Layer chicken microbiota:a comprehensive analysis of spatial and temporal dynamics across all major gut sections

Background The gut microbiota influences chicken health,welfare,and productivity.A diverse and balanced microbiota has been associated with improved growth,efficient feed utilisation,a well-developed immune system,disease resistance,and stress tolerance in chickens.Previous studies on chicken gut microbiota have predominantly focused on broiler chickens and have usually been limited to one or two sections of the digestive system,under con-trolled research environments,and often sampled at a single time point.To extend these studies,this investigation examined the microbiota of commercially raised layer chickens across all major gut sections of the digestive system and with regular sampling from rearing to the end of production at 80 weeks.The aim was to build a detailed picture of microbiota development across the entire digestive system of layer chickens and study spatial and temporal dynamics.Results The taxonomic composition of gut microbiota differed significantly between birds in the rearing and pro-duction stages,indicating a shift after laying onset.Similar microbiota compositions were observed between proven-triculus and gizzard,as well as between jejunum and ileum,likely due to their anatomical proximity.Lactobacil-lus dominated the upper gut in pullets and the lower gut in older birds.The oesophagus had a high proportion of Proteobacteria,including opportunistic pathogens such as Gallibacterium.Relative abundance of Gallibacterium increased after peak production in multiple gut sections.Aeriscardovia was enriched in the late-lay phase compared to younger birds in multiple gut sections.Age influenced microbial richness and diversity in different organs.The upper gut showed decreased diversity over time,possibly influenced by dietary changes,while the lower gut,specifi-cally cecum and colon,displayed increased richness as birds matured.However,age-related changes were inconsist-ent across all organs,suggesting the influence of organ-specific factors in microbiota maturation.Conclusion Addressing a gap in previous research,this study explored the microbiota across all major gut sections and tracked their dynamics from rearing to the end of the production cycle in commercially raised layer chickens.This study provides a comprehensive understanding of microbiota structure and development which help to develop targeted strategies to optimise gut health and overall productivity in poultry production.

Dietary copper supplementation modulates performance and lipid metabolism in meat goat kids

Forty-eight male Lezhi black goat kids with similar body weight((12.09±1.70)kg)and age((60±5)d)were used to determine the effect of dietary copper(Cu),in the form of reagent grade Cu sulfate(CuSO4∙5H2O),on performance,serum lipid profile,and the relative mRNA abundance of genes involved in lipid metabolism.Goat kids were stratified by body weight and randomly assigned to one of 4 treatment groups.Each treatment consisted of 12 replicate pens with each pen containing one goat kid.Treatment groups received the basal diet with no supplemental Cu(control),basal diet plus 10 mg of Cu kg^(-1)of dry matter(DM),basal diet plus 20 mg of Cu kg^(-1)of DM,or basal diet plus 30 mg of Cu kg^(-1)of DM.Goats were housed individually in pens and fed a high-concentrate pelleted diet for 60 d.Average daily gain,average daily feed intake and feed:gain of goats were not affected by dietary Cu supplementation(P>0.10).No differences were detected in serum total cholesterol,triglyceride,and high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations of goat kids fed with different Cu concentrations(P>0.05).However,serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations decreased linearly(P=0.01)as the concentration of dietary Cu increased.Intramuscular fat content of longissimus muscle increased(P=0.002)quadratically and liver Cu concentrations increased(P<0.001)linearly as dietary Cu concentration increased.Compared with the control,dietary supplementation of 20 mg Cu kg^(-1)DM decreased the relative mRNA abundance of fatty acid-binding protein 4(P=0.01)and lipoprotein lipase(P=0.05),and tended to decrease the relative mRNA abundance of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I(P=0.06)in longissimus muscle of goats.The relative mRNA abundance of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(P<0.001),carnitine acetyltransferase(P=0.001),and carnitine palmitoyltransferase Ⅰ(P=0.001)were also decreased in liver by Cu supplementation.These results indicate that dietary supplementation of Cu modified lipid metabolism by increasing muscular fat and decreasing serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol,and the modification might be associated with the reduction of relative mRNA abundance of genes for oxidation of long-chain fatty acid in muscle and liver of Lezhi black goat kids.

Impact of dietary fat levels and fatty acid composition on milk fat synthesis in sows at peak lactation

Background Dietary fat is important for energy provision and immune function of lactating sows and their progeny.However,knowledge on the impact of fat on mammary transcription of lipogenic genes,de novo fat synthesis,and milk fatty acid(FA)output is sparse in sows.This study aimed to evaluate impacts of dietary fat levels and FA composition on these traits in sows.Forty second-parity sows(Danish Landrace×Yorkshire)were assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments from d 108 of gestation until weaning(d 28 of lactation):low-fat control diet(3%added animal fat);or 1 of 4 high-fat diets with 8%added fat:coconut oil(CO),fish oil(FO),sunflower oil(SO),or 4%octanoic acid plus 4%FO(OFO).Three approaches were taken to estimate de novo milk fat synthesis from glucose and body fat.Results Daily intake of FA was lowest in low-fat sows within fat levels(P<0.01)and in OFO and FO sows within highfat diets(P<0.01).Daily milk outputs of fat,FA,energy,and FA-derived carbon reflected to a large extent the intake of those.On average,estimates for de novo fat synthesis were 82 or 194 g/d from glucose according to method 1 or 2 and 255 g de novo+mobilized FA/d according to method 3.The low-fat diet increased mammary FAS expression(P<0.05)and de novo fat synthesis(method 1;P=0.13)within fat levels.The OFO diet increased de novo fat synthesis(method 1;P<0.05)and numerically upregulated mammary FAS expression compared to the other high-fat diets.Across diets,a daily intake of 440 g digestible FA minimized milk fat originating from glucose and mobilized body fat.Conclusions Sows fed diets with low-fat or octanoic acid,through upregulating FAS expression,increased mammary de novo fat synthesis whereas the milk FA output remained low in sows fed the low-fat diet or high-fat OFO or FO diets,indicating that dietary FA intake,dietary fat level,and body fat mobilization in concert determine de novo fat synthesis,amount and profiles of FA in milk.

Application of Transgenic Technology in Identification for Gene Function on Grasses

Perennial grasses have developed intricate mechanisms to adapt to diverse environments,enabling their resistance to various biotic and abiotic stressors.These mechanisms arise from strong natural selection that contributes to enhancing the adaptation of forage plants to various stress conditions.Methods such as antisense RNA technology,CRISPR/Cas9 screening,virus-induced gene silencing,and transgenic technology,are commonly utilized for investigating the stress response functionalities of grass genes in both warm-season and cool-season varieties.This review focuses on the functional identification of stress-resistance genes and regulatory elements in grasses.It synthesizes recent studies on mining functional genes,regulatory genes,and protein kinase-like signaling factors involved in stress responses in grasses.Additionally,the review outlines future research directions,providing theoretical support and references for further exploration of(i)molecular mechanisms underlying grass stress responses,(ii)cultivation and domestication of herbage,(iii)development of high-yield varieties resistant to stress,and(iv)mechanisms and breeding strategies for stress resistance in grasses.

Cultured meat from muscle stem cells: A review of challenges and prospects

Growing muscle tissue in culture from animal stem cells to produce meat theoretically eliminates the need to sacrifice animals. So-called ＂cultured＂ or ＂synthetic＂ or ＂in vitro＂ meat could in theory be constructed with different characteristics and be produced faster and more efficiently than traditional meat. The technique to generate cultured muscle tissues from stem cells was described long ago, but has not yet been developed for the commercial production of cultured meat products. The technology is at an early stage and prerequisites of implementation include a reasonably high level of consumer acceptance, and the development of commercially-viable means of large scale production. Recent advancements in tissue culture techniques suggest that production may be economically feasible, provided it has physical properties in terms of colour, flavour, aroma, texture and palatability that are comparable to conventional meat. Although considerable progress has been made during recent years, important issues remain to be resolved, including the characterization of social and ethical constraints, the fine-tuning of culture conditions, and the development of culture media that are cost-effective and free of animal products. Consumer acceptance and confidence in in vitro produced cultured meat might be a significant impediment that hinders the marketing process.

Rumen-protected methionine during the peripartal period in dairy cows and its effects on abundance of major species of ruminal bacteria

Background: Extensive degradation of amino acids in the rumen via microbial deamination decreases the postruminal availability of dietary indispensable amino acids. Together with the normal decrease in voluntary dry matter intake(DMI) around parturition in dairy cows, microbial metabolism contributes to a markedly negative balance of indispensable amino acids, including methionine which may be the first-limiting for milk production. The main objective of the current study was to profile changes in major bacterial species with key functions in cel ulose and hemicel ulose digestion, xylan breakdown, proteolytic action, propionic acid production, lactate utilization and ruminal biohydrogenation in cows supplemented with rumen-protected Methionine(SM; Smartamine M, Adisseo NA, Alpharetta,GA, USA) from-23 through 30 d relative to parturition. Because ~90% of the methionine in SM bypasses the rumen,~10% of the methionine is released into the rumen and can be utilized by microbes.Results: As expected, there was an increase in overall DMI after parturition(Day, P < 0.05) during which cows consumed on average 19.6 kg/d versus 13.9 kg/d in the prepartum period. The postpartum diet contained greater concentrations of lipid and highly-fermentable carbohydrate from corn grain, which likely explains the increases in the relative abundance of Anaerovibrio lipolytica, Megasphaera elsdenii, Prevotella bryantii, Selenomonas ruminantium,Streptococcus bovis, and Succinimonas amylolytica. Despite similar DMI prepartum, cows fed SM had greater(Treatment × Day, P < 0.05) abundance prepartum of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Succinimonas amylolytica, and Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens. However, the greater DMI in cows fed SM after parturition(19.6 kg/d versus 13.9 kg/d) was associated with lower abundance of Fibrobacter succinogenes(2.13 × 10-3 versus 2.25 × 10-4) and Selenomonas ruminantium(2.98 × 10-1 versus 4.10 × 10-1). A lower abundance(Day, P < 0.05) was detected on d 20 compared with d-10 for Fibrobacter succinogenes and Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens. The relative abundance of Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus and Eubacterium ruminantium was stable across treatment and time.(Continued from previous page)Conclusions: In diets with proper balance of rumen-degradable protein and fermentable carbohydrate, the smal fraction of Methionine released from the rumen-protected supplement did not seem to compromise growth of major bacterial species in the rumen. In fact, it had a positive effect on 3 major species prepartum when DMI was similar between groups. Because the actual requirements of Methionine(and Lysine, for example) by the cow during the transition period are unknown, it appears warranted to study the rumen microbiome as it relates to supply of rumen-protected amino acids.

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of three major polyphenolic compounds in pomegranate peel: Ellagic acid, punicalin, and punicalagin

Pomegranates is abundant in polyphenols and is well-known for its antioxidant activity. Punicalagin （PG） is a major poly- phenolic compound in the pomegranate peel. In certain conditions, PG can be hydrolyzed to punicallin （PL） and ellagic acid （EA）, and PL can be further hydrolyzed to EA. PG, PL, and EA all play important roles in the antioxidant activity of pomegranate peels. This study was conducted to compare the in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo anti-oxidative stress effects of PG, PL, and EA. For the in vitro test, 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl radical （DPPH.） and superoxide anion （O2~） scavenging capacities, ferric-reducing antioxidant power （FRAP）, and lipid peroxidation （LPO） inhibition capacities of PG, PL, and EA were tested. For the in vivo test, oxidatively stressed mice, which were induced by oxidized fish oil, were administrated PG, PL or EA （10 mg kg-1 d-1） for 21 days. The results showed that the in vitro antioxidant activity trends were EA〉PG〉PL〉Trolox in scavenging DPPH., PG〉PL〉EA=Trolox in scavenging O2~, EA〉PG=PL〉Trolox in FRAP, and Trolox〉PG〉EA〉PL in LPO inhibition. In the in vivo test, the EAt＇reatment increased the average daily weight gain and total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC） in the plasma （P〈0.05）, liver （P〈0.05）, and intestine （P〈0.05） in oxidatively stressed mice. It increased the superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity in the liver （P〈0.05） and intestine （P〈0.05）. It increased the glutathi- one peroxidase （GSH-Px） activity in the intestine （P〈0.05） and the intestinal villus height to crypt depth ratio （P〈0.05）. EA treatment decreased the malondialdehyde （MDA） content in the plasma （P〈0.05）, liver （P〈0.05）, and intestine （P〈0.05） and the mRNA expressions of the pro-inflammatory factors, TNF-a （P〈0.05）, IFN-y （P〈0.05） and IL-6 （P〈0.05）. PL increased the SOD （P〈0.05） and GSH-Px activities （P〈0.05） in the intestine and decreased the MDA content （P〈0.05） and the mRNA expressions of TNF-a （P〈0.05） and IL-6 （P〈0.05） in the intestine. PG increased the SOD activity （P〈0.05） and GSH-Px activity （P〈0.05） in the intestine and decreased the MDA content in the intestine （P〈0.05） and IL-6 mRNA expression in the intestine （P〈0.05）. In summary, EA, PL, and PG all had powerful in vitro antioxidant capacities, and they had different antioxidant advantages in acting against different types of radicals; EA was more effective than PL and PG in protecting against oxidative injury in vivo, especially for intestinal injury. These findings suggest that multiple polyphenol compounds in pomegranate peel may exert superior antioxidant activity than single purified polyphenols; when using pomegranate peels as health-promoting additive in animal feed, raising EA content by methods of hydrolysis or fermentation in advance could achieve better effects.

Effect of terrain on landscape patterns and ecological effects by a gradient-based RS and GIS analysis

Terrain is an important environment factor that plays a vital role in human development by influencing the spatial layout of land use patterns. The terrain niche index, combined with slope and elevation, can comprehensively present detailed information about spatial differences in terrain and is superior to single terrain factors. We applied remote sensing and geographical information system to terrain gradient, used the non-dimensional distribution index to examine spatial distribution characteristics of various landscape types, and analyzed the ecological effects of landscape were quantitatively on terrain gradients. Eco-environment quality (EEQ) was evaluated using the forestry operation area as the evaluation unit. The spatial distributions in various landscapes were significantly influenced by terrain factors, especially by bodies of water, cropland and residential land. The spatial distribution varied greatly in different terrain gradients for similar landscape types. The areas associated with good, intermediate and poor EEQ were occupied primarily by natural landscape, semi-natural and largely artificial landscapes, respectively.

Wnt gene expression in adult porcine longissimus dorsi and its association with muscle fiber type,energy metabolism,and meat quality

This study investigated the expression profiles of Writ genes in adult porcine Iongissimus dorsi （LD） from different porcine genotypes and their associations with meat quality. The results showed that Wnt5a gene expression level was the highest in Jinhua （JHP） pigs, followed by Zhongbai （ZBP）, DurocxZhongbai （DZB）, and Duroc×Yorkshire×Landrace （DYL） pigs, with significant differences between ZBP, DZB, and DYL （P〈0.05）. This genotypic order was reversed for Wnt7a, Wnt10b, and Wnt11 expression, with JHP and DYL having the lowest and highest expressive levels, respectively. Wnt5a expression was negatively correlated with pH,5 min and ApH （P〈0.01）, some glycolytic markers （P〈0.05）, and positively correlated with meat color （a＊）, shear force （SF） value （P〈0.05）, myosion heavy chain （MyHC） I mRNA proportion （P〈0.01）, turnover ratio of creatine phosphate （CP）, and creatine kinase （CK） activity （P〈0.05）. Opposite correlations were observed for Writ2, Wnt7a, Wnt10b, and Wnt11. These results revealed that Wnt5a, Wnt7a, Wnt10b, and Wnt11 gene expressions in adult porcine muscle contributed to differences between porcine genotypes and affected pork quality. Wnt5a gene expression could be beneficial for the formation of high quality pork by regulating muscle fiber types and postmortem energy metabolism.

Influence of Hypericum perforatum Extract on Piglet Infected with Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome Virus

To study the influence of Hypericum perforatum extract （HPE） on piglets infected with porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus （PRRSV）, enzyme-labeled immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and cytopathic effect （CPE） were used to determine in vitro whether HPE could induce swine pulmonary alveolar macrophages （PAMs） to secrete IFN-γ, and whether PRRSV titers in PAMs were affected by the levels of HPE-induced IFN-γ. HPE （200 mg·kg-1） was administrated by oral gavage to piglets infected with the PRRSV in vivo to observe whether HPE affected the viremia, lung viral titers, and weight gain of piglets infected with PRRSV. The results showed that HPE was capable of inducing PAMs to produce IFN-γ in a dose dependent manner and HPE pretreatment was capable of significantly reducing PRRSV viral titers in PAMs （P〈 0.01）. Administration of HPE to the PRRSV-infected animals significantly （P〈 0.05） reduced viremia over time as compared with the PRRSV-infected animals. But there was not significant decrease in lung viral titers at day 21 post-infection between the HPE- treated animals and the PRRSV-infected control piglets. There were no significant differences in weight gain over time among the HPE-treatment animals, the normal control, and the HPE control animals. The PRRSV-infected animals caused significant （P〈 0.01） growth retardation as compared with the HPE controls and the normal piglets. It suggested that HPE might be an effective novel therapeutic approach to diminish the PRRSV-induced disease in swine.

Body condition score prior to parturition is associated with plasma and adipose tissue biomarkers of lipid metabolism and inflammation in Holstein cows

Background: Previous research has revealed a strong inflammatory response within adipose(AT) tissue during the transition into lactation. Whether this effect is a result of oxidative stress induced by lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation associated with differences in prepartum body condition score remains to be determined. The objectives of this study were to investigate systemic biomarkers of energy balance and inflammation and the expression of lipid metabolismand inflammation-related genes in AT during the transition period in dairy cows.Results: Twenty multiparous Holstein cows were retrospectively divided by body condition score(BCS) prior to parturition into two groups(10 cows/group): BCS ≤ 3.25(Lo BCS) and BCS ≥ 3.75(Hi BCS). Subcutaneous adipose tissue was biopsied from the tail-head region at d-10, 7 and 20 relative to parturition. Plasma was used to evaluate biomarkers of energy balance(EBAL) [free fatty acids(NEFA), glycerol, insulin] and inflammation [IL-1β, haptoglobin, myeloperoxidase, and reactive oxygen metabolites(ROM)]. Although insulin concentration was not affected by BCS, NEFA was overal greater and glycerol lower in HiB CS cows. Greater activity of myeloperoxidase in plasma coincided with increased haptoglobin and IL-1β postpartum in LoB CS cows.Among genes related with oxidative stress, the expression of the cytosolic antioxidant enzyme SOD1 was greater in LoB CS compared to HiB CS. Cows in LoB CS compared with HiB CS had greater overal expression of ABDH5 and ATGL along with ADIPOQ, indicating enhanced basal lipolysis and secretion of adiponectin. Expression of CPT1 A, ACADVL, and ACOX1 was greater overal in HiB CS than LoB CS indicating enhanced NEFA oxidation. Although the temporal increase in plasma NEFA regardless of BCS coincided with the profile of CPT1 A, the gradual decrease in genes related with reesterification of NEFA(PCK1) and glycerol efflux(AQP7) coupled with an increase in glycerol kinase(GK) suggested some stimulation of NEFA utilization within adipose tissue. This idea is supported in part by the gradual decrease in insulin regardless of BCS. Although expression of the inflammation-related gene toll-like receptor 4( TLR4) was greater in Hi BCS versus Lo BCS cows at-10 d, expression of TLR9 was greater in Hi BCS versus Lo BCS at 20 d.These profiles did not seem to be associated with concentrations of pro-inflammatory biomarkers or ROM.Conclusions: Overall, data indicated that cows with BCS 3.25 or lower before calving experienced greater alterations in systemic inflammation and basal lipolysis without excessive increases in NEFA plasma concentrations.Despite the greater plasma NEFA around parturition, cows with BCS 3.75 or higher seemed to have a more active system for catabolism of NEFA and utilization of glycerol within adipose tissue. A linkage between those pathways and risk of disorders postpartum remains to be determined.

Maternal supply of methionine during late-pregnancy enhances rate of Holstein calf development in utero and postnatal growth to a greater extent than colostrum source

Background: Pregnancy and early life are critical periods of plasticity during which the fetus and neonate may be influenced by environmental factors such as nutrition.Maternal methionine(Met) supply in non-ruminants during pregnancy can affect offspring development and growth.Thus,the objective of this study was to investigate if increasing Met supply during late-pregnancy affects developmental parameters of the calf at birth and if either maternal Met or colostrum from Met-fed cows alters calf growth.Calves born to Holstein cows individually-fed a basal control [CON; 1.47 Mcal/kg dry matter(DM) and 15.3% crude protein] diet with no added Met or CON plus ethylcellulose rumen-protected Met(MET; Mepron? at 0.09% of diet DM; Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH,Germany)during the last 28 ± 2 d of pregnancy were used.A total of 39 calves were in CON(n = 22 bulls,17 heifers) and 42 in MET(n = 20 bulls,22 heifers).At birth,calves were randomly allocated considering dam treatment and colostrum as fol ows: 1) calves from CON cows and colostrum from CON cows(n = 21); 2) calves from CON cows and colostrum from MET cows(n = 18); 3) calves from MET cows and colostrum from MET cows(n = 22); and 4) calves from MET cows and colostrum from CON cows(n = 20).Al calves were housed,managed,and fed individual y during the first 9 wk of life.Results: Despite greater daily DM intake pre-partum in cows fed MET(15.7 vs.14.4 ± 0.12 kg/d,P < 0.05),colostrum quality and quantity were not affected by maternal diet.At birth,MET calves had greater(P ≤ 0.05) body weight(BW,44.1 vs.42.1 ± 0.70 kg),hip height(HH,81.3 vs.79.6 ± 0.53 cm) and wither height(WH,77.8 vs.75.9 ± 0.47 cm).In contrast,concentrations of His,Lys,and Asn in plasma were lower(P ≤ 0.05) in MET calves.Regardless of colostrum source,the greater BW,HH,and WH in MET calves at birth persisted through 9 wk of age resulting in average responses of + 3.1 kg BW,+ 1.9 cm HH,and + 1.8 cm WH compared with CON.Average daily gain during the 9 wk was(P < 0.05) 0.72 ± 0.02 kg/d in MET compared with 0.67 ± 0.02 kg/d in CON calves.Respiratory scores were normal and did not differ(P > 0.05) due to maternal Met supply or colostrum source.However,fecal scores tended to be lower(P ≤ 0.10) in MET calves regardless of colostrum source.Conclusions: Increasing the maternal supply of MET during late-pregnancy enhanced growth in utero as wel as during the pre-weaning and early post-weaning periods.Although the ～ 1 kg/d greater DM intake during the last 2–3 wk prior to parturition could explain a portion of the 2 kg extra body mass of MET calves at birth,other mechanisms potential y encompassing nutrient assimilation efficiency likely played a role.Assessing the exact mechanisms sensitive to supply of Met or total amino acid supply during the latter stages of growth in utero merit further research.

Nutritional Quality of Mixed Silage of Lablab purpureus and Sweet Sorghum

[ Objective ] The paper was to evaluate the fermentation quality of mixed silage of Lablab purpureus and sweet sorghum, and to find out the appropriate mixing ratio. [ Method] L. purpureus were mixed with sweet sorghum at different proportions, to identify the sensory character and quality of silage. [ Result] The nutrient content of mixed silage of L. purpureus and sweet sorghum at different proportions decreased significantly at 30 - 60 d, while no significant changes were observed after 60 d. Mixed silage of L. purpureu.s and sweet sorghum had the best effort at the proportion of 3：7 ; followed by the proportion of 5： 5. These two proportions significantly improved dry matter （DM） content and effectively alleviated the crude protein （CP） loss of raw materials; significantly improved the contents of crude fiber and crude ash; and significantly reduce ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen （AT/TN）. [ Conclusion ] From the perspective of silage quality, the appropriate mixing ratio ofL. purpureus and sweet sorghum is 3：7 or 5：5.

Characterization and mitigation option of greenhouse gas emissions from lactating Holstein dairy cows in East China

Background:This study investigated greenhouse gas(GHG)emission characteristics of lactating Holstein dairy cows in East China and provided a basis for formulating GHG emission reduction measures.GreenFeed system was used to measure the amount of methane(CH_(4))and carbon dioxide(CO_(2))emitted by the cows through respiration.Data from a commercial cow farm were used to observe the effects of parity,body weight,milk yield,and milk component yield on CH_(4) and CO_(2) emissions.Results:Mean herd responses throughout the study were as follows:111 cows completed all experimental processes,while 42 cows were rejected because they were sick or had not visited the GreenFeed system 20 times.On average,lactating days of cows was 138±19.04 d,metabolic weight was 136.5±9.5 kg,parity was 2.8±1.0,dry matter intake(DMI)was 23.1±2.6 kg/d,and milk yield was 38.1±6.9 kg/d.The GreenFeed system revealed that CH_(4) production(expressed in CO_(2) equivalent,CO_(2)-eq)was found to be 8304 g/d,CH_(4)_(CO_(2)−eq)/DMI was 359 g/kg,CH_(4)_(CO_(2)−eq)/energy-corrected milk(ECM)was 229.5 g/kg,total CO_(2) production(CH_(4) production plus CO_(2) production)was 19,201 g/d,total CO_(2)/DMI was 831 g/kg,and total CO_(2)/ECM was 531 g/kg.The parity and metabolic weight of cows had no significant effect on total CO_(2) emissions(P>0.05).Cows with high milk yield,milk fat yield,milk protein yield,and total milk solids yield produced more total CO_(2)(P<0.05),but their total CO_(2) production per kg of ECM was low(P<0.05).The total CO_(2)/ECM of the medium and high milk yield groups was 17%and 27%lower than that of the low milk yield group,respectively.Conclusions:The parity and body condition had no effect on total CO_(2) emissions,while the total CO_(2)/ECM was negatively correlated with milk yield,milk fat yield,milk protein yield,and total milk solids yield in lactating Holstein dairy cows.Measurement of total CO_(2) emissions of dairy cows in the Chinese production system will help establish regional or national GHG inventories and develop mitigation approaches to dairy production regimes.

Interferon-γ inhibits ghrelin expression and secretion via a somatostatin-mediated mechanism

AIM- To investigate if and how the proinflammatory cytokine interferon γ （IFNγ） affects ghrelin expression in mice. METHODS： The plasma concentration of ghrelin, and gastric ghrelin and somatostatin expression, were ex- amined in wild-type mice and mice infected with Helico- bacter pylori （H. pylorO. Furthermore, ghrelin expression was examined in two achlorhydric mouse models with varying degrees of gastritis due to bacterial overgrowth. To study the effect of IFNγ, alone, mice were given a subcutaneous infusion of IFNγ, for 7 d. Finally, the influ- ence of IFNγ, and somatostatin on the ghrelin promoter was characterized. RESULTS： H. py/ori infection was associated with a 50% reduction in ghrelin expression and plasma concentration. Suppression of ghrelin expression was in- versely correlated with gastric inflammation in achlorh- dyric mouse models. Subcutaneous infusion of IFNγ, suppressed fundic ghrelin mRNA expression and plasma ghrelin concentrations. Finally, we showed that the ghrelin promoter operates under the control of soma- tostatin but not under that of IFNγ. CONCLUSION： Gastric infection and inflammation is associated with increased IFNγ, expression and reduced ghrelin expression. IFNγ, does not directly control ghre- lin expression but inhibits it indirectly via somatostatin.

Molecular Characterization of a Highly Pathogenetic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Variant in Hubei, China

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has been recognized as one of the most important pathogens of pigs throughout the world. In 2006, more than 10 provinces of China have experienced an epizootic outbreak of pig diseases characterized by high fever, reddened skin and high morbidity and mortality. From June 2006 to April 2007, we have investigated some clinical samples in Hubei province by RT-PCR and cloned several major genes, N, GP5 and NSP2 gene, shown in this study. Phylogenetic analysis of these genes revealed that the highly pathogenic PRRSV variant, ZB, was responsible for 2006 emergent outbreak of pig disease in Hubei province similar with those variants isolated from other provinces in China in 2006, and belongs to the NA-type PRRSV. In the PRRSV variants, the N and GP5 shear about 90% identity with prototypic ATCC VR-2332 and some typical NA-type Chinese isolates, except the 2850bp NSP2 gene (only shares 65% identity with ATCC VR-2332). But they all shear more than and 97% identity with other highly pathogenetic Chinese PRRSV strains. Additionally, there are extensive amino acid (aa) mutations in the GP5 protein and 2 deletions in the Nsp2 protein when compared with the previous isolates. Most of the variants found in 2006 epizootic outbreak of pig diseases in China were the farthest variants from the typical NA-type PRRSV in phylogenetic distance, and these diversities may be responsible for the differences in the pathogenicity observed between these variants and original Chinese PRRSV strains.

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.

Quantification of Antibiotic Residues and Determination of Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Microorganisms Isolated from Bovine Milk in Lebanon

The rapid growth of dairy sectors in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, led to extensive use of antibiotics to enhance the health and productivity of animals. Prolonged usage may lead to antibiotic residues in foods of animal origin;hence, the emergence of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms. Accurate data on the antibiotic usage in livestock treatment, antibiotic residues and antimicrobial resistances in raw milk in Lebanon are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the types and usages of antibiotics in cattle, their residual levels and the potential microbial resistances in raw milk samples. A questionnaire-based survey identified Gentamicin and Streptomycin as the most frequently used antibiotics. Selected raw milk samples from main dairy farms were then analyzed in duplicate by quantitative ELISA for the antibiotics residual levels. The mean residual levels of Gentamicin and Streptomycin were 90 and 80 μg/L, respectively;which are below the allowable maximum residue limit of 200 μg/L as set by the FAO/WHO. Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli and total aerobic microorganisms isolated from the milk samples were then tested for resistance against Gentamicin and Streptomycin by the disc agar diffusion method. All the S. aureus, E. coli, and L. monocytogenes isolates showed high resistance to Gentamicin. However, 95% of S. aureus, 60% of E. coli and 58% of L. monocytogenes isolates were resistant to Streptomycin. The obtained results provide evidence that antimicrobial resistant strains of the above pathogens have become remarkably widespread in raw milk. This requires better management for antibiotic usages among livestock farmers to control sources of food contamination and reduce the health risks associated with the development of resistant microbial strains.

Evaluation of fatty acid metabolism and innate immunity interactions between commercial broiler, F1 layer × broiler cross and commercial layer strains selected for different growth potentials

Background： The broiler industry has undergone intense genetic selection over the past 50 yr. resulting in improvements for growth and feed efficiency, however, significant variation remains for performance and growth traits. Production improvements have been coupled with unfavourable metabolic consequences, including immunological trade-offs for growth, and excess fat deposition. To determine whether interactions between fatty acid（FA） metabolism and innate immunity may be associated with performance variations commonly seen within commercial broiler flocks, total carcass lipid %, carcass and blood FA composition, as wel as genes involved with FA metabolism, immunity and cel ular stress were investigated in male birds of a broiler strain, layer strain and F1 layer × broiler cross at d 14 post hatch. Heterophil：lymphocyte ratios, relative organ weights and bodyweight data were also compared.Results： Broiler bodyweight（n = 12） was four times that of layers（n = 12） by d 14 and had significantly higher carcass fat percentage compared to the cross（n = 6; P = 0.002） and layers（P = 0.017） which were not significantly different from each other（P = 0.523）. The carcass and whole blood FA analysis revealed differences in the FA composition between the three groups indicating altered FA metabolism, despite al being raised on the same diet. Genes associated with FA synthesis andβ-oxidation were upregulated in the broilers compared to the layers indicating a net overal increase in FA metabolism,which may be driven by the larger relative liver size as a percentage of bodyweight in the broilers. Genes involved in innate immunity such as TLR2 and TLR4, as wel as organel e stress indicators ERN1 and XBP1 were found to be nonsignificant, with the exception of high expression levels of XBP1 in layers compared to the cross and broilers. Additional y there was no difference in heterophil： lymphocytes between any of the birds.Conclusions： The results provide evidence that genetic selection may be associated with altered metabolic processes between broilers, layers and their F1 cross. Whilst there is no evidence of interactions between FA metabolism, innate immunity or cel ular stress, further investigations at later time points as growth and fat deposition increase would provide useful information as to the effects of divergent selection on key metabolic and immunological processes.

Detection of Beta-Lactamase and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase of Pathogens Isolated from Pig and Chicken and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Test

The antibacterial activity of beta-lactam antibiotics or their combinations with inhibitor sulbactum against non-lactamase- producing strains, lactamase-producing and ESBLs-producing isolates was evaluated with twofold dilution method after pathogens isolated from pigs and chickens were detected, respectively, for beta-lactamase and extended-spectrum beta- lactamases （ESBLs）, The results revealed that most of 43 clinically isolated strains could produce beta-lactamase and 3 strains of shigella isolated from chicken samples produced ESBLs. All of 30 lactamase-producing strains isolated and only one of 16 non-lactamase-producing strains were resistant to amoxicillin and ampicillin. MICs of ampicillin against lactamaseproducing isolates decreased 10-40 and 10-20 times respectively, when it was conbined with sulbactam at ration of 1：2 and 1：4. All clinical isolates were susceptible to third-generation cephalosporins. The MICs of third-generation cephalosporins against lactamase-producing isolates did not change when they were conbined with sulbactam. MICs of ceftiofur and ceftriaxone against ESBLs-producing isolates decreased 2-4 times when they were conbined with sulbactam.