Animal Bioscience最新文献

Objective: Transgenic (TG) animals offer significant potential for diverse applications but may pose risks if the impact of transgene expression on health and physiological parameters is not thoroughly assessed. This study aims to evaluate the effects of 3D8 scFv gene expression on male TG chickens, focusing on key biological markers, mortality, and growth.

Methods: Serum samples were collected at 14 weeks of age from male TG and non-TG chickens for comprehensive analysis of serum biochemistry, sex hormones, and cytokine profiles. Mortality and growth were monitored over a 34-week period to assess long-term effects. Statistical comparisons were conducted between TG and non-TG groups to identify significant differences.

Results: The results revealed that male TG chickens showed significantly lower serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, insulin-like growth factor-1, interferon-gamma, interleukin-4, and tumor necrosis factor-1 alpha compared to non-TG chickens (p<0.05). However, no significant differences in mortality or final body weight were observed between groups (p>0.05). These findings are consistent with previous results in female TG chickens, indicating that 3D8 gene expression does not adversely affect health or growth performance.

Conclusion: 3D8 scFv gene expression in male TG chickens does not adversely affect mortality, growth, or serum parameters, indicating that the transgene does not have detrimental effects on these critical metrics in male chickens. These findings support the safety and physiological stability of 3D8 gene expression in TG animals.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which inhibiting prolactin (PRL) secretion affects secondary hair follicle (SHF) development in cashmere goats.

Methods: A total of 20 cashmere goats were randomly assigned to either a bromocriptine (PRL inhibitor, BCT, 0.06 mg/kg BW) treatment (BCT+) or a control (BCT-) group. Blood and skin samples were collected monthly during telogen, and cashmere samples were collected after grow. Furthermore, the dermal papilla cells (DPCs) were isolated from SHF and cultured with PRL.

Results: The results showed that the percentage of active SHF in telogen decreased (p<0.05) in the BCT+ group. The inhibition of PRL secretion reduced (p<0.05) the serum PRL concentration, and the expression of the PRL, SPRLR, Kit, and Fos genes. Transcriptome analysis of skin tissues identified differentially expressed genes. The results of the in vitro experiment indicated that 150 ng/mL PRL promoted (p<0.05) the proliferation and migration of DPCs.

Conclusion: The Kit gene mediates PRL's regulation of SHF activation by stimulating the activation of Fos. These findings demonstrate that inhibiting PRL secretion in telogen can reduce the number of activated SHFs and width of hair bulbs.

Objective: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a reemerging viral disease impacting cattle and buffaloes, posing substantial economic risks. However, the expression profile of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in LSD virus (LSDV)-infected bovines has yet to be investigated. In this study, we employed small RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to assess the expression of various ncRNAs in serum-derived exosomes from LSDV-infected bovines. We particularly focused on the bio-functional activity of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs).

Methods: Cattle were infected with a 106.5 TCID50/mL LSDV Vietnam/HaTinh/CX01 (HT10) strain and ncRNAs expression in the serum of infected cattle was analyzed small RNA-seq.

Results: We identified 426 significantly differentially expressed (DE) piRNAs in serumderived exosomes from LSDV-infected bovines compared to control groups, with 80 piRNAs being upregulated and 346 piRNA genes downregulated. Pathway analysis of DE piRNAs revealed their involvement in metabolism, cell signaling, and immune response pathways. Additionally, we identified a total of 35,170 tRNAs, 917 snoRNAs, 1,578 sn-RNAs, 17 Y-RNAs, five small cytoplasmic RNAs (scRNAs), ten vault RNAs, 248 sRNAs, 1,064 piRNAs, and 1,011 miRNAs (not shown in this study) expressed in serum-derived exosomes from LSDV-infected bovines. Among these, 15,649 DE tRNAs, 476 DE snoRNAs, 861 DE snRNAs, 11 DE Y-RNAs, three DE scRNAs, three DE vault RNAs, and 134 DE sRNAs were identified when compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Our comprehensive analysis of small RNA-seq data revealed numerous DE ncRNAs in serum-derived exosomes from LSDV-infected bovines compared to controls. We propose that further elucidation and validation of the functions of these ncRNAs may be beneficial for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of LSDV in bovines.

Objective: Ulva sp., a blooming macroalgae causing the green tide in Korea, has been suggested as a feed ingredient for ruminant livestock. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of 3% dry matter inclusion of Ulva sp. in a total mixed ration (TMR) on milk production, methane emitting potential, and physiological parameters in lactating Holstein cows.

Methods: A total of 36 cows were allocated into two groups considering milk production, parity, days in milk, and methane production concentration from respiration and eructation, and fed the TMR with or without 3% dry matter inclusion of Ulva sp. for 4 weeks. Methane emitting potential was measured using a laser methane detector in week 4, and feed, milk, and blood were collected every 2 weeks.

Results: Ulva sp. inclusion did not affect methane production concentration from respiration and eructation, but tended to decrease the methane intensity concentration from respiration (p = 0.06) and eructation (p = 0.06). In addition, it increased the milk fat yield, energy-corrected milk, and net energy for lactation in week 2, but this did not persist to week 4, indicating the interaction between treatment and week (p<0.05). Likewise, it increased milk urea nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen, and white blood cell counts in week 2 but not in week 4 (p<0.05). Cortisol concentration in hair tended to decrease with Ulva sp. inclusion (p<0.10), whereas the serum total antioxidant capacity and uric acid were not affected.

Conclusion: It was demonstrated that Ulva sp. can be utilized as a feed ingredient for lactating cows without any adverse effects on milk production, complete blood cell counts, or blood metabolites. The potential methane-reducing property of Ulva sp. should be further investigated in future studies.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary β-mannanase supplementation in low-energy and low-protein diets containing palm kernel meal and copra meal on productive performance, egg quality, intestinal morphology, and fatty liver incidence in laying hens.

Methods: A total of four hundred 26-wk-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments with 8 replicates. The positive control (PC) diet was prepared with corn and soybean meal, whereas the negative control (NC) diet was formulated with decreased AMEn by 100 kcal/kg and CP by 0.85% than PC diets. High-mannan NC diet was also prepared by inclusion of 2.5% palm kernel meal and 2.5% copra meal, which was designed to contain energy and nutrient concentrations equal to those in the NC diet. Finally, dietary β-mannanase was supplemented to the high-mannan NC diet at the levels of 0.05% and 0.10%.

Results: Most productive performance and egg quality were not affected by dietary treatments. For jejunal morphology, villus height:crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio for hens fed PC diets or NC diets was greater (p<0.05) than those fed high-mannan NC diets, but supplementation of β-mannanase in high-mannan NC diets did not affect VH:CD ratio in hens. Hens fed NC diets had a greater (p<0.05) subjective color score in the liver than those fed PC diets or high-mannan NC diets supplemented with 0.05% and 0.10% β-mannanase.

Conclusion: Most productive performance and egg quality in laying hens were not affected by reduction in dietary energy and protein levels, inclusion of high-mannan ingredients, and dietary β-mannanase supplementation. No considerable benefits of dietary β-mannanase supplementation in low-energy and low-protein diets containing high-mannan ingredients on productive performance and health were observed in laying hens.

Objective: Chinese fat-type pig breeds possess good meat quality, but their growth rate and lean meat percentage are not dominant. Investigating the dynamic transcriptional regulation of skeletal muscle development could help improve meat yield in these breeds. However, little is known about chromatin accessibility and its association with gene expression during prenatal skeletal muscle development in these pigs.

Methods: ATAC-seq and RNA-seq were performed to profile chromatin accessibility and transcriptome in skeletal muscle at 45, 70, and 100 days post-coitus (E45, E75, and E100) from two male and two female full-sib fetuses of Min pig.

Results: This study demonstrated that the majority of ATAC-seq peak signals were located within 3 kb of transcription start sites. Notably, a greater number of genes associated with differential peaks were observed in the E100 vs. E45 comparison, relative to the E70 vs. E45 and E100 vs. E75 comparisons. This finding was consistent with the RNA-seq data, where the E100 vs. E45 comparison also exhibited the highest number of differentially expressed genes. Gene Ontology analysis of the RNA-seq data demonstrated that genes involved in skeletal muscle contraction, muscle fiber development, and energy metabolism were up-regulated during fetal development, while those associated with cell cycle regulation and proliferation were down-regulated. Integration of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data identified a few differentially expressed genes associated with chromatin accessibility, with the overlapping genes primarily related to cell proliferation in the early fetal stage and metabolism in later stages.

Conclusion: This study provides significant insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying fetal skeletal muscle development in Min pigs.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate the liability heritability of incidence of angel wing (LHIAW) on growth and egg production performance.

Methods: A total of 1,696 geese including 990 offspring from the heavy body weight line (selecting for 6 generations) and 775 offspring from the high egg production line (selecting for 3 generations), and 69 birds of their parent group of the two lines were observed of incidence of angel wing (IAW).

Results: In the heavy body weight line of the White Roman geese, the IAW was 54.6%. Among 294 progenies from families, the IAW was 65.6%. The estimated LHIAW for this line was 0.39. In the high egg production line of the White Roman geese, the IAW was 42.3%. Among 124 progenies from families, the IAW was 43.5%. The estimated LHIAW for this line was 0.03. The both-side angel wing type of geese was significantly heavier on body weight than those of normal wing type and right angel wing type at 8 weeks old (4.19 vs 4.07 and 4.07 kg/bird; p = 0.0116) in the heavy body weight line. The normal wing type of geese was significantly heavier on body weight than those of left angel wing type at 14 weeks old (4.86 vs 4.69 kg/bird; p = 0.0213) in the high egg production line.

Conclusion: The LHIAW in the heavy body weight line and the high egg production line were separately estimated as 0.39 and 0.03, respectively. The results imply that selection for heavy body weight may concomitantly select the gene of angel wings.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether dietary supplementation with plant essential oil (PEO) and coated plant essential oil (CEO) could promote growth and alleviate liver oxidative damage in nursery piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by modulating mitochondrial function in the liver.

Methods: Twenty-four 21-day-old piglets were randomly assigned to four groups, with six replicates per group. The CON and LPS groups received a basal diet, while the LPS+PEO and LPS+CEO groups were received the basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg of PEO and 500 mg/kg of CEO, respectively. The experimental period lasted for 28 days. On day 49, piglets in the LPS, LPS+PEO, and LPS+CEO groups were injected intraperitoneally with LPS at a dose of 100 μg/kg body weight, while those in the CON group received an equal volume of saline. All piglets were weighed and euthanized four hours after the LPS or saline injection. Blood and liver samples were collected for further analysis.

Results: Piglets in the LPS+PEO and LPS+CEO groups showed higher (p<0.05) average daily gain and better feed conversion ratio, and increased mRNA expressions of liver HO-1, NQO1 and Trx2 compared to the LPS and CON groups. Diet supplemented with PEO and CEO increased (p<0.05) the contents of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M (IgM), and the protein expressions of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in the liver of LPS-induced nursery piglets. Furthermore, piglets in the LPS+CEO group exhibited higher (p<0.05) levels of IgA, IgM, total antioxidant capacity, and the mRNA expressions of SOD2 and Trx2 in the liver than those of the LPS+PEO group.

Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with PEO or CEO improved growth performance in nursery piglets and alleviated LPS-induced liver oxidative damage in nursery piglets through activation of the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. In addition, CEO supplementation demonstrated a more pronounced antioxidant effect than PEO.

Objective: Venison (deer meat) is increasingly favored by consumers for its safety, nutrition, flavor, and natural qualities. However, venison cuts in different regions of the carcass have different meat quality due to their distinct physiological function. To investigate the molecular basis of these variations, RNA-seq was used to compare gene expression pattern across different cuts of venison.

Methods: In this study, we performed a transcriptomic analysis based on RNA-seq data of 72 cuts from 6 different body parts of sika deer (Cervus nippon, n = 12), with the aim of understanding the genetic factors affecting the differences in venison quality, providing important references for further deer breeding.

Results: We identified 139,111 expressed genes, including 79 region-specific genes enriched in pathways crucial for meat texture, tenderness, and nutrition. Differential gene expression analysis revealed significant variations among venison cuts, especially between the longissimus dorsi and trapezius cuts, highlighting roles in metal ion transport, organic acid biosynthesis, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Additionally, fatty acid metabolism genes showed stable expression, while muscle fiber structure genes varied, affecting tenderness and juiciness.

Conclusion: Our findings provide insights into the genetic factors influencing venison quality, offering a foundation for future breeding strategies to enhance meat quality.

Objective: Bovine mastitis, an inflammatory condition affecting dairy cow udders, results in decreased milk quantity and quality, posing significant economic losses in the dairy industry. With increasing interest in natural products, Centella asiatica has garnered attention for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of C. asiatica extracts (CE) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T).

Methods: CEs were prepared by extracting C. asiatica leaf powder using ethanol at concentrations of 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%. In LPS-stimulated MAC-T cells, the study investigated the ability of CE to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and its impact on casein protein synthesis.

Results: CE with 60% ethanol (CE60) exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content among the tested extracts. In MAC-T cells, CE60 significantly attenuated LPS-induced inflammation by down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, as well as inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B activation. CE60 also reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species through upregulating nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 and associated antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx) 1, GPx4, superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1, SOD2, and catalase. Moreover, CE60 restored the synthesis of casein proteins (CSN1S1, CSN1S2, and CSN2) in LPS-treated MAC-T cells, indicating a protective effect on lactation function under inflammatory conditions.

Conclusion: Taken together, CE60 has potential as a natural substance for the prevention of bovine mastitis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in mammary epithelial cells.