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Background & objectives The reproductive efficiency of buffalo bulls is crucial for genetic improvement, herd fertility, and overall productivity. Identifying genetic markers linked to semen traits can thus enhance breeding programs and optimize artificial insemination strategies. The objectives of this study were to estimate variance components and heritability. estimating the breeding values (EBVs), plotting the genetic and phenotypic trends and detection of the molecular genetic associations of FSHR and GH genes using PCR–RFLP with semen traits comprising ejaculate volume (EV), sperms motility (SM), live sperms (LS), abnormal sperms (AS) and sperms concentration (SC) in Egyptian buffalo. Methods Data of 5178 semen ejaculates were collected from 2013 to 2022 from 111 bulls, progeny of 34 sires and 92 dams in two experimental herds. For molecular genetic analysis, a total of 86 buffalo bulls were used to characterize FSHR and GH genes. Results The heritabilities estimates for semen traits were low and moderate, being 0.17, 0.28, 0.27, 0.27 and 0.23 for EV, SM, LS, AS and SC, respectively. Wide ranges of the EBVs were observed, being -0.69 to 1.27 ml for EV, -18.19 to 11.59% for SM, -19.31 to 9.15% for LS, -2.05 to 6.41% for AS and -0.39 to 0.54 × 10 9 sperms/ ml for SC. The averages of EBV throughout different years of semen collection were ranged from -0.26 to 0.43 ml for EV, -9.73 and 3.32% for SM, -9.99 and 3.45% for LS, -0.65 to 0.53% for AS and -0.19 to 0.13 × 10 9 sperms per ml for SC. The phenotypic trends plotted throughout the experimental period increased for all semen traits except for EV. The GLSM of the semen phenotypic values were ranged from 3.09 to 3.86 ml for EV, 61.55 and 66.53% for SM, 60.91 and 65.12% for LS, 4.34 to 9.28% for AS and 0.73 to 1.33 × 10 9 sperms per ml for SC.The differences in generalized least square means among GG, GC and CC genotypes of FSHR gene for semen traits were significantly in favor of GG genotype relative to GC and CC genotypes (P < 0.01). Two genotypes of TC and CC were detected for GH gene and the molecular genetic associations were significantly in favor of CC genotype relative to TC genotype (P < 0.01). Conclusion Enhancing management and feeding practices, the implementation and widespread use of artificial insemination as well as employing precise estimations of predicted breeding values in genetic improvement programs, should effectively enhance the semen traits of Egyptian buffalo bulls. FSHR and GH genes could be used as potential candidate genes for marker-assisted selection to improve semen traits in buffalo bulls.

Background & objectives Genetic polymorphisms in key candidate genes such as PRL , DGAT1 , FSHR , and GH play a pivotal role in regulating lactation and reproductive traits, making them critical markers for breeding programs in buffalo. Molecular characterization and associations of PRL , DGAT1 , FSHR and GH candidate genes with test day milk yield (TDMY), fat yield (TDFY), protein yield (TDPY), somatic cell score (TDSCS), age at first calving (AFC), days open (DO) and calving interval (CI) in Egyptian buffalo. Methods Lactation and reproduction records were obtained from Egyptian buffaloes reared in three experimental herds affiliated with the Animal Production Research Institute (APRI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt. For molecular characterization and association analysis of candidate genes with the studied traits, blood samples were collected from a total of 286 animals (both males and females). Specifically, 101 animals were successfully genotyped for PRL and DGAT1 genes, 98 females and 71 males for FSHR gene, and 103 females and 71 males for GH gene. PCR-RFLP technique using XbaI restriction enzyme for PRL gene and using AluI restriction enzyme for DGAT1 , FSHR and GH genes was used for animal’s genotyping. Results The generalised least square means (GLSMs) for AA genotype of PRL gene were superior relative to GG genotype, being 6.0 vs. 5.3 kg for TDMY, 390 vs. 340 g for TDFY, 290 vs. 220 g for TDPY and 2.47 vs. 2.50 for TDSCS, while the GLSM for GG genotype was favourable than AA genotype for all the studied reproductive traits. The CC genotype of FSHR gene was superior relative to GG and GC genotypes for all lactation traits, being 6.8 vs. 5.6 and 5.7 kg for TDMY, 380 vs. 360 and 350 g for TDFY, 290 vs. 220 and 230 g for TDPY and 2.41 vs. 2.48 and 2.45 for TDSCS, while the CC genotype was favourable than GG and GC genotypes for AFC, DO and CI. For GH gene, TC genotype was superior compared to CC genotype, being 6.1 vs. 5.6 kg for TDMY, 390 vs. 350 g for TDFY, 290 vs. 220 g for TDPY, 2.41 vs. 2.45 for TDSCS, 34.4 vs. 37.6 mo for AFC, 95 vs. 107 d for DO and 377 vs. 399 d for CI. Conclusion The significant molecular associations detected between AA genotype of PRL gene, CC genotype of FSHR gene and TC genotype of GH gene and lactation and reproduction traits may be helpful for marker-assisted selection programs aiming to improve lactation traits and reproduction performance in Egyptian buffalo.

Drought is one of the major limitations to rice productivity worldwide. The present study compared variation in seventeen rice genotypes of Egyptian origin for morpho-physiological traits to identify the best genotypes with combination of adaptive traits under water-limited condition (DS). The DS reduced days to heading (DTH), plant height (PH), flag leaf angle (FLA), flag leaf area (FLAR), chlorophyll content (CHC), relative water content (RWC), grain yield (GY), and its components. Among genotypes, Hybrid 2 expressed the highest GY, panicle length (PL), number of tillers (NT), panicles per plant (NPP), and harvest index (HI) with maximum spikelet sterility (SS) under non-stress condition (NS), while the same genotype expressed ≈ 41% yield reduction under DS. The genotype Giza 179 had earlier DTH, higher and stable GY, FLAR, and yield component traits such as NPP, PW, and HI across the water regimes with least yield reduction (30.5%) under DS. The GY and FLAR, RWC, PL, NT, NPP, PW, and HI were positively correlated under DS. The cluster analysis showed a similarity index of 25% among genotypes. The high yielding genotypes Giza 179, IET 1444, and IRAT 170 had also increased yield components (PL, NT, NPP, PW, TGW and HI) under DS that were attributed to highest FLAR, RWC, and PH, while having reduced LR, FLA, TR, and SS; therefore, these genotypes were categorized as drought-tolerant. The Hybrid 2 and Giza 179 genotypes can perform well under NS; however, the cultivation of Giza 179, Sakha 107, IET 1444, and IRAT 170 would give an advantage in DS-prone areas, hence, these can be used as a donor parental line in future rice breeding programs.

Fasting the Holy month of Ramadan constitutes one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith. Although there is some evidence that intermittent fasting during Ramadan may be of benefit in losing weight and cardiometabolic risk factors, there is no strong evidence these benefits apply to people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes consensus recommendations emphasize the importance of patient factors and comorbidities when choosing diabetes medications including the presence of comorbidities, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, hypoglycemia risk, weight issues and costs. Structured education and pre-Ramadan counseing are key components to successful management of patients with diabetes. These should cover important aspects like glycemic targets, self-monitoring of blood glucose, diet, physical activity including Taraweeh prayers, medication and dose adjustment, side effects and when to break the fast. The decision cycle adapted for the specific situation of Ramadan provides an aid for such an assessment. Children with type 1 diabetes should strongly be advised not to fast due to the high risk of acute complications such as hypoglycemia and probably diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), although there is very little evidence that DKA is increased in Ramadan. Pregnant women with diabetes or gestational diabetes should be advised to avoid fasting because of possible negative maternal and fetal outcomes. Hypoglycemia is a common concern during Ramadan fasting. To prevent hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events, we recommend the adoption of diabetes self-management education and support principles. The use of the emerging technology and continuous glucose monitoring during Ramadan could help to recognize hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic complications related to omission and/or medication adjustment during fasting; however, the cost represents a significant barrier.