Seasonal Weight Research Articles

Regulation of Physiological and Biochemical Mechanisms Related to Water Stress Tolerance in Barley and Improvement of Growth and Productivity Using Salicylic Acid and Chitosan

The present investigation aimed to assess the impacts of three Salicylic Acid (SA) concentrations (T2=100, T3=200, T4=300ppm), three Chitosan concentrations (T5=150, T6=225, T7=300ppm) and T8= Salicylic Acid (100 ppm) with Chitosan (150 ppm) mixture in comparison to control treatment (T1) on two barley cultivars Giza126 and Giza 134 under rainfed conditions. Some vegetative and yield traits were recorded, plant height, spike length, number of gains spike-1, number of spikes/m2, 1000 grain weight, biological and grain yield. A split plot design was performed with three replications. The field experiment was conducted in the northern west coast region of Egypt (Marsa Matruh government) under the rainfed condi­tions during 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 growing seasons. The results showed a direct relationship between increased foliar application and increased yield attributes. Results indicated that Giza 126 cultivar as affected by T4 showed the most desirable values for grains spikes-1 in first season, spikes/m2, biological yield and grain yield during the first and second seasons respectively. In addition, barley cultivar Giza 126 as affected by T3 showed the highest values for grains spikes-1 in second season. On the other hand, barley cultivar Giza 134 as affected by T4 showed the highest values for plant height, spike length and 1000-grain weight in first and second seasons respectively. From results, it can be concluded that the Salicylic Acid (SA) concentration 300 ppm is recommendable for improving the productivity of barley under rainfed conditions of Egypt. To study the potential role of SA and Chitosan on water stress tolerance mechanisms some biochemical and physiological parameters were recorded. Application of SA and Chitosan decreased significantly Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) measuring by determined the concentrations of MDA and H2O2 especially SA with concentrations 300 ppm (T4). For osmolytes (proline, SSC and SPC), all treatments using SA and Chitosan induced significant increase in osmolytes content compared with control under water stress only in the two studied barley genotypes, except for treatment with Chitosan 225 and 300 ppm in Giza 126 for proline content. Similar results were recorded for antioxidant enzymes activity (CAT, POX and PPO) which showed up-regulation for all treatments compared with control under water stress for the two studied genotypes. On contrast, APX antioxidant enzyme recorded the highest activity in control treatment under water stress only. In general, for all studied treatments comparing with control, application of SA300 ppm and the mixture between SA100 and Chitosan150 ppm were the best treatment for induction of up and down regulation of biochemical and physiological component in the barley cells which is known as defense system against water stress damage.

Critical yield components for achieving high annual grain yield in ratoon rice.

Ratoon rice is considered an eco-friendly and resource-efficient method for rice cultivation, providing innovative strategies to mitigate the global food crisis. To clarify the critical yield components for achieving high annual grain yield in ratoon rice, data from 136 widely cultivated rice cultivars were collected through a six-year field experiment. The study analyzed the correlations between yield components and yields for both the main season and the ratoon season, indicating that main yields vary between 5.9 and 10.9 Mg ha-1, exhibiting a highly significant positive correlation with spikelets per panicle; ratoon yields range from 1.8 to 7.1 Mg ha-1, showing a highly significant positive correlation with panicles per m2, grain filling rate, and 1000-grain weight. Path analysis reveals that, in terms of contributing to ratoon yield, the grain filling rate is the most influential component, followed by panicles per m2, and 1000-grain weight. Therefore, by selecting large-panicle cultivars in the main season and enhancing panicles per m2, grain filling rate, and grain weight in the ratoon season, high annual yield in ratoon rice can be realized.

Herbicide evaluation in direct seeded rice in the middle Gangetic plains of India

AbstractA field experiment was conducted in Samastipur district of Bihar, India during kharif season of 2021 and 2022 to identify suitable herbicides for control of composite weed flora in direct seeded rice. Compared to weedy check, application of bispyribac sodium + pyrazosulfuron ethyl as tank mixture effectively reduced weed density at 50 days after seeding during both the cropping season (82% and 86%, respectively) and weed dry weight (7.62 and 7.18 g m−2, respectively) over control and as a result yielded maximum during both the cropping season (47.92 and 51.32 q ha−1, respectively). Based on overall performance, bispyribac sodium + pyrazosulfuron ethyl may be considered as viable weed management option in direct seeded rice for the rice growers of middle Indo‐Gangetic region.

Performance, Carcass Traits, and Meat Fatty Acid Profile of Post-Weaning and Finishing Zebu Steers on Tropical Pasture with Three Low-Intake Supplementation Strategies.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of three supplementation strategies on intake, apparent digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, carcass traits, proximate composition, and the fatty acid profile of meat from steers on tropical pasture during the post-weaning and finishing stages. The experiment involved 33 1/2 Holstein × 1/2 castrated Zebu steers weighing 335 ± 42.90 kg, aged 22 ± 2 m. The animals were managed on Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu using an intermittent grazing system with continuous stocking and variable stocking rates for 310 days. The supplementation strategies were as follows: MS/US (mineral salt/urea supplementation): mineral salt in the rainy season and mineral salt with urea in the dry season; US/PS1 (urea supplementation/protein supplementation): mineral salt with urea in the rainy season and protein supplement at 1 g/kg body weight (BW) in the dry season; and PS1/PS2 (protein supplementation 1/protein supplementation 2): protein supplement at 1 g/kg BW in the rainy season and 2 g/kg BW in the dry season. The dry matter intake did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between strategies. However, the post-weaning PS1/PS2 strategy resulted in higher (p < 0.05) crude protein intake. The final body weight did not differ (p > 0.05) between the strategies, but the average daily gain in post-weaning and finishing was higher (p < 0.05) for MS/US (restricted) animals. Carcass weight, subcutaneous fat thickness, and lipid content in meat were significantly higher (p < 0.05) for steers in the PS1/PS2 group. Steers finished on MS/US produced meat with a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and ω-3 fatty acids (p < 0.05). Concentrate supplementation at 1 g/kg BW during the rainy season and 2 g/kg BW during the dry season is recommended for post-weaning and finishing steers on tropical pasture.

EFFECT OF POTASSIUM SOURCES ON SOME POTATO CULTIVARS GROWN IN SANDY SOIL BY USING PIVOT IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Study was carried out during two successive summer seasons of 2021 and 2022 at private filed in El-Salhyia El-Gadida District, Sharkia Governorate, to study response of some potato cultivars to potassium sources as foliar application under sandy soil conditions using pivot irrigation system. This experiment included 25 treatments, which were the combinations between five potato cultivars (Spunta , Santana , Cara , Lady Rosetta and Hermes) and four potassium sources treatments , i.e. spraying with potassium silicate (KSil , (potassium citrate (KCit), potassium folvate (KF) and potassium thiosulpahte (KTS) as well as control (without spraying). These treatments were arranged in a split plot design with three replicates. Potato cultivars were randomly arranged in the main plots and potassium sources were randomly distributed in the sub plots. Spraying Cara cultivar with KCit increased number of tubers/ plant and total yield /hectare, whereas spraying Spunta cultivar with KCit increased average tuber weight in both seasons. While, spraying Hermes cultivar with KSil as foliar spray increased DM, starch and total carbohydrates in tubers. Spunta cultivar with water only increased total sugars in tubers. In addition, the fertilization of Cara cultivar with KCit as a foliar application recorded a relative increase in the total yield of tubers amounting to about 72.50% as an average of the two seasons compared to the same cultivar without.

Improving Water Use Efficiency, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Crimson Seedless Grapevines under Drought Stress

Drought stress is a group of abiotic stresses that affects plant growth and yield production. A field experiment over two successive seasons (2021–2022 and 2022–2023) in sand soil was conducted to investigate the integration effect of deficit irrigation, soil amendment “hundzsoil”, and the spraying of proline on the water use efficiency (WUE), yield, and fruit quality of 8-year-old Crimson seedless table grapes. Four application rates of soil amendment (0, 2, 4, and 6 kg hundzsoil /vine) were added during the dormancy period, and four irrigation levels at 125, 100, 75, and 60% of the field capacity were applied just before flowering until harvest. Proline at two levels (0 and 500 ppm) was applied as a foliar spray. Parameters such as bud fertility, weight of 100 berries, juice volume, and cluster number were positively affected by irrigation at 75% FC along with applying hundzsoil at 2 and 4 kg/vine under proline spray in both seasons. Irrigation at the 125% FC level with a 6 kg hundzsoil application under proline spray resulted in the highest yield, berries number, cluster length, cluster weight, and total anthocyanin in both seasons. The TSS/acidity ratio was significantly and positively affected by deficit irrigation (60% FC level) under hundzsoil at a rate of 4 kg alongside proline spray. Reducing irrigation to 60% FC without hundzsoil and proline spray negatively affected numerous growth parameters and the yield. However, irrigation at 60% FC alongside 6 kg of hundzsoil and proline showed the highest IWUE in both seasons. Proline spray was a key factor in conserving water used for irrigation. This study recommends using deficit irrigation alongside hundzsoil application under proline spray as an adequate strategy for water use efficiency and improving the yield and fruit quality of Crimson seedless grapevines cultivated in sand soil.

Seasonality of Birth Weight in Singleton Full-term Births in Finland

Seasonal birth weight has been identified across different climate zones. Finland has wide seasonal and regional variation in climate within the country. We explore the potential seasonality of birth weight in singleton full-term births in Finland, and its variations across time and within the country. We apply descriptive time-series graphs, linear regression across regions, and linear regression with mother fixed effects using Finnish register data consisting of more than 1,800,000 infants born from 1987 to 2021. The descriptive findings indicate a decline in birth weight from 1987 to 2021. A monthly seasonal trend with peaks in spring and autumn and troughs in summer and winter is observed. The pattern gets less distinct with time and shows within-country variations. The seasonal pattern is also present when applying mother fixed effects. We suggest that the seasonal variation is more related to variations in climate than stable characteristics at the family level.

Cultural tourism attraction recommendation model based on optimized weighted association rule algorithm

To address the challenge of users selecting rich tourism resources, this study proposes a model for cultural tourism attraction recommendation using an optimized weighted association rule algorithm. This model includes time and season weight for tourist attraction recommendations. This model proposes improvement methods to address some inherent issues in traditional tourism recommendation models. Firstly, it constructed a recommendation model for cultural tourism attractions, and then optimized the weighted association rule algorithm by incorporating dynamic time weights. It takes into account the user's intended time in the recommendation outcome. Moreover, it incorporated seasonal weights to optimize the weighted rule algorithm for factors such as user travel time and the attractions' peak season during the recommendation process. The experiment indicates that the F1 value of the improved algorithm model proposed in this study reaches 0.952, the accuracy reaches 0.985, the area under the curve reaches 0.955, the Recall value reaches 0.812, and the fitting degree reaches 0.971. The results suggest that the proposed cultural tourism attraction recommendation model, based on an optimized weighted association algorithm, performs well in recommending tourist destinations. This model can have a positive impact on the development of the tourism industry.

Effect of potassium nitrate, licorice extract and planting date on field emergence and growth of maize (Zea mays L.) in spring season

Low temperature and high relative humidity in the spring season led to decrease of field emergence ratio and growth in maize. Planting dates and seeds stimulation can be appropriate fix. Field experiment was conducted in the two spring seasons of 2022 and 2023. Randomize complete block design with split-plot arrangement and four replications was used. Planting date treatments (February 15th, March 1st and 15th and April 1st, 15th) were placed in main plots. Seeds stimulation treatments (potassium nitrate 6 mg L−1 + licorice extract 6 g L−1 as well as treatment of soaking with distilled water only) were placed in subplots. Seeds stimulation (potassium nitrate+licorice extract) or planting date of February 15th were superior at traits of field emergence ratio, days to 75% tassel and silk, days to physiological and full maturity, leaf area index, plant dry weight and crop growth rate in both seasons. Interaction treatment of stimulation (potassium nitrate+licorice extract) and planting date of February 15th excelled at traits above (86.2 and 86.9%), (87.0 and 86.0 day), (91.2 and 91.0 day), (113.5 and 110.0 day), and (113.5 and 110.0 day), respectively. It can be concluded that seed stimulation contributes to enhancing plant growth in adverse conditions in the spring season by increasing the field emergence ratio and plant growth rate over a wide range of environmental conditions. Determining the appropriate planting date contributes to utilizing the prevailing environmental conditions and raising the efficiency of metabolic processes in increasing plant dry weight. Also, using natural materials to stimulate seeds to withstand adverse conditions, which boosts the concept of sustainable agriculture. It can be recommended soaking the seeds with potassium nitrate+licorice extract when planting in the spring season.

Association of passive immunity and genetic composition, health, and performance of tropical dairy calves

This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify risk factors for the failure of transfer of passive immunity (FPI) in preweaned dairy calves, explore its associations with morbidity, mortality, genetics, and determine a standardized cut-off point for FPI. Analyzing data from 6011 calves, factors such as sire predicted transmitted ability for milk (PTA), birth season, retained placenta (RP), total serum protein concentration (TSP), morbidity (neonatal calf diarrhea - NCD, bovine respiratory disease - BRD, tick-borne disease - TBD), mortality, and average daily weight gain (ADG) were considered. The calves were categorized into predominantly Gyr (PG) and predominantly Holstein (PH) genetic composition groups. Multivariate mixed logistic regression revealed optimal TSP cut-off points for predicting morbidity (7.6 g/dL) and mortality (6.9 g/dL). PH calves exhibited 1.35 times higher odds of FPI and 1.48 times greater odds of disease. Calves from multiparous cows and those born to dams with RP had increased FPI odds. Disease prevalence was 53%, with 41% NCD, 18% BRD, and 10% TBD. Season, parity, PTA, and birth weight were associated with disease odds, though FPI was not a reliable predictor. The mortality percentage was 6%, with PH calves and those with a positive PTA having higher odds. The ADG was 0.64 kg, and FPI-affected calves gained less weight. The study compared and identified various risk factors that potentially impact calf immunity. However, the use of a standardized cut-off point for FPI assessment was not effective in predicting morbidity and mortality at this specific farm.

EFFECT OF BIO HEALTH, TECAMIN MAX AND BENZYL ADENINE ON GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS OF SWEET ORANGE SEEDLINGS

This investigation was aimed to study the effect of soil application of Bio health and foliar application with Tecamin max and Benzyl adenine on growth characteristic of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) seedlings during two successive seasons (2020 and 2021). Bio health was added with three concentrations (0, 6 and 12 g.L-1) to the soil and foliar application of Tecamin max with three concentration (0, 5 and 10 ml.L-1), Benzyl adenine with three concentration (0, 100 and 200 mg. L-1) on the sweet orange seedlings which were brought from private nursery in Duhok city and have two- years old and nearly uniform in growth vigor. The results proved that all parameters such as increases in plant high, stem diameter, branch numbers, single leaf area, total chlorophyll as soon as leaves carbohydrate and leaves dry weight in both seasons were increased significantly as compared with control, accept Tecamin max had no significant effect on leaves carbohydrates and leaves dry weight, Benzyl adenine no significant effect on leaves dry weight on both seasons, Furthermore, combination among high concentration of Bio health, Tecamin max and Benzyl adenine improved all parameters in comparison with the control.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in wild fish and seasonal variation and source identification of heavy metals in sediments: a case study of typical urban river in Xi'an, China.

In order to determine the status of heavy metal pollution in river sediments and wild fish in Xi'an, concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb) were collected and analyzed in sediments and wild fish during dry season (October-November 2020) and wet season (June-July 2021). This study aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal variations of heavy metals in urban rivers of Xi'an, China. Their distribution characteristics and sources as well their pollution levels and health risks were assessed. The findings revealed that influenced by human activities, the heavy metal content in sediments (mg·kg-1 dry weight) in wet season was ranked as follows: Cr (73.09) > Zn (63.73) > Pb (40.31) > Ni (31.52) > Cu (24.86) > As (6.83); in the dry season: Zn (94.07) > Cr (69.59) > Cu (34.24) > Ni (33.60) > Pb (32.87) > As (7.60). Moreover, 32 fish samples from six species indicated an average metal content trend (mg·kg-1 wet weight) of Zn (8.70) > Cr (0.57) > Pb (0.28) > Ni (0.27) > Cu (0.24) > As (0.05). The potential ecological risk indices for sediment heavy metal concentrations in both seasons were well below the thresholds, which indicates that the aquatic environment is in safe level. The analysis of the potential ecological risk of sediment heavy metal concentrations indicates that the aquatic environment is safe for the time being. Based on the estimated daily intake (EDI), target risk quotient (THQ), total target risk quotient (TTHQ), cancer risk (CR), total cancer risk (TCR), and the permissible safety limits set by the agencies, the consumption of the fish examined is safe for human health. However, the presence of Cr and As in wild fish should still be a concern for human health, especially for children. The cumulative effect of heavy metals and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) suggest that sediment and heavy metals in fish are closely related, with higher concentrations in fish living in the bottom layer of the water column than in other water layers, and increasing with increasing predator levels. Correlation analysis and PMF modeling identified and determined four comparable categories of potential sources, namely, (1) atmospheric deposition and traffic sources, (2) agricultural sources, (3) industrial sources, and (4) natural sources.

Muscle, season, sex, and carcass weight affected pork texture, collagen characteristics, and intramuscular fat content.

In this study, pigs from 3 supply chains were slaughtered in an Australian summer and winter (n = 20 for each supply chain). The pigs were from 2 sexes (female and castrated male) and 2 carcass weight groups (high: 95.0 to 100.0kg and low: 75.0 to 80.0kg). From each carcass, the Biceps femoris (BF), Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), and Triceps brachii (TB) were excised at 24h postmortem, vacuum packed, frozen at 24-48h and transported to the lab. Cooking loss, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and texture profile analysis (adhesiveness, chewiness, cohesiveness, hardness, resilience, and springiness) were measured in LTL and BF. pH, collagen content, and solubility and intramuscular fat (IMF) content were determined for all muscles. Results showed that BF was tougher than LTL, and winter samples were tougher than summer ones (P < 0.05). The TB had higher pH, collagen, and IMF content than BF and LTL (P < 0.05). Collagen solubility was higher in castrated male and winter samples. pH, collagen solubility, and IMF content were significantly (P < 0.05) related to chewiness and hardness in pork BF and LTL. pH and IMF were also related to cooking loss, while collagen solubility and IMF were related to WBSF (P < 0.05). The relationships of pH and IMF with pork texture were predominantly driven by the LTL, while the relationships between collagen solubility and texture were predominantly driven by the BF. Collagen solubility and IMF of pork BF and TB were related to those of LTL, but the correlations were not strong enough for prediction. Pork texture and chemical components were affected by muscle, seasons, sex and carcass weight. pH, collagen solubility, and IMF-affected pork texture.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEONARDITE DOSES AND CROSS-SOWING METHODS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF RED LENTIL

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different cross-sowing methods and different doses of leonardite on the growth of red lentils under rain-fed conditions. Treatments consisted of different cross-sowing methods (control, 45° cross-sowing and 90° cross-sowing) and different leonardite doses (0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 kg ha−1). The trial was carried out in Diyarbakır province in Türkiye. The same rate of leonardite was applied to the same plots for two consecutive years to observe the two-year effect of leonardite in the experiment, which was established with four replications according to the factorial experimental design in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 production seasons. A positive effect of leonardite application was observed on the number of nodules and fresh root weight in the first production season. The highest nodule number (11.84) was obtained with 2500 kg ha−1 and the highest fresh root weight (0.24, 0.25 and 0.24 g) was obtained at 500, 1000 and 1500 kg ha−1 doses, respectively. The highest plant height, number of main branches, and number of pod parameters were obtained at a dose of 1500 kg ha−1 in the second production season (36.63 cm, 3.95 and 17.43, respectively). The highest grain yield (889.5 kg ha−1), dry root weight (0.125 g) and number of nodules (50.01) were obtained at a dose of 1000 kg ha−1 in the second production season. It was determined that different sowing methods did not affect grain yield in either production season.

Significance of selenium in ameliorating the effects of irrigation deficit via improving photosynthesis efficiency, cell integrity, osmo-protectants, and oil profile of anise crop

Anise is one of the plants with therapeutic potential, which is classified among the most important medicinal plants with interesting biological effects. Its components could be perceived so as “natural” and “safe” alternatives to antibiotics as well as they are applied in different industries such as food and cosmetic purposes. Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient, however, its importance to improve oil yield and quality of anise has not been adequately investigated, specifically under drought. Therefore, two successive seasons were conducted to investigate the effect of selenium foliar application upon anise plants under drought stress. Selenium was applied at three different concentrations (0.0 1.0 and 2.0 mM denoted Se0, Se1 and Se2, respectively) along with two levels of crop evapotranspiration (ET): Full irrigation, 100% of ET (FI) and 60% of ET (DI). The promotive effect of combinations of DI × Se1 or Se2 (for Fv/Fm, RWC%, and MSI% in the first season) and DI × Se2 (for Fv/Fm, and MSI% in the second season) were as similar as FI × Se2. Compared to the counterpart control treatment (DI × Se0), the highest increases in total free amino acids (31.5 and 31.6%), total soluble sugars (84.2 and 86.4%) and free proline content (84.2 and 86.4%) were recorded with application of DI × Se2 practice in both seasons, respectively. Under DI, Se2 recorded the maximum values of root length, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight in the second season. Under drought, the increases in seed yield due to application of Se1 and Se2 amounted to 1.72 and 1.62 folds in the 1st season and 1.50 and 1.43 folds in 2nd one, respectively. The most effective practice for improving IWUE was Se1× DI in both seasons, followed by Se2 × DI. Based on the chromatographical detection, the maximum values of Anethole were recorded with FI × Se2 while L-Linalool has greatly increased with DI × Se2. In conclusion, the growers in arid and semi-arid zones are advised to use selenium (2.0 mM) in anise fertilization to mitigate the adverse impacts of drought, and keeping crop yield and quality.

Effect of Palivizumab Prophylaxis on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Very Preterm Infants in the First Year of Life in The Netherlands.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses a severe threat to infants, particularly preterm infants. Palivizumab, the standard preventive prophylaxis, is primarily utilized in high-risk newborns due to its cost. This study assessed palivizumab's effectiveness in preventing RSV infections in predominantly very preterm infants during their first year of life. Serum samples from a prospective multicentre cohort study in the Netherlands were analyzed to assess RSV infection rates by measuring IgG levels against three RSV proteins: nucleoprotein, pre-fusion, and post-fusion protein. Infants were stratified based on gestational age (GA), distinguishing very preterm (≤32 weeks GA) from moderate/late preterm (>32 to ≤36 weeks GA). In very preterm infants, palivizumab prophylaxis significantly reduced infection rates (18.9% vs. 48.3% in the prophylaxis vs. non-prophylaxis group. Accounting for GA, sex, birth season, and birth weight, the prophylaxis group showed significantly lower infection odds. In infants with >32 to ≤36 weeks GA, the non-prophylaxis group (55.4%) showed infection rates similar to the non-prophylaxis ≤32-week GA group, despite higher maternal antibody levels in the moderate/late preterm infants. In conclusion, palivizumab prophylaxis significantly reduces RSV infection rates in very premature infants. Future research should explore clinical implications and reasons for non-compliance, and compare palivizumab with emerging prophylactics like nirsevimab aiming to optimize RSV prophylaxis and improve preterm infant outcomes.

Confidence does not mediate a relationship between owner experience and likelihood of using weight management approaches for native ponies.

Native ponies are at increased risk of obesity and metabolic perturbations, such as insulin dysregulation (ID), a key risk factor for endocrinopathic laminitis. Management and feeding practices can be adapted to maintain healthy body condition and support metabolic health, but owners may inadvertently provide their ponies with inappropriate management leading to obesity and exacerbating risk of metabolic disease. Adoption of preventative weight management approaches (WMAs), including regular monitoring of body condition, providing appropriate preserved forage, promoting seasonal weight loss, and using exercise accordingly, are key in supporting native ponies' metabolic health. The factors influencing the adoption of WMAs, such as owners' experience and confidence, require exploration. The aim of the current study was to understand factors influencing owners' likelihood to undertake certain WMAs, to develop our understanding of suitable intervention targets. A total of 571 responses to an online cross-sectional questionnaire were analysed. Mediation analysis revealed that whilst long term (≥20 years) experience caring for native ponies was associated with owners increased, self-reported confidence in identifying disease and managing their native ponies, this did not translate to an increased likelihood of implementing WMAs. Conversely, respondents who managed ponies with dietary requirements related to obesity, laminitis, or equine metabolic syndrome were more likely to use WMAs related to feeding, seasonal weight management and exercise. Owner confidence was assessed and rejected as a mediator of the relationship between experience and WMA use. These results highlight the need for further work that elucidates the pathways leading owners to undertake action against obesity without the need for ponies to develop overt disease, as well as suggesting a need for long term managers of native ponies to update management practices with preventative care as the focus.

To move or not to move—factors influencing small-scale herder and livestock movements in the Dzungarian Gobi, Mongolia

In Mongolia, where nomadic pastoralism is still practiced by around one-third of the population, increasing livestock numbers, socio-economic constraints and climate change raise concerns over rangeland health. Little empirical evidence explains what triggers camp moves of pastoralists in the Dzungarian Gobi in Mongolia, which factors influence grazing mobility around camps, and how altitudinal migration benefits small livestock. We combined GPS tracking data of 19 small livestock herds monitored from September 2018 to April 2020 with remotely sensed climate and environmental data. We used general linear-mixed models to analyse variables influencing camp use duration and daily mobility patterns. To understand the importance of the altitudinal migration, we compared climatic conditions along the elevation gradient and looked at seasonal body weight changes of small livestock. We found that available plant biomass and season best explained camp use duration. Daily walking distance and maximum distance from camp increased with camp use duration. Pasture time increased with increasing biomass and rising temperatures. We conclude that herders in the Dzungarian Gobi have optimized pasture use by reacting to changes in biomass availability at landscape and local scale, and by embracing altitudinal migration. Flexibility in grazing mobility seems to have enabled local herder communities to practise sustainable pasture use. Maintaining this mobility will most likely be the best strategy to deal with environmental change under the current climate change scenarios.

Based on the Co-Evolution of lncRNAs-Microbiota and Metabolites in Rumen Epithelium to Analyze the Adaptation Characteristics of Tibetan Sheep to Nutrient Stress in the Cold Season

Based on the serious phenomenon of Tibetan sheep “growing strong in warm seasons and losing weight in cold seasons”, this study explores the regulation of lncRNAs, microbiota, and metabolites in the cold season adaptation of Tibetan sheep from the perspective of the co-evolution of the host genome (first genome) and microbiome (second genome). RNA-seq results showed that 172 DE lncRNAs were identified in the rumen epithelium of Tibetan sheep in warm and cold seasons, of which 87 DE lncRNAs were significantly up-regulated in cold seasons. KEGG enrichment showed that target genes of up-regulated lncRNAs were significantly enriched in TNF signaling and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. LncRNA-mRNA regulatory network indicated that DE lncRNAs were involved in nutrient stress in the cold season by targeting ATP1B2, CADPS, TLR5, and UGT1A6. Correlation analysis showed some lncRNAs were significantly correlated with acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and rumen epithelial histomorphology and had a negative correlation with Butyrivibrio-2 and Succiniclasticum (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, differential metabolites bilirubin and lncRNAs were co-enriched in the bile secretion pathway. lncRNAs played an important role in the adaptation process of Tibetan sheep in the cold season, and mediate the host to participate in nutrient absorption, energy utilization, and immune response, indicating that the host genome and microbial genome promote Tibetan sheep to adapt to nutrient stress in the cold season through co-evolution.

Goat mammary gland metabolism: An integrated Omics analysis to unravel seasonal weight loss tolerance

Seasonal weight loss (SWL), is a major limitation to animal production. In the Canary Islands, there are two dairy goat breeds with different levels of tolerance to SWL: Majorera (tolerant) and Palmera (susceptible). Our team has studied the response of these breeds to SWL using different Omics tools. The objective of this study was to integrate such results in a data driven approach and using dedicated tools, namely the DIABLO method. The outputs of our analysis mainly separate unrestricted from restricted goats. Metabolites behave as “hub” molecules, grouping interactions with several genes and proteins. Unrestricted goats upregulated protein synthesis, along with arginine catabolism and adipogenesis pathways, which are related with higher anabolic rates and a larger proportion of secretory tissue, in agreement with their higher milk production. Contrarily, restricted goats seemingly increased the synthesis of acetyl-CoA through serine and acetate conversion into pyruvate. This may have occurred to increase fatty acid synthesis and/or to use them as an energy source in detriment to glucose, which was more available in the diet of unrestricted goats. Lastly, restricted Palmera upregulated the expression of PEBP4 and GPD1 genes compared to all other groups, which might support their use as putative biomarkers for SWL susceptibility. SignificanceSeasonal weight loss (SWL) is a major issue influencing animal production in the tropics and Mediterranean. By studying its impact on the mammary gland of tolerant and susceptible dairy goat breeds, using Omics, we aim at surveying the tissue for possible biomarkers that reflect these traits. In this study, data integration of three Omics (transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) was performed using bioinformatic tools, to relate putative biomarkers and evaluate all three levels of information; in a novel approach. This information can enhance selection programs, lowering the impact of SWL on food production systems.