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Simple Summary: Shitou geese are the exclusive representative of a large-sized goose breed in China, typically exhibiting gray feathers but also possessing a recessive white plumage. However, the precise mechanism underlying the formation of this white plumage coloration in Shitou geese remains unclear. Here, a transcriptome sequencing analysis was conducted to identify candidate genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) that may be associated with the white plumage color in Shitou geese. A number of pigmentation genes and miRNAs were identified as candidates that may regulate white plumage color formation in Shitou geese. This result may be important for understanding the genetic mechanism underlying the formation of white plumage color in Shitou geese. The Shitou goose, a highly recognized indigenous breed with gray plumage originating from Chaozhou Raoping in Guangdong Province, China, is renowned for being the largest goose species in the country. Notably, during the pure breeding process of Shitou geese, approximately 2% of the offspring in each generation unexpectedly exhibited white plumage. To better understand the mechanisms underlying white plumage color formation in Shitou geese, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis between white and gray feather follicles, aiming to identify key genes and microRNAs that potentially regulate white plumage coloration in this unique goose breed. Our results revealed a number of pigmentation genes, encompassing TYR, TYRP1, EDNRB2, MLANA, SOX10, SLC45A2, GPR143, TRPM1, OCA2, ASIP, KIT, and SLC24A5, which were significantly down-regulated in the white feather follicles of Shitou geese. Among these genes, EDNRB2 and KIT emerged as the most promising candidate genes for white plumage coloration in Shitou geese. Additionally, our analysis also uncovered 46 differentially expressed miRNAs. Of these, miR-144-y may play crucial roles in the regulation of feather pigmentation. Furthermore, the expression of novel-m0086-5p, miR-489-y, miR-223-x, miR-7565-z, and miR-3535-z exhibits a significant negative correlation with the expression of pigmentation genes including TYRP1, EDNRB2, MLANA, SOX10, TRPM1, and KIT, suggesting these miRNAs may indirectly regulate the expression of these genes, thereby influencing feather color. Our findings provide valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying white plumage coloration in Shitou geese and contribute to the broader understanding of avian genetics and coloration research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participants in mixed-species bird flocks (MSFs) have been shown to associate with species that are similar in body size, diet, and evolutionary history, suggesting that facilitation structures these assemblages. In addition, several studies have suggested that species in MSFs resemble each other in their plumage, but this question has not been systematically investigated for any MSF system. During the nonbreeding season of 2020 and 2021, we sampled 585 MSFs on 14 transects in 2 habitats of Tongbiguang Nature Reserve in western Yunnan Province, China. We performed social network analysis and the Multiple Regression Quadratic Assignment Procedure to evaluate the effect of 4 species traits (body size, overall plumage color, distinctive plumage patterns, and diet) and evolutionary history on species association strength at the whole-MSF and within-MSF levels. All 41 significant relationships showed that species with stronger associations were more similar in their various traits. Body size had the strongest effect on association strength, followed by phylogeny, plumage patterns, and plumage color; diet had the weakest effect. Our results are consistent with the hypotheses that the benefits of associating with phenotypically similar species outweigh the potential costs of interspecific competition, and that trait matching can occur in plumage characteristics, albeit more weakly than in other traits. Several explanations exist as to why similarities in plumage may occur in MSFs, including that they could reduce predators' ability to target phenotypically "odd" individuals. Whether trait matching in plumage occurs through assortative processes in ecological time or is influenced by co-evolution requires further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-quality genome data of birds play a significant role in the systematic study of their origin and adaptive evolution. The Temminck's tragopan (Tragopan temminckii) (Galliformes, Phasianidae), a larger pheasant, is one of the most abundant and widely distributed species of the genus Tragopan, and was defined as class II of the list of national key protected wild animals in China. The absence of a sequenced genome has restricted previous evolutionary trait studies of this taxa. Results: The whole genome of the Temminck's tragopan was sequenced using Illumina and PacBio platform, and then de novo assembled and annotated. The genome size was 1.06 Gb, with a contig N50 of 4.17 Mb. A total of 117.22 Mb (11.00%) repeat sequences were identified. 16,414 genes were predicted using three methods, with 16,099 (98.08%) annotated as functional genes based on five databases. In addition, comparative genome analyses were conducted across 12 Galliformes species. The results indicated that T. temminckii was the first species to branch off from the clade containing Lophura nycthemera, Phasianus colchicus, Chrysolophus pictus, Syrmaticus mikado, Perdix hodgsoniae, and Meleagris gallopavo, with a corresponding divergence time of 31.43 million years ago (MYA). Expanded gene families associated with immune response and energy metabolism were identified. Genes and pathways associated with plumage color and feather development, immune response, and energy metabolism were found in the list of positively selected genes (PSGs). Conclusions: A genome draft of the Temminck's tragopan was reported, genome feature and comparative genome analysis were described, and genes and pathways related to plumage color and feather development, immune response, and energy metabolism were identified. The genomic data of the Temminck's tragopan considerably contribute to the genome evolution and phylogeny of the genus Tragopan and the whole Galliformes species underlying ecological adaptation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Huoyan geese are found in the cold regions of Northern China and have two specific traits. To understand the genetic basis of these traits, i.e., upper eyelid coloboma and gosling feather color, as well as their adaptation to the climate, we used whole-genome resequencing technology to analyze Huoyan geese and local geese from Southern China with different traits. By performing this analysis, we identified candidate genes associated with upper eyelid coloboma and gosling feather color, as well as genes related to climate adaptation in geese. These findings provide valuable insights for the selection of goose breeds. Driven by natural and artificial selection, the domestic Huoyan geese from Northern China have gradually generated specific phenotypes and climatic adaptations. To understand the genetic basis of the two specific phenotypes that are sex linked, including upper eyelid coloboma and gosling feather color, as well as the climatic adaptations of the Huoyan goose, which can contribute to the artificial selection and breeding of geese. We selected Huoyan geese and nine Southern Chinese goose breeds and identified their divergence on the genomic level. Using selective sweep analysis, we found that PTPRM on chromosome Z influences the upper eyelid coloboma phenotype of the Huoyan goose, and TYRP1 is a plausible candidate gene for the Huoyan gosling feather color. We obtained a number of genes related to cold adaptation in Huoyan geese, mainly involved in physiological functions such as metabolism, angiogenesis contraction and circulatory system, apoptosis, immunity, stress, and neural system. The most interesting candidates for cold adaptation are PIP5K1B and NMNAT3 that are associated with energy metabolism and stress. We also obtained some genes related to heat adaptation, including AGTPBP1, associated with neurology; GDA, associated with skin pigmentation; and NAA35, associated with apoptosis. These findings deepen our understanding of the genetics of specific phenotypes and climate adaptation in local geese and provide insights for the selection of goose breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, the sale of freshly slaughtered chickens is becoming increasingly popular in comparison with that of live chickens, and due to this emerging trend, the skin and feather follicle traits of yellow-feathered broilers have attracted a great deal of research attention. The feather follicle originates from the interaction between the epidermis and dermis in the early embryonic stage. Feather follicle morphogenesis is regulated by the Wnt, ectodysplasin (Eda), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), sonic hedgehog (Shh), Notch, and other signaling pathways that exist in epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The Wnt pathway is essential for feather follicle and feather morphogenesis. Eda interacts with Wnt to induce FGF expression, which attracts mesenchymal cell movement and aggregates to form feather follicle primordia. BMP acts as an inhibitor of the above signaling pathways to limit the size of the feather tract and distance between neighboring feather primordia in a dose-dependent manner. The Notch/Delta pathway can interact with the FGF pathway to promote feather bud formation. While not a part of the early morphogenesis of feather follicles, Shh and BMP signaling are involved in late feather branching. This review summarizes the roles of miRNAs/lncRNA in the regulation of feather follicle and feather growth and development and suggests topics that need to be solved in a future study. This review focuses on the regulatory mechanisms involved in feather follicle morphogenesis and analyzes the impact of SNP sites on feather follicle traits in poultry. This work may help us to understand the molecular regulatory networks influencing feather follicle growth and provide basic data for poultry carcass quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colour reconstructions have provided new insights into the lives of dinosaurs and other extinct animals, by predicting colouration patterns from fossilised pigment-bearing organelles called melanosomes. Although these methods have become increasingly popular, only a small number of dinosaurs have been studied using these techniques, which require exceptional preservation of fossil feathers, leaving open key questions such as whether dinosaurs changed their plumage patterns during ontogeny. Here we reconstruct the feather colouration of an approximately one-year-old individual of the Early Cretaceous dromaeosaurid theropod Wulong bohaiensis, which to our knowledge is the first unequivocal juvenile paravian for which aspects of the original colour has been predicted. Using quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) and multinomial logistic regression (MLR) on the most comprehensive available datasets, we find strong evidence for iridescent plumage of the forelimb and hindlimb remiges and grey plumage on other portions of the body. This suggests that some juvenile paravians used shiny iridescent feathers for signalling purposes, possibly even before reaching somatic or sexual maturity, and thus we can conclude that this paravian used iridescent signalling for intraspecific communication other than sexual signalling. Finally, our results show that when analysing fossil datasets that are entirely comprised of solid and cylindrical melanosomes QDA consistently outperforms MLR, providing more accurate and higher classification probability colour predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new feather mite species Proctophyllodes gracilitussp. nov. is described from the mountain bulbul Ixos mcclellandii (Horsfield) (Passeriformes: Pycnonotidae) in China. The new species belongs to the mecistocaulus species-group and differs from the most similar species, P. stenophyllusGaud & Mouchet, 1957, by having the following characters: in males of P. gracilitus, the terminal lamellae are thinner and longer (45–49×4–5) and the posterior part of the hysteronotal shield has circular lacunae; and in females setae h1 are situated at the level of posterior margin of supranal concavity, setae h2 are longer than terminal appendages, do not have enlargement in base, and setae h3 are about 2/3rds the length of terminal appendages. In addition, Proctophyllodes weigoldiVitzthum, 1922 has been collected from the willow tit Poecile montanus (Baldenstein) (Passeriformes: Paridae) that is a new host record for this species. This species is redescribed, because it was found that specimens from Po. montanus have some minor morphological differences from specimens of the common blackbird Turdus merula Linnaeus (Passeriformes: Turdidae) (a type host) and eyebrowed thrush Turdus obscurus Gmelin (Passeriformes: Turdidae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plumage color is an important characteristic of chicken breeds, and molecular genetic research is significant for resource conservation and product quality control. Anyi tile-like gray chicken is a high-quality local chicken breed resource generated through long-term natural selection and artificial breeding in China. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying plumage color formation in Anyi tile-like gray chickens remain unclear. In this study, nontargeted liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed to identify serum metabolites associated with plumage color in 93 Anyi tile-like gray chickens, including 60 tile-like gray and 33 black chickens. Notably, 12 serum metabolites were significantly enriched in Anyi tile-like gray chickens, including deoxyuridine and inosine, which were the key biomarkers distinguishing tile-like gray chickens from black chickens. Additionally, nine serum metabolites were significantly enriched in black chickens. Moreover, we identified 225 significant SNPs (P < 9.71 × 10 -8 ) on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 15, and 21 that were associated with deoxyuridine, inosine, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, and L-methionine S-oxide through metabolome genome-wide association studies (mGWAS). Importantly, chromosome 1 harbored a region, 172.79-kb, which was the most likely quantitative trait locus (QTL) interval. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed that SFMBT2 was the only differentially expressed gene in the QTL interval, and its expression was correlated with the abundance of specific serum metabolites. Conclusively, SFMBT2-mediated changes in serum metabolites contribute to plumage color development in Anyi tile-like gray chicken. This study provides important insights into the interaction between serum metabolites and host genes, and offers a theoretical basis for the breeding of Anyi tile-like gray chickens., Competing Interests: DISCLOSURES The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Simple Summary: Non-cage farming is gradually becoming the mainstream mode of poultry farming worldwide, which has led to concerns regarding the welfare of laying hens in China. Under huge pressure for the supply of eggs, China, with relatively insufficient land resources, is highly dependent on cage systems, thus posing significant challenges related to animal welfare. In the context of this dilemma, China's abundant woodland resources provide a means to improve the welfare of laying hens, in particular, providing a wide living space for laying hens to express their natural behaviours, such as foraging and reproduction. At the same time, this profitable farming model has been welcomed and supported by farmers in some areas of China, and is gradually being promoted, which may provide a template and confidence for China and other countries to address the challenges of keeping hens in non-cage systems in order to improve animal welfare. The welfare of laying hens in cage systems is of increasing concern. Represented by the European Union's 'End the Cage Age' initiative, more and more countries have advocated cage-free farming. China, an important country for poultry farming and consumption in the world, is highly dependent on cage systems and lacks confidence in alternative (e.g., free-range) systems. In this context, using China's abundant woodland resources (including natural forests, plantations, and commercial forests) to facilitate the management of laying hens in a free-range environment may provide highly promising welfare improvement programs. On the basis of the Five Freedoms, we assess the welfare status of understory laying hen management systems with reference to the behavioural needs and preferences of laying hens and the EU standards for free-range and organic production (highest animal welfare standards in the world). The results show that the considered systems meet or even exceed these standards, in terms of key indicators such as outdoor and indoor stocking density, outdoor activity time, and food and drug use. Specifically, the systems provide sufficient organic food for laying hens without using antibiotics. They allow laying hens to avoid beak trimming, as well as to express nesting, foraging, perching, reproductive, dustbathing and other priority behaviours. The presence of roosters and higher use of woodland space allow the laying hens to achieve better feather and bone conditions, thus reducing stress and fear damage. Notably, the predation problem is not yet considered significant. Second, there is evidence that understory laying hen systems are profitable and have been welcomed and supported by farmers and governments in the southwest, south, and north of China. However, whether it can be scaled up is uncertain, and further research is needed. In addition, laying hens in this management system face various risks, such as foot injury, parasitism, and high dependence on consumer markets, which must be considered. Overall, agro-forestry, or accurately, understory poultry raising, provides opportunities and possibilities for free-range laying hens and welfare improvement in China and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Asian Journals of Ecotoxicology is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Invasive plants have caused significant negative ecological and economic impacts throughout the world. Parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is an aquatic plant introduced from South America to South Africa, USA, Europe, New Zealand through the aquarium trade. It was recently brought to China where naturalized populations have become widespread. However, there is little information about the status, distribution, and the ecological and economic impacts of parrot’s feather which is critical to the Chinese government and environmental managers. We summarized introduction pathway, current distribution, and ecological impacts of parrot’s feather by field investigations and literature review. Our study could provide significant references for the management of non-native aquatic plants in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the feather mite genus Proctophyllodes (Analgoidea: Proctophyllodidae) are described from two passerine birds (Passeriformes) in China: Proctophyllodes scleroticussp. nov. from the Brandt's Mountain Finch Leucosticte brandti pallidior (Fringillidae) and P. micrurussp. nov. from the White-rumped Snow Finch Onychostruthus taczanowskii (Passeridae). Proctophyllodes scleroticussp. nov. belongs to the tricetratus species-group, and differs from the most similar species P. petroniaeAtyeo & Braasch, 1966 by the following characters: in male, the genital sheath is heavily sclerotized, peach shaped, and extending to the level of setae g, anal suckers are surrounded with a pair of membranes, and terminal lamella is relatively greater, and in female, lobar shield is divided into two independent shields by the anal opening and anal opening extends beyond the level of setae ps1, terminal appendage is long. Proctophyllodes micrurussp. nov. belongs to the musicus species-group, and differs from the most similar species P. saltatorisAtyeo & Braasch, 1966 by the following characters: in male, genital arch and the anterior part of opisthogastric shield are about the same width, anal suckers are surrounded with a pair of membranes, genital organ extends to the anterior 1/3 of the level of setae g and setae ps3, terminal lamella are located closely to each other and slightly greater, and in female, lobar shields are medially divided into two halves, terminal appendages are small, about 1/10 of setae h3, edge of the cleft is almost horizontal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decoration with feathers is a universal phenomenon in human history. Objects decorated with feathers were regarded as fine artworks and hence were enormously prized. In ancient China, dotting a surface with blue kingfisher feathers was a famous, complex and delicate decoration technique called diancui. Although various ancient diancui artworks appear in many museums around the world and researchers have realized significant results in studies of the history, technique and conservation of diancui, some key historical details are still not clear. In this research performed during restoration, an important object from the Palace Museum, the "Feather Decoration Hanging Screen with Birds and Flowers Pattern", was analyzed by various scientific technologies. This object is a Chinese imperial artwork of the Qing dynasty (seventeenth to eighteenth century) decorated with kingfisher feathers and the feathers of several other birds, and it represents the highest level of this period. As a typical and valuable case, the results provide important clues for solving questions arising from related academic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of the bird skull from an ancestral akinetic, heavy, and toothed dinosaurian morphology to a highly derived, lightweight, edentulous, and kinetic skull is an innovation as significant as powered flight and feathers. Our understanding of evolutionary assembly of the modern form and function of avian cranium has been impeded by the rarity of early bird fossils with well-preserved skulls. Here, we describe a new enantiornithine bird from the Early Cretaceous of China that preserves a nearly complete skull including the palatal elements, exposing the components of cranial kinesis. Our three-dimensional reconstruction of the entire enantiornithine skull demonstrates that this bird has an akinetic skull indicated by the unexpected retention of the plesiomorphic dinosaurian palate and diapsid temporal configurations, capped with a derived avialan rostrum and cranial roof, highlighting the highly modular and mosaic evolution of the avialan skull. In addition to major innovations in their locomotor system, early birds evolved highly derived skulls. Here, Wang et al. three dimensionally reconstruct the skull of a new enantiornithine bird from the Early Cretaceous that illustrates the early avialan transitions in skull morphology and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a Chinese local chicken breed, Hongshan chickens have 2 kinds of tail feather phenotypes, normal and taillessness. Our previous studies showed that taillessness was a sex-linked dominant trait. Abnormal development of the tail vertebrae could be explained this phenomenon in some chicken breeds. However, the number of caudal vertebrae in rumpless Hongshan chickens was normal, so rumplessness in Hongshan chicken was not related to the development of the caudal vertebrae. Afterwards, we found that rumplessness in Hongshan was due to abnormal development of tail feather rather than abnormal development of caudal vertebrae. In order to understand the genetic foundation of the rumplessness of Hongshan chickens, we compared and reanalyzed 2 sets of data in normal and rumpless Hongshan chickens from our previous studies. By joint analysis of genome-wide selection signature analysis and genome-wide association approach, we found that 1 overlapping gene (EDIL3) and 16 peak genes (ENSGALG00000051843, ENSGALG00000053498, ENSGALG00000054800, KIF27, PTPRD, ENSGALG00000047579, ENSGALG00000041052, ARHGEF28, CAMK4, SERINC5, ENSGALG00000050776, ERCC8, MCC, ADAMTS19, ENSGALG00000053322, CHRNA8) located on the Z chromosome was associated with the rumpless trait. The results of this study furtherly revealed the molecular mechanism of the rumpless trait in Hongshan chickens, and identified the candidate genes associated with this trait. Our results will help to improve the shape of chicken tail feathers and to rise individual economic value in some specific market in China., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Two new feather mite species collected from the Huet's fulvetta, Alcippe hueti (Passeriformes, Leiothrichidae), in China are described: Proterothrix dinghushani sp. n. (Proctophyllodidae) and Trouessartia pauciseta sp. n. (Trouessartiidae). Males of P. dinghushani have a pair of lateral hysteronotal sclerites and a closed pentagonal sclerotized frame in the postero-median part of propodosoma. Females of this species have the sternum 1/4 of the total length of epimerites, and the terminal cleft exceeds half of the length of the lobar shield. Both sexes of T. pauciseta have a distinctive character, the absence of 3 pairs of hysteronotal setae (d1, d2, and e2), that clearly differs this species from all previously known species of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic variation is often used to delineate species and subspecies boundaries. Statistical analysis of phenotypic variation within a species is helpful both for understanding biodiversity and for its conservation. At least three named subspecies of barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) have distributions that span China, yet, to date, no systematic study of phenotypic differentiation has been applied to understand the delineation of these subspecies. In this study, we collected 510 samples of barn swallow from 23 populations in China, including two recognized subspecies, H. r. rustica and H. r. gutturalis , and one potential subspecies, H. r. mandschurica. With these samples, we examined and found morphometric and colour differences among different populations. Western Chinese barn swallows (H. r. rustica) have larger body size and could be clearly differentiated from eastern H. r. gutturalis and H. r. mandschurica , while north-eastern populations (named H. r. mandschurica) have darker, redder ventral plumage than H. r. rustica and H. r. gutturalis. However, we inferred that although there were phenotypic differences between H. r. mandschurica and H. r. gutturalis , they were not sufficiently distinct to assign them to separate subspecies based on the 75% rule for defining subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A panel of geochemical techniques is used here to investigate the taphonomy of fossil feathers preserved in association with the skeleton of the Jurassic theropod Anchiornis huxleyi. Extant feathers were analysed in parallel to test whether the soft tissues morphologically preserved in the fossil also exhibit a high degree of chemical preservation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) indicate that clays and iron oxide pseudomorphs occur in the surrounding sediment and also reveal the preservation of melanosome‐like microbodies in the fossil. Carbon gradient along a depth profile and co‐occurrence of carbon and sulphur are shown in the fossil by elastic backscattering (EBS) and particle‐induced x‐ray emission (PIXE), which are promising techniques for the elemental analysis of fossil soft tissues. The molecular composition of modern and fossil soft tissues was assessed from micro‐attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro‐ATR FTIR), solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (CP‐MAS 13C NMR) and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry in the presence of TMAH (TMAH‐Py‐GC‐MS). Results indicate that the proteinaceous material that comprises the modern feathers is not present in the fossil feathers. The fossil feathers and the embedding sediment exhibit a highly aliphatic character. However, substantial differences exist between these samples, revealing that the organic matter of the fossil feathers is, at least partially, derived from original constituents of the feathers. Our results suggest that, despite the morphological preservation of Anchiornis feathers, original proteins, that is keratin, were probably not preserved in the 160‐myr‐old feathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Tile-grey plumage is a unique and rare feather type of local chicken breeds in China, but its genetic mechanism and corresponding genes remain unknown. 2. In order to identify the genetic basis and molecular characteristics of tile-grey plumage, this experiment investigated variations of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene in Yunnan Piao chickens with typical tile-grey plumage characteristics in contrast with three Yunnan local breeds as well as two standard breeds with different plumage colour, and analysed the association between genic variation and tile-grey plumage. 3. Through sequencing and comparison of the entire coding region of the MC1R gene, a total of 10 SNP loci were detected, of which eight were non-synonymous mutations that cause amino acid changes. The gene frequency and genotype frequency of the MC1R mutation sites in different breeds and different plumage colour groups revealed that C69T, T212C and A274G were significantly associated with tile-grey plumage. Eighteen haplotypes of the MC1R gene were constructed based on 10 nucleotide variations and eight amino acid variations. Haplotype distribution and the median joining network in breeds and plumage colour groups revealed a main haplotype (hap2) for tile-grey plumage. Hap2 is unique to the tile-grey feather of Piao chicken, and the individuals carrying this haplotype account for 62.96% of the whole tile-grey chicken. 4. The results of this study are of significance for further analysis of the molecular basis of tile-grey plumage and the selective breeding of tile-grey plumage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the last remaining enigmas among Palearctic bird species is Vaurie's Nightjar Caprimulgus centralasicus. It is known from a single specimen, said to be an adult female, collected in September 1929 southeast of Yarkand, Xinjiang, in westernmost China, and originally identified as an Egyptian Nightjar C. aegyptius. All major world checklists and authors of monographs on the Caprimulgiformes accept C. centralasicus as a species, but efforts to rediscover it in the field have failed, meaning that occasional doubts have been expressed as to its taxonomic validity. We subjected the holotype of C. centralasicus to a molecular examination and renewed morphological comparisons, with the aim of resolving its status. We independently confirmed in two different laboratories that C. centralasicus has an identical partial fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 b (COI) as five European Nightjars C. europaeus. The overall plumage coloration (but not size) of C. centralasicus is reasonably similar, especially on the upperparts, to at least some specimens of C. europaeus of the subspecies C. e. unwini and C. e. plumipes, and by implication to that of C. e. dementievi too, while several specimens of Sykes's Nightjar C. mahrattensis are a reasonably close match in coloration to C. centralasicus, also lack an obvious nuchal collar, and possess a similar-length tail and pattern. There is a high degree of likelihood that C. centralasicus is a synonym of C. e. plumipes, but the small size of the holotype compared to C. europaeus persists in being difficult to fully rationalize, although we believe that the bird is, in fact, a fledgling in its first plumage, parts of which are still growing, which would explain much of the difference. In addition, based on current data, there is no correspondence between described subspecies of C. europaeus and genetic variability. Phylogeographic structure within C. europaeus and its correspondence with morphological, especially plumage variation, requires further investigation using a more comprehensive geographic sampling from the breeding grounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a nondestructive means of environmental monitoring, bird feathers have been used to analyze levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in specific environments. In this study, feather samples from 10 waterbird species around Poyang Lake were collected, and a pretreatment method for PFASs in feathers was optimized. The results showed that a combined cleaning method using ultrapure water and n-hexane effectively removed external PFASs. Twenty-three legacy and emerging PFASs were identified in the feathers of waterbirds, of which hexafluoropropylene oxides (HFPOs), chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonates (Cl-PFESAs), and sodium p -perfluorinated noneoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS) were reported for the first time, with their concentrations ranging from 0.060–2.4 ng·g−1 dw, 0.046–30 ng·g−1 dw, and lower than the method detection limit to 30 ng·g−1 dw, respectively. Compound- and species-specific bioaccumulation of PFASs was observed in the feathers of different waterbird species, suggesting that different PFAS types can be monitored through the selection of different species. Moreover, the concentrations of most PFCAs (except perfluorobutyric acid), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) were significantly positively correlated with δ 15N (p < 0.05), while the concentrations of HFPOs, Cl-PFESAs, and OBS had significant positive correlations with δ 13C. This indicates that the bioaccumulation of legacy and emerging PFASs in waterbird feathers is affected by their trophic level, feeding habits, and foraging area. [Display omitted] • A simple procedure to effectively remove external PFAS from feathers was developed. • HFPOs, Cl-PFESAs, and OBS in waterbird feathers were reported for the first time. • Compound- and species-specific accumulation of PFAS differed among species. • The levels of PFASs were positively correlated with δ 13C and δ 15N values. • PFAS accumulation depends on trophic level, feeding habits, and foraging area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of the feather mite genus Mesalgoides (Acariformes: Psoroptoididae: Pandalurinae) are described from passerine birds (Passeriformes) in China: Mesalgoides morrisoniasp. nov. from Alcippe morrisonia Swinhoe (Leiothrichidae), M. vinaceasp. nov. from Carpodacus vinaceus Verreaux (Fringillidae), M. flammicepissp. nov. from Cephalopyrus flammiceps (Burton) (Paridae), and M. erythacasp. nov. from Pyrrhula erythaca Blyth (Fringillidae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury pollution is a global problem and of particular concern in high emissions areas, such as China. We studied the migratory Kentish Plover, Charadrius alexandrinus, which breeds in coastal northern/central China and the inland Qinghai Lake, and the White-faced Plover C. dealbatus, a year-round resident of coastal southern China. We measured total mercury (THg) concentrations in feather and blood samples of breeding females. We expected low levels at the remote Qinghai Lake, but we found instead that feather THg concentrations were highest there (3.89 ± 1.53 [SD] μg/g DW [n = 34]; compared to 1.29 ± 0.61 μg/g of Kentish Plover elsewhere [n = 35] and 2.08 ± 1.45 μg/g for White-faced Plover [n = 56]), a result is consistent over 2 years. When including only coastal populations in the analysis, there were no differences in THg concentrations between the two species, although White-faced Plover had more variation. Feather THg concentrations for the coastal populations are similar to other studies on plovers and sandpipers globally, with most birds under the threshold of adverse effects (3 μg/g, an estimate that itself may be too low). Nevertheless, the Qinghai Kentish Plover population has mean feather concentrations above this threshold, indicating high exposure during the nonbreeding season, and some individuals have extreme values (e.g., a bird with a blood level of 7.63 μg/g DW from Zhanjiang, south China), so further research and monitoring are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yellow-feather broiler is a popular poultry breed in Asia, particularly in China. In this study, we performed RNA-seq analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (deGs) in the liver of yellow-feather broilers that had been subjected to acute heat stress treatment (38±1°C for 4 h, recovery 2 h) and determine the response of the liver to high temperature and its effects on yellow-feather broiler physiology. We found that the cloacal temperature and respiratory rate of yellow-feather chickens were significantly increased immediately after the initiation of acute heat stress (38°c) treatment. And after recovery for 2 h, there was no difference in the cloacal temperature and respiratory rate between the acute heat stress and control groups. A total of 834 DEGs were observed in response to heat stress by RNA-seq. Almost half of the DEGs were involved in the lipid and energy metabolism, including fatty acid metabolism (ACOX1, ACACA, ACSL1, ACSL6, ACAA1, ACAA2, HADHB, and FASN) and propanoate metabolism (ACSS2, ALDH2, ACACA, DLAT, ALDH7A1, MDH1, ME1, ABAT, SUCLG2, and ACSS3). Our findings provide the context for RNA-seq studies in the liver of yellow-feather chickens and suggest that the liver of yellow-feather broilers has the lipid and energy metabolism physiological mechanisms activated in response to heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colony cages are commonly used in China for the natural mating of layer breeders. However, feather pecking (FP) is a major problem in this system, and feather damage mainly due to FP needs to be alleviated. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of nest boxes provided in colony cages. Each colony cage confined 10 roosters and 90 laying hens. The use of nest boxes as it relates to age, feather damage, sexual behavior, fertility, and fearfulness was evaluated. Thyroid hormones, which are considered to be physiological indicators of various forms of stress in poultry and may be correlated with the quality of feather coverage, were also tested. The control group and the nest box group each had 12 replicates, totaling 24 identical cages. Analyses were conducted using the linear mixed models procedure of SPSS Statistics 22.0. The results showed that the control group had a significantly higher proportion of hens with feather damage to 4 specific body regions (back, rump, tail, and belly) compared to the nest box group (P < 0.05). Increasing the use of the nest boxes took place from weeks 41 to 47 and at 53 wk of age, as seen by the percentage of eggs and number of sitting events in the nests, number of hens using the nests, and frequency of visits. There were no significant differences in fertility, the occurrence of mounting, or full copulation behavior between the 2 groups. Hens in the control group showed a significantly longer duration of tonic immobility at 43, 49, and 55 wk of age (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups for the concentration of triiodothyronine or thyroxine, but a significantly higher concentration of corticosterone was measured in the control group than in the nest box group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, hens with access to nest boxes during the laying period had a decreased FP frequency, fewer damaged feathers, lower plasma corticosterone secretion, and were less fearful. This information contributes to the understanding of the FP behavior and stress sensitivity of layer breeders, which will provide a basis for the development and optimization of the colony cage equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Ten indigenous chicken breeds were originally distributed in Jiangxi Province, China, and they define a critical component of Chinese chicken genetic resources. We have investigated the population genetics of seven Jiangxi chicken breeds using 600K chicken BeadChip SNP data. To provide a genome‐wide perspective for the population structure of all 10 Jiangxi chicken breeds, we herein genotyped 78 additional individuals from the seven breeds and 63 chickens from three uninvestigated breeds—Yugan Black (YG), Nancheng Black (NC) and Wanzai Yellow using 55K chicken SNP arrays. We then explored merged data of 17 101 SNPs from 235 individuals to infer the population structure of the 10 breeds. We showed that NC and YG are two regional populations of the same breed, as individuals from the two populations clustered together to form a branch separate from the other breeds in the neighbor‐joining tree, they always grouped together in multidimensional principal component analyses and they displayed an identical pattern of ancestral lineage composition. Hence, NC and YG should be considered a single breed in the state‐supported conservation scheme. Moreover, we conducted a genome scan for signatures of selection for black plumage. bayescan and hapflk analyses of two contrasting groups (three black‐feathered breeds vs. six non‐black‐feathered breeds) consistently detected 25 putative regions under selection. Nine pigmentation‐ associated genes (DCT,SLC24A5,SLC30A4,MYO5A,CYP19A1,NADK2,SLC45A2,GNAQ and DCP2) reside within these regions, and these genes are interesting candidates for black plumage and provide a starting point for further identification of causative mutations for black feathers in chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new pteronyssid feather mite species are described from passeriform birds in China: Pteroherpus pomatorhinaesp. nov. from the Streak-breasted Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis Hodgson (Passeriformes, Timaliidae), and Pteroherpus chinensissp. nov. from the Collared Finchbill Spizixos semitorques Swinhoe (Passeriformes, Pycnonotidae). Pteroherpus pomatorhinaesp. nov. belongs to the diploplax species group. The males of Pteroherpus pomatorhinaesp. nov. have the prodorsal shield elongated, the opisthosoma narrowed to posterior end, the opisthosomal lobes slightly elongated, and two pairs of small additional sclerites (one dorsally, between prodorsal and hysteronotal shield, and one ventrally posterior to genital apparatus). The females of Pteroherpus pomatorhinaesp. nov. have a pair of anterior hysteronotal sclerites, a central sclerite, a pair of lateral opisthosomal sclerites partially split into lateral and inner fragments and a pair of pygidial sclerites. The central sclerite has almost parallel lateral margins and concave posterior margin, and the posterior ends of the fragments of opisthosomal shields are connected by a thick bridge. Pteroherpus chinensissp. nov. belongs to the hoplophorus species group. The males of Pteroherpus chinensissp. nov. have prodorsal shield slightly longer than wide, the opisthosoma moderately narrowed to posterior end, the opisthosomal lobes wide and short and the adanal shield with irregular form. The females of Pteroherpus chinensissp. nov. have the anterior hysteronotal sclerite fused with the prodorsal shield into a complex shield, a central sclerite, a pair of lateral opisthosomal sclerites and a pair of pygidial sclerites. The central sclerite is well delimited, and shaped as a longitudinal plate, slightly narrower posteriorly, with slightly convex anterior margin, concave lateral margins, and strongly convex posterior end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural mating colony cage systems for parent-stock layer breeders have been widely adopted by many commercial farms in China. However, the environment is still relatively barren, so enrichment devices such as claw abrasives can be provided. Hens living in wire cages lack the opportunity to abrade their claws, resulting in uncontrolled claw growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of claw abrasive devices (CADs). Three different CADs were investigated: abrasive strips (T1), metal plates with holes (T2) and rubber mats with grooves (T3); cages without CADs acted as controls (T4). Claw length and sharpness, foot health, feather coverage, fear and physiological stress and mortality of the layer breeders were evaluated. Twelve replicates were used for each treatment, a total of 48 identical cages. Results showed that CADs had significant effects on claw length and sharpness of both hens and roosters. Birds in the T1 group had the shortest claw length and bluntest claw sharpness at 22, 32, 42, and 52 wk of age (P < 0.05). T1, T2, and T3 had higher scores for claw condition and significantly better overall plumage condition on the back and rump than T4 (P < 0.05). Hens in the T4 group were more susceptible to the tonic immobility, novel object, and avoidance distance tests. No significant differences were found between groups in concentration of triiodothyronine, thyroxine or 5-HT, except a significantly higher concentration of corticosterone in T4 compared to T1, T2, and T3 (P < 0.05). Overall mortality and mortality from cannibalism were both significantly higher in T4 than in T1, T2, and T3 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, hens with access to CADs during the laying period had shorter and blunter claws, less damaged plumage, a lower plasma corticosterone secretion and mortality rate and were less fearful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increasing consumer concern for animal welfare and growing labor costs. A production practice that has been widely adopted by many commercial farms in China is the use of natural mating colony cage systems for parent-stock (PS) layer breeders. Although the hens in this type of colony cage can express their natural mating behavior and have broader activity space compared with that of the conventional artificial insemination cages, the environment of the colony cages is still relatively barren and invariant. Environmental enrichment devices, such as nest boxes are absent. Behavioral problems, such as feather pecking and cloacal cannibalism are serious in the system, which subsequently reduce the fertility rate of layer breeders and cause severe health, welfare and economic problems. 2160 beak-trimmed Hy-Line brown parent-stock layer breeders were used in the present study to investigate the application of nest boxes in natural mating colony cages for layer breeders and the effect of nest provisions on feather pecking behaviors and physiological stress, which aimed at providing data support for the development and optimization of such breeding cage systems, and improving the health and welfare level of layer breeders. Each experimental cage accommodated 90 layers and 10 roosters, providing each bird 57 600 cm2 floor areas. Three different types of nest boxes were provided before onset of lay, Nest1 (length × width × height, 90 cm ×40 cm × 60 cm), Nest2 (45 cm ×40 cm × 60 cm), Nest3 (70 cm × 52 cm × 60 cm). Each treatment was replicated in 6 cages along the length of the house at the fourth tier. The number of eggs laid in the nest and on the floor, nesting behaviors and pecking behaviors were observed. Blood samples were collected and basal plasma concentrations of corticosterone, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), 5-HT were measured. The results showed that: 1) Through a sufficient time to accustom to the nests, the nest boxes applied were well used by the hens. The ratio of nest eggs were 80.5%±7.8%, 67.4%±8.1% and 87.3%±7.6% respectively for Nest1, Nest2, Nest3 at 32 weeks of hen age. The ratio of nest eggs, the number of hens, nest visits, and sitting events in Nest1 and Nest3 were significantly higher than that of Nest2 (P<0.05). There were no significant difference in the duration of nest visits of laid hens in the nests, (51.3±11.7), (49.8±11.3) and (53.5±11.3) for Nest1, Nest2, Nest3 respectively; 2) The control groups (P=0.003) and Nest1 (P=0.035) showed more aggressive pecks given than the Nest3. For aggressive pecks received, the control groups were higher than the Nest1 (P=0.015). For severe feather pecks given, control groups were significantly higher than Nest1 (P<0.001) and Nest3 (P<0.001), Nest2 were significantly higher than Nest3 (P=0.030). The gentle feather pecks given of control groups were significantly more frequent than Nest1 (P=0.015), Nest2 (P=0.002), Nest3 (P=0.024). It was noticed that less gentle feather pecks received was shown in Nest 3 compared with control groups (P=0.012); 3) No significant differences were found in the concentration of triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and 5-HT between control groups and treatment groups. The exception was the significantly higher concentration of corticosterone of birds in control groups compared with treatment groups (P<0.05). Overall mortality for control groups and Nest2 were significantly higher than that of Nest1 and Nest3 (P<0.05). Mortality from cannibalism and vent pecking was significantly higher (P<0.05) in control groups than treatment groups (P<0.05). Overall, the results indicated that the colony nests, such as Nest1 and Nest3 could satisfy the nesting requirements of layers during the laying period. The provision of nest boxes in the colony cage system could be regarded as environmental enrichment device, which not only satisfied the expression of natural nesting behavior of laying hens, but also reduced feather pecking behaviors, fearfulness and physiological stress. Nest boxes can provide a supernumerary profit of constructing microenvironments that may be perceived as more safe, thus stimulating the performance of comfort behaviors and ultimately increase welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yellow-feather broiler is a popular poultry breed in Asia, particularly in China. In this study, we performed RNA-seq analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the heart of yellow-feather broilers that had been subjected to heat stress treatment (38 ± 1 °C for 8 h, over 7 d) and determine the response of the heart to high temperature and its effects on yellow-feather broiler physiology. We found that body weight (BW) of the heat stress treatment group (BW28 = 354.8 ± 34.8 g) was significantly decreased (p =.033) compared with that of the control group (BW28 = 384.8 ± 58.9 g). However, there was no significant reduction in the heart relative weight (HRW) (p =.538). A total of 37 DEGs related to energy metabolism responded to heat stress in the heart of yellow-feather broiler. The results of KEGG pathways analysis indicated that these genes are involved in oxidative phosphorylation (KO: 00190), cardiac muscle contraction (KO: 04260) and carbon metabolism (KO: 01200). Analysis of the cardiac transcriptome of yellow-feather broilers subjected to heat stress indicated that the heart of these birds has specific physiological mechanisms for regulating body growth in response to high-temperature environments. Yellow-feather broilers, a popular poultry breed in Asia, were used to determine how the heart responds to heat stress. A total of 37 genes in the heart of yellow-feather broilers showed differential expression in response to heat stress. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are associated with oxidative phosphorylation, cardiac muscle contraction and carbon metabolism pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the analysis of the enrichment characteristics of Hg and MeHg in bird feathers from Caohai National Nature Reserve in Guizhou, the risks of Hg pollution to the birds from Caohai wetland have been evaluated. The total Hg content of bird feathers ranges from 40 to 5058 ng/g with an average of 924 ng/g. The content of MeHg is significantly correlated with total Hg (r = 0.68, p < 0.01), and the content are among 0.75 and 113 ng/g. The total Hg content in the birds feathers is significantly dependent on their feeding habits, which is mainly in accordance with the following rule: carnivorous birds > omnivorous birds that are mainly carnivorous > omnivorous birds that are mainly herbivorous. There are also differences in the Hg enrichment ability in the different parts of bird feathers, and the total Hg and MeHg content in the wing feathers are significantly higher than that in the other parts of feathers. The bioaccumulation coefficients of aqueous Hg and MeHg by bird feathers are 0.9 × 104-112.13 × 104 (mean value is 20.47 × 104) and 0.47 × 104-70.4 × 104 (mean value is 9.52 × 104), respectively. Although the whole Hg level in Caohai bird feathers is not too high, the Hg content in some carnivorous birds exceeds over or approaches the abnormal threshold when birds are breeding (5 μg/g), which indicates that the birds in Caohai wetland are faced with some risks of ecological Hg pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow-feather broilers take a large portion of poultry industry in China due to its meat characteristics. Improving the growth traits of yellow-feathered broilers will have great significance for the Chinese poultry market. The current study was designed to investigate the potential genetic factors using the weighted single-step genome-wide association study (wssGWAS) method, which takes consideration of more factors including pedigree, sex, environment and has more accuracy than traditional GWAS. The yellow-feather dwarf chickens from Wens Nanfang Poultry Breeding Co. Ltd. were revolved to recode 9 growth traits: Average daily gain (ADG), body weight (BW) at 45 d, 49 d, 56 d, 63 d, 70 d, 77 d, 84 d, 91 d for analysis. For the results, the region 4.63 to 5.03 Mb on chromosome 15, which was the QTL overlapped in BW45, BW49, BW56, BW63, BW84, might be the crucial genetic region for growth traits. Seven GO terms and 3 KEGG pathways, GO:0005200, GO:0005882, GO:0045111, GO:0099513, GO:0099081, GO:0099512, GO:0099080, KEGG:gga04020, KEGG:gga04540, KEGG:gga04210, were detected to relevant with growth traits. The genes enriched in these biological processes (NRAS, TUBB1, ADORA2B, NTRK3, NGF, TNNC2, F-KER, LOC429492, LOC431325, LOC431324, LOC396480) might have the function in growth of yellow-feather broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic and developmental factors driving the diverse distribution and morphogenesis of feathers and scales on bird feet are yet unclear. Within a single species, Guangxi domestic chickens exhibit dramatic variety in feathered feet, making them an accessible model for research into the molecular basis of variations in skin appendages. In this study, we used H&E staining to observe the morphogenesis of feathered feet, scaled feet and wings skin at different embryonic stages in Longsheng-Feng chickens and Guangxi Partridge chickens. We selected 4 periods (E6, E7, E8, and E12) that play an important role in feather development and performed transcriptome sequencing to screen for candidate genes associated with feathered feet. Through comparison and analysis of transcriptome data, we identified a set of differently expressed genes (DGEs), which were enriched in appendage organ development, hindlimb morphogenesis, activation of transcription factor binding, and binding of sequence-specific DNA in the cis-regulatory region. In addition, we identified some feathered feet-related genes by analyzing the classical signaling pathways that regulate feather development. Finally, we identified candidate genes that regulate feathered feet formation, which include TBX5, PITX1, ZIC1, FGF20, WNT11, WNT7A, WNT16, and SHH. Interestingly, we found that TBX5 was significantly overexpressed in the skin of the feathered feet and had the highest expression at E7 (P < 0.01), whereas PITX1 expression was significantly reduced at E7(P < 0.01). It is hypothesized that TBX5 and PITX1 regulate the development of hair follicles through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway at E7. Our results provide a theoretical basis for investigating the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying the formation of chicken feathered feet., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Previous studies found a relationship between blood parasite infection and bird gender, with higher prevalence in males. Some studies also found a relationship between host plumage color and parasitic infection, while others did not. Here, we investigated the blood parasite prevalence in correlation with sex and plumage color in free-range chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in China. We analyzed a total of 297 blood samples, out of which 234 chickens tested positive for haemosporidian parasites, with 78.5% parasite prevalence. Out of 139 males, 118 tested positive with 84.8% parasite prevalence while 116 of 158 female samples tested positive (73.4%). Leucocytotozoon was the most frequent genus isolated (193 infected individuals /234 birds), followed by Plasmodium (41 infected individuals/234 birds), with no Haemoproteus parasites being detected. There were no significant differences in the body parameters and chicken color plumages with regards to the infection status. Our study indicated that blood parasite infection was significantly different between male and female chickens, with infection prevalent in males. • Body condition and different plumage color of free-range chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in China did not vary according to whether they were infected or not by blood parasite. • Blood parasite infection is higher in male than in female chickens, but no clear relationship between plumage color and blood parasite prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Most metal(loid)s in feathers and plasma were high and correlated with each other. • Oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, GST, GP X and CAT) were positively intercorrelated. • The levels of biomarkers had positive correlations with As, Cr and Cd in feathers. • The levels of biomarkers had positive correlations with As, Cr, Pb, and Zn in plasma. Toxic metal(loid)s in polymetallic mining areas are very prominent environmental stressors and may lead to undesirable oxidative stress responses in wild birds. Finding an effective nondestructive bioindicator to monitor the toxic effects of oxidative stress induced by metal(loid)s exposure is vital for bird conservation in these areas. In this study, the contents of six metal(loid)s (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr and As) in feathers and plasma and the levels of seven oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, GST, GP X , CAT, GSH and GSSG) in plasma were measured and their correlations were investigated for three resident bird species (turtledove Streptopelia chinensis , sparrow Passer montanus and blackbird Turdus merula) in Tongling, a polymetallic contaminated mining area in eastern China. The contents of most metal(loid)s were high in our samples and they were positively correlated with each other in both feathers and plasma, except that the Cd content was negatively correlated with Zn in plasma. Also, the activity levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, GST, GP X and CAT) in plasma were positively correlated with each other. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the first principal component of metal(loid)s in feathers was positively correlated with that in plasma. The canonical correlation analysis (CCA) indicated that the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers had positive correlations with the contents of As, Cr and Cd in feathers, and with the contents of As, Cr, Pb, and Zn in plasma. Compared with those in feathers, the metal(loid)s in plasma explained more of the total variance of the levels of oxidative stress and should be a good bioindicator. Due to the sampling convenience and no damages, we suggest that feathers may possibly be used as an auxiliary bioindicator for monitoring oxidative stress induced by metal(loid)s. This study supplements the information about selecting the bird-related nondestructive bioindicators as environment monitoring tool in polymetallic mining areas and provides a reference for bird conservation in similar areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qingyuan partridge chicken is one of the most well-known Chinese indigenous yellow broilers. In breeding programmes, five traits are usually selected when the chickens are 105 days old, namely body weight (BW), comb height (CH), shank length (SL), shank girth (SG) and feather maturity (FM). The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of these five traits, especially direct additive genetic correlations, to lay the foundation for balanced selection of Qingyuan partridge chickens. Approximately 9600 records were used for estimation. Variance components for these five traits were estimated using three multi-trait models incorporating different effects via Gibbs sampling. Based on model 1 in which the random effects included direct additive genetic effects and residuals, the estimated direct heritabilities for BW, CH, SL, SG and FM were 0.29 ± 0.04, 0.53 ± 0.04, 0.47 ± 0.04, 0.43 ± 0.05 and 0.18 ± 0.03, respectively. The direct genetic correlations ranged from -0.08 to 0.46. When additionally considering maternal additive genetic effects (model 2), the estimates of direct heritabilities and absolute values of direct additive genetic correlations were smaller. The heritabilities were 0.14 ± 0.04, 0.40 ± 0.02, 0.34 ± 0.05, 0.27 ± 0.05 and 0.12 ± 0.03 for BW, CH, SL, SG and FM, respectively. The direct additive genetic correlations ranged from -0.33 to 0.36. More specifically, the direct additive genetic correlations between BW and CH, SL, SG and FM were 0.19 ± 0.13, 0.15 ± 0.15, 0.36 ± 0.15 and - 0.33 ± 0.21, respectively. The genetic correlations of FM with SL, SG and CH were - 0.15 ± 0.15, -0.08 ± 0.17 and 0.18 ± 0.15, respectively. The direct genetic correlations between CH and SG and SL were - 0.02 ± 0.11 and - 0.20 ± 0.11, respectively, and that between SL and SG was 0.19 ± 0.11. The total heritabilities and maternal additive genetic correlations ranged from 0.16 to 0.44 and from -0.13 to 0.61, respectively. The third model also included the maternal permanent environmental effect for BW. The estimates of direct heritability, direct additive genetic correlation, total heritability and maternal additive genetic correlation were only slightly different from those based on the second model. Therefore, the maternal additive genetic effect has a large effect on the estimation of genetic parameters, and it is better to consider this effect in the genetic evaluation of these five traits. Relatively high direct and maternal additive genetic correlations for most trait pairs suggested that it is better to jointly evaluate these five traits in breeding programmes., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of Mahuang and Tuer chickens, 2 representatives of the native chicken breed, and the slaughter age on meat quality and flavor compounds of soft-boiled chickens (SCs) in comparison to a commercial cross boiler. A total of 432 chicks were randomly allocated into the following groups: 817 groups raised for 55 d, and Mahuang and Tuer chickens raised for 60, 65, 70, and 75 days (d). After the completion of rearing period, the chickens were slaughtered, and 5 carcasses per group were randomly selected for SC manufacturing. Meat quality was determined based on product yield, pH, color, meat tenderness, and textural and sensorial attributes. The volatile compounds of chicken breast were identified by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). The results showed that the yellow-feathered chicken breed, especially Mahuang chicken, had a higher product yield, and lower shear force and sensorial scores than the cross broiler. The pH, L* and b* values in SC breast meat were not significantly influenced by breed (P > 0.05), while greater a* was observed in SC of yellow-feathered chickens compared to cross broilers. The slaughter age had a significant effect on the pH, color, shear force, and textural properties of SC (P < 0.05). The meat tenderness of SC was significantly decreased as the age of chicken increased from 65 d to 75 d (P < 0.05). The relatively young age of yellow-feathered chickens (60 d and 65 d) was rated to have a higher overall sensory score of SC (P < 0.05). A total of 65 organic volatile compounds were identified in SC, including 18 aldehydes, 16 alcohols, 10 ketones, 9 esters, 2 acids, 3 furans, 5 pyrazines, and 2 sulfur-containing compounds. Three chicken breeds were separately clustered in the plot of principal component analysis, indicating breed-specific flavor characteristics. Collectively, the present study provides valuable information for SC processing in terms of carcass selection of yellow-feathered chicken breeds and slaughter age., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Numerous feathered dinosaur specimens have recently been recovered from the Middle-Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous deposits of northeastern China, but most of them represent small animals. Here we report the discovery of a gigantic new basal tyrannosauroid, Yutyrannus huali gen. et sp. nov., based on three nearly complete skeletons representing two distinct ontogenetic stages from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Liaoning Province, China. Y.?huali shares some features, particularly of the cranium, with derived tyrannosauroids, but is similar to other basal tyrannosauroids in possessing a three-fingered manus and a typical theropod pes. Morphometric analysis suggests that Y.?huali differed from tyrannosaurids in its growth strategy. Most significantly, Y.?huali bears long filamentous feathers, thus providing direct evidence for the presence of extensively feathered gigantic dinosaurs and offering new insights into early feather evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brief introduction to the morphology, flight, size, habits, diet, feathers and systematic paleontology of fossil enantiornithine birds known from the Mesozoic of China is provided. Enantiornithine birds were the dominant land birds of the Mesozoic (245-65 Myr). Although they show great morphological differences from modern birds, their diversification in many respects mimics that of the modern land bird radiation and the reasons for their extinction at the end-Cretaceous remain a mystery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the concentrations of cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, nickel, lead and zinc among feather tissues in sexes of Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophrys killed in longliners off Argentina in 2005. We found no different metal concentration with sex for cadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc in feathers of adult birds, though there were significant body-size differences between sexes. However, the concentrations of trace metals differed significantly among the type of feather within individual bird. The mean concentrations of copper, iron, and zinc in breast feathers of T. melanophrys were lower than those reported for the species from Georgias del Sur/South Georgia, the southern Indian Ocean and for other seabirds’ worldwide. While cadmium fall within the known range of concentrations for bird feathers lead were not. Our results may be indicating that level of pollution in Patagonia may not be as negligible as previously thought at least for some trace metals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recent discoveries of feathered dinosaur specimens have greatly improved our understanding of the origin and early evolution of feathers, but little information is available on the ontogenetic development of early feathers. Here we describe an early-juvenile specimen and a late-juvenile specimen, both referable to the oviraptorosaur Similicaudipteryx, recovered from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of western Liaoning, China. The two specimens have strikingly different remiges and rectrices, suggesting that a radical morphological change occurred during feather development, as is the case for modern feathers. However, both the remiges and the rectrices are proximally ribbon-like in the younger specimen but fully pennaceous in the older specimen, a pattern not known in any modern bird. In combination with the wide distribution of proximally ribbon-like pennaceous feathers and elongate broad filamentous feathers among extinct theropods, this find suggests that early feathers were developmentally more diverse than modern ones and that some developmental features, and the resultant morphotypes, have been lost in feather evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectacular fossils from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Group of northeastern China have greatly expanded our knowledge of the diversity and palaeobiology of dinosaurs and early birds, and contributed to our understanding of the origin of birds, of flight, and of feathers. Pennaceous (vaned) feathers and integumentary filaments are preserved in birds and non-avian theropod dinosaurs, but little is known of their microstructure. Here we report that melanosomes (colour-bearing organelles) are not only preserved in the pennaceous feathers of early birds, but also in an identical manner in integumentary filaments of non-avian dinosaurs, thus refuting recent claims that the filaments are partially decayed dermal collagen fibres. Examples of both eumelanosomes and phaeomelanosomes have been identified, and they are often preserved in life position within the structure of partially degraded feathers and filaments. Furthermore, the data here provide empirical evidence for reconstructing the colours and colour patterning of these extinct birds and theropod dinosaurs: for example, the dark-coloured stripes on the tail of the theropod dinosaur Sinosauropteryx can reasonably be inferred to have exhibited chestnut to reddish-brown tones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses how their long stiff tail feathers could denote sexual dimorphism in birds. In the study conducted on over 100 unearthed skeletons of Confuciusornis sanctus from China, it was found out that there is no correlation between size distribution and the presence or absence of blade-like rectrices, or tail feathers, in sexual size dimorphism in birds.

Recent discoveries of feathered dinosaurs from Early Cretaceous deposits in Liaoning, China, have not only lent strongest support for the dinosaurian hypothesis of bird origins, but have also provided much-needed information about the origins of feathers and avian flight. Preliminary analysis of character evolution suggests that the major avian osteological characters were acquired during the early evolution of maniraptoran dinosaurs. The available evidence also suggests that the first feathers with a filamentous morphology probably evolved in basal coelurosaurs and pennaceous feathers (including those with aerodynamic features) were developed in non-avian maniraptorans, indicating that feathers evolved before the origin of birds and their flight. An evolutionary model is proposed here to describe the major stages of feather evolution, a process characterized by a combination of both transformational and innovative modifications. This model is different from some recent developmental models, which suggest that feathers are evolutionary novelties without a homologous relationship to reptilian scales. Although non-avian theropods are traditionally regarded as distinctly cursorial animals, recent discoveries suggest that the closest relatives of birds might be arboreal theropods. Many bird features, such as the furcula and pennaceous feathers, evolved in a terrestrial context, whereas others, such as some pedal modifications, may have evolved in an arboreal context. Consequently, arboreality may have also contributed to the origin of avian flight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent fossil discoveries from Early Cretaceous rocks of Liaoning Province, China, have provided a wealth of spectacular specimens. Included in these are the remains of several different kinds of small theropod dinosaurs, many of which are extremely closely related to modern birds. Unique preservation conditions allowed soft tissues of some of these specimens to be preserved. Many dinosaur specimens that preserve feathers and other types of integumentary coverings have been recovered. These fossils show a progression of integumentary types from simple fibers to feathers of modern aspect. The distribution of these features on the bodies of these animals is surprising in that some show large tail plumes, whereas others show the presence of wing-like structures on both fore and hind limbs. The phylogenetic distribution of feather types is highly congruent with models of feather evolution developed from developmental biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The unusual presence of long pennaceous feathers on the feet of basal dromaeosaurid dinosaurs has recently been presented as strong evidence in support of the arborealgliding hypothesis for the origin of bird flight, but it could be a unique feature of dromaeosaurids and thus irrelevant to the theropodbird transition. Here, we report a new eumaniraptoran theropod from China, with avian affinities, which also has long pennaceous feathers on its feet. This suggests that such morphology might represent a primitive adaptation close to the theropodbird transition. The long metatarsus feathers are likely primitive for Eumaniraptora and might have played an important role in the origin of avian flight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomy of the Blue-crowned Laughingthrush (Garrulax courtoisi) and its relationship with the Yellow-throated Laughingthrush (G. galbanus) and G. c. simaoensis , a range-restricted subspecies in China, has not been fully elucidated. So the taxonomic status and system evolution of the three taxa G. courtoisi , G. galbanus and G. c. simaoensis need to be reclarified. Two gene sequences myoglobin (MYO) and the mitochondrial cytochrome coxidase subunit I (COI) were combined to investigate the phylogenetic relationships among courtoisi , simaoensis and galbanus , genetic data, combining with morphological, ecological and acoustic data were used to comb out the classification status and divergence level of the three taxa. Significant genetic and morphological differentiations (body size and plumage coloration) were detected between courtoisi and galbanus. However, no notable and reliable differences between the courtoisi and simaoensis were detected. The courtoisi , simaoensis and galbanus are clearly isolated in geographical distribution as a result of differing altitudes, climate conditions and habitats. The courtoisi has characteristic preference for nest location compared with galbanus. In addition, the results of song analysis also indicated that there are differences in maximum frequency between courtoisi and galbanus. G. courtoisi was confirmed to be an independent species based on genetic, morphological, geographical, ecological and vocal characteristics, and the validity of simaoensis as a subspecies still need more evidence. This study further confirmed the high conservation value of Blue-crowned Laughingthrush. In addition, due to the genetic differences between Simao and Wuyuan populations, this should be fully considered in future protection strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mercury accumulation was documented in terrestrial predatory birds in Northeast China. • Feather Hg: Brown Shrike > Amur Falcon = Common Kestrel > Long-eared Owl > Little Owl. • Hg in primaries and rectrices showed no differences, but positive and significant correlation. • The tip of flight feathers could be an index of Hg burden on the breeding ground. Mercury (Hg), a persistent potent neurotoxin, poses a serious hazard to human and wildlife health. Although highly elevated concentrations were documented in the environmental compartments of China, very few investigations were conducted regarding Hg bioaccumulation in terrestrial vertebrates, particularly avian species at the top trophic position. To assess to what degree the predatory raptors are subject to Hg contamination, we measured feather Hg concentrations from two diurnal raptors, two nocturnal owls, and one predatory passerine, collected from Northeast China. Results showed that the feather Hg concentrations were not greater than 3.67 mg/kg. Notably, there is a significant difference in feather Hg among species: Brown Shrike > Amur Falcon = Common Kestrel > Long-eared Owl > Little Owl. Brown Shrike had the highest feather Hg (1.27 ± 0.91 mg/kg), approximately three times higher compared to the diurnal predators (0.41 ± 0.33 mg/kg), and about seven-folds higher than the owls (0.18 ± 0.19 mg/kg). There were no differences in Hg concentrations between the tips of primary and tail feathers, but their correlations were significantly positive (between 0.45 and 0.96). Overall, the primary Hg = 0.15 + 0.74 × tail Hg (R2 = 0.61). Specifically, a great correlation between the primaries and tails in owls, while a weaker but significant correlation found in falcons/shrikes, provides insight into Hg content in feather tracts for biomonitoring. Our research is among the few studies regarding Hg contamination in the terrestrial predatory avian population in China. We discussed the influencing factors, the ecotoxicological risks to the terrestrial/marine avian population, and the limitations of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]