Low Reproductive Rates Research Articles

Mechanisms of LPS–induced epithelial mesenchymal transition in bEECs

High-concentrate diets cause subacute ruminal acidosis, resulting in increased blood lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in cows. We found that the peak LPS in cows fed with high-concentrate diets coincides the period of embryo implantation in a large-scale dairy farm. As epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) should be tightly regulated during normal embryo implantation in cows, we speculated that increased LPS may cause abnormal EMT, thereby inhibiting embryo implantation in cows. To confirm that elevated LPS levels induce abnormal EMT in cows, we treated bovine endometrial epithelial cells (bEECs) with LPS for 48 h and analyzed the protein levels of ZEB1, a major EMT-related transcription factor, which is positively regulated by the TGFβ/SMAD3 pathway. In addition, we analyzed the changes in expression of three EMT-related genes (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin), and examined the morphology and migratory ability of the cells. The results showed that elevated LPS levels increased protein expression of ZEB1, vimentin, and N-cadherin, and reduced that of E-cadherin. Elevated LPS also increased bEECs migration rate, and induced the cells to acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. Furthermore, benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)-induced ZEB1 overexpression significantly decreased E-cadherin levels and increased N-cadherin levels. As LPS treatment also decreased the expression of Bta-miR-200b, we further found that Bta-miR-200b targets to the 3′UTR of ZEB1 through the confirmation of dual-luciferase reporter system. And the increased level of Bta-miR-200b by mimic enhanced the expression of E-cadherin and yet inhibited the expression of N-cadherin in protein, which exactly opposite to the results induced by LPS. In conclusion, LPS induced EMT in bEECs by upregulating ZEB1, while Bta-miR-200b could inhibit the occurrence of EMT by binding ZEB1 3′UTR. These results provide a new insight for low reproductive rate of dairy cows under the background of high-concentrate diets.

Wild strawberry Fragaria vesca as potential source for phytonematode resistance

AbstractPhytonematode infections are a major constraint to agriculture and can cause pre-harvest losses of up to one-third of the crop in affected fields. With increasing restrictions on the use of chemical pesticides due to environmental and human hazards, and increasing nematode pressure due to climate change, soil degradation and agricultural intensification, more sustainable ways to manage such plant pests are needed to meet the growing demand for food. Therefore, the reproduction of thermophilic Meloidogyne spp. was evaluated in comparison with that of the northern root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla on the wild strawberry Fragaria vesca vs. semperflorens cv. Alexandria, a potential source of resistance to nematode infection. M. hapla showed a high reproductive rate in F. vesca, while the thermophilic Meloidogyne species tested showed significant lower reproductive rates. This suggests that F. vesca vs. semperflorens cv. Alexandria, although not resistant to the nematode species tested, could be used in a management system to down-regulate nematode pressure. In addition, this study helps to reinforce the importance of crop wild relatives in the search for resistance traits to support a more sustainable agriculture.

Female little brown bats require both building and natural roosts in a mountainous environment with short summers

AbstractThe little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) is an endangered species that occurs throughout most of North America. The recovery strategy for little brown bats in Canada identifies a need to understand habitat use and protect important bat habitat across the species' Canadian range; however, bat roosting habitat requirements have not been well studied in mountainous environments within the northern part of the species' range. Our objective was to understand the use of building and natural roosts by female little brown bats in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Over two summers, we captured little brown bats in Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks, in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, and tracked 49 females to their day roosts. Buildings were the only roost type used by radio‐tagged bats of all reproductive stages, the dominant roost type used throughout the reproductive period, and the only structures in which we located maternity colonies. Buildings also appeared to shape the distribution of foraging female and reproductive female bats such that few were captured at long distances from towns and building clusters. Compared with bats in more southern and in non‐mountainous areas, bats in our study area had delayed juvenile weaning and volancy, began hibernation early, and had low reproductive rates. We suggest that buildings are a key habitat for female little brown bats to persist at their current levels in our study area, by providing thermal conditions that promote overwinter survival; additional reproductive delays caused by torpor use in cool natural roosts would likely reduce juvenile and adult female overwinter survival below the levels required to sustain populations. Nevertheless, building colonies were unusually small, and bats had relatively low fidelity to particular building roosts, suggesting that building roosts may not consistently meet bats' needs. Some nonreproductive and pregnant females also frequently used natural roosts, particularly after colder nights; these roosts may be important in facilitating torpor and energy conservation for these bats. Because bats are long‐lived with low reproductive output and low juvenile survival, addressing the needs of both reproductive and nonreproductive individuals is important for population persistence.

Epilepsy and Issues Related to Reproductive Health.

Sexual disorders are prevalent and vary inmen and women with epilepsy (WWE). Infertility and reproductive abnormalities are twice as common infemales with epilepsy.Antiepileptic medications and seizurescan both have an impact on sexual health in people with epilepsy. Seizures can alter the release of pituitary and hypothalamichormones, and some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can alter sex steroid hormones (gonadal steroids and gonad corticoids).Females with epilepsy are more susceptible to menstrual cycle irregularityandpolycystic ovary syndrome.Females and males had lower reproductive rates, and the causes are likely psychological and physiological, with epilepsy and AEDs again playing a role. Sexual disorders are common in WWE and men with epilepsy and can be caused bypsychological, physical, or social factors. Specialists must address the gender-based biology of epilepsy and the impact of AEDs on sexual well-being to offer the best treatment possible for patients with epilepsy, particularly women of sexual maturity.

Alternative lifestyles: A plague persistence hypothesis

AbstractSeveral explanations have been posited for how the plague bacterium (Yersinia pestis) reemerges during sylvatic cycles within the same foci over many years, and often without direct evidence of host die‐offs. One prevalent view is that transmission‐optimized Y. pestis bacteria, exhibiting epizootic/enzootic behavior, almost continually replicate and survive through repeated, linked, host‐centered propagation events. These bacteria, we will refer to as “r‐pestis” type ecotype(s), represent a limited number of phenotypic lineages exhibiting optimal transmissibility and high rates of reproduction. These attributes, it is thought, assure their durability through time. For continuous r‐pestis type expansions to be successful, adequate numbers of fleas and hosts must become infected to produce massive numbers of bacteria. In the process, host and flea numbers decline as they succumb to plague. Here we hypothesize that r‐pestis population expansions seed the environment and confront a unique, highly competitive local milieu, where natural selection favors new ecotypes that incorporate a range of emergent adaptive survival strategies. These newly adapted survivors we recognize as a range of “K‐pestis” ecotypes with greater durability and lower reproduction rates. These emergent K‐pestis forms may arise in succession or coexist for varying periods of time with r‐pestis ecotypes, and with other K‐pestis ecotypes. Among K‐pestis ecotypes, we hypothesize that through adaptive radiations, some persist within flea life stages, soil, organic waste, amoebae, plants, carcasses, hosts, or within niches yet to be characterized. In some settings, after a long quiet period, when favorable, K‐pestis bacteria may trigger a singular event where an r‐pestis transmission stream emerges precipitating another enzootic/epizootic progression. If this hypothesis withstands rigorous testing, then Y. pestis might represent an even more formidable, enduring, and adaptable foe, where unforeseen local events could trigger new epidemic and epizootic/enzootic events threatening humans and populations of other mammals, including those of conservation concern.

Biodiversity of Indonesian indigenous buffalo: First review of the status, challenges, and development opportunities.

In Indonesia, the buffalo is important for small and marginal farmers' livelihood and economic development as a source of food, working animal, and tourist attraction. Therefore, an in-depth study is needed to examine challenges and opportunities for buffalo development in Indonesia. In Indonesia, the buffalo is divided into two types: swamp buffalo and river buffalo. The buffalo population in Indonesia has declined significantly. A decrease of approximately 39.35% was recorded from 2022 to 2017. The decline occurred due to low reproduction rate and suboptimal rearing management systems. There are three buffalo-rearing systems: Intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive. The productivity of buffalo is diverse and closely related to the characteristics of the regional agroecosystem, consistent with existing natural resources and rearing management systems. The diversity of buffalo productivity provides a good opportunity to improve productivity. Improvement of buffalo genetics is urgently needed, by improving mating management, etc., especially to reduce potential inbreeding. In recent years, genetic and molecular research on Indonesian buffalo has made progress, including use of molecular markers, such as microsatellites and single-nucleotide polymorphisms, to evaluate genetic diversity within and among buffalo populations across Indonesia. In addition, studies are being conducted on the relationship of genotype mutations that contribute to appearance and phenotypic performance (heat stress, reproduction, behavior, coat color, and production attributes) in buffaloes. Identification of genetic diversity in local buffaloes can be improved using various genetic and genomic techniques. These findings will form a basis for the targeted conservation of local buffaloes in Indonesia. This study aimed to collect information on the genetic resources of the local buffalo, particularly its status and production system and provide recommendations for developing buffalo production in Indonesia.

Daphnias spp. as bioindicator organisms of toxicity and environmental characterization of eutrophized aquatic systems

The ecotoxicological study is a tool for determining the harmful effects of chemical agents on the environment, enabling the verification of the ecotoxicological characteristics of chemical substances, mechanisms of action on living organisms, definition of guidelines for controlling the quality of effluents and evaluation of efficiency of water treatment processes. Therefore, this article presents a review on the assessment of ecotoxicity as an environmental characterization tool in eutrophicated aquatic systems using Daphnias spp. as bioindicator organisms. The studies evaluated showed that cyanotoxins cause inhibition of feeding activity, decreased growth, low reproduction rate, poor offspring formation, decreased lifespan and increased tolerance to toxins throughout generations of this microcrustacean. Acute toxicity analyzes showed different toxic effects, as the results depended on the strain tested. Some factors are attributed to the toxicity of cyanobacteria extracts in zooplanktonic organisms, mainly nutritional inadequacy, decreased filtration activity, inhibition of digestive enzymes, bioaccumulation and oxidative stress.

Breeding biology of the Xinjiang ground-jay Podoces biddulphi in the Taklimakan Desert, NW China

The Xinjiang ground-jay (Podoces biddulphi), which is endemic to China, has a limited distribution and a small population in the Taklimakan Desert. In this study, we described the breeding biology and nestling growth patterns of this understudied species. Eleven nests were monitored over three consecutive breeding seasons (2017–2019). The Xinjiang ground-jay breeding season extends from March to May with a clutch size of two or three. The incubation period was 18 d, and females spent most of their time incubating their eggs (63 %), followed by collecting leaves (25 %), resting (10 %), turning the eggs (1 %), grooming (0.6 %), and being vigilant (0.4 %). Both parents fed the nestlings with similar feeding frequencies and durations. The growth curve of the nestlings was S-shaped, and the parameters related to nestling mortality, such as tarsus length, showed faster growth than others. Over the three breeding seasons, 32 eggs were laid across 11 nests. Fifteen (47 %) eggs hatched, and 12 hatchlings across six nests fledged (37.5 %). Our study provides detailed information on the breeding biology and nestling growth of the Xinjiang ground-jay. Given its low reproductive success rate, small population size, and limited distribution, this bird species, which is endemic to China, requires further research, and its conservation should be prioritized.

Foraging Pteropus Medius at Urbanized NTR Gardens Hyderabad

ABSTRACT Persistence of wildlife in urban environments may be linked to opportunism and a high degree of ecological and behavioural plasticity public interest in bats has vastly outstripped scientific research about them, presenting interesting challenges and opportunities for bat biologists. Bats are adaptive in nature and find refuge in old ruins, temples, and abandoned buildings; these structures are also being replaced or renovated and thereby bats are losing favourable places for roosting. Bats are particularly susceptible to anthropogenic changes because of their low reproductive rate, longevity, and high metabolic rates. Bats (order Chiroptera) include more than 120 species are found in India. Extant species, forming the second largest mammalian order, and are unique among mammals in their evolution of powered flight. Bats are particularly susceptible to these human-induced perturbations of habitats because of their distinct life history. Being a passionate naturalist, citizen, explorer, adventurer and a wildlife photographer an attempt has been made to study Bats and its activities like roosting and foraging at local recreation park. NTR Gardens at Hyderabad Telengana state India.

Modeling SHANK3-associated autism spectrum disorder in Beagle dogs via CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.

Despite intensive studies in modeling neuropsychiatric disorders especially autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in animals, many challenges remain. Genetic mutant mice have contributed substantially to the current understanding of the molecular and neural circuit mechanisms underlying ASD. However, the translational value of ASD mouse models in preclinical studies is limited to certain aspects of the disease due to the apparent differences in brain and behavior between rodents and humans. Non-human primates have been used to model ASD in recent years. However, a low reproduction rate due to a long reproductive cycle and a single birth per pregnancy, and an extremely high cost prohibit a wide use of them in preclinical studies. Canine model is an appealing alternative because of its complex and effective dog-human social interactions. In contrast to non-human primates, dog has comparable drug metabolism as humans and a high reproduction rate. In this study, we aimed to model ASD in experimental dogs by manipulating the Shank3 gene as SHANK3 mutations are one of most replicated genetic defects identified from ASD patients. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we successfully generated and characterized multiple lines of Beagle Shank3 (bShank3) mutants that have been propagated for a few generations. We developed and validated a battery of behavioral assays that can be used in controlled experimental setting for mutant dogs. bShank3 mutants exhibited distinct and robust social behavior deficits including social withdrawal and reduced social interactions with humans, and heightened anxiety in different experimental settings (n = 27 for wild-type controls and n = 44 for mutants). We demonstrate the feasibility of producing a large number of mutant animals in a reasonable time frame. The robust and unique behavioral findings support the validity and value of a canine model to investigate the pathophysiology and develop treatments for ASD and potentially other psychiatric disorders.

Concentrations of bisphenols and phthalate esters in the muscle of Mediterranean striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba)

Bisphenols (BPs) and phthalate esters (PAEs) are important compounds for the plastics industry, also called “everywhere chemicals” due to their ubiquity in daily use products. Both chemical groups are well-known environmental contaminants, whose presence has been reported in all environmental compartments, and whose effects, mainly associated to endocrine disruption, are detrimental to living organisms. Cetaceans, due to their long life-span, low reproduction rate and high position in the trophic web, are especially vulnerable to the effects of contaminants. However, little is known about BP and PAE concentrations in cetacean tissues, their potential relation to individual biological variables, or their trends over time. Here, the concentration of 10 BPs and 13 PAEs was assessed in the muscle of 30 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Spanish Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean) between 1990 and 2018. Six BP and 6 PAE compounds were detected, of which only 4,4′-(cyclohexane-1,1-diyl)diphenol (BPZ) was detected in all the samples, at the highest concentration (mean 16.06 μg g−1 lipid weight). Sex or reproductive condition were largely uninfluential on concentrations: only dimethylphthalate (DMP) concentrations were significantly higher in immature individuals than in adults, and the overall PAE concentrations were significantly higher in males than in females. Temporal variations were only detected in bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane (BPE), diethylphthalate (DEP) and dimethylphthalate (DMP), whose concentrations were lower, and 9,9-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene (BPFL), which were higher, respectively, in samples taken between 2014 and 2018, probably reflecting shifts in the production and use of these chemicals. These results provide the first assessment of concentrations of several BP and PAE compounds in the muscle of an odontocete cetacean.

Morphological and molecular characterization, including parasitic and pathogenic studies of a new spherical cyst nematode species, Globodera vulgaris n. sp. (Nematoda: Heteroderidae), associated with potatoes in China.

In this study, a new spherical cyst nematode belonging to the genus Globodera, herein described as Globodera vulgaris n. sp., was extracted from the roots and rhizosphere soil of potato and circumjacent weeds belonging to different families in three provinces in southwest China. The new species was characterized by 8-24 ridges between the anus and fenestra and an average Granek's ratio of 2.8-3.8 in cysts, a head with 3-4 annules and dorsal knob anteriorly projected and ventral knobs round or anteriorly projected in second stage juveniles, and a head with 3-5 annules, spicule short and average length less than 30.0 μm, with a developed velum in males. Pathogenicity tests showed that G. vulgaris n. sp. infected potato but did not damage or affect the potato yield compared to control, and it parasitized tomato with a low reproduction rate (RF < 1) while did not parasitize tobacco (RF = 0). The new species was close to G. rostochiensis based on molecular diagnostic marker sequences and constructed phylogenetic analysis, that is internal transcribed spacers of ribosomal DNA (ITS), large-subunit rDNA (LSU) and small-subunit rDNA (SSU). However, the new species exhibited differences from G. rostochiensis in terms of morphological characteristics, a wide host preference, lack of damage to hosts, and egg hatching rate induced by hatching factors.

Maslinic acid supplementation prevents di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced apoptosis via PRDX6 in peritubular myoid cells of Chinese forest musk deer

Chinese forest musk deer (FMD), an endangered species, have exhibited low reproductive rates even in captivity due to stress conditions. Investigation revealed the presence of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an environmental endocrine disruptor, in the serum and skin of captive FMDs. Feeding FMDs with maslinic acid (MA) has been observed to alleviate the stress response and improve reproductive rates, although the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the alleviation of DEHP-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in primary peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) through MA intake. Primary PMCs were isolated and exposed to DEHP in vitro. The results demonstrated that DEHP significantly suppressed antioxidant levels and promoted cell apoptosis in primary PMCs. Moreover, interfering with the expression of PRDX6 was found to induce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell apoptosis in primary PMCs. Supplementation with MA significantly upregulated the expression of PRDX6, thereby attenuating DEHP-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in primary PMCs. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for mitigating stress levels and enhancing reproductive capacity of in captive FMDs.

Population genetic structure of the bentfin devil ray (Mobula thurstoni) in the South Indonesia Sea with limited sample based on ND5 gene

Abstract. Wardana ED, Putra ING, Al Malik MD, Yusmalinda NLA, Ningsih EY, Pertiwi NPD, Salim MG, Kanedi MM, Putra MIH, Sembiring A. 2023. Population genetic structure of the bentfin devil ray (Mobula thurstoni) in the South Indonesia Sea with limited sample based on ND5 gene. Biodiversitas 24: 3743-3749. Bentfin devil ray (Mobula thurstoni) is one of five Mobula rays with a worldwide distribution. This species has high economic value and play an essential ecological role. However, due to their biological characteristics, such as low reproductive rates and late maturity, these species are highly vulnerable to overfishing and slow to recover from depletion. Genetic information, such as this species's population structure and genetic diversity is limited. This study aimed to determine the genetic variation and population structure of M. thurstoni in the South Indonesia Sea based on mitochondrial DNA from ND5 gene. Twenty-two samples of M. thurstoni were successfully collected from three locations Palabuhanratu (n=5), Muncar (n=13), and Savu Sea (n= 4). The haplotype diversity (Hd) ranged from 0.782 to 1.00 (mean=0.839), and Nucleotide diversity (?) ranged from 0.004 to 0.018 (mean=0.007). Then, no significant population differences (P-value &gt; 0.05) were observed between locations, indicating that M. thurstoni population in the South Indonesian Sea represents a single genetic population. Additionally, the haplotype distribution also indicated the presence of two shared haplotypes between locations. Consequently, co-management strategies for sustainable fishing and conservation must be implemented across these three locations to ensure the sustainability of this species in the nature habitat.

Covid 19 and beyond: a procedure for HVAC systems to address infectious aerosol illness transmission

From pandemic to seasonal, the COVID-19 pandemic experience suggests many common respiratory infections rather than likely having a fomite etiology as previously thought, are primarily caused by the inhalation of infectious aerosols shed by ill persons during coughing and normal breathing and talking. Given this new understanding, the good news is that, unlike indoor-sourced noxious and irritating gases that can only be mitigated practically by diluting them with outdoor air ventilation, the indoor infectious aerosol illness transmission route can be addressed by circulating already conditioned air through commonplace commercial filters. Given that infectious aerosols released from the breath of occupants were practically an unknown vector of respiratory disease in the healthcare community for many decades, understandably HVAC regulations have not addressed this issue yet. However, this is about to change. To further this new end, this paper develops the formulae needed to set conditioned air recirculation rates through such filters for design infectious aerosol emission and inhalation rates, HID values, exposure times and occupancies, and target significantly lower than currently normal airborne infection reproduction rates. The analysis extends the equations previously developed for group inhalation of infectious aerosols to develop equations predicting the number of infections likely to occur from this inhalation and the rate of disease spread (reproduction). The governing equations provided and exemplified use group exposures since the number of infections (reproduction number) is group based. Examples using the equations provided are given for many different settings and two case study findings are compared with their predictions. Some settings such as the typical office are shown to already have a relatively low infection reproduction rate. Alternatively, others such as a typical school classroom or a longer commercial air flight require increased filtered ventilation air flows to yield a similarly low reproduction rate. The formulae and their application will be of interest to government and industry health and HVAC standard setting bodies.

Coleta de sêmen com uso da eletroejaculação e parâmetros espermático em pacas (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus, 1766)

ABSTRACT Pacas (Cuniculus paca) are highly hunted animals because of the flavor of their meat, and commercial breeding is recommended. However, this species has a relatively low reproductive rate. This study aimed to collect semen from pacas through electroejaculation and obtain the sperm parameters of this species for the first time. Seven male pacas were used, submitted to an anesthetic protocol before stimulation by an electroejaculator appropriate for the species. The stimulus protocol was performed in three series: series I, 10 stimuli with 1 and 2 V; series II, 10 stimuli with 3 and 4 V; and series III, 10 stimuli with 5 V and interval between series of 2 s. The collected material was evaluated for color, volume, motility, vigor, and concentration. The sperm parameters collected showed a mean volume of 0.43±0.33 mL, concentration of 45.5±42.44×106 sperm/mL, motility of 33.33±32.14%, and mean vigor of 2.6±1.15. In this study, the anesthetic protocol did not seem to favor semen collection by electroejaculation in the pacas. The electrical stimulation protocol was able to stimulate all animals in the study; however, there were few samples with sperm cells and a low rate of motility and vigor in most ejaculates.

Establishment and impacts of emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) parasitoids released at early- and post-invasion sites.

Forest stands infested by emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, experience extensive mortality of mature ash trees. Post-invasion woodlands commonly have a small contingent of mature lingering ash, an orphaned cohort of seedlings/saplings, and low EAB densities. To protect regenerating ash against rebounding EAB populations, a suite of biocontrol agents are being reared and released. USDA APHIS guidelines currently recommend the release of parasitoids into forests prior to overstory ash mortality at sites containing a variety of ash size classes and low to moderate but building EAB densities. To understand if biocontrol establishment and control of EAB is feasible in post-invasion sites, we assessed the establishment of parasitoids in 6 post-invasion forest stands in 2 regions of NY and compared EAB mortality in these stands to 2 regions where releases were conducted during the early-invasion phase. Results of parasitoid trapping indicates Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang established under both release strategies. Spathius galinae Belokobylskij & Strazanac was only released in post-invasion stands, where it was established successfully. Artificial EAB cohorts were established and life tables were constructed at 3 sites per region. EAB mortality due to T. planipennisi parasitism was similar under both release strategies 2 yr after release in post-invasion stands versus 8 yr after release in early-invasion stands. Combined mortality from T. planipennisi and woodpecker predation resulted in consistently low EAB reproductive rates. Future biocontrol releases could target forests identified as economically or ecologically important, regardless of whether EAB populations are increasing or have collapsed following initial invasion.

Host brood traits, independent of adult behaviours, reduce Varroa destructor mite reproduction in resistant honeybee populations

The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is an invasive species of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) and the largest pathogenic threat to their health world-wide. Its successful invasion and expansion is related to its ability to exploit the worker brood for reproduction, which results in an exponential population growth rate in the new host. With invasion of the mite, wild honeybee populations have been nearly eradicated from Europe and North America, and the survival of managed honeybee populations relies on mite population control treatments. However, there are a few documented honeybee populations surviving extended periods without control treatments due to adapted host traits that directly impact Varroa mite fitness. The aim of this study was to investigate if Varroa mite reproductive success was affected by traits of adult bee behaviours or by traits of the worker brood, in three mite-resistant honey bee populations from Sweden, France and Norway. The mite’s reproductive success was measured and compared in broods that were either exposed to, or excluded from, adult bee access. Mite-resistant bee populations were also compared with a local mite-susceptible population, as a control group. Our results show that mite reproductive success rates and mite fecundity in the three mite-resistant populations were significantly different from the control population, with the French and Swedish populations having significantly lower reproductive rates than the Norwegian population. When comparing mite reproduction in exposed or excluded brood treatments, no differences were observed, regardless of population. This result clearly demonstrates that Varroa mite reproductive success can be suppressed by traits of the brood, independent of adult worker bees.

Research on identification and classification of grassland forage based on deep learning and attention mechanisms

AbstractGrassland is an important resource for China's economic development and the main economic source of animal husbandry. The identification and classification of grassland forage is an important part of the improvement of forage varieties and the monitoring of germplasm resources, which can fundamentally solve the problems of poor forage quality and low reproduction rate. For the problem of low accuracy of forage identification and classification, the authors put forward a new 3DSECNN model to remove the preprocessing operation and directly study the images. The authors took forage hyperspectral image (HSI) images on the field and built dataset, used 3DSECNN to train the images to improve the classification effect. The outstanding contributions of this paper are: (1) The authors took high‐precision forage HSI images in the field, established a dedicated database of forage HSIs, and expanded the datasets; (2) the process of integrating preprocessing ideas into the network and replacing the traditional method of preprocessing the data and then extracting features; (3) proposing the 3DSECNN model, which adds SENet on the basis of the traditional 3DCNN, strengthens the correlation of the spatial dimension, selects the key features for the classification by calculating the channel weight, inhibits the unimportant information, and achieves the purpose of integrating the preprocessing ideas into the network. The experimental results show the overall accuracy (OA) of 3DSECNN is 94.36%, Precision, Recall, F1‐score, Kappa, and Time also showed good levels. The experimental results prove that the 3DSECNN strengthens the correlation between image channels, enhances the performance ability of features, and provides a new method for the identification and classification research of forage.

High survival promotes persistence in a reintroduced population of Common Crane (Grus grus)

Reintroductions are increasingly used for re‐establishing populations, though the documented success rates are variable. Success is typically measured by the survival and breeding success of released individuals and subsequent establishment and growth of the population. However, few studies quantify demographic rates of reintroduced populations of long‐lived species, with slower dynamics and lower reproductive rates, and the demographic rates of subsequent generations, which determine population growth and persistence, are often unknown. We document the success of the reintroduction of the Common Crane Grus grus to south‐west England in the UK, using survival analysis and population modelling to determine whether the overarching aim of establishing a self‐sustaining population is likely to be achieved. Between 2010 and 2014, 93 Common Cranes were hatched from wild eggs, custom‐reared and soft‐released into suitable habitat. Survival of all age‐classes was apparently higher than survival of healthy wild individuals, particularly in juvenile age‐classes, and was higher in females than in males. Productivity was relatively low, but increased with age. Assuming that the demographic rates of subsequent generations are at the levels estimated for the captive‐reared population, slow positive population growth is predicted over the next 30 years. Sensitivity analyses showed that the persistence of this population is sensitive to even a slight decrease in values of adult survival, and growth is impacted to a lesser extent by juvenile survival and levels of productivity. This study highlights the ability to achieve persistence in a reintroduced population despite low levels of productivity when survival is exceptionally high. It also illustrates the need for long‐term monitoring to establish reintroduction success in animals that have slow life histories: 9 years after initial releases, the Common Crane population remains dominated by first‐generation birds and productivity is skewed by transient age‐structure and the late onset of reproductive success.