This study aimed to investigate the impact of oxidative stress on muscle fiber type distribution in bovine myotubes and to evaluate the protective role of resveratrol (RES) through the Akt/FoxO signaling pathway. Bovine myotubes were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress, with or without RES co-treatment. Analyses included metabolic and antioxidant enzyme activities, real-time quantitative PCR, and western blotting to assess fiber-type markers, mitochondrial biogenesis genes, and Akt/FoxO pathway components. Oxidative stress decreased slow myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression and increased fast MyHC expression, reduced activities of oxidative enzymes (SDH, MDH) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px, CAT), and elevated lactate dehydrogenase activity and malondialdehyde content. It also inhibited the Akt/FoxO pathway and downregulated mitochondrial biogenesis genes (NRF-1, TFAM, ATP6). RES treatment significantly attenuated these changes. Activation of Akt with SC79 similarly counteracted oxidative stress-induced fiber-type transformation. Oxidative stress promotes a slow-to-fast muscle fiber shift in bovine myotubes by suppressing the Akt/FoxO pathway and mitochondrial biogenesis. RES alleviates this transformation by reactivating Akt/FoxO signaling and enhancing cellular antioxidant capacity.

The objective of this investigation was to study the potential effect of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-circHECA on the differentiation of SHF stem cells into hair follicle lineage along with possible molecular mechanisms in cashmere goats. The effect of m6A-circHECA on the differentiation of SHF stem cells into hair follicle lineage were assessed through its knockdown in SHF stem cells of cashmere goats. The functional significance of m6A modification in circHECA functional exertion was confirmed through transfecting m6A deficient mutants in circHECA knockdown SHF stem cells. The competitively bindings of miR-449a-5p with m6A-circHECA and 3'-untranslated region of LEF1 mRNA was investigated using Dual-luciferase reporter assay. The m6A-circHECA exhibited significantly higher expression in SHF stem cells after differentiation than that before differentiation. Moreover, m6A-circHECA facilitated the differentiation process of SHF stem cells into hair follicle lineages. Mechanismly, m6A-circHECA sequestering miR-449a-5p to enhance the expression abundance of LEF1 gene in SHF stem cells, thereby activating the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. We further demonstrated that the m6A modification within circHECA is necessary for the miR-449a-5p/LEF1 mediated Wnt/β-catenin pathway to promote the differentiation process of SHF stem cells into hair follicle lineages via introducing of m6A-deffcient mutant of circHECA. The m6A-circHECA facilitates the differentiation of SHF stem cells into hair follicle lineage through miR-449a-5p/LEF1 mediated Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cashmere goats.

Improving nitrogen (N) efficiency in dairy production systems is important due to environmental concerns and the economic cost of dietary protein. A substantial proportion of dietary N consumed by lactating dairy cows is not converted into milk protein and is instead excreted in urine and consequently manure. Advances in protein nutrition have shifted feeding strategies from CP-based approaches toward metabolizable protein and, more recently, amino acid (AA)-based systems designed to better match absorbed AA supply with animal needs. This review synthesizes current knowledge on AA nutrition in lactating dairy cows, with emphasis on the biological regulation of milk protein synthesis, identification of limiting AA, and opportunities to improve N utilization efficiency through more precise diet formulation. Absorbed AA originate primarily from microbial protein synthesized in the rumen and rumen-undegraded feed protein digested postruminally, and the relative contribution of these sources influences both the quantity and profile of AA available for metabolism. Milk protein synthesis is regulated not only by AA supply but also by energy availability, endocrine signaling, and tissue nutrient partitioning. Among individual AA, methionine, lysine, and histidine are most consistently associated with limitations to milk protein synthesis in dairy cows under common feeding conditions. Evidence indicates that balancing diets for these AA can increase milk protein yield, improve feed N conversion into milk N, and allows reductions in dietary crude protein without compromising production. However, practical implementation of AA-based feeding strategies remains constrained by limitations in predicting microbial protein synthesis and postruminal AA supply. Nutritional models provide useful tools for evaluating AA adequacy, but prediction errors and biological variability require that model outputs be interpreted alongside production responses and metabolic context. Overall, improved alignment of AA supply with metabolic demand represents a key strategy for enhancing productivity while reducing environmental N losses in dairy production systems.

The objective was to determine energy and phosphorus (P) digestibility of feed ingredients fed to Jeju Island native pigs (JINP) and Landrace×Yorkshire (LY) pigs. In experiment 1, digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) in the 5 ingredients were measured in 12 JINP (30.9±3.3 kg) and 12 LY barrows (52.3±2.8 kg). A corn-soybean meal-based diet and 5 experimental diets containing each test ingredient were used. Twelve pigs of each breed were allotted to a replicated 6×5 incomplete Latin Square design with 6 diets and 5 periods. In experiment 2, standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P in the 5 ingredients were measured using 12 JINP (66.8±9.3 kg) and 12 LY barrows (42.8±4.4 kg). Five experimental diets were prepared with each test ingredient as the sole P source, and a P-free diet was also formulated. The design structure was identical to that in experiment 1. No interactions between breed and ingredient were observed for DE and ME. The DE and ME of the 5 feed ingredients differed regardless of pig breed (p<0.001) whereas breed effects were not observed in DE and ME of the test ingredients. The interaction between breed and ingredient was observed in ME:DE (p = 0.014) but not in DE:GE or ME:GE. No interaction was observed between breed and ingredient for the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) or STTD of P. The breed effect was observed in the ATTD of P in the test ingredients (p<0.001), but not in the STTD of P. The ATTD and STTD of P in the 5 feed ingredients differed regardless of breed (p<0.001). No difference was observed in energy and P digestibility between JINP and LY pigs. Furthermore, the ranking of energy and P digestibility among ingredients was similar for both JINP and LY pigs.

Zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanospheres possess excellent biocompatibility and hold great promise for biomedical applications. Among the tested concentrations, 1 mmol/L ZnSe exhibited the most pronounced protective effects, suggesting its potential as an optimal additive for boar semen cryopreservation. In this study, ZnSe nanospheres were syn-thesized via a hydrothermal method using Na₂SeO₃ and Zn(CH₃COO)₂ as precursors, with hydrazine hydrate and glucose serving as the reducing agent and additive, re-spectively. This study further evaluated the effects of ZnSe nanospheres on the cryo-preservation of porcine semen. Ejaculates with a motility of ≥70% were collected from six healthy boars, pooled, and mixed with cryopreservation solutions containing dif-ferent concentrations of ZnSe nanospheres (control, 0.1 mmol/L, 1 mmol/L, 10 mmol/L). Post-freezing and thawing, assessments were conducted on sperm motility parameters, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, antioxidant enzyme activities, and re-active oxygen species levels. The results demonstrated that the phase composition and morphology of the samples were systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, confirming their high-purity zincblende crystal structure. Supplementation with 1 mmol/L ZnSe significantly improved post-thaw sperm motility, acrosome integrity, and plasma membrane integrity. Moreover, 1 mmol/L ZnSe markedly enhanced the total antioxidant capacity, catalase, and super-oxide dismutase activities, while reducing malondialdehyde concentrations and intra-cellular reactive oxygen species levels. Taken together, these results indicate that sup-plementation with 1 mmol/L ZnSe in the cryopreservation diluent effectively improves post-thaw sperm quality and antioxidant capacity, offering a promising strategy for optimizing porcine semen cryopreservation.

This study aimed to evaluate the gel and structural properties of pork myofibrillar protein gels (MPGs) with faba bean protein isolate (FBPI) at various salt concentrations. Myofibrillar protein gels (MPGs) were prepared with or without 1 % FBPI under three salt concentrations (0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 M), resulting in six treatments. Gel strength, viscosity, and cooking yield were measured. In addition, microstructure, surface hydrophobicity, sulfhydryl group, and SDS-PAGE were analyzed to examine the effects of FBPI and salt concentration on the gel and structural properties of MPGs. MPGs with 1.0% FBPI had a higher cooking yield, gel strength, protein surface hydrophobicity, and shear stress values than the control groups. The addition of FBPI resulted in more homogenous MPGs with a denser surface compared to the control groups. No interactions in functional properties between FBPI addition and salt concentration were observed, except for gel strength. MPGs at a 0.45 M salt concentration showed a higher cooking yield and hydrophobicity and fewer sulfhydryl groups than those at a 0.15 M salt concentration. The shear stress values at a 0.45 M salt concentration dramatically increased compared to those at 0.15 M and 0.30 M. Furthermore, higher salt concentrations (0.45 M salt) resulted in fewer cavities and a more compact three-dimensional structure. Higher salt concentrations might improve the rheological properties of MPGs and influence the effects of FBPI on the viscosity and protein patterns. These findings suggested that controlling salt concentration and FBPI level could be an effective strategy to enhance the gelation and structural characteristics of meat protein systems.

To study the effects of different concentrations of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) on sperm motility and viability, structural integrity, antioxidant capacity and metabolic enzyme activity after frozen semen of sheep, and to evaluate the expression of differential proteins. Semen samples were collected from six Dorper rams, pooled, and subsequently divided into four groups. Glutathione peroxidase was added to the cryoprotectant solution at concentrations of 0, 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 units per liter, respectively. Following thawing, sperm motility, viability, and kinematic parameters were assessed, along with acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity, DNA integrity, mitochondrial activity, antioxidant status, metabolic enzyme activity, and proteomic profiles. Adding 1.6 U/L GSH-Px to the freezing extender significantly enhanced the motility and viability of sperm after freeze-thaw, as well as the integrity of the acrosome, plasma membrane and DNA. The activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly increased. The oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly reduced, and the activities of metabolic enzymes including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were also decreased. Proteomic analysis identified 150 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Western blotting verification confirmed the upregulation of G1 to S Phase Transition 1 (GSPT1), ribosomal protein L11 (RPL11), as well as the downregulation of annexin A2 (ANXA2) expression. Supplementation of the cryopreservation extender with 1.6 U/L glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) significantly improves post-thaw ovine sperm quality, as evidenced by enhanced structural integrity, elevated total antioxidant capacity, and attenuated oxidative stress-induced damage.

The Licha black pig (LC) is a Chinese indigenous breed that is nationally protected, recognized for its superior meat quality and strong environmental adaptability. However, the population has experienced a rapid decline due to extensive crossbreeding with commercial lines. Understanding the genetic basis of economically important traits is crucial for conservation and genomic improvement. Whole-genome resequencing was performed on 120 LC pigs and combined with genomic data from 285 pigs representing 32 global populations, including wild boars, commercial breeds, and other Chinese indigenous pigs. Population structure was investigated using phylogenetic trees, principal component analysis, ADMIXTURE and TreeMix analysis. Selection signatures were identified through four complementary approaches (FST, θπ ratio, XP-CLR, and Tajima's D). Candidate genes were examined through functional enrichment analysis, protein structure prediction, and cross-referencing with trait association and tissue-specific expression databases. Phenotypic data on body size and teat number were also collected in LC pigs for targeted genotype-phenotype analysis. Phylogenetic analyses showed clear stratification among global pig populations, with Chinese indigenous breeds significantly separated by the Qinling-Huaihe Line. LC pigs formed a distinct genetic cluster between northern Chinese and European breeds. Selective sweep analyses identified several candidate genes under positive selection, including SOCS6 and ATP2B4 (skeletal muscle development), RASAL2 (adipogenesis), and DOCK2 (male fertility). Trait-focused analyses identified ZNRF3 as a major locus for body size, with a missense mutation (g.46228935G>A; Gln→Arg) predicted to influence Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Signals of selection in ADGRB3, a gene potentially involved in teat patterning and mammary gland vascularization, were associated with variation in teat number. Our genomic analyses provide new insights into the genetic architecture of economically important traits and environmental adaptation in the LC. These findings provide a foundation for genomic-informed selective breeding and present valuable molecular tools for the genetic improvement and sustainable utilization of this indigenous genetic resource.

Genomic selection (GS) has become an indispensable tool in the beef cattle industry, offering the potential to significantly enhance genetic gain and prediction accuracy by integrating genomic, pedigree, and phenotypic information to estimate genomic breeding values. Hanwoo cattle (HC) are valued in the Korean Peninsula, for their exceptional marbling and distinct flavor. Thus, genetic improvement breeding programs for Hanwoo have been undertaken to improve beef production and profitability, emphasizing particular focus on carcass and meat quality traits. The success of a breeding program that incorporates genomic information in HC is largely dependent on prediction accuracy, thereby making genomic prediction (GP) essential for accelerating genetic gain. Hence, breeders must recognize the superiority of GS and choose the most suitable prediction model based on the genetic architecture and biological nature of the trait of interest. Several GP methods have already proven superior performance regarding carcass and meat quality traits compared to the traditional pedigree-based best linear unbiased prediction method. Consequently, no alternative approaches exist for breeders to accelerate the innovative development of Hanwoo beef cattle to GS. The main objective of this review is to provide an overview of the application of GP methods in improving the ultimate meat quality of HC. Furthermore, this review presents the transversal analysis of interest in GS for Hanwoo breeders regarding the selection of best prediction methods for specific traits. This review literature is expected to serve as a significant resource for future exploitation of Hanwoo's potential in the Korean beef industry.

High-qulity Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) semen yields calves with better genetics, significantly enhancing farm profits. However, the repeated use of this semen can reduce heterozygosity and genetic diversity in the Hanwoo population, potentially compromising parentage verification accuracy. This study was conducted to analyze large-scale microsatellite (MS) marker data to evaluate the heterozygosity of Hanwoo cows and the discriminatory power of the MS marker set currently used for parentage verification. The study involved Hanwoo cows from farms participating in the Hanwoo cow improvement project, utilizing MS marker data from 778,544 heads collected for parentage verification since 2012. Heterozygosity (HObs), expected heterozygosity (HExp), polymorphism information content (PIC), and the inbreeding coefficient within populations (FIS) were estimated using R version 4.3.3 and Cervus version 3.0.7. The results showed average values of HObs, HExp, and PIC were 0.771, 0.768, and 0.736, respectively. Heterozygosity by marker suggested a gradual decrease in variability for most markers post-2010. After 2010, the analysis of over 10,000 animals led to a decrease in variance of sample statistics, improving the accuracy of estimates. The FIS values suggest that the population is approaching Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and that inbreeding risk is being effectively managed through planned breeding programs. To assess trends in genetic differentiation over time, we grouped individuals by birth year (2001-23) and calculated pairwise genetic differentiation values. The values ranged from 0.0003 to 0.0081, indicating low genetic differentiation and suggesting temporal genetic stability. This study shows that the Hanwoo population has high genetic diversity and low fixation, and that the current MS marker set remains reliable for future parentage verification.