Animal Bioscience最新文献

Objective: Dual-specificity protein phosphatase 6 (DUSP6), also known as mitogenactivated protein kinase phosphatase 3 (MKP-3), was considered as a functional candidate gene for white fat accumulation in mice. However, the physiological function of the DUSP6 gene on white adipocyte adipogenesis in farm animals remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effect of DUSP6 on porcine subcutaneous preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation.

Methods: We first make clear that the patterns of DUSP6 expression is associated with fat contents in porcine fat deposition related tissues. Porcine subcutaneous preadipocytes were isolated and induced to differentiation. Small interfering RNAs were applied to deplete DUSP6. MTT assay, CCK-8 analysis, Oil Red O staining, triglyceride determination and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction were applied to study the regulatory role of DUSP6 during adipocyte adipogenesis in pigs.

Results: We found that the expression levels of DUSP6 were significantly higher in backfat and longissimus dorsi tissues from fat-type pigs than in those from lean-type pigs. Consistently, the significantly induced expression of DUSP6 was also observed in differentiated adipocytes. In addition, knockdown of DUSP6 greatly inhibited preadipocytes proliferation, through the decreased cell viability and downregulated mRNA expressions of cell proliferation-associated genes, including PCNA, CDK1, CDK2. Furthermore, knockdown of DUSP6 significantly inhibited preadipocytes differentiation, as evidenced by markedly reduced lipid droplet formation, attenuated triglyceride accumulation and downregulated expression levels of adipogenic transcription masters (PPARγ, C/EBPβ, FASN and FABP4) in DUSP6 knockdown cells.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that DUSP6 is required for white adipocyte adipogenesis in pigs.

Objective: The experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing corn meal with winged bean tuber (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) pellets (WBTP) on energy utilization efficiency in Thai indigenous beef cattle.

Methods: A 4×4 Latin square design was used, with WBTP replacing corn meal in the concentrate diet as the independent variable. The four replacement levels were 0%, 33%, 66%, and 100% dry matter.

Results: The intake of nutrients was not affected by replacing cornmeal with WBTP (p>0.05). Substituting WBTP for corn meal did not significantly alter energy utilization (p>0.05). Furthermore, the digestibility of nutrients did not significantly differ across the various WBTP replacement levels. Ruminal pH ranged from 6.73 to 7.04. Blood urea nitrogen values, ranging from 5.50 to 8.75 mg/dL, fell within the typical range for tropical ruminants. No significant differences were observed in total volatile fatty acid concentrations, which ranged from 84.56 to 101.87 mM (p>0.05). Similarly, the proportions of acetate, propionate, and butyrate remained unchanged (p>0.05), despite the addition of WBTP into the concentrate as a replacement for corn meal.

Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of WBTP as a sustainable alternative to corn meal in the diets of Thai-native beef cattle. The study found that replacing corn meal with WBTP at up to 100% had no negative adverse effects on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation parameters, or energy efficiency.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the variations in carcass fat percentage (CFP), carcass muscle percentage (CMP), carcass bone percentage (CBP), meat-to-bone ratio (MTB), carcass weight (CW), loin eye area (REA), backfat thickness (BF), the total tissue depth of muscle and fat at the twelfth rib, 110 mm from the midline (GR), and dressing percentage (DP) in 574 mutton sheep using CT scanning technology. It also seeks to estimate the genetic and phenotypic correlations, as well as estimated Genomic selection accuracy provides reference for breeding of mutton sheep carcasses.

Methods: Phenotypic data from National Mutton Sheep Testing Station; uniform rearing for 155 days. CT scans were used to obtain body images of the sheep, and CT-Calc2012 software was employed to trait determination. Genomic data were sequenced using second-generation sequencing, and SNP calling was performed with GATK. A mixed linear model incorporating both genomic and pedigree data was used to estimate genetic parameters for various traits. Cross-validation through ten-fold was conducted to assess Genomic selection accuracy, and both direct and correlated selection responses for carcass traits were analyzed.

Results: The coefficient of variation for each trait ranging from 8.86% to 25.12%. All carcass composition traits demonstrated medium to high heritability (0.38-0.51). A strong genetic correlation was found between BF, REA and CFP, CMP. The Genomic selection accuracy for carcass traits ranged from 0.29 to 0.43, suggesting potential for Genomic selection in mutton sheep breeding. The genetic progress of CMP and CFP after direct and indirect selection was tested, showing that indirect improvement of CMP and CFP was most significant when selecting for BF and REA.

Conclusion: The study indicates that BF and REA are valuable traits for improving carcass composition in mutton sheep breeding, with Genomic selection offering prospects for breeding carcass traits more effectively.

Objective: Semen quality plays a crucial role in embryo production in cattle. This study aims to compare the effects of 0°C refrigerated semen and liquid nitrogen-frozen semen on the quality of in vitro fertilised embryos in Simmental cattle.

Methods: Semen from six bulls was split equally into two groups. One was diluted with cold storage solution and stored at 0°C for 72 h; the other with cryopreservation solution and preserved in liquid nitrogen for 72 h. Post-storage, sperm quality (motility, progressive motility via CASA, acrosome/plasma membrane integrity) was assessed, along with MDA, ROS, ATP, and MMP levels. For IVF, oocytes from Simmental cows (>50 per group) were inseminated with the two semen groups. At 45 h post-IVF, embryo cleavage rate was recorded; on day 8, blastocyst rate was determined. Embryos then underwent BrdU staining (proliferation) and TUNEL staining (apoptosis), with proliferation and apoptosis levels quantified via marker genes.

Results: The results showed that compared with liquid nitrogen-frozen semen, 0°C refrigerated semen exhibited significantly higher sperm motility, forward motility rate, acrosome integrity, and plasma membrane integrity (p < 0.05). In vitro fertilised embryos also exhibited significant increases in quality and quantity (cleavage rate and blastocyst rate) (p < 0.05), and embryos derived from 0°C refrigerated semen contained significantly more proliferating cells (p < 0.05) and fewer apoptotic cells (p < 0.05) than those from frozen semen.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that 0°C refrigerated semen is superior to liquid nitrogen frozen semen in terms of sperm quality parameters and in vitro embryo production.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of purified Lactobacillus brevis metabolite (LBMs) supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in Chikso cattle subjected to heat stress.

Methods: Twenty-seven Chikso steers with an average initial body weight of 499 ± 15 kg were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: a basal diet control (CG), and basal diets supplemented with either 150 mg/kg (LGS) or 300 mg/kg (HGS) of purified LBMs. The feeding trial lasted for 120 days under summer heat stress conditions.

Results: Both LBMs-supplemented groups exhibited significant improvements in average daily gain (ADG), with 0.89 g/d (LGS) and 0.81 g/d (HGS) compared to 0.52 g/d in controls (p < 0.05). Total weight gain increased by 71% and 56% in LGS and HGS groups, respectively. Meat protein content was significantly higher in LGS (18.97%) and HGS (18.37%) than in CG (17.23%) (p < 0.05). Supplementation enhanced water holding capacity and reduced cooking loss to 26.13% from 31.09% in controls (p < 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were elevated in the treatment groups throughout cold storage (p < 0.05), with lipid oxidation significantly inhibited from day 3 onward (p < 0.05). LBMs also increased oxymyoglobin percentages, indicative of improved meat freshness, and favorably altered fatty acid profiles by decreasing saturated fatty acids and increasing eicosapentaenoic acid levels. Carcass characteristics, however, remained unaffected.

Conclusions: Rumen-protected LBMs supplementation effectively enhances growth performance and meat quality in heat-stressed Chikso steers. These benefits likely arise from improved antioxidant capacity, reduced oxidative stress, and modulation of fatty acid composition. This strategy holds promises for improving livestock resilience to climate challenges and warrants further research.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of phytase in broiler diets on zootechnical performance and nutritional cost through a technical economic analysis combined with a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: A database was created by collecting scientific articles published between 2018 and 2023 that investigated broilers supplemented with phytase. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flowchart was used to select the articles. A total of 3,483 publications were identified, of which 17 were selected. Performance data from the articles and qualitative factors (broiler strain, diets, and phosphorus reduction) were collected, tabulated, and used in economic equations. Meta-analyses were conducted to assess effect size, heterogeneity, and publication bias for performance variables among the groups BD vs. DRP, BD vs. DRP+PHY, and DRP vs. DRP+PHY.

Results: Seventeen studies were selected, totaling 16,151 broilers evaluated, with average initial and final weights of 44.0 ± 2.0 g and 2,731 ± 0.6 g, respectively, receiving 1,664 FTU/kg of phytase and a 0.15% reduction in digestible phosphorus. Overall, the results indicate that phytase supplementation improves broiler performance (P<0,05), whereas phosphorus-reduced diets without phytase impair it (P<0,05). These findings were reinforced by our meta-analysis, which identified a highly significant effect size (PSMD < 0.0001) for all variables studied, high heterogeneity among studies (P< 0.0001, I² = 96%), broiler strain sending as the main source of variation. No significant publication bias was detected across the evaluated variables (P>0.05). Those subjected to DRP+PHY had a lower cost/head and greater final weight than those fed BD and DRP, respectively. In addition, DRP+PHY reduces the feed cost per ton of broilers by -1,56%.

Conclusion: Reducing phosphorus in diets without phytase impairs broiler performance, while supplementing phytase in low-phosphorus diets improves performance and reduces nutritional costs, saving approximately US$9.52 per ton of broilers.

Objective: This study aims to analyze the dynamic expression profile and functional mechanisms of circular RNA (circRNA) in the liver of young goats during the developmental process from birth to the early weaning stage.

Methods: The study performed transcriptome sequencing on liver tissues from Laiwu Black goats at five key developmental time points after birth (1 day, and 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks).

Results: A total of 178 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified at the five developmental stages. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the source genes of these circRNAs are involved in key pathways such as immune response, lipid metabolism, and cell signaling. Persistently upregulated circRNAs (cluster 9) are related to tryptophan metabolism and may regulate the inflammatory response and energy homeostasis under weaning stress in young goats; while persistently downregulated circRNAs (cluster 0) may promote the transition of liver metabolism from glucose to fatty acid oxidation by relieving inhibition on pathways like AMPK and insulin signaling pathway. Based on the ceRNA mechanism, the study constructed a regulatory network consisting of 20 circRNAs, 15 miRNAs, and 21 mRNAs, among which chi-miR-532-3p/CYP8B1/circ101504503815046736, chi-miR-542-5p/ACACB/circ10_21217626_21219471, and miR-542-5p/ACACB/circ10-21217626-21219471 were identified as potential key ceRNA axes. Furthermore, this study confirmed the targeting regulatory relationship between chi-miR-532-3p, CYP8B1 and circ10-21217626-21219471 through dual luciferase reporter gene experiments.

Conclusion: This study reveals the dynamic expression profile of circRNA during goat liver development, suggesting that it may regulate metabolic and immune pathways through the ceRNA mechanism, providing a new perspective on post-transcriptional regulation of liver development in ruminants.

Objective: Post-ruminal supplementation of glucose may contribute to subsequent milk production and health by increasing secretion of gut hormones and reducing intestinal-derived inflammation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of bypass sugar (BpS) supplementation to dairy cows during the transition period on milk production and metabolic status after calving.

Methods: Fifteen Holstein cows were randomly assigned into three groups considering parity and previous milk production. The three groups corresponded to the following three treatments: a BpS group supplemented with BpS, a Gly group supplemented with dietary glycerol, and a control group with no supplementation in the basal diet from 21 days pre-partum to 5 days post-partum. Cows were sampled from 21 days pre-partum to 28 days post-partum, and milk yield and blood and health statuses were determined.

Results: Milk yield was higher in the BpS group than that in the other groups. The rumen fill score was highest in the BpS group from the dry period to post-partum compared with that in the other groups. Post-partum blood glucose concentrations were higher in the BpS group than in the control group. The prevalence of hyperketonemia and blood concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxylbutyrate, glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) and haptoglobin were not different among the groups. In the BpS group, blood aspartate aminotransferase concentration was lower than that in the Gly group. γ-glutamyl transpeptidase was lower than that in the control group.

Conclusion: From these results, feeding BpS and Gly did not affect GLP-2 secretion and alleviate inflammation after calving, but BpS increased milk production and improved liver function.

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effects of supplemental 3-phytase, 6-phytase, or both on total tract digestibility of phosphorus (P) and calcium in corn-soybean meal-based diets fed to growing pigs.

Methods: Twelve barrows with initial body weight of 63.1±3.0 kg were allotted to a triplicated 4×3 incomplete Latin square design with 4 diets and 3 periods to obtain 9 observations per diet. The experimental diets comprised 1) a control diet based on 73.3% corn and 23.0% soybean meal without inorganic P source or supplemental phytase, 2) the control diet supplemented with 1,000 phytase unit (FTU)/kg of 3-phytase, 3) the control diet supplemented with 1,000 FTU/kg of 6-phytase, and 4) the control diet supplemented with both 3-phytase at 500 FTU/kg and 6-phytase at 500 FTU/kg.

Results: Supplemental phytase reduced (p<0.05) the daily P output from pigs regardless of the phytase source or the combination of the 2 phytase sources. The pigs fed the diet supplemented with 6-phytase or both 3-phytase and 6-phytase had less daily P output compared with those fed the diet supplemented with only 3-phytase (p<0.05). The total tract digestibility of P in pigs fed the diet supplemented with both 3-phytase and 6-phytase was greater (p<0.05) than those fed the control diet or the diet supplemented with only 3-phytase. The apparent total tract digestibility of calcium in pigs fed the diet supplemented with 6-phytase or both 3-phytase and 6-phytase was greater compared with the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Taken together, supplemental phytase increased P digestibility in corn-soybean meal-based diets fed to growing pigs regardless of the phytase sources and the effects of supplemental phytase on the P and calcium digestibility were most pronounced in the mixture of 3-phytase and 6-phytase.

Objective: This study investigated the effect of fermented SBM (FSBM) prepared through solid-state fermentation using Bacillus subtilis (BS) and Aspergillus oryzae (AO) to replace SBM in broiler chickens' diets on production, digestibility, and cecal microbial profile.

Methods: In total, 160 sex-mixed day-old chicks of Cobb 500 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four groups, four pens (replicates; 10 birds each pen), and were raised for 35 days under tropical conditions. The treatments were control (basal diet; CON) or SBM replaced by FSBM produced using AO (AO group), BS (BS group), and their combination (AO+BS group).

Results: Birds fed AO+BS diet resulted in higher (p=0.003) BW while BS diet tended (p=0.063) to have higher final BW than CON or AO. Similarly, birds fed FSBM prepared under either BS or AO+BS had higher feed intake (p<0.01) than the CON group. No difference was found on feed conversion ratio (FCR). Relative organ weights including heart, liver, abdominal fat, and total inner organs were lower (p<0.01) on birds fed AO+BS diet than CON, but relative carcass weight was unaffected (p>0.05). Treatments with BS or AO+BS increased dry matter (DM) (p=0.032), organic matter (OM) (p=0.016), and crude protein (CP) (p=0.044) digestibility, while AO did not affect DM and CP digestibility. Broilers fed AO+BS diet showed greater abundance of Firmicutes phylum and Bacteroides genus than CON group. Several microbial taxa biomarkers were identified via LEfSE analysis, including higher abundance of Enterococcus and Bacillus in AO+BS group but lower abundance of Erysipelatoclostridium, Odoribacter, Ruminococcaceae bacterium, Staphylococcus, and Clostridium methylpentosum group in CON group.

Conclusion: B. subtilis and A. oryzae could synergistically enhance the nutritional quality of SBM, positively alter cecal microbiota, and improve the production performance of broiler chickens.