Background: Tupaia belangeri is increasingly recognized as an essential animal model in neuroscience, metabolic disorders and emerging infectious diseases due to its close phylogenetic relationship to primates and its small body size. Phenotypic traits are crucial for studying biological systems. Tree shrews are widely used in environmental adaptation research due to their genetic diversity and phenotypic polymorphism. The measurement of its physical indicators and skull provides a new perspective for exploring the adaptive characteristics of different tree shrew populations. Establishing population-specific morphometric reference values is therefore essential for standardizing veterinary dosing and ensuring translational reliability when tree shrews are used as models for metabolic, neurodegenerative, or emerging infectious diseases. 
 
Methods: To elucidate the phenotypic diversity of the Tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) and its relationship with environmental factors, the present study measured the body shape and skull indicators of 134 individuals across 12 regions. 
 
Result: The results showed that there had significant phenotypic differences between different geographic populations, with inter population variation significantly greater than intra population variation, indicating that differentiation mainly occurs between populations. Especially Daxin population (T. b. tonquinia) and the Hainan population (T. b. modesta) had larger body mass and length, whereas the Kunming population (T. b. chinensis) was relatively smaller. Environmental factor analysis revealed significant correlations between latitude, altitude, annual average temperature, atmospheric pressure and precipitation with the morphological traits of tree shrews, with altitude had the most significant impact on phenotypic differences. The clustering and principal component analysis results also confirmed the geographical differentiation of the tree shrew in morphological studies. The research findings emphasized the role of environmental factors in shaping the phenotypic diversity of the tree shrew and provide important insights into the evolution and ecological adaptation of this species, which was of great significance for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. 
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Phenotypic Diversity of Tree Shrews (Tupaia belangeri) with Implications for Biomedical Animal Research

<div>Body mass regulation may be appeared regional differences, in order to investigate the physiological and behavioral changes in Eothenomys miletus from Shanggelila (XGLL) and Jianchuan (JC) under food restriction (FR) and refeeding (Re), body mass, food intake, resting metabolic rate (RMR), serum leptin levels, hypothalamic neuropeptides expression and activity behavior were measured. The results showed that areas and FR had significant effects on body mass, food intake, RMR, activity behavior, serum leptin levels, hypothalamic neuropeptides expression, masses of liver and small intestine in E. miletus. Body mass and serum leptin levels in XGLL were lower than that of JC, food intake, activity behavior, liver mass and RMR in XGLL were higher relative to in JC. All the indexes of the two areas of E. miletus can be restored to control levels after refeeding, showing phenotypic plasticity. In conclusion, physiological and behavioral characteristics illustrated that the influences of food and different regions on phenotypic plasticity, which had important significance for in-depth understanding of the survival and adaptation strategies of E. miletus in Hengduan mountain regions.</div>

<div>Comparative Study on Phenotypic Differences in Eothenomys Miletus Under Food Restriction and Refeeding Between Xianggelila and Jianchuan from Hengduan Mountain Regions</div>

<div>Background:&nbsp;In Pakistan, the naked neck chickens are characterized on the base of plumage colors such as black, white black, light brown and dark brown. There is scanty of information on hatching traits in different phenotypes of naked neck chicken. The current study aimed to investigate and compare the hatching traits in four phenotypes of naked neck chicken (black, white black, light brown and dark brown). 
 
Methods:&nbsp;In total, 300 females (20 weeks old) comprising four plumage colors (black, white black, light brown and dark brown), 75 from each, were randomly assigned to 20 replicates (15/replicate) under a completely randomized design (CRD). Number of settable eggs, fertility, hatch of fertile, hatchability, embryonic mortality and chick quality parameters were evaluated. 
 
Result:&nbsp;The results showed higher settable eggs, fertility and hatchability in black, dark brown and light brown phenotypes than that of the white black whereas better hatch of fertile and reduced embryonic mortality were recorded in black and dark brown phenotypes as compared to white black. Better chick quality was observed in dark brown phenotype followed by light brown, black and then white black. Phenotypes other than white black had better hatching performance, hence could be used to revive backyard poultry farming.</div>

​​Comparative Evaluation of Hatching Traits in Four Phenotypes of Naked Neck Chicken

<div>Background: Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are famous for their &lsquo;Rewal chal&rsquo; (a unique style of running). These horses dominantly exist in the western-northern border of India adjoining Pakistan. The breeding tract of these horses is Surat, Navsari, Kachchh district of Gujarat and Jaisalmer-Barmer districts of Rajasthan in India. Most familiar colors in the Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are bay and chestnut. Roman nose, ears curved at tips but not touching each other, short back, short pastern length, broader hoof for better grip and docile temperament are major characteristics of these horses. 
 
Methods: The present study is an effort to phenotypically characterize Kachchhi-Sindhi horse breed based on their different biometric indices for selection and conservation of stallions and mares for breeding purposes by private breeders. Fourteen biometric indices were recorded for phenotypic characterization of each breed viz., height at wither (HW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), neck length (NL), face length (FL), face width (FW), pole, ear length (EL), ear width (EW), foreleg length (FLL), canon, pastern, hoof length (HoL) and hoof width (HoW). On average, these horses stand 148 cm height, have a body length of ~140 cm, a heart girth of ~165 cm, an ear length of ~15 cm and a face length of ~61 cm. 
 
Result: Horse keepers sustain horses in intensive as well as an extensive system of rearing. It has also been ascertained from various sources that horse number is declining rapidly, however, breed population statistics are not available. There is, therefore, an urgent need to conserve this breed. Proper managemental practices and conservation efforts will pave the way for the multiplication of this valuable equine genetic resource of India.</div>

<div>Phenotypic Characterization of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses of India</div>

<div>Background: Notable advancements in the selection indices have led to the development of exceptional breeding strategies, which have eventually led to the selection of elite dairy animals. The comparison of trends is facilitated by their estimation which permit the assessment of progress in a particular trait. The purpose of this study was to investigate genetic trends in economic traits of Murrah buffaloes, which is predominantly present as a high milk producer using the regression method. The study was designed to estimate the phenotypic, genetic and environmental trends, which represent the changes accrued over time and hence, determines the efficiency of breeding programme. 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on 659 Murrah buffaloes, sired by 188 bulls, over a period of 27 years (1991-2017). The economic traits studied were first lactation milk yield (FLMY), first lactation length (FLL), age at first calving (AFC), first calving interval (FCI), first service period (FSP) and first dry period (FDP). The phenotypic trends were obtained as regression of population performance on year and the genetic trends were obtained by Smith method I and II. 
 
Result: The results revealed that the phenotypic trends obtained were significant and desirable for all the traits except for first lactation length, which was non-significant. The standard errors obtained by Smith method-I were higher than those obtained from method-II. As the Smith method-II avoids year to year fluctuations in the environment and those of contemporaries, it gives more realistic estimate as compared to the first method with lower standard error.</div>

<div>Estimation of Phenotypic and Genetic Trends in Economic Traits of Murrah Buffaloes</div>

Background: To elucidate the adaptive evolution of aquaporin (AQP) genes in arid habitats, this study performed phylogenetic and selection pressure analyses on AQP1 to AQP11 across 15 rodent species, with subsequent experimental validation of candidate genes under positive selection. 
 
Methods: In the present study, phylogenetic trees were constructed using MEGA-X and the iTOL online platform, while selection pressure analysis was performed via PAML and the Datamonkey website. Finally, using Eothenomys miletus inhabiting the Hengduan Mountains as the research subject, water stress experiments were conducted by measuring AQP expression levels through ELISA. 
 
Result: Phylogenetic reconstruction using MEGA-X and iTOL indicated that species from humid environments clustered into a distinct clade, implying that moisture availability may have influenced the divergence of AQP genes. Selection analyses implemented in PAML identified one positively selected site each in AQP1, AQP5 and AQP7. Furthermore, signals of positive selection were detected in AQP10 and AQP11 among species from arid habitats. Given the substantial existing literature on AQP1, AQP5 and AQP7 and the limited phenotypic consequences of AQP10 deficiency in mice, this study focused on validating AQP11. After subjecting the endemic species of the Hengduan Mountains, E. miletus, to water deprivation treatment, the protein expression levels of AQP11 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Findings demonstrated significantly elevated AQP11 levels in seven tissues-kidney, brain, liver, heart, small intestine, white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT)-in the water-deprived group compared to controls. Based on existing evidence, we propose that AQP11 is involved in cellular water stress responses across multiple organs by mediating H2O2&nbsp;transport across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Thus, it is hypothesized that the AQP11 gene may play a critical role in the adaptation of rodents to arid environments. This research offers a theoretical basis for further elucidating the mechanisms by which organisms adapt to environmental water stress.

Evolution and Adaptation of Aquaporin Genes in Rodents along a Habitat Moisture Gradient: A Case Study of Eothenomys miletus

<div>Background: Healthy transition from non-lactating pregnant state to non-pregnant lactating state is an important in the profitability of dairying. Though feeding and managemental practices play an important role in the adaptation to transition, animals kept on similar feeding and management exhibit differences in adaptation indicating an underlying genetic cause. In the present study, the sequence of gene SNAI2, which is considered to have an effect on metabolic adaptability has been compared among animals with apparently varying adaptability, as indicated by their &beta;-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA) concentration. 
 
Methods: During the period from August 2018 to May 2019, blood was collected and serum was separated from 30 pregnant cross bred (belonging to Sunandini genetic group of cross bred cattle of Kerala) dairy cows at fortnightly intervals from four weeks before the predicted day of parturition until four weeks after parturition. Concentration of BHBA was determined. Based on BHBA concentration the animals were sorted into two groups (High BHBA and low BHBA) using cluster analysis. Blood was collected, DNA extracted and&nbsp;SNAI2 gene amplified using custom synthesised primers. Amplicons from representative animals of each group were sequenced. The sequences obtained were aligned and compared using clustal-&omega;. 
 
Result: The comparison of the sequence of SNAI2 gene amongst the animals having high BHBA and those with low BHBA revealed two variations between the groups, one at promoter region, 61 bp upstream to the gene and other was at exonic region at 1560 bp. In silico structural analysis revealed difference in protein structure. The changes observed in the gene SNAI2 between the sets of animals grouped based on BHBA has to be studied on a larger population to ascertain the suitability of them being used as markers of genetic selection for metabolic adaptability, which in turn can increase the profitability of dairying.</div>

Molecular Markers for Metabolic Adaptation in Dairy Cows: SNAI2 Gene Variations

<div>Duck virus enteritis (DVE) is an acute, contagious herpes viral disease of ducks, geese and swans and members of the family Anatidae under the order Anseriformes. As per the recent taxonomic classification by ICTV, DEV has been classified into the genus Mardivirus, subfamily Alpha-herpesvirinae of the family Herpesviridae. Vaccination is the only option for the prevention and control of Duck plague. In India vaccination is done with chicken embryo adapted live virus which has many shortcomings. So, in this present situation a safe and potent vaccine development is the need of the hour. The use of chicken embryo fibroblast and a certified cell line may, probably, be the best option to achieve this. Therefore, the present study was undertaken for adaptation and propagation of local strain of duck plague virus in various cell culture systems. &nbsp;During the study a wild strain of DPV (DP/As-Km/0019) which was isolated in Duck Embryo Fibroblast, available in the Department of Microbiology was selected. The selected wild strain was used for adaptation in various cell culture systems viz. Chicken embryo fibroblast cell culture (CEF), Vero cell line and QT-35 cell line. The virus was passaged up to 12th passage levels and the presence of viral antigen was demonstrated by appearance of cytopathic effect (CPE), by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and by Sandwich ELISA. PCR was able to detect virus from all the cell cultures from 5th passage onwards and virus titre was detected at 10th and 12th passage level by S-ELISA. It was observed that various cell culture systems can be a good candidate for propagation of DPV and further study is required to study its immunogenicity and its feasibility as a vaccine candidate.</div>

<div>Adaptation of wild strain of duck plague virus in cell culture systems</div>

Background: In contemporary world food crop production is under pressure due to change in climate. In developing nation climate change is a treat both in food crop production and food security. Analysing farmers&rsquo; climate change adaptation measures and understanding the barriers provides clear guidance to address constraints that impede food crop producers&rsquo; adaptation. 
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Methods: A stratified random sampling technique was used to sample 200 food crop producers for primary data gathering. The multinomial logit model was used to determine the factors that affect the selection of adaptation measures to climate change and factor analysis was used to identify factors that impede food crop producers&rsquo; ability to adapt to climate change. 
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Result: The result of the multinomial logit model shows that various socio-economic factors&nbsp;(family size, education, climate change awareness, farming experience, nonfarm income, farm size, distance to farmland, extension services and access to credit) influence farmers&rsquo; choices regarding climate change adaptation strategies in the study area. The result of the varimax rotate principal component analysis found four factors that are detrimental to food crop producers in adapting to climate change. These principal constraints are institution and government, technology and inputs, information and knowledge and belief, culture and participation as factors that hinder farmers from adapting to climate change.&nbsp;Thus, there is room for government and development partners to strengthen the adaptive capacities of farmers by resolving problems related to institutions, government policy, technology, inputs availability and information regarding climate change to minimize the potential impact and loss in the future.&nbsp; 
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Climate Change Adaptation Measures and Constraints among Smallholder Food Crop Farmers in Sayo and Dale Sedi District, Ethiopia

The missing link between nature and nurture i.e. epigenetics is the process of turning genes on and off or can be explained as a phenomenon that includes all the process that affects phenotypic expressions without causing any alteration in the genetic sequence. Epigenetic regulation can be done by post-translational modification of histones but is also linked to the regulation of gene expression by non-coding RNAs, genome instabilities or any other force that could modify a phenotype. Epigenomic patterns in various tissues reveal the regulatory functions of epigenetic mechanisms in livestock growth and health. DNA methylation modifications can explain poor offspring performance due to maternal stressors like metabolic disorder, heat stress and negative energy balance. It is an attractive field for livestock breeding, as it can help identify missing causality and heritability of traits and diseases. Certain methylation patterns are more likely to increase in specific environments, explaining phenotypic diversity between individuals. Accurate recording of the environment and epigenomes can provide more accurate and precise calculations of phenotypic variance. Methods to estimate the contribution of epigenetics to covariance between relatives have been developed which can be beneficial for obtaining favorable methylation patterns that impact disease resistance and economic traits.