Articles tagged with Animal Breeding
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Research by Heather Watts found that house finch breeding seasons are shifting approximately four-and-a-half days earlier with every degree Celsius increase in temperature. This shift may be beneficial for the birds if they can time breeding with seed availability, but could become problematic as climate change continues.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that eleven seal species narrowly escaped extinction, with most surviving strong population declines. However, four species, including the northern elephant seal and Mediterranean monk seal, suffered severe genetic loss due to overhunting.
A study using animal-attached technology has revealed that animals using high-risk food-finding strategies are particularly susceptible to extinction. The research found that these animals fail to gather food for their young before they starve, leading to catastrophic results.
Scientists have found an optimal mating distance that maximizes genetic fitness in model organisms, including baker's yeast, Arabidopsis plants, and mice. This discovery has implications for animal and plant breeding as well as conservation.
A new study by University of Arizona researchers investigates whether cognitive abilities can predict a dog's success as a working dog. The study found that different skills, such as social skills and short-term memory, are crucial for assistance dogs and explosive detection dogs, respectively.
Tau Flow's computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology creates virtual prototypes of processes or environments, reducing time and money spent on trial and error methods. The company has successfully implemented its solution in various industries, including Formula 1, cosmetics, and mining.
A study on ring-tailed lemurs found that physical injury alters their natural scents, making them detectable to others. This change in scent allows males to detect weakness and aggression from injured peers, leading to more competitive behavior.
Scientists use AI-powered tool to track songbirds' arrival patterns in Alaska's North Slope, providing insights into their adaptation to hotter temperatures and more erratic weather. The study's findings suggest that birds may time their migrations to local conditions, including day length, rather than just temperature.
Scientists have created gene-edited pigs that resist Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) by removing a section of the CD163 receptor. The research shows that these pigs do not become infected with the virus, which causes significant economic losses in the pig industry.
Researchers at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University developed a computational method predicting harmful mutations in mammalian species. This approach enables classification of damaging mutations in other mammals, facilitating optimized animal breeding programs.
New gene editing regulations could hinder the use of CRISPR technology in food animals, potentially limiting disease resistance and beneficial traits. The FDA's proposal would impose drug-like regulatory scrutiny, but experts suggest alternative routes to approval that could accelerate benefits from conventional breeding.
A University of Washington study analyzed audio recordings from bowhead whales, finding a diverse repertoire of over 184 different songs. The whales' singing behavior is distinct from humpback whales', with no song types repeated between years, and new songs emerging each season.
Human-provided food resources can alter animal migration patterns and increase disease transmission, as they allow some animals to forego migration and form resident populations. This can lead to a longer parasite transmission season and support more virulent parasites, posing risks to public health and conservation.
A study by San Diego Zoo Global found that changing diets for southern white rhinos to low phytoestrogen levels improved reproductive success. The switch resulted in two females becoming pregnant and giving birth to healthy calves.
Scientists report that four penguin species target gelatinous animals for meals, providing a new link in the food web. The findings suggest that gelatinous organisms play an underrated role in the carbon cycle and can sustain large marine animals.
A new study by Vetmeduni Vienna found that shearing alpacas in a standing position produces the least amount of stress for the animals. The research team used clinical parameters and saliva/faeces cortisol levels to measure stress, finding that restraint without shearing had no significant impact on these values.
A study found that male great tits choose neighbors with similar personalities, while females prefer males based on attractive qualities. This behavior may influence bird survival and social organization.
A holistic approach to understanding migratory birds' needs is crucial for their conservation, according to a study on Kirtland's warblers. The researchers used the telecoupling framework to analyze the songbirds' migration between Michigan and the Bahamas.
Genome editing enables precise genetic changes in livestock, boosting productivity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers aim to apply this technology to improve animal welfare and potentially produce single-gender offspring.
A study found that chimpanzees are more likely to reproduce with mates whose genetic makeup differs from their own, suggesting a unique mating strategy. This preference may help reduce inbreeding depression and increase infant survival rates among chimps.
A new study reveals that salamanders travel an average of six miles and as far as nine miles to reach breeding sites, likely due to the physiological costs of not having sex. This long-distance migration may be crucial for their survival and genetic health.
Researchers found that azure-winged magpies provided food to their group members spontaneously and without being asked, showing a high level of prosocial behavior. This suggests that cooperative breeding may have promoted the emergence of prosocial tendencies in these birds.
A recent study published in BMC Genomics has identified a gene mutation responsible for high juvenile mortality in calves. The mutation affects the structure of cilia in airways, leading to chronic infections and respiratory disease.
Research by Sebastian Vetter and colleagues found that personality traits of female wild boars impact their ability to raise offspring. Shy females, with more careful behavior and high maternal care, had greater success in rearing offspring in good mast years.
A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology found that captive giant pandas experience gastrointestinal problems when switching from bamboo stalks to leaves, leading to reproductive issues. The researchers analyzed the bacteria in the pandas' poop and discovered a unique population of microbes associated with digestive dysfunction.
A recent study by Uppsala University researchers reveals that same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) is more common than thought and may have benefits in the opposite sex. SSB was found to increase reproductive performance in siblings of the opposite sex, suggesting a genetic mechanism driving its prevalence across various animal species.
Red knots migrate to tropical regions, where smaller size and shorter bills impede survival. Climate change disrupts the insect peak, leading to malnutrition and population decline.
Research on Black Sparrowhawks reveals that dark birds excel in low-light conditions due to better camouflage, while light birds thrive in brighter environments. This study supports the idea that color polymorphism arises from adaptations to distinct light conditions.
Researchers found that ancient mammal relatives, therapsids, had shorter life expectancies and bred at younger ages after a mass extinction event. This adaptation allowed them to survive and thrive in the new environment, with simulations showing a 40% increase in survival chances.
Brown skuas in Antarctica show remarkable ability to distinguish between researchers and neutral individuals after just 3-4 visits. The birds' cognitive abilities are surprisingly high, considering their habitat evolution in human-free areas.
Researchers found that dominant animals cannot stop subordinate breeding, leading to violent eviction events. Mass evictions result from high reproductive competition, often involving multiple females and males being kicked out of their family groups.
New research suggests that ravens share human-like ability to think abstractly about other minds, attributed to mental states including vision. Ravens guarded food caches in response to auditory cues from unseen competitors, demonstrating a level of Theory of Mind previously unknown in non-human animals.
Researchers at the University of York and University of St Andrews observed greater vasa parrots using small pebbles or date pits to grind calcium from seashells, a behavior never seen before in this species.
A study by Aarhus University reveals that breeding confident mink can improve fur quality. The research found a strong correlation between confidence and pelt quality, suggesting that selecting for confident mink can lead to better welfare and fewer stress issues during handling.
Researchers at German Cancer Research Center find that freshwater marbled crayfish exhibit parthenogenesis, a process where animals reproduce without fertilization, and use this as an ideal model for studying epigenetics in cancer. The discovery could lead to new insights into the development of the disease.
Researchers discovered that Siberian jays can identify fine-scale differences in kinship to other individuals, even those who are unfamiliar before settling into a group. This ability is linked to their cooperative behavior, particularly when sharing food at carcasses of large herbivores.
A new study found that Asian sheep are genetically diverse, with two migratory waves of domestication. This diversity can help herders in developing countries preserve valuable traits for meat production.
A 13-year study found that humans are the biggest threat to Southern California mountain lions, causing over half of known deaths. The population's declining genetic diversity is exacerbated by an interstate highway that bisects their habitat.
Researchers studying blue whales in Chile have discovered that a female named 'Isabela' has traveled at least 5,000 kilometers from the Gulf of Corcovado to the Galapagos Islands, indicating a possible breeding ground. This journey represents the largest north-south migratory movement ever recorded for a Southern Hemisphere blue whale.
A University of Tennessee study finds crocodiles engage in play-like behavior, including locomotor play, play with objects and social play. They have been observed playing with other animals and forming strong bonds with humans.
Researchers found two distinct populations of blue whales in the southeastern Pacific, with one population potentially consisting of pygmy-type blue whales. This discovery could help inform effective conservation plans for this endangered species.
A team of researchers from Texas is studying the impact of urban noises on captive rhinoceros reproduction. They found that infrasonic sounds, often unnoticed by humans, could be distressing for the animals, negatively impacting their health. To mitigate this effect, zoos can implement simple strategies such as sound-absorbing barriers...
Researchers have sequenced an ancient Iberian pig genome from the 16th century, finding it closely related to today's Iberian pig breed. The study suggests no significant changes in the genome over the past five centuries.
A recent study on a cooperative bird species found that dominant birds, who work harder and take on more responsibilities, experience weakened antioxidant protection after a breeding season. This suggests that unequal sharing of workloads in societies may leave the hardest-working individuals at risk of poor health and accelerated ageing.
A new mathematical model helps understand how resource provisioning affects wildlife disease, with findings that more food doesn't always lead to better health outcomes. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex interactions between food availability, immune defense, and disease transmission.
A study reveals that dominant meerkat alpha females thrive when they maintain sole breeding rights, while subordinates are suppressed through violence and infanticide. This effective but sinister strategy allows the group to survive and flourish in the harsh desert environment.
A study by Professor Takashi Yoshimura and colleagues identified a deep brain photoreceptor in Japanese quails that directly responds to light, controlling seasonal breeding activities. The receptor, called cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons, also plays a role in detecting the arrival of spring.
Researchers uncover the growing concern of animal hoarding in Europe, characterized by poor animal care and neglect, with implications for mental health and public well-being. The study highlights the need for standardized intervention protocols and collaboration between sectors to address this issue.
Recent research suggests that domestication may be more complex than previously thought, with many species being domesticated less than expected. Studies on animal and plant domestication highlight the limitations of human agency in shaping organisms through selective breeding.
Researchers found biting flies, including horseflies and tsetse flies, drive zebra's black and white stripes. The study ruled out other hypotheses such as camouflage and social function.
A study found that wild salamanders living in the Appalachian Mountains are getting smaller due to warmer and drier conditions. The changes were most marked at low elevations and in the Southern Appalachians, where climate records showed significant warming and drying.
White-footed mice are 'super hosts' that transfer disease-causing pathogens to feeding ticks, yet appear indifferent to larval tick infestations. Research found that heavy tick burdens did not reduce mouse survival or overwintering success, and may even enhance their chances of survival.
Scientists tracked 18 individual minke whales using passive acoustic monitoring, finding that each species uses a unique call sequence to interact with others. The findings provide insight into minke whale social interactions and migration patterns.
Scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna have created a model to investigate the role of STAT1 in various disease conditions. The genetically modified mice can produce an exact dose of protein, enabling researchers to examine the origins and course of many diseases.
A new study found that lemur lovers mirror each other's scent-marking behavior and emit similar odors, possibly as a way to defend territory or advertise their relationship status. The study revealed that lemur couples with kids have more similar scents than those without offspring.
Researchers discovered a mutation in the TMEM95 gene causes idiopathic male subfertility in cattle. The study found that genetic defects can be traced back to one Fleckvieh animal born in 1966, which also highlights potential human medicine applications.
A University of Guelph study reveals that male minks raised in enriched environments have better love lives, with nearly twice as many matings. The research found that relaxed males are more successful due to their calmer behavior and physical improvements.
Researchers found that Siberian hamsters' seasonal timekeeping is influenced by DNA methylation, which regulates reproductive competency. Exposure to short daylight periods decreases DNA methylation in the hypothalamus, stimulating a gene that shuts down reproduction.
A Stanford-led study reveals that mammals can manipulate sex ratios of their offspring to produce extra grandchildren. Females and grandmothers strategically choose sons over daughters to increase reproductive success.
Common loons settle on territories very similar to their natal territories, not the best habitat for reproductive success. This finding challenges the ideal free model of habitat selection and suggests that loons may prioritize survival over breeding in familiar habitats.