Black Goats Research Articles

Study on effect of feeding Moringa oleifera leaf powder on weight gain of growing female black Bengal goat under intensive system of management

Study on effect of feeding Moringa oleifera leaf powder on weight gain of growing female black Bengal goat under intensive system of management

Exploring the reticulo-ruminal motility pattern in goats through medical barium meal imaging technology.

The motility pattern of the reticulo-rumen is a key factor affecting feed intake, rumen digesta residence time, and rumen fermentation. However, it is difficult to study reticulo-ruminal motility using general methods owing to the complexity of the reticulo-ruminal structure. Thus, we aimed to develop a technique to demonstrate the reticulo-ruminal motility pattern in static goats. Six Xiangdong black goats (half bucks and half does, body weight 29.5 ± 1.0 kg) were used as model specimens. Reticulo-ruminal motility videos were obtained using medical barium meal imaging technology. Videos were then analyzed using image annotation and the centroid method. The results showed that reticulo-ruminal motility was divided into primary (stages I, II, III, and IV) and secondary contraction, and the movements of ruminal digesta depended on reticulo-ruminal motility. Our results indicated common motility between the ruminal dorsal sac and ruminal dorsal blind sac. We observed that stages I (3.92 vs. 3.21 s) (P < 0.01), II (4.81 vs. 4.23 s) (P < 0.01), and III (5.65 vs. 5.15 s) (P < 0.05); interval (53.79 vs. 50.95 s); secondary contraction time (10.5 vs. 10 s); and were longer, whereas stage IV appeared to be shorter in the bucks than in the does (7.83 vs. 14.67 s) (P < 0.01). The feasibility of using barium meal imaging technology for assessing reticulo-ruminal and digesta motility was verified in our study. We determined the duration of each stage of reticulo-ruminal motility and collected data on the duration and interval of each stage of ruminal motility in goats. This research provides new insights for the study of gastrointestinal motility and lays a solid foundation for the study of artificial rumen.

Genetic characterization and selection of litter size traits of Guizhou Black goat and Meigu goat.

The aim of this study is to explore the genetic characteristics of Guizhou Black goats and Meigu goats and their relationship to reproductive performance through population structure analysis, genetic diversity assessment, and selection signal analysis. Blood samples of 19 Guizhou Black goats and 11 Meigu goats were collected for whole-genome high-throughput sequencing. Using PCA and ADMIXTURE analyses, their population structure and genetic relationships were revealed. Further genetic diversity analysis showed that although there is significant population differentiation, the levels of genetic diversity are similar. Subsequently, these goats were categorized into high-yield and low-yield groups based on their litter sizes, with 15 goats in each group. Then, a selection signal analysis was performed using FST and π ratios for 33,563 SNP loci. The results identified six candidate genes, including KCNIP4, GFRA2, and DGKH, which are significantly associated with high litter performance. These findings enhanced our understanding of the genetic characteristics and population structure of Guizhou Black goats and Meigu goats. Moreover, they provide an important theoretical foundation and scientific basis for further breeding improvements.

Evaluation of Shaeffer’s formula and regression methods for predicting the live body weight of Salem black goats

Evaluation of Shaeffer’s formula and regression methods for predicting the live body weight of Salem black goats

Whole-genome sequencing identified candidate genes associated with high and low litter size in Chuanzhong black goats.

The reproductive performance of goats significantly influences breeding efficiency and economic returns, with litter size serving as a comprehensive indicator. Despite this, research on the genetic control of litter size remains limited. Therefore, we aimed to explore the candidate genes affecting fecundity and compared the whole-genome sequences (WGS) of 15 high-litter (HL) and 15 low-litter (LL) size in Chuanzhong black goats. Then genetic diversity and genomic variation patterns were analyzed by phylogenetic, principal component and population genetic structure analysis, it was found that HL and LL subpopulations diverged. Population evolutionary selection elimination analysis was performed by Fst and θπ resulted in 506 genes were annotated in HL and 528 genes in LL. These genes were mainly related to Hippo signaling pathway, G protein-coupled signaling pathway, G protein-coupled receptor activity, cell surface receptor signaling pathway, gonadal and reproductive structure development. According to the significantly selected genomic regions and important pathways, we found that the g.89172108T > G variant locus in the exon of the AMH gene was significantly associated with litter size (P < 0.05), which could be used as an auxiliary selection gene for the high fertility of Chuanzhong black Goat.

Effect of diluters on frozen semen production of Black Bengal Goat

The present study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of three diluters (Triladyl, Andromed and Tris) for the production of frozen semen in Black Bengal goat and their effect on conception rate. Over the course of 6 months, data from six bucks were collected. Each collected sample was diluted with Triladyl, Andromed and Tris diluter, filled into 0.50 ml straws, sealed and equilibrated at 5℃ for freezing. The motility, viability and morphology were evaluated after dilution and in every step of cryopreservation (after equilibration, after freezing and after thawing). It became clear that motility and sperm viability of the frozen thawed semen differed significantly (p&lt;0.05) but differed insignificantly (p&gt;0.05) immediate after dilution among the diluters. The motility of frozen thawed semen was 42.50%±1.71, 34.67%±1.67 and 28.71%±1.55 in Triladyl, Andromed and Tris diluter, respectively. The viability of frozen thawed semen was 40.51%±1.78, 32.24%±1.52 and 26.84%±1.56 in Triladyl, Andromed and Tris diluter, respectively. In case of morphology, it differed insignificantly (p&gt;0.05) among the diluters in every step of cryopreservation. Higher percentage of normal spermatozoa was found in Triladyl based diluter (87.11%) in frozen thawed semen. After 15 days of sample preparation, the motility of prepared sample was again checked to ensure the quality of frozen semen in liquid nitrogen (LN). It differed insignificantly (p&gt;0.05) with frozen thawed semen after 24 hours of production. The obtained conception rate was 38% for Triladyl, 35% for Andromed and 27% for Tris diluter. The results of the study revealed that cryopreservation of buck semen revealed good results with Triladyl diluter followed by Andromed and Tris diluter. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (4): 105-113

Effect of diluters on frozen semen production of Black Bengal Goat

The present study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of three diluters (Triladyl, Andromed and Tris) for the production of frozen semen in Black Bengal goat and their effect on conception rate. Over the course of 6 months, data from six bucks were collected. Each collected sample was diluted with Triladyl, Andromed and Tris diluter, filled into 0.50 ml straws, sealed and equilibrated at 5℃ for freezing. The motility, viability and morphology were evaluated after dilution and in every step of cryopreservation (after equilibration, after freezing and after thawing). It became clear that motility and sperm viability of the frozen thawed semen differed significantly (p&lt;0.05) but differed insignificantly (p&gt;0.05) immediate after dilution among the diluters. The motility of frozen thawed semen was 42.50%±1.71, 34.67%±1.67 and 28.71%±1.55 in Triladyl, Andromed and Tris diluter, respectively. The viability of frozen thawed semen was 40.51%±1.78, 32.24%±1.52 and 26.84%±1.56 in Triladyl, Andromed and Tris diluter, respectively. In case of morphology, it differed insignificantly (p&gt;0.05) among the diluters in every step of cryopreservation. Higher percentage of normal spermatozoa was found in Triladyl based diluter (87.11%) in frozen thawed semen. After 15 days of sample preparation, the motility of prepared sample was again checked to ensure the quality of frozen semen in liquid nitrogen (LN). It differed insignificantly (p&gt;0.05) with frozen thawed semen after 24 hours of production. The obtained conception rate was 38% for Triladyl, 35% for Andromed and 27% for Tris diluter. The results of the study revealed that cryopreservation of buck semen revealed good results with Triladyl diluter followed by Andromed and Tris diluter. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (4): 105-113

Relationship Between Growth Hormone Gene Polymorphism with Milk Production and Its Components in Black Iraqi Goat

Local black goat are raised for the purpose of milk production. The goal of the current study was to identify the growth hormone gene's single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPS). Additionally, the effect of the GH gene SNP on the milk qualities of Iraqi black goat was evaluated. DNA was extracted from blood samples of 28 goat. A segment with a length of 330 bp in the third intron and the fourth exon of the GH gene was analyzed. Bioinformatics software was used to analyze the results. The results showed the presence of three genotypes (TT, TC, CC) at position 263 of the studied plot with a frequency of 0.36, 0.21, and 0.43, respectively. The local breed was characterized by a decrease in observed heterozygosity (21.43%). However, the expected heterozygosity was 50.65%. Low heterozygosity may indicate the presence of inbreeding within the same herd. Haplotypes network revealed a genetic relationship between the local Iraqi goat and the Egyptian goat. As well as the existence of a genetic relationship at a lower level with the Indian goats. From Tajima's D test and Fu's Fs (1.547 and 1.428), the results led to a rise in inbreeding. In milk production, energy, and the amounts of protein. The analysis of the data using bioinformatics tools predicted the effects of identified the genotypes in which the amino acid was not altered, and this is where the mutation was found. There is a relationship between the genetic polymorphism of the growth hormone gene and the production of milk and its components. The CC genotype was superior in milk production, energy, and the amounts of protein and fat over the TC and CC combinations.

Evaluating the Growth Performance of Black Bengal Goats in Coastal Sundarban of West Bengal

Evaluating the Growth Performance of Black Bengal Goats in Coastal Sundarban of West Bengal

Are there any differences on the quality attributes of pre - and post-rigor chevon?

The present study was conducted to find out whether pre-rigor and post-rigor state has significant impact on quality attributes of chevon. For this 10 Longissimus dorsi muscles from five Black Bengal goats were collected. Fresh chevon were considered as pre-rigor sample and other five samples were preserved at 4ºC counted as post-rigor samples. Independent t-test was used for analyses the data. The findings demonstrated that among physicochemical characteristics, rigor state had no discernible (p&gt;0.05) impact on water holding capacity (WHC) and cooking loss (CL). However, post-rigor chevon drip loss was substantially higher (p&lt;0.05) than pre-rigor chevon drip loss whereas pH value was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in pre-rigor chevon. Higher CIE a*, b*, Hue angle values were found in post-rigor than pre-rigor chevon. Post-rigor chevon had substantially better (p&lt;0.05) flavor, tenderness, texture and general acceptability. On the contrary, pre-rigor chevon's TVC, TCC and TYMC microbial count values were all substantially higher (p&lt;0.05) than those of the post-rigor chevon. So, it can be sum up that, there are notable differences between pre-rigor and post-rigor chevon in a number of physicochemical and sensory properties. Despite having less drip loss of pre-rigor chevon, post-rigor chevon is more palatable and less contaminated by microbes.

Effect of age on follicular dynamics of goat ovaries

Reproductive aging is influenced by a gradual decline in both the quantity and quality of oocytes found within ovarian follicles. In mammals, fertility relies heavily on the health of oocyte reserves, the dynamics of follicular development, and the functioning of the ovaries. This study aimed to investigate the impact of age on the follicular dynamics of goat ovaries. A total of 40 ovaries of Black Bengal goats were obtained from a local slaughterhouse and sorted into four age groups: 6-12 months, 13-15 months, 18-21 months, and 22-24 months. Subsequently, the ovaries were treated, and follicles were assessed through visually and histologically. The findings revealed that nearly all parameters, including weight, length, and width, of both ovaries in the 18-21 months age group were insignificantly different (p&gt;0.05) from the other age groups. Histologically, the number of normal primordial and primary follicles was also insignificantly higher (p&gt;0.05) in goats aged 18-21 months compared to the other age groups. Conversely, the quantity of secondary follicles significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) with age, but in terms of antral follicles, a quadratic trend was observed, where they increased up to a certain age and then declined. Additionally, the results showed that the number of degenerated primary and antral follicles was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in the ovaries of 22–24-month-old goats, while the number of degenerated secondary follicles was insignificantly higher (p&gt;0.05) compared to the remaining age groups. In conclusion, age had an effect on the follicular dynamics of goat ovaries, suggesting that ovaries from goats aged 18-21 months, sourced from slaughterhouses, hold potential for quality follicles and oocytes that can be valuable for further research. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (4): 88-97

Effect of age on follicular dynamics of goat ovaries

Reproductive aging is influenced by a gradual decline in both the quantity and quality of oocytes found within ovarian follicles. In mammals, fertility relies heavily on the health of oocyte reserves, the dynamics of follicular development, and the functioning of the ovaries. This study aimed to investigate the impact of age on the follicular dynamics of goat ovaries. A total of 40 ovaries of Black Bengal goats were obtained from a local slaughterhouse and sorted into four age groups: 6-12 months, 13-15 months, 18-21 months, and 22-24 months. Subsequently, the ovaries were treated, and follicles were assessed through visually and histologically. The findings revealed that nearly all parameters, including weight, length, and width, of both ovaries in the 18-21 months age group were insignificantly different (p&gt;0.05) from the other age groups. Histologically, the number of normal primordial and primary follicles was also insignificantly higher (p&gt;0.05) in goats aged 18-21 months compared to the other age groups. Conversely, the quantity of secondary follicles significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) with age, but in terms of antral follicles, a quadratic trend was observed, where they increased up to a certain age and then declined. Additionally, the results showed that the number of degenerated primary and antral follicles was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in the ovaries of 22–24-month-old goats, while the number of degenerated secondary follicles was insignificantly higher (p&gt;0.05) compared to the remaining age groups. In conclusion, age had an effect on the follicular dynamics of goat ovaries, suggesting that ovaries from goats aged 18-21 months, sourced from slaughterhouses, hold potential for quality follicles and oocytes that can be valuable for further research. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (4): 88-97

Effects of extreme high and low environmental temperature in Bangladesh perspective on clinical parameters in goats

In this study, Black Bengal (BB) goats' physiological characteristics were examined in relation to high and low ambient temperatures. The investigation was carried out throughout the winter months (November- February) and the summer months (April- July). Twelve experimental Black Bengal goats of either sex was used in this experiment and were aged between 2-3 years old with a body weight of 18 to 23 kg. A digital hygrometer and thermometer installed in the animal shed were used to record the daily temperature in the surrounding air and relative humidity to compute the temperature-humidity index (THI). Physiological parameters (respiratory rate, heart rate and rectal temperature) of the animals were noted daily during the experimental period. According to this study, all of the animals endured extremely high levels of heat and cold stress in the summer and winter, with the temperature humidity index (THI) recorded in the summer was 30.5 ± 0.51 and the winter was 16.37 ± 1.51. Throughout the summer and winter, all BB goats showed significant alterations in their clinical parameters. The results of the study indicated that seasonal and recording-time differences in rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate were statistically (P&lt;0.05) substantial. It has been found that THI in Black Bengal goats is more influenced by ambient temperature than relative humidity and is a sensitive indication of both heat and cold stress. Therefore, heat stress is associated with certain physiological effects in Black Bengal goats.

Integrated Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Analyses Reveal the Candidate Genes Regulating the Meat Quality Change by Castration in Yudong Black Goats (Capra hircus).

Yudong black goats (YDGs) are a local breed in southwest China that possess unique meat qualities and produce a high meat yield, making them ideal models for studying goat meat quality. Castration may decrease off-odors, significantly change metabolites and improve meat quality. Using multi-omics techniques, this study focused on Yudong black goat wethers (YDW, n = 4) and Yudong black bucks (YDB, n = 4). The findings revealed that 33 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 279 significantly changed metabolites (SCMs) influenced goat meat quality by affecting fat accumulation and lipolysis regulatory processes. Herein, several candidate genes (IGF1, TNNT2, PPP2R2C, MAPK10 and VNN1, etc.) were identified that play a role in regulating meat quality, non-castrated and castrated, alongside a series of metabolites that may serve as potential meat quality biomarkers. Lipids (triglycerides, oxidized lipids_5-iso PGF2VI, ceramide (t18:1/36:2(2OH)) and Carnitine C20:5, etc.) were significantly higher in the castrated goats. These results revealed that lipids and hydrophilic metabolites were affected by castration, which might be beneficial in terms of goat meat quality. This study aimed to investigate the differences in meat quality between uncastrated and castrated male goats and the possible molecular regulatory mechanisms.

The ileal microbiome and mucosal immune profiles in response to dietary supplementation of ultra-grinded Astragalus membranaceus in weaned goats.

Weaning goats are susceptible to diarrhea and have weakened immune functions due to physiological, dietary and environmental stresses. Astragalus membranaceus (A. membranaceus), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been shown to improve growth performance and immunity in weaned ruminants. However, the influence mechanism of A. membranaceus on intestinal microbiota and mucosal immunity in weaned goats is still unknown. This study investigated the effects of ultra-grinded A. membranaceus (UGAM) on the immune function and microbial community in the ileum of weaned goats. Eighteen healthy weaned Xiangdong black goats (BW, 5.30 ± 1.388 kg) were used in a study of completely randomized block design with 28 days long. The animals were randomly assigned to either a basal diet supplemented with 10 g/d of milk replacer (CON, n = 9) or the CON diet supplemented with 10 g/head UGAM (UGAM, n = 9). Supplementation of UGAM increased (p < 0.05) the plasma concentrations of total protein and albumin. Meanwhile, the addition of UGAM reduced (p < 0.05) the relative mRNA expression of the IL-6 gene (a marker of inflammation), indicating the potential immunomodulatory effect of UGAM. Moreover, the relative abundances of Verrucomicrobiota and Mycoplasma were lower (p < 0.05) in the ileum of goats supplemented with UGAM than CON. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation of UGAM may have enhanced the ileum health of weaned goats by reducing inflammation factor expression and reducing the relative abundance of pathogenic microbes. The observed beneficial effects of ultra-grinded A. membranaceus on ileal mucosal immune and the community of ileal microbiota indicate its potential to be used as a viable option for promoting the well-being of weaned goats under weaning stress.

The production and reproductive traits among different goat breeds in southwestern region of Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, a comprehensive study was conducted over one year to compare the reproductive and productive performance of Black Bengal, Jamunapari, and crossbred goats. The study involved a sample size of 226 goats and provided insightful information on the distinctive capabilities of each type of goat breeds. Most of the doe were 21–30 months of age, and their weight was 21–30 kg. The feed supply for the doe was concentrated green grass, whereas the kids got supplementary feed like rice bran. Among the reproductive traits, age at puberty, age of first kidding, and age of the first conception were significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher in Jamunapari goats, whereas aerial kidding intervals were found in 263.77 ± 54.26 days in crossbreeds. Postpartum heat periods were highest at 68.50 ± 5.53 days in Jamunapari goats at 1st and 2nd parity, though at 3rd parity, 22.96 ± 26.66 days were uppermost in Black Bengal. There was no significant effect of parity on lactation length or milk production. Though Jamunapari goats show the highest lactation length at 1st and 2nd parity, at 3rd parity, 2.56 ± 2.89 kg was the largest in Black Bengals. The mortality of kids was high in the second parity in Black Bengal and crossbreeds, whereas in Jamunapari, it was higher in the first and second parities. The mortality rate of kids under 20 days was high, which gradually decreased with the advancement of age. Different periparturient and postpartum diseases, like abortion, dystocia, retained placenta, etc., decreased the reproductive performance of goats. The Black Bengal goat exhibited superior productive and reproductive performance to Jamunapari and crossbred goats. The study's findings suggest that, in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, prioritizing Black Bengal goats for breeding programs could potentially enhance both productive and reproductive traits compared to Jamunapari and crossbred goats. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2023, 8 (3), 78-87

Relationships between the mutations of the goat GATA binding protein 4 gene and growth traits

Osteogenesis is a complex multilevel process regulated by multiple genes. The GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) gene has been extensively studied for its pivotal role in bone genesis and bone differentiation. However, its relationship with the growth traits of Shaanbei white cashmere (SBWC) and Guizhou black (GB) goats remains unclear. This work aims to investigate the potential influence of genetic mutations in the GATA4 gene on the growth traits goats. Thus, two Insertion/deletion (InDel) polymorphisms (8-bp-InDel and 9-bp-InDel) were screened and detected in a total of 1161 goats (including 980 SBWC goats and 181 GB goats) using PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. The analyses revealed that there were two genotypes (ID and DD) for these two loci. In SBWC goats, 8-bp-InDel and 9-bp-InDel loci were significantly associated with heart girth (HG) and hip width (HW). Notably, individuals with DD genotype of 8-bp-InDel locus were superior while those with DD genotype of 9-bp-InDel locus were inferior. Correlation analyses of the four combined genotypes revealed significant associations with cannon circumference (CC), body height (BH), HG and HW. This work provides a foundation for the application of molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) in goat breeding programs. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential of the GATA4 gene and its genetic variations as valuable indicators for selecting goats with desirable growth traits.

Diverse WGBS profiles of longissimus dorsi muscle in Hainan black goats and hybrid goats

BackgroundGoat products have played a crucial role in meeting the dietary demands of people since the Neolithic era, giving rise to a multitude of goat breeds globally with varying characteristics and meat qualities. The primary objective of this study is to pinpoint the pivotal genes and their functions responsible for regulating muscle fiber growth in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) through DNA methylation modifications in Hainan black goats and hybrid goats.MethodsWhole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) was employed to scrutinize the impact of methylation on LDM growth. This was accomplished by comparing methylation differences, gene expression, and their associations with growth-related traits.ResultsIn this study, we identified a total of 3,269 genes from differentially methylated regions (DMR), and detected 189 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through RNA-seq analysis. Hypo DMR genes were primarily enriched in KEGG terms associated with muscle development, such as MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. We selected 11 hub genes from the network that intersected the gene sets within DMR and DEGs, and nine genes exhibited significant correlation with one or more of the three LDM growth traits, namely area, height, and weight of loin eye muscle. Particularly, PRKG1 demonstrated a negative correlation with all three traits. The top five most crucial genes played vital roles in muscle fiber growth: FOXO3 safeguarded the myofiber’s immune environment, FOXO6 was involved in myotube development and differentiation, and PRKG1 facilitated vasodilatation to release more glucose. This, in turn, accelerated the transfer of glucose from blood vessels to myofibers, regulated by ADCY5 and AKT2, ultimately ensuring glycogen storage and energy provision in muscle fibers.ConclusionThis study delved into the diverse methylation modifications affecting critical genes, which collectively contribute to the maintenance of glycogen storage around myofibers, ultimately supporting muscle fiber growth.

Novel FSH receptor heterodimer may be related to the high prolificacy of Jintang black goat

AbstractFollicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) is the central hormone of the mammalian reproductive system. It targets the FSH receptor (FSHR), a member of the G protein‐coupled receptor family, to induce the FSH signal transduction. In the highly prolific Jintang black goat, gonadotropin level is not higher than that of Boer goat. However, two isoforms of FSHRs (FSHRA and FSHRB), generated from the alternative splicing of the same primary FSHR transcript, were expressed in the reproductive organs of Jintang black goat simultaneously. The mRNA level of FSHRB is 45.89, 3.80, and 13.81 times greater than that of FSHRA in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary of the Jintang black goat, respectively. We found that FSHRA could interact with FSHRB protein, leading to augment of the FSH signaling transduction pathway. The enhancement of FSH signaling could increase the in vitro oocyte maturation rate. It implied that this might be the important reason for the high prolificacy in Jintang black goat.

Candidate circRNAs related to skeletal muscle development in Dazu black goats

Circular RNA (CircRNA), as a classical noncoding RNA, has been proven to regulate skeletal muscle development (SMD). However, the molecular genetic basis of circRNA regulation in muscle cells remains unclear. In this study, the expression patterns of circRNAs in the longissimus dorsi muscle at embryonic day 75 and postnatal day 1 in DBGs were investigated to identify the key circRNAs that play an important role in SMD in goats. A total of 140 significantly and differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were identified among the groups at different developmental stages. Among the 116 host genes (HGs) of DEcircRNAs, 76 were significantly and differentially expressed, which was confirmed by previous RNA_seq data. Furthermore, the expression pattern of 10 DEcircRNAs with RT-qPCR was verified, which showed 80% concordance rate with that of RNA_seq datasets. Moreover, the authenticity of seven randomly selected DEcircRNAs was verified by PCR Sanger sequencing. Based on the functional annotation results, among the 76 significantly and differentially expressed HGs, 74 were enriched in 845 GO terms, whereas 35 were annotated to 85 KEGG pathways. The results of this study could provide a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of circRNAs involved in SMD and muscle growth.