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The general circulation models estimated an average increase in global surface temperature about 4 °C (2.9 to 5.5 °C). Escalating temperature and extreme weather events are causing higher variations in substantial grain yield losses in cereal crops leading to food insecurity. Temperature flux, more notably high temperature,, affects plants' physio-biochemical processes, resulting in serious yield reduction and quality due to poor agronomic management in plants. Despite the impact of global insecurity on world food production, limited success has been achieved to heat stress adaptation. Extensive research has been made to assess the consequences of abiotic stresses in early growth stages and endurance under subsequent intensity. However, the consequences of abiotic, especially heat/high-temperature stress on reproductive growth, development, and phenology of cereals, received comparatively less consideration, though it has a significant effect on grain yields. Hence, it is imperative to recognize and focus on the most exposed traits of growth and yield under abiotic stress conditions. Among the abiotic stresses, heat stress adversely affects the chlorophyll and grain filling mechanisms in plants. Thus, the preservation of grain weight throughout the heat stress period is also a signal of heat tolerance at the grain filling stage. High potential grain weight under heat stress may also be a better decisive factor for the selection of cultivars for heat tolerance and resistance to changing future climatic conditions. This review summarizes the alterations in the development systems of plants in response to heat stress with a focus on integrated morpho-anatomical, physiological, and molecular adaptations. It also provides information about advanced heat tolerance mechanisms in various plant species applying different tactics together with genetic techniques for plant growth and development.

This study, conducted from October 1, 2022, to June 10, 2022, focused on 15 hybrid cows (Holstein × Janoubi) at different physiological stages, including pregnancy and milk production. The cows were categorized into early lactation (more than one day - 2 months), mid-lactation (2-4 months), and late lactation (4-6 months), further divided into three parities: 5 in parity I, 6 in parity II, and 4 in the third parity. Originating from Basra Governorate, specifically Nashwa Abu Al-Khasib and the Agricultural Research Station at the University of Basrah. Blood samples were collected every two months from the cows and their offspring to analyze hormone concentrations such as ghrelin, prolactin, oxytocin, estrogen, progesterone, and growth hormone at the Physiology Laboratory. Noteworthy findings include a significant increase in ghrelin concentration towards the end of the lactation phase across all birth parities, while prolactin peaked in the middle of the lactation phase before declining. Oxytocin levels rose significantly in the middle of lactation, notably in the first parity. Estrogen concentration peaked during mid-lactation for all parities, and progesterone levels notably increased in the final two weeks of pregnancy. Milk yield varied across lactation phases, with higher yields in the early and middle stages compared to the end stage. The third parity demonstrated significantly higher milk yields. The study revealed positive correlations between ghrelin, progesterone, and estrogen, and negative relationships with prolactin, calcium, globulin, total protein, albumin, and glucose during early lactation. These findings contribute to a better understanding of hormonal dynamics and milk production patterns in hybrid cows across different physiological stages and parities, offering insights into potential management strategies to optimize dairy production efficiency and animal welfare.

Background In livestock, identifying the physiological and reproductive stages is valuable in guiding management decisions related to nutrition, veterinary procedures, and breeding programs. To achieve this goal, a cohort of Barki ewes in this research underwent observation across three pivotal physiological conditions: pre-pregnancy, late pregnancy, and early lactation. Blood samples were collected to investigate the changes in serum metabolic profile as well as gene expression pattern of cytokines and antioxidants markers during these stages. Results Our results showed that during late pregnancy, there was a significant ( P  < 0.05) increase in red blood cells (11.9 ± 0.5 10 12 /L) , hemoglobin (10.8 ± 0.4 g/dl) and neutrophils count (7 ± 0.1 10 9 /L) with significant decrease ( P  < 0.05) of total white blood cell count (9.1 ± 0.05 10 9 /L). The packed cell volume (%) and monocyte count showed a significant ( P  < 0.05) decrease during both late pregnancy and early lactation stages. The serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, GSH, GPx, SOD and catalase displayed significant ( P  < 0.05) decrease during late pregnancy and early-lactation. Notably, during late pregnancy, there was a significant ( P  < 0.05) increase in the serum concentrations of albumin, globulin, urea, IGF-1, and malondialdehyde with significant decrease ( P  < 0.05) of total protein (4.9 ± 0.08 g/dl). Additionally, during early lactation, there was a significant ( P  < 0.05) increase in the serum levels of non-esterified fatty acids, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxin (T4). The gene expression profiles of cytokines ( IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 , and NFKB ) were decreased in the ewes during late pregnancy compared to pre-pregnant and early lactation stages. In addition, the expression profile of antioxidant genes ( SOD, CAT, GPX , and Nrf2 ) was significantly upsurged in the non-pregnant ewes compared to late pregnancy and early lactation ones. Conclusions The results concluded that different physiological status significantly affects the blood metabolic profile and gene expression pattern in Barki sheep. Our findings can be helpful in monitoring animal health and applying in breeding programs of Barki sheep under harsh environmental conditions.

The effects of isochlorogenic acid (ICGA) on ewes rumen environment, microbial diversity, and immunity at different physiological stages (estrus, pregnancy and lactation) were studied in this experiment. Twenty healthy female Hu lambs of 1.5 months with similar body weight (17.82 ± 0.98 kg) and body condition were selected and randomly divided into two groups: the control group (CON) and the ICGA group (ICGA). The lambs of CON were fed a basal diet, while the lambs of ICGA were supplemented with 0.1% ICGA based on the basal diet. Lambs rumen fermentation characteristics, microbial diversity and immunity at estrus, pregnancy, and lactation stages were determined and analyzed, respectively. The results showed that the rumen pH in CON increased first and then decreased as lambs grew (p < 0.05). However, it showed the opposite change in ICGA. The content of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) showed the highest at estrus stage in both groups, but it was significantly higher in ICGA than that in CON (p < 0.05). The Acetic acid/propionic acid (A/P) ratio at estrus stage and the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) at pregnancy stage in ICGA were significantly higher than those of the CON (p < 0.05). The 16S rDNA sequencing analysis showed that the Shannon, Chao 1 and ACE indexes of the ICGA were significantly higher than those of the CON both at estrus and lactation stages (p < 0.05), while they showed higher at the pregnancy stage in CON (p > 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that there were significant differences in rumen microorganism structure between CON and ICGA at all physiological stages (p < 0.01). At the phylum level, compared with the CON, Firmicutes relative abundance of three physiological stages decreased (p > 0.05) while Bacteroidota increased (p > 0.05). The relative abundance of Synergistota at estrus stage and Patescibacteria at the lactation stage increased significantly too (p < 0.05). At the genus level, compared with the CON, the relative abundance of Prevotella at three stages showed the highest (p > 0.05), while the relative abundance of Succiniclasticum, unclassified_Selenomonadaceae and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group showed different abundances at different physiological stages in ICGA. Compared with the CON, the lambs of the ICGA showed higher blood IgG, IgM, and TNF- α contents at three physiological stages and higher IL-6 contents at pregnancy stage (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Adding ICGA could regulate ewes rumen fermentation mode at different physiological stages by increasing rumen NH3-N at estrus, VFAs at pregnancy, and the ratio of A/P at lactation. It optimizes rumen microbial flora of different physiological stages by increasing Bacteroidota relative abundance while reducing Firmicutes relative abundance, maintaining rumen microbial homeostasis at pregnant stage, increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in later lactating and ewes blood immunoglobulins content at three physiological stages.

Background In livestock, identifying physiological and reproductive stages is crucial for informed decisions in nutrition, healthcare, and breeding management. Objective This study aimed to evaluate hematobiochemical and Doppler echocardiographic changes in dromedary camels during three key stages: non pregnant, late pregnancy, and early lactation. Methodology Thirty healthy camels were monitored across three physiological stages. Blood samples were analyzed for complete blood count (CBC) and serum metabolic parameters, including Beta-hydroxy-butyric acid (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Doppler echocardiography assessed cardiac morphology and function. Results Late pregnancy was associated with a significant ( P  < 0.05) increase in red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), and neutrophils, while packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cell (WBC) count, and monocytes decreased. Serum glucose and cholesterol declined significantly ( P  < 0.05) in late pregnancy and early lactation, while Beta-hydroxy-butyric acid (BHBA) increased. Late-pregnant camels showed elevated levels of albumin, globulin, potassium (K), and cardiac troponin, but lower total protein (TP). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were highest in non-pregnant camels. NEFA levels rose significantly in early lactation. Echocardiographic findings revealed increased left ventricular wall thickness and decreased systolic diameter (LVIDs) in early lactation. Heart rate (HR) increased in late pregnancy. No significant changes were observed in pulsed-wave Doppler indices. Conclusions Distinct physiological stages in dromedary camels are associated with significant hematobiochemical alterations and minor echocardiographic changes, offering valuable insights for clinical and reproductive management.

Background Periodontal disease substantially affects women’s quality of life and shows sex-specific patterns due to physiological characteristics such as hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, and menopause. However, most global assessments have focused on the general population and have not systematically characterized age specific burdens among women across different socio-demographic settings. This study addresses this gap by providing a life course analysis of the global, regional, and national incidence of periodontal disease in females from 1990 to 2021. Methods Within the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) framework, we estimated female incidence and age-standardized rates (ASR) of periodontal disease across the life course in 204 countries and territories. Socio-Demographic Index (SDI)—incorporating per-capita income, years of schooling, and fertility in women under 25—was used to stratify locations into five levels (low, low-middle, middle, high-middle, high). We examined incidence trends and burden in eight specific physiological stages (childhood, adolescent, reproductive-age, prime reproductive-age, adult, perimenopausal, menopausal and older-age), and assessed the effects of oral health resources, diagnostic rates, and hormonal fluctuations. Our study presented point estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). It evaluated the changing trends in the burden of Periodontal Disease using the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and percentage change. Results Globally, the ASR differed across stages and was generally higher from the optimal reproductive age through older age. From 1990 to 2021, ASR rose steadily in childhood and adolescence, with a notable increase during the reproductive age in 2010–2014 (APC = 2.14). The optimal reproductive age showed increases in 1998–2005 and 2010–2014, adulthood and perimenopause exhibited fluctuating upward trends, while menopause and older age displayed divergent patterns. ASR–SDI associations were stage-dependent: negative correlations in childhood and adolescence, no significant association in adulthood and reproductive age, positive correlations in mid- to late-life, and SDI threshold effects (around SDI = 0.5, ASR tends to decrease; around SDI = 0.8, decelerated ASR growth). Conclusions Policymakers should tailor public health strategies to high-burden regions and key life stages (e.g., reproductive and mid-to-late life), expand oral-health investment for children and adolescents in low-SDI areas, and strengthen screening/interventions for mid-older women in high-SDI regions.

Rabbit feed in Algeria is still based exclusively on commercial pelleted diets, but the recent use of non-conventional ingredients in feed formulation is becoming more frequent, and several studies were carried out on the incorporation of local raw materials in rabbit feed worldwide. However, studies related to the incorporation of Jujube are nonexistent. In this context; this experimental trial assessed the impact of Jujube pulp on local populations’ rabbits’ hematological and biochemical parameters during three physiological stages: non-pregnancy, pregnancy, and lactation. 72 rabbits were divided into 18 groups of 04 rabbits each one, three groups of non-pregnant females fed 100 % commercial pelleted diet, three groups of non-pregnant females fed 50 % commercial pelleted diet with 50 % Jujube, three groups of pregnant females fed 100 % commercial pelleted diet, three groups of pregnant females fed 50 % commercial pelleted diet with 50 % Jujube, three groups of lactating females fed 100 % commercial pelleted diet, and three groups of lactating females fed 50 % commercial pelleted diet with 50 % Jujube. The levels of white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), lymphocytes (L %), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and Platelets (PLT) recorded in pregnant and lactating rabbits fed a diet incorporating Jujube were greater than those found in females fed 100 % commercial pelleted diet. The results revealed also that 79 % of the variations in ALP, 79 % in creatinine and 57 % in Tb expressed were related to variations in diet and physiological stage. The hematological and biochemical profile of the experimental animals indicated that Jujube is nutritionally appropriate without any deleterious effect on the female rabbits.

Background Age-associated changes in the gastrointestinal microbiome of young pigs have been robustly described; however, the temporal dynamics of the fecal microbiome of the female pig from early life to first parity are not well understood. Our objective was to describe microbiome and antimicrobial resistance dynamics of the fecal microbiome of breeding sows from early life through estrus, parturition and weaning of the first litter of piglets (i.e., from 3 to 53 weeks of age). Results Our analysis revealed that fecal bacterial populations in developing gilts undergo changes consistent with major maturation milestones. As the pigs progressed towards first estrus, the fecal bacteriome shifted from Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group- and UCG-002- dominated enterotypes to Treponema- and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 -dominated enterotypes. After first estrus, the fecal bacteriome stabilized, with minimal changes in enterotype transition and associated microbial diversity from estrus to parturition and subsequent weaning of first litter piglets. Unlike bacterial communities, fecal fungal communities exhibited low diversity with high inter- and intra-pig variability and an increased relative abundance of certain taxa at parturition, including Candida spp. Counts of resistant fecal bacteria also fluctuated over time, and were highest in early life and subsequently abated as the pigs progressed to adulthood. Conclusions This study provides insights into how the fecal microbial community and antimicrobial resistance in female pigs change from three weeks of age throughout their first breeding lifetime. The fecal bacteriome enterotypes and diversity are found to be age-driven and established by the time of first estrus, with minimal changes observed during subsequent physiological stages, such as parturition and lactation, when compared to the earlier age-related shifts. The use of pigs as a model for humans is well-established, however, further studies are needed to understand how our results compare to the human microbiome dynamics. Our findings suggest that the fecal microbiome exhibited consistent changes across individual pigs and became more diverse with age, which is a beneficial characteristic for an animal model system.

Seven Italian Simmental cows were monitored during three different physiological stages, namely late lactation (LL), dry period (DP), and postpartum (PP), to evaluate modifications in their metabolically-active rumen bacterial and protozoal communities using the RNA-based amplicon sequencing method. The bacterial community was dominated by seven phyla: Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Spirochaetes, Fibrobacteres, Verrucomicrobia, and Tenericutes. The relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria decreased from 47.60 to 28.15% from LL to DP and then increased to 33.24% in PP. An opposite pattern in LL, DP, and PP stages was observed for phyla Verrucomicrobia (from 0.96 to 4.30 to 1.69%), Elusimicrobia (from 0.32 to 2.84 to 0.25%), and SR1 (from 0.50 to 2.08 to 0.79%). The relative abundance of families Succinivibrionaceae and Prevotellaceae decreased in the DP, while Ruminococcaceae increased. Bacterial genera Prevotella and Treponema were least abundant in the DP as compared to LL and PP, while Ruminobacter and Succinimonas were most abundant in the DP. The rumen eukaryotic community was dominated by protozoal phylum Ciliophora, which showed a significant decrease in relative abundance from 97.6 to 93.9 to 92.6 in LL, DP, and PP, respectively. In conclusion, the physiological stage-dependent dietary changes resulted in a clear shift in metabolically-active rumen microbial communities.

The objective of this study was to determine some factors that influence the haematological values of cattle reared in the humid and subhumid tropics of Mexico. Whole blood samples were taken from 1355 crossbred cattle in the years 2017 to 2019. Haematocrit (HTC, %), total plasma protein (TPP, g/dL) and peripheral eosinophils count (PEOS, × 103/µL) were determined manually, and the main haematological variables were recorded with an automatic analyser. The statistical analysis considered as classification variables age, sex, season (cold, dry and rainy), year (2017, 2018 and 2019) and origin of the cattle. The mean of the haematological parameters was determined along with the confidence limits (CL) of the different categories of animals according to age. Calves younger than 1-year-old presented higher levels of HTC, red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), platelet number (PLT), white blood cell count (WBC) and lymphocyte count (LYMF) than animals older than 2 years of age. However, they showed the lowest mean cell volume (MCV) and TPP values. In cows, the highest levels of PEOS, granulocytes (GRAN), MCV and medium cells (MID) were observed and the lowest HTC, RBC, RDW and WBC levels. Intervals were determined with the 1st quartile (Q1) or lower confidence interval (90% CI) as the minimum values and the 3rd quartile (Q3) or upper confidence interval (90% CI) as the maximum values. The haematological parameters of cattle reared in the Southeast of Mexico are significantly affected by age, sex and environmental conditions.