Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition最新文献

We investigated the effect of propolis as a sanitiser on hatched eggs previously infected with avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) (APEC) serogroup O78. A green propolis watery extract at 24% and a native breed hatching eggs have been used in this study. A total number of five virulence genes had been detected in E. coli serotype O78 used in this study indicating the pathogenicity of this isolate. The use propolis as a sanitiser for hatching eggs negatively decreased the hatchability percent and increased the embryonic death percent. However, it had a high strength against E. coli serogroup O78 as it significantly reduced the mean colony-forming unit (CFU) count in livers and yolks 4 days post-challenge and in 1-day-old chicks. Our results indicated the antibacterial effect of a green propolis watery extract at 24% against APEC serogroup O78. However, the effect of low concentrations of the propolis against hatchability and embryonic death rates should be tested.

Feed cost represents about 70% of the total production costs of rabbit farms. There is little research on the usage of Berseem and Fenugreek seeds as substitutes for soybeans in rabbit diets. The current investigation was conducted to assess the influence of dietary inclusion of Fenugreek and/or Berseem seeds at varying levels as a substitute for soybean meal on reproductive performance, milk production, maternal behaviour, economic efficiency, mammary gland and ovarian histology, and relative expression of reproductive genes of New Zealand White rabbit does. Eighty fully grown New Zealand White does weighing between 2.75 and 3.00 kg live weight and aged 5-6 months old were utilized. Rabbits were allocated into four groups (20 rabbits/group): control group (basal diet), T1 (5% fenugreek), T2 (15% Berseem seeds), and T3 (2.5% Fenugreek with 7.5% Berseem seeds). We noticed that the dietary inclusion of Fenugreek and/or Berseem seeds significantly improved weight and total weight gain of litters. The increased body weight and decreased feed costs were accompanied by improved return parameters, including total return, net return economic efficiency, and relative economic efficiency, particularly in the T2 and T3 groups. Moreover, milk yield was increased in treated groups compared with those fed basal diet. The improved milk yield was associated with the enhancement of mRNA expression of the prolactin gene and improved mammary morphological characteristics, especially in the T1 group. Indeed, a rabbit does in T2 group revealed an earlier nest building, a higher nest quality, and an increased willingness to nurse. While those in T1 group presented the highest percentages of kits with full bellies. Interestingly, T2 and T3 had large mature follicles (preovulatory follicles) and few numbers of small follicles which was associated with a marked upregulation of mRNA levels of follicular stimulating hormone gene. It would be concluded that the dietary inclusion of Berseem seeds as a complete or partial replacement for soybean in New Zealand white rabbits' diet could be used to enhance the growth performance of litter and improve doe's milk production, maternal behaviour, and economic efficiency.

Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a plant that has nutritional benefits and increases the effectiveness of male reproduction. In this study, oxidative stress-exposed New Zealand rabbits were used to assess the ameliorative effects of daily Maca ingestion on testicular and epididymal tissues as well as the quality of fresh and frozen/thawed sperm. Twenty-four 40-week-old, healthy New Zealand white male rabbits were divided into four groups. The first group consumed tap water and served as a control. The second group was given 300 mg of Maca daily in capsules. The third group drank water containing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at a concentration of 1%. Finally, the fourth group consumed H₂O₂ and Maca daily. The ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, vitality, motility and velocity of the H₂O₂ group were considerably lower than those of the other groups. Frozen/thawed spermatozoa showed more dramatic decreases in motility and velocity as a result of H₂O₂ consumption. The plasma concentrations of testosterone and total antioxidant capacity were also lowest in the H₂O₂-treated rabbits, while malondialdehyde levels were highest. Exposure to H₂O₂ increased collagen deposition between ST and epididymal ducts which induced testicular and epididymis fibrosis. In addition, the spermatogenic and epididymal epithelial cells exhibited signs of apoptosis, degeneration, vacuolation and a reduction in height. Maca intake attenuated most of the damaging effects of H₂O₂ ingestion-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, H₂O₂-treated rabbits had modest nuclear androgen receptor positivity, unlike those in the Maca group. The number of Leydig cells significantly increased with daily Maca intake. In conclusion, daily intake of Maca improved reproductive performance and mitigated the damaging effects of oxidative stress on testicular and epididymal functions in New Zealand rabbits.

Wool traits determine the market value of fine-wool sheep, and wool fibre-breaking elongation (fibres can be stretched or elongated before they break) is one of the important wool traits. The interaction between hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and dermal papilla cells (DPCs) determines hair follicle development in fine wool sheep, thereby directly influencing wool traits. A genome-wide association study based on pre-sequencing data identified FGF20, which was significantly associated with wool fibre-breaking elongation. The study reveals that the regulatory mechanism of FGF20 secreted from DPCs affects the proliferation and differentiation of HFSCs through a co-culture system, to provide a new perspective for fine-wool sheep breeding. After knocking down FGF20 expression in DPCs, the results showed that the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) in DPCs and HFSCs was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), the number of EdU-positive cells and cell viability was significantly decreased (p < 0.01), and the apoptosis rate was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the differentiation markers of SOX9, NOTCH1 and β-Catenin in HFSCs were also significantly reduced (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that FGF20-knockdown in DPCs of fine-wool sheep inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of HFSCs in the co-culture system, providing a theoretical basis for elucidating the regulatory mechanism of hair follicle self-renewal and differentiation of fine-wool sheep and providing a co-culture system for regenerative medicine.

The presented study explored the promising alternatives of in ovo injection with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) and galactooligosaccharide (GOS) in the poultry industry. The study aimed to assess the effects of probiotic and prebiotic on various aspects of poultry production. The study involved 300 Ross broiler eggs, individually candled on Day 7 of embryonic development. The eggs were sorted into four groups: negative control (no injection), positive control (0.9% physiological saline injection), GOS 3.5 mg/egg and LP 1 × 10⁶ CFU/egg. The groups used during the incubation period were the same for the animal trial; each pen/group had 25 chickens. At the end of the experiment, 8 chickens from each group were slaughtered for tissue sample collection and 12 chickens were slaughtered to determine slaughter yield, carcass and meat quality. All data were analysed by one-way ANOVA or repeated measured ANOVA except for the parameters that did not meet the assumption of normality, the Kruskal-Wallis test (Dunn's test) was used. Key findings revealed that hatchability remained unaffected across groups, indicating the safety of the in ovo injections. Both LP and GOS enhanced chick quality, as evidenced by improved body weight, Pasgar score and chick length. The in ovo administration of LP increased the body weight of the chickens during the first-week post-hatch (7 days of age) without impacting feed intake and feed conversion ratio in the later stages. The study demonstrated no adverse effects on meat quality due to the in ovo injection of LP and GOS. Additionally, a positive impact on caecal histomorphology was observed and early gut colonization of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria spp.) indicated potential benefits for intestinal health in broilers. In conclusion, the in ovo inoculation of 1 × 10⁶ LP and 3.5 mg of GOS per egg increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. and showcased promising enhancements in chick quality without compromising growth performance, meat quality and caecal histomorphology. These findings suggest a positive outlook for these substances as a viable alternative for improving poultry health and productivity.

This study sought to investigate the consequences of the induced feed restriction during the transition period on the mRNA abundance of genes entangled in lipogenesis and lipolysis in the tail adipose of fat-tailed sheep. Twenty fat-tailed ewes were randomised into the control (Control; n = 10) and restriction (Restriction; n = 10) groups. Control animals were fed 100% of the balanced diet pre-(Week -5 to parturition) and post-partum (parturition to Week 5). Restriction ewes received equivalent 100%, 50%, 65%, 80%, and 100% of the balanced ration at Weeks -5, -4, -3, -2, and -1 relative to parturition, respectively. After parturition, the latter group received the equivalent of 100%, 50%, 65%, 80%, and 100% of the diet recommendation at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. At the end of weeks -3 and 3, tail adipose were sampled under local anesthesia. Fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase I and II, and acyl-CoA synthase long-chain family member-1 mRNA abundances were measured using the TaqMan quantity real-time PCR. A mixed model procedure of SAS software was used to evaluate the results. Feed restriction downregulated target genes' mRNA abundance during both pre- and post-partum. Parturition suppressed the mRNA abundance of measured genes in both groups. Established on the outcomes, lipogenesis, and lipolysis of the adipose tissue would be influenced by metabolite and hormone instability during the transition period and feed restriction. The lessening of adipose tissue lipogenesis and lipolysis might be a hemostatic response to cope with the energy insufficiency for fetal growth and the onset of lactation and also prevent the induction of inflammation, metabolic disorders, and infectious diseases during feed restriction or transition period.

This study aimed to determine the effect of drinking saline water on the physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters of sheep and goats in Ethiopia. A total of 100 male growing and mature Blackhead Ogaden sheep and Somali goats with average initial body weights of 18.17 ± 0.5 and 22.22 ± 0.52 kg and 17.99 ± 0.50 and 21.99 ± 0.54 kg, respectively, were used. The design of the experiment was a three-way factorial with completely randomized block design with three-factor combinations (five treatment levels, two species and two age groups). Water treatments were Lake Basaka water (control); low saline water (LSW), moderate (MSW), high (HSW) and very high (VHSW), with NaCl, added to Lake Beseka water at concentrations of 7.95, 11.93, 15.90 and 19.88 g of total dissolved solids per litter (TDS/L). The physiological and blood parameters of the experimental animals were measured. The results show that rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the H and VHSW groups. RT and RR also showed significant differences between species and age groups. Haemoglobin (Hb) and PCV levels were higher in the control group (p < 0.05). Increasing drinking saline water significantly reduced the concentration of glucose, total protein, albumin and triglycerides but increased the concentration of BUN, creatinine, ALT and AST. Glucose, albumin, and triglycerides were significantly higher (p < 0.05), while BUN, creatinine, ALT and AST concentrations were lower in sheep and mature animals than in goats and growing animals. Except for sodium and potassium, all blood electrolytes did not significantly differ within the treatment. Sodium and calcium significantly varied (p < 0.05) between species and age groups. The results indicated that drinking saline water above 11 g TDS/L affected the physiological and blood parameters of Somali goats and Blackhead Ogaden sheep. A Study revealed that sheep and mature animals performed better than goats and growing ones.

This study investigated expressions of microRNA (miR)-26a, miR-27a, and miR-148a in plasma, colostrum and milk collected on different days (0th, 4th, 7th, 14th, and 28th days) during transition from colostrum to milk in Awassi sheep. Relationships between miRNAs and quality parameters were also explored. During transition, Somatic Cell Count, Fat-free dry matter, protein, lactose decreased, pH, freezing point (FP), electrical conductivity (EC) increased. Malondialdehydes (MDA) were tended to decrease in plasma and milk. Compared to 0th day, miR-26a was upregulated approximately 27-folds and 17-folds in 14th and 28th days, in milk. On 14th day, miR-27a showed almost 18-folds upregulation, while miR-148a was downregulated more than fivefolds on 7th and 14th days. In plasma, miR-26a was upregulated almost 40-folds and sevenfolds on 7th and 14th days. Additionally, miR-27a was upregulated by approximately fivefolds on 4th day, around 20-folds on 7th day, and about fourfolds on 14th day. miR-148a was upregulated approximately 11-folds on 7th day. While miR-26a positively correlated with miR-27a, pH, fat, and EC, it was negatively correlated with MDA in plasma. miR-27a was positively correlated with miR-148a and pH. Plasma miR-148a and milk miR-148a were negatively correlated. miR-26a and miR-27a were positively correlated in milk. Milk miR-26a was positively correlated with pH, FP, and EC, while it was negatively correlated with fat, milk and plasma MDA. Milk miR-27a was negatively correlated with fat and MDA, but positively with EC. The results obtained for the first-time during transition indicate potentials of miR-26a and miR-27a to act as biomarkers for sheep milk quality.

As an integral component of the gram-negative bacterial cellular envelope, excess production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) regularly precipitates causing intestinal damage and barrier dysfunction in avian species. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a naturally occurring constituent in rattan tea, exhibits protective characteristics against various tissue injuries. However, the intervention mechanism of DHM on intestinal injury induced by LPS in chickens has not been determined. Consequently, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms through which DHM mitigates LPS-induced intestinal damage in chickens through the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Primary intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) were isolated and cultured from 14-day-old specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken embryos, and DHM ranging from 20 to 320 μmol/L increased cell survival rates. Additionally, DHM at 20 and 40 μmol/L demonstrated reduction in oxidative stress and ROS accumulation, mirroring the impact of ROS inhibitor (2.5 mmol/L NAC). DHM efficiently regulated ROS production, thereby augmenting ZO-1, occludin and claudin-1 expression to enhance barrier function; upregulating bcl-2 expression and downregulating bax and caspase-3 expression to regulate apoptosis and suppressing inflammation in IECs. Suppression of ROS subsequently attenuates NLRP3 inflammasome activation, leading to a remarkable downregulation of IL-1β, IL-18 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) secretion, consistent with direct inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome (10 μmol/L MCC950). Notably, DHM diminished IL-1β and IL-18 levels and LDH activity via suppression of ROS-regulated NLRP3 and caspase-1 expression and activation. In summary, DHM prevents LPS-induced intestinal impairment by modulating ROS generation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Eggshell breakage and broiler bone disorders are major problems for the breeder and broiler industries which are linked to mineral metabolism and animal genetics. The purpose of this work was to discover the link between individual animal phenotypic differences in mineral metabolism against concentrations of novel plasma biomarkers including tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP). A subset of hens were selected from a flock of Cobb 500 breeders with the best or worst eggshell quality based upon dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and specific gravity (SG). Breeders were defined as having good eggshell quality (SG ≥ 1.080), or poor eggshell quality (SG < 1.080). Progeny hatched from breeders with good or poor eggshell quality were reared to 2 week of age and blood and bone samples were obtained after euthanasia. In both breeders and progeny, plasma concentrations of BAP and TRAP were measured, and bone mineral density was evaluated by DEXA. Results showed that breeders selected for eggshell quality had significantly different plasma concentrations of BAP (Good = 326.5 pg/mL, Poor = 253.2 pg/mL), and TRAP activity (Good = 2203 U, Poor = 4985 U). Breeders selected for eggshell quality produced progeny with different bone breaking strength (Good = 1.61 kg/mm, Poor = 1.47 kg/mm), tibia ash (Good = 45.9%, Poor = 42.2%), plasma BAP (Good = 372.3 pg/mL, Poor = 312.4 pg/mL), and lower plasma TRAP activity (Good = 18010 U, Poor = 23590 U). These data suggest that there is a strong correlation between the eggshell quality of breeders, performance and bone strength of progeny, and plasma of concentrations of BAP and TRAP in both breeder hens and progeny.