findings reveal that variations in melanism significantly impact pigeon physiology, affecting both antioxidant capacities and the mitochondrial activity of red blood cells. It was found that higher urban temperatures, from both the current sampling month and the prior sampling month (from CRU TS dataset), were negatively and strongly associated with lower antioxidant and metabolic activities. This suggests that elevated urban temperatures likely benefit the energetic budgets of pigeon populations and mitigate the negative effects of oxidative metabolism, with differential effects depending on feather colorations.

Identification of Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics of Male Bali Cattle in Dompu District

Livestock identification is a form of recording that must be done to provide information about individual livestock. This study aimed to identify the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of male bali cattle in Dompu Regency. Data analysis was carried out using statistics descriptive, using the average, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. One hundred twenty male bali cattle aged 1-36 months were used as samples. The results showed the frequency of each feature was 47.5% light brown fur color, 32.5% dark brown, and 20% black. The eel line was 40% thick line, 15% medium line, 25% thin line, and 20% did not have eel line. The metatarsal color was 87.5% white with a firm border and 12.5% white with an indistinct border. The rump color was 82.5% white with a firm boundary and 17.5% white with an indistinct boundary. The tail feather color was 37.5% black-brown, 32.5% brown, and 30% black. Furthermore, the measurement results obtained for quantitative properties were 113.8 ± 10.0 for body length, with a 8.8% coefficient of variation. Chest circumference were 147.2 ± 11.8, with a 8.0% coefficient of variation. Back height were 112.0 ± 7.9, with a 7.1% coefficient of variation. Hip height were 115.8 ± 8.4, with a 7.2% coefficient of variation. Body weight were 287.6 ± 40.1, with a 14.0% coefficient of variation. The study results show that the male bali cattle characteristics at Dompu Regency are relatively heterogenous, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Back in black: melanin-rich skin colour associated with increased net diversification rates in birds.

Evolutionary biologists have long been interested in understanding the factors that promote diversification in organisms, often focussing on distinct and/or conspicuous phenotypes with direct effects on natural or sexual selection such as body size and plumage coloration. However, multiple traits that potentially influence net diversification are not conspicuous and/or might be concealed. One such trait, the dark, melanin-rich skin concealed beneath the feathers, evolved more than 100 times during avian evolution, frequently in association with white feathers on the crown and UV-rich environments, suggesting that it is a UV-photoprotective adaptation. Furthermore, multiple species are polymorphic, having both light and dark skin potentially aiding occupation in different UV radiation environments. As such these polymorphisms are predicted to occur in species with large latitudinal variation in their distribution. Furthermore, by alleviating evolutionary constraints on feather colour, the evolution of dark skin may promote net diversification. Here, using an expanded dataset on bird skin coloration of 3033 species we found that more than 19% of species had dark skin. In contrast to our prediction, dark skinned birds have smaller distribution ranges. Furthermore, both dark skin and polymorphism in skin coloration promote net diversification. These results suggest that even concealed traits can influence large scale evolutionary events such as diversification in birds.

Insights into genetic diversity and phenotypic variations in domestic geese through comprehensive population and pan-genome analysis

BackgroundDomestic goose breeds are descended from either the Swan goose (Anser cygnoides) or the Greylag goose (Anser anser), exhibiting variations in body size, reproductive performance, egg production, feather color, and other phenotypic traits. Constructing a pan-genome facilitates a thorough identification of genetic variations, thereby deepening our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic diversity and phenotypic variability.ResultsTo comprehensively facilitate population genomic and pan-genomic analyses in geese, we embarked on the task of 659 geese whole genome resequencing data and compiling a database of 155 RNA-seq samples. By constructing the pan-genome for geese, we generated non-reference contigs totaling 612 Mb, unveiling a collection of 2,813 novel genes and pinpointing 15,567 core genes, 1,324 softcore genes, 2,734 shell genes, and 878 cloud genes in goose genomes. Furthermore, we detected an 81.97 Mb genomic region showing signs of genome selection, encompassing the TGFBR2 gene correlated with variations in body weight among geese. Genome-wide association studies utilizing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and presence-absence variation revealed significant genomic associations with various goose meat quality, reproductive, and body composition traits. For instance, a gene encoding the SVEP1 protein was linked to carcass oblique length, and a distinct gene-CDS haplotype of the SVEP1 gene exhibited an association with carcass oblique length. Notably, the pan-genome analysis revealed enrichment of variable genes in the “hair follicle maturation” Gene Ontology term, potentially linked to the selection of feather-related traits in geese. A gene presence-absence variation analysis suggested a reduced frequency of genes associated with “regulation of heart contraction” in domesticated geese compared to their wild counterparts. Our study provided novel insights into gene expression features and functions by integrating gene expression patterns across multiple organs and tissues in geese and analyzing population variation.ConclusionThis accomplishment originates from the discernment of a multitude of selection signals and candidate genes associated with a wide array of traits, thereby markedly enhancing our understanding of the processes underlying domestication and breeding in geese. Moreover, assembling the pan-genome for geese has yielded a comprehensive apprehension of the goose genome, establishing it as an indispensable asset poised to offer innovative viewpoints and make substantial contributions to future geese breeding initiatives.

Genomic Analysis Reveals Candidate Genes Underlying Sex-Linked Eyelid Coloboma, Feather Color Traits, and Climatic Adaptation in Huoyan Geese

Driven by natural and artificial selection, the domestic Huoyan geese from Northern China have gradually generated specific phenotypes and climatic adaptations. To understand the genetic basis of the two specific phenotypes that are sex linked, including upper eyelid coloboma and gosling feather color, as well as the climatic adaptations of the Huoyan goose, which can contribute to the artificial selection and breeding of geese. We selected Huoyan geese and nine Southern Chinese goose breeds and identified their divergence on the genomic level. Using selective sweep analysis, we found that PTPRM on chromosome Z influences the upper eyelid coloboma phenotype of the Huoyan goose, and TYRP1 is a plausible candidate gene for the Huoyan gosling feather color. We obtained a number of genes related to cold adaptation in Huoyan geese, mainly involved in physiological functions such as metabolism, angiogenesis contraction and circulatory system, apoptosis, immunity, stress, and neural system. The most interesting candidates for cold adaptation are PIP5K1B and NMNAT3 that are associated with energy metabolism and stress. We also obtained some genes related to heat adaptation, including AGTPBP1, associated with neurology; GDA, associated with skin pigmentation; and NAA35, associated with apoptosis. These findings deepen our understanding of the genetics of specific phenotypes and climate adaptation in local geese and provide insights for the selection of goose breeds.

Morphological descriptors of indigenous chickens: as a selection guide

ABSTRACT The visual morphologies in animals are associated positively or negatively with production, adaptation, and behavioral characteristics. For rural farmers with limited records, these features are considered reliable phenotypic markers. Thus, this study was intended to explore the unique morphological features of indigenous chickens as a farmer's selection guide. A total of 1,060 adult chickens from four rural districts were investigated for nine morphological traits. The single-comb type, supposed to be of good fertility, was the most prevalent. Yellow and white shanks were predominant, followed by gray, greenish-yellow, green, and black pigmentations. Crested and silky chickens were more frequent in highland areas, whereas naked-neck chickens were observed in lowlands. Chickens of the lowlands have brighter, more uniform plumage colors and yellow shank, beak, and earlobe colors. On the other hand, the highland and mid-altitude chickens are characterized by dark, colorful combinations of various feather colors: laced plumage, white shank, rose, and deformed rose combs. Moreover, multiple correspondence analyses revealed that morphological features have special associations with districts. Thus, the observed morphological heterogeneity of the indigenous chickens can be used as a good indicator of selective breeding. Therefore, the associations of these characteristics with productivity qualities could be confirmed by quantitative and molecular tools.

Population genomics reveals that a missense mutation in EDNRB2 contributes to white plumage color in pigeons

Plumage color is an important economic trait for breed feature identification and consumer's requirement in pigeons. The domestic pigeon has multiple type of plumage color, thereby providing a unique opportunity for identify the genetic basis of plumage coloration. White feather color is common for meat and medicinal use. To investigate the genetic variation associated with white plumage color in pigeons, we use genome resequencing and population genomics to identify the genomic regions with strong selective signature between pigeons with brown and white plumage color. Meanwhile, we obtained some candidate genes with melanin or melanosome biosynthesis in selected region. Finally, we identified a missense mutation p.E256K in the EDNRB2 completely associated with white plumage color. These findings provide a basis for genetic variation in pigeons with plumage color phenotype.

Printing with tonalli: Reproducing Featherwork from Precolonial Mexico Using Structural Colorants

Two of the most significant cases of extant 16th-century featherwork from Mexico are the so-called Moctezuma’s headdress and the Ahuizotl shield. While the feathers used in these artworks exhibit lightfast colors, their assembly comprises mainly organic materials, which makes them extremely fragile. Printed media, including books, catalogs, educational materials, and fine copies, offer an accessible means for audiences to document and disseminate visual aspects of delicate cultural artifacts without risking their integrity. Nevertheless, the singular brightness and iridescent colors of feathers are difficult to communicate to the viewer in printed reproductions when traditional pigments are used. This research explores the use of effect pigments (multilayered reflective structures) and improved halftoning techniques for additive printing, with the objective of enhancing the reproduction of featherwork by capturing its changing color and improving texture representation via a screen printing process. The reproduced images of featherwork exhibit significant perceptual resemblances to the originals, primarily owing to the shared presence of structural coloration. We applied structure-aware halftoning to better represent the textural qualities of feathers without compromising the performance of effect pigments in the screen printing method. Our prints show angle-dependent color, although their gamut is reduced. The novelty of this work lies in the refinement of techniques for printing full-color images by additive printing, which can enhance the 2D representation of the appearance of culturally significant artifacts.

Substrate Specificity of Bacillus megaterium UСM B-5710 Keratinase

The specifics of the processing of livestock and poultry products is that in the process of obtaining the main marketable products, about half the feedstock at various stages of the technological process turns into waste that pollutes the environment. These by-products contain large amounts of the hard-to-digest keratin protein. The use of specific enzymes capable of degrading this protein helps not only to reduce the negative anthropogenic impact on nature but also to obtain valuable hydrolysates that can be used as a fertilizer for plants or a feed additive. The aim of this work was to study the ability of Bacillus megaterium UCM B-5710 to split various keratin-containing substrates: black and white chicken feathers, white turkey feathers, parrot feathers of various colors, sheep wool, pig bristles, and baby hair and nails. Methods. The culture was grown under conditions of submerged cultivation at 40 °C, with a nutrient medium stirring rate of 201 rpm for 6 days. For growth, a basic nutrient medium containing 0.5% defatted chicken feathers or other keratin-containing substrates as sole sources of carbon and nitrogen were used. Keratinase activity was assessed by UV absorption at 280 nm of hydrolysis products of keratin-containing raw materials. Protein was determined by the Lowry method, caseinolytic (total proteolytic) activity was determined by the Anson method modified by Petrova, and amino acid content was determined by the ninhydrin method. The degree of hydrolysis of the substrates was evaluated by the ratio of the initial and final weight of the substrate. Results. It was shown that the synthesis of keratinase by the culture of B. megaterium UCM B-5710 begins from the 6th hour of cultivation. The level of protein and proteolytic activity and the content of amino acids increased throughout the entire period of culture growth. The supernatant of the culture liquid of B. megaterium UCM B-5710 was most effective in splitting white chicken’s and turkey’s feathers, a little slower — feathers of black chicken and blue parrots, as well as wool of white sheep. According to the degree of splitting, the substrates used can be arranged in the following order: white turkey feathers > white chicken feathers > black chicken feathers > blue parrot feathers > white sheep wool > baby nails > pig bristle > baby hair. The study of the effect of feather color on the resistance to decomposition showed that black, blue, and red feathers are more resistant, which coincides with the literature data. Conclusions. B. megaterium UCM B-5710 produces keratinase capable of splitting both α- and β-keratins, however, with different efficiencies and rates.

Inovasi dan Digitalisasi Pemasaran Budidaya Ayam Caru Sebagai Sarana Upakara Hindu di Desa Banjar Anyar Kecamatan Kediri Kabupaten Tabanan

Bali is one of the islands in Indonesia with diverse culture and traditions. Where one of the cultures and traditions is passed from generation to generation is in the form of religious ritual activities. This activity is an indispensable part of people's daily lives. Every ceremony held by Hindus in Bali is always accompanied by offerings, like the mecaru ceremony. In the caru worshiping ceremony, animals or animals are always used to worship, including free-range chickens with typical feather colors such as white, red, yellow, black and brumbun (many colors). Rituals in Bali often take place on certain days, seasons, or times, so at certain times, the demand for ritual vehicles, including chickens, is very high and it is difficult to find special colors. show that. Ajik Chicken Farm and Premium Free-Free Chicken Farmers Community are small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of free-range Chicken Farming. Different types of free-range chicken breeds are produced at the business located in Banjar Anyar village, Kediri Tabanan district, Bali. These include Mentari chickens, chickens, male chickens, Joper chickens and Afkir chickens. The implementation of Community Services for Beginners with the theme “Innovation and digitalization of commercialization of Caru Chicken Farming as a means of Hindu rituals in Banjar Anyar village, Kediri district, Tabanan district” is divided into multiple stages, namely: problem identification, implementation of activities, program support, and monitoring and evaluation. Overall, the implementation of this PMP activity went well, partners felt supported and enthusiastically participated. This PMP activity will support partners in their marketing and promotional activities so they can improve their knowledge and skills in information systems and social media management as well as financial management. In addition, this activity also provides training on Caru chicken marketing using web applications, electronic media publications, videos of implementation of activities and publications in recognized journals.