Insights into Seasonal Dormancy of Perennial Herbaceous Forages

Seasonal dormancy is an adaptive mechanism where plants suspend growth and become physiologically inactive to avoid extreme environmental conditions. Environmental factors like temperature, photoperiod, nutrients, and soil moisture control plant growth and development through various complex molecular mechanisms. Crown and seed dormancy of plants are mostly influenced by day length and temperature. Genes and physiological pathways triggered by these two factors along with genotype variability are some targets to manipulate seasonal dormancy. There is genetic variation in the depth and duration of seasonal dormancy. Therefore, their genetic manipulation is possible. Manipulations of summer and fall dormancy are relatively easier compared to winter dormancy because plants require protection of their apical meristem from freezing temperatures and limited water supply. Genetic factors that regulate seed dormancy may also have regulatory role for seasonal dormancy of the maternal plants. Limited genetic and genomic information are available for seasonal dormancy in herbaceous perennial species. Knowledge of genes controlling seasonal dormancy of eudicots, forest trees, and horticultural crops could be interpolated to explore possible dormancy mechanisms in perennial forages. This study reviews current knowledge of seasonal dormancy of herbaceous forages emphasizing the genetic and physiological context that would be valuable to breeders and plant biologists to expand the production season of perennial species by developing non-dormant and semi-dormant cultivars.

Nitrogen recovery and agronomic efficiency of forages with nitrogen fertilization under flooded condition

The cow-calf (Bos taurus) industry in subtropical United States and other parts of the world that depends almost totally on grazed pastures is facing several production constraints like changing climatic conditions and increasing cost of fertilizers, especially nitrogen (N). Particularly little is known about the response of forage species to the combined effect of water-logging and the addition of N. A two-year greenhouse study was conducted in 2008 and 2009 to determine i) the effect of flooding duration on N recovery and agronomic efficiency of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fluegge) compared with two flooding tolerant forages, limpograss (Hemarthria altissima Poir), and maidencane (Panicum hematomon Schult) and ii) if N fertilization could mitigate the negative effect of flooding. Nitrogen recovery and agronomic efficiency varied significantly (P ≤ 0.001) among forage species. Averaged across levels of N, N recovery of bahiagrass and limpograss was reduced by about 41% and 56%, respectively after 84 d of continued flooding while N recovery of maidencane was slightly increase by about 5% between 0 and 84 d of flooding. Agronomic efficiencies of bahiagrass (41% to 26%) and limpograss (44% to 31%) were reduced by flooding while agronomic efficiency of maidencane was increased from 24% (no flooding) to 46% at 84 d of continued flooding. However, N recovery and agronomic efficiency of three forage species was positively affected by N fertilization. The overall N recovery of bahiagrass, limpograss, and maidencane ranged from 44% to 59%. Nitrogen fertilization could improve N recovery and agronomic efficiency of forage species under waterlogged condition.

Effects of Chemical Pretreatment on Enzymatic Saccharification and Fermentation of Forages

[ Objective] To study the effect of pretreatment with chemical substances on enzymatic saccharification of affalfa （ Medic, ago sativa L. ）, sorghum hybrid sudan grass [ Sorghum bicolor （ L. ） Moench x Sorghum sudanese （Piper） Stapf], erect milkvetch （Astraga/us adsurgens Pall. ） and pearl millet （ Pennisetum americanum （ L. ） Leeke）. [ Method ] The forages were pretreated with sulfuric acid at different concentration, and then the content of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin were detected and compared with that before pretreatment. The concentration of glucose and ethanol after different fermentation time was also determined. [ Result] After pretreatment, the content of cellulose increased, while that of hemicel- lulose and lignin decreased. After treatment with 1.0% （W/V） sulfuric acid, the four kinds of forages all had the highest concentration of ethanol in the citric acid-sodium citrate buffer system （pH 4.8）. Dudng fermentation process, the concentration of glucose and ethanol first increased and then declined, peaking respectively at 24 h and 48 h post fermentation. [Condusion] Pretreatment promotes the enzymatic saccharification and fermen- tation of alfalfa, sorehum hvbrid sudan orass. Dead millet, and erect milkvetch, and their enerov performance decreases in order.

Photosynthesis Characteristics of Three Species of Forages in the Arid-Hot Valleys

By using TPS-1 portable photosynthesis measuring system, the photosynthesis characteristics of three kinds of high quality forages used in the arid-hot valley eco-agricultural models in Yuanmou were measured. The paper shows that Pennisetum purpureum Schumach is the heliophilous shade tolerance C4 plant and Styiosanthes guianensis is the heliophilous shade tolerance plant, both of them could make full use of the light energy under the weak light environment and have relatively strong CO2 assimilation capacity. Cajanus cajan（L.） Millspaugh is the strong heliophilous plant with high requirement for light and has a relatively weak CO2 assimilation capacity. Generally, these three kinds of high quality forages are drought resistant and show a relatively good adaptability to the arid-hot valley environment. To improve cultivation administration level and to interplant timely in the forest can be helpful to the ecological niche and to improve the productivity force.

Madagascar High Lands Dry Season Forages： Lofium multiflorum （Italian Ray Grass） and Avena sativa （Oat）

Italian ray grass and oat are two grass species characterized by their ability to adjust tropical climate conditions. This study proposed to assess forage productivities to allow an appropriate mowing period determination in their use as dairy female feed in Madagascar. A test on small plots has been set up in the southern part of the capital city Antananarivo during one dry period （4 months）. Live observations followed by laboratory proximate analyses have been performed for forage productivity and feeding value determination. Cultivated on tanety （hill）, irrigated in counter season, results show that： （I） oat higher height （H = 96.7 cm） than Italian ray grass （H= 69.4 cm） at 99 days of age; （2） similar biomass productivity; （3） dry matter yields significantly different （p = 0.05）; （4） certain similarity between dry matter yields and FMU （fodder milk unit） score evolution; （5） leafy stage of Italian ray grasses at 99 days of age; （6） mid-flowering stage for oats during the same period. Cell wall content, crude fiber and dry matter contents increased with age （p = 0.05）. Crude proteins and minerals evolved in opposite directions. Gross energy content did not present precise variation with age. This study allowed that for an acceptable quantitative and qualitative production during dry seasons, good mowing period for Italian ray grass could start at 76 days age, while oat could start being harvested at 68 days.

Diversity shifts of rumen bacteria induced by dietary forages in dairy cows and quantification of the changed bacteria using a new primer design strategy

The partial 16 S r RNA gene sequences（100 to 500 bp） were widely used to reveal rumen bacterial composition influenced by diets, while quantification of the changed uncultured bacteria was inconvenient due to difficult designing of specific primers based on short sequences. This study evaluated the effect of forage resources on rumen bacterial diversity and developed new strategy for primer design based on short sequences to quantify the changed uncultured bacteria. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis（DGGE） analysis and subsequent band sequencing were used to reveal the distinct rumen bacteria composition in cows fed with two forage sources（single corn stover vs. mixed forages including alfalfa hay and corn silage）. The bacterial diversity in the rumen of dairy cows fed with corn stover was lower than that with mixed forages（P0.05）. The bacterium named R-UB affiliating to uncultured Succinivibrionaceae was identified, and it was abundant in the rumen of cows fed with mixed forages compared to corn stover. The full length 16 S r RNA gene sequences with identity of 97% to the R-UB 16 S r RNA gene sequence were obtained from Gen Bank and used to design specific primers to quantify uncultured bacterium R-UB. All sequences of amplicon from the new primers were of 100% identity to R-UB sequences indicating the high specificity of new primers. Quantitative PCR confirmed that abundance of R-UB in the rumen of cows fed with corn stover was lower than those fed with mixed forages（P0.01）. New strategy for designing primers based on partial 16 S r RNA genes to quantify targeted uncultured bacteria was successfully developed. The rumen bacteria descending significantly in the cows fed corn stover compared to those fed mixed forages was identified as uncultured R-UB from Succinivibrionaceae.

Minerals profile of forages for grazing ruminants in Pakistan

The current research was carried out at Rakh Khaire Wala, which is well known as one of the most developed animal husbandry in Punjab, Pakistan. This location in the arid region, where sheep farming is a common practice, was selected for this study. The aim of the study was to determine and collect data on the mineral contents of forages or feedstuffs that are harvested and used in animal nutrition in the region, in order to gain information on the deficiency and/or excess of mineral levels for ruminants grazing therein, fed mainly with these feedstuffs. These pastures were visited twice during the study, in summer and winter, to collect samples in order to determine the effect of seasonal changes on the mineral contents of forages. In each location, samples from the available forages were collected. Forage samples were analyzed in order to determine the Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn levels using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. These results show that pasture grasses/forages had sufficient levels of K, Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn to meet requirements of ruminant animals, but the occurrence of marginal to deficient supplies of Na, and Cu appear very likely. There is an urgent requirement for experimentation on supplementation regimes involving these minerals, so that appropriate recommendations can be formulated.

Control Effect of Replacement Cultivation of Several High Quality Forages against Eupatorium adenophorum

[Objective] The paper was to analyze the control effect of replacement cultivation of several high quality forages against Eupatorium adenophorum. [ Method] Five high quality forages including Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Setaria anceps, Trifolium repens and Medicago sativa were planted in the fields invaded by E. adenophorum, and their ecological adaptability and control effect against E. adenophorum were studied. [Result] Five kinds of forages could nor- mally grow at the local land. The indexes such as coverage, plant height, fresh weight of stems and leaves of S. anceps were the highest, and it showed very strong ecological adaptability as well as the best control effect on E. adenophorum, up to 97.85% and 93.81% at the first and second year, respectively, indicating good sustainable control effect. D. glomerata ranked the second place, of which the coverage after one year was 86% and the control effect on E. adenophorum was 89.68%. The other species showed poor control effect on E. adenophorum because of slow growth rate and heavily damage from companion weeds even they could establish dominant communities. [ Condusion] The paper provided reference for ecological control against E. adenophorum in local land and ecological restoration of invasive land.

Effect of Dehydrated Digested Effluent of Manure on Yield and Quality of Annual Forages and Soil Chemical Properties in Southern Kyushu, Japan

Digested effluent of manure (DEM) produced by biogas-plants contains many macro- and micro-nutrients. In an experiment conducted in southern Kyushu (Japan), forage crops cultivated after receiving DEM and chemical fertilizers exhibited similar dry matter yields. From a logistical standpoint, however, DEM in liquid form is difficult to handle and apply due to the low concentration of nutrients. To overcome this shortcoming, we prepared dehydrated DEM (DDEM) by adding DEM to cattle manure without disturbing the manure fermentation process. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of DDEM on dry matter yield and nitrogen recovery rate in annual dual-cropping systems (summer crop of maize or sorghum and winter crop of Italian ryegrass) that are typical of the region and to compare these results to commercial cattle manure alone, in combination with chemical fertilizer (CM or CM + CF), or no fertilizer application (NF). In both cropping systems, the DDEM treatment produced similar dry matter yields (2.6 to 3.02 kg&middotm-2) and apparent nitrogen recovery rates (43% to 53%) as the CM + CF and CM treatments. This suggests that DDEM can potentially replace chemical fertilizers and commercial cattle manure in the region.

Nickel, lead and manganese content of forages irrigated with different sewage water treatments: A case study of a semiarid region (Sargodha) in Pakistan

The use of sewage water for agricultural purpose has tremendously increased during the last few years due to shortage of water availability, especially in semi-arid regions. Despite of many nutrients recycling advantages of sewage water, farmers are not fully aware of its harmful chemical composition. Heavy metals toxicity in soil and crops results from the long term use of sewage effluent for irrigation purposes. The present study was conducted to assess effect of sewage water on the uptake of Ni, Pb and Mn in different forage species with respect to the nutrient requirement of the grazing ruminants inSargodha,Punjab,Pakistan. Five samples each of six fodder species viz., Trifolium alexandrinum, Cichorium intybus, Avena sativa, Medicago polymorpha, Brassica campestris and Medicago sativa were collected from three fields irrigated with canal water, mix water (canal plus sewage water) and sewage water respectively. Pb, Ni and Mn concentration in the forage species during different treatments varied from 0.624 to1.672 mg/g, 7.364 to 10.17 mg/g and 5.136 to 12.422 mg/kg respectively. High value of Pb and Mn concentrations was observed during sewage water treatment. Lead is a non-essential element and is a very toxic metal. But in the present investigation Ni and Pb level in forages were below the toxic level, so the ruminants feeding on these forage species had no chance of Pb and Ni toxicity. On the other hand, Mn concentration in the forage species under observation was below the critical level. So the grazing animals at this location need continued mineral supplementation of Mn to prevent diseases caused by Mn deficiency, and to support optimum animal productivity. The objective of this study was to examine the potential for forage analysis as indicators of likely mineral deficiencies or excesses of grazing livestock during different sewage water treatments.

Exploration of concentration of two macro-minerals in different wild forages in relation to nutrient requirements of livestock

The composition of two macro-minerals (Ca and Na) was examined in soil and forages in two fields of District Sargodha, Pakistan. During winter and summer season, soil and forage samples were collected. In both seasons, Na was sufficient in soil and forages. As compared to the winter season, the Na and Ca levels in soil were considerably higher in summer season. In forages, the level of Ca was deficient than the level which is essential for livestock growth. In the pastures, grazing livestock may be?deficient in these minerals as these pastures are not supplying sufficient minerals to the ruminants grazing therein. Supplementation of minerals is necessary to prevent the mineral imbalances and deficiency diseases in grazing livestock.

Use of Ultrasound Bath in the Extraction and Quantification of Ester-Linked Phenolic Acids in Tropical Forages

A method was developed for the analysis of ester-linked phenolic acids in forage samples using extraction by an ultrasound-assisted treatment and quantification by HPLC with a UV-VIS detector. A reversed-phase C18 column was used for developing the method and the optimal condition was established with isocratic elution using acetonitrile/methanol/H3PO4 pH 2.08 (13:12.5:74.5) as the mobile phase. To reduce the time of sample processing, the extraction of ester-linked phenolic acids was studied using ultrasound bath and the results were then compared with those from an extraction usual using alkaline hydrolysis (20°C for 24 h). The method was valued through external and internal calibration. Internal calibration using o-coumaric acid as internal standard and m-coumaric acid as surrogate internal standard showed better results. The detection limits were of 0.09 and 0.04 mg●L-1 for p-coumaric and ferulic acids, respectively. The proposed method showed a good linear dynamic range (3.00 - 30.00 mg●L-1) for the analytes. The usefulness of the methodology was demonstrated by addition-recovery experiments using forage samples and values were in the 83 to 99% range. The extraction of ester-linked phenolic acids by 120 minutes of ultrasound bath was faster and more reproducible than alkaline hydrolysis (20°C for 24 h).

Developments,bottlenecks,and opportunities in seed markets for improved forages in East Africa:The case of Kenya

Background:Cattle farming plays a pivotal role in Africa's agricultural and livestock sector,poised for growth due to population expansion and rising per capita consumption of animal-sourced food.Forages are a primary source of feed for dairy cattle,significantly impacting production costs.While local forage varieties are preferred by dairy farmers,there has been an increase in the adoption of improved forages in recent years.However,the overall adoption rate is still low,for example,due to underdeveloped forage seed markets.Methods:This study describes the dynamics,challenges,and potential of these markets in Kenya and selected East African countries,focusing on(i)market evolution over the past decade,(ii)forthcoming market prospects,and(iii)bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.Data were gathered in 2022 through qualitative interviews with stakeholders representing six segments of the forage seed sector across six countries.Results:We found a sustained growth of the improved forage seed market in recent years.The main challenges for further growth are high seed prices,regulatory difficulties,and limited producer knowledge.Conclusions:Thefindings unveil positive dynamics in the region's forage seed market,fueled by the engagement and determination of stakeholders who recognize the manifold benefits that it holds for both the dairy industry and economic growth.The realization of this market's potential requires addressing prevailing challenges,including elevated seed costs,intricate variety registration processes,and a pervasive lack of awareness among farmers.K E Y W O R D S animal productivity,dairy,improved forages,market development,sustainability,tropical forages adoption projects.The need to involve governmental entities and seed companies is recognized since both actors have so far mostly worked individually.None-theless,the strong partnership between the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT and Grupo Papalotla is highlighted as an example of coordinated work between research and a seed company.Further opportunities for improvement of the seed market are outlined in Table 2.

Application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in forages

Genome editing is an advanced genetic modification tool that facilitates the removal,insertion,or substitution of nucleotides in the genome of an organism for mutation induction.CRISPR/Cas9(clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9)is the most widely used genome editing tool that can precisely modify the specific sequence of a genome.Significant progress has been made in the use of CRISPR/Cas9 for the genetic improvement of food crops.However,in forage crops,the use of CRISPR/Cas9 is still in the infant stage with limited understanding and application.This article reviews current advances in the establishment and application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in alfalfa,summarizes the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in several other forage legume and grass species,and discusses the prospects of CRISPR/Cas9 in the genetic improvement of forage crops.

Ruminal fermentation and microbial community differently influenced by four typical subtropical forages in vitro

The present study evaluated the effects of 4 typical subtropical forages on ruminal microbial community composition to formulate a better diet for buffalo.Corn straw silage,elephant grass,cassava residues and sugarcane tail silage were used as substrates for in vitro fermentation.Eight replicates were set up for every substrate,and fermentation was carried out in a 100-m L glass syringe,using buffalo rumen inoculum.Every replicate was anaerobically dispensed with 10 m L of rumen inoculum,20 m L of Mc Dougall's buffer and 200 mg of dried substrate,and placed in a water bath at 39C.Gas production was recorded at 0,2,6,12,24,36,48 and 72 h of incubation.After 24 h,fermentation was ceased for 4 replicates and samples were collected.Volatile fatty acids(VFA) concentrations were measured using gas chromatography.Microbial populations were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR(q RT-PCR),and microbial community was analyzed using high throughput sequencing technology.The results showed,cassava residues as substrate had the highest gas production,acetate,propionate and total VFA concentrations(P < 0.05),and corn straw silage had the lowest acetate:propionate ratio(P < 0.05).The lowest numbers of fungi,Ruminococcus albus and Fibrobacter succinogenes,and the highest number of protozoa were observed with cassava residues(P < 0.05).The least abundances of bacterial phyla Firmicutes,Bacteroidetes and genus Prevotella,and substantially higher abundance of phylum proteobacteria(56%) and genus Succinivibrio(52%) were observed with cassava residues.The most abundances of Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii and Entodinium were observed with cassava residues.Spearman's correlations analysis showed,Succinivibrio had strong positive correlations with propionate,butyrate,Metadinium and M.gottschalkii,indicating fermentation products were related to microbial community.In conclusion,incubation with cassava residues resulted in lower number of fiber degrading microbes but higher protozoal population because of its low fiber contents.The microbial community was highly altered by in vitro incubation with cassava residues,whereas remained similar for the other 3 high fiber containing substrates.

Nutritive value of forages consumed by ruminants during the dry season in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Background:In the Western Highlands of Cameroon(WHC),information on the nutritional value of fodder species consumed by ruminants is very limited.Methods:Through interviews with farmers and monitoring of animals on the range,information was obtained on the types of fodder resources consumed by the ruminants.Samples of each forage species were collected in 15 districts,mixed,chopped,and dried in a ventilated oven at 60°C,and then ground for chemical composition analysis.Results:Twenty-two forage species were identified.Among these species,Vernonia amygdalina(29.43%±0.45%dry matter[DM])and Pennisetum clandestinum(87.21%±1.33%DM)were,respectively,the highest in protein and neutral detergent fiber contents.Manihot esculenta was one of the most energy-rich forages in terms of forage unit for lactation and forage unit for meat production.Hierarchical ascending classification revealed three main groups of forages,respectively,rich in crude fiber(Group 1),protein(Group 2),and energy(Group 3).Conclusions:The present study identified 22 forage species browsed by ruminants in WHC.Further studies should be carried out to determine the antinutritional factors and to evaluate their nutrient value using in vitro or in situ digestibility techniques.

Monitoring the fibrolytic potential of microbial ecosystems from domestic and wild ruminants browsing tanniferous forages

Although the rumen microbiome has been reported to synthesize a rich source of symbiotic enzymes(exocellulase, endocellulase, hemicellulase and cellobiase), the digestion of tropical C_4 grasses and browses by ruminants is still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to unveil potential fibrolytic microbial ecosystems from giraffe, kudu, impala and consortia(A1 [giraffe + kudu], A2 [giraffe + impala], A3[kudu + impala], and A4 [giraffe + kudu + impala]) browsing tanniferous plants, which can be used to improve forage utilization in domesticated goat. Crude protein enzyme extracts(CPZ) from fresh faecal samples were precipitated by 60% ammonium sulphate and assayed for exocellulase, endocellulase and hemicellulase by incubating with crystalline cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and xylan at 38 ℃ with optimum pH of 5.5 to 6.5 for 1, 2, and 48 h, respectively. Enzyme specific activities were defined as μg of reducing sugar/mg CPZ. In vitro fermentation study was done by transferring 33 mL of fresh faecal inoculum into 67 mL of salivary buffer containing 1 g Acacia sieberiana and incubating for 72 h at 38 ℃,Apparent degradability(APDeg), true degradability(TD), neutral detergent fibre degradability(NDFdeg),acid detergent fibre degradability(ADFdeg), microbial yield(MY), metabolizable energy(ME) and total gas emitted(Gas) were measured. Exocellulase activities were higher(P < 0.05) in all wild animals and consortia than those in goat except for A4. Minimal differences in hemicellulase activities(P < 0.05) were observed among goat and wild animals and consortia, while endocellulase activity was generally higher(P < 0.05) in goat than that in the rest of the systems. Apart from A3, TDeg, NDFdeg and ADFdeg were higher(P < 0.05) in all microbial ecosystems from wild animals and consortia than those in goat.Apparent degradability, MY and ME also varied(P < 0.05) among these systems. Giraffe, Kudu and A3 produced lower(P < 0.05) gas than the goat system. This study showed that microbial ecosystems from wild browsers(especially impala) and consortia possess a higher potential to digest tanniferous forage with less enteric gas production compared with domesticated goat, hence those microbiome could be exploited as microbial feed additives for improving digestibility and reducing enteric gas production in domesticated goat. Improvements of goat's digestibility will depend on the survival and establishment of microbial species in the rumen as well as their fibrolytic and symbiotic potential including tannin tolerance.

No evidence of predator odor avoidance in a North American bird community

Recent advances in our understanding of avian chemical communication have highlighted the importance of olfaction in many aspects of avian life.Prior studies investigating predator avoidance behaviors in response to predator odor cues have produced mixed results across species and contexts.Here we assess if a community of birds in eastern Pennsylvania displays avoidance behaviors towards predator odor cues in a natural foraging setting.We use clay caterpillars to measure foraging activity by birds in the presence of predator(bobcat)urine,non-predator(rabbit)urine,and water controls in two different environmental contexts(field vs.forest).Although we detected a weak trend for birds to forage less at predator urine-treated sites,we found no significant difference in avian foraging between the site types.We did find that foraging rates between environmental contexts changed significantly over the course of the experiment,with forest sites showing decreasing foraging rates and field sites showing increasing foraging rates.Our results reinforce the published literature that avoidance of predator odors by birds may not be ubiquitous across contexts and species.

Distributional and behavioral responses of the wintering Oriental Storks to drought in China’s largest freshwater lake

Extreme droughts are increasing in frequency and severity globally as a result of climate change.Developing understanding of species’responses to drought is crucial for their conservation,especially in regions experi-encing increased aridity.Although numerous studies have investigated birds’responses to drought,the emphasis has primarily been on landbirds.Drought can significantly alter the wetland environments that waterbirds inhabit,but the response of waterbirds to drought remains understudied.In this study,we surveyed the distri-bution and behavior of Oriental Storks(Ciconia boyciana)in Poyang Lake,which is the largest freshwater lake in China.Results indicate that drought-induced catchment areas at the lowest water level limited the total popu-lation size of Oriental Storks in the sub-lakes.Sub-lakes with large catchment areas at the lowest water level demonstrated a capacity to support a larger population of wintering Oriental Storks.Over time,Oriental Storks exhibited a gradual concentration in Changhu Lake,characterized by larger catchments,after resource depletion in sub-lakes with smaller catchments.Additionally,the duration of Oriental Storks’vigilance and moving be-haviors decreased significantly compared with that observed before the drought.After the drought,Oriental Storks increased their foraging efforts,as evidenced by increased presence in deeper water and reaching their heads and necks into deeper water to forage,higher search rates,but lower foraging rates.In accordance with area-restricted search theory,reductions in habitat quality resulting from drought,including extensive fish die-offs,forced Oriental Storks to increase their foraging efforts.Sustaining a specific water area in sub-lakes during droughts can preserve resource availability,which is crucial for the conservation of Oriental Storks.Imple-menting measures such as water level control and micro-modification of lake bottoms in sub-lakes might mitigate the impact of drought on the piscivorous Oriental Storks.

Spatial search weighting information contained in cell velocity distribution

Cell migration plays a significant role in physiological and pathological processes.Understanding the characteristics of cell movement is crucial for comprehending biological processes such as cell functionality,cell migration,and cell–cell interactions.One of the fundamental characteristics of cell movement is the specific distribution of cell speed,containing valuable information that still requires comprehensive understanding.This article investigates the distribution of mean velocities along cell trajectories,with a focus on optimizing the efficiency of cell food search in the context of the entire colony.We confirm that the specific velocity distribution in the experiments corresponds to an optimal search efficiency when spatial weighting is considered.The simulation results indicate that the distribution of average velocity does not align with the optimal search efficiency when employing average spatial weighting.However,when considering the distribution of central spatial weighting,the specific velocity distribution in the experiment is shown to correspond to the optimal search efficiency.Our simulations reveal that for any given distribution of average velocity,a specific central spatial weighting can be identified among the possible central spatial weighting that aligns with the optimal search strategy.Additionally,our work presents a method for determining the spatial weights embedded in the velocity distribution of cell movement.Our results have provided new avenues for further investigation of significant topics,such as relationship between cell behavior and environmental conditions throughout their evolutionary history,and how cells achieve collective cooperation through cell-cell communication.