Male Geese Research Articles

Developmental variations of the reproductive organs of ganders from different goose breeds and the underlying mechanisms

A deep understanding of the dynamics and mechanisms of male reproductive tract development is necessary for adoption of either genetic techniques or environmental management practices for improving fertility and hatchability in poultry. However, compared with other poultry such as chickens and ducks, less is known about the age- and breed-related changes in the reproductive tract development of domestic goose ganders exhibiting relatively poor reproductive performance as well as the regulatory mechanisms. In the present study, by taking 2 Chinese domestic goose breeds (Sichuan White goose, SW and Gang goose, GE; Anser cygnoides) and one European goose breed (Landes goose, LD; Anser anser) as the experimental objects, we comprehensive analyzed the morphological, histological, and genome-wide transcriptomic variations in their testicular and external genital development during the period from hatching to sexual maturity. Results from histomorphological analysis demonstrated that the reproductive tract of all goose breeds developed in both age- and breed-dependent manners, and the left and right testis developed asymmetrically throughout posthatch development. The tenth week posthatch was a critical developmental stage for all goose ganders, because both the testicular and external genital histomorphological parameters significantly changed before and after this period. During the first 10 wk posthatch, the weight, organ index, or size of male reproductive organs developed more rapidly in SW than in LD, and so were the testicular parenchymal-to-interstitial ratio and the external genital lymphatic lumen diameter. However, the testicular seminiferous epithelium thickness, seminiferous tubule diameter, and Leydig cell number, as well as the external genital keratinized epithelium thickness were significantly higher in LD than in SW at 10 wk of age. Through comparative transcriptomics analysis and RT-qPCR validation, several pathways related to germ and somatic cell function, organ remodeling, and energy metabolism were thought to be responsible for the developmental variations in the early testicular development between Chinese and European domestic ganders, where 10 hub genes involved in the cell cycle, RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription, and mitotic cell division pathways might play essential roles. These data shed new light on the interbreed differences in the male goose reproductive tract development and the molecular mechanisms regulating male goose testicular functions and fertility.

The combination of RNA-seq transcriptomics and data-independent acquisition proteomics reveal the mechanisms and function of different gooses testicular development at different stages of laying cycle

Egg production performance is an important economic trait in the poultry industry. In previous studies, attention has often been paid to the growth and development of the ovaries, while there has been less research on the testicular tissue of male goose. Due to various factors, there are usually significant differences in the process of testicular spermatogenesis among different goose breeds. The Jilin white goose (JL) is a high-production local goose species in China, domesticated from Anser cygnoides, which has a high egg-laying performance and the egg-laying period can last from February to July. In the production of goose within Jilin Province, the female goose of Jilin White goose is considered as an important maternal parent of synthetic lines, and ganders from Hungarian white goose (HU), Wanxi white goose (WX) and Jilin white goose are the main male parents. Each year, all 3 gander species begin to exhibit breeding capacity in February and reach the peak of reproductive capacity by April, marked by high fertilization rates. With the gradual increase in temperature, the testicular tissue of Hungarian and Wanxi goose gradually diminishes in its ability to produce sperm. the testicular tissue undergoes significant shrinkage by the end of June, resulting in a near loss of sperm production capability, thereby yielding low fertilization rates. However, the Jilin White goose demonstrates the ability to maintain a stable sperm production capacity. Individuals with low sperm motility contribute to increased seed production costs and pose constraints on the industrial development of livestock and poultry varieties. In this study, transcriptomics and proteomics data from gooses testicular of 3 different goose breeds inclouding Jilin white goose, Wanxi white gooseand Hungary white goose sampled in 2 stages, peak of laying cycle (PLC) and end of laying cycle (ELC). In a comparative analysis between PLC and ELC groups (ELC vs. PLC) of 3 breeds, we identified 401,340,6651 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 18,225,323 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), respectively. Differentially expressed genes and proteins were significantly enriched in Gene Ontology (GO) terms such as phosphotransferase activity, cytoskeletal protein binding, microtubule motor activity, channel activity and carbohydrate metabolic process. The KEGG enrichment analysis of the DEGs in testicular showed that most differentially expressed mRNAs participate in the KEGG pathways, including ECM-receptor interaction, MAPK signaling pathway, carbon metabolism, Cell cycle, VEGF signaling pathway, Lipoic acid metabolism and p53 signaling pathway. The differential expression of 4 selected DEGs (SPAG6, NEK2, HSPA4L, SERF1A) was verified by qRT-PCR, and the results were consistent with RNA-seq data. In conclusion, this study reveals the differences in gene expression regulation in testicular tissues of different goose species, and screening candidate genes and proteins related to spermatogenesis.

Effects of fermented cottonseed meal inclusions on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and hepatic lipid metabolism of geese during 28–70 d of age

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of solid-state fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) inclusion levels on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and hepatic lipid metabolism in geese from 28 to 70 d of age. A total of 288 28‐d‐old male geese were randomly divided into 4 treatments with FCSM levels of 0, 5, 15 and 25% including 0, 22.74, 67.33, 111.27 mg FG/kg diet, respectively. Each treatment contained 6 replicates and 12 birds per replicate. Treatments of FCSM inclusions from 0 to 25% had no effect on growth rate and feed intake in geese during d 28-70. The F/G ratio was increased (P < 0.05) in geese fed the diet with 25% FCSM compared with birds fed the diet with 0% FCSM. Treatment with 25% FCSM levels had no effect on the contents of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, but increased (P < 0.05) AST and ALT activities in serum of geese at d 70. Treatment with 25% FCSM increased the contents of FG, HDL-C, TC, C18:2n6, C20:4n6 and PUFA and decreased (P < 0.05) the contents of NEFA, SFA, MUFA in liver compared with treatment of 0% FCSM inclusion. Additionally, treatment with 25% FCSM decreased (P < 0.05) the PPARα, AMPK and LXR mRNA expression related to lipid deposition, and increased (P < 0.05) PPARγ and ACC mRNA expression related to lipolysis in liver compared with birds fed the diet with 0% FCSM. Overall, treatment with 0-15% FCSM (<=67.33 mg FG/kg diet) had no adverse effects on the growth performance and lipid metabolism of geese. However, treatment fed 25% FCSM (111.27 mg FG/kg diet) decreased feed efficiency and promoted hepatic lipid deposition associated with the alteration of related gene expression in geese at 28-70 d of age.

Effects of dietary Artemisia annua supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and gut microbiota of geese

This experiment aimed to study the effect of 1% Artemisia annua added to the diet on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity and intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota of geese. Seventy-two 35-day-old male geese (Zi goose) with similar body weight were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups. Each treatment group of 36 geese was divided into 6 subgroups, each having 6 male geese. The experiment lasted for 21 d. Control group (CON) was fed a basal diet and the experimental group (AAL) was fed a basal diet + 1% Artemisia annua. BW, ADG, and ADFI of the AAL group increased (p < 0.05) and the FCR decreased (p < 0.05) compared with the CON group. The addition of Artemisia annua to the diet increased catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities, increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in serum and jejunum of geese (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, serum IgA, IgG, IgM, and lysozyme (LZM), increased at different time points in the AAL group compared to the CON group (p < 0.05), and decrease in the content of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) , IL-6 (p < 0.05), but no effect on complement C3 and C4. Morphological observation of the small intestine showed that the jejunal crypt depth was decreased in the AAL group (p < 0.05) while elevating the jejunal villus height/crypt depth (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing results showed the Artemisia annua increased the diversity of cecum microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Fecalibacterium, and Paraprevotella. In conclusion, the addition of 1% Artemisia annua to the diet could improve the growth performance, antioxidant and immune ability of geese, as well as improve the development of the jejunum intestinal tract of geese, and change the structure of the cecum microbiota, which had a positive effect on the growth and development of geese. Artemisia annua can be further developed as a feed additive.

Development of myofibers and muscle transcriptomic analysis in growing Yili geese

In poultries, muscle growth is a quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes. The regulatory mechanisms governing muscle tissue growth and development in poultry, particularly during the early stages of growth, are intricate. Through the examination of leg muscle transcripts from Yili geese during various stages of development, this study offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the growth and development of Yili geese. This study aimed to perform a comparative analysis of the histological characteristics of leg muscles and the mRNA expression profiles of leg muscles in Yili geese at different ages (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wk). The objective was to identify differentially expressed genes related to muscle development in Yili geese and utilize bioinformatics to predict the potential biological functions of these genes. Through histological studies on leg muscle tissues, it was discerned that male geese at 4 wk exhibit a significantly reduced muscle fiber density in comparison to females (P < 0.01). In contrast, by the time they reach 6, 8, and 10 wk, their muscle fiber diameter and cross-sectional dimensions significantly outpace the females (P < 0.01). With the advancement in age, muscle fiber density tends to decrease. It is worth noting that 4- and 6-wk-old male geese have a substantially elevated muscle fiber density when matched against females (P < 0.01). Conversely, at the age of 10 wk, their muscle fiber density is notably inferior to the females (P < 0.01). Furthermore, male geese exhibit the most rapid increase in muscle fiber diameter and cross-sectional area between 4 and 6 wk of age. The density of muscle fibers in these geese significantly decreases from 4 to 8 wk. In contrast, female geese show the most pronounced growth in muscle fiber diameter and cross-sectional area between 2 and 6 wk, with a swift decline in density following the 6-wk mark, accompanied by a gradual reduction in the rate of muscle fiber growth. A comprehensive analysis of the leg muscle mRNA expression profiles from 12 Yili geese generated a cumulative total of 502,065,268 valid sequence reads, corresponding to a data volume of 75.30 Gb. In a comparative analysis between 4-wk-old and 2-wk-old groups (T4 vs. T2), 8-wk-old and 2-wk-old groups (T8 vs. T2), and 8-wk-old and 4-wk-old groups (T8 vs. T4), we identified 1,700, 1,583, and 221 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. Differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in Gene Ontology (GO) terms such as organelle organization, cytoskeletal protein binding, cation transport, myosin complex, and actin cytoskeleton. Among the significantly enriched signaling pathways, 5 pathways were found to be significantly related to growth and development: adhesion patch, extracellular matrix receptor interaction, tight junction, TGF-β signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway, with a total of 38 differentially differentiated genes contained in these 5 pathways, and it was hypothesized that the above pathways as well as the DEGs in the pathways played an important role in the regulation of early growth and development of the Yili goose. This investigation serves as a foundational reference for elucidating the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in the development of goose muscle. Furthermore, it contributes to the expansion of the theoretical framework concerning the genetic regulation of muscle growth in geese.

Association between Yili goose sperm motility and expression profiles of mRNA and miRNA in testis

BackgroundThe study was conducted to find out the candidate microRNA (miRNA) and genes that associated with sperm motility of Yili goose through small RNA sequencing of testicular tissue of Yili goose, and provide a theoretical basis for the study of the regulation mechanism of sperm motility of Yili goose gander.ResultsIn this study, five male geese with high sperm motility and five male geese with low sperm motility were slaughtered to obtain their testis tissues for small RNA sequencing, and biological information methods were used for data analysis. The results showed that a total of 1575 known miRNAs and 68 novel miRNAs were identified in the testis tissue of Yili goose, and 71 differentially expressed miRNAs and 660 differentially expressed genes were screened. GO functional analysis showed that miRNAs target genes were mainly involved in the binding, kinase activity, structural constituent of cytoskeleton and intermediate filament cytoskeleton. KEGG functional analysis showed that miRNAs target genes were significantly enriched in arginine and proline metabolism, glycolysis / gluconeogenesis, fructose and mannose metabolism and beta-Alanine metabolism and other pathways. miRNAs-mRNAs interaction network suggests miR-140/miR-140-3p/miR-140-3p-NKAIN3, let-7d-BTG1 and miR-145-5p/miR -145a-5p-CLEC2E may play an important role in testis development and spermatogenesis.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that the sperm motility of Yili goose may be regulated by different miRNAs, and the target genes are significantly enriched in pathways related to sperm metabolism, indicating that miRNAs affect the sperm motility of Yili goose by regulating the metabolic process of sperm and the expression of related genes. This study can provide a reference for revealing the regulation mechanism of Yili goose sperm motility at the molecular level.

Morphological, anatomical and histological studies on knob and beak characters of six goose breeds from China.

The knob serves as both a sexual indicator of a goose's maturity and a significant packaging attribute that garners consumer attention. However, studies regarding the morphological, anatomical and histological traits of different breeds and ages on the on knob in goose are lacking. In this study, six breeds with typical goose knob types were selected, and their knob size, morphological, anatomical and histological traits were characterized. The results showed that: Knob was more prominent in gander than in female goose, and the difference was the most obvious in Magang goose. Wanxi white goose and Shitou goose had the largest knob bulge, while Magang goose and Sichuan white goose were smaller. The total knob volume of Wanxi White goose and Shitou goose was significantly higher than that of other breeds, regardless of male or female (p < 0.05). The beak volume of Wanxi White goose and gander was significantly higher than that of other goose breeds (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the observation revealed that the "knob" primarily consisted of skin-derived tissue and bony protrusions. As age advances, the knob of both male and female geese undergoes synchronous development, with the knob of male geese typically surpassing that of their female counterparts during the same period. The growth rate of knob in male goose was the fastest from 70 to 120days of age, and slowed down from 300 to 500days of age. The growth rate of knob in female goose was slower than that in male goose. There were essential differences in the composition of Yangzhou goose knob and Magang goose knob. The subcutaneous tissue of Magang goose was rich, and the thickness of epidermis, dermis and various layers was significantly smaller than that of Yangzhou goose (p < 0.05). With the growth of goose knob, the cells of the epidermal spinous layer became denser and gradually condensed into an overall structure, and there was a clear boundary between the dermis and epidermis after adult. In adulthood, the fiber fascicle network was staggered and dense, with greater toughness and elasticity, and the stratum corneum, epidermis, reticular layer, dermis and other skin structural layers became thicker.

Effect of the age and sex on growth performance and feather quality of 13 to 25-weeks-old White Roman geese

This study aimed to determine the effect of age and sex in weeks on growth, carcass performances, and feather quality of White Roman geese and analyze the relative effect of age and sex in weeks on feather characteristics in geese. In animal experiments, 120 White Roman geese aged 13 wk were randomly distributed among 12 pens and fed grower diet ad libitum during the growing period, with each pen containing 10 males or 10 females, depending on a completely random design. Ten geese each in their 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, and 25 wk of age were sacrificed. The results showed that the age had no significant effect on the body weight (BW) of geese (P > 0.05). The chest girth was significantly longer in 21 to 25 wk old than in 13- to 19-wk-old geese (P < 0.05). The results reveal no significant change in carcass weight of grower geese among 13- to 25-wk age groups (P > 0.05). The down percentage of the 25-wk-old age group was significantly higher than that of the 13-, 15-, and 17-wk age groups (P < 0.05). The male geese had a higher dry feather weight than the females (P < 0.05). Similarly, the 18-h feed-deprived body weight (18-h FDBW) and 4 to 10 cm feather weight were significantly negatively correlated in grower geese (-0.42). This provides the feather industry an opportunity for the better utilization of grower geese by-products. In conclusion, the age has no influence on BW among 13- to 25-wk-old geese, and a good down percentage and dry weight were observed at 25 wk of age. The 18-h FDBW and down percentage had a significantly negative correlation (-0.55) in grower geese.

Effect of crossbreeding and sex on slaughter performance and meat quality in Xingguo gray goose based on multiomics data analysis

Here, we examined the effects of crossbreeding and sex on growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality in Xingguo gray (XG) goose, using transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques. The experiment was conducted using 400 goslings (1-day old) of 2 genotypes: the XG breed and its ternary hybrids [F2 geese; (XG Goose♂×Yangzhou Goose♀)♀×Shitou Goose♂]. The goslings were divided into 4 groups: female XG, male XG, female F2 geese, and male F2 geese, and growth parameters were examined at 70 d of age, using 30 birds from each group. Following slaughter, samples of breast and thigh muscles were collected from each group for chemical, metabolome, and transcriptome analyses. Growth rate, live body and slaughter weights, meat chemical composition, and muscle fiber diameter were affected by crossbreeding and sex. Crossbreeding significantly improved the dressing percentage, semieviscerated rate, eviscerated yield, and abdominal fat yield of XG geese. To clarify the potential regulatory network affected by crossbreeding and sex, we used RNA-seq and nontargeted metabolomics to detect changes in male and female goose breast muscle. The transcriptome results showed that there were 534, 323, 297, and 492 differently expressed genes (DEGs) among the 4 comparison groups (XG-Female vs. F2-Female, XG-Male vs. F2-Male, F2-Male vs. F2-Female, and XG-Male vs. XG-Female, respectively) that were mainly related to muscle growth and development and fatty acid metabolism pathways. A total of 141 significantly differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were enriched in serine and threonine, propionate, and pyruvate metabolism. Finally, we comprehensively analyzed the metabolome and transcriptome data and found that many DEGs and DAMs played crucial roles in lipid metabolism and muscle growth and development. In summary, crossbreeding can improve XG goose production performance and affect breast muscle gene expression and metabolites in both female and male geese.

Effects of different dietary starch sources on growth and glucose metabolism of geese

This experiment investigated the effects of different dietary starch sources on the growth and glucose metabolism of geese. A total of 240 healthy 35-day-old male geese were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups, with 6 replicates per group and 10 geese per replicate. Four types of diets were prepared, with glutinous rice (rapidly-digestible starch), corn, indica rice and high amylose as their starch sources, and fed for 28 d. Results showed that after consuming different feeds, the blood glucose of geese first increased and then decreased, reaching its maximum value 0.5 h after feeding, and there were significant differences between the groups (P < 0.05). The body weight of the corn and indica rice group geese at 63 d was higher than that of the high amylose group (P < 0.05). The serum total cholesterol (TCHO) content in the glutinous rice and corn groups was higher than in the high amylose group (P < 0.05). The serum insulin content in the glutinous rice group was lower than in the corn and high amylose groups (P < 0.05), while the glucagon content was higher (P < 0.05). The α-amylase activities of the pancreas, jejunal chyme, and jejunal mucosa in the glutinous rice group were higher than in the indica rice and high amylose groups (P < 0.05). The liver glycogen content in the glutinous rice group was higher than the other groups (P < 0.05). The liver glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) content in the glutinous rice group was higher than the high amylose group's (P < 0.05), but the glycogen synthase kinase-3 β (GSK-3β) content was lower (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the corn and indica rice diets had a positive effect on the growth performance of the geese, while the high amylose diet had a negative effect. The glutinous rice diet leads to rapid release of glucose, strengthening glucose metabolism pathways such as glycogen synthesis and the pentose phosphate pathway, and further influencing lipid metabolism.

A Comparative Histomorphological and Histochemical Study of the Ventriculus between Iraqi Adult Geese (Anser anser) and Guinea fowls (Numidia meleagris)

The present study aimed to describe and compare the histomorphological and histochemical structures to ventriculus in Goose(Anser anser) and Guinea fowls (Numidia meleagris). The work was carried out on twenty apparently clinically healthy birds obtained from a supplier in Baghdad city. They were allocated in two equal groups of each type of bird. The two groups were utilized for histological and histochemical investigations of their ventriculus organ. After anesthesia and killing birds, their abdominal cavity was dissected, their ventriculus was identified and proper specimens from its walls were prepared. The samples designated for histochemical staining were fixed in a solution of bruin's fixative, while the others for general histological examination were fixed in (10%) neutral buffered formalin. After processing, the sections were stained with (2.5 PH) Alcian- PAS combination, periodic acid Schiff, Masson Trichrome, and Hematoxylin and Eosin stains. This study elucidates that the microscopic construct of the ventriculus was similar for the two species. The ventriculus consists of three tunicates (serosa, muscularis, and mucosa), whereas the submucosa is absent. The wall showed some significant differences in morphometric measurements. The mucosa of the ventriculus is coated with a thick layer of cuticles organized as a wavy clear pink line parallel to the mucosal surface and mucosal folds. The simple cuboidal-columnar epithelium covered the mucosa, which showed many folds. The proprial glands (simple tubular type) are lined by simple cuboidal epithelium, which opens into the crypts between the folds. A well-developed muscular comprised of smooth muscle fibers as two layers of inner circular and outer longitudinal. Serosa is composed of loose connective tissue coated by mesothelium. The Mean thickness of Cuticle, length of folds, mucosa and muscular in goose were significantly higher than that in guinea fowl; these differences may be due to variation in their diet. PAS and AB-PAS combined (2.5-PH) stains, cuticle layer, epithelium lining, and gastric glands showed a positive reaction with these stains. This study aimed to Study the normal histomorphological histochemical and structure of Gizzard in two avian species, local male guinea fowl (Numidia meleagris) and male geese (Anser anser). Also aimed to Comparative histomorphological, histomorphometric measurements and histochemical study of the Gizzard of two different local male avian species (Guinea fowl and geese). Keywords: Histomorphological, Histochemical, Ventriculus, Guinea fowls, Geese

Relationship between the abdominal sagging index and the reproductive performance of the Roman goose.

This research aimed to explore the changes in the observed abdominal sagging index (ASI) and reproductive performance of Roman male and female geese during the breeding period. The 339 six-month-old breeding geese (109 male; 230 female) were used in this study, in which five male and five female geese were slaughtered on a monthly basis to record the ASI. The short diameter of the testes of the male goose when the female goose lays eggs and in the second, third, and fourth months was significantly wider than in the fifth months (19.0, 20.8, 21.4, and 19.6 vs 12.7 and 14.0 mm/bird; p = 0.0105). On the other hand, the testicular weight of the male goose in the second and third months after the female goose lays eggs was significantly higher than that in the second and fifth months after laying (0.33% and 0.37% vs 0.11% and 0.19%; p = 0.0212). During the exploring period, the length and weight of the fallopian tube, the weight of the ovary, the number of follicles in 2 to 3 cm, the number of follicles in 3 to 4 cm, the fallopian tube weight in the carcass weight percentage, and the ovary weight in the carcass weight percentage all demonstrated a significant curve response. Further, female ASI was positively correlated with reproductive tract length (r = 0.815; p<0.05) and egg production per female (r = 0.790; p<0.05). The ASI classification method is more objective and easy to distinguish. This scoring method has a high correlation with the number of eggs laid by each goose and the length of the reproductive tract, inferring that the goose observation could take advantage of ASI during egg-laying and can predict the reproductive system development during the laying period and determine when the breeding goose begins to lay eggs.

Effects of dietary Acremonium terricola culture supplementation on the quality, conventional characteristics, and flavor substances of Hortobágy goose meat.

This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with Acremonium terricola culture (ATC) on the quality, conventional characteristics, and flavor substances of Hortobágy goose meat. A total of 720 one-day-old goslings were divided into four dietary treatments, each consisting of six cages of 30 goslings. The dietary conditions consisted of the control group and three treatment groups supplemented with 3, 5, or 7 g/kg ATC. In male geese, supplementation with 3 g/kg ATC elevated the crude ash (CA) content of the thigh muscle compared to the control group, and the CA content of the pectoralis major was significantly elevated when geese were supplemented with 5 g/kg ATC (p < 0.05). In females, compared with the control group, supplementation with 7 g/kg ATC enhanced the crude protein (CP) content of the pectoralis major. Supplementation with 7 g/kg ATC also increased the crude fat (CF) content of the pectoralis major in females as well as in both sexes; moreover, this supplementation dose increased the inosinic acid content of the thigh muscle in males and in both sexes. In contrast, supplementation with 5 g/kg ATC decreased the pH of the thigh muscle at 12 h postmortem (p < 0.01). No significant changes in meat color, water loss rate, shear force, moisture content or amino acid (AA) levels were observed after ATC supplementation (p > 0.05). Levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) in the pectoralis major and levels of SFAs, monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs), and PUFAs in the thigh muscle were not affected by the supplementation. Overall, ATC supplementation had positive effects on the pH, and CA, CP, CF, inosinic acid contents as well as on the FA composition of gosling meat. The optimal level of ATC supplementation was 7 g/kg in goslings from 1 to 70 days of age.

Pharmacokinetics of ivermectin after oral and intravenous administration in Biłgorajska geese (Anser anser domesticus)

ABSTRACT Aims To assess the pharmacokinetic profile of ivermectin in Biłgorajska geese (Anser anser domesticus) after single I/V or oral administration, in order to compare these routes of administration and assess oral bioavailability. Methods Ten healthy male geese were used in a single-dose, two-phase study with a 3-month washout period between phases. In the first phase, all geese were given 0.2 mg/kg I/V ivermectin, while in the second phase they were treated orally with the same dosage. Blood samples were collected at selected time points up to 480 hours after each administration. Samples were purified using protein precipitation and drug concentration was quantified using HPLC. The analytical method was validated on blank goose plasma and was characterised by an optimal linearity and a limit of quantification of 0.025 μg/mL. The pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out using a non-compartmental approach. Results The drug was quantifiable up to 240 hours after I/V administration, while after oral treatment it was quantifiable up to 144 hours in most of the geese. The elimination half-life of ivermectin was approximately 3.8 (95% CI = 1.98–7.92; p = 0.027) times higher after I/V administration compared to oral administration. Moreover, the area under the curve from zero to the last detectable timepoint was 6.4 (95% CI = 4.65–8.74; p < 0.001) hours greater after I/V than oral administration. This difference led to a bioavailability of 20.38 (SD 5.92) %. Conclusions Following oral administration in geese, ivermectin has a bioavailability of approximately 20%. Further research on the action of ivermectin in the gastrointestinal tract is required along with assessment of tissue residues to allow calculation of withdrawal time to ensure consumer safety. Abbreviations AUC: Area under the concentration-time curve; AUClast: Area under the curve from zero to the last detectable timepoint; AUMC: Area under the first moment curve; Cmax: Maximum concentration; Tmax: Time at maximum plasma concentration

Effects of Acremonium terricola Culture on the Growth, Slaughter Yield, Immune Organ, Serum Biochemical Indexes, and Antioxidant Indexes of Geese.

Simple SummaryThe culture of Acremonium terricola has similar components to Cordyceps and exhibits growth-promoting and antioxidant effects. This research investigated the effects of Acremonium terricola culture on the growth performance, slaughter performance, immune organ and serum biochemical indexes, and serum and muscle antioxidant indexes of geese. The results showed that adding Acremonium terricola culture to the diet could reduce the feed-to-weight ratio of geese and improve the antioxidant capacity of goose meat and serum. The results indicated that Acremonium terricola culture could be used as a new feed additive to promote the growth of geese and improve the antioxidant capacity of geese.Acremonium terricola culture (ATC) is a new type of green feed additive, and its main components include cordycepin, adenosine, and ergosterol. In this study, the Hortobagy geese were used as the experimental animals to explore the effects of ATC addition to the basal diet. Seven hundred and twenty 1-day-old Hortobagy geese were randomly divided into four treatment groups, each with 180 geese divided into six pens equally. The four treatments included the control group and three experimental treatments. Half of the geese in each group were males and half were females. All geese were offered the same basal diet with ATC supplementation at 0, 3, 5, and 7 g/kg. The results showed that basal diet supplementation with 7 g/kg ATC reduced the feed conversion rate (FCR) of Hortobagy geese in a highly significant manner (p < 0.01). When the dosage of ATC was 3 g/kg, the breast muscle rate and leg muscle rate of female geese were significantly increased (p < 0.05). ATC supplementation in the basal diet had no significant effect on the immune organ index of Hortobagy geese (p > 0.05). Basal diet supplementation with 3 g/kg and 5 g/kg ATC significantly reduced the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) content in the serum of female geese, significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of the serum, and significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the serum (p < 0.05). The addition of 5 g/kg and 7 g/kg ATC to the basal diet reduced the blood glucose (GLU) content in male geese in a highly significant manner (p < 0.01). A basal diet supplemented with 3 g/kg and 7 g/kg ATC significantly reduced the MDA content in geese breast muscles (p < 0.05). Basal diet supplementation with 3 g/kg ATC highly significantly improved the T-AOC of female geese breast muscles (p < 0.01). Basal diet supplementation with 5 g/kg ATC significantly improved the T-AOC of female geese leg muscles (p < 0.01). In summary, basal diet supplementation with ATC enhances the growth performance and antioxidant properties of Hortobagy geese.

Comparative transcriptome analysis identifies crucial candidate genes and pathways in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis during external genitalia development of male geese

BackgroundAll birds reproduce via internal fertilization, but only ~3% of male birds possess the external genitalia that allows for intromission. Waterfowl (e.g., duck and goose) are representatives of them, and the external genitalia development of male geese is directly related to mating ability. Notably, some male geese show abnormal external genitalia development during ontogenesis. However, until now little is known about the molecular mechanisms of the external genitalia development in goose. In the present study, comparative transcriptomic analyses were performed on the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, testis, and external genitalia isolated from the 245-day-old male Tianfu meat geese showing normal (NEGG, n = 3) and abnormal (AEGG, n = 3) external genitals in order to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms controlling the development of the external genitalia in aquatic bird species.ResultsThere were 107, 284, 2192, and 1005 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, testis and external genitalia between NEGG and AEGG. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs identified in the hypothalamus were mainly enriched in the ECM-receptor interaction pathway. The ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways were significantly enriched by the DEGs in the pituitary gland. In the testis, the DEGs were enriched in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, and purine metabolism. In the external genitalia, the DEGs were enriched in the metabolic, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, and WNT signaling pathways. Furthermore, through integrated analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and co-expression network, fifteen genes involved in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and WNT signaling pathways were identified, including KNG1, LPAR2, LPAR3, NPY, PLCB1, AVPR1B, GHSR, GRM3, HTR5A, FSHB, FSHR, WNT11, WNT5A, WIF1, and WNT7B, which could play crucial roles in the development of goose external genitalia.ConclusionsThis study is the first systematically comparing the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, testis, and external genitalia transcriptomes of male geese exhibiting normal and abnormal external genitals. Both bioinformatic analysis and validation experiments indicated that the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway could regulate the WNT signaling pathway through PLCB1 to control male goose external genitalia development.

Determination of the Relationship of Serum Amino Acid Profile with Sex and Body Weight in Healthy Geese by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The aim of this study is to determine the serum amino acid profile using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS / MS) in healthy male and female geese of the same age that were raised in similar care and feeding conditions. The animal material of the study consisted of a total of 41 geese, 18 male, and 23 female of the same age (9 months). After a 12h fasting period of the geese, blood samples were taken from V. subcutanaeulnaris into tubes without anticoagulant. After separating the serums, the samples were preserved at -20 O C degrees until Methylglutaryl (Met-Glu), Valine (Val), Leucyl-Isoleucine (Leu-Ile), Methionine (Met), Phenylalanine (Phe), Argininosuccinate (ASA), Tyrosine (Tyr), Aspartic acid (Asp), Alanine (Ala), Arginine (Arg), Citrulline (Cit), Glycine (Gly), Ornithine (Orn), Glutamic acid (Glu) were analyzed. The Val, Asp, Arg, Cit, Gly, and Orn levels of male geese were higher compared to female geese in the research (p<0.05). It was determined that Asp, Arg, Cit, and Gly levels increased as the body weights of the geese increased (p<0.05). It was also determined that the effect of Gender x Body Weight interaction on Val, Cit, and Orn levels was significant (p<0.05). As a result; it has been concluded that the serum amino acid profile of healthy geese can vary according to gender and live weight, and more studies are needed to elucidate the reasons for these changes.

A novel c.-652C>T mutation in UCHL1 gene is associated with the growth performance in Yangzhou goose

As a member of the ubiquitin-dependent proteasome degradation pathway, Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCHL1) plays a key role in post-translational modification and protein degradation, and it is extensive and important for the regulation of various biological functions of the organism. However, its function remains unclear in goose growth performance. In this study, the full-length genomic DNA and coding region of UCHL1 gene was firstly cloned and characterized in Yangzhou goose. Tissue expression profile revealed that UCHL1 was exclusively expressed in brain and gonads. A novel single nucleotide polymorphisms c.-652C>T which is significantly related to 64-d body weight of Yangzhou goose was found in UCHL1 promoter region by comparative sequencing. Correlation analysis in a population of 405 geese showed that TT genotype individuals had higher body weight than CC individuals in male, but not in female geese. Dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that the single nucleotide polymorphisms c.-652C>T is located at the core promoter region of UCHL1, and the promoter transcription activity was significantly increased (P < 0.01) when allele C changed to T. Geese with TT genotype had higher mRNA level of UCHL1 in brain tissue than those of CC genotype (P < 0.01). Compared with CC individuals, neuropeptide Y and AdipoR1 mRNA level was significantly higher in TT individuals (P < 0.05), while FAS mRNA level was lower in the TT individuals (P < 0.05). In summary, we identify a novel mutation in the promoter of UCHL1 gene, which can alter transcriptional activity of UCHL1 gene, and affect the growth performance of male goose.

Morph-anatomic and histochemical study of ileum of goose (Alopochen egyptiacus) with special references to immune cells, mucous and serous goblet cells, telocytes, and dark and light smooth muscle fibers.

The morphological characteristics of the ileum of 20 adult male Egyptian geese were determined using LM, SEM, and TEM. The mean length of the ileum in the male goose was approximately 158.71 mm, representing nearly 10.19% of the total length of the small intestine. The ileum is composed of four layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscular layer, and serosa. The mucosal layer comprises the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosa. The mucosa forms finger-like villi and is invaginated at the bases, forming the crypts of Lieberkühn. The ileum is lined by simple columnar epithelium that contains absorptive dark and light enterocytes with two types of goblet cells (mucous and serous varieties) microfold like cells, dendritic reticulum cells, Paneth cells, and a closed type of enteroendocrine cells. The lamina propria has diffuse lymphoid tissue containing lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, plasma cells, and heterophils as well as telocytes. The muscularis mucosa comprises circular smooth muscle fibers extending into the core of the villi. The submucosa is a thin layer of elastic-rich connective tissue. The muscular level consists of four layers, with light and dark smooth muscle fibers. We described in detail the structure of all cellular components and histomorphometric measurements.

A macroanatomic, morphometric and comparative investigation on skeletal system of the geese growing in Kars region II; Skeleton appendiculare

The aim of this study was to comparatively, morphometrically and macroanatomically investigate skeleton appendiculare. Atotal of 24 goose cadavers were used. Scapula length was 107.31 ± 1.05 mm in female geese; it was 116.63 ± 0.65 mm in male geese.While the length of the os coracoideum was 78.5 ± 0.6 mm in female geese; it was detected as 87 ± 0.8 mm in male geese. The claviculalength was 66.90 ± 0.71 mm in female geese and it was 73.39 ± 0.59 mm in male geese and it was determined that both claviculashaped furcula with a distinct curvature. While the length of the humerus in female geese was 175.02 ± 1.59 mm; it was measured as191.28 ± 1.44 mm in male ones. While the mean ulna height was 162.60 ± 1.26 mm in female geese; it was determined as 178.84 ± 0.83mm in male geese. The mean radius length was measured as 154.20 ± 1.63 mm in female geese, it was 169.75 ± 1.31 mm in male geese.It was detected that os carpi radiale was in a triangular shape, os carpi ulnare was in the form of a pipe. It was determined that theheight of carpometacarpus was 94.57 ± 0.75 mm in female geese; 100.95 ± 1.03 mm was in male geese. Pelvis length was measured as154.27 ± 1.81 mm in female geese; it was 169.91 ± 1.68 mm in male geese. While femur length was detected as 86.85 ± 0.98 mm infemale geese; it was 93.87 ± 1.12 mm in male geese. While tibiotarsus length was 160.94 ± 1.88 mm in female geese; it was 174.20 ±1.28 mm in male ones. While the tarsometatarsus length was 93.15 ± 1.19 mm in female geese; it was measured as 101.64 ± 0.88 mmin male geese. As a result, in this study, thought that obtained findings will contribute in scientific research, evaluations of sexualdimorphism, zooarchaeological studies and operations on poultry animals.