Staple Length Research Articles

Comparing fiber quality characteristics and staple length in Suri and Huacaya alpacas

IntroductionThe textile industry considers alpaca fiber to be a specialty fiber. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of color, breed, location, age, and sex of alpacas on fiber quality characteristics and staple length.MethodsFiber samples were taken from the mid-side of 118 Huacaya and Suri alpacas at two livestock shows (Pitumarca and Maranganí) and at CICAS La Raya (South American Camelid Research Center), which is located in the province of Canchis (Cusco, Peru).Results and discussionThe fiber characteristics and staple length in black alpacas are similar to those of brown alpacas. Huacaya fiber is finer, having a lower mean fiber diameter (MFD), SD, and coefficient of variation of MFD than Suri fiber. Alpacas from the two livestock shows have higher-quality fiber than unselected alpacas raised in CICAS La Raya. Staple length is longer in Suri alpacas than in Huacaya alpacas. Likewise, the staple length is longer in alpacas from Pitumarca, followed by alpacas from Maranganí, and is shorter in alpacas from CICAS La Raya. Young alpacas have a shorter staple length than adults, and it is longer in females than in males. The mean fiber diameter and spinning fineness are strongly correlated with other fiber characteristics in colored alpacas.ConclusionThese black and brown alpacas raised in small herds and judged in two livestock shows produce high-quality fiber at 22 µm for the textile industry.

Left atrial appendage exclusion using a stapler with thoracoscopic ablation of atrial fibrillation

Highlights. Stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation is extremely important and difficult. Lifelong anticoagulant therapy is not always an effective way of preventing thrombosis in the left atrial appendage in this group of patients. In this regard, one of the most urgent problems of modern surgical arrhythmology and cardiac surgery is the search for new open and minimally invasive surgical methods of excluding the left atrial appendage from the blood flow.Aim. To investigate the safety and efficacy of using the left atrial appendage stapler for video-guided thoracoscopic ablation (TSA) of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods. The retrospective, single-center study included 100 patients with non-valvular AF who underwent video-guided thoracoscopic ablation of AF with single-stage left atrial appendage exclusion using an Endo GIA stapler (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA).Results. The mean age of the patients was 56,2±8,8 years, the majority of the patients (73 patients, 73%) were male. Patients with persistent 50 (50%) AF and longstanding AF 50 (50%) were included in the study. The duration of atrial fibrillation was 4 (1,7–7) years. The median CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 2 (1–1,5) and 1 (0-1), respectively. The mean anticoagulation therapy-to-ablation time was 4,2±1,9 years. Thirty-eight (38%) patients were prescribed warfarin preoperatively. The completeness of left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion was confirmed by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. The average length of the staple lines was 48 (35–75). A single left atrial appendage exclusion was performed using a 60 mm staples. In 12 (12%) patients, stapler exclusions were performed using two 45 mm staples due to insufficient staple length. None of the patients had ruptures, punctures along the staple lines or rupture of the surrounding epicardial tissue. Anticoagulant therapy was discontinued 6 months after TSA in 70 (70%) patients with sustained sinus rhythm observed on 24-h Holter Monitoring, satisfactory CHA2DS2-VASc scores and after confirmation of absence of left atrial thrombus by transesophageal echocardiography and contrast-enhanced MSCT. No strokes were reported within 1,2±0,7 years after discontinuing anticoagulation therapy.Conclusion. Exclusion of LAA using a stapler for TSA is a highly effective and safe technique for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation compared to alternative methods of excluding the LAA from the systemic blood flow.

Genome-Wide Scan of Wool Production Traits in Akkaraman Sheep.

The objective of this study was to uncover the genetic background of wool quality, a production trait, by estimating genomic heritability and implementing GWAS in Akkaraman sheep. The wool characteristics measured included fibre diameter (FD) and staple length (SL) at the age of 8 months and yearling fibre diameter (YFD), yearling staple length (YSL) and yearling greasy fleece weight (YGFW) at 18 months of age. Animals were genotyped using the Axiom 50 K Ovine Genotyping Array. Maximum likelihood estimations of a linear mixed model (LMM) were used to estimate genomic heritability, where GWAS was conducted following a score test of each trait. Genomic heritability estimates for the traits ranged between 0.22 and 0.63, indicating that phenotypes have a moderate range of heritability. One genome- and six chromosome-wide significant SNPs were associated with the wool traits in Akkaraman lambs. Accordingly, TRIM2, MND1, TLR2, RNF175, CEP290, TMTC3, RERE, SLC45A1, SOX2, MORN1, SKI, FAAP20, PRKCZ, GABRD, CFAP74, CALML6 and TMEM52 genes as well as nine uncharacterized regions (LOC101118971, LOC105609137, LOC105603067, LOC101122892, LOC106991694, LOC106991467, LOC106991455, LOC105616534 and LOC105609719) were defined as plausible candidates. The findings of this study shed light on the genetics of wool quality and yield for the Akkaraman breed and suggests targets for breeders during systematic breeding programmes.

Study on the properties of yarn produced by 100% pima cotton fibre

To produce higher count of yarn long staple length cotton fibres are used. Specially, long staple length Pima and Giza cotton fibres are used for this purpose. In this study to produce 80Ne carded yarn Pima cotton fibre was used. Pima Cotton is a long stable fiber. Which is normally produced in Australia and America. In this study different properties of yarn like thick, thin and neps, CSP, fineness of pima cotton fibre were tested. It was evident that the quality of the yarn produced was good in quality to produce different fine quality fabrics.

QUANTITATIVE EFFECTS OF HEAT STRESS ON FIBER RELATED AND AGRONOMICALLY IMPORTANT PARAMETERS IN COTTON (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L.)

Climate change is one of the biggest problems for growing crops in a sustainable way around the world. At the cotton research station in Bahawalpur, th is experiment aimed to assess and classify cotton genotypes under conditions of heat stress. The study was done using RCBD with three replications. The distance between plants was 30 cm, and the distance between rows was kept at 75 cm. For key plant and fiber quality traits, data were taken from ten fully guarded plants and chosen randomly. Under conditions of heat stress, ANOVA showed that there were highly significant differences among the plant traits that were studied. The correlation coefficient analysis showed that seed cotton yield has a positive correlation with plant height (r = 0.46), plant population per hectare (r = 0.33), sympodial branches per plant (r = 0.27), number of bolls per plant (r = 0.27) and nodes per plant (r = 0.27) but a negative relationship with staple length (r = -0.35). The multivariate statistical methods of principal component and cluster analysis were used to describe cotton genotypes. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed that the most productive and heat-tolerant cotton genotypes were BH-200, BH-254, CIM-600, and BH-341. Also, BH-284 seemed more resistant to CLCuV than the other genotypes. So, rigorous, large-scale, and multilocation testing must be done on these cotton genotypes and plant traits to make cotton genotypes that can handle heat and CLCuV

Genetic association of wool quality characteristics in United States Rambouillet sheep.

Introduction: Fine wool production is an important source of revenue, accounting for up to 13% of total revenue in extensively managed wool sheep production systems of the United States. The Rambouillet are a predominant breed that excels in wool quality characteristics. Understanding the genetic basis of wool quality characteristics would aid in the development of genomic breeding strategies to facilitate genetic improvement. Methods: Wool characteristics and DNA were collected for rams enrolled in the North Dakota State University and University of Wyoming annual central performance ram tests over a three-year period (2019-2021, N = 313). The relationships of wool quality characteristics including grease fleece weight adjusted 365days (wt. 365 adj.), clean fleece wt. 365 adj., staple length 365 adj., average fiber diameter, face wool cover, amount of skin wrinkles and belly wool were evaluated through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), Pearson correlation and ANOVA. Results: The GWAS identified four genome-wide significant genetic markers (p-value <1.19e-06) and five chromosome-wide significant markers (p-value <1.13e-05) on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 15, and 19. Significant markers were associated with genes notable for relevant wool biological functions, including the gene ABCC8 which codes for SUR1, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel known to affect hair growth and 60S ribosomal protein L17-like, previously found to be expressed during follicle formation. The strongest Pearson correlation coefficients were identified between clean fleece wt. 365 adj. and grease fleece wt. 365 adj. (r = 0.83) and between clean fleece wt. 365 adj. and staple length 365 adj. (r = 0.53). Additionally, clean fleece wt. 365 adj. was correlated with final body weight (r = 0.35) and scrotal circumference (r = 0.16). Staple length 365 adj. (p-value = 5e-04), average fiber diameter (p-value = .0053) and clean fleece wt. 365 adj. (p-value = .014) were significantly associated with belly wool score. Discussion: The results of this study provide important insight into the relationships between wool quality characteristics and report specific markers that Rambouillet sheep producers may use to help inform selection and breeding decisions for improved wool quality.

Expression Analysis of Fiber Related Genes in Different Staple Length Genotypes in Cotton (G. Hirsutum L.)

Expression Analysis of Fiber Related Genes in Different Staple Length Genotypes in Cotton (G. Hirsutum L.)

Statistical assessment of the comparative breaking strength of yarns with different fiber composition

This article studied the factors affecting the quality of cotton yarn. The properties of cotton fiber and their changes in technological processes play an important role in product production. Therefore, cotton fibers with different staple lengths of 28.5, 29.0, and 29.5 mm were used in the test work. Because it is advisable to use long fiber cotton fiber to get single yarn spun for sewing threads, for each option, different twists on the thread, i.e. the number of twists in 1 meter of thread were 850, 900, 950 b/m. The strength of individual threads ensures the quality of the product obtained from it, so we use the above number of twists. In order to determine the relative breaking strength of a single thread for sewing threads, experimental tests were conducted. According to the conducted experimental tests, 2 incoming factors were selected. As an output parameter, the relative tensile strength of the yarn, sN/tex (U) as input parameters, the effect of fiber staple length in mm, and the number of twists on the b/m indicator were studied based on the experiment. As a result of theoretical studies, the optimal value of the relative breaking strength of the thread from 16.25 sN/tex to 17.54 sN/tex, the staple length of the fiber should be more than 29.5 mm, and the number of twists should be 900 twist/meter It was determined that it should be. Based on the obtained conclusions, scientific and research work was carried out in the control enterprise. Based on the results of this research, the preliminary results of choosing the direction of further research were obtained. For this, LOTs were organized in the enterprise in various options. LOT-1 consists of Porloq-4, LOT-2 Bukhara-102, LOT-3 Sultan varieties. Based on the research results, the coefficient of variation in the linear density of yarns with different fiber content, the coefficient of variation in the number of twists, breaking strength, the variation coefficient in breaking strength, elongation at break, the coefficient of variation in elongation at break, comparison of the coefficients of variation for breaking strength and specific breaking strength were studied. When analyzing the effect of the composition of the fiber mixture on the physical-mechanical properties of the yarns for 3 LOTs, it was seen that the quality indicators of the yarns obtained from the LOT-1 mixture are higher than the indicators of the yarns obtained from other mixtures.

Ways to increase the efficiency of the seed linting process

The current state of local and foreign linters has been studied. It has been determined that local 5LP linters when linting cotton seeds do not meet the increased requirements of ginneries in cotton-textile clusters. The practice of operating serial 5LP linters shows that the actual performance of a 5LP linter is on average 50% of that stated in the passport. It was revealed that one of the main reasons for the decrease in the efficiency of the linter is not the perfection of the working body-turner. Due to the imperfection of the agitator design, the density of the seed roller increases, the quality of the lint and seeds deteriorates, and the productivity of the linter decreases. Studies of the Chinese-made MR-160-11C linter operated at the Djuma cotton plant in the Samarkand region showed an increase in the dust content of the air in the workshop due to the absence of a cleaning section for cleaning seeds in the feed system. At the same time, the increase in mechanical damage to seeds by 1.5-2.5% and clogging of the lint by 2.5-3.5% is higher than recommended by the regulations. Due to increased seed damage, these linters were not used to process plant seeds. An increase in the degree of clogging of the lint and an increase in the amount of lint with a short staple length in its composition sharply reduced the quality of the lint. When linting, the productivity of machines for seeds decreased by an average of 50-60%, for linting by 25-35% compared to passport data. To increase productivity and improve the quality of lint and seeds, a new design agitator for the 5LP linter was proposed.

Variability studies and genetic divergence in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm using multivariate analysis

Two hundred germplasm lines of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were evaluated for genetic variability and divergence for seed cotton yield attributing traits and fibre quality traits at Regional Agricultural Research Station, ANGRAU, Lam, Guntur. The analysis of variance indicated significant genetic variability among the germplasm lines. The close symmetry between the phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variances and lower values of environmental coefficient variance for all the studied attributes indicated that the traits were genetically controlled and under less influence of the environment. &nbsp;&nbsp;Higher broad sense heritability and genetic advance for all seed cotton yield attributing traits indicated that these attributes were governed by additive genes and early phenotypic selection for their improvement might be effective. Five principal components (PCs) were depicted as having Eigen value &gt;1 and cumulative variability of 66.17%, out of which PC1 accounted for 26.81% and &nbsp;PC2 &nbsp;for 14.08% of variability. The attributes of significance depicted in PC1 were seed index, lint index, upper half mean length, uniformity index, and staple length. Bi-plot revealed that Lam GPC232, Lam GPC223, Lam GPC225, Lam GPC135, Lam GPC62, Lam GPC85, Lam GPC168, and Lam GPC203 were the most divergent germplasm. These genetically diverse genotypes with the absolute and significant association of attributes could be utilized in a future cotton breeding program. Keywords: Genetic variability, Genetic advance, Heritability, PCA

An analysis of the contribution of wool characteristics on price determination of Merino Wool and White Wool all combined in South Africa

Wool characteristics play an important role in the determination of wool prices in South Africa, like all over the world. Therefore, if wool does not meet the wool requirements of wool auctions for fibre diameter, staple length and staple strength it means farmers will receive lower prices. Understanding wool characteristics that determine wool price is important to improve sheep farming systems through management interventions. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of wool characteristics (fibre diameter/fineness, staple strength and staple length) on Merino and White wool all combined, which contributes to the determination of wool price in South Africa. The analysis was based on wool price data for the 2009–2019 production seasons. A multiple regression analysis of the price (R/kg) of Merino wool and White wool was applied to three variables fibre diameter/fineness, staple strength and staple length. Fibre diameter, staple strength and staple length made a statistically significant (p < 0.05) contribution to the determination of wool price after all other independent variables were controlled. A one-unit increase in staple strength (kilotex) was associated with a 0.697 unit increase in wool price (R/kg). One unit (micrometer) increase in fibre diameter/fineness resulted in a 7.616 unit decrease in wool price (R/kg). One unit (millimetre) increase in staple length resulted in a 0.142 unit increase in wool price (R/kg). To maximise profits wool farmers need to produce wool of low fibre diameter, good length of wool and good staple strength for White and Merino wool.

Tissue specific expression of bacterial cellulose synthase (Bcs) genes improves cotton fiber length and strength

Fiber growing inside the cotton bolls is a highly demandable product and its quality is key to the success of the textile industry. Despite the various efforts to improve cotton fiber staple length Pakistan has to import millions of bales to sustain its industrial needs. To improve cotton fiber quality Bacterial cellulose synthase (Bcs) genes (acsA, acsB) were expressed in a local cotton variety CEMB-00. In silico studies revealed a number of conserved domains both in the cotton-derived and bacterial cellulose synthases which are essential for the cellulose synthesis. Transformation efficiency of 1.27% was achieved by using Agrobacterium shoot apex cut method of transformation. The quantitative mRNA expression analysis of the Bcs genes in transgenic cotton fiber was found to be many folds higher during secondary cell wall synthesis stage (35 DPA) than the expression during elongation phase (10 DPA). Average fiber length of the transgenic cotton plant lines S-00–07, S-00–11, S-00–16 and S-00–23 was calculated to be 13.02% higher than that of the non-transgenic control plants. Likewise, the average fiber strength was found to be 20.92% higher with an enhanced cellulose content of 22.45%. The mutated indigenous cellulose synthase genes of cotton generated through application of CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in 6.03% and 12.10% decrease in fiber length and strength respectively. Furthermore, mature cotton fibers of transgenic cotton plants were found to have increased number of twists with smooth surface as compared to non-transgenic control when analyzed under scanning electron microscope. XRD analysis of cotton fibers revealed less cellulose crystallinity index in transgenic cotton fibers as compared to control fibers due to deposition of more amorphous cellulose in transgenic fibers as a result of Bcs gene expression. This study paved the way towards unraveling the fact that Bcs genes influence cellulose synthase activity and this enzyme helps in determining the fate of cotton fiber length and strength.

Chemical recycling of hemp waste textiles via the ionic liquid based dry-jet-wet spinning technology

The chemical recycling of hemp fabric into high-tenacity man-made cellulose fibers was demonstrated. The fabric was laundered 25 and 50 times to mimic the wear cycles of post-consumer textile waste. Despite the launderings, the molar mass of the material was still too high for recycling via dry-jet-wet spinning. Thus, the fabrics were treated with an aqueous sulfuric acid solution to adjust the intrinsic viscosity to the targeted level of 400–500 ml/g. The acid hydrolyzed sample was dissolved in 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-enium acetate and man-made cellulose fibers were regenerated by dry-jet-wet spinning. The properties of hemp and regenerated fibers were determined by tensile testing, birefringence measurements, and X-ray diffraction. Regenerated fibers were spun into yarn and knitted into a fabric. The tensile properties of the yarn and the abrasion and pilling resistance of the fabric were determined. Regenerated fibers showed a higher modulus of toughness (55.9 MPa) compared with hemp fibers (28.7 MPa). The fineness and staple length uniformity of regenerated fibers resulted in a high yarn structure evenness, a yarn tenacity of 28.1 cN/tex, and an elongation at break of 7.5%. Due to the even fabric structure, the fabric from regenerated fibers showed higher abrasion resistance than the hemp fabric.

THE EFFECT OF FEEDING LEVEL ON THE GENETIC RESISTANCE OF LOCAL BREEDS INFECTED WITH HAEMONCHUS CONTORTUS

Sixty sheep of three local breeds (Awassi, Hamdani, Karadi) of age, 6-8 months were divided to two groups, the first fed on low level of nutrition. Each group then divided into Two subgroups, the first was infected with 500 larvae / Kg Haemonchus contortus &amp; the second was used as a control. Egg G. fecal sample, staple length, P. c. v. Hb; weight gain were recorded weekly for 13 week post infection. Results revealed that all sheep traits of low level nutrition were significantly (P&lt;0.01) more affected than high level nutrition group. Awassi breed was more reistant to infection with H. contortus than Hamdani &amp; Karadi breeds.

Genetic studies on growth and production traits in German Angora Rabbits under sub-temperate climatic conditions

This study aimed to assess the effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on growth, wool yield and wool characteristics of German Angora rabbit. Data was collected on 607 adult rabbits over a period of four years (2018-2021). The least squares means of body weights (g) at various ages, wool yield (g) at I, II, III and IV clip and wool characteristics assessed by staple length (cm) and fiber diameter (μ) were estimated. Sires of the rabbit progenies demonstrated highly significant effect (P&lt;0.01) on the studied traits except wool characteristics. Sex of the rabbits had significant effect on body weight at 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 24th weeks of ages and wool yield at III clip, with greater estimates of females than the males for III clip, staple length, and 24th weeks body weight. Winter and autumn seasons were the most favourable seasons in comparison to summer season for estimated traits. Winter born kits had the highest body weights of 683±20.1, 961±24.3, 1263±27.5, 1484±34.0, 1735±37.1, 1942±40.1, 2136±36.9, 2232±36.7, 2341±37.4 and 2429±37.4 g and the summer born kits had the lowest body weights of 588±22.0, 820±27.2, 1037±31.2, 1307±38.0, 1515.79±41.0, 1696±44.1, 1847±41.4, 1920±41.0, 2034±42.4 and 2139±41.6 g, at biweekly interval from 6th to 24th, respectively. Rabbits with litter size less than six performed better in comparison to other groups for all growth traits and wool yield at I and III clip. The heritability estimates were found positive and high in magnitude for all growth traits, moderate for wool clip at different clips and very low for staple length. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were found to be very high and significant among growth traits and low to moderate among wool traits. The study revealed scope for further improvement in growth and wool yield by adopting selective breeding in the colony.

Multivariate Animal Model-based Analysis of Fiber Traits in Kashmir Merino Sheep

ABSTRACT An attempt was made in the present study to elucidate the (co)variance components and genetic parameters of fiber traits in Kashmir Merino sheep population using multivariate animal model. The data pertained to a total of 6836 sheep lambs born over a period of 21 years (1997–2017) and included information on different fiber traits [greasy fleece weight at first (GFW1) and second (GFW2) clips; and fiber diameter (FD) and staple length (SL) at second clip]. Genetic analysis was undertaken using average information restricted maximum likelihood (AI-REML) algorithm in WOMBAT program. The model incorporated six fixed (sex of lamb, season and period of birth, farm of origin, breed and type of birth) and two random effects (direct additive genetic and maternal genetic effects without any covariance between them) in it. The additive genetic heritability estimates for fiber traits were 0.300 ± 0.031; 0.289 ± 0.022; 0.254 ± 0.029 and 0.189 ± 0.028 for GFW1, GFW2, FD, and SL, respectively. The maternal genetic heritability estimates were very low for all traits under study. The genetic correlation between different traits was positive and estimates ranged from moderate to high. The results from present study imply that the variation in these traits has genetic basis which can be exploited in the selection programmes for their improvement. The correlation between different fiber traits was found to be favorable, which can lead to indirect selection response upon formulation of efficient breeding programmes.

HEAT AND DROUGHT FORBEARING, UPLAND COTTON (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L.) VARIETY; RH-668 FOR CULTIVATION IN SEMI-ARID REGION

Cotton variety: RH-668, produced by Cotton Research Institute, Khanpur, holds excessive tolerance against dry climatic stipulations and maintains superior fiber personae.Parental combination;VH-259 × RH-620 was used in hybridization followed by Pedigree method of selection to extract uniform genotypes with superior phenotypes. These superior plantswere then tested for yield under drought stress at station level before competing atseries of adaptability trials in Punjab followed by provincialand national coordinated varietal trials in the course of 2013-2018. Due to governance incorporated by tolerance against heat &amp; drought it outperformed others at various climatic conditions countrywide for yield and fiber linked characters in opposition to the Standards varieties FH-142 &amp;CIM-602. In Provincial (PCCT) and National level(NCVT) it gave 29.0% &amp; 8.8%, respectively more yield when compared to check variety; FH-142. Hence, Accredited by seed Council, Punjab in 2018 for generic cultivation with 39.4 Ginning outturn percentage, 4.5 micronaire value, staple length of 28.78 (mm) and seed-cotton yield prospectiveper acre ofsixty twomounds.Due to fruiting from lower nodes; erect root development, Brittle leaf surface, lesser shedding of fruiting structures and protracted sympods with bead like bolls arrangement, it deliberately tolerates heat stress.

Impact of heat stress on agro-morphological, physio-chemical and fiber related paramters in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes

The unpredictably changing climatic conditions, especially high temperatures, are putting a continuous threat to sustainable cotton production. The current study was designed to investigate the impact of heat stress on several morpho-physiological, biochemical, and fibre quality-related traits. The results revealed the presence of significant variations in agro-morphological, physio-chemical and staple length-related parameters for upland cotton genotypes and stress treatments. Further analysis of pooled data unveiled that heat stress had a detrimental impact on all studied plant traits. Severe reduction in plant height, nodes per plant, sympodial branches per plant, number of bolls per plant, ginning out-turn, and staple length were recorded under heat stress. A significant reduction in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) up to 28.6 % was observed in cotton genotype BH-200 (24.7 to 19.2 µmole m−2 s−1). The accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was increased from 7.1 % in BH-306 to 28.7 % in BH-200 under heat stress due to the incidence of oxidative stress. A substantial increase in the accumulation of antioxidants i.e., catalase (65 %–74 %), peroxidase (54 %–169 %), and superoxide dismutase (52 %–98 %) was seen under high-temperature stress conditions. The correlation coefficient analysis unveiled a significantly positive correlation of seed cotton yield with nodes per plant (r = 0.432*), net photosynthetic rate (r = 0.829**), peroxidase (r = 0.974**), and superoxide dismutase (r = 0.868**), under heat stress conditions. However, a negative but statistically significant correlation of seed cotton yield with ginning out turn (r = −0.466*), staple length (r = −0.898**), hydrogen peroxide (r = −0.955**) and catalase (r = −0.904**) was also observed. The overall results unveiled that cotton genotype BH-232 has a comparatively higher heat tolerance than other contesting genotypes while BH-306 showed the highest susceptibility to heat stress. Hence, BH-232 could be recommended after its approval for general cultivation in heat-prone areas of Pakistan.

Community-based vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) shearing in the arid Puna of Argentina: Body weight and fiber traits obtained during the chakus

In the Argentine Puna, innovation proposals for the production of vicuña fiber represent a strategic opportunity for local communities. However, the development of these proposals, essential for the addition of local value, is affected by the lack of information on the relationship between fiber quality and processing. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the variability in both the quantity and quality of vicuña fiber obtained by shearing in the Argentine Puna, in the context of sustainable management plans presented by different indigenous communities of the Yavi district, Jujuy province. Samples (n = 150) were taken during shearing in locations at low (<3814 masl, n = 5) and high altitude (>4222 masl, n = 4). The following were recorded: sex, age, and body weight (BW, kg) of the animals, fleece weight (FW, g), staple length (SL, mm), mean fiber diameter (MFD, µm), mean diameter of down fibers (DDO, µm), mean diameter of hair (DHA, µm), coarse hair content (CHC, %), proportion of down fibers (PWB, %) and mean fiber curvature (MFC, °/mm). In adult vicuñas BW and SL were significantly affected by altitude, FW was affected by sex, and all the other quality variables were affected by the sampling location. Adult vicuñas BW from high locations were lighter than those from low locations (38.6 vs. 41.6 kg, P < 0.01). SL was greater in animals from low locations than in those from high locations (42.4 vs. 38.8 mm, P < 0.05). Average FW was 228 g, with animals from low locations showing more variable FW than those from high locations. Females produced lighter fleece than adult males (216 vs. 244 g, P < 0.01). MFD, DDO and DHA, CHC, PWB and MFC presented averages of 13 µm, 12.6 µm, 53 µm, 0.9 %, 87.0 % and 87°/mm, respectively. For young vicuñas, the BW and FW were 30.9 kg and 213 g, respectively. Differences among sampling locations were significant for all quality variables studied and could present implications for the textile processing of vicuña fiber.

Genetic variation in the ovine KAP22-1 gene and its effect on wool traits in Egyptian sheep.

The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic polymorphisms in the keratin-associated protein (KAP22-1) gene in Barki (), Rahmani () and Ossimi () as the three major sheep breeds in Egypt. Subsequently, the detected variants were correlated with important wool traits. The traits included greasy fleece weight (GFW, g), staple length (SL, cm), prickle factor (PF, %), medullated fiber (MF, %), fiber diameter (FD, m), crimp percentage (CR, %) and the standard deviation of FD (SD, m), as well as the subjectively assessed traits of kemp score (KS), handle grade (HG), greasy color grade (GCG), bulk grade (BG), luster grade (LG) and staple structure (SST). Animals were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). Five SSCP banding patterns representing three different nucleotide variants (A, B and C) were detected. DNA sequencing confirmed three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Animal age significantly affected GFW (), SD (), SL (), CR (), KS (), LG () and SST (). Likewise, the breed had a significant effect on all studied traits except HG and BG, which was not significant. Results showed significant associations between the KAP22-1 variants and CR (), SL (), KS () and GCG (). Interestingly, animals with BB genotypes tended to produce more wool yield ( g) with high SL ( cm), CR ( %) and KS (). Results of this study strongly recommend the KAP22-1 gene as a candidate gene for wool production traits in Egyptian sheep, with new useful insights into the visually assessed wool traits. The identified genetic markers may be incorporated into breeding strategies and genetic improvement programs of wool traits in Egyptian sheep.