Lay Summary Maintaining the welfare of food animals during the pre-slaughter phase is important. Although the time in holding pens at the slaughter plant is relatively short, it is a critical time to provide comfort and reduce stress. This study evaluated the impacts of shade in the holding pens at a commercial slaughter on mobility, behavior, and dark cutting incidence in cattle. In the current study, shade did not have a significant effect on any of the observed outcomes. Other factors of interest such as lairage duration and space allowance were associated with in-pen behaviors and dark-cutting frequency.
{"title":"The effects of shade on cattle mobility, behavior, and dark cutting during lairage at a commercial slaughter facility in the United States","authors":"Lauren Dean, Paxton Sullivan, Lacey Alexander, Robert J Delmore, Lily Edwards-Callaway","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag018","url":null,"abstract":"Lay Summary Maintaining the welfare of food animals during the pre-slaughter phase is important. Although the time in holding pens at the slaughter plant is relatively short, it is a critical time to provide comfort and reduce stress. This study evaluated the impacts of shade in the holding pens at a commercial slaughter on mobility, behavior, and dark cutting incidence in cattle. In the current study, shade did not have a significant effect on any of the observed outcomes. Other factors of interest such as lairage duration and space allowance were associated with in-pen behaviors and dark-cutting frequency.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146056275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuta Yang, Peiyao Liu, Taotao Yan, Xiangding Wang, Qian Zhou, Yang Li, Ran Li, Qingfeng Zhang, Chuanying Pan, Xianyong Lan
The Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), a key regulator of energy balance and feeding behavior, plays a critical role in sheep growth. Herein, we identified a naturally occurring conserved functional SNP (g.59480661G > A, E100K, P.Glu100Lys) in the sheep MC4R gene. Using the Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) method, we detected this mutation in 2,151 sheep from six different breeds. Association analysis revealed that this mutation affects the growth traits of Luxi Blackhead (LXBH) sheep, and the individuals with AA (K100) genotype exhibited superior growth performance compared to the GG (E100) genotype. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing data from 49 sheep breeds, totaling 968 individuals, showed a higher mutation frequency of this variant in some large-sized sheep breeds. Functional studies demonstrated that the E100K mutation does not affect protein localization or transport but reduces surface and total protein expression. The mutated receptor exhibited decreased basal activity and reduced binding efficiency with agonists (α-MSH and β-MSH), resulting in a partial loss of function. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that this mutation affects downstream pathways, including osteoclast differentiation and the MAPK signaling pathway, which may influence growth regulation associated with the E100K mutation. Collectively, these findings underscore the substantial role of the partial loss-of-function MC4R E100K mutation in regulating growth traits in sheep.
{"title":"A conserved functional missense SNP (E100K) in sheep MC4R gene leading to functional loss and impacting the growth traits.","authors":"Yuta Yang, Peiyao Liu, Taotao Yan, Xiangding Wang, Qian Zhou, Yang Li, Ran Li, Qingfeng Zhang, Chuanying Pan, Xianyong Lan","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), a key regulator of energy balance and feeding behavior, plays a critical role in sheep growth. Herein, we identified a naturally occurring conserved functional SNP (g.59480661G > A, E100K, P.Glu100Lys) in the sheep MC4R gene. Using the Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) method, we detected this mutation in 2,151 sheep from six different breeds. Association analysis revealed that this mutation affects the growth traits of Luxi Blackhead (LXBH) sheep, and the individuals with AA (K100) genotype exhibited superior growth performance compared to the GG (E100) genotype. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing data from 49 sheep breeds, totaling 968 individuals, showed a higher mutation frequency of this variant in some large-sized sheep breeds. Functional studies demonstrated that the E100K mutation does not affect protein localization or transport but reduces surface and total protein expression. The mutated receptor exhibited decreased basal activity and reduced binding efficiency with agonists (α-MSH and β-MSH), resulting in a partial loss of function. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that this mutation affects downstream pathways, including osteoclast differentiation and the MAPK signaling pathway, which may influence growth regulation associated with the E100K mutation. Collectively, these findings underscore the substantial role of the partial loss-of-function MC4R E100K mutation in regulating growth traits in sheep.</p>","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146052135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Julio C Mioto,Patricia M Oba,Sergio M S Junior,Jennifer L Adolphe,Sean D Madison,Maria R C de Godoy
The utilization of insect protein, specifically black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM), offers a viable alternative, sustainable, and nutrient-rich ingredient for pet foods. However, limited information is available on optimal inclusion levels and its functional properties. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of incremental levels of BSFLM as a partial or full substitute for chicken by-product meal (CM) in extruded diets. Thirty healthy adult Beagles were assigned to one of three dietary treatments: a control diet with CM, a diet containing 15% BSFLM, and a diet with 30% BSFLM, where CM was partially or fully replaced. Following a 14-day adaptation period on the control diet, the dogs were fed the test diets for 56 days. No significant differences were observed in food intake, fecal output, or apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, crude protein, and fat across the treatment groups (P > 0.05). However, dogs fed the 30% BSFLM diet showed a reduction in ATTD of organic matter (81.2%) and total dietary fiber (18.9%) compared to the control group (83.2% and 30.3%, respectively; P < 0.05), likely due to the chitin content acting as insoluble fiber. Fecal microbiota analysis showed no changes in alpha diversity; however, unweighted UniFrac analysis revealed significant shifts in beta diversity associated with diet and time. The inclusion of BSFLM-modulated fecal metabolites resulted in lower concentrations of short-chain fatty acids and phenols in the 30% BSFLM group (P < 0.05). Serum biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, including a range of cytokines and antioxidant enzymes, were unaffected by the dietary treatments, indicating no adverse health effects. These findings support the use of BSFLM as a viable and environmentally friendly protein ingredient in canine nutrition, offering a promising alternative to traditional protein sources while contributing to the sustainability of pet food production.
{"title":"Incorporating defatted black soldier fly meal (BSFLM) as a functional alternative ingredient in dog food.","authors":"Julio C Mioto,Patricia M Oba,Sergio M S Junior,Jennifer L Adolphe,Sean D Madison,Maria R C de Godoy","doi":"10.1093/jas/skaf346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf346","url":null,"abstract":"The utilization of insect protein, specifically black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM), offers a viable alternative, sustainable, and nutrient-rich ingredient for pet foods. However, limited information is available on optimal inclusion levels and its functional properties. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of incremental levels of BSFLM as a partial or full substitute for chicken by-product meal (CM) in extruded diets. Thirty healthy adult Beagles were assigned to one of three dietary treatments: a control diet with CM, a diet containing 15% BSFLM, and a diet with 30% BSFLM, where CM was partially or fully replaced. Following a 14-day adaptation period on the control diet, the dogs were fed the test diets for 56 days. No significant differences were observed in food intake, fecal output, or apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, crude protein, and fat across the treatment groups (P > 0.05). However, dogs fed the 30% BSFLM diet showed a reduction in ATTD of organic matter (81.2%) and total dietary fiber (18.9%) compared to the control group (83.2% and 30.3%, respectively; P < 0.05), likely due to the chitin content acting as insoluble fiber. Fecal microbiota analysis showed no changes in alpha diversity; however, unweighted UniFrac analysis revealed significant shifts in beta diversity associated with diet and time. The inclusion of BSFLM-modulated fecal metabolites resulted in lower concentrations of short-chain fatty acids and phenols in the 30% BSFLM group (P < 0.05). Serum biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, including a range of cytokines and antioxidant enzymes, were unaffected by the dietary treatments, indicating no adverse health effects. These findings support the use of BSFLM as a viable and environmentally friendly protein ingredient in canine nutrition, offering a promising alternative to traditional protein sources while contributing to the sustainability of pet food production.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"58 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146015261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Genome-wide studies in livestock have become essential tools for investigating genetic diversity, population structure, and adaptive evolution. By leveraging high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, researchers can identify genomic regions under selection and trace the demographic history of breeds. Among the most informative genomic features are Runs of Homozygosity (ROH), which reflect inbreeding levels and historical population dynamics, and Heterozygosity-Rich Regions (HRR), which may indicate loci under balancing selection and contribute to important functional traits. In this study, we investigated the ROH and HRR patterns in four different Mediterranean sheep breeds (Barbaresca-BAR, n = 48; Noticiana-NOT, n = 48; Valle del Belice-VDB, n = 142; and Sarda-SAR, n = 144) genotyped using the Illumina Ovine SNP600K array. The population structure analysis revealed a distinct separation among the four breeds, likely due to differences in breeding areas or management. Clear differences in ROH and HRR patterns were also observed. The endangered breeds (NOT and BAR) showed higher mean number of ROH per individual (92.38 and 83.71, respectively) compared to SAR (60.38) and VDB (58.49). A total of 12 ROH islands, ranged from 0.13 to 2.83 Mb, have been detected. These genomic regions mapped genes associated with economically important traits such as reproduction (ZDHHC21), milk (HERC3 and HERC6) and meat (ABCG2, PKD2, LAP3, NCAPG, and SPP1) production, and body size (LCORL). Regarding the HRR, the mean number of segments for individuals ranged from 4.65 (BAR) to 6.50 (VDB) and over 52% of these were shorter than 150 kb. The 16 HRR islands mapped genes related to reproduction (CAPSPERB and TC2N) and climate adaptation (VPS13B). Our results showed the usefulness of ROH and HRR for investigating genomic regions harboring genes associated with important traits that are consistent with the phenotypic characteristics of the investigated breeds, which present differences in both morphology and production traits and show excellent adaptability to the local environments. These findings may help in designing effective breeding or conservation programs for these sheep breeds.
牲畜全基因组研究已成为研究遗传多样性、种群结构和适应性进化的重要工具。通过利用高密度单核苷酸多态性（SNP）阵列，研究人员可以确定选择下的基因组区域并追踪品种的人口统计学历史。其中最具信息量的基因组特征是纯合子序列（runof Homozygosity， ROH），它反映了近交水平和历史种群动态，以及杂合子丰富区域（Heterozygosity-Rich Regions， HRR），它可能表明处于平衡选择的位点，并有助于重要的功能性状。本研究利用Illumina Ovine SNP600K基因阵列研究了4个不同地中海绵羊品种(Barbaresca-BAR, n = 48; Noticiana-NOT, n = 48; Valle del belce - vdb, n = 142；种群结构分析显示，这四个品种之间存在明显的分离，可能是由于繁殖区域或管理的差异。在ROH和HRR模式上也观察到明显的差异。濒危品种（NOT和BAR）的平均ROH数分别为92.38和83.71，高于SAR（60.38）和VDB（58.49）。共探测到12个卢武铉岛，大小在0.13 ~ 2.83 Mb之间。这些基因组区域定位了与生殖（ZDHHC21）、奶（HERC3和HERC6）和肉（ABCG2、PKD2、LAP3、NCAPG和SPP1）产量和体型（LCORL）等经济上重要性状相关的基因。在HRR方面，个体的平均片段数在4.65 (BAR) ~ 6.50 （VDB）之间，超过52%的片段短于150 kb。16个HRR岛定位了与生殖（CAPSPERB和TC2N）和气候适应（VPS13B）相关的基因。我们的研究结果表明，ROH和HRR对于研究与被调查品种表型特征一致的重要性状相关基因的基因组区域是有用的，这些性状在形态和生产性状上都存在差异，并且对当地环境具有良好的适应性。这些发现可能有助于为这些绵羊品种设计有效的繁殖或保护计划。
{"title":"Detection of homozygosity and heterozygosity regions in mediterranean sheep breeds revealed by high-density SNP array.","authors":"Federica Carta,Giorgio Chessari,Maria Teresa Sardina,Silvia Riggio,Gabriele Senczuk,Alberto Cesarani,Andrea Criscione,Salvatore Mastrangelo","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag014","url":null,"abstract":"Genome-wide studies in livestock have become essential tools for investigating genetic diversity, population structure, and adaptive evolution. By leveraging high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, researchers can identify genomic regions under selection and trace the demographic history of breeds. Among the most informative genomic features are Runs of Homozygosity (ROH), which reflect inbreeding levels and historical population dynamics, and Heterozygosity-Rich Regions (HRR), which may indicate loci under balancing selection and contribute to important functional traits. In this study, we investigated the ROH and HRR patterns in four different Mediterranean sheep breeds (Barbaresca-BAR, n = 48; Noticiana-NOT, n = 48; Valle del Belice-VDB, n = 142; and Sarda-SAR, n = 144) genotyped using the Illumina Ovine SNP600K array. The population structure analysis revealed a distinct separation among the four breeds, likely due to differences in breeding areas or management. Clear differences in ROH and HRR patterns were also observed. The endangered breeds (NOT and BAR) showed higher mean number of ROH per individual (92.38 and 83.71, respectively) compared to SAR (60.38) and VDB (58.49). A total of 12 ROH islands, ranged from 0.13 to 2.83 Mb, have been detected. These genomic regions mapped genes associated with economically important traits such as reproduction (ZDHHC21), milk (HERC3 and HERC6) and meat (ABCG2, PKD2, LAP3, NCAPG, and SPP1) production, and body size (LCORL). Regarding the HRR, the mean number of segments for individuals ranged from 4.65 (BAR) to 6.50 (VDB) and over 52% of these were shorter than 150 kb. The 16 HRR islands mapped genes related to reproduction (CAPSPERB and TC2N) and climate adaptation (VPS13B). Our results showed the usefulness of ROH and HRR for investigating genomic regions harboring genes associated with important traits that are consistent with the phenotypic characteristics of the investigated breeds, which present differences in both morphology and production traits and show excellent adaptability to the local environments. These findings may help in designing effective breeding or conservation programs for these sheep breeds.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"30 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146005037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Julian Arroyave,Jason C Woodworth,Mike D Tokach,Robert D Goodband,Joel M Derouchey,Katelyn N Gaffield,Jordan T Gebhardt
A total of 360 barrows (initially 6.0 kg and 21 d of age) were used to evaluate the effects of added Zn in low acid-binding capacity at a pH of 4 (ABC-4) diets on nursery pig growth performance, fecal dry matter (DM), plasma Zn, and apparent total tract digestively (ATTD) of Zn. At weaning, pigs were divided into two body weight categories and then randomly assigned to dietary treatments in a generalized random block design. There were 5 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. All diets contained 110 mg/kg of Zn from zinc sulfate in the trace mineral premix. The control treatment was a low ABC-4 diet (200 and 250 meq/kg from d 0 to 10 and 10 to 24 after weaning, respectively). In the next four diets, Zn (from zinc oxide; ZnO) was added at 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 mg/kg in phase 1, and 333, 666, 1,332, and 2,000 mg/kg in phase 2. The sixth treatment diet was formulated without considering ABC-4 (441 and 430 meq/kg from d 0 to 10 and 10 to 24, respectively) with 3,000 and 2,000 mg/kg of Zn from d 0 to 10 and 10 to 24 after weaning, respectively. In all periods, no differences were observed between pigs fed the low and high ABC-4 diets with 3,000 mg/kg Zn in phase 1 and 2,000 mg/kg Zn in phase 2, except for d-10 fecal DM, where pigs fed the low ABC-4 diet had increased (P = 0.002) fecal DM. From d 0 to 24, average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) increased (linear, P < 0.05) with increasing dietary Zn, with no differences in gain: feed ratio. However, for the overall 46 d period, no response to dietary Zn was observed for any performance criteria. Zinc intake, absorption, and excretion increased linear and quadratically (P < 0.001) and ATTD of Zn tended to linear increase (P = 0.074) with increasing dietary Zn. Pigs fed the low ABC-4 diet had greater (P < 0.05) Zn intake, absorption, and ATTD of Zn than pigs fed the high ABC-4 diet at the same Zn concentration. No difference was observed for fecal Zn excretion between ABC-4 formulation strategies. Day 24 serum Zn concentration increased linear and quadratically (P < 0.001) as dietary Zn increased, and a marginal increase (P = 0.095) in the low ABC-4 diet was observed between formulation strategies. In conclusion, low ABC-4 diets containing 3,000 and 2,000 mg/kg of Zn from ZnO in phases 1 and 2, respectively, increased d 10 fecal DM, Zn absorption, and ATTD of Zn. Increasing Zn in low ABC-4 diets improved ADG and ADFI during the first 24 d post-weaning, but not for the overall study.
{"title":"Effects of increasing zinc in low acid binding capacity diets on nursery pig performance, fecal dry matter, zinc digestibility, and plasma zinc.","authors":"Julian Arroyave,Jason C Woodworth,Mike D Tokach,Robert D Goodband,Joel M Derouchey,Katelyn N Gaffield,Jordan T Gebhardt","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag007","url":null,"abstract":"A total of 360 barrows (initially 6.0 kg and 21 d of age) were used to evaluate the effects of added Zn in low acid-binding capacity at a pH of 4 (ABC-4) diets on nursery pig growth performance, fecal dry matter (DM), plasma Zn, and apparent total tract digestively (ATTD) of Zn. At weaning, pigs were divided into two body weight categories and then randomly assigned to dietary treatments in a generalized random block design. There were 5 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. All diets contained 110 mg/kg of Zn from zinc sulfate in the trace mineral premix. The control treatment was a low ABC-4 diet (200 and 250 meq/kg from d 0 to 10 and 10 to 24 after weaning, respectively). In the next four diets, Zn (from zinc oxide; ZnO) was added at 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 mg/kg in phase 1, and 333, 666, 1,332, and 2,000 mg/kg in phase 2. The sixth treatment diet was formulated without considering ABC-4 (441 and 430 meq/kg from d 0 to 10 and 10 to 24, respectively) with 3,000 and 2,000 mg/kg of Zn from d 0 to 10 and 10 to 24 after weaning, respectively. In all periods, no differences were observed between pigs fed the low and high ABC-4 diets with 3,000 mg/kg Zn in phase 1 and 2,000 mg/kg Zn in phase 2, except for d-10 fecal DM, where pigs fed the low ABC-4 diet had increased (P = 0.002) fecal DM. From d 0 to 24, average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) increased (linear, P < 0.05) with increasing dietary Zn, with no differences in gain: feed ratio. However, for the overall 46 d period, no response to dietary Zn was observed for any performance criteria. Zinc intake, absorption, and excretion increased linear and quadratically (P < 0.001) and ATTD of Zn tended to linear increase (P = 0.074) with increasing dietary Zn. Pigs fed the low ABC-4 diet had greater (P < 0.05) Zn intake, absorption, and ATTD of Zn than pigs fed the high ABC-4 diet at the same Zn concentration. No difference was observed for fecal Zn excretion between ABC-4 formulation strategies. Day 24 serum Zn concentration increased linear and quadratically (P < 0.001) as dietary Zn increased, and a marginal increase (P = 0.095) in the low ABC-4 diet was observed between formulation strategies. In conclusion, low ABC-4 diets containing 3,000 and 2,000 mg/kg of Zn from ZnO in phases 1 and 2, respectively, increased d 10 fecal DM, Zn absorption, and ATTD of Zn. Increasing Zn in low ABC-4 diets improved ADG and ADFI during the first 24 d post-weaning, but not for the overall study.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146005407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sujie Liu,Jian Wang,Shuang Dong,Yonggai Duan,Yongxi Ma
This study evaluated the effects of replacing fish meal (FM) with black soldier fly (BSF) at different levels on growth performance, nutrient utilization, serum parameters, intestinal microbiota, and microbial metabolites in weaned piglets. A total of 180 weaned piglets (28 days old) were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments (n = 6 pens/treatment; 6 pigs/pen): BSFF0 (basal diet), BSFF25 (25% FM replaced by BSF), BSFF50 (50% FM replacement), BSFF75 (75% FM replacement), and BSFF100 (100% FM replacement). Partial or complete replacement of FM with BSF had no adverse effects on the growth performance or diarrhea incidence of piglets. The apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein and ether extract increased linearly with increasing BSF levels (P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A, interleukin-10, high-density lipoprotein, Lys and Asp increased linearly with increasing BSF levels, while blood urea nitrogen content decreased both linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05). Microbial analysis revealed that BSF inclusion modulated the intestinal microbiota, which was characterized by increased abundances of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and a decreased abundance of Streptococcus (P < 0.05). Furthermore, concentrations of fecal valerate (P = 0.071) and acetate (P = 0.070) tended to increase quadratically with increasing BSF levels. The concentrations of biogenic amines (tryptamine, putrescine, cadaverine, and spermidine) decreased linearly with increasing BSF levels (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that replacing 25% to 100% of FM with BSF maintained growth performance while enhancing immune status and regulating microbial metabolites in weaned piglets.
{"title":"Effects of black soldier fly replacing fish meal on growth performance, serum parameters and intestinal microbiota of weaned piglets.","authors":"Sujie Liu,Jian Wang,Shuang Dong,Yonggai Duan,Yongxi Ma","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag012","url":null,"abstract":"This study evaluated the effects of replacing fish meal (FM) with black soldier fly (BSF) at different levels on growth performance, nutrient utilization, serum parameters, intestinal microbiota, and microbial metabolites in weaned piglets. A total of 180 weaned piglets (28 days old) were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments (n = 6 pens/treatment; 6 pigs/pen): BSFF0 (basal diet), BSFF25 (25% FM replaced by BSF), BSFF50 (50% FM replacement), BSFF75 (75% FM replacement), and BSFF100 (100% FM replacement). Partial or complete replacement of FM with BSF had no adverse effects on the growth performance or diarrhea incidence of piglets. The apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein and ether extract increased linearly with increasing BSF levels (P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A, interleukin-10, high-density lipoprotein, Lys and Asp increased linearly with increasing BSF levels, while blood urea nitrogen content decreased both linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05). Microbial analysis revealed that BSF inclusion modulated the intestinal microbiota, which was characterized by increased abundances of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and a decreased abundance of Streptococcus (P < 0.05). Furthermore, concentrations of fecal valerate (P = 0.071) and acetate (P = 0.070) tended to increase quadratically with increasing BSF levels. The concentrations of biogenic amines (tryptamine, putrescine, cadaverine, and spermidine) decreased linearly with increasing BSF levels (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that replacing 25% to 100% of FM with BSF maintained growth performance while enhancing immune status and regulating microbial metabolites in weaned piglets.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"63 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146005353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jessica L Smallfield,Mike D Tokach,Katelyn N Gaffield,Robert D Goodband,Jason C Woodworth,Joel M Derouchey,Jordan T Gebhardt,Keith D Haydon,Alan J Warner,Chad W Hastad,Dwight J Shawk,Noah C Gainey,Henrique S Cemin,Jose A Soto
Three experiments were conducted to determine if nitrogen is a limiting factor for growth performance when feeding low protein, amino acid (AA) fortified diets and determine the effects of standardized ileal digestible lysine to crude protein (SID Lys: CP) ratio on growth performance of 11- to 25-kg pigs. In Exp. 1, 981 pigs ([Fast Large White × PIC L02] × PIC 800; initially 10.3 ± 0.19 kg) were used in a 21-d study. Diets were corn-soybean meal-based consisting of: 1) a low level of feed-grade AA with a SID Lys: CP ratio of 6.0%; 2) a moderate level of feed-grade AA with a SID Lys: CP ratio of 6.5%; 3) a high level of feed-grade AA with a SID Lys: CP ratio of 7.0%; 4) diet 3 with added diammonium phosphate (DAP) added to achieve a SID Lys: CP ratio of 6.5%; and 5) diet 3 with L-Gly added to achieve a SID Lys: CP ratio of 6.5%. Average daily gain (ADG) was unaffected by dietary treatment but gain: feed ratio (G: F) decreased (linear, P = 0.002; quadratic, P = 0.054) as SID Lys: CP ratio exceeded 6.5%. Adding DAP or L-Gly to the high feed-grade AA diet increased (P ≤ 0.003) G: F compared to pigs fed the high feed-grade AA diet. In Exp. 2, 4,167 pigs (337 × 1050, PIC; initially 13.0 ± 0.27 kg) were used in a 14-d study. Diets were corn-soybean meal-based, and treatments arranged in a 2 × 5 factorial with main effects of SID Lys (1.15 or 1.30%) and SID Lys: CP ratio (6.00, 6.22, 6.46, 6.72, and 7.00%). Overall ADG was unaffected by dietary treatment; however, a SID Lys: CP × SID Lys interaction was observed for G: F (linear, P = 0.012) where increasing SID Lys: CP ratio decreased (linear, P < 0.001) G: F at both SID Lys levels with a more pronounced effect in diets formulated to 1.15% SID Lys. Lastly, Exp. 3 used 5,059 pigs (PIC 800 × Camborough and DNA 600 × 241; initially 11.0 ± 0.90 kg) in an 18-d trial. Treatment diets were arranged in a 2 × 6 factorial with main effects of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS; 0 or 15%) and SID Lys: CP ratio (6.01, 6.22, 6.45, 6.70, 6.97, and 7.26%). Overall, ADG was unaffected by dietary treatment, but a SID Lys: CP × DDGS interaction was observed (linear, P < 0.001) where G: F increased then decreased (quadratic, P < 0.001) in diets without DDGS, whereas in the diets with DDGS, G: F decreased (quadratic, P ≤ 0.002) as SID Lys: CP ratio increased above 6.45%. In summary, a SID Lys: CP ratio greater than approximately 6.5% decreased G: F, but adding a protein or non-protein nitrogen source to low protein diets formulated above this ratio improves G: F.
{"title":"Effects of standardized ileal digestible lysine: crude protein ratio and the use of non-protein nitrogen on growth performance of 11- to 25-kg pigs.","authors":"Jessica L Smallfield,Mike D Tokach,Katelyn N Gaffield,Robert D Goodband,Jason C Woodworth,Joel M Derouchey,Jordan T Gebhardt,Keith D Haydon,Alan J Warner,Chad W Hastad,Dwight J Shawk,Noah C Gainey,Henrique S Cemin,Jose A Soto","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag013","url":null,"abstract":"Three experiments were conducted to determine if nitrogen is a limiting factor for growth performance when feeding low protein, amino acid (AA) fortified diets and determine the effects of standardized ileal digestible lysine to crude protein (SID Lys: CP) ratio on growth performance of 11- to 25-kg pigs. In Exp. 1, 981 pigs ([Fast Large White × PIC L02] × PIC 800; initially 10.3 ± 0.19 kg) were used in a 21-d study. Diets were corn-soybean meal-based consisting of: 1) a low level of feed-grade AA with a SID Lys: CP ratio of 6.0%; 2) a moderate level of feed-grade AA with a SID Lys: CP ratio of 6.5%; 3) a high level of feed-grade AA with a SID Lys: CP ratio of 7.0%; 4) diet 3 with added diammonium phosphate (DAP) added to achieve a SID Lys: CP ratio of 6.5%; and 5) diet 3 with L-Gly added to achieve a SID Lys: CP ratio of 6.5%. Average daily gain (ADG) was unaffected by dietary treatment but gain: feed ratio (G: F) decreased (linear, P = 0.002; quadratic, P = 0.054) as SID Lys: CP ratio exceeded 6.5%. Adding DAP or L-Gly to the high feed-grade AA diet increased (P ≤ 0.003) G: F compared to pigs fed the high feed-grade AA diet. In Exp. 2, 4,167 pigs (337 × 1050, PIC; initially 13.0 ± 0.27 kg) were used in a 14-d study. Diets were corn-soybean meal-based, and treatments arranged in a 2 × 5 factorial with main effects of SID Lys (1.15 or 1.30%) and SID Lys: CP ratio (6.00, 6.22, 6.46, 6.72, and 7.00%). Overall ADG was unaffected by dietary treatment; however, a SID Lys: CP × SID Lys interaction was observed for G: F (linear, P = 0.012) where increasing SID Lys: CP ratio decreased (linear, P < 0.001) G: F at both SID Lys levels with a more pronounced effect in diets formulated to 1.15% SID Lys. Lastly, Exp. 3 used 5,059 pigs (PIC 800 × Camborough and DNA 600 × 241; initially 11.0 ± 0.90 kg) in an 18-d trial. Treatment diets were arranged in a 2 × 6 factorial with main effects of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS; 0 or 15%) and SID Lys: CP ratio (6.01, 6.22, 6.45, 6.70, 6.97, and 7.26%). Overall, ADG was unaffected by dietary treatment, but a SID Lys: CP × DDGS interaction was observed (linear, P < 0.001) where G: F increased then decreased (quadratic, P < 0.001) in diets without DDGS, whereas in the diets with DDGS, G: F decreased (quadratic, P ≤ 0.002) as SID Lys: CP ratio increased above 6.45%. In summary, a SID Lys: CP ratio greater than approximately 6.5% decreased G: F, but adding a protein or non-protein nitrogen source to low protein diets formulated above this ratio improves G: F.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"57 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146005408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lucas Bassi Scarpim,Leticia Graziele Pacheco,Camila Goloni,Vladimir Eliodoro Costa,Aulus Cavalieri Carciofi
Determining protein requirements (PR) for dog maintenance using welfare-conscious methods is challenging. This study aimed to establish a minimally invasive and efficient protocol for applying the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique using L-[1-1³C] phenylalanine (1³Phe), while minimizing animal handling and cost (through lower isotope doses and fewer meals) and eliminating the need for respiration chambers. Two diets were extruded: a complete and balanced for maintenance based on poultry by-product meal (PBM) with 28% crude protein (CP); a low protein formulation where PBM was replaced by maize starch (SBD) with 6% CP (DM basis). Ingredients were analyzed, and the SBD was supplemented so both formulations presented 22 g/kg of phenylalanine + tyrosine (DM basis). The dilution technique was applied to create five levels of CP: 6%, 8%, 10%, 12% and 14% (DM basis). A sixth diet with 11% CP was used in the adaptation period. To test three feeding, isotope-enrichment, and sampling protocols (P1, P2, and P3), a block design was used with ten dogs assigned to each protocol (14.8 ± 1.1 kg; 5.8 ± 2.0 years). After two days of adaptation (11% CP), the daily dog food was divided into ten (P1), seven (P2), or five (P3) meals. A priming dose (PD) of 0.18 mg/kg of 13C-Bicarbonate (13Bic) and 0.66 mg/kg of 13Phe were offered on the fourth, sixth, or fifth meal, followed by six, four, and four subsequent doses of 1.33 mg/kg of 13Phe in capsules every 30 minutes (P1, P2, and P3, respectively). Two basal samples of expired air were collected using an adapted mask, and after PD, eight samples were collected, starting 30 (P1), 90 (P2), and 90 (P3) minutes after enrichment. The CO2 volume was measured by the 13Bic method using masks. The time required to reach isotopic steady state (ISS) and the accuracy of measurements varied across protocols. P1 required the longest time to reach ISS (183.7 ± 8.4 min) and showed lower accuracy (r2 = 0.39; mean absolute percentage error [MAPE] = 17.1%; P < 0.05). P3 reached ISS more quickly (105.4 ± 6.1 min) but demonstrated moderate accuracy (r2 = 0.67; MAPE = 7.1%; P < 0.05). P2 represented an intermediate condition, reaching ISS at 170.6 ± 6.7 min while providing higher accuracy (r2 = 0.81; MAPE = 1.26%; P < 0.05). It was concluded that P2 is a minimally invasive and efficient protocol for IAAO application in dogs, potentially providing valuable insights for future research involving dogs living outside of a laboratory setting.
{"title":"Pilot study to determine a minimally invasive protocol to assess protein requirements in dogs.","authors":"Lucas Bassi Scarpim,Leticia Graziele Pacheco,Camila Goloni,Vladimir Eliodoro Costa,Aulus Cavalieri Carciofi","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag008","url":null,"abstract":"Determining protein requirements (PR) for dog maintenance using welfare-conscious methods is challenging. This study aimed to establish a minimally invasive and efficient protocol for applying the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique using L-[1-1³C] phenylalanine (1³Phe), while minimizing animal handling and cost (through lower isotope doses and fewer meals) and eliminating the need for respiration chambers. Two diets were extruded: a complete and balanced for maintenance based on poultry by-product meal (PBM) with 28% crude protein (CP); a low protein formulation where PBM was replaced by maize starch (SBD) with 6% CP (DM basis). Ingredients were analyzed, and the SBD was supplemented so both formulations presented 22 g/kg of phenylalanine + tyrosine (DM basis). The dilution technique was applied to create five levels of CP: 6%, 8%, 10%, 12% and 14% (DM basis). A sixth diet with 11% CP was used in the adaptation period. To test three feeding, isotope-enrichment, and sampling protocols (P1, P2, and P3), a block design was used with ten dogs assigned to each protocol (14.8 ± 1.1 kg; 5.8 ± 2.0 years). After two days of adaptation (11% CP), the daily dog food was divided into ten (P1), seven (P2), or five (P3) meals. A priming dose (PD) of 0.18 mg/kg of 13C-Bicarbonate (13Bic) and 0.66 mg/kg of 13Phe were offered on the fourth, sixth, or fifth meal, followed by six, four, and four subsequent doses of 1.33 mg/kg of 13Phe in capsules every 30 minutes (P1, P2, and P3, respectively). Two basal samples of expired air were collected using an adapted mask, and after PD, eight samples were collected, starting 30 (P1), 90 (P2), and 90 (P3) minutes after enrichment. The CO2 volume was measured by the 13Bic method using masks. The time required to reach isotopic steady state (ISS) and the accuracy of measurements varied across protocols. P1 required the longest time to reach ISS (183.7 ± 8.4 min) and showed lower accuracy (r2 = 0.39; mean absolute percentage error [MAPE] = 17.1%; P < 0.05). P3 reached ISS more quickly (105.4 ± 6.1 min) but demonstrated moderate accuracy (r2 = 0.67; MAPE = 7.1%; P < 0.05). P2 represented an intermediate condition, reaching ISS at 170.6 ± 6.7 min while providing higher accuracy (r2 = 0.81; MAPE = 1.26%; P < 0.05). It was concluded that P2 is a minimally invasive and efficient protocol for IAAO application in dogs, potentially providing valuable insights for future research involving dogs living outside of a laboratory setting.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"88 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145994826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Research has demonstrated the essential functions of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in testosterone production and spermatogenesis across various ruminant species. Nevertheless, the expression dynamics and biological activities of circRNAs in Leydig cells (LCs) are still not well understood. Herein, we identified a circular RNA that mediates LCs proliferation and testosterone synthesis, circCSNK1G3, and elucidated its underlying mechanisms. Multiple functional assays were performed to determine the biological functions of circCSNK1G3 and miR-29b in vitro. Furthermore, the relationship between circCSNK1G3 and miR-29b was confirmed using RNA pull-down analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and dual-luciferase reporter experiments. Functionally, circCSNK1G3 increased testosterone levels by promoting LCs proliferation and stimulating testosterone production. Mechanistically, circCSNK1G3 operates mechanistically as an endogenous sponge for miR-29b in the cytoplasm of LCs, leading to enhanced expression of IGF1. By acting as a competitive endogenous RNA, circCSNK1G3 stimulates the biosynthesis of testosterone and the growth of LCs via the miR-29b/IGF1 axis, which may provide a potential basis for using circRNAs as target drugs to treat orchitis and azoospermia.
{"title":"Circular RNA circCSNK1G3 induces Leydig cells proliferation and promotes testosterone production through the miR-29b/IGF1 axis.","authors":"Yi Wu,Xingcai Qi,Qiao Li,Youji Ma","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag010","url":null,"abstract":"Research has demonstrated the essential functions of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in testosterone production and spermatogenesis across various ruminant species. Nevertheless, the expression dynamics and biological activities of circRNAs in Leydig cells (LCs) are still not well understood. Herein, we identified a circular RNA that mediates LCs proliferation and testosterone synthesis, circCSNK1G3, and elucidated its underlying mechanisms. Multiple functional assays were performed to determine the biological functions of circCSNK1G3 and miR-29b in vitro. Furthermore, the relationship between circCSNK1G3 and miR-29b was confirmed using RNA pull-down analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and dual-luciferase reporter experiments. Functionally, circCSNK1G3 increased testosterone levels by promoting LCs proliferation and stimulating testosterone production. Mechanistically, circCSNK1G3 operates mechanistically as an endogenous sponge for miR-29b in the cytoplasm of LCs, leading to enhanced expression of IGF1. By acting as a competitive endogenous RNA, circCSNK1G3 stimulates the biosynthesis of testosterone and the growth of LCs via the miR-29b/IGF1 axis, which may provide a potential basis for using circRNAs as target drugs to treat orchitis and azoospermia.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145994959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J L Kirkham,F Zamuner,A W N Cameron,E K Carpenter,B J Leury,K DiGiacomo
This experiment investigated changes in body composition throughout lactation in dairy goats using non-invasive methods of body composition estimation including dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and body mass index (BMI) in lactating Saanen dairy goats (20 high- and 20 low-producers). Body composition was measured on four occasions, early (EL, 23 ±6 DIM), mid (ML, 107 ±6 DIM), late (LL, 206 ±6 DIM) and 2 weeks post drying-off. The DEXA scans provide estimates of fat and lean tissue mass, and were evaluated by region (whole body, lower body, and sternal area). Data was analysed using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) with stage of lactation and production group as fixed effects and goat as the random effect to account for repeated measurements within animals. Correlations among body composition measures were assessed using Pearson's coefficients. Differences in body composition were driven primarily by stage of lactation rather than by production group. Milk yield was greatest in high producers during EL only (3.2 vs. 2.5 L/d; P < 0.05), but no differences were observed in energy corrected milk. The BW and BCS increased throughout lactation, peaking during the dry period. Changes in DEXA-derived fat and lean tissue mass were observed, with the largest change observed in sternal fat from EL to ML (-17%; P < 0.001). The BMI had stronger correlations with DEXA-derived body composition measures compared to BCS (r = 0.78 vs 0.58; P < 0.001). Changes in composition were associated with changes in lactation stage rather than production level. Whilst BW and BCS increased, overall, DEXA-derived fat mass decreased throughout lactation by 14% and increased by 10% from LL to the dry period (P < 0.001). To our knowledge, this is the first experiment to apply DEXA to measure body composition throughout lactation in goats. Findings suggest BMI may be a more reliable indicator of DEXA-derived body composition compared to BCS.
本试验采用无创体成分估算方法，包括双能x线吸收仪（DEXA）、体重（BW）、体况评分（BCS）和体重指数（BMI），研究了泌乳期萨宁奶山羊（20只高产奶山羊和20只低产奶山羊）体成分的变化。体成分测定分为早期（EL, 23±6 DIM）、中期（ML, 107±6 DIM）、晚期（LL, 206±6 DIM）和干燥后2周。DEXA扫描提供脂肪和瘦肉组织质量的估计，并按区域（全身、下半身和胸骨区域）进行评估。数据采用有限最大似然（REML）分析，以哺乳期和生产组为固定效应，山羊为随机效应，以解释动物体内重复测量。使用Pearson系数评估身体成分测量之间的相关性。体成分的差异主要是由泌乳阶段而不是生产组决定的。高产奶牛的产奶量仅在EL期间最高（3.2 vs. 2.5 L/d, P < 0.05），但在能量校正乳中没有观察到差异。泌乳期间体重和BCS均呈上升趋势，在哺乳期达到顶峰。观察到dexa来源的脂肪和瘦组织质量的变化，胸骨脂肪从EL到ML的变化最大（-17%;P < 0.001）。与BCS相比，BMI与dexa衍生的身体成分测量具有更强的相关性（r = 0.78 vs 0.58; P < 0.001）。成分的变化与哺乳期的变化有关，而与产奶量无关。虽然体重和体重增加，但总体而言，dexa来源的脂肪量在整个哺乳期减少了14%，从哺乳期到干期增加了10% （P < 0.001）。据我们所知，这是第一个应用DEXA测量山羊泌乳期身体成分的实验。研究结果表明，与BCS相比，BMI可能是dexa衍生的身体成分更可靠的指标。
{"title":"Changes in body composition and plasma metabolites throughout lactation in high- and low- producing Saanen dairy goats.","authors":"J L Kirkham,F Zamuner,A W N Cameron,E K Carpenter,B J Leury,K DiGiacomo","doi":"10.1093/jas/skag006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skag006","url":null,"abstract":"This experiment investigated changes in body composition throughout lactation in dairy goats using non-invasive methods of body composition estimation including dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and body mass index (BMI) in lactating Saanen dairy goats (20 high- and 20 low-producers). Body composition was measured on four occasions, early (EL, 23 ±6 DIM), mid (ML, 107 ±6 DIM), late (LL, 206 ±6 DIM) and 2 weeks post drying-off. The DEXA scans provide estimates of fat and lean tissue mass, and were evaluated by region (whole body, lower body, and sternal area). Data was analysed using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) with stage of lactation and production group as fixed effects and goat as the random effect to account for repeated measurements within animals. Correlations among body composition measures were assessed using Pearson's coefficients. Differences in body composition were driven primarily by stage of lactation rather than by production group. Milk yield was greatest in high producers during EL only (3.2 vs. 2.5 L/d; P < 0.05), but no differences were observed in energy corrected milk. The BW and BCS increased throughout lactation, peaking during the dry period. Changes in DEXA-derived fat and lean tissue mass were observed, with the largest change observed in sternal fat from EL to ML (-17%; P < 0.001). The BMI had stronger correlations with DEXA-derived body composition measures compared to BCS (r = 0.78 vs 0.58; P < 0.001). Changes in composition were associated with changes in lactation stage rather than production level. Whilst BW and BCS increased, overall, DEXA-derived fat mass decreased throughout lactation by 14% and increased by 10% from LL to the dry period (P < 0.001). To our knowledge, this is the first experiment to apply DEXA to measure body composition throughout lactation in goats. Findings suggest BMI may be a more reliable indicator of DEXA-derived body composition compared to BCS.","PeriodicalId":14895,"journal":{"name":"Journal of animal science","volume":"121 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145994958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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