Animal Bioscience最新文献

Objective: This study investigated the protein oxidation of soybean meal (SBM) stored in a warehouse and the effects of SBM on growth performance, antioxidant status, digestive performance, intestinal morphology, and breast muscle quality of broilers.

Methods: In total, 160 one-day-old Arbor Acres Plus broilers (half male and half female) were randomly divided into two groups with ten replicates of eight birds each: The control group was served with a basal diet including SBM stored at -20°C (FSBM), and the experimental group was served with a basal diet including SBM stored in a warehouse at room temperature for 45 days (RSBM).

Results: Compared with FSBM, the protein carbonyl level in RSBM was increased, the free and total thiol levels and in vitro digestibility of protein were decreased. The RSBM decreased the serum glutathione (GSH) level and the hepatic total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity at days 21 and 42 when compared with FSBM. Further, RSBM reduced the duodenal T-SOD activity, jejunal catalase (CAT), and T-SOD activities at day 21, and decreased the duodenal CAT and T-SOD activities, jejunal T-SOD activity, and ileal GSH level and T-SOD activity at days 21 and 42 when compared with FSBM. Besides, the trypsin activity and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in small intestines of broilers at days 21 and 42 were reduced when fed with a RSBM-contained diet. Compared with FSBM, the 24-h drip loss, shear force, and 24- and 48-h cooking loss of breast muscle were increased of RSBM group, the opposite result was observed for muscle lightness at 48 h.

Conclusion: Room temperature storage for 45 days led a protein oxidation and decreased in vitro digestibility in SBM, and fed RSBM impaired growth performance, antioxidant status, and meat quality, reduced trypsin activity, and affected the small intestine morphology in broilers.

Objective: This study investigated the efficiency of different estrous synchronization programs and hormonal treatments in improving reproductive outcomes in goats. Conducted on a commercial farm in southern Thailand, the study used multiparous Shami and Anglo-Nubian breed goats.

Methods: In experiment 1, goats were randomly allocated to two estrous synchronization treatments: 11-day (CI11D) and 13-day (CI13D) intravaginal progesterone implants, followed by artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed semen. Various hormonal treatments (human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), GnRH analogue, progestogen) were administered on day 5 post-AI to elevate progesterone levels. Experiment 2 assessed embryo survival after transferring early- and late-stage embryos, using GnRH analogue to increase progesterone levels in the recipient goats.

Results: Results showed that GnRH analogue significantly increased pregnancy rates, kidding rates, and the number of kids born in the CI13D group. Progesterone levels were higher in treated groups, particularly with GnRH analogue, though estradiol levels varied between synchronization protocols. Late-stage embryo transfers significantly improved pregnancy rates and reduced embryonic loss compared to early-stage transfers. GnRH analogue supplementation reduced early embryonic mortality, enhancing embryo survival and overall reproductive performance.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the efficacy of tailored estrous synchronization and hormonal treatments in optimizing goat reproductive outcomes, with significant implications for improving fertility management in commercial goat farming. Although no significant differences were observed in progesterone levels, the administration of GnRH analogue reduced early embryonic mortality and improved reproductive outcomes, demonstrating its potential to enhance embryo survival and reproductive performance in goats.

Objective: Growing demand for embryo transfer is steadily expanding and further studies on in vitro fertilization of cattle. To assess the effect of calcium lactate by replacing Tyrode's Albumin Lactate Pyruvate (TALP) medium composition during fertilization and embryonic development.

Methods: Sodium lactate and CaCl2 were replaced with 2.0, 3.0, 4.5 mM calcium lactate for TALP medium during fertilization in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, the concentrations of sodium lactate and CaCl2 were re-modified as control, in comparison with the same concentration of calcium lactate at 4.5 mM. Zygotes were moved to sequential media to match early-and late-stage environments. Embryonic development was examined on day 8 after insemination.

Results: 4.5 mM calcium lactate enhanced the rate of fertilization and blastocyst formation (p<0.0001, p<0.01, respectively). It represented differences in the ROS (p<0.01) and GSH levels (p<0.05) and increased blastocyst diameter and total cell number (p<0.05). In Experiment 2, fertilization (p<0.05) and blastocyst formation rates (p<0.01) were increased in 4.5mM calcium lactate under same concentration effect of sodium lactate and CaCl2. Additionally, it reduced the ROS (p<0.01) and increased the GSH levels (p<0.05), leading increase embryo quality.

Conclusion: The replacement of calcium lactate in TALP medium enhances fertilization and embryonic development while also improving oxidative stress. Specifically, it has been determined that a concentration of 4.5 mM calcium lactate is the most effective, irrespective of the varying concentrations of sodium lactate and CaCl2. This study presents a novel formulation of a modified TALP medium intended for implantation withing the bovine embryo industry. The current implications of the study are discussed in relation to previously stated objectives and hypotheses.

Objective: Lambing in ewes is a complex and crucial aspect of sheep production that directly influences economic viability and production efficiency. In the present study, we analyzed the genomes of single lamb (SLE) and twin lamb (TLE) Hotan sheep to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying lamb production in Hotan sheep.

Methods: In this study, we used genome-wide resequencing to analyze the genomes of Hotan sheep exhibiting SLE and TLE traits. To identify the population genetic structure and linkage disequilibrium associated with SLE and TLE traits, we employed two complementary genome selection signals: the interpopulation genetic differentiation index (FST) and nucleotide diversity (Pi). Subsequently, we performed gene annotation and enrichment analyses of the selected regions of the obtained genome.

Results: Our analysis generated 801 Gb of sequence data, from which 31,864,651 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphic loci were identified. We identified 290 selected regions and 332 genes across the Hotan sheep genome by using two widely adopted selective scanning detection methods (FST statistics and Piratio). Functional annotation and enrichment analysis of these genes identified 13 genes associated with the lambing rate, which were enriched in pathways such as the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway (BMPR2, ID2, SMAD7, THBS1, and RBX1), renal cell carcinoma (PAK1, ELOC), inositol phosphate metabolism (PLCZ), non-homologous terminal junction (RAD50), ABC transporters (ABCC4), and the NET pathway (H2B, H4, and H2A).

Conclusion: This study employed selective elimination analysis to identify candidate genes involved in the regulation of lambing trait in Hotan sheep. By investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying lambing rate in Hotan sheep, we developed molecular markers for twin lambing to enhance reproductive performance and promote the conservation and development of outstanding genetic resources in local Xinjiang sheep.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the maximum inclusion rate of low-oil corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in swine diets with a focus on growth performance and pork quality.

Methods: A total of 160 crossbred pigs with an initial body weight of 25.5 kg (standard deviation = 2.5) were randomly assigned to one of 5 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with BW and sex as blocking factors to obtain 8 replicates and 4 pigs per pen. The low-oil corn DDGS contained 26.3% crude protein, 24.5% neutral detergent fiber, and 3.7% ether extract. Five experimental diets based on the corn, soybean meal, and wheat were formulated to contain 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% of the low-oil corn DDGS for each of 2 phases.

Results: During the overall period, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and gain-to-feed ratio linearly decreased (p<0.05) as the low-oil corn DDGS inclusion rate increased. A one-slope broken-line analysis showed that the maximum inclusion rate of low-oil corn DDGS in swine diets without compromising gain-to-feed ratio was 16.5% during the overall period. The carcass characteristics were not affected by the inclusion of low-oil corn DDGS up to 40%. The firmness of loin and belly linearly decreased (p<0.05) as the low-oil corn DDGS inclusion rate increased. As the inclusion rate of low-oil DDGS increased, the saturated fatty acid content in both loin and pork belly linearly decreased (p<0.001), whereas the unsaturated fatty acid content linearly increased (p<0.001). The iodine value of lard also showed a linear increase (p<0.001) with increasing the low-oil corn DDGS inclusion rate.

Conclusion: The maximum inclusion rate of low-oil corn DDGS in growing-finishing swine diets without detrimental effects on growth performance and pork quality was 16.5%.

Objective: Lactic acid (LA) treatment of cereals is known to improve ruminant performance. However, changes in cereal nutrient levels and variations in rumen fermentation remain unclear.

Methods: This study was designed to compare the effects of 5% LA treatment on the trophic and morphological characteristics of barley and to discover the differences in rumen fermentation characteristics and metabolomes between LA-treated and untreated barley.

Results: Compared with those of untreated barley (BA), the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash and water-soluble carbohydrate contents of barley plants treated with 5% LA for 48 h (BALA) decreased, but the resistant starch (RS) and non-fiber carbohydrate contents increased. Moreover, the amount of proteinaceous matrix in BA decreased in response to LA treatment. During in vitro fermentation, BALA had a greater pH but lower dry matter disappearance and ammonia, methane, and short-chain fatty acid levels than BA. The differential metabolites between BA and BALA were clustered into metabolic pathways such as purine metabolism, lysine degradation, and linoleic acid metabolism. Observable differences in ultrastructure between BALA and BA were noted during fermentation.

Conclusion: Lactic treatment altered barley nutrient content, including DM, CP, RS, ash, water-soluble carbohydrates and non-fiber carbohydrates, and affected barley ultrastructure. These variations led to significant and incubation time-dependent changes in the in vitro fermentation characteristics and metabolome.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of compatibility of Clostridium butyricum and Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, lipid metabolism, antioxidant status and cecal microflora of broilers during the starter phase.

Methods: A total of 600 1-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into two groups with six replicates in each group. Chickens in the control group were fed a basal diet, while chickens in the experimental group were fed a diet supplemented with 2×108 colony forming units (CFU)/kg of C. butyricum and 1×109 CFU/kg of B. subtilis. The experimental period was 21 days.

Results: Addition of C. butyricum and B. subtilis significantly increased (p<0.05) the body weight and liver nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-malic enzyme (NADP-ME) activity of broilers, enhanced (p<0.05) the average daily gain and average daily feed intake of broilers. However, the addition of C. butyricum and B. subtilis did not significantly affect the concentrations of triglyceride and total cholesterol in the serum, the activities of fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in the liver, the total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase activity and malondialdehyde content in the serum and liver. Besides, microbial analysis revealed that supplementation of C. butyricum and B. subtilis increased (p<0.05) the abundance of Firmicutes such as CHKCI001 and Faecalibacterium, decreased (p<0.05) the abundance of Bacteroidota such as Bacteroides and Alistipes. Spearman correlation analysis confirmed that the above cecal microbiota were closely related to the growth performance of broilers (p<0.05). In addition, simultaneous supplementation of C. butyricum and B. subtilis significant affected (p<0.05) 33 different functional pathways such as lipid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. This explains the phenomenon of increased growth performance and liver NADP-ME activity in the probiotics group.

Conclusion: The compatibility of C. butyricum and B. subtilis could improve the growth of broilers during the starter phase by changing the cecal microflora.

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic selenium mixes in pregnant sows on piglet growth, selenium levels in serum and milk, and selenium deposition in newborn piglet tissues.

Methods: A total of 44 multiparous sows (Yorkshire×Landrace) with average body weight (BW), backfat thickness, and parity were assigned to one of the three treatments with 14 or 15 sows per treatment in a completely randomized design. The treatments were as follows: i) Control, corn-soybean meal-based diet with no addition of selenium premix; ii) ISOS (mixed inorganic selenium and organic selenium) 30, a basal diet supplemented with 0.15 ppm of inorganic Se and 0.15 ppm of organic Se; iii) ISOS50, a basal diet supplemented with 0.25 ppm of inorganic Se and 0.25 ppm of organic Se.

Results: At day 21 of lactation, supplementing a high level of mixed Se at 0.50 ppm resulted in higher piglet BW and weight gain than adding a low level of mixed Se at 0.30 ppm (p<0.05). Selenium concentration of colostrum in sows fed ISOS50 diet was significantly higher than those in sows fed ISOS30 diet (p<0.05). Selenium concentrations in the serum at days 90 and 110 of gestation and 24 hours postpartum were highest when sows were fed ISOS50 diet (p<0.05). Additionally, increasing levels of mixed Se led to an increase in piglet serum Se concentration at 24 hours postpartum (p<0.05). Before ingesting colostrum, piglets from sows fed a mixed selenium (Se) diet had significantly higher kidney Se concentrations compared to those from the control group, with the ISOS50 treatment showing the most significant difference (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Supplementation of the gestation diet with 0.5 ppm of mixed Se may improve piglet growth performance, increase Se concentrations in milk, and enhance Se status in the serum of sows, as well as in the serum and tissues of their offspring.

Objective: The effects of carnosine synthesis on the structural and microstructural determinants of meat quality have not been studied to date. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation with carnosine synthesis precursors on the characteristics and microstructure of breast muscle fibers in slow-growing Korat chickens (KR).

Methods: Slow-growing KR were fed a non-supplemented commercial diet (control group) or a commercial diet supplemented with 1.0% β-alanine, 0.5% L-histidine, or a combination of both 1.0% β-alanine and 0.5% L-histidine. At 10 weeks, KR were slaughtered, and the breast muscle was collected. Samples were fixed and extracted to study the microstructure, fat level, and porosity of the meat using X-ray and scanning electron microscopy, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the expression of genes related to myofiber differentiation.

Results: L-histidine supplementation significantly altered myofiber diameter and muscle fiber density and compactness by regulating muscle fiber-type differentiation via carnosine synthase (CARNS1) and myocyte enhancer factor 2C expression, as well as myogenic differentiation antigen and myogenic regulatory factor 5 expression. While excess L-histidine potentially stimulated CARNS1 to modify muscle fiber arrangement and tenderness in breast meat, dietary β-alanine supplementation alone or in combination with L-histidine supplementation induced a relatively less remarkable but not significant (p<0.05) effect on the breast meat characteristics studied.

Conclusion: Interestingly, the combination of β-alanine and L-histidine supplementation had no effect on meat microstructure, meat porosity, and fat content in comparison with the control group. Thus, this combination had the best selectivity for improving meat quality. However, further studies are required to clarify the effects of carnosine levels on meat processing.