Live Weight Research Articles

LncRNA Snhg3 aggravates hepatic steatosis via PPARγ signaling.

LncRNAs are involved in modulating the individual risk and the severity of progression in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), but their precise roles remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA Snhg3 in the development and progression of MASLD, along with the underlying mechanisms. The result showed that Snhg3 was significantly downregulated in the liver of high-fat diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice. Notably, palmitic acid promoted the expression of Snhg3 and overexpression of Snhg3 increased lipid accumulation in primary hepatocytes. Furthermore, hepatocyte-specific Snhg3 deficiency decreased body and liver weight, alleviated hepatic steatosis and promoted hepatic fatty acid metabolism in DIO mice, whereas overexpression induced the opposite effect. Mechanistically, Snhg3 promoted the expression, stability and nuclear localization of SND1 protein via interacting with SND1, thereby inducing K63-linked ubiquitination modification of SND1. Moreover, Snhg3 decreased the H3K27me3 level and induced SND1-mediated chromatin loose remodeling, thus reducing H3K27me3 enrichment at the Pparg promoter and enhancing PPARγ expression. The administration of PPARγ antagonist T0070907 improved Snhg3-aggravated hepatic steatosis. Our study revealed a new signaling pathway, Snhg3/SND1/H3K27me3/PPARγ, responsible for mice MASLD and indicates that lncRNA-mediated epigenetic modification has a crucial role in the pathology of MASLD.

Disruption of canonical AHR-mediated induction of hepatocyte PKM2 expression compromises antioxidant defenses and increases TCDD-induced hepatotoxicity

Metabolic reprogramming by the pyruvate kinase M2 isoform is associated with cell proliferation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) defenses. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), an environmental contaminant that induces ROS and hepatotoxicity, dose-dependently induces pyruvate kinase muscle isoform M2 (PKM2) in the liver. To further investigate its role in combating TCDD hepatotoxicity, a PkmΔDRE mouse was constructed lacking the dioxin response element mediating aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) induction. TCDD failed to induce hepatic PKM2 in PkmΔDRE mice and in primary hepatocytes isolated from an AHR knockout model (AHRV375Afl/flAlb-CreERT2), demonstrating induction is AHR dependent. Both wild-type (WT) and PkmΔDRE mice exhibited dose-dependent increases in liver weight after treatment with TCDD every 4 days for 28 days. Glutathione (GSH) levels increased in WT mice while oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels increased in both models with a 24-fold decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio in PkmΔDRE mice suggesting lower antioxidant and recycling capacity. Moreover, TCDD-induced fibrosis was more severe in PkmΔDRE mice while PkmΔDRE hepatocytes exhibited greater cytotoxicity following co-treatment with TCDD and hydrogen peroxide. TCDD also induced PKM2 in human HepaRG™ cells with AHR enrichment at a conserved DRE core within the locus. These results suggest AHR-mediated PKM2 induction is a novel antioxidant response to TCDD.

LncRNA Snhg3 aggravates hepatic steatosis via PPARγ signaling

LncRNAs are involved in modulating the individual risk and the severity of progression in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), but their precise roles remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA Snhg3 in the development and progression of MASLD, along with the underlying mechanisms. The result showed that Snhg3 was significantly downregulated in the liver of high-fat diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice. Notably, palmitic acid promoted the expression of Snhg3 and overexpression of Snhg3 increased lipid accumulation in primary hepatocytes. Furthermore, hepatocyte-specific Snhg3 deficiency decreased body and liver weight, alleviated hepatic steatosis and promoted hepatic fatty acid metabolism in DIO mice, whereas overexpression induced the opposite effect. Mechanistically, Snhg3 promoted the expression, stability and nuclear localization of SND1 protein via interacting with SND1, thereby inducing K63-linked ubiquitination modification of SND1. Moreover, Snhg3 decreased the H3K27me3 level and induced SND1-mediated chromatin loose remodeling, thus reducing H3K27me3 enrichment at the Pparg promoter and enhancing PPARγ expression. The administration of PPARγ antagonist T0070907 improved Snhg3-aggravated hepatic steatosis. Our study revealed a new signaling pathway, Snhg3/SND1/H3K27me3/PPARγ, responsible for mice MASLD and indicates that lncRNA-mediated epigenetic modification has a crucial role in the pathology of MASLD.

Features of the growth and histostructure of the duodenum of japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) of the meat and universal direction

The article presents data on the relationship between the live weight, weight of the gastrointestinal tract and the productivity type of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica domestica). It is shown that during the first week of the experiment, quails of the universal (dual-purpose) productivity type developed faster than the meat quails in terms of live weight, however, by the age of 28 days, this indicator becomes higher in meat quails. This pattern persists until the end of rearing. The relative weight of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the duodenum, was higher in meat quails in the first week, and later it became less than in a universal type quail.The histological structure of the duodenum was also studied. On histological slides, the preservation of all layers of the duodenum is observed. The lamina propria of the mucosa is rich in lymphoid tissue. The submucosa is poorly distinguishable. The thickness of the mucosa of the duodenum prevailed throughout the experiment in quails of the universal type. In the first 7 days, the length of the duodenum villi was significantly higher than that of meat quails. The ratio of the length of the villi to the crypt increases with age in all groups of quails. In the first 7 days, this indicator was higher in quails of the egg-meat type, but by the 56th day it gradually leveled off. The depth of crypts (common intestinal glands) in the first week of growth prevailed in the intestines of meat quails (p ≤ 0.05).

Impact of varying sorbitol concentrations on hematological and biochemical blood parameters in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Background: Sorbitol is an artificial sweetener that is very similar to natural sugar, but it is sweeter than natural sugar and lower in calories. Sorbitol is used as an alternative to natural sugar, and it is extracted from regular glucose. It does not have any negative effects on the animals’ health, and it is characterized in safe use in many scientific experiments for the diet of humans and animals.Methods: This study was conducted in the animal house, College of Veterinary Medicine, Al-Qasim Green University for a period of 90 days. Forty rats of the Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus) were randomly distributed into 4 groups, namely the first group (control group) while the second, third and fourth groups were treated with 100, 200 and 300 μg of sorbitol/kg of body weight .The rats were iso in live weight and age at the beginning of the experiment. Blood samples were drawn at the end of the experimental period. Results: Increase in level dose of sorbitol resulted significant improvement in accounts of red blood cells, white blood cells, and a significant increase in level of hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and monocytes for second, third, and fourth groups compared to the control group. Moreover, the significant improvement in most of the blood parameters was reflected to significant increase in clotting and bleeding time in the second, third and fourth groups of rats compared to the control group. Also, the results showed a significant increase in the levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, Inhibin and MAD hormones for the second, third and fourth groups compared to the control group.Conclusions: The results of the current study revealed that sorbitol has many benefits in the diet of humans and animals and has an effect on blood indicators, some sex hormones and antioxidants in the body. It is recommended not to consume excessive sorbitol in the diet.Keywords: Sorbitol; Hematological parameters; FSH; LH; Wistar rats

Kadukkai maathirai (Indian herbal drug) prevents hepatocellular cancer progression by enhancing GSTM1 expression and modulating β catenin transcription: in-silico and in-vivo study

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor clinical outcomes. Hence cost-effective drugs with fewer side effects as a standard supportive therapy might yield substantial advantages in efficacy and safety. Kadukkai maathirai (KM) is being used as a supplement in hepatocellular carcinoma. We evaluated whether KM has any preventive action on cancer progression in diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) - induced HCC in rats. Methods DEN was injected to produce HCC in rats, which was confirmed after 16 weeks. All the rats were orally administered KM for 4 weeks. Hepatoprotective potential (serum AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin) and anticancer efficacy (body weight, nodule count, tumor progression by histopathology, expression of GSTM1 by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and In-silico analysis of phytoconstituents against β catenin and LRP analysis were evaluated. Results KM prevented cancer progression against DEN-induced HCC by an increase in GSTM1, a phase II detoxifying enzyme. It significantly reversed altered nodule count, relative liver weight, body weight, and histopathological features of HCC. In silico analysis of phytoconstituents of KM showed that they modulate the intracellular transcription process by inhibiting the armadillo repeat region of β catenin. Conclusions Our results elucidate the potential of KM as a supplement in HCC by reducing nodule count, protecting the liver from further damage, GSTM1 expression, and inhibiting armadillo repeat region of β catenin.

Associations of different genotypes with the meat productivity of sheep

Identification of the potential to increasthe agricultural production of farm animals has become possible through the use of genomic selection methods. It is advisable to improve breeding and pedigree qualities of local breeds, since these have the best adaptability to the features of the natural and geographical conditions in a given area. He controlled slaughter of animals with different genotypes allowed us to determine their meat qualities, such as biological value, slaughter yield and slaughter weight. The ratio of slaughter weight and pre‐slaughter weight gives the slaughter yield in percent.PCR (polyamino acid chain reaction) using specific synthesised sets of oligonucleotides in the genotyping of experimental sheep populations was carried out in order to study the allelic variants of the CAST and GH genes.When studying the indices characterising body weight in sheep which have different genotypes, significant increases in the indices could be observed before the periods of driving to summer pastures (17.2 kg) and during lambing (25.8 kg). The lowest indices were noted during driving both from winter pastures to summer pastures and from summer pastures to winter pastures (30.5 kg).In the period before driving, the live weight index was higher in the CASTMM genotype by 5.8 %; upon arrival in the mountains the difference was 6.1 %; during lambing — 4.7 %; before leaving for winter pastures — 8.4 % and upon arrival at winter pastures — 9.5 %.

Meat productivity and meat quality of broiler chickens when input plant-based additive in compound feed

At present, the increase in poultry meat production is associated with the development of resource- saving technologies that ensure maximum productivity. However, the search for new methods to reduce the rearing period, increase live weight and reduce feed costs per 1 kg of gain continues. It should be noted that at the current stage of development, poultry farming has a high productivity potential, which is currently not fully utilized in some cases. The main reason is the inclusion of ingredients containing anti-nutritional substances in the compound feed. In compound feed for broiler chickens, the need to use biologically active additives has been proven. The inclusion of such additives in the composition of compound feed helps to increase the productive action, improve digestibility and effi ciency of using nutrients in diets. The purpose of the research was to study the meat productivity and meat quality of broiler chickens when input additive of plant-based additive in compound feed. On the base of research data, the eff ectiveness of including the plant-based feed additive Biostrong 510 in the compound feed for rearing of broiler chickens of the cross Cobb 500 in the amount of 0.010 %, 0.015 and 0.020 % of the compound feed weight was established. It made possible to increase the average daily live weight gain by 4.3–8.5 %, increase the gutted carcass weight by 4.3–4.6 %, reduce feed costs per 1 kg of broiler chicken gain by 0.07–0.13 kg, and increase the profi tability level by 0.78–1.44 abs.%. The safety of the tested additive was proven by a number of indicators. The obtained results of animal science, physiological and biochemical studies made it possible to identify the optimal dose of the plant feed additive Biostrong 510 for broiler chickens of the cross Cobb 500 in feeding technology 0.015 % of the mass of the compound feed.

Implication of dietary barberry (Berberis Vulgaris) leaves inclusion on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass traits in ostriches

This study determined production performance, nutrient intake, digestibility, and carcass traits from ostrich chicks fed with barberry (Berberis Vulgaris) leaves (BVL) as a replacement for alfalfa hay (AH). For 150 days, 30 male ostrich (Struthio camelus) (9.10 ± 0.89 kg live weight, mean ± SD) were randomly grouped into five dietary BVL inclusion levels to replace AH: a control diet based on 100% AH (CTRL), and four groups with BVL as a substitute for AH at varying levels including 25% (BVL25), 50% (BVL50), 75% (BVL75), and 100% (BVL100). The average daily feed intakes (ADFI) were recorded and birds were weighed monthly. The nutrient intake and digestibility were measured for the following final 5 days of the trial. The ADFI was higher (p = 0.025) for BVL100 and BVL75 than for CTRL. Ostriches fed on BVL50 had the highest average daily gain (ADG, p = 0.025) and the lowest feed conversation ratio (FCR, p = 0.0001). Return per kg BW gain was also enhanced (p = 0.018) with BVL50 feeding. Dietary BVL levels did not affect the digestibility of OM (p = 0.257), CP (p = 0.260), EE (p = 0.610), CF (p = 0.427), and Ash (p = 0.461). Also, there were no changes in AME (p = 0.180) or AMEn (p = 0.670). The hot carcass weight (HCW, p = 0.331) and dressing BW (p = 0.237) were not affected. Overall, the results suggest that BVL can replace AH in ostrich diets without deleterious impact on performance, however, its partial substitution (for 50% AH of diet) has been associated with improved ADG, FCR, and reduced feeding costs.

Evaluation of the infl uence of inbreeding on milk productivity, reproductive traits and longevity of cows of Holstein breed

The purpose of the work was to evaluate the infl uence of inbreeding on milk productivity, reproductive traits and longevity of cows of Holstein breed. The studies were carried out under the conditions of the breeding farm Konstantinovo. The animals were divided into groups depending on the mating type such as outbreeding and inbreeding. Inbred animals were divided into groups depending on the level of inbreeding: remote, moderate and close. According to the results of the evaluation of the fi rst-calf cows by milk productivity, the highest milk yield, as well as the amount of fat and protein in milk was in cows from moderate inbreeding. It was found that the milk yield for the full and 305 days of lactation of inbred animals (9411 kg and 8408 kg) was higher compared to outbred animals by 1003 kg or 10.6 % and 1028 kg or 13.1 %, respectively. The yield of milk fat and protein in these groups was the highest 346.2 and 308.9 kg. The milk productivity of cows evaluated by the third lactation, the best indicators were in the group of animals with moderate inbreeding as well as in outbred animals. Thus, the milk yield for the full and 305 days of lactation was higher in the group of outbred cows by 876 kg or 9.0 % and 376 kg or 4.6 %. Analysis of reproductive traits of cows showed that live weight at fi rst insemination was higher in the group of inbred animals (373.4 kg), and higher compared to outbred animals by 0.7 %. The age in fi rst insemination in the group of inbred cows was lower by 2.1 months (p < 0.001). It was established according to indicators of longevity and lifetime productivity of cows depending on the level of inbreeding that outbred animals were the best.

Influence of storage periods of quail eggs of Radonezh breed on the results of incubation and the development of young poultry

The storage period of eggs has a negative influence on the incubation period, embryo development, egg hatchability and hatching of young animals, which ultimately reduces the economic efficiency of the poultry farm. In breeding quail farms, the collection period of hatching eggs can reach 2–3 weeks. Our studies have studied the infl uence of the storage period of hatching eggs on the duration and results of incubation, the development of young quails. These issues have been studied not enough in meat-productive quails. In Russia, similar studies have been conducted on egg-productive quails of Japanese gray breed. However, poultry with meat productivity differs in both the duration of incubation and its results due to differences in metabolism in the body. Research has been carried out at the Siberian Research Institute of Poultry Farming on the eggs of Radonezh quail breed. It has been established that storing quail eggs for more than 7 days reduced the capacity of egg hatchability by 3.3–29.0 abs.%, and the hatching of young animals by 6.2–36.5 abs.%. Extending the shelf life of quail eggs to 14–21 days increased the average incubation hour by 2.5–9.7 hours, had a statistically signifi cant infl uence during embryogenesis on the live weight of day-old quails, the use of nutrients in the yolk sac and the development of the heart, liver and muscular stomach. It is advisable to store the hatching eggs of meat-productive quails of Radonezh breed before incubation for no more than 7 days. The results of these research can be used in breeding, industrial and farm quail farms for planning the sampling time, the number of eggs laid for incubation and places for planting day-old young animals, the population of future layers, and the volumes of necessary feed.

Influence of antioxidant and chelate compound on milk productivity and milk quality of lactating cows during denitrification

The purpose of the research was to study the eff ect of the antioxidant Epofen and chelate calcium citrate feed additives on milk productivity, physicochemical and technological properties of milk from lactating cows fed by rations with subtoxic nitrate content. It was found that the highest degree of denitrifi cation with a simultaneous increase in the technological qualities of milk was facilitated by joint feeding of Epofen at a dose of 3 g/head and chelate calcium citrate at a dose of 1.0 g/100 kg of live weight. Due to this, the fat and protein content in the milk of cows in the 3rd experimental group was significantly higher by 0.23 and 0.26 abs.% compared to the control group (P > 0.95). The highest ammonia content was in the milk of cows in the 3rd experimental group 3.552 mg/l, which was 62.1 % more than in the control group (P > 0.95), with a simultaneous reliable (P > 0.95) decrease in nitrates by 52.9 % and nitrites by 60.0 %. At the same time, joint feeding of Epofen and calcium citrate allowed to ensure the highest yield of cheese mass from the milk raw materials of cows in the 3rd experimental group 10.84 kg, which was 13.3 % more than in the control group (P > 0.95). With joint additions of the tested drugs, cheese samples from the milk of cows in the 3rd experimental group compared to the control samples contained more protein soluble nitrogen by 6.87 abs.% (P > 0.95), and non-protein soluble nitrogen by 2.63 % (P > 0.95) less. Compared to the control samples, in the samples of cheese mass from the milk of cows of the 3rd experimental group, there was a signifi cant (P > 0.95) decrease in the content of nitrates by 72.3 % and nitrites by 74.3 %.

Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Anisopus mannii Leaves on Blood Glucose and Organ Weights of Wistar Rats with Alloxan Induced-Diabetes

This study looked at the impact of Anisopus mannii methanolic leaf extract on Wistar rats’ organ weights and alloxan-induced diabetes. For this investigation, a total of 20 male Wistar (albino) rats weighing between 80 and 150 g were used. Four groups of rats were randomly assigned. 1: Normal control; 2: Negative control; 3: Positive control (treated alloxan induced-diabetic with 5 mg/kg metformin); 4: alloxan induced-diabetic treated with 200 mg/kg of methanolic A. mannii leaf extract. The findings of the study show there was a significant difference in the blood glucose levels between the diabetic rats treated with metformin and the diabetic rats treated with A. mannii methanolic leaves extract on days 7 and no significant difference in day 14. The fasting blood glucose level in the diabetic rats treated with A. mannii on day 7 reduced from 167.00±19.76 mg/dL to 88.08±11.78 mg/dL on day 14. the liver weights (3.69±0.21 g) of the diabetic rats treated with the extract were significantly lower than those of the diabetic rats treated with metformin (4.86±0.16 g), and it was also within the weight for normal control which were non-diabetic (3.93±0.29 g). The kidney weights of the diabetic rats treated with the extract (1.13±0.18 g) were significantly higher than those of the diabetic rats treated with metformin (0.96±0.03 g). This work unequivocally shows that, in rats given alloxan to produce diabetes, A. mannii extract was able to substantially lower fasting blood glucose levels and shield the kidneys and liver from harm in just two weeks..

The Productive and physico-chemical performance at two seasons of the year in trout (oncorhynchus mykiss)

The objective of the research was to evaluate the productive and physicochemical performance of trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in two seasons of the year. The months of April-June for the rainy season and July-September for the dry season in the Junín region of Peru were considered. The productive performance variables were: length, live weight, carcass weight and yield; on the other hand, the physicochemical variable (pH, water retention, humidity, ash, ethereal extract and protein). The results indicate that no differences (p>0.05) were found between the rainy and dry seasons for: length (cm), moisture (%), ash (%), ethereal extract (%) and protein (%). On the contrary, differences (p<0.05) were found between the rainy and dry seasons for live weight (g) with 239.37 g and 186.30 g respectively, as well as differences for carcass weight (g) in the rainy (186.30 g) and dry (140.77 g) seasons; likewise, differences were found for carcass yield (%), with 88.17 % and 86.89 % for the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. It is evident that in the rainy season there is an increase in their productive behavior. In terms of physicochemical performance, both seasons do not influence the chemical characteristics

Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) dehydrated envelopes and seed cakes in Coturnix coturnix feed: effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and blood biochemical profiles.

The valorization of agro-industrial byproducts in domestic animal feed has the potential to reduce the cost of animal production. This trial was conducted to determine the effect of incorporating prickly pear byproducts (envelopes and cakes) as a partial substitute for corn and soybean meal in the diet of wheat quails (Coturnix coturnix) during their rearing period. Six hundred-day-old Coturnix coturnix quails of equal sex ratio (1:1), weighing on average 7 ± 0.5g, were randomly distributed into four groups, one control group and three experimental groups, according to the rates of incorporation of prickly pear cakes and envelopes, in sequential or nonsequential mode, in the different rearing phases. Each batch (150 subjects) was subdivided into five packs of 30 animals and randomly distributed according to the rate of incorporation (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) of prickly pear envelopes and cakes. The live weight at 45 days and average daily gain (ADG1 - 45d) increased significantly with the introduction of byproducts in all rearing phases (SFCEPP). The carcass yield increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the introduction of byproducts in the finishing phase (FCEPP) and in all rearing phases (SFCEPP). The mineral content decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all the experimental groups. The protein content increased significantly by 2 points on average when the two prickly pear byproducts were introduced in all rearing phases. The blood biochemical profile of each experimental batch was not influenced by the incorporated prickly pear byproducts. Prickly pear envelopes and cakes in wheat quail feed improve growth performance and meat quality, particularly when they are introduced in the finishing phase and in all rearing phases.

The Effect of Synbiotics and Probiotics on Ochratoxin Concentrations in Blood and Tissues, Health Status, and Gastrointestinal Function in Turkeys Fed Diets Contaminated with Ochratoxin A.

The aim of this study was to evaluate carcass quality and analyze gastrointestinal functional status, ochratoxin A (OTA) accumulation in tissues and organs, and the health status of turkeys fed diets contaminated with OTA and supplemented with synbiotic preparations in comparison with commercial probiotic feed additives. The research involved 120 female BIG 6 turkeys, divided into six treatment groups (five replicates, four birds per replicate). Wheat naturally contaminated with OTA (662.03 μg/kg) was used in turkey diets. Turkeys in group 1 received an OTA-contaminated diet without additives. Groups 2 and 3 received 0.4 g/kg of probiotic preparation BioPlus 2B or Cylactin. Groups 4, 5, and 6 received 0.5 g/kg of synbiotics S1, S2, or S3. The following parameters were monitored: growth performance, carcass quality, gastrointestinal tract structure and digesta pH, health status, and concentrations of OTA in the blood and tissues of turkeys. The study found no significant differences in the growth performance and carcass quality of turkey. However, the introduction of probiotics or synbiotics into OTA-contaminated feed mixtures resulted in a reduced pH of the digesta in certain sections of the turkey digestive tract (p < 0.05). Additionally, the tested synbiotic additives significantly reduced liver weight in turkeys at weeks 6 and 15 (p < 0.05). The addition of probiotic and synbiotic preparations based on lactic acid bacteria strains, inulin, and S. cerevisiae yeasts to OTA-contaminated diets in commercial turkey farming may improve health status (p < 0.05) and reduce mycotoxin accumulation in organs and tissues of poultry (p < 0.05).

Correlations and Variations Between the Major Biochemical Parameters of the Blood of Hybrid Swine.

In modern animal husbandry, increasing attention is given to mathematical modeling and statistical methods, especially for evaluating commercial hybrids. Our aim was to evaluate the phenotypic and genetic variability of biochemical parameters of blood serum of the 56 hybrid boars (Large White × Landrace × Duroc) raised in feeding stations (Russia) through mathematical modeling. The particular variances and covariances of traits were calculated using the limited maximum likelihood model and the REMLF90 programs. A narrow range of variability was found for major biochemical parameters in relationship with the "FFG-factor" ("fattening period × final live weight × gain"), including the majority of the metabolites (p ≤ 0.05). The highest values of the genetic correlations were observed for the "total protein" parameter with albumins (0.78), globulins (0.94), creatinine (0.99), and enzymes: AST (0.98), ALT (0.80), etc. Phenotypic and genetic relationships showed fairly high correlation coefficients (0.5-0.8). It is important to emphasize that most of the studied amino acids (alanine, arginine, aspartic acid and asparagine, glutamic acid and glutamine, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, valine) were significantly associated with the "FFG-factor" (p ≤ 0.05). The proposed approach provides reliable data on metabolite variability and correlations.

Effect of stress mitigation measures on the aggressive behaviour and body weight loss of Large White Yorkshire crossbred pigs during transportation

This study examined the impact of stress mitigation measures on the live body weight loss and skin lesion scores of Large White Yorkshire pigs after a 200 km transportation by road. Twenty-four LWY pigs were randomly allotted into four groups of six each: control group (T1 ), pigs injected with vitamin E and selenium (T2 ), pigs administered hydrogen rich water (T3 ), and pigs exposed to monochromatic blue light (T4 ). Hydrogen-rich water administration (T3 ) resulted in the highest live body weight loss, while exposure to monochromatic blue light (T4 ) induced the lowest. Shrinkage during transport mirrored the live body weight loss trend. Significant differences emerged in skin lesion scores, notably in the hindquarter and tail regions. Monochromatic blue light exposure (T4 ) correlated with reduced aggressive behaviour, evidenced by lower hindquarter skin lesion scores. Conversely, hydrogen-rich water administration (T3 ) resulted in higher tail region skin lesion scores. The findings suggest that exposure to monochromatic blue light may have a calming effect during transport and can be recommended as a stress mitigation strategy to enhance overall animal welfare during transportation Keywords: Transportation stress, body weight loss, shrinkage, aggressive behaviour

Supplementing exogenous xylanase improves the liver antioxidant capacity and immune response of Tibetan sheep fed wheat-based diets

Xylanase is a heteropolysaccharide found in the plant cell wall, which aids in the absorption and utilisation of nutrients. When embedded in animal feed, it enhances nutrient availability, leading to improved animal performance. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of xylanase supplementation in wheat-based feeds on the hepatic development, antioxidant capacity, and immune response in Tibetan sheep. Sixty healthy, weaned, non-neutered male lambs (19.35 ± 2.18 kg) were randomly assigned to two equal groups (n = 30 per group). Dietary treatments were: basal diet (H group), and basal diet with 0.2% xylanase supplementation (E group). After a 10–day adaptation period, the feeding trial was carried out for 90 days. The live weight, morphology, antioxidant capacity and immune response were measured. The differential genes in liver were identified by RNA-sequencing. Our results showed that the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) were significantly higher in E group than in H group (p < 0.05). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed that immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, and IgG were significantly higher in E group than in H group (p < 0.05). The hepatocytes of sheep fed xylanase diet showed arranged radially into hepatic plates cantered around the central vein, and the plates linked with each other to form a lost-like structure. A total of 4,509 differential genes (DEGs) were identified, among which 4,427 were up-regulated and 82 down-regulated. Additionally, the expression of antioxidant-related genes in cluding catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), oxidation resistance 1 (OXR1) and glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2), and immunity-related gene including mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 5B (STAT5B), janus kinase 3 (JAK3) and jun proto-oncogene (JUN) were verified using the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Conclusion: In conclusion, dietary 0.2% xylanase supplementation promoted hepatic antioxidant capacity and immune response via modulating the expression of functional genes in Tibetan sheep.

Shrinkage and tree-based regression methods for the prediction of the live weight of Akkaraman sheep using morphological traits.

The prediction of live weight (LW) is of critical importance to farmers in a range of applications, including breeding and monitoring animal growth. In this context, Ridge, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), and Elastic Net as shrinkage methods, and Classification and Regression Trees (CART) and Random Forest (RF) as tree-based regression methods were used in this study to predict LW of Akkaraman Sheep at 6-month age using sex, birth weight (BW) and some morphological traits such as withers height (WH), chest depth (CD), body length (BL), chest width (CW), rump height (RH), and chest circumference (CC). The dataset of 100 sheep, consisting of 44 males and 56 females, was randomly divided into training and test sets with a ratio of 80% and 20%, respectively. 10-fold cross-validation method was implemented using the training set to obtain optimum regression models and avoid overfitting. A test set was used to compare the prediction performance of regression methods based on various comparison criteria. Results revealed that LW was significantly correlated with all morphological traits and BW with coefficients ranging from 0.216 to 0.757. RF outperformed the other regression models with a coefficient of determination value (R2) of 0.865, followed by Ridge (R2 = 0.761), LASSO (R2 = 0.755), Elastic Net (R2 = 0.750), and CART (R2 = 0.654). The results indicated that WH and CD contributed the most, while sex and BW contributed the least in constructing the optimum RF model. In conclusion, the use of RF is recommended for predicting the LW of Akkaraman sheep. These results can provide a data-driven approach to improve decision-making in animal breeding.