Drosophila suzukii is an invasive fruit pest of major agricultural concern whose genome harbours high transposable elements (TEs) load, estimated at approximately 47% of total genomic content. Accurate characterisation of repeat-rich genomic regions is mandatory for quality genome assembly, reliable variant calling, and genomic studies of TE dynamics that underpin our understanding of invasive success. Here we describe the RepeatsRichGenomicRegionsFinder (RRGRF) pipeline, an assembly-guided procedure that exploits alignment redundancy patterns generated as a byproduct of the dScaff scaffolding framework to identify subgenomic (SG) candidate intervals enriched in repetitive sequences. Applied to the D. suzukii reference genome (Dsuz_RU_1.0) and a draft contig assembly from a local Romanian population (ICDPP-ams-1), RRGRF identified between 607 and 1,138 candidate SG regions genome-wide depending on query resolution, with strong concordance between reference-derived and contig-derived results. Analysis of chromosomal arm 2L demonstrates that two working resolutions delineate largely the same genomic territory (78.8% of coarse-resolution SGs confirmed at the finer resolution), a trend met by all other chromozomes. SG candidate regions show consistent transposon enrichment relative to size-matched random genomic windows across all major chromosomal arms. RRGRF is suited for non-model organisms and draft-assembly quality assessment, with direct relevance to agricultural pest genomics.
Royal jelly (RJ), a complex secretion of honeybees, possesses a range of bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study presents novel evidence that the anticancer activity of RJ arises from synergistic interactions among its bioactive components, highlighting its therapeutic potential and emphasizing the relevance of whole-extract strategies in natural product research. We specifically evaluated the antiproliferative effects of RJ on colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and DLD-1) and examined associations between its chemical composition—focusing on 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), acidity, moisture content—and biological activity. In vitro assays demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, with limited cytotoxicity toward normal epithelial cells (FHC), indicating selective activity. Multivariate analyses, including principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis, identified a positive correlation between higher 10-HDA and acidity levels and enhanced antiproliferative effects. These findings suggest that the anticancer potential of RJ is driven by synergistic interactions among its bioactive constituents. RJ may serve as a promising adjunctive therapeutic candidate for colorectal cancer, warranting further preclinical and clinical investigation.
This study evaluates the biological and ecological status of the Pontic shad (Alosa immaculata) population during the 2025 spawning migration season in the Galați–Brăila sector of the Danube River. A total of 576 individuals were sampled between March and June 2025. Environmental data, particularly water temperature, were analyzed using the Growing Degree Days (GDD) method to quantify the thermal energy available throughout the migration and spawning period. GDD values revealed distinct thermal thresholds that coincide with key physiological transitions, with peak accumulation in April and May supporting intense reproductive activity. Growth parameters were estimated using the Von Bertalanffy Growth Function (L∞ = 34.65 cm; K = 0.48 year⁻¹; Φ’ = 2.76), indicating moderate growth potential. Mortality analysis showed total mortality (Z) at 1.54 year⁻¹, with natural mortality (M = 0.74 year⁻¹) and fishing mortality (F = 0.80 year⁻¹), resulting in an exploitation rate (E = 0.52). The M/K ratio (1.54) suggests moderate population resilience. The integration of thermal and biometric data provides a comprehensive understanding of the species’ biological condition and seasonal patterns. These findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management to safeguard Alosa immaculata amid increasing environmental and anthropogenic pressures.
Dairy production among smallholder farmers has been continually stalled. The sector experiences several constraints chief among them high cost of feed, underutilization of forage legumes as supplement and insufficient feed during the dry season. Knowledge gap in ensiling quality silages during the dry season has resulted in emaciated dairy cows. The inclusion of Lablab beans (lablab purpures) high protein forage legume in dairy cows diets can immensely improve milk production among smallholder dairy farmers. Lablab beans (lablab purpureus) are endowed with many high nutritional value which include adaptability in tropics, ability to remain green throughout the year, high crude protein which can signficantly improve the milk yield. Despite Lablab beans (lablab purpureus) nutritional value it is still underutilized, production continues to decline, and its use remains low. There is a need to promote the cultivation and utilization of forage legumes to increase sustainable livestock production. It has great potential to replace dairy concentrate feed through reduced production cost and increase milk yield. This can be realized through collaboration with stakeholders. Researchers and dairy industry need to collaborate with smallholder dairy farmers in formulating feed with forage legumes to reduce the knowledge gap and promote its utilization.
Barley ranks as the second most produced cereal in Türkiye, primarily used in animal nutrition besides the brewing industry. Its nutritional value is influenced by several factors, including climate, soil type, harvest time, and cultivar. This study aimed to assess the nutritional characteristics of six barley cultivars grown in Türkiye. Key parameters analyzed included macro- and micro-mineral content, β-glucan, phytic acid, total and soluble pentosans, viscosity, total and phytate phosphorus levels, and metabolizable energy potential for poultry and ruminants. Each cultivar was evaluated in five replicates. Significant differences (p<0.01) were found in most nutritional values, except for dry matter, sugar, starch, and phytate phosphorus in relation to total phosphorus. The Kaya and Suleyman-98 cultivars showed higher nutritional potential in terms of energy for poultry, whereas the Kaya cultivar appeared more beneficial for ruminant feeding. These results suggest that cultivar selection is crucial in maximizing the nutritional benefits of barley in animal diets.
Honeybees are important pollinators that contribute significantly to crop pollination and local flora biodiversity. In recent years, a major decline in bee populations around the world has been observed, caused by biotic and abiotic stressors. Considering that honeybee health and behaviour can be significantly influenced by Nosema spp. infestation, we aim to explore the recent advancements in prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics administration to enhance honeybee health. Bibliographical research on the most recent papers on this topic. This review analyses 91 peer-reviewed articles, including 17 on prebiotics, 22 on probiotics, and 9 on postbiotics. These studies were selected for their relevance to the biocontrol of Nosema spp. in Apis mellifera. The findings highlight current microbiota-based strategies to support honeybee health. We strongly believe that the integration of pre-, pro-, and postbiotics into beekeeping practices can significantly contribute to the biocontrol of the pathogenic agent Nosema spp. Moreover, a deeper understanding of the microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of the honeybees (A. mellifera) and the substances they produce/consume could contribute to the development of more appropriate products for the biological control of Nosema spp.
The productive longevity is an important economic trait in beef production. The functional longevity was represented by the period between first parity and the time when the cow was reformed. The functional longevity in beef sector depends by the reproduction records of cows. The aim of the present study was to estimate the genetic parameters for productive longevity in Limousine breed using the survival model, Weibull proportional hazard model. Productive longevity data were analysed with survival model, Weibull proportional hazard. The pedigree consisted in 1197 cattle: 484 dams, 206 sires and 507 cows with records. The fixed effect was represented by production with three levels: high, medium, low. The productive longevity in Limousine breed was months. The breeding values of cattle for productive longevity were from -0.155 and 0.070 months in Limousine breed. The value of heritability in the Limousine breed was 0.097±0.169. The productive longevity of cows from Limousine breed can be improved by selection of the cattle with highest breeding values.
The aim of this study was to compare results obtained using threshold model and individual animal model in calving score genetic evaluation of Charolaise cattle population and election of the best method. The data consists in records of 2935 calving scores recorded. The pedigree covered 6022 animals: 2935 calves, 194 bulls and 2893 dams from Romanian Beef Cattle Breeding Association. The genetic parameters were estimated with threshold and individual animal models. The Spearman’s correlation shows the degree of agreement between the ranking of the same individuals for breeding values using both models. The mean for calving score was 1.35± 0.010. The breeding values for calving score ranged between -0.2749 and 0.3606 with threshold model and between -0.099 and 0.144 with individual animal model. The relative breeding values for the best cattle ranged between 126 and 131 with threshold model and between 125 and 129 with individual animal model. The Spearman’s rank correlation was very high 0.9. The heritability for calving score was 0.139 using threshold model and 0.079 individual animal model. The threshold model is the fittest model for calving ease genetic evaluation in Charolaise beef population but both models can be used successfully.
This study evaluated the effects of Ulva lactuca, a marine macroalgae, on growth, hematology, oxidative stress, and immune markers in two sturgeon species, Acipenser stellatus and Acipenser ruthenus, in a recirculating aquaculture system. Fish were fed either a standard diet or a 10% Ulva lactuca diet (dry weight). Results showed that Ulva lactuca inclusion reduced growth performance, with specific growth rates decreasing by 19% in A. stellatus and 41% in A. ruthenus. Haematological analyses showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between groups, though hemoglobin levels were slightly lower in A. stellatus (5.68 g/dl in the Ulva group) compared to the control (6.44 g/dl), while A. ruthenus exhibited no change (8.02 g/dl versus 7.98 g/dl). Ulva lactuca improved oxidative stress markers, as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly decreased, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increased in both species. Lysozyme activity remained unaffected by the diet. These findings indicate that while Ulva lactuca supplementation negatively impacted growth, it improved oxidative status without adversely affecting haematological parameters, suggesting species-specific responses and the need for further investigation.
Fish welfare, particularly in aquaculture and natural habitats, is a crucial consideration for minimizing stress and enhancing animal care. Traditional fish morphometry methods, which require fish handling and air exposure, can lead to stress and physiological disturbances. This study introduces a digital morphometry method that aims to reduce handling time and improve precision while maintaining fish welfare. By using a digital image-based approach, distances between specific landmarks on fish bodies were measured, reducing the need for prolonged air exposure. A comparison of air exposure times between traditional and digital methods was conducted using a Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test, revealing statistically significant differences (P < 0.0001), with the digital method showing reduced exposure time. The digital approach offers several advantages, including greater accuracy, non-invasiveness, and cost-effectiveness, and can be easily applied across a variety of fields, such as fisheries management, wildlife biology, and veterinary medicine. Despite certain limitations, such as the inability to measure larger body dimensions and potential image distortion due to camera positioning, this method holds promise for enhancing fish welfare and advancing biodiversity conservation. Moreover, its versatility opens opportunities for use in other multidisciplinary research areas, making it a valuable tool for both ecological studies and applied sciences.
This research aims to reduce the acidity of buffalo cheese using activated charcoal. Cheese is an extremely versatile food, rich in protein, calcium, vitamins, and probiotics. However, its global consumption varies depending on the species of origin, geographic area, or lactose and acidity content. Improving cheese recipes with various bioactive substances is an ongoing concern to meet consumer needs. Three varieties of buffalo cheese were made: one using liquid rennet, another using lactic calcium, and the third using lactic calcium and activated charcoal. We tested these cheeses for moisture content (oven drying), salt content (Mohr method), acidity (Thörner method), and fat content (Van Gulik acid-butyrometric method). The addition of activated charcoal significantly reduced the acidity of the fresh buffalo milk cheese compared to the other samples. Activated charcoal improves gastrointestinal comfort. The acidity of fresh buffalo cheese can be reduced by incorporating activated charcoal. Thus, the obtained cheese can be safely consumed by those with digestive problems related to acidity, contributing to the diversification of food options available for these categories of consumers.
A crossbreeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of lambs from birth to five months, focusing on sex and genotype. The experiment involved three French meat breed rams and one R1 German Blackface (75%) x Tsigai (25%) ram with R1 crossbreed ewes of the same genotype (German Blackface 75% x Tsigai 25%). A total of 151 R1 crossbreed ewes were divided into four groups and mated with the following rams: group 1 with Berrichon du Cher, group 2 with Blanche du Massif Central, group 3 with Mouton Vendèen, and group 4, the control group, with R1 German Blackface x Tsigai (BFxTI). The study found that both genotype and sex significantly influenced the growth performance of the lambs. Male and female lambs from the group 4 were heavier at birth compared to lambs from group 3 (P< 0.001). At 28 days, significant differences (P< 0.001) were observed between females from group 4 and both males and females from group 1, as well as females from group 3. This trend continued at 56 days, the females from group 4 being heavier than both males and females from groups 1 and 3 (P< 0.001). At five months, males from group 1 had significantly higher body weights (P< 0.001) compared to females in group 4.
This review aims to analyse and synthesize existing research on the production of high-quality pheasant meat. Key factors influencing meat quality, including dietary regimes, rearing conditions, and post-slaughter management practices are examined. Research highlights the importance of optimizing diets to enhance flavour and texture, improving rearing environments to reduce stress and improve meat quality, and adopting effective post-slaughter techniques to preserve and further develop meat attributes. By integrating findings from various studies, this review seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these factors interact to affect pheasant meat characteristics.
Milk is an essential food in the diet due to its great nutritional value. The quality and composition of milk varies depending on several factors such as: breed, nutrition, lactation stage and environmental conditions, etc. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of the season, the number of lactations and the growth system on the variations in the composition of milk from Balță Românească and Holstein cows. The sample of animals was made up of an extensive type farm (FB1): 15 cows from the Romanian Balțata breed and intensive type farms: 15 Holstein cows in each farm, totaling 30 cows (FB2 and FB3). Extensive system milk recorded higher values of somatic cells and lower values of fats, proteins, lactose. The milk from the intensive system recorded the best values of the chemical composition.
The honeybee is one of the most important pollinating insects, but its survival is threatened by biotic (lack of floral resources or emerging pests) and abiotic (urbanisation) factors. In addition, high population density in hives could negatively impact bee health. Aims: Investigate the presence of Nosema spp. as a function of apiary size, beekeeping practices, proximity between apiaries, and land use. Materials: Bee samples were collected from several apiaries in Cluj County and subjected to microscopic analysis to assess the level of infestation according to the O.I.E. manual. Land use was assessed using the Corinne Land Cover package, thus analysing the different types of environments the bees have access to, based on their flight range. Results: Based on microscopic analysis of Nosema spores, differences in the level of infestation were observed between apiaries. This high variability may be related to beekeeping practices as well as environmental stressors, and differences in infestation levels between apiaries suggest the need for preventive measures to control the spread of nosemosis. Another notable element is the level of infestation in hives with overlapping flight areas, which can be explained by many factors, including natural, human and colony factors.
Fishing activities in the Romanian sector of the Danube River are vital for local economies and environmental conservation. This study assesses the biodiversity and ecological status of fish species in the region by calculating key indicators and evaluating fish populations for 2024. The methodology included calculating biodiversity indicators such as species diversity, evenness, and relative abundance based on fish captures in 2024. A ten-year comparative analysis was conducted on Total Allowable Catch (TAC), reported catches, and fishing effort to understand temporal dynamics. The results indicated significant trends in TAC, reported catches, and fishing effort, which have impacted fish populations and overall biodiversity. Stock assessments for five key species provided crucial insights into their current status. The study highlights the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive management to sustainably manage fish resources amid changing environmental conditions and anthropogenic pressures.
The nutritional value of mulberry leaves is correlated with the morpho-productive performances of silkworms B. mori. Rodotorula glutinis is an oleaginous microorganism that may produce a wide range of metabolites. There is no evidence on using this yeast to silkworm. We aimed to assess the morpho-productive performance of RG90 and Maritza III silkworm breeds fed Rodotorula glutinis. A bifactorial trial (3x2) was running on 600 larvae belonging to RG90 and Maritza III breads. The measurements were done on first, 5th, 7th, and 9th days (D) during 5th instar and after cocoon formation. Larvae were randomly distributed in 3 groups (2 replicates): 1) C group fed mulberry leaves; 2) E1 fed C diet and yeast 1x107; 3) E2 fed C diet and yeast 1x109. The larva characteristics tend to be impacted by the breed (>1.03 times higher on Maritza III. Compared to first D, a high significantly increase of larva was noticed in D9 (>1.74 times). The silk gland was positive correlated with larva length (r=0.76, P<0.0001) and larva weight (r=0.61, P<0.0001), and depend significantly of breed. The breed influence significantly certain cocoon parameters. We demonstrated that the mulberry leaves with yeast allow to silkworm to express their morpho-productive potential.
Climate change presents considerable challenges to global ecosystems, particularly freshwater environments like the Danube River. This study investigates the variability in hydrological and physico-chemical parameters of the Danube River, alongside assessing changes in aquatic biodiversity indicators. Data were collected from monitoring stations in the Chiscani area, Braila County, specifically at Km 169-197. The findings reveal significant temporal trends in both hydrological and chemical parameters, with seasonal variations indicating potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Biodiversity indices demonstrate varied responses of aquatic communities to shifting environmental conditions. The study concludes that climate-induced changes in the Danube's hydrological regime have substantial implications for aquatic biodiversity, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to address these challenges and ensure the river system's sustainability.
