Reproductive Traits Research Articles

The Role of Dietary Fatty Acids in Modulating Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) Physiology, Reproduction, and Quality Traits in Captivity

The invasive blue crab is challenging the Mediterranean basin, progressively declining local populations. This reflects a lower prey availability and suitability of dietary nutrients (mainly n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFA). The present study aimed to challenge blue crab males and females with a feed source low in n-3 PUFA with respect to one showing a proper fatty acid profile and to investigate the responses in terms of growth, welfare, lipid characterization of target tissues, and reproductive status. Blue crabs were divided into three groups as follows: (i) Marine: crabs fed sardinella (Sardinella aurita) fillet for 60 days; (ii) Mix: crabs fed bovine heart for the first 40 days and sardinella fillet for the following 20 days; and (iii) Terrestrial: crabs fed bovine heart for 60 days. The diet did not alter the health status but reflected the fatty acid profile of muscle and ovary of the blue crabs. In each group, males and females showed a proper hepatopancreas structure, with comparable levels of lipid reserves. This properly supported gonad maturation in both sexes. However, males and females from the group fed the terrestrial diet were characterized by reduced body weight, revealing that blue crabs prioritize reproductive investment rather than growth by directing crucial nutrients to reproductive organs when a suboptimal diet is available.

Population structure and selective signature analysis of local sheep breeds in Xinjiang, China based on high-density SNP chip.

The frigid and droughty climate of Xinjiang in China has given rise to unique indigenous sheep breeds with robust adaptability and resistance. To investigate the genetic mechanism of adaptability of Xinjiang sheep to the local extreme environment, we conducted population genetic structure analyses for three native Xinjiang sheep breeds: Altay sheep (ALT), Bashbay Sheep (BSBC), and Duolang sheep (DLC), as well as two foreign sheep breeds: Suffolk and Dorset, using the Ovine Infinium HD SNP BeadChip(680K). Our findings revealed distinct genetic and evolutionary histories between Xinjiang and foreign sheep breeds. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and phylogenetic tree effectively differentiate these five sheep breeds based on their geographical origins, and the domestication level of Xinjiang sheep is comparatively lower than that of foreign sheep breeds. Furthermore, by utilizing three selective signature methods, namely Fixation Index (Fst), Cross Population Extended Haplotype Homozygosity Test (XP-EHH), and Nucleotide Diversity (π), we have successfully identified 22 potential candidate genes. Among these genes, there are TBXT, PDGFD, and VEGFA, which are closely related to tail type and lipid metabolism; VIL1, SLC11A1, and ZBTB46, which are associated with immune function; and candidate genes such as BNC1, HDAC1, and BMP5, which impact sheep reproductive traits. This study establishes a foundation for conserving and utilizing local sheep germplasm resources in Xinjiang and provides molecular insights into the genetic mechanisms governing sheep adaptation to extreme cold and arid environments.

Genetic and Phenotypic Correlations between Production and Reproduction Traits in Frieswal Cattle under Field Progeny Testing Programme

Aim: To estimate the genetic and phenotypic correlations in production and reproduction traits in Frieswal Cattle under FPT. Place and Duration of Study: G B Pant University of Agricultural and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India, Between March, 2023 to March, 2024. Methodology: The present study was conducted on Frieswal cattle, a synthetic breed, using data from 1163 first lactation records, progenies of 67 sires, spread over period of nine years (2013-2021) as part of an ongoing field progeny testing programme at GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The study aimed to estimate genetic and phenotypic correlations among various production and reproduction traits, such as test day peak yield (TDPY), first lactation 305-days milk yield (FL305D-MY), fat percentage (FP), first lactation length (FLL), age at sexual maturity (ASM), age at first calving (AFC), gestation period (GP), first calving interval (FCI), first service period (FSP), and number of services per conception (NSPC).The data were analyzed using WOMBAT software. Results: The study revealed that age at first service (ASM) and age at first calving (AFC) had very high genetic (0.99) and phenotypic (0.99) correlations, suggesting they were influenced by the same genes. A strong genetic correlation (0.71) between ASM and gestation period (GP) indicates a close association, while the negative correlation between ASM and total days to peak yield (TDPY) (-0.76) suggests younger cows reach higher peak yields. ASM’s negative genetic correlation (-0.57) with first lactation 305-days milk yield (FL305D-MY) implied that selecting for earlier maturity could enhance milk production. Positive correlation between ASM and reproductive traits (FCI, FSP, NSPC, and FDP) were observed, while FL305D-MY showed high negative correlation with traits like FLL and FP but positive phenotypic correlation with FLL, FCI, and FSP. Additionally, there were varied genetic correlation among FCI, FSP, NSPC and FDP, highlighting complex inter-trait relationships. Conclusions: The present study highlighted the potential of Frieswal herd for selective breeding to improve both milk production and reproductive efficiency. By focusing on traits like age at sexual maturity (ASM), age at first calving (AFC), and milk yield indicators such as test day peak yield (TDPY) and first lactation 305-days milk yield (FL305D-MY), breeders can target genetically associated traits for enhanced overall productivity. These findings provide a valuable foundation for future genetic improvement strategies in Frieswal cattle.

Definition of reproductive structures in Eucalyptus for phenological data collection.

In an era where global climate change is shifting plant phenology, global meta-analyses of multiple species are required more than ever. Common language or references for enhanced data compatibility are key for such analyses. Although the Plant Phenology Ontology (PPO) addresses this challenge, it does not capture several relevant reproductive structures that are critical in species with long reproductive cycles, like many Eucalyptus species. We reviewed the terminology and concepts that describe reproductive structures in eucalypts and compared them with the existing classes of the PPO to explore the PPO's potential for harmonizing disparate eucalypt datasets. We identified incongruencies within and between eucalypt terminology and the PPO. We tested the sensitivity of the PPO for capturing key eucalypt phenological structures and found it sensitive to classification of certain structures. To address these limitations, we developed the Eucalyptus Phenology Ontology (EPO), a new ontology that builds on the PPO and captures key reproductive structures using a more refined classification. The EPO integrates the relationships between reproductive structures, phenological stages, and phenological traits. The vocabulary is species-neutral so it can be applied to other taxa but specifies the synonyms and descriptions required to capture the complexity of eucalypt phenology.

No evidence of early life resource pulse effects on age-specific variation in survival, reproduction and body mass of female Siberian flying squirrels.

Understanding the diversity and causes of senescence patterns in the wild remains a challenging task, in particular among fast-living species for which senescence patterns have been poorly studied. Early life environmental conditions can shape senescence by influencing trade-offs between early and late life performance (disposable soma theory) or individual fitness through lifelong positive effects (silver spoon effects). Using a 23-year-long monitoring dataset of two populations of Siberian flying squirrels (Pteromys volans L.) in western Finland, we analysed the occurrence, onset and rate of senescence in female survival, body mass and reproductive performance. We also examined how early life pulsed resources (tree masting during the year of birth) influence age-specific variations in these traits. Our results indicate that survival senescence occurs after sexual maturity from 3 years of age. Females experiencing high resource availability at birth tended to survive better, but the age-specific trend was not affected by early life resource conditions. Maternal body mass declined slightly with age, starting at 4 years, regardless of early resource conditions. Similarly, among reproductive traits, we showed late-onset senescence in both litter size and annual reproductive probability, with no evidence supporting an effect of early life resources on these trends. We found no decline in juvenile body mass or in the juvenile size-number trade-off with maternal age. Our findings suggest that pulsed resources experienced at birth have a limited long-lasting impact on the life-history traits of this fast-living rodent, with no significant effect on senescence patterns.

LncRNA NORFA promotes the synthesis of estradiol and inhibits the apoptosis of sow ovarian granulosa cells through SF-1/CYP11A1 axis

BackgroundBiosynthesis of 17β-estradiol (E2) is a crucial ovarian function in mammals, which is essential for follicular development and pregnancy outcome. Exploring the epigenetic regulation of E2 synthesis is beneficial for maintaining ovary health and the optimal reproductive traits. NORFA is the first validated sow fertility-associated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). However, its role on steroidogenesis is elusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the regulation and underlying mechanism of NORFA to E2 synthesis in sow granulosa cells (GCs).ResultsThrough Pearson correlation analysis and comparative detection, we found that NORFA expression was positively correlated with the levels of pregnenolone (PREG) and E2 in follicles, which also exhibited similar alteration patterns during follicular atresia. ELISA was conducted and indicated for the first time that NORFA induced the synthesis of PREG and E2 in sow GCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. RNA-seq, GSEA and quantitative analyses results validated that CYP11A1, the coding gene of P450SCC which is the first step rate-limiting enzyme of E2 synthesis, was a positive functional target of NORFA. Mechanistically, NORFA promotes SF-1 expression by stabilizing NR5A1 mRNA through directly interacting with its 3’-UTR, and also tethers SF-1 to shuttle into nucleus. Additionally, SF-1 in the nucleus activates CYP11A1 transcription by directly binding to its promoter, which ultimately induces E2 synthesis and inhibits GC apoptosis.ConclusionOur findings highlight that NORFA, a multifunctional lncRNA, induces E2 synthesis and inhibits GC apoptosis through the SF-1/CYP11A1 axis in a ceRNA-independent manner, which provide valuable clues and potential targets for follicular atresia inhibition and female fertility improvement.

Optimizing sunflower yield: Understanding pollinator contribution to inform agri-environmental strategies

ContextThe agricultural intensification due to global increased food demand has harmed pollinator communities worldwide. However, some of the economically most important oilseed crops, such as the sunflower, depend on pollinators to produce seeds. While self-fertile varieties have undergone genetic selection to guarantee productivity, the pollinator-dependence levels and the economic contribution of pollinators have not been fully estimated. ObjectiveHere, we aimed to explore floral and pollinator constraints limiting the agricultural yield of sunflower varieties most frequently used in the Iberian Peninsula. MethodsPollination experiments were undertaken to analyse the pollinator-dependence level of 12 varieties under controlled conditions and also under natural conditions in 23 fields of two Spanish agricultural regions. The selfing ability and economic contribution of pollinators were estimated by comparing bagged and open-pollination treatments. ResultsOur results showed that the degree of pollinator-dependence is highly dependent on sunflower variety, with impacts on production and productivity outcomes, e.g. individual plant yield values varied between 0.188 and 0.692. Several varieties could self-fertilize and produce seeds regardless of pollinators. However, outcrossing significantly increased seed set in most varieties with increments up to 0.341. Overall, a trade-off between the number and weight of seeds was observed. Under natural field conditions, pollinators significantly increased overall sunflower production, although differences were observed among regions (increment of 275 kg/ha in Burgos and 382 kg/ha in Cuenca), with an associated economic outcome. ConclusionsThe self-fertilization ability and the level of pollinator-dependence vary according to the intrinsic reproductive traits of the variety analysed. Although some varieties are able to produce seeds despite the absence of pollinators, the sunflower clearly benefits from insect pollination. The landscape context and the availability of pollinator communities influenced the final crop yield and the economic outcome. SignificanceCombining landscape-restoring interventions with the cultivation of self-compatible varieties during at least the first years of implementation may be a solid additional agri-environmental strategy to maintain production levels and economic outcomes, which may particularly mitigate effects of pollinator and biodiversity losses mainly in highly simplified agroecosystems.

Influence of different concentrations of milk urea nitrogen on the reproductive performance of Holstein cows.

The purpose of this study was to assess how various MUN levels affected the reproductive performance traits of Iranian Holsteins. The dataset used in this study included reproduction performance records for 16,000 Holstein cows and was gathered by the Animal Breeding Center and Promotion of Animal Products of Iran on 30 large dairy herds during 2018-2021. The MUN concentrations were grouped into four classes: [Formula: see text] mg/dL (MUN1), [Formula: see text] mg/dL (MUN2), [Formula: see text] mg/dL (MUN3), and [Formula: see text] mg/dL (MUN4). The study took into account various reproductive and fertility traits, such as the number of inseminations per conception (NINS), the percentage of pregnant cows till 120 days in milk (PP120), the calving interval (CI), the days open (DO), the days from calving to the first service (DCFS), the first service conception rate (FSCR), and the abortion rate (ABR). The impact of MUN levels on the incidence of abortion and non-pregnancy in dairy cows was investigated using logistic regression models. Also, to evaluate the effect of MUN concentrations on reproduction traits, a generalized linear model was used. The MUN2 group had the greatest odds of non-pregnancy (P < 0.05; OR = 2.81; MUN2 vs. MUN1). Also, the MUN4 group had the greatest odds of abortion (P < 0.01, OR = 3.36; MUN4 vs. MUN1). The MUN2 and MUN4 groups had the greatest (51.91%) and the lowest (34.32%) FSCR, respectively. MUN classes had a significant influence on DO (P < 0.05), and MUN4 had the largest value (145.44 days). The results indicated the negative association between MUN with reproduction and fertility in Iranian Holsteins.

In-utero exposure to real-life environmental chemicals disrupts gene expression within the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis of prepubertal and adult rams

Environmental chemicals (ECs) have been associated with a broad range of disorders and diseases. Daily exposure to various ECs in the environment, or real-life exposure, has raised significant public health concerns. Utilizing the biosolids-treated pasture (BTP) sheep model, this study demonstrates that in-utero exposure to a real-life EC mixture disrupts hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis gene expression and reproductive traits in prepubertal (8-week-old, 8w) and adult (11-month-old) male sheep. Ewes were maintained on either BTP or pastures fertilized with inorganic fertilizer [control (C)] from approximately one month prior to insemination until around parturition. Thereafter, all animals were kept under control conditions. Effects on reproductive parameters including testosterone concentrations and the expression of key genes in the HPG axis were evaluated in eight-week-old and adult male offspring from both C and biosolids-exposed (B) groups. Results showed that, at 8w, relative to C (n = 11), B males (n = 11) had lower body weight, and altered testicular expression of HSD3B1, LHR and HSD17B3, BMP4, ABP, P27kip and CELF1. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified two 8w B subgroups, based on hypothalamic expression of GnRH, ESR1, and AR, and pituitary expression of KISSR. The two subgroups also exhibited different serum testosterone concentrations. The largest biosolids effects were observed in the hypothalamus of adult rams with NKB, ESR1, KISS1, AR, DLK1 and GNRH1 mRNA expression differing between B (n = 10) and C (n = 11) rams. Testicular steroidogenic enzymes CYP11A1 and HSD3B1 mRNA expression also differed between exposure groups. PCA identified two adult B subgroups, with BS1 (n = 6) displaying hypothalamic effects and BS2 (n = 4) both hypothalamic and testicular effects. The subgroups also differed in circulating testosterone concentrations. These findings demonstrate that exposure to a real-life EC mixture may predispose some males to infertility, by disrupting key functional HPG markers before puberty with consequent downstream effects on steroid hormones and spermatogenesis.

Shared environmental similarity between relatives influences heritability of reproductive timing in wild great tits.

Intraspecific variation is necessary for evolutionary change and population resilience, but the extent to which it contributes to either depends on the causes of this variation. Understanding the causes of individual variation in traits involved with reproductive timing is important in the face of environmental change, especially in systems where reproduction must coincide with seasonal resource availability. However, separating the genetic and environmental causes of variation is not straightforward, and there has been limited consideration of how small-scale environmental effects might lead to similarity between individuals that occupy similar environments, potentially biasing estimates of genetic heritability. In ecological systems, environments are often complex in spatial structure, and it may therefore be important to account for similarities in the environments experienced by individuals within a population beyond considering spatial distances alone. Here, we construct multi-matrix quantitative genetic animal models using over 11,000 breeding records (spanning 35 generations) of individually-marked great tits (Parus major) and information about breeding proximity and habitat characteristics to quantify the drivers of variability in two key seasonal reproductive timing traits. We show that the environment experienced by related individuals explains around a fifth of the variation seen in reproductive timing, and accounting for this leads to decreased estimates of heritability. Our results thus demonstrate that environmental sharing between relatives can strongly affect estimates of heritability and therefore alter our expectations of the evolutionary response to selection.

Genome-wide detection and analysis of copy number variations in Sal sheep using a high-density SNP array

Purpose: to identify CNV regions (CNVRs) and identify potentially specific CNVs in Sal sheep.Materials and methods. The research was carried out on 48 Salsk breed sheep. Genotyping was performed using high-density microarrays Ovine SNP 600 K BeadChip array (Illumina, USA). DNA copy number variation (CNV) searches were performed using PennCNV software based on the Oar_v3.1 reference genome.Results. We identified 4585 autosomal CNVs in 48 Sal breed sheep. The average CNV length was 92,3 Kb. 21,1 % of the total number of CNVs are less than 50 Kb in size. On average, from 65 to 138 CNVs were identified per animal. 527 autosomal CNVRs were obtained, representing 54,77 Mb of the entire sheep genome. The proportion of chromosomes covered by CNVR varies by chromosome, from 0,5 % on OAR25 to 9 % on OAR24. Analysis of CNVR in the ENCEMBL system revealed 42 genes in which CNVRs are localized; the remaining CNVRs are located in intergenic regions. Comparison of the identified CNVRs with sheep QTLs from the Animal QTL database showed that 39,24 % of the genes were responsible for reproductive traits, and 20,25 % were responsible for wool-related traits.Conclusions. Functional annotation of CNVRs localized in genes and intergenic spaces was carried out and the total number of detected CNVRs in the QTL database was analyzed. The results showed that CNVs are localized in genes associated with selection-significant traits in sheep.

Phenotypic characterization of Echinochloa species in California rice

AbstractTwo independent greenhouse experiments were conducted in December 2020 and July 2021 in Davis, CA to characterize Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.) P. Beauv., Echinochloa colona (L.) Link, Echinochloa oryzicola (Vasinger) Vasinger and Echinochloa walteri (Pursh) A. Heller found in California rice systems based on their morphological traits. Phenotypic data was collected on 10 vegetative traits including plant height, number of tillers, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, flag leaf angle, the colour of leaf sheath, leaf blade colour, internode colour, node colour, growth habit and nine reproductive traits including number of days to heading, number of panicles, length of panicle, length of panicle branches, seeds per panicle, panicle weight, seed colour, awn length and awn pattern. High plasticity was observed in all species characterized in both experiments for both vegetative and reproductive traits, indicating potential inter‐specific hybridization. Awn length, days to heading, length of the panicle, length of the panicle branches, plant height, flag leaf angle, and growth habit were significantly higher in the fall experiment for all species indicating photoperiod could play a role in the expression of these traits. Also, high variation was observed for plant height, number of tillers, awn length, panicle weight, seeds/panicle, length of panicle branch, and number of panicles for all species in both experiments. The results from this study indicate morphological diversity currently present in Echinochloa species could contribute to their adaptation to selection pressure imposed by different management tools in California, emphasizing the need for a diversified management approach to effectively control this weed species.

Effects and interactions of dietary lysine and apparent nitrogen corrected metabolizable energy on yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens

BackgroundDietary lysine and apparent nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (AMEn) are two key variables affecting the production of breeder hens. In this study, the effects and interactions of lysine and AMEn on yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens were investigated. A total of 720 30-week-old breeder hens were fed in a 5 (lysine: 0.56%, 0.68%, 0.80%, 0.92%, and 1.04%) × 2 (AMEn: 11.50 and 11.10 MJ/kg) factorial arrangement for 12 weeks. The productive performance, reproductive traits, biochemical variables of breeder hens, the amino acid concentration and quality of eggs, and the growth performance of offspring broilers were determined.Result(1) Dietary lysine had quadratic effects (P < 0.05) on laying rate, average daily egg mass and feed intake/egg mass of breeder hens; birds with 11.50 MJ/kg AMEn (high AMEn) had higher (P < 0.05) BW than those with 11.10 MJ/kg AMEn (low AMEn); (2) dietary lysine significantly affected on the relative ovarian weight (quadratic and linear), and numbers of large yellow follicles (LYF, quadratic); birds with high AMEn had longer fallopian tube and more LYF than those with low AMEn (P < 0.05); (3) dietary lysine had significant effects (linear and quadratic) on eggshell thickness and shell strength of eggs from breeder hens; birds with high AMEn had thinner eggshells and deeper yolk color than those with low AMEn (P < 0.05); (4) there were higher (P < 0.05) contents of protein and concentrations of all measured animo acids (AAs) in eggs from birds fed low AMEn; (5) supplementation with high AMEn to breeder hens significantly increased the hatchability of fertilized eggs; (6) neither dietary lysine level or AMEn affected growth performance of offspring broilers; (7) both dietary lysine level and AMEn significantly affected gonadotropin concentrations and biochemical variables of breeder hens.ConclusionsDietary lysine had significant influences on productive performance, reproductive traits, and egg quality of yellow-feathered breeder hens. Based on productive performance, the optimal levels of dietary lysine were 0.81% to 0.83%, while 0.71% to 72% lysine was enough to obtain the best quality of breeding eggs. High AMEn was more beneficial to breeder hens for reproductive traits and hatchability of the fertilized eggs, while it showed detrimental effects on eggshell thickness and AA concentrations of breeding eggs.

The macroecology of Mesozoic dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs thrived for over 160 million years in Mesozoic ecosystems, displaying diverse ecological and evolutionary adaptations. Their ecology was shaped by large-scale climatic and biogeographic changes, calling for a 'deep-time' macroecological investigation. These factors include temperature fluctuations and the break up of Pangaea, influencing species richness, ecological diversity and biogeographic history. Recent improvements in the dinosaur fossil record have enabled large-scale studies of their responses to tectonic, geographic and climatic shifts. Trends in species diversity, body size and reproductive traits can now be analysed using quantitative approaches like phylogenetic comparative methods, machine learning and Bayesian inference. These patterns sometimes align with, but also deviate from, first-order macroecological rules (e.g. species-area relationship, latitudinal biodiversity gradient, Bergmann's rule). Accurate reconstructions of palaeobiodiversity and niche partitioning require ongoing taxonomic revisions and detailed anatomical descriptions. Interdisciplinary research combining sedimentology, geochemistry and palaeoclimatology helps uncover the environmental conditions driving dinosaur adaptations. Fieldwork in under-sampled regions, particularly at latitudinal extremes, is crucial for understanding the spatial heterogeneity of dinosaur ecosystems across the planet. Open science initiatives and online databases play a key role in advancing this field, enriching our understanding of deep-time ecological processes, and offering new insights into dinosaur macroecology and its broader implications.

On the Relationship Among Linear Type Traits and Functional Longevity in the Italian Mediterranean Buffalo Using a Weibull Proportional Hazards Model

Weibull proportional hazards model was used to identify the non-genetic effects that affect length of productive life (LPL) of the Italian Mediterranean Buffalo (IMB). Data were provided by the Italian National Association of Buffalo Breeders (ANASB) and included records of reproductive, productive, and linear type traits from 59,943 buffalo with first calving from 2002 to 2019. Data were divided into 4 geographical regions to determine if the relationship between the investigated effects and LPL varied by region. LPL was defined as the number of days from the first calving to culling for those buffaloes that were culled (uncensored) or to the date of the last test-day for those that are still alive (censored). The Weibull model included time-dependent effects of herd-year-season of calving, parity and stage of lactation, production as within-herd deviations, as well as time-independent effects of age at first calving, year of birth, type of reproduction (natural mating vs artificial insemination), classifier and ten linear type traits. The average duration of productive life was 1,604 days. Both year of birth and production level had a significant effect on culling risk. Moreover, culling risk decreased linearly across parities. The reference point for age at first calving relative to other classes was set at 35 months. A significant relationship between linear type traits and relative culling risk was also observed, being highest for buffaloes with the lowest linear scores. The results show that the Weibull model provides consistent and robust risk estimates. Therefore, this model would be recommended for future implementation of the first genetic evaluation of LPL in the Italian Mediterranean Buffalo.

Conservative character of the germ-line cyst organization within enchytraeids (Annelida: Clitellata) ovary – new proofs based on two Achaeta species

Ovaries in a minute and mainly aquatic clitellates, collectively termed microdriles, are usually tiny paired gonads localized, depending on the family/subfamily, in segments VI, XI, XII, or XIII. Sometimes, two pairs of ovaries are present in consecutive segments, or ovaries are unpaired. Usually, accumulating yolk (vitellogenic) oocytes detach from ovaries and float in the coelom cavity.This study presents the microscopical analyses of unpaired ovaries found in two representatives of the genus Achaeta (family Enchytraeidae). The ovary is an inconspicuous organ composed of germ-line cysts uniting early meiotic cells. Cysts comprise 16 synchronously developing cells interconnected via cytoplasmic bridges to the central cytoplasmic mass, termed cytophore. Each interconnected cell has one bridge connecting it to the cytophore. Clustering germ cells are enveloped by elongated somatic cells. The developmental synchrony within cysts is lost when one cell per cyst forms prominent microvilli, gather vast amounts of nutrients (yolk), and becomes an oocyte. The remaining 15 cells do not form microvilli, grow slowly, and are regarded as nurse cells that supply the oocyte with organelles and probably macromolecules. Such cysts detach from the ovary and float freely in the segmental cavity. Nurse cells and vitellogenic oocyte are still connected to the ball-like cytophore. Vitellogenic oocytes gather vast amounts of reserve material, mainly protein spheres. Finally, oocytes lose contact with the cytophore, and nurse cells no longer accompany them.The ovary organization and oogenesis scenario observed in this study are broadly similar to that described for other enchytraeid species, such as Enchytraeus albidus and Grania postclitellochaeta, and have been classified as the “Enchytraeus” type of ovary. The obtained results show that despite the unpaired nature of the Achaeta ovary and some differences in ovary morphology and oogenesis between different enchytraeid taxa, the ovaries of these clitellates are consistently composed of 16-celled germ-line cysts equipped with cytophore. Moreover, the presence of cysts equipped with cytophore in the ovaries of the studied Achaeta specimens provides the subsequent evidence that the formation of such germ-line cysts is a conserved aspect of oogenesis within the Clitellata. This consistency in the ovarian and oogenic patterns underscores the evolutionary conservation of these reproductive traits within the Enchytraeidae and clitellate annelids.

A comparative analysis of economic traits between purebred and synthesized sheep breeds in dry and harsh environments of Iran

The present study aimed to compare economic traits of Baluchi as an indigenous purebred and Iran-Black and Arman as synthesized breeds of sheep in Iran. Data of Baluchi, Iran-Black and Arman were collected from the Abbas Abad Breeding Station located in Mashhad, Iran. The studied pre-weaning traits included birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and survival from birth to weaning (SU). The studied reproductive traits included litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), total litter weight at birth (TLWB), and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW). Data was analyzed using the generalized linear model (GLM) procedure in SAS software. The least square means were compared using a Tukey test at a significance level of 0.05. The least square means for BW were 3.87, 3.71 and 3.75kg, for WW were 20.06, 20.86 and 20.98kg, and for SU were 88.26, 82.94 and 90.26 percent in Baluchi, Iran-Black and Arman sheep, respectively. The least square means for LSB and LSW were 1.31, 1.59, 1.57 lambs born per ewe and 1.17, 1.31, 1.42 lambs weaned per ewe for Baluchi, Iran-Black and Arman sheep, respectively. The least square means for TLWB in purebred and synthetic breeds differed significantly, with values of 5.66kg, 6.25kg, and 6.31kg for Baluchi, Iran-Black and Arman sheep, respectively. Furthermore, the least square means for TLWW was 28.94kg, 32.16kg and 33.67kg per ewe in Baluchi, Iran-Black and Arman sheep, respectively. The results obtained in this study indicated that TLWW in Iran-Black and Arman ewes increased by approximately 11.13% and 16.34% compared to Baluchi ewes, respectively. It can be concluded that crossbreeding Baluchi sheep with foreign breeds to create synthetic breeds has had a positive impact on the efficiency of the sheep industry in Iran.

Biological Parameters and Feeding Potential of Micromus timidus Hagen (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) on Selected Aphid Species

In the present study, we investigated on the developmental biology, adult longevity and fecundity of Micromus timidus Hagen on Aphis craccivora (Koch), Aphis gossypii Glover, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) and Uroleucon compositae (Theobald) at room temperature (28±20C) and relative humidity of 70%. The study design followed was completely randomized design (CRD). The study was conducted with three replications with 10 larvae in each replication for biology studies and for adult parameters 3 replications with 10 pairs in each replication used. Shortest incubation period, II instar and III instar duration, total larval period, pre-pupal period, and egg to adult period of M. timidus were recorded on A. craccivora, shortest I instar duration was recorded on U. compositae and least pupal period on A. gossypii. The developmental periods for all trait were extended when fed on R. maidis. The reproductive traits viz., oviposition period and adult longevity (male and female) were maximum when M. timidus adults fed on A. gossypii, and the highest fecundity was recorded when fed on A. craccivora. Feeding potential in M. timidus increases progressively across successive instars, with III instar larvae exhibiting the highest aphid predation rate, and first instar larvae displaying the lowest feeding activity. The maximum feeding potential of the larva was noted on A. craccivora (142.47 ± 31.66), while, the adult feeding potential increased when it was given with A. gossypii (1335.10 ± 192.74).

The impact of LEP gene polymorphisms located at exon 2 (LEP-HinfI) and intron 2 (LEP-Sau3AI) on growth and reproductive traits in Saanen goats

Abstract. Leptin (LEP), alternatively recognized as the obesity gene, influences food consumption, energy balance, and lipid metabolism. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, and variations in the LEP gene have been studied extensively among various livestock species. These investigations have unveiled correlations with traits such as meat quality, milk yield and composition, and growth characteristics. Nevertheless, the existing knowledge regarding its correlation with growth and reproductive traits in goats is comparatively limited, particularly when juxtaposed with studies of cattle. Hence, the objective of the current study was to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms in the intron 2 (Sau3AI) and exon 2 (HinfI) regions of the LEP gene and growth and reproductive traits in Saanen goats. The study comprised 185 Saanen goats in total. The PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism) technique was employed to genotype these polymorphisms. Population genetic analysis included the number of effective alleles, heterozygosity, polymorphism information content, and compatibility with the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The general linear model procedure's least-squares methods were used for the statistical analysis. The SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) located in exon 2 (LEP-HinfI) was monomorphic. Remarkably, the SNP located in intron 2 (LEP-Sau3AI) was associated with birth weight (p&lt;0.05) and average daily weight gain (p&lt;0.05). In this context, the AA genotype demonstrated higher birth weight and daily live weight gain means compared to other genotypes. No significant differences were observed in litter size, total weight gain, or morphometric measurements. The caprine LEP-Sau3AI polymorphism situated within intron 2 proved influential in traits critical for the profitability and sustainability of goat breeding. The findings of this study provide novel and valuable information for future research on the LEP gene in goats.

Early and adult life environmental effects on reproductive performance in preindustrial women.

Early life environments can have long-lasting effects on adult reproductive performance, but disentangling the influence of early and adult life environments on fitness is challenging, especially for long-lived species. Using a detailed dataset spanning over two centuries, we studied how both early and adult life environments impacted reproductive performance in preindustrial women. Due to a wide geographic range, agricultural production was lower in northern compared to southern parishes, and health conditions were worse in urban than rural parishes. We tested whether reproductive traits and offspring survival varied between early and adult life environments by comparing women who moved between different environments during their lifetime with those who moved parishes but remained in the same environment. Our findings reveal that urban-born women had an earlier age at first reproduction and less offspring surviving to adulthood than rural-born women. Moreover, switching from urban to rural led to increased offspring survival, while switching from rural to urban had the opposite effect. Finally, women who switched from rural to urban and from South to North had their first child at an older age compared to those who stayed in the same environment type. Our study underscores the complex and interactive effects of early and adult life environments on reproductive traits, highlighting the need to consider both when studying environmental effects on reproductive outcomes.