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.

Yak meat is highly prized for its distinctive flavor profile; however, the underlying causes of flavor variation among different muscle types remain poorly understood. This study aimed to systematically investigate the differences in flavor precursors, metabolic enzyme activities, gene expression, and volatile flavor compounds among three key muscles longissimus thoracis (LT), Triceps brachii (TB), and Semimembranosus (SM) of the Tianzhu white yak, and to elucidate the intrinsic regulatory mechanisms. A comprehensive approach was employed, integrating targeted metabolomics, untargeted metabolomics, flavoromics, real-time quantitative PCR, and histochemical staining to systematically compare the biochemical characteristics of the three muscles. The results demonstrated that the TB muscle exhibited superior flavor attributes. It was enriched with key flavor precursors, including monounsaturated fatty acids (C14:1, C20:1), free amino acids (glutamic acid, glutamine, arginine), and total amino acids (P＜0.05). Concurrently, the expression of key lipogenic genes (FASN, ELOVL4, SREBP1) was significantly higher in the TB muscle(P＜0.05). Flavoromics analysis further confirmed that the TB muscle contained a greater diversity and higher relative abundance of key flavor compounds, such as aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols(P＜0.05). Sensory evaluation also indicated stronger sweet and fruity flavors in the TB muscle. Untargeted metabolomics linked this superior flavor profile to the significant enrichment of metabolic pathways, including arginine and proline metabolism and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. This study reveals that flavor enhancement in yak meat arises from the synergistic upregulation of lipid synthesis genes, which promotes the accumulation of flavor precursors. This provides ample substrates for the Maillard reaction and lipid oxidation to generate volatile compounds. These findings offer a crucial theoretical foundation for yak meat quality assessment, molecular breeding, and precision processing.

This study aimed to investigate the meat quality attributes and expression patterns of meat quality-regulating genes of two Indian indigenous sheep breeds. Meat quality indicators and expression patterns of four candidate genes (CAST, CAPN, CEBPB, SCD), involved in meat tenderness, intramuscular fat (IMF) and fatty acid (FA) composition in the longissimus dorsi muscle of healthy rams of Nellore (n=4) and Deccani (n=4) sheep breeds aged between 9-12 months, were measured. The Nellore breed exhibited lower cooking loss, pH, moisture, and shear force, and higher protein. The Nellore breed exhibited higher crude protein content (p<0.05), while the Deccani breed showed higher crude fat content (p<0.05) and moisture (p<0.05). Further, fatty acid composition varied among breeds, with the Deccani breed exhibiting a healthier profile than the Nellore breed. Relative expression of the CAST, SCD and CEBPB genes was 5.51, 3.04, and 3.08-fold higher in the Deccani breed (p<0.05) compared to the Nellore breed, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between gene expression and meat quality traits. The IMF and FA composition demonstrated a strong positive correlation (p<0.05) with CEBPB and SCD expression. Moreover, in the Nellore breed, WBSF exhibited a strong negative correlation (p<0.05) with CAPN expression. This study demonstrated clear differences between the two sheep breeds evaluated under extensive feeding systems. The Deccani breed offers superior IMF and flavour potential, along with a high amount of desirable fatty acids. Conversely, the Nellore breed's balanced proteolytic activity and leaner composition made it favourable for tenderness.

In modern swine breeding, there has been a shift from maximizing productivity to improving quality to enhance overall efficiency. A key goal is achieving a balance between litter size and piglet birth weight. This study focused on Danish Large White pigs and aimed to evaluate a novel placental efficiency (PEA) index based on placental area (PA) as a biologically relevant and measurable trait for breeding programs. The study integrated genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to explore the genetic relationship and potential causal direction between the proposed PEA index and piglet birth weight (BW). The investigation was conducted using data from 113 piglets. Analysis revealed a significant positive causal effect of PEA on birth weight. Nine significant SNPs and eight candidate genes (MARVELD3, CMTR2, TLE7, CHST4, TAT, ZNF23, CALB2, PHLPP2) were identified. Functional enrichment analysis indicated these genes synergistically regulate placental function: TAT is involved in amino acid metabolism and energy homeostasis; CALB2 may influence trophoblast signaling and placental vascular function via calcium regulation; CHST4 participates in extracellular matrix modification at the maternal-fetal interface; MARVELD3 contributes to placental barrier maintenance; CMTR2 and TLE7 are involved in RNA modification and transcriptional regulation; ZNF23 may regulate cell cycle and differentiation; and PHLPP2 influences cell survival and metabolic adaptation via AKT signaling. These mechanisms collectively form a regulatory network that enhances placental endothelial activity, optimizes nutrient allocation, and positively impacts birth weight. This study clarifies, from a genetic perspective, the causal relationship between PEA and BW. The proposed PEA index is presented as a reliable tool for evaluating placental spatial utilization efficiency in polytocous animal breeding. It offers new genetic insights and a potential approach for improving litter viability.

This study aimed to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of dietary glycerol monodecanoate (GMD) supplementation on gastrointestinal inflammation and oxidative stress in Yanbian cattle fed a high-concentrate diet. Thirty Yanbian cattle were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CON) fed a basal high-concentrate diet, and a treatment group (C10) fed the same basal diet supplemented with 60 g/cattle/day GMD. Following a 10-day adaptation period, the experiment lasted 90 days. Collected samples (serum, rumen epithelium, abomasum, ileal mucosa) were analyzed for the following: gastrointestinal morphology (rumen and ileum); inflammatory, antioxidant, and oxidative stress indices (serum, rumen, and ileum); ghrelin-related indices (serum and abomasum); and host transcriptomes (rumen and ileum). GMD supplementation significantly reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor‑α and interleukin‑1β (IL‑1β) in serum and rumen, as well as IL‑1β in the ileum. It also alleviated oxidative stress, as indicated by reduced reactive oxygen species in serum, rumen, and ileum. Concurrently, GMD enhanced antioxidant capacity by elevating levels of reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzymes. Beneficial trends in gastrointestinal morphology were noted in the C10 group, including increased ruminal papillae height and a higher ileal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio. Furthermore, the C10 group exhibited enhanced ghrelin acylation, with increased total ghrelin, acylated ghrelin and ghrelin O‑acyltransferase activity in both serum and abomasum. Transcriptomic analysis of the C10 group compared to the CON group revealed tissue-specific protective mechanisms: in the rumen epithelium, pro‑inflammatory pathways including NF‑κB signaling were significantly suppressed, accompanied by down‑regulation of genes such as IL1B and CXCL2; the ileal mucosal response was dominated by marked up‑regulation of GSTA1. GMD supplementation can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in Yanbian cattle fed a high-concentrate diet. These effects may involve activation of the ghrelin acylation and tissue-specific modulation of transcriptional programs in the rumen and ileum.