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Eggshell and shank color in poultry is an intriguing topic of research due to the roles in selection, breed recognition, and environmental adaptation. This study delves into the genomics foundations of shank and eggshell pigmentation in Italian local chickens through genome-wide association studies analysis to uncover the mechanisms governing these phenotypes. To this purpose, 483 animals from 20 local breeds (n = 466) and 2 commercial lines (n = 17) were considered and evaluated for shank and eggshell color. All animals were genotyped using the Affymetrix Axiom 600 K Chicken Genotyping Array. As regards shank color, the most interesting locus was detected on chromosome Z, close to the TYRP1 gene, known to play a key role in avian pigmentation. Additionally, several novel loci and genes associated with shank pigmentation, skin pigmentation, UV protection, and melanocyte regulation were identified (e.g., MTAP, CDKN2A, CDKN2B). In eggshell, fewer significant loci were identified, including SLC7A11 and MITF on chromosomes 4 and 12, respectively, associated with melanocyte processes and pigment synthesis. This comprehensive study shed light on the genetic architecture underlying shank and eggshell color in Italian native chicken breeds, contributing to a better understanding of this phenomenon which plays a role in breed identification and conservation, and has ecological and economic implications., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Italy counts a large number of local chicken populations, some without a recognized genetic structure, such as Val Platani (VPL) and Cornuta (COS), which represent noteworthy local genetic resources. In this study, the genotype data of 34 COS and 42 VPL, obtained with the Affymetrix Axiom600KChicken Genotyping Array, were used with the aim to investigate the genetic diversity, the runs of homozygosity (ROH) pattern, as well as the population structure and relationship within the framework of other local Italian and commercial chickens. The genetic diversity indices, estimated using different approaches, displayed moderate levels of genetic diversity in both populations. The identified ROH hotspots harbored genes related to immune response and adaptation to local hot temperatures. The results on genetic relationship and population structure reported a clear clustering of the populations according to their geographic origin. The COS formed a nonoverlapping genomic cluster and clearly separated from the other populations, but showed evident proximity to the Siciliana breed (SIC). The VPL highlighted intermediate relationships between the COS-SIC group and the rest of the sample, but closer to the other Italian local chickens. Moreover, VPL showed a complex genomic structure, highlighting the presence of 2 subpopulations that match with the different source of the samples. The results obtained from the survey on genetic differentiation underline the hypothesis that Cornuta is a population with a defined genetic structure. The substructure that characterizes the Val Platani chicken is probably the consequence of the combined effects of genetic drift, small population size, reproductive isolation, and inbreeding. These findings contribute to the understanding of genetic diversity and population structure, and represent a starting point for designing programs to monitor and safeguard these local genetic resources, in order to define a possible official recognition program as breeds., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The recovery, safeguarding, and valorization of autochthonous poultry breeds may contribute toward the preservation of animal biodiversity and utilization of marginal lands that otherwise offer little agricultural or industrial value. A key strategy in promoting local breeds involves the characterization of morphological traits and productive performances, which are influenced by the breed's genetic make-up as well as its environment. The Mugellese breed is an Italian local poultry breed originating in the Mugello area of north-east Tuscany. It is characterized by frugality, resilience and resistance to disease, cold, and heat stress. Moreover, these birds are particularly suitable for free-range farming. The Mugellese chicken is described as a dwarf breed with a medium neck, broad shoulders, fairly long and horizontal wings, wide, and well-developed breast (especially in the hen). Over the course of a 1-yr observation and data collection period, involving 23 breeders and 405 adult chickens, the Mugellese breed showed the following performances: 1) a hen-day egg production characterized by 2 major peaks: the first in the spring time (March-April, 65.75%), and the second in the late summer period (August-September, 51.86%); 2) high true fertility values (94.35%) throughout the entire breeding season; 3) a weight gain of 732.44 ± 117.06 g and a feed conversion ratio of 3.94 ± 2.42 at an age of 140 d; 4) a slaughter yield of 77.80% (± 3.91); v) a respective protein, fat, and mineral content in the yolk and albumen were: 27.21 ± 4.21 g, 57.77 ± 1.03 g and 3.47 ± 0.40 g per 100 g of yolk; and 82.50 ± 0.57 g, 0.12 ± 0.01 g and 5.43 ± 0.34 g per 100 g of albumen. More data are needed to validate the data obtained in this trial., Competing Interests: DISCLOSURES The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to conduct a genome-wide comparative analysis of 8 local Italian chicken breeds (Ermellinata di Rovigo, Millefiori di Lonigo [PML], Polverara Bianca, Polverara Nera, Padovana, Pepoi [PPP], Robusta Lionata, and Robusta Maculata), all under a conservation plan, to understand their genetic diversity and population structure. A total of 152 animals were analyzed using the Affymetrix Axiom 600 K Chicken Genotyping Array. The levels of genetic diversity were highest and lowest in PML and PPP, respectively. The results of genomic inbreeding based on runs of homozygosity (ROH; F ROH ) showed marked differences among breeds and ranged from 0.161 (PML) to 0.478 (PPP). Furthermore, in all breeds, short ROH (<4 Mb in length) were more frequent than long segments. Patterns of genetic differentiation, model-based clustering, and neighbor networks showed that most breeds formed nonoverlapping clusters and were clearly separate populations. The 2 Polverara breeds shared a similar genetic background and showed the lowest genetic differentiation in comparison with purebred lines; the local populations showed separated groups. PPP and PML were closer to the group of the purebred broiler lines (BRSA, BRSB, BRDA, and BRDB). Six genomic regions are presented as hotspots of autozygosity among the Italian chicken breeds, with candidate genes involved in multiple morphological phenotypes as breast muscle, muscle dry matter content, and body weight. This study is the first exhaustive genome-wide analysis of the diversity of these Italian local chickens from Veneto region. We conclude that breeds have conserved authentic genetic patterns. The results are of significant importance because they will help design and implement conservation strategies. In fact, the conservation of these breeds may also have positive impacts on the local economy, niche traditional markets, and offering a source of high-quality products to consumers. In this context, genomic information may play a crucial role in the management of local breeds., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Lactose percentage (LP) in milk is currently determined in most herd-testing schemes, and globally, it is usually routinely recorded in the framework of the official milk recording procedures. However, few studies have investigated the phenotypic and genetic variability of this component. Data used in the present paper consisted of 59 811 test-day records from 4355 Holstein cows in 266 herds. Heritabilities of LP and lactose yield (LY) were estimated through single-trait repeatability animal models, whereas genetic and phenotypic correlations of LP and LY with milk composition and production traits, somatic cell score and milk freezing point were estimated using bivariate models. Fixed effects included in the analyses were herd-test-date, season of calving, parity, stage of lactation and the interaction between parity and stage of lactation. Random effects were animal additive genetic, within and across lactation permanent environment and the residual. Lactation curves of LP and LY increased from parturition to the peak of lactation and decreased thereafter, mirroring the typical curve of milk yield. Lactose percentage was greater in first- than later-parity cows. Heritabilities of LP and LY were 0.43±0.03 and 0.14±0.02, respectively, and LP and protein percentage were the most repeatable traits. Genetic correlations (r a) of LP with somatic cell score, LY and milk freezing point were -0.22±0.08, 0.28±0.08 and -0.46±0.05, respectively. Genetic relationships of LY with milk yield (r a=0.97±0.00), fat percentage (r a=-0.71±0.06), protein percentage (r a=-0.57±0.06) and protein yield (r a=0.64±0.06) were moderate to strong. Results suggest that milk LP could be considered in breeding strategies to accelerate the gain of correlated low heritable traits. Further research is needed to evaluate the feasibility of including LP in the selection index of Italian Holstein population to address country-specific needs and market demands.

Milk mineral concentration is important from both the perspective of processing milk into dairy products and its nutritive value for human consumption. Precise estimates of genetic parameters for milk mineral concentration are lacking because of the considerable resources required to collect vast phenotypes quantities. The milk concentration of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and phosphorus (P) in the present study was quantified from mid-IR spectroscopy on 12 223 test-day records from 1717 Holstein-Friesian cows. (Co)variance components were estimated using random regressions to model both the additive genetic and within-lactation permanent environmental variances of each trait. The coefficient of genetic variation averaged across days-in-milk (DIM) was 6.93%, 3.46%, 6.55%, 5.20% and 6.68% for Ca, K, Mg, Na and P concentration, respectively; heritability estimates varied across lactation from 0.31±0.05 (5 DIM) to 0.67±0.04 (181 DIM) for Ca, from 0.18±0.03 (60 DIM) to 0.24±0.05 (305 DIM) for K, from 0.08±0.03 (15 DIM) to 0.37±0.03 (223 DIM) for Mg, from 0.16±0.03 (30 DIM) to 0.37±0.04 (305 DIM) for Na and from 0.21±0.04 (12 DIM) to 0.57±0.04 (211 DIM) for P. Genetic correlations within the same trait across different DIM were almost unity between adjacent DIM but weakened as the time interval between pairwise compared DIM lengthened; genetic correlations were weaker than 0.80 only when comparing both peripheries of the lactation. The analysis of the geometry of the additive genetic covariance matrix revealed that almost 90% of the additive genetic variation was accounted by the intercept term of the covariance functions for each trait. Milk protein concentration and mineral concentration were, in general, positively genetically correlated with each other across DIM, whereas milk fat concentration was positively genetically correlated throughout the entire lactation with Ca, K and Mg; the genetic correlation with fat concentration changed from negative to positive with Na and P at 243 DIM and 50 DIM, respectively. Genetic correlations between somatic cell score and Na ranged from 0.38±0.21 (5 DIM) to 0.79±0.18 (305 DIM). Exploitable genetic variation existed for all milk minerals, although many national breeding objectives are probably contributing to an indirect positive response to selection in milk mineral concentration.

The aim of this study was to compare the intra and inter genetic variability and population structure of 7 indigenous chicken breeds of the Veneto region, through a novel panel of 64 SNP, each located in an exonic region and mostly on different chromosomes. A total of 753 blood samples from 7 local chicken breeds (Ermellinata di Rovigo, Millefiori di Lonigo, Polverara, Pepòi, Robusta Lionata, Robusta Maculata, and Padovana) was collected and analyzed. Two strains of Polverara (Nera and Bianca) and Padovana (Dorata and Camosciata) were included in the study. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.124 (Pèpoi) to 0.244 (Ermellinata di Rovigo), and the expected heterozygosity varied from 0.132 (Millefiori di Lonigo) to 0.300 (Ermellinata di Rovigo). Global FIS results (0.114) indicated a low-medium inbreeding effect, with values ranging from 0.008 (Millefiori di Lonigo) to 0.223 (Ermellinata di Rovigo). Pairwise FST values (0.167) for all populations ranged from 0.020 (Polverara Nera and Polverara Bianca) to 0.193 (Robusta Lionata and Polverara Nera), indicating that the studied breeds were genetically highly differentiated. The software STRUCTURE was used to detect the presence of population substructures, and the most probable number of clusters (K) of the 10 chicken populations was at K = 8. The affiliation was successful in all Veneto chicken breeds. The present SNP marker results, compared with previous data obtained using microsatellites, provided a reliable estimate of genetic diversity within and between the studied breeds, and demonstrated the utility of the proposed panel as a rapid, efficient, and cost-effective tool for periodical monitoring of the genetic variability among poultry populations. In addition, the present SNP panel could represent a resource for a systematic approach with relevant impact on breeding program decisions and could turn out to be a reliable tool for genetic traceability of indigenous chicken meat. Adoption of a periodical monitoring system of genetic diversity is a fundamental tool in conservation actions and should increase the value of typical and niche products., (© 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.)

The present study evaluated the ability of near infrared transmittance (NIT) spectroscopy (FoodScan, 850-1050nm) to predict sodium (Na) content in commercial processed meat products (n=310) as intact and ground samples. Prediction models were built with all samples spectra and with spectra divided in 5 categories according to the manufacturing meat process. Sodium content (%) was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Modified partial least squares regression for the overall samples showed satisfactory predictive ability for intact (coefficient of determination in cross-validation, R 2 CV =0.93) and ground samples (R 2 CV =0.95). Despite the low number of samples, good specific prediction models were developed for each commercial meat category. In conclusion, NIT is really promising for at-line application to predict Na in processed meat products which could help industry to accomplish the new labelling regulation., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the present study was to estimate genetic parameters for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and titratable acidity (TA) in bovine milk predicted by mid-IR spectroscopy (MIRS). Data consisted of 2458 Italian Holstein-Friesian cows sampled once in 220 farms. Information per sample on protein and fat percentage, pH and somatic cell count, as well as test-day milk yield, was also available. (Co)variance components were estimated using univariate and bivariate animal linear mixed models. Fixed effects considered in the analyses were herd of sampling, parity, lactation stage and a two-way interaction between parity and lactation stage; an additive genetic and residual term were included in the models as random effects. Estimates of heritability for Ca, P and TA were 0.10, 0.12 and 0.26, respectively. Positive moderate to strong phenotypic correlations (0.33 to 0.82) existed between Ca, P and TA, whereas phenotypic weak to moderate correlations (0.00 to 0.45) existed between these traits with both milk quality and yield. Moderate to strong genetic correlations (0.28 to 0.92) existed between Ca, P and TA, and between these predicted traits with both fat and protein percentage (0.35 to 0.91). The existence of heritable genetic variation for Ca, P and TA, coupled with the potential to predict these components for routine cow milk testing, imply that genetic gain in these traits is indeed possible.

The aim of this study was to estimate (co)variance components for milk coagulation properties (MCP) predicted by mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) during routine milk recording, and to assess their relationships with yield and quality traits. A total of 63 470 milk samples from Holstein-Friesian cows were analyzed for MCP, pH and quality characteristics using MIRS. Casein to protein and protein to fat ratios were calculated from information obtained by MIRS. Records were collected across 1 year on 16 089 cows in 345 herds. The model used for genetic analysis included fixed effects of parity and stage of lactation, and random effects of herd-test-day, cow permanent environmental, animal additive genetic and residual. (Co)variance components were assessed in a Bayesian framework using the Gibbs Sampler. Estimates of heritabilities were consistent with those reported in the literature, being moderate for MCP (0.210 and 0.238 for rennet coagulation time (RCT) and curd firmness (a30), respectively), milk contents (0.213 to 0.333) and pH (0.262), and low for somatic cell score (0.093) and yield traits (0.098 to 0.130). Repeatabilities were 0.391 and 0.434 for RCT and a30, respectively, and genetic correlations were generally low, with estimates greater than 0.30 (in absolute value) only for a30 with fat, protein and casein contents. Overall, results suggest that genetic evaluation for MCP predicted by MIRS is feasible at population level, and several repeated measures per cow during a lactation are required to estimate reliable breeding values for coagulation traits.

The study aimed to characterize muscle fiber type of the pectoralis major muscle of slow-growing chickens belonging to the Padovana local breed, the commercial strain Berlanda gaina, and their cross. Forty-five chickens (both males and females) from the different genotypes were grown up to 180 d. Histochemical and morphometrical analyses were performed to characterize muscle fiber types, myofiber density, and myofiber size of the different genotypes. The effects of genotype, sex, and their interaction were estimated. Muscle samples appeared almost entirely made up of IIB fiber type, whereas a low percentage of area (5 to 6%) was composed of hypercontracted fiber. Myofiber density was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Padovana strains and cross-sectional area was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than in Berlanda strain. Muscle fiber characteristics appeared not to be affected by the interaction of genotype × sex.

Predictions of growth are important factors that contribute to the profitability of an operation in poultry production. Modern commercial hybrids have a higher body growth in comparison with the local purebreds. However a niche market for meat and egg poultry production needs to be established using local purebreds to promote biodiversity. The aim of this study was to model the growth response of male and female chickens belonging to 5 local Italian populations: a commercial slow-growing hybrid (Berlanda, B), the Padovana pure breed [2 plumage varieties: silver, argentata (PA) and chamois, camosciata (PC)], and their crosses PC×B and PC×PA. A total of 398 one-day-old birds were reared until 180 d of age under indoor conditions. The linear and 3 nonlinear models (logistic, Gompertz, and Richards) were compared to study the growth patterns of these chicken populations. Significant (P < 0.01) differences were observed among the genotypes for several curve parameters. In males, PC×B showed the lowest age at inflection point, B showed the highest age and BW, whereas PA showed the highest age and the lowest weight. In females, the age at the inflection point did not differ among the groups; B showed the highest weight. All the nonlinear models gave a good fit of male and female data with R(2) ranging from 0.992 and 0.999, but the logistic equation had higher value of root mean square error than the Gompertz and the Richards values. Based on residual sum of squares for both sexes, the Richards model was better (P < 0.05) than the logistic but not superior to the Gompertz. The logistic equation showed an overestimation of initial BW for all the groups and sex. For Italian local chicken populations, the Richards model requires a measure of BW recorded at 90 d or after to obtain a good fit of the asymptotic weight. However, the Gompertz model has the advantage that it requires one less parameter than the Richards model.

Near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy was evaluated as at-line technique to predict FA profile of chicken breast directly at the slaughterhouse. Intact breasts of 214 chickens were scanned by applying a fiber optic probe to the Pectoralis superficialis muscle. Meat samples were analyzed by gas chromatography as the reference method for the determination of FA composition. Calibration equations were developed considering NIR wavelengths between 1100 and 1830nm, and modified partial least square (MPLS) was chosen as the chemometrics method to perform the calibrations. Different mathematical pre-treatments were tested and the best calibration equation for each FA was retained. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy did not result in satisfactory predictions of FA. The best predictions were observed for oleic acid (C18:1n-9), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), and for a few minor FA. Results suggest that for chicken breast muscle, a lean meat, it was not possible to predict FA using NIR spectroscopy as an at-line technique in the abattoir., (Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The aim of this study was to analyze the variation of different genetic diversity measures in 5 Italian local chicken breeds over a 4-yr period of conservation. The local breeds were Ermellinata di Rovigo, Padovana, Pépoi, Robusta Lionata, and Robusta Maculata. A total of 368 samples were chosen for the analysis among the birds hatched in the years 2002 and 2006. Genetic variation over 30 microsatellite loci was analyzed. All 30 microsatellites were polymorphic, with a total number of alleles equal to 251, a mean (±SD) of 8.367 ± 3.378 across populations and 3.233 ± 1.338 within population. After 4 yr of conservation, a loss of alleles occurred for all the microsatellites, with the exception of 4 loci. The total number of alleles and expected heterozygosity estimates significantly decreased during the 4 yr of conservation, whereas no significant differences were detected for the microsatellites polymorphism information content or for the observed heterozygosity estimates. A decrease of the inbreeding coefficient occurred for all the breeds, with the exception of Padovana and Robusta Lionata. All populations showed evidence of a persistent significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium caused by an excess of homozygotes, except Robusta Maculata, which reached the equilibrium in 2006. For Pépoi, Padovana, Ermellinata di Rovigo, and Robusta Maculata, molecular coancestry increased significantly (P < 0.001) after the 4 yr of conservation. No evident genetic structures were detectable within breed, both for 2002 and for 2006 individuals. However, a slight increase in the proportion of membership for each breed had occurred in the year 2006 compared with the data obtained in the year 2002. As consequence, within breed, individuals in 2006 appear more homogeneous, producing clearer, more distinctive and separated groups. Molecular markers analysis helped us monitor the genetic variability of local breeds involved in a conservation scheme, enabling the planning of new strategies for the improvement of in situ conservation schemes.

Physical and color characteristics of chicken meat were investigated on 193 animals by directly applying a fiberoptic probe to the breast muscle and using the visible-near-infrared (NIR) spectral range from 350 to 1,800 nm. Data on pH was recorded 48 h postmortem (pH); lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) 48 h postmortem; thawing and cooking losses and shear force after freezing. Partial least squares regressions were performed using untreated data, raw absorbance data (log(1/R)), and multiplicative scatter correction plus first or second derivative spectra. Models were validated using full cross-validation, and their predictive ability was determined by root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSE(CV)) and correlation coefficient of cross-validation (r(cv)). Means (±SD) of pH, L*, a*, b*, thawing loss, cooking loss, and shear force were 5.83 ± 0.13, 44.54 ± 2.42, -1.90 ± 0.62, 3.21 ± 3.28, 4.84 ± 2.44%, 19.39 ± 2.95%, and 16.08 ± 3.83 N, respectively. The best prediction models were developed using log(1/R) spectra for b* (r(cv) = 0.93; RMSE(CV) = 1.16) and a* (r(cv) = 0.88; RMSE(CV) = 0.29), while a medium predictive ability of NIR was obtained for pH, L*, and thawing and cooking losses (r(cv) from 0.69 to 0.76; RMSE(CV) from 0.01 to 1.73). Finally, predicted model for shear force (r(cv) = 0.41; RMSE(CV) = 3.18) was unsatisfactory. Results suggest that NIR is a feasible technique for the assessment of several quality traits of intact breast muscle.

The objectives of this study were to determine genetic variation and to analyze population structure of 6 Italian local chicken breeds involved in a conservation program. Twenty microsatellite markers were investigated in 337 birds belonging to 6 breeds: Ermellinata di Rovigo, Robusta Maculata, Robusta Lionata, Pépoi, Padovana, and Polverara; a commercial layer cross was used as reference. One hundred twelve alleles were detected in the overall population, with a mean number of 5.6 +/- 2.1 alleles per locus. For the local breeds, the observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from a minimum of 0.240 to a maximum of 0.413 and from 0.243 to 0.463 for the Pépoi and Polverara breeds, respectively. Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed in 5 breeds and in the commercial cross. The overall population heterozygote deficiency was 0.427, the average inbreeding coefficient was 0.097, and the heterozygote deficiency due to breed subdivisions was 0.437. Reynolds' distances were used to draw an unrooted neighbor-joining tree, which topology gave information on the genetic origin of these breeds and confirmed their known history. The estimated molecular kinship within a breed ranged from 0.559 to 0.769, evidencing high coancestry. Structure analysis was performed to detect the presence of population substructures. Inferred clusters corresponded to the different breeds, without presence of admixture. The exception was the Polverara breed, for which a more complex genetic structure was found. The results supported the decision of safeguarding these breeds as an important reservoir of genetic diversity and confirmed the usefulness of microsatellite markers to characterize and to monitor genetic variability in local chicken breeds.

The assessment of a method able to assign individuals to the breed of origin is needed to certify origin and quality of livestock products. A set of 21 microsatellites was tested for breed identification in four native Italian beef breeds: Chianina, Marchigiana, Romagnola, and Piemontese. Two statistical approaches, based on maximum likelihood and on a Bayesian method, were evaluated. Different marker sets, chosen in order of the highest gene diversity and F(ST) estimates were also tested. The Bayesian method performed better, achieving a correct assignment rate of about 90% even with six microsatellites. The marker sets with the highest gene diversity were shown to perform best. Considering a threshold probability of 90%, only 52.5% of the genotypes were correctly allocated. Such results are mainly due to the low genetic differentiation estimates among breeds (F(ST)=0.049). These findings suggest that markers with high gene diversity and the presence of private alleles should be investigated and the Bayesian method used.

Traceability is the ability to maintain the identification of animal, or animal products, all along the production chain. It represents an essential tool to safeguard public and animal health and to valorize typical production systems. European food legislation is particularly strict and traceability systems, based on product labeling, have become mandatory in all European countries. However, the implementation of this system does not ensure consumers against fraud. Paper documents can be counterfeit so researchers have focused on the study of genetic traceability systems based on products identification through DNA analysis. In fact DNA is inalterable, detectable in every cell, resistant to heat treatments, and allows for individual, breed or species identification. Even if results are promising, these techniques are too expensive to be converted in routine tests but they could be a trusted tool for verification of suspected fraud. The present review proposes a synthesis of the major advances made in individual, breed, and species genetic identification in the last years, focusing on advantages and disadvantages and on their real future applications for animal productions.