Duck Blood Research Articles

Multiplex-PCR method application to identify duck blood and its adulterated varieties

This study applied and validated the Multiplex-PCR method to identify the authenticity of duck blood and four common adulterated animal blood varieties. To this end, the genomic DNAs of duck blood and its counterfeit products were extracted using an efficient high-throughput extraction method. Specific primers were designed using the cytochrome b gene. The reaction system and conditions of a multiplex (namely, Five-plex) PCR were optimized, and the proposed methodology was verified, proving its good specificity, repeatability, and sensitivity. The Five-plex PCR system detected nine duck blood samples sold in the local market, revealing the adulteration of duck blood products. The Multiplex-PCR system can accurately and quickly detect adulterated animal blood in duck blood products, effectively finding counterfeits and identifying the authenticity of genuine duck blood products.

Characterization of a novel aspartic protease from Trichoderma asperellum for the preparation of duck blood peptides

A novel aspartic protease gene (TaproA1) from Trichoderma asperellum was successfully expressed in Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris). TaproA1 showed 52.8% amino acid sequence identity with the aspartic protease PEP3 from Coccidioides posadasii C735. TaproA1 was efficiently produced in a 5 L fermenter with a protease activity of 4092 U/mL. It exhibited optimal reaction conditions at pH 3.0 and 50 °C and was stable within pH 3.0–6.0 and at temperatures up to 45 °C. The protease exhibited broad substrate specificity with high hydrolysis activity towards myoglobin and hemoglobin. Furthermore, duck blood proteins (hemoglobin and plasma protein) were hydrolyzed by TaproA1 to prepare bioactive peptides with high ACE inhibitory activity. The IC50 values of hemoglobin and plasma protein hydrolysates from duck blood proteins were 0.105 mg/mL and 0.091 mg/mL, respectively. Thus, the high yield and excellent biochemical characterization of TaproA1 presented here make it a potential candidate for the preparation of duck blood peptides.Key points• An aspartic protease (TaproA1) from Trichoderma asperellum was expressed in Komagataella phaffii.• TaproA1 exhibited broad substrate specificity and the highest activity towards myoglobin and hemoglobin.• TaproA1 has great potential for the preparation of bioactive peptides from duck blood proteins.

Experimental study on the effects of different exposure conditions and contrast agent concentrations on spectral computed tomography virtual non-contrast images.

The early diagnosis of thrombosis and fat embolism is important for subsequent treatment regimens. Spectral computed tomography (CT) virtual non-contrast (VNC) scanning can not only accurately diagnose thrombosis and medium fat embolism but can also reduce the radiation dose and scanning time. However, there is a relative paucity of studies on what contrast concentration and exposure conditions are best for the quality of VNC images. To address this issue, this study aimed to investigate the effects of different exposure conditions and contrast concentrations on the quality of VNC images of low-density substances in spectral CT. Four solution groups [i.e., groups A (15 mgI/mL), B (10 mgI/mL), C (5 mgI/mL), and D (the control group)] were matched with normal saline and contrast agent groups. Four groups of solution, duck blood clots, and fat were injected into four sections of the pig large intestine, respectively. CT scans with different exposure amounts were performed under the condition of 120 KV. Comparing the true non-contrast (TNC) image based on solution D group with the VNC images of the other three solution groups. The differences in the CT values, standard deviation (SD) values, and contrast noise ratio (CNR) values of the duck blood and fat under different iodine concentrations and exposures were compared. The image quality was evaluated using a three-point method and the Kappa consistency test was performed. The consistency of the tissue CT values in the TNC and VNC images was analyzed by drawing Bland-Altman scatter plots. The CT values of the duck blood in the VNC20mAs and VNCC groups were lower than those in the TNC groups (P<0.05). Under different exposures and contrast agent concentrations, the CT value of the fat in the VNC group was higher than that in the TNC group (P<0.05). The SD values of the duck blood and fat in three groups (i.e., groups A, B, and C) were lower than those in the TNC group (P<0.05). The CNR value of the duck blood in the VNC20mAs group was lower than that in the TNC group (Z=-2.10, P=0.04), and the CNR values of the duck blood and fat in the VNC group were higher than those in the TNC groups in the remaining different exposure and concentration groups (P<0.05). The CT values of the lesions in the two groups were consistent, and there were no statistically significant differences between the subjective scores of the TNC and VNC images (z=-1.34, P=0.18); the subjective evaluations of the two physicians had good consistency (K=0.80). Under the conditions of higher contrast agent concentrations and proper exposure conditions, the VNC images were better able to restore the CT values of the blood clots, reduce the SD values of the blood clots and fat. In addition, and improve the CNR values of the blood clots and fat. In addition, the quality of the two images was similar.

Effects of konjac glucomannan as a freeze-denaturation inhibitor or binder on the physiochemical properties of heat-induced gel of freeze-dried duck blood.

During freeze-drying, the degradation or eutectic melting of duck blood proteins can reduce the quality of duck blood gels. However, the interaction between proteins and polysaccharides during drying can improve protein-based gel quality. Therefore, here, we investigated the physicochemical properties of heat-induced gels of freeze-dried duck blood (FDB) and FDB with different proportions of the polysaccharide konjac glucomannan (KG), which serves as a freeze-denaturation inhibitor agent (FDA) or binder (BG). The pH and water-holding capacity (WHC) of FDB + KG gels were higher than those of FDB gel without KG (control). Especially, the WHC increased from 11.00% for control to 55.65% for FDB gel with 1% KG as a BG. Consequently, cooking loss and texture parameters of FDB + KG gels decreased. The hardness of control was 2.14kg, which significantly reduced to 0.12-0.87kg with KG addition. The highest carbonyl content was observed in control gel, and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance content was reduced by the addition of 1% KG as an FDA (T1) or 0.8% KG as an FDA with 0.2% KG as a BG (T2) (p<0.05). These changes might be induced by the alteration of tertiary structure and thermodynamic stability of gels. In conclusion, 1% KG can be used as an FDA to improve the quality and physicochemical properties of heat-induced gels of FDB. Optimized FDB gels with KG can be used as an innovative food ingredient to fortify nutrition and develop special dietary purposes.

Paper test strip for fluorescence detection of iron ion based on nitrogen, zinc and copper codoped carbon dots

In this study, a test strip for fluorometric analysis of iron ion (Fe3+) was constructed based on nitrogen, zinc and copper codoped carbon dots (NZC-CDs) as fluorescence probes. NZC-CDs were synthesized by hydrothermal method. The morphology, size, components, crystal state and optical properties of NZC-CDs were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques, respectively. NZC-CDs exhibited bright blue fluorescence under UV lamp with a quantum yield at 17.76%. The fluorescence of NZC-CDs was quenched by Fe3+ possibly due to the static quenching. The possible fluorescence quenching mechanism was also discussed. The quenching fluorescence was linear with the concentration of Fe3+ in the range of 2.5–400 μM with a low detection limit of 0.5 μM. For the convenient detection, the test strips based on filter paper were employed for Fe3+ assay. Moreover, the present approach was successfully applied in the determination of Fe3+ in real samples including black fungus, duck blood and pork liver. The sensing method had the potential application in more food analysis.

Black soldier fly larvae meal supplementation in a low protein diet reduced performance, but improved nitrogen efficiency and intestinal morphology of duck.

Reduced crude protein (CP) diets offer potential benefits such as optimized feed efficiency, reduced expenses, and lower environmental impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal on a low-protein diet for duck performance, blood biochemical, intestinal morphology, gastrointestinal development, and litter. The experiment was conducted for 42 days. A total of 210-day-old male hybrid ducklings (5 replicate pens, 7 ducks per pen) were randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments (3×2 factorial arrangements) in randomized design. The factors were CP level (18%, 16%, 14%) and protein source feed soybean meals (SBM), black soldier fly larvae meals (BSFLM). Reduced dietary CP levels significantly decreased growth performance, feed intake, the percentage of nitrogen, pH (p<0.05), and tended to suppress ammonia in litter (p = 0.088); increased lipid concentration; and enhanced relative weight of gastrointestinal tracts (p<0.05). In addition, dietary BSFL as a source of protein feed significantly increased lipid concentration and impacted lowering villus height and crypt depth on jejunum (p<0.05). In conclusion, the use of BSFLM in a low-protein diet was found to have a detrimental effect on growth performance. However, the reduction of 2% CP levels in SBM did not have a significant impact on growth performance but decreased nitrogen and ammonia concentrations.

Polymorphism of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) Gene on Bayang Ducks Using PCR-RFLP Method

This study aims to determine the polymorphism of the IGF-1 gene in Bayang ducks using the PCR-RFLP method. This study used 120 blood samples of Bayang ducks in Kampung Binuang Dalam, Padang City, West Sumatra Province. Bayang duck blood samples were taken through the brachial vein for ± 1 mL. DNA extraction was taken from the blood using the Genomic DNA Purification Kit (Promega) Protocol. DNA was amplified using a pair of primers F: 5'- CCA GGA ATA TCT TTG GAA GCT GT-3 and R: 5'- TGC TAC GTT ACC AGC CTT GA -3 'which produced a 433 bp fragment of exon 3 IGF-1 gene, and F: 5'- CTG GAG CAG GCA GGA AAA TT - 3 'and R: 5'- TCC AGG GAC AGT GAC TCA AC -3' which produced 801 bp fragments of exon 4 IGF-1 gene. The amplification product was restricted by the DdeI enzyme, which recognized the C↓TNAG slashing site (N = G, A, T, C) for the exon three and MnII regions, which recognized the CAC↓GTG cutting site for the exon four regions. The cutting of the IGF-1 exon three gene product in Bayang ducks using DdeI as a restriction enzyme only recognized the C↓TNAG cutting site. The cutting results visualized with 2% agarose gel showed two genotypes: homozygous (+ / +) of 41 samples and the heterozygote (+/-) genotype of 60 samples. The cutting of the IGF-1 exon four gene product in Shadow ducks using MnII as a restriction enzyme only recognized the CAC↓GTG cutting site. The cutting results visualized with 2% agarose gel showed three types of genotypes, namely four samples homozygous (+/+), 67 samples heterozygous (+/-), and 49 samples homozygous (-/-). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the IGF-1 gene in Bayang ducks is polymorphic, with the frequency of the IGF-1|DdeI genotype being in a hardy-weinberg imbalance, and the IGF-1|MnII genotype in a hardy-weinberg equilibrium.

Lignin-based hydrophobic DESs extracts Sudan dyes from aqueous solution

As a synthetic pigment, Sudan red is commonly used as a food additive and is harmful to the human kidney and can even cause cancer. In this work, we developed a one-step strategy to synthesize lignin-based hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (LHDES), which were fabricated via methyltrioctylammonium chloride (TAC) as hydrogen bond acceptor and alkali lignin as hydrogen bond donor. LHDES with different mass ratios were synthesized and the mechanism of formation was determined by different characterization techniques. The synthetic LHDES was used as the extraction solvent to establish a vortex-assisted dispersion-liquid microextraction method for the determination of Sudan red dyes. The practicality of LHDES was evaluated by applying it to the detection of Sudan Red I in real water samples (seawater, river water) and duck blood in foodstuffs, and the obtained extraction rate reached up to 98.62 %. The method is simple and effective for the determination of Sudan Red in food.

Effect of Cichorium intybus on production performance, carcass quality and blood lipid profile of hybrid duck.

One hundred hybrid male ducks (Mojosari×Alabio) were used to examine the efficacy of chicory supplementation as nutritional feed manipulation on production performance, and blood lipid profile of hybrid ducks. The ducks were tagged, weighed, and then allotted randomly to one of the four treatment diets using a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were: 1) P0 (100% basal diets + 0% chicory as control), 2) P1 (95% basal diets + 5% chicory), 3) P2 (90% basal diets + 10% chicory) and 4) P3 (85% basal diets + 15% chicory). For each treatment group, there were 5 replicates of 5 birds each. All experimental diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric using locally available ingredients. Hybrid ducks with fed diets supplemented fresh chicory (5, 10, and 15%) showed increased feed intake and body weight gain, as well as feed conversion ratio to be smaller than those ducks fed diets without chicory supplementation (control). The ducks fed 10% chicory supplementation contained significantly (p<0.05) lower ash and higher organic matter contents of meat than those ducks fed other diets. The ducks fed 15% chicory supplementation showed the lowest crude protein and cholesterol content of meat among the treatment diets. Ducks fed chicory supplementation showed lower (p<0.05) blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels than those ducks fed without chicory supplementation, while dietary interventions had no major (p>0.05) influence on low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein levels in duck blood. In this study, 10% chicory supplementation showed the best results characterized by an increase in growth performance, carcass quality, small intestinal histomorphology, and lower cholesterol levels of meat.

Hematological Features of Cihateup’s Duck Blood that are Given Natural Isotonic in Dry Systems

The study was to produce natural isotonic made from natural sources for Cihateup’s ducks in a dry maintenance system. Ducklings were divided into five replications and four treatments. The ratios used were 17 % protein and 2 900 kcal kg−1 of metabolic energy. The composition of natural isotonic (treatment) is as follows: T0=Water; T1=Water + 7 % Sugar + 2 % Lime Juice + 25 mg Celery Extract + 0.8 g Salt; T2 =Water + 7 % Sugar + 3 % Lime Juice + 50 mg Celery Extract + 0.9 g Salt; T3=Water + 7 % Sugar + 4 % Lime Juice + 75 mg Celery Extract + 1 g Salt. Experiment design using a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications. The results showed a significant decrease in leukocyte and platelet levels in T2. It indicated that the use of natural isotonic at these levels had an immune effect on local ducks. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, and erythrocyte levels also showed a decrease in T2 but were not significant. While the lowest number of duck platelets was also shown by T2. These platelets are indicators of inflammation, which means that T2 can keep ducks from disease.

Studies on parasitic prevalence in pet birds from Punjab, Pakistan.

During this one year study, blood and fecal samples of doves (Zenaida asiatica), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), pigeons (Columba livia), partridges (Alectoris chukar), turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and goose (Chen caerulescens) were collected to assess the parasitic prevalence in these birds. The birds were kept at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. All these avian species were kept in separate cages and their entire body was inspected on regularly basis to record external parasites. For internal parasites, 100 blood and 100 fecal samples for each species were analyzed. During present study, two species of ectoparasites i.e. fowl ticks (Args persicus) and mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) while 17 species of endoparasites; three from blood and 14 from fecal samples were identified. Prevalence of blood parasites was Plasmodium juxtanucleare 29.3%, Aegyptinella pullorum 15% and Leucoctoyzoon simond 13%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 50%, Capillaria anatis 40%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%, Ascardia galli 24% and Allodpa suctoria 2%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 12.1% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 9.1% were also recorded from fecal samples of the birds. Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 27% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having prevalence 20.1%, Histomonas meleagridis 8% and Giardia lamblia 5.3% were recorded. In our recommendation, proper medication and sanitation of the bird's houses and cages is recommended to avoid parasites.

Trace Elements in Blood of Sea Ducks from Dutch Harbor and Izembek Lagoon, Alaska

Abstract In 2001, we collected whole blood from sea ducks—Steller's eider Polysticta stelleri, harlequin duck Histrionicus histrionicus, black scoter Melanitta nigra, and long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis—wintering at Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and from Steller's eiders molting at Izembek Lagoon on the Alaska Peninsula. Analysis of blood samples was done for 19 trace elements, of which 17 were detected in one or more samples. In Steller's eiders, mean concentrations of six trace elements (As, B, Fe, Hg, Se, and Mo) were greater at Dutch Harbor and mean concentrations of four trace elements (Cr, Cu, Mg, and Zn) were greater at Izembek Lagoon. Among sea ducks at Dutch Harbor, mean concentrations of five trace elements (Cu, Hg, Se, Zn, and V) differed by species: Steller's eiders had greater concentrations of Cu, Zn, and V in their blood; black scoters had the highest concentration of Se; and harlequin ducks had the highest Hg level, with a mean concentration slightly above a threshold effect level. One Steller's eider and one harlequin duck from Dutch Harbor had blood Pb levels above background concentrations. We have no observations to indicate that concentrations of these trace elements were associated with adverse effects.

Myostatin (MSTN) Gene Polymorphism Using PCR-RFLP Method In Kerinci Ducks

This study aims to determine body weight, body weight gain, and body measurements of male and female Kerinci ducks, as well as to determine the diversity of MSTN genes and the association of the MSTN gene on body weight, body weight gain, and body sizes in Kerinci ducks. The materials used were 96 Kerinci ducks and 96 Kerinci duck blood samples. Data analysis included: T-test, T2-hotelling, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), genotype frequency, allele, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, Heterozygosity, and PIC. The results showed that body weights at 2 and 3 months of age, body weight gain of 2-3 months and body sizes of 3 months old male Kerinci ducks were significantly different (P &lt;0.05) higher than female Kerinci ducks. Body size markers of male and female Kerinci ducks were the length of the sternum, the length of the shank, and the circumference of the shank, while the shape identifier was the length of the wings. The MSTN|MboI gene in Kerinci ducks was polymorphic. The population of Kerinci ducks was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P&lt;0.05). Kerinci duck population heterozygosity showed H0&lt;He. The MSTN|MboI gene was associated with BB, PBB, and body measurements of male and female Kerinci ducks, and the best genotype was (-/-).

Increasing the Quality of Blood Tofu in an Industrial Slaughterhouse of Thailand

Blood tofu, or cooked duck blood curd, is a Chinese delicacy in East Asia. Its quality and shelf-life are low due to microorganism contamination during production. Therefore, the present study was performed to investigate the role of sodium diacetate (SD), sodium chloride (NaCl), and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG) combinations in increasing the quality of blood tofu. A total of 45 cooked duck blood curd samples were randomly divided into 3 groups with 3 replicates per group. The first two groups were used to investigate the effect of SD, NaCl, and PEG combinations on microbiological and physical analyses for non-inoculated samples. Another group was used to determine the effect of antimicrobial combinations on Lactobacillus plantarum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus in inoculated samples that were inoculated with these bacteria. All groups were treated with control-sterilized water, 0.15% SD (w/v) + 1.25% NaCl (w/v), 0.30% SD (w/v) + 1.25% NaCl (w/v), 0.15% SD (w/v) + 0.15% PEG (w/v), and 0.15% SD (w/v) + 1.25% NaCl (w/v) + 0.15% PEG (w/v). The results indicated that soaking cooked duck blood curd samples in antimicrobial agent combinations could reduce mesophile and psychrophile bacteria counts in non-inoculated samples. Additionally, 0.15% SD + 1.25% NaCl + 0.15% PEG combination had a higher reduction in mesophile and psychrophile counts, compared to soaking the samples in 0.30% SD + 1.25% NaCl, 0.15% SD + 1.25% NaCl and 0.15% SD + 0.15% PEG combinations. Similarly, this combination showed a significant decrease in lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus counts in inoculated samples. Furthermore, soaking the samples in 0.15% SD + 1.25% NaCl + 0.15% PEG combination did not negatively affect the samples’ physical quality. Soaking the samples in 0.15% SD + 1.25% NaCl + 0.15% PEG combination inhibited the growth of mesophile, psychrophile, and Pseudomonas in non-inoculated samples after storage for 10, 6, 10, and 8 days in a slaughter warehouse at 7℃, respectively, and extended shelf-life of samples for 16 days. Regarding physical quality changes, this treatment delayed the reduction of pH, hue, hardness, and chewiness of the samples after storage for 10, 8, 12, and 10 days, respectively. Thus, SD, NaCl, and PEG combination had a high preservative potential for cooked duck blood curd used in industrial slaughterhouses. Keywords: Blood curd, Duck, Organic acid salt, Polyethylene glycol, Quality changes

ACE Inhibitory Peptides Derived from Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) Plasma.

In this study, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides (ACE-IPs) derived from Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) plasma hydrolysate (MDPH) were investigated. According to the general research protocol for bioactive peptides, the crude ACE-IPs of Muscovy duck plasma were separated and purified by ultrafiltration, gel chromatography and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Then the components with the highest ACE inhibition potential were selected for identification. Finally, the inhibition mechanism was explored by molecular docking and in silico simulated digestion. A total of 121 peptides was detected, and five were screened for synthesis verification and molecular docking. The peptide VALSSLRP revealed high ACE inhibitory activity (91.67 ± 0.73%) because this peptide bound tightly to the S1' pocket and formed 3 hydrogen bonds. Meaningfully, this work provides some new information about the generation of ACE-IPs derived from duck blood plasma.

Association of Quantitative Characteristics with Growth Hormone Gene (GH Gene) in Kerinci Duck Using PCR-RFLP Method

This study aims to determine the association of quantitative characteristics with growth hormone gene (GH gene) in kerinci duck using PCR-RFLP method. Samples total used was 96 Kerinci ducks consisting of 43 males and 53 females and 96 blood samples. DNA was extracted using the protocol Genomic DNA Purification Kit from Promega and then amplified by PCR using a pair of primers5&amp;#39;-CAA GGA ACA GAG GGT TTC CA-3&amp;#39; and Revers : 3&amp;#39;-GGG AGA TAG GGC AAA CAT CA-5&amp;#39;, with a length of product 855 bp. The amplification product was cut using restriction enzyme AluI with the AG↓CT cutting site. Growth hormone/AluI fragments of Kerinci duck were electrophoresed using 1.5% agarose gel and visualized using doc gel. Data collected includes body weight, weight gain, body measurements, and blood of Kerinci ducks. The differences in body weight, body weight gain, and body measurements, as well as differences in body weight between genotypes were tested by T-test. The determinants of the size and shape of Kerinci duck were analyzed using PCA. This study showed that the body weight, weight gain, and body sizes of male Kerinci ducks were significantly different (P&amp;lt;0.05) than female Kerinci ducks. The Kerinci duck GH|AluI gene is polymorphic with three genotypes, i.e, +/+ of (49%), +/- of (39.6%), and -/- of (11.5%), and two alleles, namely (+) by 69% and (–) by 31%. Conclusion: body weight, weight gain, and body sizes of male Kerinci ducks were higher than female. The size identifier of male and female Kerinci ducks were sternum, shank lengh, and shank circumference, while shape identifier was wing length. GH Genes|AluI in Kerinci duck is polymorphic. GH gene |AluI of Kerinci ducks was associated with body weight, weight gain, and body measurements, and the best is the genotype (+/+).

Morphometric characterization and effect of growth hormone (GH) gene polymorphism on growth traits of Kerinci duck (Anas platyrhynchos)

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; To determine the association of GH gene diversity with growth traits and to obtain the morphometric characteristics in Kerinci ducks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; The research method is an experiment using 96 blood samples of Kerinci duck blood. The methods included data collection on quantitative characteristics (body weight, body weight gain, body measurements), blood samples from Kerinci ducks, DNA extraction activities, PCR amplification and restriction with AluI enzyme. Data analysis included t-test, T2-Hotelling, principal component analysis, genotype frequency, allele, Hardy-Weinberg balance, heterozygosity, and PIC.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The quantitative characteristics of male Kerinci ducks were significantly different (P&amp;lt;0.05) higher than female Kerinci ducks. Analysis of the Kerinci duck GH|AluI gene was polymorphic. The population of Kerinci ducks was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P&amp;gt;0.05). Diversity Value of Kerinci Duck Ho&amp;lt;He. Quantitative characteristics of GH gene of Kerinci duck genotype +/+ were significantly different (P&amp;lt;0.05) higher than genotype +/- and -/-.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; The quantitative characteristics of male Kerinci ducks were higher than female Kerinci ducks. Characteristics of the body size of Kerinci duck are the length of sternum, length of shank, and circumference of shank, and identifier of body shape is length of wings. The Kerinci duck GH|AluI gene is polymorphic and has associations with quantitative characteristics, with the best genotype being the +/+ genotype.&lt;/p&gt;

Effects of supplementation of inorganic trace elements with organic trace elements chelated with hydroxy methionine on laying performance, egg quality, blood micronutrients, antioxidant capacity and immune function of laying ducks

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the effects of organic trace elements chelated with hydroxy methionine (OTE-HM) in diets, which substituted inorganic trace elements, on laying performance, egg quality, blood microelement content, antioxidant capacity and immune function of laying ducks.MethodsA total of 300 healthy laying ducks at age of 30 wk were randomly divided into 5 treatments and 10 ducks per replicate. The treatments included a control group (CON) which was served with basal diet supplemented with 20 mg/kg Cu, 50 mg/kg Fe, 70 mg/kg Mn, and 70 mg/kg Zn in inorganic form, and 4 OTE-HM treated groups (OTE-HM25, OTE-HM50, OTE-HM75, OTE-HM100) which were served with basal diets supplemented with OTE-HM providing trace elements (combination of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the commercial levels, respectively.ResultsResults showed that substitution of inorganic trace elements with OTE-HM did not affect egg production, qualified egg rate, average egg weight, average daily egg mass, average daily feed intake, or feed per kg egg of laying ducks (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Dietary with OTE-HM did not influence eggshell strength, eggshell thickness, egg shape index, eggshell ratio, yolk ratio, albumen ratio, albumen height, and Haugh unit of the sampled eggs of ducks (P &amp;gt; 0.05), but increased the yolk color, compared with dietary with inorganic trace elements (P&amp;lt; 0.01). Moreover, the blood content of Cu of the laying ducks was significantly increased by OTE-HM compared with that in CON (P&amp;lt; 0.001), but the other elements in laying duck blood were not different among treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). OTE-HM (75% and 100%) significantly increased serum activities of glutathione peroxidase and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase, and decreased serum content of malonaldehyde of laying ducks compared with those in CON (P&amp;lt; 0.05). OTE-HM (50%, 75%, and 100%) significantly increased the serum contents of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A of laying ducks compared with those in CON (P&amp;lt; 0.05).DiscussionCollectively, replacing inorganic trace elements with 50% and 75% OTE-HM in diets did not influence the laying performance or egg quality, but improved trace element efficacy, antioxidant capacity and immune function of the laying ducks.

Authentication of duck blood tofu binary and ternary adulterated with cow and pig blood-based gel using Fourier transform near-infrared coupled with fast chemometrics.

This work aims to investigate a feasible and practical technique for the authentication of edible animal blood food (EABF) using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) coupled with fast chemometrics. A total of 540 samples were used, including raw duck blood tofu (DBT), cow blood-based gel (CBG), pig blood-based gel (PBG), and DBT binary and ternary adulterated with CBG and PBG. The protein, fat, total sugar, and 16 kinds of amino acids were measured to validate the difference in basic organic matters among EABFs according to species. Fisher linear discriminate analysis (Fisher LDA) and extreme learning machine (ELM) were implemented comparatively to identify the adulterated EABF. To predict adulteration levels, four extreme learning machine regression (ELMR) models were constructed and optimized. Results showed that, by analyzing 27 crucial spectral variables, the ELM model provides higher accuracy of 93.89% than Fisher LDA for the independent samples. All the correlation coefficients of the optimized ELMR models' training and prediction sets were better than 0.94, the root mean square errors were all less than 3.5%, and the residual prediction deviation and the range error ratios were all higher than 4.0 and 12.0, respectively. In conclusion, the FT-NIR paired with ELM have great potential in authenticating the EABF. This work presents amino acids content in EABFs for the first time and built tracing models for rapid authentication of DBT, which can be used to manage the EABF market, thereby preventing illegal adulteration and unfair competition.

Riemerella anatipestifer AS87_RS02955 Acts as a Virulence Factor and Displays Endonuclease Activity.

Riemerella anatipestifer is an important bacterial pathogen in the global duck industry and causes heavy economic losses. In our previous study, we demonstrated that R. anatipestifer type IX secretion system components GldK and GldM, and the secretion protein metallophosphoesterase, acted as virulence factors. In this study, R. anatipestifer AS87_RS02955 was investigated for virulence and enzymatic activity properties. We constructed AS87_RS02955 mutation and complementation strains to assess bacterial virulence. In vivo bacterial loads showed a significantly reduced bacterial loads in the blood of ducks infected with mutant strain Yb2Δ02955, which was recovered in the blood of ducks infected with the complementation strain cYb2Δ02955, demonstrating that AS87_RS02955 was associated with virulence. Further studies showed AS87_RS02955 was a novel nonspecific endonuclease with no functionally conserved domain, but enzymatic activity toward DNA and RNA was indicated. DNase activity was activated by Zn2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Mn2+ ions but inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. RNase activity was independent of metal cations, but stimulated by Mg2+, Ca2+, and Mn2+. RAS87_RS02955 enzymatic activity was active across a broad pH and temperature range. Moreover, we identified four sites in rAS87_RS02955, F39, F92, I134, and F145, which were critical for enzymatic activity. In summary, we showed that R. anatipestifer AS87_RS02955 encoded a novel endonuclease with important roles in bacterial virulence. IMPORTANCE R. anatipestifer AS87_RS02955 was identified as a novel T9SS effector and displayed a nonspecific endonuclease activity in this study. The protein did not contain a conserved His-Asn-His motif structure, which is similar to the endonuclease from Prevotella sp. Its mutant strain Yb2Δ02955 demonstrated significantly attenuated virulence, suggesting AS87_RS02955 is an important virulence factor. Moreover, AS87_RS02955 displayed nonspecific endonuclease activity to cleave λ DNA and MS2 RNA, while four protein sites were critical for endonuclease activity. In conclusion, R. anatipestifer AS87_RS02955 plays important roles in bacterial virulence.