Dynamic changes of rumen microbiota and serum metabolome revealed increases in meat quality and growth performances of sheep fed bio‑fermented rice straw

Background Providing high-quality roughage is crucial for improvement of ruminant production because it is an essential component of their feed.Our previous study showed that feeding bio-fermented rice straw(BF)improved the feed intake and weight gain of sheep.However,it remains unclear why feeding BF to sheep increased their feed intake and weight gain.Therefore,the purposes of this research were to investigate how the rumen micro-biota and serum metabolome are dynamically changing after feeding BF,as well as how their changes influence the feed intake,digestibility,nutrient transport,meat quality and growth performances of sheep.Twelve growing Hu sheep were allocated into 3 groups:alfalfa hay fed group(AH:positive control),rice straw fed group(RS:negative control)and BF fed group(BF:treatment).Samples of rumen content,blood,rumen epithelium,muscle,feed offered and refusals were collected for the subsequent analysis.Results Feeding BF changed the microbial community and rumen fermentation,particularly increasing(P<0.05)relative abundance of Prevotella and propionate production,and decreasing(P<0.05)enteric methane yield.The histomorphology(height,width,area and thickness)of rumen papillae and gene expression for carbohydrate trans-port(MCT1),tight junction(claudin-1,claudin-4),and cell proliferation(CDK4,Cyclin A2,Cyclin E1)were improved(P<0.05)in sheep fed BF.Additionally,serum metabolome was also dynamically changed,which led to up-regulating(P<0.05)the primary bile acid biosynthesis and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid in sheep fed BF.As a result,the higher(P<0.05)feed intake,digestibility,growth rate,feed efficiency,meat quality and mono-unsaturated fatty acid concentration in muscle,and the lower(P<0.05)feed cost per kg of live weight were achieved by feeding BF.Conclusions Feeding BF improved the growth performances and meat quality of sheep and reduced their feed cost.Therefore,bio-fermentation of rice straw could be an innovative way for improving ruminant production with mini-mizing production costs.

Single-base editing in IGF2 improves meat production and intramuscular fat deposition in Liang Guang Small Spotted pigs

Background Chinese indigenous pigs are popular with consumers for their juiciness,flavour and meat quality,but they have lower meat production.Insulin-like growth factor 2(IGF2) is a maternally imprinted growth factor that promotes skeletal muscle growth by regulating cell proliferation and differentiation.A single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) within intron 3 of porcine IGF2 disrupts a binding site for the repressor,zinc finger BED-type containing 6(ZBED6),leading to up-regulation of IGF2 and causing major effects on muscle growth,heart size,and backfat thickness.This favorable mutation is common in Western commercial pig populations,but absent in most Chinese indigenous pig breeds.To improve meat production of Chinese indigenous pigs,we used cytosine base editor 3(CBE3)to introduce IGF2 intron3-C3071T mutation into porcine embryonic fibroblasts(PEFs) isolated from a male Liang Guang Small Spotted pig(LGSS),and single-cell clones harboring the desired mutation were selected for somatic cell nuclear transfer(SCNT) to generate the founder line of IGF2^(T/T) pigs.Results We found the heterozygous progeny IGF2^(C/T) pigs exhibited enhanced expression of IGF2,increased lean meat by 18%-36%,enlarged loin muscle area by 3%-17%,improved intramuscular fat(IMF) content by 18%-39%,marbling score by 0.75-1,meat color score by 0.53-1.25,and reduced backfat thickness by 5%-16%.The enhanced accumulation of intramuscular fat in IGF2^(C/T) pigs was identified to be regulated by the PI3K-AKT/AMPK pathway,which activated SREBP1 to promote adipogenesis.Conclusions We demonstrated the introduction of IGF2-intron3-C3071T in Chinese LGSS can improve both meat production and quality,and first identified the regulation of IMF deposition by IGF2 through SREBP1 via the PI3KAKT/AMPK signaling pathways.Our study provides a further understanding of the biological functions of IGF2and an example for improving porcine economic traits through precise base editing.

Effects of salt and rice flour concentration on microbial diversity and the quality of sour meat,a Chinese traditional meat

This study investigated the effects of salt(3%and 6%,m/m)and rice flour(10%and 20%,m/m)addition in sour meat,a traditional Chinese fermented meat.It was found that salt has greater effect than rice flour addition in spontaneous fermentation.Low-salt groups had lower pH and higher titratable total acid.In the low-salt groups,the dominant genera were Lactobacillus and Lactococcus,whereas Staphylococcus,Weissella,and Tetragenococcus were dominant in the high-salt groups.Higher total free amino acids and essential amino acids,organic acids,hexanoic acid ethyl ester and octanoic acid ethyl ester were found in the low-salt groups.The RDA analysis revealed that Lactococcus was closely related to product quality,with the S3F10(3%salt and 10%rice f lour)group outperforming the others in the sensory evaluation.Therefore,3%salt and 10%rice flour were considered more appropriate for the production of healthy and tasty fermented sour meats.

Investigation of the Acceptability of Cultured Meat in University Students

Background: Over the past 20 years, cultured meat has drawn a lot of public attention as a potential solution to issues with animal husbandry, including inadequate use of natural sources, improper animal welfare practices, and possible risks to public health and safety. The novel method of producing meat through culture reduces the need for animals to produce muscle fiber, thereby obviating the necessity for animal slaughter. Apart from its ethical advantages, cultured meat presents a possible way to fulfill the expanding need for food among growing populations. The purpose of this research was to find out whether Turkish students would be willing to pay for and accept cultured meat. Technique: Method: 371 university students who willingly consented to fill out a questionnaire and provide demographic data make up the research sample. Questions from previous studies on the acceptability of cultured meat were compiled to create the survey. The research’s data collection took place in March and April of 2022. The research was completed in June 2022 after the data had been processed and analyzed. Results: The results showed that the majority of participants were female and had omnivorous eating habits. Based on the results of the Bonferroni correction test, students with a higher intention to purchase and consume cultured meat were those who received economics and business education. Students with two years of university education had a higher overall survey score than those with four years of education (p < 0.05). Furthermore, it is discovered that there is a negative correlation between the participants’ ages and their Factor 2 (using cultured meat as an alternative to industrial meat) and Factor 3 (consuming and purchasing it) section points (r = -109, p = 0.036) (r = -0.121, p = 0.019). In conclusion, university students generally have a negative outlook on health-related issues, such as eating cultured meat as an alternative.

The Use of Secondary Grape Biomass in Beef Cattle Nutrition on Carcass Characteristics, Quality and Shelf Life of Meat

We determined whether the inclusion of 100 g/kg dry matter of grape pomace silage (GPS) and grape pomace bran (GPB) as substitutes for other traditional fiber sources in the diet of steers (Charolais x Nellore) would improve carcass characteristics, meat quality and composition, and shelf life. Twenty-four animals (248 ± 19.32 kg of initial body weight) were fed a high concentrate diet for 121 days. Carcass characteristics were measured, and the longissimus dorsi muscle was analyzed for fatty acid (FA) profile and composition. The meat was sliced and stored in air-permeable packages for 10 days. On each sampling day (d 1, 3, 7, and 10), oxidative stability, bacterial load, lipid and protein oxidation, and staining were analyzed. The experimental diets influenced the pH of cold carcasses only. The GPS group had a higher pH than the control. The GPS and GPB groups showed improved oxidant status (i.e., lower lipid peroxidation and concentrations of reactive oxygen species were in the meat of both groups than in control). On the first day of storage, the antioxidant enzyme glutathione S-transferase activity was more significant in the meat of the GPS and GPB groups than in the control. The bacterial loads in the meat were attenuated by GPS inclusion;there were lower total coliform counts and a trend toward lower counts for enterobacteria in the control group. The diets altered the FA profile of the meat;i.e., the GPB diet allowed for a more significant amount of the n-6 omegas in the meat, while the GPS diet showed a tendency for a more significant amount of n-6 and 9 omegas. Both diets (GPS and GPB) increased the amounts of long-chain FAs. The GPS diet decreased saturated FA levels. We conclude that the dietary treatments GPS and GPB are a promising alternative to maintain meat quality standards throughout in real-world retail conditions. These treatments gave rise to an improvement in the nutritional value of the meat due to the more significant amounts of FAs that improve human health.

Effects of dietary Clostridium butyricum and rumen protected fat on meat quality,oxidative stability,and chemical composition of finishing goats

Background Clostridium butyricum(CB)is a probiotic that can regulate intestinal microbial composition and improve meat quality.Rumen protected fat(RPF)has been shown to increase the dietary energy density and provide essential fatty acids.However,it is still unknown whether dietary supplementation with CB and RPF exerts beneficial effects on growth performance and nutritional value of goat meat.This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary CB and RPF supplementation on growth performance,meat quality,oxidative stability,and meat nutritional value of finishing goats.Thirty-two goats(initial body weight,20.5±0.82 kg)were used in a completely randomized block design with a 2 RPF supplementation(0 vs.30 g/d)×2 CB supplementation(0 vs.1.0 g/d)factorial treatment arrangement.The experiment included a 14-d adaptation and 70-d data and sample collection period.The goats were fed a diet consisted of 400 g/kg peanut seedling and 600 g/kg corn-based concentrate(dry matter basis).Result Interaction between CB and RPF was rarely observed on the variables measured,except that shear force was reduced(P<0.05)by adding CB or RPF alone or their combination;the increased intramuscular fat(IMF)content with adding RPF was more pronounced(P<0.05)with CB than without CB addition.The pH24h(P=0.009),a*values(P=0.007),total antioxidant capacity(P=0.050),glutathione peroxidase activities(P=0.006),concentrations of 18:3(P<0.001),20:5(P=0.003)and total polyunsaturated fatty acids(P=0.048)were increased,whereas the L*values(P<0.001),shear force(P=0.050)and malondialdehyde content(P=0.044)were decreased by adding CB.Furthermore,CB supplementation increased essential amino acid(P=0.027),flavor amino acid(P=0.010)and total amino acid contents(P=0.024)as well as upregulated the expression of lipoprotein lipase(P=0.034)and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ)(P=0.012),and downregulated the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase(SCD)(P=0.034).The RPF supplementation increased dry matter intake(P=0.005),averaged daily gain(trend,P=0.058),hot carcass weight(P=0.046),backfat thickness(P=0.006),concentrations of 16:0(P<0.001)and c9-18:1(P=0.002),and decreased the shear force(P<0.001),isoleucine(P=0.049)and lysine content(P=0.003)of meat.In addition,the expressions of acetyl-CoA carboxylase(P=0.003),fatty acid synthase(P=0.038),SCD(P<0.001)and PPARγ(P=0.022)were upregulated due to RPF supplementation,resulting in higher(P<0.001)content of IMF.Conclusions CB and RPF could be fed to goats for improving the growth performance,carcass traits and meat quality,and promote fat deposition by upregulating the expression of lipogenic genes of Longissimus thoracis muscle.

Insights into the mechanism of L-malic acid on drip loss of chicken meat under commercial conditions

Background A deterioration in the meat quality of broilers has attracted much more attention in recent years.L-malic acid(MA)is evidenced to decrease meat drip loss in broilers,but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear.It’s also not sure whether the outputs obtained under experimental conditions can be obtained in a com-mercial condition.Here,we investigated the effects and mechanisms of dietary MA supplementation on chicken meat drip loss at large-scale rearing.Results Results showed that the growth performance and drip loss were improved by MA supplementation.Meat metabolome revealed that L-2-aminoadipic acid,β-aminoisobutyric acid,eicosapentaenoic acid,and nicotinamide,as well as amino acid metabolism pathways connected to the improvements of meat quality by MA addition.The transcriptome analysis further indicated that the effect of MA on drip loss was also related to the proper immune response,evidenced by the enhanced B cell receptor signaling pathway,NF-κB signaling pathway,TNF signaling pathway,and IL-17 signaling pathway.Conclusions We provided evidence that MA decreased chicken meat drip loss under commercial conditions.Metabolome and transcriptome revealed a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms.Together,MA could be used as a promising dietary supplement for enhancing the water-holding capacity of chicken meat.

Plant-based meat analogues aggravated lipid accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism homeostasis in mice

To determine the effects of plant-based meat analogues on the metabolic health and the possible mechanisms,mice were fed with a real pork diet(AP),a real beef diet(AB),a plant-based pork analogue diet(PP)and plant-based beef analogue diet(PB)for 68 days.Compared with real meat,the plant-based meat analogues increased food and energy intake,body weight,white fat and liver weight and caused adipocyte hypertrophy,hepatic lipid droplet accumulation,and inflammatory responses in mice.Metabolomics revealed that plantbased meat analogues altered the composition of serum metabolites,which regulated lipid metabolism homeostasis.The PB diet upregulated gene expression related to lipid synthesis,lipolysis and adipocyte differentiation while the PP diet upregulated expression of lipolysis-related genes but downregulated expression of adipocyte differentiation-related genes in white adipose tissue.Meanwhile,both PP and PB diets upregulated lipid influx-and synthesis-related genes but downregulated lipid oxidation-related genes in liver.The specific metabolite biomarkers may affect fat accumulation mainly by direct lipid metabolism pathways or indirect amino acid metabolism,protein digestion and absorption,bile secretion,aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and ABC transporters pathways.These findings provide a new insight into understanding the differences in nutritional functions of meat and plant-based meat analogues.

Reconstruction of Knowledge and Medical Images in the Convergence of Chinese and Western Medicine:Taking “Sweet Meat” as an Example

The pancreas is neither part of the five Zang organs(五脏) nor the six Fu organs(六腑).Thus,it has received little attention in Chinese medical literature.In the late 19th century,medical missionaries in China started translating and introducing anatomical and physiological knowledge about the pancreas.As for the word pancreas,an early and influential translation was “sweet meat”(甜肉),proposed by Benjamin Hobson(合信).The translation “sweet meat” is not faithful to the original meaning of “pancreas”,but is a term coined by Hobson based on his personal habits,and the word “sweet” appeared by chance.However,in the decades since the term “sweet meat” became popular,Chinese medicine practitioners,such as Tang Zonghai(唐宗海),reinterpreted it by drawing new medical illustrations for “sweet meat” and giving new connotations to the word “sweet”.This discussion and interpretation of “sweet meat” in modern China,particularly among Chinese medicine professionals,is not only a dissemination and interpretation of the knowledge of “pancreas”,but also a construction of knowledge around the term “sweet meat”.

Effect of the Dietary Substitution of Fish Meal with Achatina fulica Meat Meal on the Growth Performance and Production Cost of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings

Fishmeal is the most preferred source of protein in aquafeeds, but it is expensive and scarce. Hence, Achatina fulica meat meal (AFM), which is much less preferred for human consumption out of three species of African giant land snails, was tested as a fishmeal substitute for Clarias gariepinus growth. Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-calorific diets were formulated, in which AFM substituted fish meal at 0% (control or Diet A), 25% (Diet B), 50% (Diet C), 75% (Diet D) and 100% (Diet E). These dietary treatments were each replicated thrice in a completely randomized design experiment, using 36-L plastic tanks in which the fish were fed daily rations corresponding to 5% of their body weight, for 8 weeks. Water quality parameters in the tanks were monitored. Proximate analyses were conducted on the fish meal, snail meal and experimental diets before the feeding trials. Cost-benefit analysis of the different diets was performed. The crude protein content of AFM (69.18%) was significantly higher than that of fish meal (55.81%). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the mean weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and survival rate in fish fed Diet A and Diet B. The best protein efficiency ratio (0.77) was recorded in fish fed Diet B. Furthermore, the survival rate of fish increased with increased levels of AFM substitution. Water quality parameters were within a suitable range for tropical fish culture, indicating that the AFM did not pollute the water. The fish fed 25% AFM diet significantly (P Clarias gariepinus diets at a 25% substitution level. The aquaculture industry can thus exploit the availability of this feed resource.

Effects of Fermented Puffed Feather Meal on Growth Performance,Serum Biochemical Indices,Meat Quality,and Intestinal Microbiota in Broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented puffed feather meal(FPFM)on growth performance,serum biochemical indices,meat quality,and intestinal microbiota in Arbor Acres(AA)broilers.A single-factor design was adopted,and four treatments were administered with five replicates to 240 one-day-old AA broilers.The control group(group A)received a basal diet,while the experimental groups received a basal diet plus 33%(group B),67%(group C)and 100%(group D)FPFM,respectively.Compared with group A,(1)the average daily gain(ADG)in group C decreased(P<0.05),and the feed conversion ratio(FCR)in group D increased(P<0.05);(2)the level of serum urea nitrogen in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of triglyceride,high density lipoprotein,low density lipoprotein,cholesterol,and glucose contents in group D increased(P<0.05)at day 21;(3)the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group B and the immunoglobulin A in group C increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group D decreased(P<0.05)at day 42;(4)the share force of breast muscle and thigh muscle in group D increased(P<0.05);(5)the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum of group B increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the villus height in group C and D increased(P<0.05)at day 42;(6)the proteobacteria counts in the cecum digesta in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05)at day 21.The basal diet supplemented with 33%FPFM promoted protein metabolism,enhanced immunity and improved meat quality,promoted the digestion and absorption of nutrients,increased intestinal microbial diversity,and improved the content of beneficial bacteria without affecting the growth performance,it was possible to be used as a good substitute for fish meal.

Colorectal cancer’s burden attributable to a diet high in processed meat in the Belt and Road Initiative countries

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)plays a significant role in morbidity,mortality,and economic cost in the Belt and Road Initiative(“B and R”)countries.In addition,these countries have a substantial consumption of processed meat.However,the burden and trend of CRC in relation to the consumption of a diet high in processed meat(DHPM-CRC)in these“B and R”countries remain unknown.AIM To analyze the burden and trend of DHPM-CRC in the“B and R”countries from 1990 to 2019.METHODS We used the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study to collate information regarding the burden of DHPM-CRC.Numbers and age-standardized rates(ASRs)of deaths along with the disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)were determined among the“B and R”countries in 1990 and 2019.Using joinpoint regression analysis,the average annual percent change(AAPC)was used to analyze the temporal trends of age-standardized DALYs rate(ASDALR)from 1990 to 2019 and in the final decade(2010–2019).RESULTS We found geographical differences in the burden of DHPM-CRC among“B and R”countries,with the three highest-ranking countries being the Russian Federation,China,and Ukraine in 1990,and China,the Russian Federation,and Poland in 2019.The burden of DHPM-CRC generally increased in most member countries from 1990 to 2019(all P<0.05).The absolute number of deaths and DALYs in DHPM-CRC were 3151.15[95%uncertainty interval(UI)665.74-5696.64]and 83249.31(95%UI 15628.64-151956.31)in China in 2019.However,the number of deaths(2627.57-2528.51)and DALYs(65867.39-55378.65)for DHPM-CRC in the Russian Federation has declined.The fastest increase in ASDALR for DHPM-CRC was observed in Vietnam,Southeast Asia,with an AAPC value of 3.90%[95%confidence interval(CI):3.63%-4.16%],whereas the fastest decline was observed in Kyrgyzstan,Central Asia,with an AAPC value of-2.05%(95%CI:-2.37%to-1.73%).A substantial upward trend in ASR of mortality,years lived with disability,years of life lost,and DALYs from DHPM-CRC changes in 1990-2019 and the final decade(2010-2019)for most Maritime Silk Route members in East Asia,South Asia,Southeast Asia,North Africa,and the Middle East,as well as Central Europe,while those of the most Land Silk Route members in Central Asia and Eastern Europe have decreased markedly(all P<0.05).The ASDALR for DHPM-CRC increased more in males than in females(all P<0.05).For those aged 50-74 years,the ASDALR for DHPM-CRC in 40 members exhibited an increasing trend,except for 20 members,including 7 members in Central Asia,Maldives,and 12 high or high-middle social development index(SDI)members in other regions(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION The burden of DHPM-CRC varies substantially across“B and R”countries and threatens public health.Relevant evidence-based policies and interventions tailored to the different trends of countries in SDIs or Silk Routes should be adopted to reduce the future burden of CRC in“B and R”countries via extensive collaboration.

Dietary bamboo leaf flavonoids improve quality and microstructure of broiler meat by changing untargeted metabolome

Background Dietary bamboo leaf flavonoids(BLFs)are rarely used in poultry production,and it is unknown whether they influence meat texture profile,perceived color,or microstructure.Results A total of 720 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were supplemented with a basal diet with 20 mg bacitracin/kg,50 mg BLFs/kg,or 250 mg BLFs/kg or without additions.Data showed that the dietary BLFs significantly(P<0.05)changed growth performance and the texture profile.In particular,BLFs increased birds’average daily gain and average daily feed intake,decreased the feed:gain ratio and mortality rate,improved elasticity of breast meat,enhanced the gumminess of breast and leg meat,and decreased the hardness of breast meat.Moreover,a significant(P<0.05)increase in redness(a*)and chroma(c*)of breast meat and c*and water-holding capacity of leg meat was found in BLF-supplemented broilers compared with control broilers.In addition,BLFs supplementation significantly decreased(P<0.05)theβ-sheet ratio and serum malondialdehyde and increased theβ-turn ratio of protein secondary structure,superoxide dismutase,and glutathione peroxidase of breast meat and total antioxidant capacity and catalase of serum.Based on the analysis of untargeted metabolome,BLFs treatment considerably altered 14 metabolites of the breast meat,including flavonoids,amino acids,and organic acids,as well as phenolic and aromatic compounds.Conclusions Dietary BLFs supplementation could play a beneficial role in improving meat quality and sensory color in the poultry industry by changing protein secondary structures and modulating metabolites.

Potential regulation of linoleic acid and volatile organic compound contents in meat of chickens by PLCD1

Omega-3(linolenic acid(ALA),docosapentaenoic acid,eicosapentaenoic acid)and omega-6(linoleic acid(LA),arachidonic acid)polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential for health and normal physiological functioning in humans.Here we report a genome-wide association study(GWAS)on LA content in chicken meat.The 19 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)identified by the GWAS approach were annotated in VILL,PLCD1 and OXSR1 genes with highly polymorphic linkage blocks,and explained 4.5%of the phenotypic variation in the LA content.Specifically,the PLCD1 mRNA expression level was negatively correlated with the LA content,and significantly higher in chickens with low LA content than in those with high LA content.In addition,PLCD1 was found to be involved in metabolic pathways,etc.Furthermore,the LA content was correlated with volatile organic compounds(e.g.,octanal,etc.),but no relationship was found with intramuscular fat and triglycerides in chicken meat.The results indicated that there are key SNPs in PLCD1 that regulate the content of LA,and it has no significant effect on fat deposition,but may affect the content of volatile organic compounds(VOCs).

Improving the accuracy of genomic prediction for meat quality traits using whole genome sequence data in pigs

Background Pork quality can directly affect customer purchase tendency and meat quality traits have become valu-able in modern pork production.However,genetic improvement has been slow due to high phenotyping costs.In this study,whole genome sequence(WGS)data was used to evaluate the prediction accuracy of genomic best linear unbiased prediction(GBLUP)for meat quality in large-scale crossbred commercial pigs.Results We produced WGS data(18,695,907 SNPs and 2,106,902 INDELs exceed quality control)from 1,469 sequenced Duroc×(Landrace×Yorkshire)pigs and developed a reference panel for meat quality including meat color score,marbling score,L*(lightness),a*(redness),and b*(yellowness)of genomic prediction.The prediction accuracy was defined as the Pearson correlation coefficient between adjusted phenotypes and genomic estimated breeding values in the validation population.Using different marker density panels derived from WGS data,accuracy differed substantially among meat quality traits,varied from 0.08 to 0.47.Results showed that MultiBLUP outperform GBLUP and yielded accuracy increases ranging from 17.39%to 75%.We optimized the marker density and found medium-and high-density marker panels are beneficial for the estimation of heritability for meat quality.Moreover,we conducted genotype imputation from 50K chip to WGS level in the same population and found average concord-ance rate to exceed 95%and r^(2)=0.81.Conclusions Overall,estimation of heritability for meat quality traits can benefit from the use of WGS data.This study showed the superiority of using WGS data to genetically improve pork quality in genomic prediction.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the mechanism of chronic heat stress on meat quality of broilers

Background:Chronic heat stress has a negative impact on poultry meat quality.Although this has been extensively investigated,previous studies have primarily focused on metabolic alterations and oxidative stress in the pectoralis major(PM)muscle under chronic heat stress,and not all of the underlying molecular mechanisms are completely understood.Methods:A total of 144 male Arbor Acres broilers(28 d old)were randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups:(1)the normal control(NC)group,with broilers raised at 22℃and fed a basal diet;(2)the heat stress(HS)group,with birds raised at 32℃and fed a basal diet;and(3)the pair-fed(PF)group,with birds raised at 22℃and fed the amount of feed equal to the feed consumed on the previous day by the HS group.The experiment lasted for 14 d.Results:Chronic heat stress decreased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain,increased feed:gain ratio(P<0.05);and increased drip loss,cooking loss,shear force,hardness,and decreased p H,redness(a*);and springiness of PM muscle(P<0.05).Furthermore,chronic heat stress decreased muscle fiber density,increased connective tissue,and led to intracellular vacuolation.The transcriptome analyses indicated that the effect of chronic heat stress on meat quality was not only related to metabolism and oxidative stress,but also to signal transduction,immune system,transport and catabolism,cell growth and death,and muscle structure.Conclusions:Chronic heat stress has a negative impact on the growth performance,meat quality,and the PM muscle structure of broilers.Transcriptome analysis revealed a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of the chronic heat stress-induced deterioration of broiler meat quality at the transcriptional level.

Consumers’experiences and preferences for plant-based meat food:Evidence from a choice experiment in four cities of China

This paper examined consumers’experiences in and preferences for plant-based meat(PBM)food and their respective correlates,based on data from an online survey of 579 consumers in four major cities in China in early 2021.We first described consumers’experiences in consuming and purchasing PBM food and their correlates,and then analyzed consumer preferences using hypothetical choice experiment.The experiment offered consumers various options to purchase burgers made from PBM or animal-based meat(ABM),combined with different countries of origin(COO),taste labels,and prices.Our data showed that respondents hold overall positive attitudes toward PBM food;85 and 82%of respondents reported experience in eating and purchasing PBM food,respectively.More than half of them ate PBM food because they wanted to try new food(58%),or were interested in healthy food(56%).Income,religion,and dietary restrictions were significantly correlated with consumers’experiences in PBM food consumption.Results from the Random Parameter Logit Model based on the hypothetical choice experiment data showed that 79%of respondents chose PBM burgers and were willing to pay an average of 88 CNY for a PBM burger.We also found that 99.8 and 83%of respondents are willing to buy burgers made in China and those with a taste label,with a willingness to pay(WTP)of 208 and 120 CNY,respectively.The heterogeneity test revealed that females and those with at least a bachelor’s degree,higher income,religious beliefs,and dietary restrictions are more likely to buy PBM burgers than their counterparts.

Effects of carcass weight, sex and breed composition on meat cuts and carcass trait in finishing pigs

Pork cutting is a very important processing in promoting economic appreciation across the swine business chain. The goal of this research is to determine the proportion and weight of meat cuts, as well as to analyze the effects of carcass weight, sex and breed composition on meat cuts. Simultaneously, we investigate the correlation between meat cuts, carcass traits and meat quality traits. To assess 17 meat cut traits, 12 carcass traits and 6 meat quality traits, we sample 2 012 pigs from four breeds, including Landrace(LD), Yorkshire(YK), Landrace Yorkshire(LY), and Duroc Landrace Yorkshire(DLY). The results showed that carcass weight, sex and breed composition have significant effects on the weight and proportion of most meat cuts. The proportion of cuts for muscle and bone decrease as carcass weight grows, whereas the proportion of cuts for fat increases. Moreover, the thickness of four-point backfat was significantly increasing(P<0.001) with increase of carcass weights, indicating that large amount of intaking energy in the late finishing stage was used for fat deposition. Besides, the proportion of Shoulder cut(SC) and Back fat(BF) in barrows was significantly higher(P<0.001) than that in sows, whereas the Leg cut(LC) showed the opposite trend. The Loin(LO) proportion and Loin muscle area(LMA) of barrows were significantly lower(P<0.001), but the proportion of fat areas in the image(PFAI) and visual marbling score(VMS) were significantly higher(P<0.001) than those of sows, respectively. In terms of breeds, LD had the longest straight carcass length, significantly longer(P<0.001) than the other three breeds, which partially explains why LD had the largest proportion of the Middle cut(MC). Moreover, the proportion of SC in DLY was the highest. Last but not least, the correlations between the proportions of most meat cuts, and also between meat cuts and meat quality or carcass traits were low or not significant(P>0.05). The effects of carcass weight, sex and breed composition on the meat cuts, meat quality and carcass traits are breed and growth stage dependent. It also reflects the asynchrony of the growth curve between different sexes. Our results laid an important foundation for breeding pig carcass cuts and composition.

Meat Grinder放电特性分析

作为电磁轨道炮脉冲功率电源的Meat Grinder电路结构具有储能密度高,体积小等优势。针对Meat Grinder输出性能的影响因素不明确,工程应用困难的问题,对Meat Grinder的基础电路工作原理进行了探究。基于电磁耦合原理,分析了Meat Grinder的放电过程,给出了耦合系数和级数对Meat Grinder电流放大倍数、能量损耗以及能量利用率的影响特性,对比分析了多级Meat Grinder和单级耦合等效电路的输出性能。研究结果表明,耦合系数是影响电路输出性能的最主要因素。此外,单级耦合等效电路能够达到与多级Meat Grinder相同的输出性能,且工程应用更易实现。

Pasture-finishing of bison improves animal metabolic health and potential health-promoting compounds in meat

Background With rising concerns regarding the effects of red meat on human and environmental health,a growing number of livestock producers are exploring ways to improve production systems.A promising avenue includes agro-ecological practices such as rotational grazing of locally adapted ruminants.Additionally,growing consumer interest in pasture-finished meat(i.e.,grass-fed)has raised questions about its nutritional composition.Thus,the goal of this study was to determine the impact of two common finishing systems in North American bison—pasture-finished or pen-finished on concentrates for 146 d—on metabolomic,lipidomic,and fatty acid profiles of striploins(M.longissimus lumborum).Results Six hundred and seventy-one(671)out of 1570 profiled compounds(43%)differed between pasture-and penfinished conditions(n=20 animals per group)(all,P<0.05).Relative to pasture-finished animals,the muscle of pen-finished animals displayed elevated glucose metabolites(~1.6-fold),triglycerides(~2-fold),markers of oxidative stress(~1.5-fold),and proteolysis(~1.2-fold).In contrast,pasture-finished animals displayed improved mitochondrial(~1.3-fold higher levels of various Krebs cycle metabolites)and carnitine metabolism(~3-fold higher levels of long-chain acyl carnitines)(all P<0.05).Pasture-finishing also concentrated higher levels of phenolics(~2.3-fold),alpha-tocopherol(~5.8-fold),carotene(~2.0-fold),and very long-chain fatty acids(~1.3-fold)in their meat,while having lower levels of a common advanced lipoxidation(4-hydroxy-nonenal-glutathione;~2-fold)and glycation end-product(N6-carboxymethyllysine;~1.7-fold)(all P<0.05).In contrast,vitamins B5,B6,and C,gamma/beta-tocopherol,and three phenolics commonly found in alfalfa were~2.5-fold higher in pen-finished animals(all P<0.05);suggesting some concentrate feeding,or grazing plants rich in those compounds,may be beneficial.Conclusions Pasture-finishing(i.e.,grass-fed)broadly improves bison metabolic health and accumulates additional potential health-promoting compounds in their meat compared to concentrate finishing in confinement(i.e.,pen-finished).Our data,however,does not indicate that meat from pen-finished bison is therefore unhealthy.The studied bison meat—irrespective of finishing practice—contained favorable omega 6:3 ratios(<3.2),and amino acid and vitamin profiles.Our study represents one of the deepest meat profiling studies to date(>1500 unique compounds),having revealed previously unrecognized differences in animal metabolic health and nutritional composition because of finishing mode.Whether observed nutritional differences have an appreciable effect on human health remains to be determined.