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.

This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters and evaluate genetic correlations between temperament and facial hair whorl traits with productive, reproductive, and carcass traits in Canchim beef cattle. Phenotypic records from animals born between 2013 and 2022 were analyzed. Temperament was assessed using behavioral scores (movement, tension, breathing, vocalization), reactivity measured by accelerometers, and flight time, while facial hair whorls were characterized by presence, number, position, and height. Productive, reproductive, and carcass traits included body weights, scrotal circumference, and ribeye area at different ages. Genetic parameters were estimated using single- and two-trait animal models. Heritability estimates ranged from low to high (0.09 to 0.67), indicating sufficient additive genetic variability for all trait groups. Favorable genetic correlations were observed between body weight traits and temperament measures, particularly vocalization and flight time, as well as between ribeye area and reactivity flight time. Scrotal circumference at 12 and 18 months of age showed moderate to high genetic correlations with facial hair whorl traits, especially whorl number and position. These results indicate that selection for productive and reproductive traits can lead to indirect improvements in temperament. Moreover, pre-selection for the absence of facial hair whorls, combined with selection for body weight and scrotal circumference, may promote favorable genetic gains in temperament, supporting their inclusion in Canchim breeding programs.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the digestible energy of Zanthoxylum bungeanum leaves (ZBL) and effects on sow reproductive performance. In experiment 1, a total of 24 sows (parity 3) on day 60 of gestation were used in a 10-day total fecal collection study to determine the digestible energy of ZBL. In experiment 2, a total of 60 sows (parity 3) on day 30 of gestation were used in a performance study which lasted until day 28 of post-farrowing when the piglets were weaned. The study comprised two dietary treatments: the basal diet (CON group) and the 4% ZBL diet (ZBL group). The digestible energy of ZBL was determined to be 13.78 MJ/kg. Dietary supplementation with 4% ZBL had no significant effect on litter size, number of live-born piglets, number of healthy piglets, litter weight at birth, or individual birth weight in sows (p>0.05). The concentration of fat in milk was higher in the ZBL group than in the CON group (p<0.05). On lactation day serum blood urea nitrogen was elevated on lactation day in the ZBL group (p<0.05), and glucose concentration was higher on weaning day in the ZBL group than in the CON group (p<0.05). Total antioxidant capacity increased (p<0.05) and malondialdehyde decreased (p<0.05) on lactation day, while catalase activity was higher (p<0.05) on weaning day in the ZBL group than in the CON group. At the genus level, 4% ZBL elevated (p<0.05) the relative abundances of Escherichia-Shigella, Cellulosilyticum, norank_f_Erysipelotrichaceae, Fecalibacterium, Adlercreutzia and Akkermansia, and reduced (p<0.05) those of Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Bacteroides. The digestible energy of ZBL for sows was 13.78 MJ/kg. Dietary supplementation with 4% ZBL partially enhanced antioxidant status and modulated fecal microbiota, but had no effect on the sow reproductive performance.

Compared with commercial laying hens, indigenous chicken breeds generally exhibit lower reproductive performance. This study aims to elucidate the impact of abdominal fat deposition on the reproductive performance of indigenous chickens, providing a theoretical basis for the breeding of high-yielding chickens. A pure-bred dam line selected from Wannan yellow chickens at their 60 wks of age (1200 hens at their F8 generation) was used for abdominal fat thickness measurement by colored ultrasound and divided the hens into two groups (HF for high abdominal fat thickness, and LF for low abdominal fat thickness). Egg production was recorded individually and compared in two connective generations. Blood lipid concentration, hatchability, and lipid synthesis related genes in each tissue were determined. The abdominal fat and skin thickness was significantly higher in the HF group than that of the LF group. Egg production showed no significant difference before 40 wks of age, while significantly lower in HF than that of the LF in the two generations at 60 wks of age. Abdominal fat thickness between 0.4 to 1.0 cm showed highest egg production. The embryo healthy rate was significantly reduced in the HF group. Serum VLDL was significantly higher in HF than that of the LF at all detecting stages. The expression of fatty acid synthesis related genes showed no significant difference in liver and ovary in the two groups, while the expression of ACACB, ITGAV and ZC3H12A was significantly lower in HF group than that of the LF group. The increased abdominal fat thickness of Wannan yellow chickens decreased the egg production and hatchability in the late laying period (60 wks). Fatty acid synthesis related genes expressed in abdominal fat, but not liver, responsible for fat deposition in abdomen at the late 60 wks of age in chicken.

This study aimed to develop a new type of extruded compound feed, characterize its rumen degradation parameters and investigate the effects on growth performance, diet digestibility, rumen fermentation and bacterial communities of fattening cattle. To determine the optimal ratio, we measured key nutritional components and ruminal degradability using in situ nylon bag technology. Subsequently, 36 fattening cattle (618.0 ± 23.3 kg) were randomly assigned to the control group (CON) and the extruded compound feed group (EXP), with 18 cattle per group. The feeding experiment lasted 60 d. As corn content increased in the extruded compound feed, the effective degradability of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased (p = 0.056). When the proportions of peanut vine: corn: urea were 65:30:5, the effective degradability of NDF reached the highest value of 27.3%. This extruded compound feed was used in the subsequent feeding experiment. The EXP group had higher average daily feed intake (CON vs. EXP: 16.0 kg vs. 17.2 kg, respectively, p < 0.001) and average daily gain (CON vs. EXP: 1.51 kg vs. 1.72 kg, respectively, p < 0.001). The feeding profit per head of fattening cattle in the EXP group was 7.1 US dollars higher than that in the CON group. The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (CON vs. EXP: 37.7% vs. 59.2%, respectively, p < 0.001) and Prevotella_1 (CON vs. EXP: 16.0% vs. 36.1%, respectively, p < 0.001) in the rumen of cattle fed the extruded compound feed was increased. These results revealed that the optimal ratio of peanut vine: corn: urea was 65:30:5, which was the most effective and economical formulation. The extruded compound feed is a promising feedstuff, which could effectively improve rumen fermentation and growth performance in fattening cattle.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Rhynchosia nulubilis powder (RNP) processed by different drying methods on the physicochemical and textural properties of emulsified pork model sausages (EPMSs). RNP was prepared by freeze-drying (FP), oven-drying (OP), or obtained as a commercial powder (CP), and incorporated into EPMSs at levels of 1.0% and 3.0%. A control without added protein (CTL) and a reference formulation containing soy protein isolate (REF) were included for comparison. Product pH, color, water-holding capacity (cooking loss and expressible moisture), proximate composition, and texture profile parameters were evaluated. RNP addition influenced pH, color, water-holding capacity, and textural characteristics of EPMSs. FP- and OP-treated samples exhibited reduced cooking loss and expressible moisture compared with CTL and CP, indicating improved water-holding capacity, particularly at the 3.0% level. Protein content slightly increased in RNP-treated groups, with the highest values observed in the 3.0%-FP treatment. Redness decreased, while yellowness increased with RNP addition, depending on processing method and concentration. Textural properties, including hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness, were enhanced in FP and OP treatments, whereas CP showed limited improvements. The results demonstrate that RNP processed by freeze- or oven-drying effectively enhances the quality and functional properties of EMPSs. Properly processed RNP may serve as a promising non-meat protein ingredient for improving water retention and texture in processed meat products.

Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharide (PGP) extracted from Platycodon grandiflorum, which has the advantages of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and no side effects on the organism. This study evaluated whether dietary PGP alleviate weaning-induced intestinal dysfunction in piglets. A total of 18 newly weaned piglets (6.46 ± 0.31 kg) were allocated to 3 treatments (n=6/group) for a 28-day feeding trial. he control group (CON) received a basal diet, while the L-PGP and H-PGP groups were supplemented with 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg PGP, respectively. On day 28, piglets were electrically stunned and euthanized by exsanguination; spleen, liver, and colon samples were collected to assess inflammatory/antioxidant markers, barrier-related genes, and colonic microbiota. The supplementation of PGP increased the average daily gain (ADG) (P<0.05) , and reduced the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) of weaned piglets. In addition, PGP significantly reduced the expression of splenic IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-4 (P<0.05). This effect was associated with significantly upregulated mRNA levels of the key tight junction proteins Occludin, ZO‑1, and Claudin‑1 in the colonic mucosa and tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression levels of PKC, Nrf2 and KEAP1 in the colonic tissue of weaned piglets were significantly increased in the H-PGP (P < 0.05). More importantly, H-PGP supplementation increased the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, while decreasing the abundance of Proteobacteria. Moreover, Spearman correlation analysis revealed that SCFA-producing commensal genera (Faecalibacterium) were negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokines and signaling genes, but positively correlated with antioxidant genes. Conversely, the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella was negatively correlated with the mRNA expression of PKC, Nrf2, and Keap1(P<0.05). PGP can alleviate the weaning stress in piglets, by modulating the colonic microbiota and enhancing systemic anti-inflammatory capacity and intestinal barrier function.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chickpea powder (CPP) drying method (freeze-drying and oven-drying) and concentration (1.0% and 1.5%) on the quality characteristics of CPP-containing emulsified model sausages (EMSs). With increasing consumer interest in functional and plant-based ingredients, CPP was investigated as a potential alternative to soy protein isolate (SPI), which is commonly used in meat formulations. CPP was prepared by freeze-drying (FD) or oven-drying (OD) at 60℃ and incorporated into EMSs at levels of 1.0% and 1.5%. A control without added protein (CTL) and a reference formulation containing soy protein isolate (REF) were included for comparison. Product pH, color, water-holding capacity (cooking loss and expressible moisture), proximate composition, and texture profile parameters were evaluated. The addition of CPPs influenced the pH, water-holding capacity, and textural properties of EMSs. The EMSs containing 1.5% oven-dried CPP showed the highest pH, the lowest cooking loss (CL) and expressible moisture (EM), and superior textural attributes, including hardness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, and cohesiveness. Color changes were moderate, with redness decreasing and yellowness increasing with CPP concentration, particularly when using oven-dried CPP. No difference in fat content and only minor differences in protein content were found across treatments. Overall, the CPP-treated EMSs showed comparable or improved performance relative to the SPI-treated reference-group EMSs. Both the drying method and concentration of CPP markedly affect EMS quality. Oven-dried CPP at 1.5% was especially effective in enhancing water retention and textural integrity, suggesting its viability as a functional plant-based protein ingredient in emulsified meat products.

Sertoli cells are somatic cells located within the seminiferous tubules that play a critical role in spermatogenesis through various mechanisms, such as paracrine signaling and the formation of the blood-testis barrier. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a member of the evolutionarily conserved sirtuin family, is an NAD⁺-dependent class III histone deacetylase. SIRT1 involvement has been documented in multiple key biological processes; however, its role in Sertoli cells remains unknown. In this study, yak Sertoli cells were isolated, and the impact of SIRT1 on cell viability and its related regulatory mechanisms was investigated using RNA interference (RNAi). The findings revealed that after SIRT1 knockdown, the viability and function of yak Sertoli cells were significantly impaired. Transcriptome sequencing revealed a significant impact on mitochondrial structure following SIRT1 knockdown. Further studies demonstrated that knockdown of SIRT1 in yak Sertoli cells led to significant downregulation of genes related to mitochondrial morphology, reduced membrane potential, decreased mitochondrial gene expression, and diminished ATP synthesis capacity. The PGC-1α-NRF-1-TFAM pathway, a key signaling cascade in mitochondrial biogenesis, was inhibited after SIRT1 knockdown. Overexpression of PGC-1α in SIRT1-knockdown yak Sertoli cells rescued the decline in cell viability and impaired mitochondrial biogenesis to some extent. These findings indicate that SIRT1 regulates mitochondrial biogenesis in yak Sertoli cells by activating the PGC-1α-NRF-1-TFAM signaling pathway, thereby maintaining cellular viability. The present study preliminarily elucidates the regulatory role and mechanism of SIRT1 in yak Sertoli cells, providing fundamental data and new insights for further research on the function of SIRT1 in reproductive regulation in yaks.

Cloacal inflammation in laying ducks, often accompanied by prolapse, poses a major threat to animal welfare, productivity, and intestinal health. However, its underlying molecular and metabolic mechanisms remain largely unclear. Histological examination, transcriptomic sequencing, and metabolomic profiling were performed on cloacal tissues and contents from inflamed and healthy laying Pekin ducks. Cross-omics integration was used to identify coordinated molecular and metabolic changes. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed a loose and disorganized structure of the cloacal sphincter in inflamed Pekin ducks. Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes enriched in immune signaling, inflammatory response, and epithelial repair pathways. Metabolomic profiling revealed significant alterations in taurine- and lipid-related metabolic pathways. Integrated analysis highlighted coordinated changes between immune-related genes (COL6A3, SPARC, PPEF1, HSD17B2, and KCNG2) and key metabolites including Hydroxytyrosol-Ac, Phytol, GG-alcohol, MeCys-SO, Thiazoline, and PEA-glu. These findings provide a multi-omics view of cloacal inflammation in laying Pekin ducks and identify host-metabolite interactions potentially involved in immune activation and epithelial barrier dysfunction.