Genome-wide association study for carcass weight in pasture-finished beef cattle in Hawai'i.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic markers for cattle production and reproduction traits. Several publications have reported Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) for carcass-related traits in cattle, but these studies were rarely conducted in pasture-finished beef cattle. Hawai'i, however, has a diverse climate, and 100% of its beef cattle are pasture-fed.

Climate change impacts shifting landscape of the dairy industry in Hawai'i.

Proper knowledge and understanding of climatic variability across different seasons are important in farm management. To learn more about the potential effects of climate change on dairying in Hawaii, we conducted a study on site-specific climate characterization using several variables including rainfall, wind speed (), solar radiation, and temperature, at two dairy farms located on Hawai`i Island, Hawai`i, in Ookala named "OK DAIRY" and in Upolu Point named "UP DAIRY." Temperature-humidity index () and WS variations in the hottest four months (June to September) were analyzed to determine when critical thresholds that affect animal health are exceeded.

Exocyst components promote an incompatible interaction between Glycine max (soybean) and Heterodera glycines (the soybean cyst nematode).

Vesicle and target membrane fusion involves tethering, docking and fusion. The GTPase SECRETORY4 (SEC4) positions the exocyst complex during vesicle membrane tethering, facilitating docking and fusion. Glycine max (soybean) Sec4 functions in the root during its defense against the parasitic nematode Heterodera glycines as it attempts to develop a multinucleate nurse cell (syncytium) serving to nourish the nematode over its 30-day life cycle.