Background: Forensic insects are considered of significant practical value in criminal investigations and serve as a vital biological tool in determining the post-mortem interval (PMI). 
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Methods: The field study conducted in an arid rural area of Wasit Province demonstrated clear differences in the succession of forensic insects between sheep and dog carcasses. 
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Result: Muscidae were recorded as the earliest colonizers during the fresh stage, with higher abundance on dogs compared to sheep, reflecting the influence of skin thickness and the presence of fur on the rate of colonization. During the bloating stage, Calliphoridae represented the primary and most abundant colonizers, with their highest prevalence on sheep carcasses, indicating their rapid sensitivity to gaseous odors. Throughout the active and advanced decay stages, Dermestidae were prominently observed, particularly on dog carcasses, due to their ability to feed on dried tissues and hair remnants. In the final stage (advanced decay), Acari were dominant, associated with the accelerated desiccation of tissues under solar radiation. Meanwhile, Formicidae were present across all stages as opportunistic colonizers, without a specific association with any particular stage. These findings highlight that host type (sheep/dog) and environmental factors (temperature, humidity and sunlight) were decisive elements in shaping the speed of succession and species diversity. The study emphasizes that understanding succession patterns in arid environments provides a crucial basis for developing accurate models to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) in forensic investigations.

Comparative Study of Forensic Insect Succession on Animal Carcasses in Arid Rural Environments

Background: The precise identification of forensic insects is one of the most important aspects in forensic entomology since it is the basis for determining post-mortem intervals (PMI) and providing other valuable forensic evidence in criminal investigations. 
 
Methods: This study demonstrates the utility of DNA barcoding in accurately identifying new strains of forensic insects collected from the Jeddah Governorate. 
 
Result: High similarity percentages ranging from 98.74% to 99.68% were observed, underscoring the precision of molecular identification. The identified species included members of the Diptera (flies) and Coleoptera (beetles) orders, commonly associated with forensic cases. Notably, Phoridae sp. (Forensic_JED_21) was identified with 98.74% similarity, highlighting their role in providing valuable post-mortem interval (PMI) estimations. Physiphora alceae was identified twice (Forensic_JED_22 and Forensic_JED_24) with similarities of 99.22% and 99.07%, respectively, demonstrating the robustness of DNA barcoding. Philonthus discoideus (Forensic_JED_23) and Physiphora demandata (Forensic_JED_25) were identified with 99.68% similarity, confirming the presence of these species in the Jeddah region. Phylogenetic analysis using MEGA11 placed these strains in well-defined clades, confirming their taxonomic accuracy and evolutionary relationships. These findings align with previous research on the genetic diversity of forensic insects, adding crucial data to forensic entomology databases. This study enhances the forensic entomology framework by providing accurate species identification, essential for legal investigationsand supports the development of region-specific forensic tools through the addition of new genetic data from Jeddah.

Forensic Entomology in Jeddah: Molecular Identification of Emerging Insect Strains

<div style="text-align: justify;">The productive performance of Red Kandhari cattle were studied at different locations in the breeding tract. The idea behind the collection of data in breeding tract of Red Kandhari cattle from the farmers and breeders herd of Red Kandhari rather than on the organized farm to obtain the real picture of productive performance of breed in the breeding tract. The productive traits often help in judging the economic value of the animal. The overall least square means for lactation milk yield (LMY) of Red Kandhari cattle was recorded as 417.28 + 1.09 kg. The effect of block and season were found significant to highly significant on LMY whereas, the effect of colour was found non-significant. The overall least square means for peak milk yield (PMY) of Red Kandhari cattle was recorded as 2.63 + 0.01 kg. The effect of block, colour and season were found non-significant on PMY. The overall least square means for days to reach peak milk yield (DRPMY) of Red Kandhari cattle was recorded as 39.48 + 0.09 days. The effect of block, colour and season were found non-significant on DRPMY. The overall least square means for lactation period (LP) of Red Kandhari cattle was recorded as 242.64 + 0.46 days. The effect of block was found highly significant on LP whereas, the effect of colour and season were found non-significant. The overall least square means for dry period (DP) of Red Kandhari cattle was recorded as 180.79 + 0.56 days. The effect of block and colour were found non-significant on DP whereas, the effect of season was found significant. The improvement in productive characteristics of indigenous breeds has become essential to make the economically viable dairy animals.&nbsp;</div>

Studies on productive performance of Red Kandhari cattle in their breeding tract of Maharashtra

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: In order to find an alternative cryoprotectant for canine semen, different cryoprotectants, as dimethyl sulphoxide and ethylene glycol, dimethyle formamide either alone or in combination with glycerol have been evaluated on pooled semen of different breeds with different opinions. 
 
Methods: In the current study the effect of glycerol, DMF and their combination in Tris-citric acid-fructose egg yolk plasma extender on motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), acrosome integrity (AI), inner mitochondrial membrane potential (IMMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes in frozen-thaw semen of pug breed was compared. 
 
Result: Values for motility, viability, (PMI), AI were significantly (p&lt;0.05) high in TCFEYP-G compared to TCFEYP-DMF and TCFEYP-G+DMF at post thaw. However, HIMMP and MIMMP/MDA were non-significantly (P&gt;0.05) high and low in TCFEYP-G compared to TCFEYP-DMF and TCFEYP- G + DMF at post thaw, respectively. MDA concentration was significantly (p&lt;0.05) low in TCFEYP-G compared to TCFEYP-DMF and TCFEYP-G + TCFEYP-DMF extenders. However, H2O2, scavenging capacity of spermatozoa, cryopreserved in TCFEYP-G was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than in TCFEYP-DMF and TCFEYP-G + TCFEYP-DMF. However, there was no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference in superoxide free radical scavenging activity and nitrite concentration of spermatozoa among the three extenders. Activity of GPX, SOD and Catalase was also significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in TCFEYP-G compared to TCFEYP-DMF and TCFEYP-G+DMF. However, values were reverse for GRE activity. This study concludes that glycerol is a healthier cryoprotectant to protect canine spermatozoa from cryo-injury during freezing-thawing process.</div>

Comparing Glycerol with Dimethylformamide and Combination for Cryopreservation of Pug Dog Semen in Egg Yolk Plasma Containing Extender

<div style="text-align:justify">The main objective of the current experiment was to assess the seasonal variation on seminal attributes in 109 Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls using infrared thermography, maintained at commercial semen production stations with ideal nutrition and management conditions in Karnatka (south India). Data were collected on 6 ejaculates in three different seasons through &nbsp;a year with different age groups of bulls. Infrared thermograms and data were collected using an infrared FLIR i5 camera and analyzed by Quick report 1.2 SP2 softwere to determine the temperature gradient (TG, difference between the PPT and DPT) scrotal surface and Ocular temperature. Immediately after semen collection by AV method. Semen evaluation were performed twice per season throughout the year. The ejaculates were subjected to general linear model (GLM) analysis to determine the effect of various non-genetic factors viz., season (summer, rainy and winter), age (&lt;4, and &gt;4 year), housing (group and individual housing) on semen quality attributes of Murrah bull. The overall least square mean volume (VOL), sperm concentration (SCON&times;10v /ml), initial motility (IM), percent live spermatozoa (LIVE), acrosome integrity (AI), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), head abnormalities (HAN), midpiece abnormalities &nbsp;(MPAN), tail abnormalities (TAN) in fresh semen whereas post-thaw motility (PTM), acrosome integrity (AIPT) and plasma membrane integrity in post-thawed semen (PMIPT) were 3.88&plusmn;0.07 mL, 1041&plusmn;14.64 million/mL, 64.62&plusmn;0.50 %, 76.42&plusmn;0.51 %, 66.56&plusmn;0.48 %, 2.90&plusmn;0.05 %, 3.35&plusmn;0.05 %, 5.88&plusmn;0.10 %, 68.39&plusmn;0.47 %, 41.48&plusmn;0.55 % and 61.66&plusmn;0.47 %, respectively.The statistical analysis of variance revealed significant effect (P&lt;0.05) of season on semen quality attributes viz., VOL, SCON, IM, PTM, LIVE, HAN, MPAN, TAN, AI, AIPT, PMI and PMIPT. Age had significant effect on &nbsp;VOL, IM, LIVE, HAN, MPAN and &nbsp;house on SCON, PTM, AIPT and PMIPT.Thus, it may be concluded that the summer season adversely affected the various bio - physical characteristics of semen in Murrah buffalo bulls. Rainy season was the most favourable season for good quality semen production and the winter season might be considered as the intermediate between the two extremes.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Digital infrared thermography as a tool to assess the effect of season, age and housing on seminal traits in Murrah bulls</div>

Background: Forensic entomology utilizes insects for legal and criminal investigations, particularly in determining the time of death when traditional medical parameters become ineffective after72 h. Insects play a crucial role in Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) estimation and provide insight into crime scene events. 
 
Methods: This study focused on the collection and molecular identification of forensic insects in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Rabbit carcasses were used as human analogs and were placed in specialized cages across five locations. Insects were collected twice daily for two weeks and identified based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)and sequencing were used for genetic analysis. 
 
Result: Phylogenetic analysis revealed significant genetic similarities among the collected species, indicating low genetic diversity and a stable population structure. The key species identified were Sarcophaga dux, Wohlfahrtia nuba, Sarcophaga harpax, Chrysomya albiceps, Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya marginalis, Atherigona orientalis, Musca domestica and Hydrotaea capensis. These findings support the use of genetic analysis for accurate species identification in forensics. Additionally, this study highlights the potential impact of climate change on insect populations, suggesting future research directions in forensic entomology. This study contributes to the understanding of forensic insect ecology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and enhances forensic investigation methods.

Molecular Identification of Forensic Insects Collected from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: Accurate identification of the larval stages of Wohlfahrtia nuba, a flesh fly species within the Sarcophagidae family, is crucial in forensic and medical entomology. This species may contribute to estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) and is associated with causing myiasis in livestock and humans. The insufficient data regarding the morphology of the immature stages of W. nuba hinders the taxonomic identification of this species&rsquo; larvae in carcasses without raising adults. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive examination of the morphological characteristics of three instars of W. nuba larvae using light microscopy. 
 
Methods: It includes an examination of the cephalopharyngeal skeleton, pseudocephalon, antennal complex, oral ridges, anterior spiracles and their papillae number and arrangement, thorax and abdomen spinulation, number and distribution of papillae around the entrance of the spiracular cavity and posterior spiracles. 
 
Result: The present study&rsquo;s findings demonstrate the distinct morphological characteristics that differentiate the three larval instars, facilitating accurate identification and developmental staging. The three larval stages have two curved mouth hooks. A large median hook is absent. The labrum is a reduced structure exhibiting four highly sclerotized teeth between the mouth hooks. The dorsal arch is short, curved and does not extend to the parastomal sclerite. The anterior spiracles, located laterally on the first thoracic segment, exhibited variability in the number of papillae across the three instar larvae. The first larval instar exhibited a total of eight papillae, which increased to 10 in the second instar and reached 11 in the third instar. These papillae are arranged in a row resembling an arch. The spines encircling the cephalic collar are thin and set into 6-7 rows, separating the first segments of the thorax. The posterior spiracle contains two incomplete peritremes hidden in a deep cavity. It is characterized by a single aperture divided at its upper section and shielded by thin hair-like structures during the first larval instar. Each incomplete peritreme contained two slits for the second larval instar and three slits for the third larval instar. The peritreme lacks a ventral arch and the button is not easily noticeable. A ring of 12 cuticular papillae encircles the anal cavity. These data add new morphological features to differentiate between W. nuba larvae in clinical and forensic contexts. This will help with taxonomic and forensic species identification studies and benefit farmers and veterinarians. 
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Morphological Description of the Three Larval Instars of Wohlfahrtia nuba (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

<div>Background: Bull fertility assumes a vital part in bovine reproduction. Since selection intensity of bulls picked for breeding programs in dairy industry is high as they can sire extensively larger counts of offspring as compared to their female counterparts. Therefore the present study was designed to establish the relationship between the sire fertility and performance traits of the Murrah buffaloes.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: A total of 12898 observations were recorded with respect to routine seminal parameters from 130 Murrah breeding bulls spanning between 1995 and 2019 (25 years). Data consisted of 2161 records of 305 days milk yield (305 MY) and lactation length (LL), 2160 records of lactation milk yield (LMY), 2155 records of peak milk yield (PMY), 1905 records of average fat percentage (FP), 1542 records of service period (SP) and 1914 records of conception rate (CR) have been utilized for the current study. Breeding values with respect to 33 Murrah buffalo bulls were taken for the correlation studied and for further ranking of the sires. 
 
Result: Average mean values of seminal parameter viz. ejaculated volume (EV), colour (Col), consistency (Con), log sperm concentration (LSC), mass activity (MA), initial motility (IM) and Post-Thaw Motility (PTM) were as 3.25&plusmn;0.01 (ml), 3.50&plusmn;0.01 (0-5 scale), 2.52&plusmn;0.04 (0-5 scale), 3.11&plusmn;0.01, 2.25&plusmn;0.01 (0-5 scale), 64.22&plusmn;0.15 and 38.62&plusmn;0.19 (%) respectively. The arithmetic means of LMY, 305 MY, PY, LL, FP, CR and SP were calculated to be 2343.33&plusmn;17.77, 2142.13&plusmn;13.77, 12.57&plusmn;0.06, 328.41&plusmn;2.11, 7.39&plusmn;0.01, 0.52&plusmn;0.09 and 166.36&plusmn;2.75, respectively. The sire rank correlation between the seminal attributes and performance traits was ranged between -0.57&plusmn;0.15 (ejaculate volume and lactation milk yield) and 0.49&plusmn;0.16 (semen consistency and lactation milk yield). Association between the fertility using routine semen quality parameters would be helpful to assess the bull fertility which lead to the improvement in the herd fertility.</div>