3D genome organization and its study in livestock breeding

Eukaryotic genomes are hierarchically packaged into cell nucleus,affecting gene regulation.The genome is organized into multiscale structural units,including chromosome territories,compartments,topologically associating domains(TADs),and DNA loops.The identification of these hierarchical structures has benefited from the development of experimental approaches,such as 3C-based methods(Hi-C,ChIA-PET,etc.),imaging tools(2D-FISH,3D-FISH,Cryo-FISH,etc.)and ligation-free methods(GAM,SPRITE,etc.).In recent two decades,numerous studies have shown that the 3D organization of genome plays essential roles in multiple cellular processes via various mechanisms,such as regulating enhancer activity and promoter-enhancer interactions.However,there are relatively few studies about the 3D genome in livestock species.Therefore,studies for exploring the function of 3D genomes in livestock are urgently needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of potential relationships between the genome and production traits.In this review,we summarize the recent advances of 3D genomics and its biological functions in human and mouse studies,drawing inspiration to explore the 3D genomics of livestock species.We then mainly focus on the biological functions of 3D genome organization in muscle development and its implications in animal breeding.

Characterisation of Smallholder Multiple Livestock Species Production Systems in Parts of Lake Victoria Crescent of Central Uganda

A cross-sectional study of 150 purposively selected multiple livestock species farmers was conducted in Central Uganda aimed at distinguishing between mixed and integrated livestock systems. Performance and operational-based challenges misconstrued to cause incorrect comparison between the two systems were considered. Ten multiple-livestock species system with five ruminant species-based and five monogastric species-based combinations were categorised. Poultry, pig, fish, goats and sheep kept in both the 3 and 4-species combinations were considered. Over 80% of the families are male dominated, smallholder and occupying > 1.0 Ha of land. Exotic and crossbred breeds were adopted away from less productive and noncommercial local species. Mixed monogastric-fish systems with monogastric species dominated (P 1000) stock per farm. Stalls dominate pig management systems with 15% of the farmers upgraded to commercial level with (>50) stock per farm. Ineffective livestock policies contribute to inefficient performance of 55% of livestock farmers. In conclusion, mixed livestock systems should be upgraded to integrated livestock systems with input resource synergy for improved production and sustainability.

First molecular identification of multiple tick‑borne pathogens in livestock within Kassena‑Nankana,Ghana

The risk of pathogen transmission continues to increase significantly in the presence of tick vectors due to the trade of livestock across countries.In Ghana,there is a lack of data on the incidence of tick-borne pathogens that are of zoonotic and veterinary importance.This study,therefore,aimed to determine the prevalence of such pathogens in livestock using molecular approaches.A total of 276 dry blood spots were collected from cattle(100),sheep(95)and goats(81)in the Kassena-Nankana Districts.The samples were analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction(qPCR)and conventional assays and Sanger sequencing that targeted pathogens including Rickettsia,Coxiella,Babesia,Theileria,Ehrlichia and Anaplasma.An overall prevalence of 36.96%was recorded from the livestock DBS,with mixed infections seen in 7.97%samples.Furthermore,the prevalence of infections in livestock was recorded to be 19.21%in sheep,14.13%in cattle,and 3.62%in goats.The pathogens identified were Rickettsia spp.(3.26%),Babesia sp.Lintan(8.70%),Theileria orientalis(2.17%),Theileria parva(0.36%),Anaplasma capra(18.48%),Anaplasma phagocytophilum(1.81%),Anaplasma marginale(3.26%)and Anaplasma ovis(7.25%).This study reports the first molecular identification of the above-mentioned pathogens in livestock in Ghana and highlights the use of dry blood spots in resource-limited settings.In addition,this research provides an update on tick-borne pathogens in Ghana,suggesting risks to livestock production and human health.Further studies will be essential to establish the distribution and epidemiology of these pathogens in Ghana.

Ethnopharmacological Assessment of Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Livestock Ailments by Resource-Limited Farmers in the Eastern Cape Province

Medicinal plants play a major role in meeting people’s medical and health needs, especially in developing countries. However, due to a lack of access to modern veterinary facilities, poor visibility of animal health personnel, and high prices of orthodox medicines, most farmers rely on traditional healers and the administration of medicinal plants to treat livestock ailments. The present study was conducted to document Ethnopharmacological knowledge of medicinal plants used to manage livestock ailments in three rural communities of the Eastern Cape. This study was carried out in three rural communities between July 2009 and February 2010. Data were collected by administering pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires and participative field observations. For the interviews, a sample of 48 knowledgeable respondents was purposively selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, determination of information consensus factor, and fidelity level. A total of 12 medicinal plants belonging to 9 families were used by local people to cure different ailments. A high number of medicinal plants were claimed by males compared to females. Roots and barks were the major plant parts used, and the least were leaves (27.3%). Six plants were used to treat diarrhea and fertility, five plants to treat wounds, and two plants to treat scabs. This study has shown that Eastern Cape flora is rich with various plants which could be used to replace orthodox drugs. Further studies are needed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations, biological activities, and toxicities and characterize the plant’s chemical compounds.

Recovery Status and Livestock Use of a Kenyan Montane Forest a Decade after Cessation of Human Encroachment

Montane forest ecosystems support biodiversity and provide varied ecosystem services to adjacent and downstream human communities. However, human-induced disturbances are common in many of these ecosystems, threatening their capacity to sustain their functions. This study assessed the status of woody vegetation and livestock use of a Kenyan montane forest 10 years after government-sanctioned cessation of human encroachment. The findings can inform suitable interventions that support recovery of abandoned forest settlements subjected to continuous anthropogenic disturbances. Selected woody vegetation attributes and livestock disturbance indicators were assessed across three human-driven disturbance regimes (light, moderate and heavy) using stratified-systematic sampling technique. Data on the extent of community dependence on forest grazing were collected from 381 randomly selected forest adjacent households using semi-structured questionnaires. Information on the palatability of plants to livestock was obtained from Focus Group Discussions. Vegetation data were analyzed using linear mixed models, while descriptive analysis was applied on household survey data. A total of 33 woody plant species belonging to 22 families were identified, out of which 55% were perceived to be unpalatable to livestock. Species richness, species diversity, stem density and basal areas declined significantly with increasing levels of disturbance. Specifically, these attributes were 59% - 98% lower in heavily disturbed sites than in moderately and lightly disturbed sites. A vast majority (88%) of the sampled households grazed their livestock in the forest throughout the year. Evidence from this study indicates that intense past and ongoing anthropogenic disturbances caused significant negative effects on the forest vegetation condition, and lowered its capacity to recover. Forest managers should prioritize minimizing recurrent anthropogenic disturbances as the forest recovers to ensure successful succession and sustainable provision of ecosystem services.

Utilisation of Non-Conventional Animal Waste as Feeds by Multiple Livestock Species Farmers in Lake Victoria Crescent of Central Uganda

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to establish the utilisation of non-conventional animal waste in multiple livestock species systems. Farmers (150) were selected from four out of ten districts of Central Uganda in Lake Victoria Crescent. A structured questionnaire was used and descriptive analysis showed that over 80% are smallholder farmers on 3.0) years. Household husbands (80%) significantly (P 1.0) as they cause poor livestock health due to pathogens, parasites and toxins which are associated (OD > 1.0) with poor growth, mortality and condemnation of livestock products. The remedy to unsafe non-conventional feeds is to apply effective solar-heating (75%), chemical and ensiling treatment methods. The study showed that there are no significant (P < 0.001) public health risks associated with utilising treated non-conventional feeds instead it improves production and sustainability of multiple livestock species systems.

Role and Effects of Eucommia ulmoides Leaves in the Growth Process of Livestock and Poultry

Substitutes of feed antibiotics have been a key research topic in the new stage of animal husbandry.Chinese veterinary medicine refers to decoction pieces and their preparations processed from natural plants,animals,and minerals and used for animal disease prevention and improvement of animal production performance under the guidance of Chinese veterinary pharmacy theory.Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract has many active functional components such as chlorogenic acid,E.ulmoides polysaccharides and flavonoids,which have many biological properties such as antibacterial,antioxidant,immune-regulation,sugar ester-and bone metabolism-regulation effects.This paper explored active ingredients and biological properties of E.ulmoides leaf extract,as well as its role and effects in livestock and poultry breeding,providing a scientific basis for the use of E.ulmoides leaves in livestock and poultry breeding.

Supplemental feeding on rangelands:new dynamics of the livestock in the El Ouara rangelands in southern Tunisia

Fodder production in arid rangelands has been traditionally considered as the main source of nutrition for livestock.However,the production of these fodder may be influenced by some socio-economic and climatic factors.This study aims to identify the various rangeland use forms and determine the types of livestock feeding system in the El Ouara rangelands of Ben guarden District in southern Tunisia by analysing the importance of supplemental feeding and main determinants of this practice.Data were collected by a survey that targeted a sample of 50 breeders in the El Ouara rangelands.Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data.The results showed that there are two types of association practiced by breeders:“Cherka”association practiced by 10.00% of breeders and cash payment association practiced by 53.00% of breeders.Then,transhumance,sedentary,and semi-urban forms are the main ways in which breeders use the rangelands.There are four livestock feeding systems in the El Ouara rangelands being used to feed livestock:natural rangeland,rangeland-based,mixed,and concentrate-based feeding systems.Supplemental feeding has become fundamental for the livestock feeding system in the El Ouara rangelands.The breeders with the largest camel size still use the natural rangeland feeding system,while the breeders who have the largest herd size practice the mixed feeding system.The logistic regression results reveal that breeder age,cereal area,herd size,migrant remittance,second activity,and agricultural development group membership can significantly impact the supplemental feeding.In summary,this study can help policy-makers plan innovative practices based on climatic change,ensure the sustainability of livestock feeding system,and make effective decisions for local development.

江苏省4类主要秸秆和畜禽粪便空间分布及综合利用潜力研究

为明晰江苏省农业废弃物资源分布格局并进行利用潜力评估,推进农业废弃物资源化利用,助力农业全面绿色转型,本研究借助GIS构建数据批处理模型,测算各区县水稻、小麦、玉米和油菜4种作物的秸秆和猪、牛、羊、家禽4种畜禽的粪便产生量,及其在肥料化、能源化方面的利用潜力理论值,并结合热点分析结果为江苏省农业废弃物综合利用提供政策建议。结果表明:2020年江苏省4种主要作物秸秆可收集总量高达3972.00万t,以水稻和小麦秸秆为主,集中分布在江苏北部和中部。分析其肥料化利用潜力,理论上相当于1511.89万t有机碳、12.04万t N、1.59万t P、24.49万t K,能源化理论上相当于1617.52万t标准煤或6.5×10^(9)m^(3)沼气;江苏省4种主要畜禽粪便产生总量为4560.77万t,家禽粪便与猪粪最多,主要分布在东部边界和西北部地区。分析其肥料化利用潜力,理论计算相当于737.00万t有机碳、31.15万t N、29.86万t P和26.89万t K,能源化利用可折算成1036.95万t标准煤或4.9×10^(9)m^(3)沼气;99%置信度下,江苏省有10个秸秆产生热点县、7个畜禽粪便产生热点县和5个秸秆-畜禽粪便双热点县。秸秆产生热点县应根据主要秸秆种类选择直接还田、制作饲料、生产农副产品和食用菌等合适的利用方向。畜禽粪便产生热点县适于开展以粪污处理为核心的循环利用模式。秸秆-畜禽粪便双热点县则具有利用种养结合构建多层次、多元化、综合化利用格局的重要优势。此外,江苏省应根据资源聚集情况,分层、分类布设资源收集处理中心,并同步优化全省的收储运网络。

芳香中药在动物健康养殖中的研究与应用

多年来,动物生产中滥用抗生素等药物给人类健康带来了严重威胁,着眼于提高动物机体健康水平或将成为未来畜禽水产业可持续发展的方向。芳香中药通常指以挥发性物质为主要有效成分具有芳香气味的中药材及其提取物,具有抗菌、抗炎、增强免疫等作用。近年来,很多研究都在探讨芳香中药作为饲用替抗产品的潜力,文章综述了芳香中药的作用机制及其动物生产中的研究进展,并分析了芳香中药与动物健康养殖的关系及芳香中药当前存在的问题,对其发展前景进行了展望。文章旨在总结芳香中药目前的研究状况,为芳香中药在畜禽、水产健康养殖及饲料工业等方面的研究提供参考意见。

饲用微生态制剂的研究进展及应用

近年来,随着“限抗令”的实施,更多的饲用替抗产品被研发并投入使用,微生态制剂即为其中之一。饲用微生态制剂以其维持肠道菌群平衡、提高免疫力等功效跻身饲用替抗产品行列。文中着重论述了微生态制剂的分类、作用机理和在养殖业的应用,为今后的饲料添加剂的研发应用提供理论基础。

噬菌体裂解酶在畜禽生产中的应用研究进展

畜禽生产中抗生素的长期、大量不规范使用,导致细菌耐药性问题日益严重,给畜禽细菌性疾病的预防和治疗带来极大困难,甚至已经威胁到公共卫生安全。噬菌体裂解酶是噬菌体编码的一种肽聚糖水解酶,能够高效、特异地杀灭细菌且具有抗生物被膜活性,已经成为一种新型抗菌药物,逐渐被纳入细菌尤其是耐药菌感染的治疗策略。畜禽生产中,噬菌体裂解酶已经成功应用于金黄色葡萄球菌、链球菌等革兰阳性菌引起的畜禽细菌性疾病的防控与治疗中,其在大肠杆菌、沙门菌等革兰阴性菌上的应用尚处于体外研究阶段。笔者对噬菌体裂解酶的结构特点、作用机制及其在畜禽生产中的应用进行综述,探究噬菌体裂解酶在畜禽生产中的应用现状及前景,以期为噬菌体裂解酶更进一步地应用于防控和治疗细菌性疾病提供参考。

有机负荷率对厌氧颗粒污泥处理畜禽养殖废水效能的影响探究

针对高浓度畜禽养殖废水厌氧处理效率低,构建了外循环厌氧反应器(EGSB),开展了进水有机负荷率(OLR)对EGSB处理畜禽养殖废水过程内污染物去除效能及颗粒污泥形成规律的影响,并解析相关作用机制。结果表明进水OLR提高至9.0 kg/(m^(3)·d),COD、氨氮及总磷去除维持在91.2%~95.3%、89.6%和76.9%,产气及甲烷产率分别提高至4.64~4.94 L/(L·d)和2.96~3.40 L/(L·d)。适宜提高OLR提高了污泥颗粒化,在工况III内,污泥浓度提高至6.1~6.5 g/L,大粒径污泥质量浓度增加。OLR提高增加了颗粒污泥内胞外聚合物(EPS)含量,并影响了EPS内蛋白质/多糖比值。此外,OLR能影响EGSB内微生物群落特征,且当OLR为9.0kg/(m^(3)·d)时,Firmicutes、Bacteroidetes和Proteobacteria是主要的门级别微生物,且相对丰度分别高达25.6%、16.5%和15.2%。研究结果为畜禽养殖废水高效处理提供一定理论依据。

畜禽养殖场臭气治理技术研究进展

随着我国畜禽养殖规模逐渐扩大,畜禽养殖场产生的臭气问题日渐突出。在畜禽养殖过程中,养殖场的臭气主要来源于畜禽粪尿、畜禽自身排出气体、饲料残渣、污水、堆肥间等,臭味大多与氨气、硫化氢、吲哚、粪臭素等相关,其中含量较多的成分是氨气和硫化氢,会对生态环境和人体健康甚至畜禽本身产生严重危害,因此对畜禽养殖场臭气的治理迫在眉睫。针对养殖场臭气治理,可采用源头减排、过程控制和末端治理三大途径,从异位和原位进行臭气控制:异位控制是通过物理、化学和生物法对已经释放的臭气进行末端控制;原位控制是通过一些饲料添加剂对畜禽体内进行调控,从而实现过程控制和源头减排臭气,以此减轻养殖场臭气产生的危害。本文基于国内外养殖场臭气治理的相关研究,系统梳理了养殖场臭气的治理技术,并分别对各个技术进行了相关典型案例分析,为养殖场臭气治理的研究提供了一定的技术参考。

蒙脱石调控肠道菌群研究进展

蒙脱石是一种多用途的铝硅酸盐类黏土,通过表面吸附、静电吸附和分子间作用力,可去除饲料和养殖动物肠道中的真菌毒素、重金属和细菌,被广泛应用于饲料行业。肠道菌群对维持宿主的生长发育、促进营养吸收和协助免疫应答等生理功能发挥方面至关重要。蒙脱石在调控动物肠道菌群方面也有突出作用,蒙脱石散是典型例证。为此本文系统性地梳理蒙脱石在人类、小鼠、畜禽和水产动物应用过程对肠道菌群的影响情况,旨在为蒙脱石调控肠道菌群,改善宿主生理功能和健康养殖提供理论依据。

虾青素在禽畜养殖中的功效及应用研究进展

虾青素是一种酮式类胡萝卜素,因特殊的化学结构而具有极强的抗氧化性。目前,虾青素作为一种高效、安全的饲料添加剂,具有抗氧化、增强免疫力、缓解炎症等生物学功能,在水产、禽畜养殖中具有广阔的应用前景。本文综述了虾青素的结构特性、来源和在禽畜养殖中的应用效果,以期为虾青素在禽畜养殖中更广泛地应用提供理论参考。

畜禽动物油甘油二酯的酶法制备及应用研究进展

1,3-甘油二酯(diacylglycerol,DAG)是公认的安全食品,在人体中的代谢途径不同于甘油三酯,具有提高人体新陈代谢水平以及预防肥胖和心血管疾病等功效。然而,天然DAG在食用油中的质量分数不及10%,因此,近年来高纯度DAG的制备受到了广泛关注。与化学法相比,酶法因绿色、安全、选择性高等优点成为了油脂工业制备DAG的首选。畜禽动物油具有特殊的风味和一定的营养价值,但其高饱和脂肪、高胆固醇和高熔点等理化特征致使其在食品工业的利用受到了极大限制。鉴于此,合成畜禽动物油DAG成为了实现畜禽动物油高值化利用的一种有效途径。本文综述了酶法制备畜禽动物油DAG的研究现状及其潜在的应用价值,以期为畜禽动物油DAG的酶法加工及高值化利用提供一定的思路。

偏好异质性、农户参与式方案创设与养殖废弃物资源化利用——来自养殖户种养结合的选择实验

生态补偿政策构成的农业环境方案对于废弃物资源化利用具有激励作用,但现行补偿政策方案可能存在推广瓶颈,突破瓶颈的关键在于了解农户的政策选择偏好。以养殖废弃物肥料化还田为例,通过选择实验法构建了由4个政策属性组合而成的备选政策情境,结合江苏省346户生猪养殖户实验数据,运用Mixed Logit模型检验了补偿政策的选择偏好及协同互补效应。结果表明:(1)养殖户对选择实验方案中的服务类、收入类和价格类补偿政策的偏好程度更高,而对于技术支持类补偿政策不具备明显偏好;(2)养殖户环保认知与风险特征是上述政策偏好异质性的重要来源,风险偏好型和环保认知水平高的养殖户对各类补偿政策方案的接受意愿更高;(3)技术支持、外包服务同收入类、价格类补偿政策之间呈现显著的互补性。根据“重视多元化补偿,强化正协同效应”原则,本文创设了针对养殖废弃物还田利用的推广方案,旨在优化和完善现行的生态补偿政策体系,打好相关政策措施的“组合拳”。

畜禽粪肥中抗生素残留对土壤微生物及抗性基因的影响分析研究进展

简述了施用集约化养殖的畜禽粪肥对农田土壤造成不利影响的抗生素残留水平和种类,并结合抗生素检测方法的发展对国内外农田土壤抗生素残留现状进行分析。探究了抗生素对土壤微生物菌群的影响,揭示了抗生素抗性基因(ARGs)对农田土壤的潜在风险。最后展望了未来应深入了解土壤微生物和ARGs之间的作用机理,从而为管控抗生素的负面环境影响提供科技支撑。

基于文献计量学的畜禽养殖废水处理研究现状及发展趋势

为全面了解畜禽养殖废水领域的研究进展,利用VOSviewer对Web of Science(WoS)核心合集数据库中2003—2023年畜禽养殖废水相关文献进行统计及可视化分析,通过关键词聚类分析,了解该领域的研究主线及多年变化。结果显示:畜禽养殖废水研究领域近3年发文量增长迅猛,截至2023年发文量已达4117篇,中国、美国学者对该领域研究的贡献度较高且合作密切;有机物、营养物质、致病菌、重金属和抗生素为畜禽养殖废水处理的主要污染物,其中,重金属和抗生素近年来引起了较多的关注,加强畜禽养殖废水中抗生素的监管与处理具有紧迫性;在时间尺度上的映射发现,畜禽养殖废水主要以生物处理技术为主,关键词microalgae-based wastewater treatment(微藻驱动废水处理)的平均出现年份为2022年,表明其为当前畜禽养殖废水处理的新兴技术。此外,还从污染物种类、处理技术方面探讨了畜禽养殖废水处理研究的不足及未来发展趋势,提出基于可持续发展观的低能耗、抗冲击、高附加值的处理技术可能是未来的研究重点,应在此基础上开发新的水处理技术及应用研究。