Native Forage Research Articles

Comparative plastome analysis of Arundinelleae (Poaceae, Panicoideae), with implications for phylogenetic relationships and plastome evolution

BackgroundArundinelleae is a small tribe within the Poaceae (grass family) possessing a widespread distribution that includes Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Several species of Arundinelleae are used as natural forage, feed, and raw materials for paper. The tribe is taxonomically cumbersome due to a paucity of clear diagnostic morphological characters. There has been scant genetic and genomic research conducted for this group, and as a result the phylogenetic relationships and species boundaries within Arundinelleae are poorly understood.ResultsWe compared and analyzed 11 plastomes of Arundinelleae, of which seven plastomes were newly sequenced. The plastomes range from 139,629 base pairs (bp) (Garnotia tenella) to 140,943 bp (Arundinella barbinodis), with a standard four-part structure. The average GC content was 38.39%, but varied in different regions of the plastome. In all, 110 genes were annotated, comprising 76 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Furthermore, 539 simple sequence repeats, 519 long repeats, and 10 hyper-variable regions were identified from the 11 plastomes of Arundinelleae. A phylogenetic reconstruction of Panicoideae based on 98 plastomes demonstrated the monophyly of Arundinella and Garnotia, but the circumscription of Arundinelleae remains unresolved.ConclusionComplete chloroplast genome sequences can improve phylogenetic resolution relative to single marker approaches, particularly within taxonomically challenging groups. All phylogenetic analyses strongly support the monophyly of Arundinella and Garnotia, respectively, but the monophylly of Arundinelleae was not well supported. The intergeneric phylogenetic relationships within Arundinelleae require clarification, indicating that more data is necessary to resolve generic boundaries and evaluate the monophyly of Arundinelleae. A comprehensive taxonomic revision for the tribe is necessary. In addition, the identified hyper-variable regions could function as molecular markers for clarifying phylogenetic relationships and potentially as barcoding markers for species identification in the future.

Measuring self-control in a wild songbird using a spatial discounting task

Self-control allows animals to resist instant gratification and invest more time and/or energy in better outcomes. However, widespread temporal self-control tasks lack ecological validity for many species, and few studies have explored whether self-control can be measured in the wild. We used a spatial discounting task resembling natural foraging decisions to measure self-control in wild toutouwai (Petroica longipes), a songbird endemic to New Zealand. Birds chose between a near, low-quality food item and a high-quality food item further away. Toutouwai showed striking individual variation in their self-control abilities. Validation tests suggested that our task reliably measured self-control in a spatial foraging context. However, individual-level performance was confounded by food preferences and the satiation and/or learning effects associated with increasing trial number, limiting the applicability of this task as a measure of individual variation in self-control. Nonetheless, we found no correlation between an individual’s self-control and their inhibitory control measured using a detour task, suggesting that self-control is a distinct ability from the suppression of impulsive motor actions in toutouwai. This study demonstrates for the first time that a bird is capable of self-control in a spatial context and provides suggestions for how future researchers may robustly quantify individual differences in self-control in the wild.

Task complexity and onset of visual information influence action planning in a natural foraging task

Task complexity and onset of visual information influence action planning in a natural foraging task

Effect of Seed Rate on Forage Yield, and Nutritional Value of Sudan Grass and Vetch Mixtures in Ethiopia: A Review

The livestock feed resources in Ethiopia are classified as natural pasture, crop residues, improved pasture and forage, agro-industrial by-products, and also hay production of which the first two feed resources are the major feed contributors for the livestock production in Ethiopia but they are lacking in protein and minerals. Natural pastures contribute about 80-85 of animal feed in Ethiopia, including naturally occurring grasses, legumes, shrubs, hurbs, and tree foliages. Crop residue is one of the feed resources used for animal production in Ethiopia and is available in those areas in which livestock and crop production are practiced. Around 30 million tonnes of DM of agricultural crop residues are produced annually on the national scale, of which 70% are used as animal feed. The major agro-industrial by products commonly used in Ethiopia are obtained from different agro-industries. The nutritional values of agro-industrial by products are excellent but their productivity is small, limited, and limited to few farms in urban and peri-urban areas and they contribute much less to livestock feed. Furthermore, traditional livestock feed supply mainly depends upon natural pasture and crop residues, which have low crude protein and other chemical composition. However, there is tremendous potential to alleviate feed shortages using improved forage production. To fulfill this gap, producing a stable improved forage in the livestock sector is mandatory. For that reason, the legume and grass intercropping system are important to increase biomass production and forage yield. Hence, Sudan grass (Aden gode) known with its plant height than other cultivars and vetch (<i>Vicia dasycarpa</i>) have greater plant height and creeping growth habit that enable compatible to larger grass species and they are selectable forages to enhance the forage yield and quality under similar times.

EFFECT OF HERBIVORY ON THE REFORESTATION OF FOUR SPECIES OF THE FABACEAE FAMILY IN DETERIORATED AREAS

Reforestation plays an important role in attempting to reverse ecosystem degradation in arid regions, where natural rainfall variability makes ecological restoration difficult. The aim of this work was to evaluate the survival and growth of four native species of the Fabaceae family (Prosopis velutina Wooton, Havardia mexicana (Rose) Britton & Rose, Parkinsonia microphylla Torr., and Olneya tesota A. Gray), with and without protection against herbivory in a degraded arid land in Sonora, Mexico. A three-level factorial design was established according to the protection treatments (PET and mesh, 20 and 30 cm in height, respectively) and a control (without protection). The variables of survival and height were evaluated 6, 12, and 24 months after transplant. Computer packages were used for the statistical analyses, establishing 5 % significance. Survival was highest in the plants with protection, with 100 % for the first year, both for PET and mesh, in comparison with a survival rate of 16.6 % for the unprotected control plants. The second year, the highest survival rate was found in plants protected by a mesh (41.6 %), whereas plants protected with PET and the control had the lowest survival rates, both with 8.3 % (χ2 = 5.674, p ≤ 0.058). The height of plants was affected by herbivory. Plants protected by mesh reached a greater height (29.4 cm) in comparison with the PET treatment, with 17.4 cm, and the control, with 3.1 cm (p < 0.0001). The growth of native forage fabaceae (leguminous) tree species in Sonora is extremely slow and relies on both herbivore protection and above-average rainfall years. This work presents the use of low-cost herbivory protection strategies to increase the survival and height of plants 2 years after being established.

Green Lacewing Chrysoperla externa Is Attracted to Volatile Organic Compounds and Essential Oils Extracted from Eucalyptus urograndis Leaves.

Plant herbivore interactions have long been recognized as a complex interplay influenced by various factors, including plant volatile emissions. Understanding the role of these volatiles in mediating plant predator interactions is crucial for developing sustainable pest management strategies. This study investigated the olfactory preferences of Chrysoperla externa larvae for volatiles emitted by Eucalyptus urograndis leaves, focusing on both seedlings and essential oils (EOs). We used Y-tube olfactometry to compare larval preferences between the clean air and various plant treatments, including undamaged and herbivore-damaged leaves. Chemical analysis of EOs revealed higher concentrations of oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in young and damaged leaves, particularly linalool, which has been implicated in insect attraction. Our results showed a significant preference for volatiles emitted by young damaged leaves over clean air for both seedlings (χ2 = 11.03, p = 0.001) and EOs (χ2 = 9.76, p = 0.002). Chrysoperla externa larvae are significantly attracted to specific volatiles from damaged E. urograndis leaves, suggesting these compounds could serve as cues for natural enemy foraging. Our findings enhance the understanding of plant-predator dynamics and suggest potential applications of eucalyptus plantations to sustain C. externa populations for biocontrol purposes.

Seed mass affects emergence but not germination in native grassland forage species

For ecological restoration of degraded grasslands, species selection and knowledge of the species biology are essential. Seed germination and seedling establishment, as well as seed regenerative traits, can partially determine direct seeding success in this context. The objectives of this study are (1) to characterize the seeds of 29 native forage species of the Pampa Austral grasslands, (2) to evaluate their germination and emergence, and (3) to evaluate the relationship between germination and emergence and seed traits (mass, length, width, and length/width ratio), to test the usefulness of these traits for rapid species selection. We studied the germination percentage of untreated (UG) and treated (TG) seeds under laboratory conditions of 29 native forage species (four legumes, nine cool season, and 16 warm‐season grasses) and the percentage of field emergence (FE) for 17 of those species, selected based on their UG. Additionally, all species were characterized, including thousand‐seed mass, length, width, and length/width ratio. Average UG was 53.30 ± 3.17% for Poaceae and 25.63 ± 5.73% for Fabaceae. Four cool season and eight warm‐season grasses had UG greater than 60%. Mean FE was 35.18 ± 0.66% 2 months after sowing. FE has a direct relationship with seed mass (r2 = 0.69; p < 0.001), while this relationship was not observed for UG under laboratory conditions (r2 = 0.15; p = 0.7174). In Pampa Austral grasslands, seed mass proved to be a relevant trait for species selection given its strong relationship with FE.

The environmental effects of traditional livestock

Traditional livestock farming refers to rudimentary family-type livestock farms, which are carried out in small stables or caves and with limited resources. Traditional livestock farming has existed since ancient times, when humans began to domesticate animals for their benefit. Throughout history, traditional livestock farming has been an important source of food, products and services for rural communities. Eta is mainly dedicated to the breeding and management of domesticated animals for production purposes. These animals may include cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry, among others. Traditional livestock activities may vary by region and community needs, but generally include the production of meat, milk, eggs, wool, and other animal products. In traditional livestock farming, native breeds adapted to the climatic and geographical conditions of the region are usually raised. These breeds tend to be more resistant to diseases and adverse conditions (greater rusticity). Natural feeding: Animals in traditional livestock farming feed mainly on grass and natural forage, which provides them with a balanced diet rich in nutrients. This contributes to the quality of the meat and dairy products obtained from these animals

CURRENT STATUS AND EFFICIENCY OF ABANDONED LANDS RE-DEVELOPMENT IN RIVER BASINS OF SOUTH-WESTERN TRANSBAIKALIA

Complex ecological and economic studies of post-agrarian landscapes in the middle reaches of the Selenga, Chikoy and Temnik rivers were carried out within the boundaries of the Selenga administrative region of the Republic of Buryatia (RB). A map of abandoned agricultural lands has been compiled. A brief description of agroclimatic conditions of the study area is given; the structure of agricultural land, the yield of grain and forage crops, the dynamics of livestock and the load of livestock on pastures and hayfields are analyzed. The reasons for the arable land abandonment are formulated. It was revealed that pastures and hayfields are not excluded from the agricultural use. This is due to an increase in the livestock numbers in households, which are the main agricultural producers in the RB, as well as a shortage of natural forage lands. The species composition and the state of shelterbelt forests are described as an integral part of the ecotopes of post-agrarian landscapes. The main taxonomic indicators of trees are given. The study of shelterbelt forests is topical due to the need for their inventory, lack of maintenance, and the adoption of Federal Laws on protective afforestation and land reclamation. A brief agrochemical description of the state of soils in key areas is given. To assess the effectiveness of arable land reuse, a net operating income (NOI) or rental income was calculated for each grain and grainfodder crop grown in the region under study. It was revealed that oats and spring wheat are the most profitable. Recommendations were formulated for the redevelopment of post-agricultural landscapes, optimization of protective afforestation, and reconstruction of shelterbelt forests

POTENSI KETERSEDIAAN LIMBAH TANAMAN PANGAN SEBAGAI PAKAN TERNAK SAPI POTONG DI KABUPATEN MUNA BARAT

West Muna Regency in Southeast Sulawesi Province is a new autonomous region where the majority of the population is engaged in plantation, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors. In the livestock sector, the population of beef cattle in this area reached 23,388 heads in 2023. However, cattle rearing still depends on natural forage whose production is limited due to seasonal changes and land conversion. This research aims to analyze the potential of food crop waste as a source of feed for beef cattle in West Muna Regency, using secondary data from BPS West Muna in 2023, with descriptive analysis methods. Data analysis is based on calculations of livestock units (ST), food crop waste dry matter (BK), waste carrying capacity and waste carrying capacity index (IDD). The analysis results show that the harvested area for food crops is 9,671 ha with the main commodities being corn (6,372.6 ha), peanuts (1,607.6 ha) and rice (1,048.9 ha). The potential of dry matter from food crop waste reaches 33,221.7 tons of DM/year, with the largest contribution from corn (28,676.7 tons of DM/year). West Muna Regency has an IDD for feed from food crop waste of 0.89, which shows that 89% of beef cattle feed needs can be met from food crop waste. Four sub-districts have an IDD of more than 1, namely Wadaga, Lawa, Barangka, and Sawerigadi, indicating the potential for dry mater from feed crop waste to exceed the needs of the beef cattle population in these sub-districts. The sub-districts with the lowest IDD are Napano Kusambi, Tiworo Tengah, Tiworo Pulau, and Tiworo Utara.

Variation in pollen viability among Leptochloa crinita accessions: implications for directed crosses

ABSTRACT Leptochloa crinita, a native forage grass from American arid regions, is widely used for range grazing and revegetation of degraded lands. Despite its importance, progress in breeding and genetic research has been hindered by the difficulty of achieving sexual crosses between L. crinita plants. We hypothesize that factors associated with pollen quality can influence the effectiveness of directed sexual crosses in this species. Thus, the present study investigated pollen viability and longevity in a genetically diverse collection of 21 L. crinita accessions. Pollen viability was estimated at 0, 30, 60, and 180 minutes after anthers dehiscence (MAAD) by two methods: 1) acetocarmine staining; and 2) in vitro germination of pollen grains in culture media containing 0.4-1.0 M sucrose. The staining method overestimated pollen viability, whereas the in vitro germination assay provided accurate and reliable estimates, being 0.6 M the optimal sucrose concentration in the medium, in terms of germination rates and discriminatory power among the accessions. In all the accessions, pollen viability was highest at 0-30 MAAD, and decayed very rapidly, to reach levels below 5% at 180 MAAD. Significant (p<0.05) and broad variation for pollen viability was found among the accessions, with mean values in the range of 49-89% (0 MAAD), 32-76% (30 MAAD), 24-45% (60 MAAD), and 0.6-4.9% (180 MAAD), allowing the identification of six accessions exhibiting the greatest pollen viabilities. These results suggest 0-30 MAAD and using the selected (best) pollen donors, on emasculated female parentals, as the optimal conditions for attempting sexual crosses in L. crinita.

Agrolandscape-ecological zoning of natural forage lands in Russian regions

Agrolandscape-ecological zoning of natural forage lands in Russian regions

ANALISIS POTENSI PAKAN SERTA INDEKS DAYA DUKUNG WILAYAH TIGA KECAMATAN DI KABUPATEN MAGELANG TERHADAP PENGEMBANGAN TERNAK SAPI PERAH

Magelang Regency is a district with an area of 1.085,73 km2 with an agricultural land area of 78,897 Ha consisting of wetland with 36,974 Ha and dryland with 41,923 Ha. The total population of dairy cattle in Magelang Regency is 503, while the need for milk reaches 8.184,61 liters/year. This research aims to find out and provide information regarding the potential amount of forage availability and the regional carrying capacity index in supporting the development of dairy cattle. The data collection method used is a survey method with samples taken from Grabag District, Sawangan District, and Ngablak District with data consisting of the identity of livestock ownership, number and type of livestock owned, origin of feed, and kind of feed used, as well as harvest area. The data analysis method that is used is descriptive analysis. The results of the research show the potential of agricultural products in 2021 consisting of waste products from corn straw, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and cassava in Ngablak District, Sawangan District, and Grabag District is 796.962 tons, the potential for natural forage is 16.638,6 tons, the carrying capacity of dairy cattle is 2.892,3 ST, the Carrying Capacity Index (IDD) is 2.273,6 and this is included in the safe criteria which still has great potential to be used as a dairy cattle development area.

Using faecal nitrogen as a marker to estimate intake and digestibility in sheep fed multi-species native forage

Livestock production in southern South America heavily relies on extensive native grasslands, characterized by high plant species diversity, which makes estimating forage digestibility and intake by ruminants in this pastoral ecosystem challenging. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop regression models to establish the relationship between total faecal nitrogen excretion (FNe) and organic matter (OM) intake, and faecal nitrogen content (FNc) and OM digestibility in sheep fed multi-species native forage. In a completely randomized design, 16 Corriedale sheep averaging 44 kg of body weight (BW) were housed in metabolism cages and received forage in amounts of 15, 20, 25 g of dry matter per kg of BW or ad libitum. During the spring of 2019 and the summer of 2020, four measurement periods were carried out. The sheep had 5 days of adaptation to the metabolism cage, 10 days to adapt to the treatments of amounts of forage offered, and 5 days for intake and digestibility measurements. The forage was harvested once a day, and then the fresh forage was offered at two different times, 8 and 17 h. A linear regression model was developed to estimate OM intake in sheep fed multi-species native forage based on the FNe [Intake (g OM/sheep/day) = 107.7 + 101.5 × FNe]. An exponential regression model was developed to estimate forage OM digestibility in sheep based on the FNc (Digestibility = 0.31411e0.02995 × FNc). In conclusion, our findings highlight that the OM intake can be precisely estimated using FNe and a reasonably precise estimation of the forage OM digestibility can be reached by assessing FNc in sheep fed a multi-species native forage from the Rio de la Plata region in South America.

A rapid monitoring protocol to estimate unharvested corn biomass in waterfowl impoundments

AbstractConservation planners use bioenergetic models to develop habitat objectives that satisfy energetic demands of waterfowl during nonbreeding periods. In turn, natural resource managers should estimate yield and availability of natural and cultivated waterfowl forage to monitor contributions to objectives and support adaptive resource management. Because bioenergetic models are particularly sensitive to unharvested flooded croplands, we developed a rapid methodology to estimate biomass of unharvested flooded corn (Zea mays) and tested our methodology in impounded corn fields planted and flooded in western Tennessee during autumn and winter of 2019–2021. We evaluated accuracy of our rapid assessment method and conducted simulations to assess variance‐bias trade‐offs relative to sample size. Rapid assessments lasted 20 min ± 10 minutes per field. Our rapid assessment method underestimated number of kernels per ear by 2.6% ± 0.5%. After adjusting for underestimation bias, corn biomass across all surveys was 5,500 kg/ha ± 250 kg/ha, which is similar yield to previous literature from waterfowl impoundment fields. Sampling 15 ears per field allowed field biomass to be estimated within acceptable accuracy (i.e., variance [SE] of mean percent error &lt;1.8%). We recommend our rapid yield assessment method be incorporated into habitat monitoring protocols to efficiently and precisely estimate corn biomass for improved conservation planning initiatives. Additionally, our rapid assessment method allows managers to monitor field yield rapidly, enabling estimates of corn depletion and availability throughout the nonbreeding season for waterfowl to support management decisions.

Лизиметрическим исследованиям в Федеральном научном центре кормопроизводства и агроэкологии имени В.Р. Вильямса исполнилось 50 лет

The study of ecosystems, biological and ecological features of perennial grasses, soils, groundwater and monitoring of their dynamics are impossible without lysimetric studies. Lysimeters serve as a reliable means of studying and managing agroecosystems and the entire complex of plant development factors. At the All-Union Williams feed research Institute, lysimetric studies on the study, regulation and forecasting of water, food and thermal regimes of reclaimed natural forage lands in the agroecosystem "soil — plant — infiltration runoff" on irrigated pastures in the conditions of the Central District of the Non-Chernozem zone (Moscow region) were started at the Lysimetric Station built in 1972. The station includes a laboratory building, a tunnel room with a depth of about 3 m and a length of more than 40 m, a hardware room, lysimetric devices and installations of a special design. The lysimetric installation allows you to jointly study the water balance, the balance of chemicals and automate the observation processes. The developed design of the measuring equipment increased the accuracy of the experiment, and due to its small dimensions, it allowed experiments to significantly expand the range of studied groundwater depths (from 0.75 m to 2 m). Lysimeters of 2 types (for water balance and agrochemical studies) are designed for year-round observations. The results of lysimetric studies are extrapolated to areas with similar environmental conditions.

Initial Impact of Different Feeding Methods on Feed Intake Time in Stabled Icelandic Horses.

The natural behaviour of horses is to spend the majority of their time on feed intake The feeding of stabled horses is, however, often far from that, as their feed intake is limited to their nutritional requirements. In order to approach their natural foraging time, it is important to extend the feed intake time of stabled horses. The aim of this study was to estimate if the feed intake time differs when feeding haylage in a haynet, hayball, metal corner manger, or from the box floor. The experimental design consisted of a Latin square, occurred across four days with four adult Icelandic horses and four treatments. Horses were stabled in individual boxes and fed 7 kg of high-energy haylage in two even meals while the intake time was recorded. The feed intake time per kg DM was shorter from the manger or the box floor than from a haynet or hayball (81 or 85 min versus 94 or 96 min; p < 0.05). It can be concluded that feeding haylage in a hayball or in a haynet can increase the feed intake time by 13% per day (12 min/kg DM/day) when compared to the more traditional methods. Thus, with simple alternatives, it is possible to extend the feed intake time of stabled horses.

Comparing landscape characteristics to understand Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) conflicts: A case study in Negeri Sembilan

The IUCN Red List has listed the Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) as an endangered species in 2016, owing to its declining population trend. Human-caused forest degradation and encroachment on wildlife habitats drive this species to roam out of its natural range, resulting in human-tapir conflict (HTC). This study executes kernel density analysis on 78 HTC points recorded in Negeri Sembilan from 2013 to 2018 to determine the high and low HTC zones, and investigates the influence of five landscape variables on the occurrence of HTC. Values of five landscape variables in high and low HTC zones were extracted, and the significance of occurrence between these two zones was tested using an independent sample t-test. In terms of spatial distribution, Kuala Pilah and Jelebu covered high-conflict zones, while the lowest conflict zone was in Rembau. The t-test indicated that elevation (t = –3.551, p &lt; 0.05) and slope (t = –2.012, p &lt; 0.05) were significant between high and low conflict zones. Distance to the forest (t = 1.424, p &gt; 0.05), distance to water (t = –0.106, p &gt; 0.05), and distance to urban areas (t = –1.536, p &gt; 0.05) were not significant for HTC. HTC tends to occur in low topographic areas, while tapirs outside of their natural habitat forage in close proximity to the forest and water bodies, but restrict their movement near human settlements. Hot Spot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*) on forest patches revealed an overlaping region between high HTC zones and low forest-patch contiguity, indicating that forest fragmentation may promote tapir conflicts. Hence, by systematically recording the conflict distribution in Negeri Sembilan, many actions could be taken into consideration to mitigate HTC in this state.

Zoogeochemistry of a protected area: Driven by anthropogenic impacts and animal behavior

AbstractAnthropogenic eutrophication of ecosystems is an important driver of biodiversity loss. Even protected areas (PAs) may be impacted by anthropogenic nutrients, for example, from atmospheric deposition or the provision of supplementary feeding. However, the resultant nutrient patterns, and the role of local wildlife in shaping them, remain poorly understood. We investigated anthropogenic influences on the role that red deer (Cervus elaphus) play in the nutrient balance of a PA in Denmark. We used habitat selection modeling and theoretical scenarios where we varied the proportion of energy the deer obtained from supplementary versus natural forage and compared it with the nutrients removed due to hunting. We show that the movement and distribution of the red deer population within the PA are very heterogeneous and likely influenced by the need for shelter. Moreover, depending on their reliance on supplementary feeding, deer can potentially import large amounts of nutrients to the PA, and concentrate them in localized hotspots. However, we also explore the potential for nutrient loss due to hunting activities. Such indirect anthropogenic impacts on nutrient landscapes may counteract restoration and conservation efforts. We therefore recommend incorporating anthropogenic influences on zoogeochemistry and the animal‐mediated connectivity between PAs and anthropogenically dominated landscapes into future management plans.

Heatwave-like events affect drone production and brood-care behaviour in bumblebees.

Climate change is currently considered one of the major threats to biodiversity and is associated with an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves. Heatwaves create acutely stressful conditions that may lead to disruption in the performance and survival of ecologically and economically important organisms, such as insect pollinators. In this study, we investigated the impact of simulated heatwaves on the performance of queenless microcolonies of Bombus terrestris audax under laboratory conditions. Our results indicate that heatwaves can have significant impacts on bumblebee performance. However, contrary to our expectations, exposure to heatwaves did not affect survival. Exposure to a mild 5-day heatwave (30-32 °C) resulted in increased offspring production compared to those exposed to an extreme heatwave (34-36 °C) and to the control group (24 °C). We also found that brood-care behaviours were impacted by the magnitude of the heatwave. Wing fanning occurred occasionally at temperatures of 30-32 °C, whereas at 34-36 °C the proportion of workers engaged in this thermoregulatory behaviour increased significantly. Our results provide insights into the effects of heatwaves on bumblebee colony performance and underscore the use of microcolonies as a valuable tool for studying the effects of extreme weather events. Future research, especially field-based studies replicating natural foraging conditions, is crucial to complement laboratory-based studies to comprehend how heatwaves compromise the performance of pollinators. Such studies may potentially help to identify those species more resilient to climate change, as well as those that are most vulnerable.