Lipid metabolism and m^(6)A RNA methylation are altered in lambs supplemented rumen-protected methionine and lysine in a low-protein diet

Background:Methionine or lysine has been reported to influence DNA methylation and fat metabolism,but their combined effects in N6-methyl-adenosine(m^(6)A)RNA methylation remain unclarified.The combined effects of rumen-protected methionine and lysine(RML)in a low-protein(LP)diet on lipid metabolism,m^(6)A RNA methylation,and fatty acid(FA)profiles in the liver and muscle of lambs were investigated.Sixty-three male lambs were divided into three treatment groups,three pens per group and seven lambs per pen.The lambs were fed a 14.5%crude protein(CP)diet(adequate protein[NP]),12.5%CP diet(LP),and a LP diet plus RML(LP+RML)for 60 d.Results:The results showed that the addition of RML in a LP diet tended to lower the concentrations of plasma leptin(P=0.07),triglyceride(P=0.05),and non-esterified FA(P=0.08).Feeding a LP diet increased the enzyme activity or m RNA expression of lipogenic enzymes and decreased lipolytic enzymes compared with the NP diet.This effect was reversed by supplementation of RML with a LP diet.The inclusion of RML in a LP diet affected the polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA),n-3 PUFA,and n-6 PUFA in the liver but not in the muscle,which might be linked with altered expression of FA desaturase-1(FADS1)and acetyl-Co A carboxylase(ACC).A LP diet supplemented with RML increased(P<0.05)total m^(6)A levels in the liver and muscle and were accompanied by decreased expression of fat mass and obesity-associated protein(FTO)and alk B homologue 5(ALKBH5).The m RNA expressions of methyltransferase-like 3(METTL3)and methyltransferase-like 14(METTL14)in the LP+RML diet group were lower than those in the other two groups.Supplementation of RML with a LP diet affected only liver YTH domain family(YTHDF2)proteins(P<0.05)and muscle YTHDF3(P=0.09),which can be explained by limited m^(6)Abinding proteins that were mediated in m RNA fate.Conclusions:Our findings showed that the inclusion of RML in a LP diet could alter fat deposition through modulations of lipogenesis and lipolysis in the liver and muscle.These changes in fat metabolism may be associated with the modification of m^(6)A RNA methylation.

Rumen microbial-driven metabolite from grazing lambs potentially regulates body fatty acid metabolism by lipid-related genes in liver

Background Lipid metabolism differs significantly between grazing and stall-feeding lambs,affecting the quality of livestock products.As two critical organs of lipid metabolism,the differences between feeding patterns on rumen and liver metabolism remain unclear.In this study,16S rRNA,metagenomics,transcriptomics,and untargeted metabolomics were utilized to investigate the key rumen microorganisms and metabolites,as well as liver genes and metabolites associated with fatty acid metabolism under indoor feeding(F)and grazing(G).Results Compared with grazing,indoor feeding increased ruminal propionate content.Using metagenome sequencing in combination with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing,the results showed that the abundance of propionate-producing Succiniclasticum and hydrogenating bacteria Tenericutes was enriched in the F group.For rumen metabolism,grazing caused up-regulation of EPA,DHA and oleic acid and down-regulation of decanoic acid,as well as,screening for 2-ketobutyric acid as a vital differential metabolite,which was enriched in the propionate metabolism pathway.In the liver,indoor feeding increased 3-hydroxypropanoate and citric acid content,causing changes in propionate metabolism and citrate cycle,while decreasing the ETA content.Then,the liver transcriptome revealed that 11 lipid-related genes were differentially expressed in the two feeding patterns.Correlation analysis showed that the expression of CYP4A6,FADS1,FADS2,ALDH6A1 and CYP2C23 was significantly associated with the propionate metabolism process,suggesting that propionate metabolism may be an important factor mediating the hepatic lipid metabolism.Besides,the unsaturated fatty acids in muscle,rumen and liver also had a close correlation.Conclusions Overall,our data demonstrated that rumen microbial-driven metabolite from grazing lambs potentially regulates multiple hepatic lipid-related genes,ultimately affecting body fatty acid metabolism.

Effect of dioscorea opposite waste on growth performance, blood parameters, rumen fermentation and rumen bacterial community in weaned lambs

This study investigated the effects of dioscorea opposite waste(DOW) on the growth performance, blood parameters, rumen fermentation and rumen microbiota of weaned lambs. Sixty healthy weaned Small-Tailed Han lambs(male,(22.68±2.56) kg initially) were used as the experimental animals. Four levels of concentrate: 0(control, CON), 10%(DOW1), 15%(DOW2) and 20%(DOW3), were replaced with DOW in the basal diet as experimental treatments. The results showed that lambs fed the DOW2 diet had a higher(P<0.05) dry matter intake(DMI) than the other groups. There was no significant difference(P>0.05) among DOW groups in average daily weight gain(ADG), and replacing concentrate with DOW linearly or quadratically increased(P<0.05) the ADG, while lambs fed the DOW2 diet showed greater(P<0.05) ADG than the CON group. The relative plasma concentration of growth hormone(GH), insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and insulin were affected by DOW, replacing concentrate with DOW linearly or quadratically(P<0.05) enhanced the plasma concentration of GH, IGF-1 and insulin, which was significantly higher(P<0.05) in the DOW2 group than in the CON, DOW1 and DOW3 groups. In addition, the DOW treatment showed a lower(P<0.05) concentration of blood urea nitrogen(BUN) than the CON group. Replacing concentrate with DOW quadratically decreased(P<0.05) the ruminal ammonia nitrogen(NH3-N) and increased(P<0.05) the total of volatile fatty acids(TVFAs) at 0 and 4 h after feeding as well as linearly decreased(P<0.05) the NH3-N at 8 h after feeding. Replacing concentrate with DOW linearly decreased(P<0.05) the propionate and increased the aceate before feeding, and linearly decreased(P<0.05) propionate and quadratically increased(P<0.05) the aceate at 4 and 8 h after feeding. Lambs fed the DOW2 diet increased the phylum Firmicutes and genera Succiniclasticum and Ruminococcus_1 groups, whereas decreased(P<0.05) the relative abundance of phylum Deferribacteres and genera intestinimonas and Ruminiclostridium. In summary, replacing the concentrate with 15% DOW was beneficial for improving the rumen fermentation and ADG by increasing the DMI and modulating the rumen microbial community.

Effect of Acacia albida Leaf Supplementation on Reproductive Parameters and Pre-Weaning Growth of Arabian Lambs

A trial on Acacia albida leaf supplementation on reproductive parameters and pre-weaning growth of Arabian lambs was conducted from September 2020 to May 2021 at the small ruminant station of the Livestock Research Institute for Development (IRED) in N’Djamena, Chad. Forty-eight (48) Arabian sheep (45 non-pregnant females and 3 males for a sex ratio of 1 ram to 15 ewes) with an average weight of 20.3 ± 1.2 kg and aged approximately 2 years were divided into 3 groups of 15 ewes each. The supplemented group received in addition to the dominant forage of the pasture (300 g of Dactyloctenium aegyptium + 300 g of Cenchrus ciliaris + 600 g of Panicum maximum), 400 g and 600 g of Acacia albida leaves/animal/day while the control group received only 300 g of Dactyloctenium aegyptium + 300 g of Cenchrus ciliaris + 600 g of Panicum maximum. From the results of this study, it appears that the ewes that received 400 g of Acacia albida leaves had a significantly higher fertility rate and birth mortality rate (93.03% and 6.25% respectively). Animals in the control group had a significantly higher pre-weaning mortality rate than those receiving Acacia albida leaves as a supplement (16.66% versus 6.66% and 14.28% respectively). The highest weight of the lambs was observed in the ration supplemented with 600 g of Acacia albida leaves (12209.66 g). The total weight gain, as well as the average daily weight gain of the lambs receiving the 600 g Acacia albida leaf ration was significantly higher than those of the other rations. Supplementation with 400 g and 600 g of Acacia albida leaves can be recommended as a protein supplement for breeding ewes and pre-weaned lambs.

Effects of Milk Replacer on the Performance and Blood Biochemical Indices in Lambs

[Objective] In this study, the performance and blood biochemical indices in lamps fed on milk replacer were researched, the feasibility of early weaned in lamps was discussed. [Method] 37 of 10 days lambs of Suffolk（♂） x XiaoWeiHanYang（ ♀ ） were randomly divided into group A, B, C, D for this experiment. Group A, B, C were fed by 3 milk-replacers containing milk for different protein source respectively, and ten Iambs in each group; group D （seven lambs） were fed by ewes as the control. The performance and blood biochemical indices of the lamps were determined. [ Result] The results showed that the average daily gains of 10 - 15 days of age was not significantly different between group A and D （ P 〉 O. 05 ）, the control were higher significandy than the group B,C （P 〈0.05）. The average daily gains of 16 -25, 26 -35 days of age were not significantly different in group A, B, C, D. The daily weight gains of Group A, B, C in 45 - 55 days of age were higher significantly than the control （P〈0.05 ）. Plasma urea nitrogen （PUN） of group B and C were higher than group A significantly （P〈0.05 ） ;Total protein （ TP）, Plasma albumin （ALB） and Plasma total amino acid were no significant difference among the other 3 groups （P〉0.05 ）. [Conclusion] So, the milk-replacers were available for early-weaned lamb.

Study on Efficient in Vitro Embryo Production Technology of Lambs

The aim was to compare the effects of hormone treatments on the ovari- an follicular development and in vitro embryo development between 5-week and 13- week old lambs. FSH and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin （PMSG） treatment were used to compare the number of 2-8 mm follicles in the ovary and the in vitro embryo development. The results showed that： the 5-week old lambs had larger fol- licular numbers and collected oocytes numbers （58.6±1.9, 47.4±4.2） than the 13- week old lambs （14.4±4.1, 11.6±1.7）, and the difference was significant （P〈0.05）. However, there was no significant difference in the cleavage rate （60.0±1.9%, 61.6± 5.2%） and blastocyst rate （27.4±2.1%, 28.2±3.7%） of the fertilized oocytes between the 5-week and 13-week old lambs.

Effects of organic chromium supplementation to finishing lambs diet on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality

The objective of this study was to evaluate supplemental organic chromium（Cr） to finishing lambs on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Eighteen Suffolk lambs（age（4.5±0.2） mon;（25.8±3.6） kg body weight（BW）） were randomly assigned to three levels of supplemental organic Cr（0.0, 0.2 and 0.4 mg kg^–1 dry matter（DM）） in a complete random design. Growth performance was evaluated for 70 d, and then lambs were slaughtered to study carcass characteristics and chemical composition of meat. Orthogonal contrasts were performed（contrast one-average level 0.2 ppm Cr vs. average level 0.4 ppm Cr; contrast two-level 0 vs. average levels（0.2＋0.4） ppm Cr）. Orthogonal polynomials were used to estimate the linear and quadratic effects of Cr concentrations. Growth and carcass performance were not affected by supplemental organic Cr. Muscle conformation and leg perimeter linearly increased（P〈0.05） as organic Cr level increased in the diet. Kidney fat decreased linearly（P〈0.05） as supplemental Cr increased. In Longissimus dorsi（LD）, the ash content decreased linearly, and shear force（kg cm^–2） increased（P〈0.05） as organic Cr level increased in the diet. It is concluded that organic Cr did not affect growth performance, but it improved positively the muscle conformation, reduced kidney fat, whereas in LD there was an increment in shear force in finishing carcass lambs.

Effects of Guar (<i>Cyamopsis tetragonoloba</i>) Residues on the Performance and Nutrients Digestibility in Finishing Awassi Lambs

The nutritive quality of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) residues (GR) was investigated and the effects of partial replacement of wheat straw by GR on nutrients intake, digestibility, and growth performance. Twenty four male lambs, with average body weight (BW) of 40.3 ± 2.5 kg were divided into three groups. Lambs were fed individually for 104 days with concentrate mixture (18% crude protein) and wheat straw as a total mixed ration. Wheat straw was replaced with 0, 100 and 145 g/kg dry matter guar residues. All rations were isonitrogenous and isocaloric. The fattening trial lasted 104 days. At the end of week 10 of the trail, a digestion trial was performed using six lambs from each group. The composition of nutrients in the GR was 87%, 8.5%, 56.4% and 40.1% for DM, CP, NDF and ADF, respectively. DM and crude protein (CP) intake were not affected by the inclusion of GR. However, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) intake were lower in lambs fed GR compared to control lambs. At the end of the experiment, lambs fed 100 and 145 g GR/kg DM diets gained more weight (P < 0.05) than those fed the control diet. The same trend was found for feed conversion (CR). Results from this work suggested that GR had advantages compared to regular roughage (wheat straw) in regard to parameters investigated as well as the significant reduction in fattening diets cost.

Effects of Supplementary Acidifiers on Lambs

[ Objective] To provide a reference for understand effects of acidifiers on digestibility of lambs. [Method] Feeding experiment as well as digestion and metabolism experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of supplementing acidifiers on ultra-early weaned lambs. [ Result] Diets of ultra-early weaned lambs supplemented with acidifiers greatly improved their production performance and increased digestibility of feed. However, different acidifier products had certainly various effects on lambs. Acidifier product I increased weight gain, feed conversion ratio and apparent di- gestibility of main nutrients more greatly than acidifier product II did, while the result was contrary in reducing diarrhea incidence. [ Conclusion] Whether the acidifiers can increase digestibility of nutrients or not is still uncertain and needs further studies.

Productivity and Grazing Behavior of Ewes with Single or Twin Lambs Raised in Mixed Italian Ryegrass/White Clover Pasture in Southern Brazil

The aim of this study was to compare the area production and grazing behavior of single- and twin-rearing ewes kept on a mixed Italian ryegrass/white clover pasture. The herbage allowance was maintained at 12 kg DM/100kg live weight during the experiment, by continuous variable stocking management for 112 days (4 periods of 28 days). We measure the live weight gains, the area production and the body condition score of ewes and lambs. Animal behavior was observed on four occasions during which we evaluated whether the lambs were grazing near to or far from their mother. Live-weight output from the ewes and lambs, and net output (ewes and lambs) were calculated. Results showed that being irrespective of birth type, ewes had similar mean daily weight gains, although ewes with twin lambs presented a mean lower body condition score. Ewes live weight output/ha did not differ significantly among birth types, but twin lambs produced 98.2 kg (45%) more live weight gain/ha. Total net live-weight output (ewes + lambs) was 121.5 kg greater for twins than for singles. Ewes with twin lambs spent more time grazing and ruminating. Lambs increased the time they spent grazing in each successive period. Single lambs spent significantly longer time grazing within 12 m of their dams (near grazing). Analysis of far grazing times by the broken line method showed that growing lambs rapidly increase the time spent far grazing up to a live weight of 20.3 kg in both birth types, which occurs at 95.3 and 115.9 days of age for single and twins, respectively. The results indicate that twin lambs are more productive than singles, when evaluated per area unit of pasture.

Effect of Feeding Different Levels of Dietary Protein and Addition of Baker＇s Yeast （Saccharomyces cerevisiae） on Productive Parameters of Awassi Lambs

Forty eight individually fed Awassi male lambs were used in factorial experiment to investigate their responses to feeding concentrate diets containing three levels of dietary crude protein （CP）, each was offered without or with baker＇s yeast （SC） at rate of 0.5% （on dry matter （DM） basis）. Concentrates were offered at rate of 3% of live body weight with free choice of barley straw. Results revealed that higher （P 〈 0.05） digestible dry matter （DDM） and digestible organic matter （DOM） intakes were achieved due to feeding medium level of CP and to the addition of SC. Addition of SC improved （P 〈 0.05） gain, lambs fed medium and high levels gained higher （P 〈 0.05） than those fed the low level of dietary CP. Feed conversion ratio （FCR） based on DM and organic matter （OM） intakes was not significantly affected by level of dietary CP or addition of yeast. Even though, less amount of N required per unit of gain was achieved with low and medium as compared to high levels. Higher DM, nitrogen free extract （NFE） and hemicellulose （P 〈 0.05）, OM, CP, crude fiber （CF） and cellulose （P 〈 0.01） digestibilities were achieved in lambs fed the medium level of CP, whereas, no significant effect was observed on ether extract （EE）, neutral detergent fiber （NDF） and acid detergent fiber （ADF） digestibilities. Results also revealed that digestibility of almost all nutrients was improved with different extent due to addition of SC. Effect of interaction between levels of dietary CP and addition of SC referred to the preferability of addition of SC with medium level of dietary protein.

Effect of Different Levels of Flax Seed Powder as a Source of Omega-3 on the Carcass Characteristics of Karadi Lambs

This experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, University of Sulaimany to study the effect of different levels of Flax seed powder （FP） as a source of omega-3 on the carcass characteristics of Karadi Iambs. It used 20 male Karadi lambs, with an average live-weight of 28 ± 0.398 kg and 4-5 months. They were randomly distributed to 4 treatments. FP was supplemented at the levels of 3%, 6% and 9% compared with the control group for 88 days. At the end of the experiment 12 lambs were slaughtered after overnight fasting of feed. Carcasses were chilled for 24 h at 4 ℃. Then, several measurements of carcass characteristics were taken. The results showed： no significant differences have been shown in relation to daily feed intake, live weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The treatment 9% recorded the highest in hot carcass weight （HCW） and cold carcass weight （CCW）, rib eye area （REA） and the lowest fat thickness of subcutaneous fat as compared to other treatments. While, no significant differences in dressing percentage （DP） were seen between treatments. Generally percentage of tail fat related to carcass weight and subcutaneous fat to intermuscular fat ratio decreased with FP supplementation. About carcass cuts, significant （P 〈 0.05） differences were seen in percentage of major carcass cuts （leg, rack, loin and shoulder） and secondary cuts （neck, foreshank, flank and breast cuts） relative to cold carcass weight. It can be concluded that using Flax seed powder （FP） as a source of omega-3 supplementation improved carcass characteristics and efficiency of meat production.

Growth Performance and Digestibility in Karadi Lambs Receiving Different Levels of Pomegranate Peels

The objective of current study was to determine the effect of different ratios of pomegranate peel in diets of Karadi lambs (0%, 1%, 2% or 4% as control, T1, T2 and T3, respectively) on body weight, total body gain, average daily gain, daily feed intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients. Sixteen Karadi male lambs weighing 23.29 ± 0.42 kg and 4.5-5 months old randomly divided into equally four treatment groups and individually penned for the period of 63 days. Results indicated that final body weight was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in lambs fed 1% or 2% pomegranate peel (PP) as compared to lambs fed 4% PP. The best improvements in total feed intake, total gain, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in lambs fed 1% PP. The total dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, nitrogen free extract (NFE) and metabolizable energy (ME) intake per (body weight0.75) increased (P < 0.05) significantly in lambs fed 1% pomegranate peel (PP);however, the crude fiber (CF) intake decreased in lambs fed 1% PP as compared to other treatments. While, the dry matter digestibility (DMD), crude protein digestibility (CPD), crude fiber digestibility (CFD) and nitrogen free extract digestibility (NFED) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in lambs fed 1% PP as compared to T2, T3 and control groups. In addition, EED increased significantly in T3 compared to other treatments. In conclusion, it was indicated that addition of pomegranate peel in diet at the rate of 1% or 2% had significant effect on Karadi lambs performance and digestibility.

Subverting the Traditional Male Gaze: A Feminist Reading of The Silence of the Lambs

Director Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs is an enduring piece of cinema.It is a film in history to win Oscar in five of the major categories:best director,best actress,best actor,best screenplay and best picture.What’s compelling of the picture is that the story tends to focus mostly on the feminine perspective of the heroine,Clarice Starling.This thesis,therefore,aims to offer an interpretation of The Silence of the Lambs from the feminist perspective.As a young FBI trainee,Starling works under great patriarchal oppression in a male-dominated workforce due to the classic male gaze and the constant sexual harassment.Through struggling to track down the serial killer,Starling alone solves the crime and proves that a woman is as capable of working as a man.As a matter of fact,she has,to a large extent,subverted the male gaze,power,privilege and authority.

The Influence of Forage/Concentrate Ratio and Full Fat Soya By-Pass Supplementation on the Fatty Acids Profile from the Carcase of Fatting Lambs

There was organized a 2×2 factorial type experience in which it has been aimed the influence of forage/concentrates ratio and the effect of supplementing the ratio with full fat soya by-pass （FFS） on the production performance and carcass fatty acid profile of fattening lambs. 32 Tsigai lambs were divided into 4 groups and were fed with 2 different diets regarding the forage/concentrates ratio （35/65 and 65/35, on a DM basis）, containing or not 5% FFS （full fat soya treated with formaldehyde 12.5%）. Including FFS in diet and the ratios rich in concentrates determined a significant improvement in weight gain （P〈0.01）, in the degree of food recovery and in fatty acid profile from the carcass. It has been significantly increased （P〈0.01） the weight of polyunsaturated fatty acids （PUFA） from intramuscular fat （longissimus dorsi-LD and femoral biceps-FB） and the deposit fat （subcutaneous-SC and perirenal-PR） and decreased the proportion of saturated （SFA） and monounsaturated fatty acids （MUFA）. Most significant differences were recorded about PUFA from Omega-3 series （C18：3 n-3, EPA C22：3 n-3, DPA and DHA） and CLA isomers （conjugated linolenic acid： C 18：2 C9, tl I＋C 18：2 t10, C 12）. The best profile of fatty acids, considered in light of the influence on human health （high concentration of Omega 3 fatty acids and CLA and low in SFA） was established in LD, for lambs fed with diets high in concentrates and which contained FFS （HC/S）.

Rumen fermentation and bacterial communities in weaned Chahaer lambs on diets with different protein levels

We evaluatedthe effects of diets with different crude protein （CP） levels on growth performance, rumen fermentation and bacterial communities in weaned Chahaer lambs. 128 weaned Chahaer lambs （（20.56±1.43） kg body weight; ram：ewe 1：1） aged （61±1.85） d were randomly alotted to one of four diets with CP content of 11.17% （T1）, 12.06% （T2）, 13.40% （T3） or 14.36% （T4）.Ruminal fermentation parameters were measured and bacterial communities were analysed using PCR-dena-turing gradient gel electrophoresis （PCR-DGGE） and quantitative PCR. The average daily gain and feed utilization efifciency in T3 were higher than those in the other groups （P〈0.05）, although the dry matter intake and metabolizable energy intake were similar. Total volatile fatty acid concentration in the ruminal lfuid of T3 was lower than that of T1 （P=0.011）, T2 （P=0.008） or T4 （P=0.309）. The ammonia nitrogen concentration and acetate/propionate ratio of ruminal lfuid were signiifcantly higher in lambs fed the higher CP diets, whereas the molar concentrations of propionate and butyrate of ruminal lfuid were lower. The rumen bacterial community was similar in T2 and T3 which shown more stable and diverse rumen microbes ecosystem compared with the other groups. The DGGE proifles and phylogenetic tree indicated thatBacteroides uniformis,Clostrid-iumalkalicellulosi,Alkalibaculum bacchiandSaccharofermentanssp.were common bacterium of Chahaer lamb rumen. B. uniformis,C.alkalicelulosi,Saccharofermentanssp. andGracilibacter thermotolerans,which belong to the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutesphyla,were the dominant species in the rumen of lambs fed 13.40% CP.However,Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus lfavefaciensand Butyrivibrio ifbrisolvenswerenot differentin lambs fed different CP diets. Therefore, it could be concluded thatB. uniformis,C.alkalicelulosi,A. bacchiandSaccharofermentanssp.were common bacteria of Chahaer lamb rumen. Furthermore, the dietary CP of 13.04% could improve performance and change rumen fermentation model by increasing the dominant species’ peak intensities ofB. uniformis,C.alkalicelulosi,Saccharofermentanssp. and Gracilibacter thermotoleransand stabilizing rumen microbial ecosystem.

Protein requirements of early-weaned Dorper crossbred female lambs

The net protein （NP） and metabolizable protein （MP） requirements of Dorper crossbred female lambs from 20 to 35 kg body weight （BW） were assessed in a comparative slaughter trial. Thirty-five Dorper×thin-tailed Hart crossbred lambs weaned at approximately 50 d of age （（19.1±2.37） kg of BW） were used. Seven randomly selected lambs were slaughtered at the beginning of the trial as baseline group （BL）. An intermediate group of seven randomly selected lambs fed ad libitum （AL） intake was slaughtered when the lambs reached an average BW of 28.6 kg. The remaining 21 lambs were allotted randomly to three levels of dry matter intake： AL or restricted to 70 or 40% of the AL intake. All lambs were slaughtered when the sheep fed AL intake reached 35 kg of BW. Total body N and N retention were determined. The results showed that the maintenance requirements for NP and MP were 1.75 and 3,37 g kg^-1 metabolic shrunk body weight （SBW^0.75）, respectively. The partial efficiency of protein use for maintenance was 0.52. The NP requirements for growth ranged from 10.9 to 42.4 g d^-1 for the lambs gaining 100 to 350 g d^-1 from 20 to 35 kg BW. The partial efficiency of MP for growth was 0.52. In conclusion, the NP and MP requirements for the maintenance and growth of Dorper crossbred female lambs were lower than those reported by AFRC （1993） and NRC （2007） recommendations.

Long term effects of artificial rearing before weaning on the growth performance, ruminal microbiota and fermentation of fattening lambs

Early life intervention is important to shape the gut microbiome profiles of adult animals due to the tremendous alteration of diet components. Nevertheless, there is still no unified understanding about its long-term effects in lambs. In this study, sixty 20-day-old lambs were assigned into ewe-rearing(ER) and artificial-rearing(AR) treatments to evaluate the effects of AR strategy on ruminal microbiota, fermentation, and morphology of pre-weaning lambs(from 20 to 60 days of age) and its long-term effects in the fattening stage(from 61 to 180 days of age). During the pre-weaning stage, ER lambs were breastfed and supplemented starter, while AR lambs were artificially fed with milk replacer and starter. During the fattening stage, all lambs in both treatments were fed with the same fattening diets. At 60, 120 and 180 days of age, 6 lambs from each group were slaughtered to collect rumen content and tissue samples. Compared with ER lambs, the dry matter feed intakes of AR lambs increased(P<0.05) from 20 to 180 days of age, companying an increased average daily gain(ADG) from 61 to 120 days of age(P<0.05) and from 121 to 180 days of age(0.05<P<0.1). Although there was no difference in short-chain fatty acid(SCFA, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate) between treatments before weaning(P>0.05), it was higher(P<0.05) in AR lambs compared with ER lambs at the fattening stage. The rumen keratin layer of AR lambs was thinner(P<0.05) than that of ER lambs. Along with lamb growth from 60 to 180 days of age, the differences in rumen bacterial diversity between AR and ER treatments grew more distinct(P<0.05). Compared with ER lambs, AR lambs increased(P<0.05) rumen bacteria abundance, such as phylum Spirochaetes and genus Treponema at 60 days of age, phylum Actinobacteria and genus Succiniclasticum at 120 days of age, and phylum Proteobacteria at 180 days of age, but decreased genus Selenomonas from 60 to 180 days of age, and Anaerovibrio at 180 days of age. In summary, the early interventions before weaning could improve dry matter feed intake of lambs, which triggered robust rumen development and produced positive long-term effects on rumen fermentation and noticeable weight gain of fattening lambs. It suggests that the artificial rearing strategy is effective in improving rumen fermentation and microbial maturity of intensive fattening lambs.

Effects of dietary replacement of soybean meal with dried distillers grains with solubles on the microbiota occupying different ecological niches in the rumen of growing Hu lambs

Background:Diet has a profound impact on the rumen microbiota,and the impact can vary among the different rumen ecological niches(REN).This study investigated the effects of dietary replacement of soybean meal(SBM)with dried distillers grains with solubles(DDGS)on the rumen microbiota occupying different REN of growing Hu lambs.After a 9-week feeding trial,6 lambs from each dietary treatment(SBM vs.DDGS-based diets)were slaughtered for sample collection.The microbiota of the rumen solid,liquid,and epithelium fractions was examined using amplicon sequencing analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene,functional prediction,and qPCR.Results:No interaction of dietary protein source(PS)and REN were detected for virtually all the measurements made in this study.The DDGS substitution resulted in very limited influence on bacterial community structure.However,the metabolic pathways predicted from 16S rRNA gene sequences varied greatly between SBM-and DDGS-based diets.The populations of rumen total bacteria,fungi,sulfate-reducing bacteria(SRB),and methanogens were not influenced by DDGS substitution,but the population of protozoa was reduced.The bacterial communities in rumen solid(RS)and liquid(RL)were similar in taxonomic composition but were different in relative abundance of some taxa.In contrast,the bacterial composition and relative abundance of rumen epithelium(RE)were greatly distinct from those of the RS and the RL.In alignment with the bacterial relative abundance,the metabolic pathways predicted from 16S rRNA genes also varied greatly among the different REN.The populations of total bacteria,protozoa,and methanogens attached to the RE were smaller than those in the RS and RL,and the fungal population on the rumen epitheliumwas smaller than that in the RS but similar to that in the RL.On the contrary,the SRB population on the RE was greater than that in the RS and RL.Conclusions:Substitution of SBM with DDGS had greater impact to the protozoa than to the other microbes,and the microbial community structure and functions at different REN are distinct and niche-adapted.

Net protein and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance and growth of early-weaned Dorper crossbred male lambs

Background： Dorper is an important breed for meat purpose and widely used in the livestock industry of the world.However, the protein requirement of Dorper crossbred has not been investigated. The current paper reports the net protein（NP） and metabolizable protein（MP） requirements of Dorper crossbred ram lambs from 20 to 35 kg BW.Methods： Thirty-five Dorper × thin-tailed Han crossbred lambs weaned at approximately 50 d of age（20.3 ± 2.15 kg of BW） were used. Seven lambs of 25 kg BW were slaughtered as the baseline animals at the start of the trial. An intermediate group of seven randomly selected lambs fed ad libitum was slaughtered at 28.6 kg BW. The remaining 21 lambs were randomly divided into three levels of dry matter intake： ad libitum or 70% or 40% of ad libitum intake. Those lambs were slaughtered when the lambs fed ad libitum reached 35 kg BW. Total body N and N retention were measured.Results： The daily NP and MP requirements for maintenance were 1.89 and 4.52 g/kg metabolic shrunk BW（SBW0.75）.The partial efficiency of MP utilization for maintenance was 0.42. The NP requirement for growth ranged from 12.1 to 43.5 g/d, for the lambs gaining 100 to 350 g/d, and the partial efficiency of MP utilization for growth was 0.86.Conclusions： The NP and MP requirements for the maintenance and growth of Dorper crossbred male lambs were lower than the recommendations of American and British nutritional systems.